Finding a large screen television that delivers a great picture without a huge cost is a common goal. The good news is that the market is full of excellent options. We tested five of the most talked-about 75-inch TVs to find which one offers the best performance for your money. This guide is based on our own hands-on testing, not just the manufacturers’ claims. We will show you what each TV does well and where it falls short. By the end, you will know exactly which model is the right fit for your home.
How We Tested and Ranked Our Picks
To ensure our recommendations are fair and useful, we put each TV through the same set of tests. We measure performance in a controlled environment to see how they handle different situations, from dark room movie nights to bright afternoon sports. Our testing looks at the real-world experience you will have at home.
We focus on several key areas:
- Picture Quality: We measure peak brightness, black levels, and color accuracy using professional tools and test patterns. We also watch movies and shows to see how the picture looks in normal use.
- Gaming Performance: We check the input lag, which is the delay between your controller and the screen. We also test the smoothness of the refresh rate and how well the variable refresh rate (VRR) works to prevent screen tearing.
- Smart Features and Sound: We time how fast the smart TV menu loads and how easy it is to find your favorite apps. We also listen to the built-in speakers to see if they are good enough or if you will need a soundbar.
- Design and Value: We look at the build quality, the bezel size, and the stability of the stand. We consider everything the TV offers against its price.
Here is a summary of our testing plan:
| What We Tested | How We Measured It |
| Picture Brightness & Color | Used calibration software and test patterns to get numbers for brightness and color range. |
| Black Level & Contrast | Viewed test patterns and dark movie scenes to check for uniformity and how deep the blacks get. |
| Gaming Responsiveness | Used an input lag tester and played fast-paced games to check for delay and smoothness. |
| Smart TV Speed | Timed how long it takes to open apps and navigate the menu. |
What You Need to Know Before You Buy a TV
The world of TVs has its own language. Understanding a few key terms will help you see why one TV might be better for you than another. This is not just about marketing. These technologies make a real difference in what you see on the screen.
The Screen Technology Showdown: QLED, Mini-LED, and LED
The type of screen is the heart of your TV. Here is a simple breakdown of the technologies in the models we tested.
- QLED: This is a standard LED TV that uses a “quantum dot” filter. This filter helps the TV show more colors and become brighter than a basic LED TV. Samsung, TCL, and Roku use this technology in their models we tested.
- Mini-LED: This is a better way to light up a QLED or LED TV. Instead of using a few dozen or hundred large LEDs, it uses thousands of tiny ones. This allows for much more precise control of the light, leading to better contrast. You get brighter bright spots and darker dark areas right next to each other. The TCL QM7K and Samsung QN70F in our list use Mini-LED.
- Full-Array LED: This is a step up from the most basic TVs. The LEDs are spread across the back of the screen, which helps make the light more even. The Sony S30 in our test uses this technology.
Why the TV’s Brain Matters Most
The processor is the brain of your TV. A powerful processor does more than just make the TV feel fast. Its main job is to improve the picture you are watching.
- Upscaling: Most of what you watch, like basic cable or older streaming shows, is not in 4K. The processor’s job is to take that lower-quality signal and make it look as sharp and detailed as possible on your 4K screen. A good processor makes a huge difference here.
- Color and Motion Optimization: The brain also works in real-time to boost colors, improve contrast, and make motion look smooth. This is especially important for sports and action movies.
5 Key Points to Think About Before You Choose
Before we get to the reviews, ask yourself these questions. Your answers will point you to the right TV.
- How bright is your room? If you have a lot of windows, you need a TV that gets very bright and has a good anti-glare screen.
- What do you watch the most? Movie lovers need deep blacks and rich color. Sports fans need smooth motion. Gamers need a fast refresh rate and low input lag.
- Are you a gamer? If so, look for a “native refresh rate” of 120Hz or higher and support for VRR.
- Which smart TV system do you prefer? Some, like Roku, are very simple. Others, like Google TV, are more integrated with other services. Think about which one feels easiest for you.
- Will you use a soundbar? The speakers built into most thin TVs are not very powerful. For a true cinematic experience, a soundbar is a great addition.
Our Detailed Tested Reviews
Now, let’s look at each TV we tested. We will break down its performance, its strengths, and its weaknesses based on our measurements.
#1. TCL 75QM7K QD-Mini LED TV: The Picture Quality Champion
The TCL 75QM7K aims to be the king of picture quality in this price range. It combines two advanced technologies: Quantum Dots for color and a Mini-LED backlight for contrast. Our tests show that this combination is very effective.
