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Best 4K TV 2017: The top eight UHD TVs out right now

by Ced Yuen

03 July 2017

Best 4K TV Buying Guide: Looking to make the jump to a 4K TV? We have the definitive list of the eight best UHD TVs right now.

This is a list of the best 4K TVs you can buy right now. These are the most advanced (and sometimes most expensive) sets on the market, and they represent the pinnacle of what's possible in home cinema. Alternatively, take a look at our Best TV page, which includes some of the older (but still excellent) models. Many of these have been significantly discounted and are now a bit of a bargain.

Read on for a brief explanation of 4K TVs, or skip past to see our best 4K TV recommendations.

Upgrading your TV is a bit of a minefield. There are plenty of new terms and acronyms out there, none of which make your purchasing decision any easier. So here's a handy guide to TVs – specifically the latest 4K models that are now in every TV store.

First, let's talk about names. While most people say '4K', some call it 'Ultra HD' (or UHD for short). For TV-buying purposes, they are just different names for the same thing.

4K TVs have four times as many pixels – the tiny dots that make up the picture – than Full HD TVs. When you cram more pixels into the same screen sizes, your picture ends up much sharper and clearer, and you can really appreciate the extra definition and detail. Many say 4K TVs can almost appear as if they're in 3D, even when they're not.

1 / 8

Our Score:

Sony KD-65A1

Read full Sony KD-65A1 review

Key features:

65-inch OLED TV
Native UHD resolution
HLG HDR support
Dolby Vision HDR support
Innovative and effective sound system

Sony's first step into 4K OLED is absolutely stunning. There's nothing not to like here. The design is gorgeous, and comes with an innovative sound system. There are no speakers, because Sony's Acoustic Surface tech shakes the screen and the screen itself acts as a speaker. Sounds weird, but it totally works.

Then there's the picture: on top of OLED's inherent strengths in deep blacks and punchy contrast, Sony has added superior processing. That improves motion handling and colour reproduction. The A1 also uses the latest OLED tech, which claims a peak brightness of 1000 nits. If you're worried that OLED is not bright enough, you can stop worrying now.

Read our review, Sony KD-65A1 – or if you're after the smaller version, read our Sony KD-55A1 review.

Buy Now at John Lewis.com from £4,999.

At the time of the review the Sony KD-65A1 was available for £4899

2 / 8

Our Score:

Panasonic TX-65EZ1002B

Read full Panasonic TX-65EZ1002B review

Key features:

65-inch OLED TV
Native 4K UHD resolution
HDR10 support
Class-leading colour accuracy

Panasonic took a break from OLED in 2016, but it's back with a vengeance in 2017. This year the company has two OLED TVs, with the EZ1002 being the flagship model. The market is a little more crowded these days, but Panasonic hopes to stand out with a Technics-tuned soundbar stand, plus class-leading colour accuracy.

It's the latter that really steals the show. A lot of TV manufacturers bang on about getting close to the filmmaker's vision, but Panasonic actually means it. That's on top of the inherent strengths that come with OLED's properly deep blacks, sumptuous contrast and very wide viewing angles. It's great for gamers too, thanks to very low input lag.

It's more expensive than comparable OLEDs, but £6999 gets you a TV that wouldn't look out of place in a Hollywood colour grading studio. If you like this, but want to save a little cash, check out the more affordable Panasonic EZ952. That's almost the same TV, but minus the overkill features such as the USB 3D look up tables, extra reflection-catching filter and soundbar.

Buy now at johnlewis.com from £6999

At the time of review, the Panasonic TX-65EZ1002B was available for £6999

3 / 8

Our Score:

Samsung QE65Q9FAM

Read full Samsung QE65Q9FAM review

Key features:

65-inch LCD TV with QLED technology
Native UHD resolution
HLG HDR support
Ultra HD Premium certified
Edge LED lighting with local dimming

Samsung’s 2017 flagship 65-inch TV, the QE65Q9FAM, looks and feels every inch the premium package – especially since it makes the most of Samsung’s latest Quantum Dot Innovation technology (QLED). There’s luminous HDR colour quality across the board, explosively vibrant rich tones, and immaculately subtle colour detailing in heavily saturated picture areas. It struggles a little in blackened rooms, thanks to some visible lighting uniformity issues, but in a bright setting it's hard to beat.

If you can stretch to the asking price, you’ll be guaranteed one of the best LCD TV experiences around. If not, it's also worth checking out the Samsung Q7, which isn't quite as bright but still stunning.

Buy Now at Currys.co.uk from £4899

At the time of the review the Samsung QE65Q9FAM was available for £4899

4 / 8

Our Score:

Sony KD-55XE9305

Read full Sony KD-55XE9305 review

Key features:

55-inch Ultra HD TV with edge LED lighting
Slim Backlight Drive+ backlighting
Triuminos colour technology
HDR 10, HLG, Dolby Vision HDR support

Fresh out of Sony’s 2017 TV line-up, the Sony KD-55XE9305 boasts improved backlight, more powerful processing and the picture-finessing magic of Dolby Vision. That’s an advanced form of HDR, if you’re not familiar with it.

