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In This Review: LG OLED evo Smart TV | Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C | Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K | Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV | Hisense Class A7 Series Smart Google TV | Samsung Class Crystal UHD CU8000 | Buyer’s Guide | Caring for Your 85-Inch TV | FAQs
The heavy, bulky, and expensive televisions of the past are now razor-thin, packed with smart features, and, in many cases, relatively affordable. Nowadays, you can turn your very own living room into a mini home theater with the help of an 85-inch television with stunning image quality.
Whether you want to watch live sports on the big screen or play video games with top-of-the-line picture quality, there’s a model available for you. However, finding the right 85-inch TV can be challenging if you don’t know where to start. The right TV for you depends on several factors, including your budget, your living space, and what you plan to primarily use the TV for.
Prices vary wildly for an 85-inch TV. Budget models can be found for under $1,000, while some high-end models can cost upwards of $5,000 or more. To help you find the best 85-inch TV for your needs, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best 85-inch TV models available. Overall, our top pick is the LG OLED evo Smart TV, which features top-of-the-line technology to deliver perfect picture quality and brightness levels. Read our guide below for more of our top picks. Also, check out our guide to buying TVs to find even more information on purchasing a television.
Top 6 85-Inch TVs
Here are our picks for the best 85-inch TVs on Amazon:
- Best Overall: LG OLED evo Smart TV
- Best Brightness: Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C
- Best 8K TV: Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K
- Best for Streaming: Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV
- Best Budget TV: Hisense Class A7 Series Smart Google TV
- Best Value: Samsung Class Crystal UHD CU8000
Compare Top 85-Inch TVs
| Product | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Number of HDMI Ports | HDR | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG OLED evo Smart TV | 4k | 120Hz | 4 | Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HLG | 72.7 x 43.9 x 12.6 inches |
| Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C | 4k | 120Hz | 4 | HDR10+, Hybrid Log-Gamma | 74.5 x 45 x 12.6 inches |
| Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K | 8k | 120Hz | 4 | HDR10+, Hybrid Log-Gamma | 73.9 x 43.1 x 12 inches |
| Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV | 4k | 120Hz | 4 | HDR 10, Hybrid Log-Gamma, Dolby Vision | 74.9 x 46.3 x 18 inches |
| Hisense Class A7 Series Smart Google TV | 4k | 60Hz | 4 | HDR 10, Dolby Vision | 74.9 x 46.6 x 18.7 inches |
| Samsung Class Crystal UHD CU8000 | 4k | 120Hz | 3 | HDR 10+, Hybrid Log-Gamma | 74.8 x 44.5 x 8.7 inches |
| Product | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Number of HDMI Ports | HDR | Dimensions |
Terms To Know for 85-Inch TVs
- Resolution: This refers to the standard of picture quality of the television, measured in pixels of the horizontal display of the screen. Most modern TVs are 4K (UHD), while budget models that don’t support 4K will be labeled as HD (1080p). Some high-end models now support 8K.
- Refresh Rate: Refresh rate refers to how quickly the television is able to render new images. A standard refresh rate is 60 Hz, while a rate of 120 Hz or higher will make fast-moving images, like in sports or video games, appear smoother.
- HDR: HDR, which stands for High Dynamic Range, is a technology used to boost image quality. HDR10 is the default HDR option on most TVs, but some models offer alternatives such as Dolby Vision or HDR10+.
Best Overall
LG OLED evo Smart TV
- $5,297
- $6,500
- 19% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners seeking a high-end 85-inch TV with clear image quality and high brightness levels.
What Are People Saying About the LG OLED evo Smart TV?
We found that several consumers who gave this TV a positive review were impressed with its vibrant, colorful picture quality. Several noted in particular, how bright it was and how lifelike the images were. However, there were some who felt this television was difficult to mount, and others had issues contacting LG’s customer support.