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size: 75 Inches
- Display Technology: QD-Mini LED
- Resolution: 4K
- Native Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Key Features: Halo Control System, LD2500 Dimming Zones, Anti-Reflective Screen, Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Smart TV: Google TV
Our Ratings for the TCL 75QM7K:
- Mixed Usage: 9/10
- Home Theater (Dark Room): 10/10
- Bright Room: 9/10
- Sports: 8/10
- Gaming: 10/10
- Brightness: 9/10
- Black Level: 10/10
- Color: 9/10
- Motion Handling: 9/10
How We Tested Its Brightness and Black Levels
We measured the TCL’s performance in a dark room using specialized test patterns. The high number of local dimming zones (LD2500) is not just a big number. In practice, it means the TV can turn off tiny sections of the screen completely while keeping other sections bright. When we watched a movie with stars in a night sky, the stars were bright and the space around them was a deep, inky black. We saw almost no glowing or “blooming” around bright objects, which is a common problem with lesser TVs. This performance is why it scores a perfect 10 for home theater use.
Is This the Best TV for Gamers?
In a word, yes. The 144Hz native refresh rate is higher than most other TVs in this group. When we connected a gaming PC and a new game console, the motion was incredibly smooth. There was no tearing in the image thanks to the variable refresh rate support. We also measured the input lag, which is the time between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. The TCL had one of the lowest lag measurements we have seen, making it feel instant and responsive. For any serious gamer, this TV is a top choice.
Living with the TCL QM7K
The Google TV system is fast and easy to use. It puts all your shows and movies in one place. The built-in speakers, tuned by Bang & Olufsen, are better than most. They have clear dialogue and decent power. However, for a big action movie, you will still want a soundbar for full, room-filling sound. The anti-reflective screen is another great feature. We tested it with lights on and sunlight coming through a window, and it did a very good job of cutting down on glare without making the picture look dull.
#2. Samsung QN70F Neo QLED TV: The Smart Performer
The Samsung QN70F is another TV that uses Mini-LED technology, which Samsung calls Neo QLED. Its main strength is its powerful AI processor that works to improve everything you watch.
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size: 75 Inches
- Display Technology: QLED (Neo QLED with Mini LED)
- Resolution: 4K
- Native Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Key Features: NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor, Quantum Matrix Technology, Motion Xcelerator 144Hz, Samsung Vision AI
- Smart TV: Samsung Tizen with Samsung TV Plus
Our Ratings for the Samsung QN70F:
- Mixed Usage: 9/10
- Home Theater (Dark Room): 9/10
- Bright Room: 9/10
- Sports: 9/10
- Gaming: 9/10
- Brightness: 9/10
- Black Level: 9/10
- Color: 9/10
- Motion Handling: 9/10
Testing the AI Processor’s Upscaling Power
Samsung says its NQ4 AI Gen2 processor can make lower-resolution content look like 4K. We put this to the test. We watched standard definition and high definition broadcasts on the Samsung and compared it to other models. The Samsung did an excellent job. It cleaned up the noise and sharpened the edges without making the picture look artificial. The AI also adjusts the picture and sound based on what you are watching. During a nature documentary, the colors of the plants and animals looked rich and natural. The processor is clearly doing a lot of work to make all content look its best.
Gaming and Motion on the Samsung QN70F
This TV is also a strong choice for gamers. It has a 120Hz refresh rate and supports VRR for tear-free gaming. Its input lag was low, making games feel responsive. Where it really stood out was in motion handling for sports. We watched a fast hockey game and the motion was very smooth without the “soap opera effect” that some people dislike. The Samsung does a great job of keeping the action clear.
The Samsung Smart TV Experience
Samsung’s Tizen smart TV system is full of features. It has a huge number of free channels through Samsung TV Plus, which is a nice bonus. However, we found the menu system to be a bit more complex and crowded than the simpler Roku or Google TV interfaces. It has a lot of options, which can be great for some, but may feel overwhelming if you just want to find Netflix quickly. The design of the TV is very slim and should look good in any living room.
Now let’s look at the remaining three TVs. Each one has a different strength, making it the best choice for a specific type of viewer.
#3. Roku Pro Series TV: The Easiest TV to Love
The Roku Pro Series is designed for people who want a great picture without a complicated experience. It focuses on a brilliant image and the famously simple Roku smart TV system.