As a result, the KD-55XE9305 achieves an uncanny 'real world' look with ultra-vivid colours and extreme brightness – particularly when you’re watching a Blu-ray disc. There’s still some of the haloing around dark objects on white backgrounds, but that’s the be expected with HDR content, and the outstanding colour range is a fair trade-off.

Outside the TV, you’ve got the new and improved remote, which has dedicated Google Play and Netflix buttons. There’s also a mic button, which should come in handy when a firmware update sees the Google Assistant voice-recognition/control system hit the box. Expect to be turning on Netflix using your Google Home once that arrives.

A centrally mounted stand with a hint of gold finishes off the TV nicely, and should ensure the TV will fit comfortably on your existing TV cabinet.

Buy Now from Currys.co.uk for £2399

At the time of the review the Sony KD-55XE9305 was available for £2400

5 / 8

Our Score:

Philips 55POS901F/12 OLED TV

Read full Philips 55POS901F/12 OLED TV review

Key features:

Native 4K OLED screen
HDR10 support
Three-sided Ambilight
Android smart TV system

Philips is finally in the OLED game. It's a little late, but better late than never. This is technically a 2016 set, since it uses the 650-nit panel that LG made last year. So why shouldn't you just go and buy an LG? A lower price is a big factor, and also the Philips 55POS901F benefits from superior video processing, which should appeal to those who obsess over retaining every last pixel. On top of that, there's Philips' proprietary Ambilight technology, which blasts beautiful colours all over your walls to make the picture seem bigger and to reduce eye strain.

The set comes with two remotes: a plasticky 'basic' remote, and an advanced remote with a full QWERTY keyboard and a touch pad. There’s an integrated soundbar too, which sports an array of forward-facing micro-drivers for mid-range and treble duties, and woofers on the rear to serve up booming bass.

We were slightly put off by the 55POS901F/12’s on-demand services. Neither the Android OS on the set we tested, or the Philips app, currently provide access to any of the UK’s big four catch-up TV services. The BBC iPlayer. Netflix, Amazon, Youtube, the BBC iPlayer and Google Play are thankfully all onboard. If you can stomach the price tag, the 55POS901F/12 won’t fail to impress.

Buy Now at John Lewis.com from £2499

At the time of the review the Philips 55POS901F/12 was available for £2800

6 / 8

Our Score:

Panasonic TX-65DX902

Read full Panasonic TX-65DX902 review

Key features:

65-inch direct-lit LCD
4K and HDR
THX-certified

We've not yet had a chance to check out Panasonic's flagship 2017 LCD TVs. So let's look at its best TV of 2016, which is still available and still really good even by the latest standards.

The company had a couple of rocky years, but if this is anything to go by, we're back on steady ground. This is everything you want from a flagship TV: jaw-dropping picture quality with 4K and HDR footage, an intuitive smart system, and good sound to boot. It is massive, though, so make sure you have a wide and sturdy bench.

Buy Now at Currys.co.uk from £1999

At time of the review the Panasonic TX-65DX902 was available for £3299

7 / 8

Our Score:

Sony KD-65ZD9BU

Read full Sony KD-65ZD9BU review

Key features:

65-inch LCD TV
Discrete LED control
Native 4K UHD resolution
HDR 10 support

The 65-inch Sony KD-65ZD9BU is the brand’s most concerted effort yet to make a TV that’s optimised for high dynamic range playback. As well as introducing new HDR-focused processing, the set excitingly boasts an innovative backlight system that Sony claims can address LCD TVs issues with HDR playback. And it does so brilliantly.

The KD-65ZD9BU has the unique ability to deliver a truly huge contrast range without suffering nearly as much with backlight flaws as other LCD TVs. In other words, wave goodbye to annoying light halos and stripes when viewing high contract content.

That, combined with its ability to express even the tiniest shifts in colour tone, results in one of the best TVs we’ve ever tested. Prepare for arguably the crispest, most textured and dense-looking picture you’ve ever laid your eyes on. It’s possibly the best TV we’ve ever tested.

Fancy an added bonus? It even has 3D support 3D support, which comes in full-resolution "active" form, and you even get two pairs of glasses for free with the TV.

This is technically a 2016 model, but it's so good that Sony has decided to keep it going in 2017.

Buy Now at JohnLewis.com from £3,299

At the time of the review the Sony KD-65ZD9BU was available for £4000

8 / 8

Our Score:

LG Signature OLED65G7V

Read full LG Signature OLED65G7V review

Key features:

65-inch OLED display
Native UHD resolution
Wide HDR support: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG, Technicolor Advanced HDR

LG is the only manufacturer really pushing OLED technology right now, so it knows a thing or two. In fact, LG is even supplying its OLED panels to other TV makers, such as Panasonic, Sony and Philips. One big advantage of buying LG is that it has webOS, easily the best smart TV interface on the market.

LG is also offering a wider range of OLED TVs. While everyone else is putting out one or two models, LG is storming ahead with five. At £7000, the 65-inch LG G7 is one of the most expensive.