“I love the new LG G3 Television. It is so much brighter than its previous generation. This is the brightest OLED TV in the market. The picture quality is incredible. I feel like I am in the location, it’s so natural. We can also adjust brightness based on what we are watching or play with the built-in presets for music, movies, games, dark space or in bright room light. That’s really cool. The built-in surround sound channels are so great that I do not need any additional speakers. … The response time is super fast. It looks sleek but very sturdy. The thin bezel makes the screen huge. I like the 100’s of free live LG channels.” —Vis90 via LG
“Great TV. Except for the wall mount, which is included and the only one available to hang on the wall. Poor design because of the fact it will only pick up one wall stud 16 inches on center. The 83-inch television weighs 90 pounds, and the lightweight plastic anchors they give are not sufficient to hold the TV… A call to customer service was fruitless and frustrating as the person had no solution or guidance to give.” —MB71 via LG
Best Brightness
Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C
- $2,400
- $4,800
- 50% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners seeking a slim, best-in-class TV with picture-perfect image quality.
What Are People Saying About the Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90C?
We found that customers who gave this TV a positive review were particularly impressed with its clear, realistic displays and how easy it was to set up. Others liked its sleek, stylish design and its enhanced features for gaming. However, there were a few reviewers who felt this TV’s sound was lacking in quality, and some found that the anti-glare technology was not always effective.
“The display quality is very impressive. The blacks are so realistic and deep I was astonished, especially with blues and blacks. The sound was above average when it comes to loudness. But when it comes to audio quality, it was really great when we combined it with the Samsung sound bar, which supports the Samsung Q Symphony feature. ….[It was] easy to cast mobile, and as it has all the useful ports. We connected [a] PC to it, and played games with a good refresh rate. Smooth and crisp. The final verdict would be it’s a worthy buy.” —Bhargav via Samsung
“Very disappointed with the anti-glare technology. It doesn’t work. Same glare and reflection from windows in the room. Don’t waste your money on the extra cost of the QN90C, I recommend the QN85C for $1,000 less” —Jeff via Samsung
Best 8K TV
Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K
- $5,500
- $8,000
- 31% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers who want the latest technology and stunning picture displays with their TV set.
What Are People Saying About the Samsung QN900C Neo QLED 8K?
Our team found that those who liked this TV were wowed by its 8K image quality, specifically its color detail and lack of glare. Others appreciated its sound quality and slim design. On the other hand, there were a few reviewers who felt that this TV and others were let down by it not supporting Dolby Vision.
“With vivid colors and a bright display, the Neo 8K is a beautiful and sleek TV. The frame captures and holds a fast frame rate without lag and without missing a beat. In terms of depth, shadowy areas are kept forward and have an edge. Longer movies are a pleasure to watch, particularly nature documentaries. For sports, there is a high level of detail and specificity without lag.” —techengr via Samsung
“The Home screen is very good, but maybe I’d like a second row of apps rather than an [exceedingly] long single row. These are both minor things. More significant issues are Bixby, which pops up randomly and annoyingly without being summoned, and the lack of Dolby Vision – I know it supports HDR10/10+, but there is much DV content out there, and it doesn’t all fall back to HDR10/10+. Samsung should support DV in addition to HDR10/10+! An outstanding TV overall!” —JeffT0962 via Samsung
Best for Streaming
Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV
- $1,398
- $1,698
- 18% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Customers seeking a high-quality 4K model who aren’t looking to spend a premium.
What Are People Saying About the Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV?
Some highlights from positive customer reviews included the TV’s intuitive menu browsing and quality picture. However, some buyers said that it was too fragile. Others said that they couldn’t dim it enough at night, which made the bright screen hurt their eyes.