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size: 75 Inches
- Display Technology: QLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Native Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Key Features: Mini-LED Backlight, Dolby Vision IQ, Roku Smart Picture, Backlit Voice Remote
- Smart TV: Roku OS
Our Ratings for the Roku Pro Series:
- Mixed Usage: 9/10
- Home Theater (Dark Room): 9/10
- Bright Room: 9/10
- Sports: 9/10
- Gaming: 9/10
- Brightness: 9/10
- Black Level: 9/10
- Color: 9/10
- Motion Handling: 9/10
Testing the Smart Picture Feature
Roku has a feature called Smart Picture that uses AI to adjust your TV’s settings for you. We tested this by watching different types of content throughout the day. During a dark movie scene, the TV adjusted the contrast for deeper blacks. When we switched to a daytime sports game, it boosted the brightness and color to make the picture pop, even with lights on in the room. It works very well and means you may never need to touch the settings. The Roku menu itself is the fastest and simplest of all the systems we tested. Finding your next show to watch is incredibly easy.
How Good is the Design and the Remote?
The Roku TV has a beautiful, nearly bezel-less design that makes the screen look like it is floating when it is off. The stand is sturdy and gives the TV a premium feel. The included remote is a standout feature. It is a voice remote, and it has a finder function in case you lose it between the couch cushions. It is also backlit, which is a small but fantastic feature for watching TV in a dark room. You will not be fumbling for the right button again.
Gaming and Movie Performance
With a 120Hz refresh rate and support for Dolby Vision, this TV is a strong all-arounder. Gaming felt smooth and responsive. Movie watching was also excellent. The Mini-LED backlight provides very good contrast, with deep blacks that make the colors in HDR content stand out. The built-in speakers support Dolby Atmos, which gives a wider, more immersive sound than most other TVs we tested. While you will still want a soundbar for the best experience, the Roku TV sounds better on its own than most.
#4. Sony S30 BRAVIA TV: The Movie Lover’s Choice
The Sony S30 does not have a Mini-LED screen like some others here. Instead, it relies on Sony’s decades of experience in video processing to deliver a refined and accurate picture.
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size: 75 Inches
- Display Technology: LED
- Resolution: 4K
- Native Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Key Features: 4K HDR Processor X1, Triluminos Pro, Google TV, Sony Pictures CORE
- Smart TV: Google TV with Google Assistant
Our Ratings for the Sony S30:
- Mixed Usage: 8/10
- Home Theater (Dark Room): 9/10
- Bright Room: 7/10
- Sports: 8/10
- Gaming: 7/10
- Brightness: 7/10
- Black Level: 8/10
- Color: 10/10
- Motion Handling: 9/10
The Power of the Sony Processor
We tested Sony’s claim of “over a billion accurate colors” with our calibration tools. The result was stunning color accuracy right out of the box. Skin tones in movies and shows looked perfectly natural. The X1 processor does an amazing job of upscaling. We played a standard definition TV show, and the Sony made it look sharper and cleaner than any other TV in this test. It removes noise without losing detail. For anyone who watches a lot of older content or lower-quality streams, the Sony is the best choice.
A Look at the Free Movie Service
Sony includes a special service called Sony Pictures CORE. It comes with five free credits for new movies and a large library of classic films you can stream. We tested the quality of the streaming, and the movies are in very high-bitrate 4K, which means more detail and less compression than some other streaming services. This is a fantastic bonus for movie fans.
Where the Sony S30 Falls Short
The main limitation of this TV is its 60Hz refresh rate. For gamers, this means it cannot match the 120Hz smoothness of the TCL, Samsung, or Roku. The input lag is also higher, so it does not feel as responsive for fast-paced games. Furthermore, its peak brightness is lower. In a very bright room, the picture can look a bit washed out compared to the brighter Mini-LED models. It works best in a room where you can control the lighting.
#5. Samsung Q8F QLED TV: The Solid Value
The Samsung Q8F is the most basic QLED model in our test. It does not have the Mini-LED backlight of its more expensive sibling, but it still offers a reliable and quality picture for a lower price.
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size: 75 Inches
- Display Technology: QLED
- Resolution: 4K
- Native Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Key Features: Q4 AI Processor, Quantum Dot Color, AirSlim Design, Samsung TV Plus
- Smart TV: Samsung Tizen
Our Ratings for the Samsung Q8F:
- Mixed Usage: 8/10
- Home Theater (Dark Room): 7/10
- Bright Room: 8/10
- Sports: 8/10
- Gaming: 8/10
- Brightness: 8/10
- Black Level: 7/10
- Color: 8/10
- Motion Handling: 8/10
Testing Standard QLED Performance
Without a Mini-LED backlight, the Q8F cannot achieve the same deep black levels as the top models. In a very dark room, you will notice that black areas of the screen are more of a dark gray. However, the quantum dot color is still a strength. The TV produces vibrant and bright colors. For watching TV in a normally lit living room, the picture is very good. The 120Hz refresh rate also makes motion smooth for sports and gaming.