It's also gorgeous, with a picture-on-glass display that's only the thickness of seven credit cards, plus a big soundbase that can fold behind the screen for wall-mounting. The picture is great, too. Above-black performance is better than ever, as is colour reproduction. It's also easily brighter than ever, so if you want an impactful HDR performance, you can expect a clear upgrade from last year.

Better still, all five of LG's OLED models use the same panel and picture processing. That means you'll get the same performance even if you prefer the other designs. The LG OLED65E7V is nearly identical, but is missing the folding soundbase and costs a little less. The LG OLED55B7V is the cheapest at £3000 and offers a curved Toblerone stand. If none of these are fancy enough for you, check out the £8000 'wallpaper TV', the LG OLED65W7.

At the time of review, the LG OLED55C7V was available for £7000

Prem Desai

December 18, 2015, 7:13 pm

Really want to get the Sony. However, I'm not sure if it's worth holding on for Dolby Vision (HDR?).

Hank Marvin

May 24, 2016, 8:36 pm

I have had the Sony 65kdx9305c for 11 months. worst TV I have had. don't get me wrong when it works its great.
it just does not work well a lot of he time.
stability poor
picture stutters every day and need a reboot
it has corrupted 3 USB pen drives (2 were brand new)
needs to boot on a regular basis due to various issues. lots more wrong with it.

I suggest keep away from Sony. they can't fix these faults. well they have not done after 11 months

Anton B.

June 12, 2016, 8:38 pm

Seriously? A 40" UHD TV even gets mentioned? To experience 4K on a 40" TV you have to sit one foot or closer to the TV: A 40" UHD TV is basically fraud.

Me

August 27, 2016, 5:58 pm

you don't experience 4k on UHD tv's.

Anton B.

August 27, 2016, 7:11 pm

You "don't experience DCI 4K" since the horizontal resolution of DCI 4K is 4096 and UHD is 3840. However, the only difference perceivable by a user is the aspect ratio, not the resolution. The human eye perceives resolution (sharpness) in moving imagery (within reason) through the vertical resolution (the number of lines of resolution) and not through horizontal resolution. In other words, since UHD and DCI 4K have the same vertical resolution of 2160 pixels, they have the same sharpness when watching movies.

BTW, both DCI 4K and UHD is considered 4K.

Marquer

September 1, 2016, 12:12 pm

I think "Me" meant that you actually dont notice the difference at all from 1080p to 2160p. I dont think he was referring to the 3840 / 4096 horizontal res. difference of the two 4k standards, because it makes no tangible difference, apart from slightly diff. aspect ratio). I have a 40" 4k TV and the problem isn't the resolution (nor the screen size), because when I pause the pic, there are clearly more detail as opposed to the 1080p playback of the same 4k movie. BUT, the 4k playback is generally more dimmed, so the perception is that it's not a higher resolution at all. Best pairing so far is to watch 4K video (my STB requires HEVC) on 1080p res., it definitely gives a sharper pic than that of a native 1080p shot. I say, this is not related to my relatively small screen size of 40" because, by design, no UHD TV supports onboard playback of 4k content (shame!), therefore I bought Technisat UHD receiver box (EUR 499!) last year, but again, it plays UHD picture more dim than on 1080p (HDMI cable is of best quality possible, but still 4k is not sharp enough and the actors' motion not smooth enough, under this setup, at least.) Of course, I could try with a high-end UHD TV to see if theres an advantage, but because of the ambiguous prospects, I'd rather wait with stepping up with UHD now...

vampyren

September 29, 2016, 12:39 pm

Warranty? that is just not acceptable for such a expensive TV.

why not taking it back to the shop?

Gulyás Tamás

October 2, 2016, 10:52 am

What about lg 65uh950v?

Owen Hamilton

January 30, 2017, 1:52 pm

Why in this article about 4K TV's is the SAMSUNG UE32K5600 included which is clearly not a 4K TV?

blair houghton

February 11, 2017, 4:57 pm

4K displays more detail than 1080. The idea that you can't discern the improved quality beyond a certain distance is a canard. Unless what you really need is some glasses.

Alan Rutlidge

March 26, 2017, 2:09 am

Are you sure the TV corrupted the USB sticks? Sony TVs use a proprietary file format to store the data on that can't be read by PCs and Macs.

cheese king

June 1, 2017, 9:59 pm

this article just confirms something i've thought for a while, you know nothing at all about TV's, this list is ludicrous, if you are including last years TV s for instance the 65E6 is still available and better than most of these.

Andy H

July 10, 2017, 1:15 pm

LG's OLED sits last?!
Firstly, OLED picture quality is far superior to LCD-LED tech. And secondly, if these ratings are on total performance including the interface, and HDR processing, then the G7 should easily occupy the top spot. Samsung's flagship Q is nothing but a hoax and a play on the O to compete with LG's organic screen design. Its TVs shouldn't be anywhere near this top 8 list if we're looking at a balanced picture quality and overall performance.