Discover the Best TVs and Projectors for Every Living Space in 2026

Understanding TV Options for Every Space

Every living room presents a unique challenge when it comes to selecting the ideal television. Some spaces are awash with abundant natural light, while others remain cloaked in darkness. This variance means that one TV model simply won’t suffice for all environments. What’s crucial here isn’t just the TV's technical specs; it’s how well it will perform in your specific setting. In our guide, we strive to showcase a comprehensive selection, including high-end OLED displays ideal for dedicated home theaters, alongside more budget-friendly models that can fit comfortably in any type of living area. No matter your aesthetic or financial constraints, there’s a television that should suit your needs. The right display will significantly enhance the visual experience of your favorite shows and games while also transforming your search process on popular streaming platforms. With that context, let’s get into the standout options for the Tom’s Guide Awards 2026.

Best Overall TV

LG C6 OLED

Unsurprisingly, LG’s C-Series continues to dominate, clinching awards for five consecutive years. This time around, the LG C6 OLED is our top contender. What gives these televisions their winning edge? Mainly, it boils down to affordability paired with exceptional performance. The C6 OLED stands out at a competitive price near $1,500, making it a top pick among its peers. That said, it isn't without blemishes. LG has recently faced backlash over how it manages audio information collected through its microphones, and while the C6 performs well, rival models like the Samsung S95H or the Sony Bravia 9 II offer better color accuracy. However, if you can overlook these concerns, the C6 embodies our mission at Tom’s Guide: delivering outstanding quality without exorbitant costs. At this price point, it’s tough to find a better option. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor TV and Audio

Best OLED TV

Samsung S95H OLED

The Samsung S95H OLED could easily claim the title of Best TV for 2026. In fact, it sparked considerable discussion here at Tom’s Guide. Ultimately, we opted for the C6 due to its more accessible pricing. Still, if you don’t mind spending a bit more, the S95H offers superior color performance thanks to its QD-OLED technology. In tests, it accurately covered an impressive 89.67% of the Rec2020 color space, overshadowing the C6's respectable but lower 76.26% performance. Samsung’s OLEDs consistently deliver deep blacks, flawless contrast, and swift refresh rates, but the S95H uniquely excels in color fidelity, creating a viewing experience that’s nothing short of breathtaking. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor TV and Audio

Best Projector

Hisense XR10

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the Hisense XR10 comes with a steep price tag of $4,999, which can shoot up to nearly $6,000 after taxes. In a financially strained climate, that’s a tough sell. However, this projector is a worthy investment, as our seasoned reviewer Mark Knapp aptly noted: “The XR10 will leave you feeling like going to the movie theater is a downgrade.” With a radiant brightness of nearly 7,000 lumens, it impressively maintains image quality, even in well-lit rooms. While the price might be daunting, consider this: the money saved on movie tickets could offset some of these costs. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor TV and Audio

Best Mini-LED TV

TCL QM7L

The TCL QM7L isn’t the brightest Mini-LED TV in the company's lineup for 2026, but when you consider its price-to-performance ratio, it emerges as one of the best all-around televisions of the year. In an era characterized by advancements in TV technology, TCL’s creative reimagining of quantum dot technology allows the QM7L to compete with high-end models, delivering an impressive array of colors at an accessible price. Our tests have shown that the QM7L rivals the more expensive TCL QM8L in color vibrancy. Equipped for optimal viewing, the QM7L minimizes blooming and halo effects, features comprehensive gaming and streaming options, and overall delivers a richer experience than its price suggests. — Michael Desjardin, Senior Editor TV

Best RGB TV

Sony Bravia 9 II

This year has solidified RGB LED technology’s presence, with nearly every top brand releasing new models. Amongst the competition, the Sony Bravia 9 II stands out as the most impressive. While we’re still learning about the intricacies of RGB LED backlighting, which features red, green, and blue LEDs instead of traditional white or blue lighting, its demanding need for precise control and powerful processing is where Sony excels. The Bravia 9 II showcases this brilliantly. With stunning brightness, striking color representation, and exceptional detail management, including upscaling and gradient handling, the Bravia 9 II reigns supreme in the RGB LED category. If you're considering an RGB LED TV, the Bravia 9 II isn't just the best option; it's in a league of its own. — Michael Desjardin, Senior Editor TV

Best Budget TV

Hisense U6SF Pro (2026)

True to its name, the Hisense U6SF Pro stands as a formidable entry-level option, offering remarkable performance without breaking the bank. Equipped with a set of Mini-LEDs that enhance brightness and contrast, this TV is an ideal selection for spaces that receive a lot of light, with its matte finish rendering reflections almost a non-issue. Notably, it also ranks among the best gaming TVs available in its price range. Budget-watchers will appreciate how the U6SF Pro allows them to secure superior quality at a reasonable price, ensuring that affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing performance. — Michael Desjardin, Senior Editor TV

Best Big-Screen TV

TCL X11L

When considering the finest big-screen TV of 2026, the TCL X11L immediately comes to the forefront. Unlike other models that offer sizes up to 85 inches, the X11L starts at 75 inches and goes all the way up to an impressive 98 inches. It’s clearly not suited for more compact living spaces, but for those with ample room, it’s unmatched in its category. The sheer size of the X11L isn't just about aesthetics; it houses up to 20,736 dimming zones, alongside TCL’s proprietary SQD technology, which allows for vibrant colors even at high brightness levels. It achieves 91.77% of the Rec2020 color space while delivering nearly 7,000 nits of brightness. While TCL's other models for 2026 provide substantial brightness, the X11L serves as the flagship representation, effectively showcasing the limits of TCL’s latest technology. — Nick Pino, Managing Editor TV and Audio

Best Gaming TV

Samsung S90H OLED

For gamers, a top-tier TV needs to check several boxes: exceptional picture quality, a comprehensive array of HDMI inputs, and minimal input lag. The Samsung S90H OLED nails all these requirements—and offers even more features for console gamers. While it might not be the brightest or most vibrant OLED in Samsung’s selection, it provides a sufficiently bright picture compared to entry-level OLED models. Notably, it incorporates Samsung's acclaimed Glare-Free display, eliminating reflections that can ruin your gaming experience. Although it lacks Dolby Vision support, the S90H compensates with its full set of HDMI 2.1 ports and the integrated Samsung Gaming Hub, allowing easy access to various cloud gaming services, including Xbox Cloud Gaming. — Michael Desjardin, Senior Editor TV

Best TV Design

LG W6 OLED

The LG W6 OLED is a stunning blend of aesthetic appeal and top-notch performance. It's not just a television; it’s a striking piece of art. The ultra-slim design mounts beautifully to any wall, and its capabilities are equally impressive, leveraging LG's Hyper Radiant Color technology for rich contrast and vibrant colors. With its True Wireless system, cable management becomes a non-issue, allowing devices to be neatly stored out of sight. This level of flexibility, combined with its excellent picture quality, makes the LG W6 a prime choice for home theater enthusiasts. — Michael Desjardin, Senior Editor TV

Best Smart TV Platform

Roku TV

While it may not be flawless, Roku stands out as a significant player in the smart TV domain. Its interface offers a simpler alternative to its competitors, avoiding heavy advertising and cluttered menus prevalent in Google TV, webOS, Tizen, and Fire TV. Although users will encounter some ads, they’re displayed discreetly and don’t interfere with the overall experience. Furthermore, Roku’s extensive library of apps includes all major streaming services. Although the platform is primarily recognized through its external streaming devices, Roku TVs have continued to improve, with recent models even including OLED screens, a fantastic advancement for those who prioritize seamless software and exceptional visuals alike. — Michael Desjardin, Senior Editor TV