“I wanted to wait a while before a review, and I have to say this TV looks fantastic. It has perfect color and brightness. There is so much you can do with the picture settings to make it perfect for you and the environment it will be in. The PS5 looks amazing with this TV, and I am happy I switched to Sony.” —Gonzo via Amazon
“Overall, this is a great TV, but if you’re like me and have very light-sensitive eyes but like to watch TV in the dark, it’s impossible to do because all operative functions appear at full brightness on top of your dimmed screen. Very disappointing. One feature that I love is the ‘Picture Off,’ which allows you to turn off your screen completely and only hear whatever [you’re] watching or listening to (I use it with Spotify). It doesn’t make up for the other stuff, but it’s still a fantastic feature.” —Borito via Amazon
Best Budget TV
Hisense Class A7 Series Smart Google TV
- $700
- $900
- 22% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good for: Homeowners looking for an 85-inch TV on a tight budget.
What Are People Saying About the Hisense Class A7 Series Smart Google TV ?
This TV earned rave reviews from customers due to its durable, long-lasting design, variety of image and sound settings, and its vivid lifelike color quality. However, some did feel as though this TV set was difficult to mount, and others had problems with the image quality not staying consistent.
“They say that you get what you pay, but in this case, I think that you get more than what you pay for! This TV has bright, beautiful colors, not to mention the fact that people will be talking about it for days once they see the huge screen! From movies to music videos, everything is so huge with this 85” TV. Go for it! You won’t regret it.” —Felipe via Best Buy
“If you’re looking for an inexpensive large-screen TV and not too worried about minor issues, this will do the trick. The television is overall a decent buy if you can find it on a sale or promotion price. I have had screen issues with mine since unboxing and mounting two months ago… The quality of the screen, when fully functioning, is phenomenal, however, it’ll go from being very clear to losing its color and the picture fading, back to a clear, vivid picture.” —Louie via Best Buy
Best Budget TV
Samsung Class Crystal UHD CU8000
- $1,400
- $1,600
- 12% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are People Saying About the Samsung 85″ Class Crystal UHD CU8000?
This product received positive reviews from customers for its clear resolution, excellent sound quality, and its variety of picture modes for sports, and movies. However, other reviewers found that this TV’s interface could be slow to load, and others said that the image quality didn’t hold up well in dark settings.
“I watch a lot of sports and nature shows, and the colors are really vibrant. I especially like dynamic picture mode for sports and nature. I prefer movie mode for shows and movies. The set is lightweight and easy to set up. Watching [it] took less than 20 minutes.” —GoGuards56 via Samsung
“Image is good as long as you’re not watching a movie or something dark. The screen looks cloudy, with uneven backlight. The only way it goes away is by lowering the brightness to under 10, which does not help during the day nor with sharpness.” —Hector via Samsung
What To Know Before Buying 85-Inch TVs
An 85-inch TV is your answer for an at-home cinematic experience that will complete your home entertainment system. To determine the best 85-inch TV model for your needs, there are several factors you should take into consideration, including the picture and image quality, the amount of HDMI ports available for gaming, the sound quality, and extra features such as the remote control and smart features.
What should you look for in picture quality when comparing 85-inch TVs?
Picture quality is arguably the most important factor to consider when you’re purchasing a TV, especially such a large one. Most 85-inch TVs use crystal color enhancement, LED backlighting, and other features to provide you with crisp pictures and bright colors. Most modern 85-inch TVs have 4K capability, which is particularly useful if you’re watching a 4K-enhanced film or if you pay extra for 4K streaming on subscription services like Netflix. As of 2024, some modern TVs have upgraded to 8k viewing technology for even more stunning imagery.
Refresh rate also plays into picture quality. It refers to the number of times a TV refreshes its image per second. You want your screen to be able to keep up with the action happening in a video game, movie, or TV show. Traditional TVs refresh at a rate of 60 hertz (Hz). High-end models refresh even more frequently at 120 Hz.
The final factor you should consider when examining picture quality is the HDR. Most modern 4K TVs are equipped with HDR capability, either through HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or Hybrid Log-Gamme (HLG). HDR helps enhance image quality on bright and dark images by providing a wider range of colors.
How many HDMI ports does an 85-inch TV have?