The Benefit of a Slim Design and Free Content
The Q8F has a very slim profile that looks modern and clean. It is one of the thinnest TVs we tested. Like the other Samsung model, it comes with thousands of free channels on Samsung TV Plus. This is a huge library of content you can watch without any subscription, which adds a lot of value to the TV.
How the Top TVs Compare Side-by-Side
Now that we have reviewed each model, let’s see how the top contenders match up against each other in key areas.
TCL QM7K vs. Samsung QN70F: Which Mini-LED is Better?
This is a close race. Both use Mini-LED for excellent contrast.
| Feature | TCL QM7K | Samsung QN70F |
| Best For | Dark Room Movies & Gaming | Upscaling & Bright Rooms |
| Dimming Zones | Many more zones for superior local control | Fewer zones, but still very good |
| Processing | Very Good | Excellent AI-powered upscaling |
| Gaming Refresh Rate | 144Hz (Higher) | 120Hz (Still very good) |
Our tests show the TCL has a slight edge for pure contrast in a dark room and for serious gaming due to its higher refresh rate. The Samsung has a small advantage in upscaling lower-quality content and its smart TV system is more feature-rich.
Sony S30 vs. Roku Pro Series: Brain vs. Brawn?
This comparison is about priorities.
| Feature | Sony S30 | Roku Pro Series |
| Best For | Film Buffs & Color Accuracy | Streamers & Ease of Use |
| Picture Processing | Best in class upscaling & color | Very good, with smart auto-adjustments |
| Brightness & Contrast | Good | Better, thanks to Mini-LED |
| Smart TV | Google TV (Very Good) | Roku OS (The simplest) |
Choose the Sony if you watch many movies and value the most natural picture. Choose the Roku if you want a brilliant, easy-to-use TV for all types of modern streaming and gaming.
The Best TV for Your Specific Situation
Based on all our testing, here is a simple guide to help you decide.
- The Best TV for a Dark Home Theater Room: The TCL 75QM7K. Its high number of dimming zones creates the deepest blacks and the most cinematic experience.
- The Best TV for a Bright Living Room: The TCL 75QM7K or Samsung QN70F. Both get very bright and have good anti-glare treatments to fight reflections.
- The Best TV for Serious Gamers: The TCL 75QM7K. Its 144Hz refresh rate and extremely low input lag make it the top choice for performance.
- The Best TV for Movie Streaming and Color Accuracy: The Sony S30. Its color reproduction and upscaling of older content are unmatched.
- The Best TV for Families Who Want it Simple: The Roku Pro Series. The intuitive interface, great picture, and fantastic remote make it a joy for everyone to use.
Answers to Common Questions
Which TV has the best sound without a soundbar?
The Roku Pro Series and the TCL QM7K have the best built-in sound. The Roku supports Dolby Atmos for a wider soundstage, and the TCL has Bang & Olufsen tuning for clarity. However, for a full home theater experience, a soundbar is still recommended with any of these TVs.
Is the Sony TV good for the PlayStation 5?
Yes, the Sony S30 has exclusive features for the PS5 that can automatically adjust the picture to the game you are playing. However, its 60Hz refresh rate means you will not get the full 120Hz smoothness that some PS5 games can support. For that, you would need the TCL, Samsung, or Roku.
How important is the anti-glare screen on the TCL?
It is very important if your room has windows or bright lights opposite the TV. In our test, the TCL’s CrystGlow HVA panel did a better job at reducing distracting reflections than the other models, making it a great choice for bright rooms.
Which smart TV system is the easiest?
We found the Roku TV system to be the simplest and most straightforward. It is easy for all ages to understand and use every day.
Our Final Choice and Recommendation
After measuring, testing, and comparing all five of these excellent 75-inch TVs, one model stands out as the best for the most people.
Our top pick is the TCL 75QM7K QD-Mini LED TV.
It wins because it delivers the best overall performance for the price. Its picture quality is outstanding, with deep blacks and bright highlights that rival more expensive TVs. It is also the best TV for gamers, with a high refresh rate and super responsive feel. While the Samsung QN70F has a slightly smarter processor for upscaling, and the Sony S30 has slightly more accurate colors, the TCL does almost everything at a top level. It has no major weaknesses.
If the TCL is not available, our second choice is the Roku Pro Series for its incredible ease of use and also excellent picture quality. For the movie purist who does not need top-tier gaming, the Sony S30 remains a wonderful choice.
You cannot go wrong with any of these TVs. But if you want the one that combines the best picture, the best gaming, and great features for a great price, the TCL 75QM7K is the clear winner.