HDMI ports help you connect laptops, gaming consoles like an Xbox or Playstation, speakers, soundbars, and other devices and accessories to your 85-inch TV. Most TVs feature at least one HDMI port, with some offering as many as four or five.
What do you look for in the sound quality of an 85-inch TV?
All modern big-screen TVs have high-quality audio, but many people prefer to enhance their sound by adding a sound bar. If you want to save by just using television audio, look for the amount of wattage listed by a TV. Televisions with higher wattage typically have clearer audio. You can also look at the number of built-in speakers a TV has available as an indicator of how good the audio will be.
What is the latest in remote control designs for 85-inch TVs?
All TVs come with a handheld remote. In addition to your standard play, pause, and home buttons, it may also have shortcuts to your favorite streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu. Some modern TV remotes run on solar energy so you don’t need to worry about running out of battery. Many also offer voice control, so you can quickly find the name of a movie, TV show, or streaming service you want to watch without scrolling through various home screens.
Are 85-inch TVs smart home compatible?
Most 85-inch TVs are high-tech, meaning you can do more than surf the cable channels or streaming apps with the remote. For example, your new TV may pair with your Amazon Alexa for hands-free control. Alternatively, you can mirror your computer screen on the TV screen to show everyone in the room something. These smart functions require either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology.
Caring for Your 85-Inch TV
Although large televisions are more affordable and available than they were 10 years ago, they’re still an investment that you need to take care of. To protect the centerpiece of your living room, check out these care tips.
Dust the Screen
Dust buildup on the surface of your TV’s screen can lead to scratching and other damage. We recommend weekly or even daily dusting. Only use a microfiber cloth for this, as a regular cloth could attract dirt and other particles that may scratch your TV screen.
Mount the Frame
Given the size of an 85-inch TV, many homeowners opt to mount it to a wall. That way, it doesn’t fall and break while it’s sitting on a TV stand or entertainment center.
To walk you through the mounting process, check out this video featuring This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert:
Allow for Ventilation
Like other electronics, your 85-inch television should have enough space behind it for its internal components to “breathe.” A wall mount should allow at least a few inches between the back of the TV and the wall. If your 85-inch TV is sitting on a surface, make sure any objects are at least a few inches away from it.
Adjust the Brightness
Your TV, regardless of the brand or model, arrives with factory settings that affect the display’s brightness, contrast, and other features. After you’ve positioned your television, explore its display options. Constantly running your TV on the highest brightness setting wears out the screen faster.
Turn Off the Screen
If you’re leaving the house or done watching something, turn off your television. Although modern smart TVs are designed to enter a “sleep” mode when they’re inactive, turning off your TV still increases its lifespan—not to mention, saves electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions About 85-Inch TVs
Is a 4K resolution enough for an 85-inch TV?
Yes. A 4K resolution is enough to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and games on an 85-inch TV. However, upgrade to an 8K TV for the best picture possible. That way, you can take in the detail of the picture without standing too close to the screen.
What is the difference between OLED and QLED technology?
The primary difference between OLED TVs and QLED TVs is in how many pixels they display. While individual OLED pixels emit their own light, QLED pixels rely on an LCD backlight. Generally, OLED televisions use less power, look clearer at different viewing angles, and offer deeper colors. Conversely, QLED screens are less expensive, last for longer, and have a lower burn-in risk.
What is the best distance for viewing an 85-inch TV?
Because 85-inch TVs are so large and bright, sitting too close to them may cause eye strain. We recommend sitting between 10 and 12 feet away from your 85-inch screen.
Do I need to purchase speakers or a soundbar for my 85-inch TV?
It depends on the model you choose. Some 85-inch TVs feature high-quality audio to go along with the crisp picture. Others focus exclusively on image quality, delivering weaker audio. If you want a truly cinematic viewing experience, purchase additional speakers. They can help even if your model has crisp audio already.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of 85-inch TVs with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.