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Best LCD TV 2024 | BestReviews

Updated January 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
TCL 55-Inch Class 4K LED-LCD TV
TCL
55-Inch Class 4K LED-LCD TV
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Best overall LCD TV
Bottom Line

This is the best overall LCD TV, as the large display looks great from afar and up close.

Pros

With an excellent maximum resolution, high dynamic range and plenty of connections, this 55-inch smart TV is the perfect way to watch blockbuster movies.

Cons

The display size might make it impractical for most people.

Best Bang for the Buck
Hisense 40-Inch Class A4 Series
Hisense
40-Inch Class A4 Series
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Best LCD TV for the money
Bottom Line

While it only has a 1080p display, its the best LCD TV for the money.

Pros

It might not have all the bells and whistles of the latest models, but this 1080p smart TV has great visuals packed into a 40-inch display

Cons

The TV’s refresh rate is 60 Hz.

LG 32-Inch HDR Smart LCD HD TV
LG
32-Inch HDR Smart LCD HD TV
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Best LCD TV for small areas
Bottom Line

Best suited for small rooms, the 720p display is efficient and crystal clear.

Pros

Powered by LG’s Alpha5 Gen 5 AI Processor, this 32-inch gadget is a great alternative for small areas while still having enough ports for all your other gadgets.

Cons

It has a maximum resolution of 720p.

Vizio D43-D2 43-Inch Smart LCD TV
Vizio
D43-D2 43-Inch Smart LCD TV
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Best LCD TV alternative to bigger brands
Bottom Line

If you don’t want to shell out a fortune, this model is just as good as the mainstream choices.

Pros

With a maximum resolution of 1080p and two 10W speakers on the front, this 43-inch smart TV has most of the functions you’ll need.

Cons

It doesn't support HDR content.

Vizio 40-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV
Vizio
40-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV
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Best LCD TV for entertainment
Bottom Line

The best LCD TV for entertainment isn’t the biggest display, but one that gives you access to a lot of options – such as this one.

Pros

This is a great TV for all-around entertainment, as it gives you access to streaming apps, titles on demand and improves video game visuals.

Cons

It has a refresh rate of only 60 Hz.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

38
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
26
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best LCD TVs

There are plenty of things to consider when shopping for a new TV, and wading through all the acronyms, industry jargon and marketing speak shouldn’t be a part of it. Unfortunately, as TV technology rapidly progresses, manufacturers come up with their own terms and phrases designed to sway you from a competitor to their product. 

This is exactly what happened with LCD TVs. Of course, it once was the height of TV development, but few people realize that LCD and LED TVs are closely related. It might be hard to believe, but technically, all LED TVs are LCD TVs, as LED is just a specific type of liquid-crystal display.

With this guide, we’ll help you decide which LCD TV is the best one for you, what to look out for when considering an LCD TV, and how it’s different from other display technologies such as QLED, Plasma and OLED. Our top pick is the TCL 55-Inch Class 4K LED-LCD TV, which offers a stunning picture for your home-theater system.   

Which LCD TV is best?

TCL 55-Inch Class 4K LED-LCD TV

Best overall LCD TV

Product specifications

Screen Size: 55” | Resolution: 4K | Smart Capable: Yes | High Dynamic Range: Yes | Backlight Type: LED | Number of HDMI Inputs: 3 

Our top pick, this LCD TV is the pinnacle of entertainment, especially if you have an open-plan living room or a large area where you relax. The massive 55-inch LED display is powered by Roku TV, giving you access to streaming apps, your video game consoles and TV providers.

We love that the 4K maximum resolution is perfect for blockbuster movies and video games, and the HDR quality is aided by an ultra-smooth refresh rate of 120 hertz. But don’t worry if you don’t have 4K content, as the Creative Pro upscaling engine automatically converts the signal for you. 

Additionally, it features a dual-band Wi-Fi receiver, three HDMI ports, an Ethernet connection and an optical audio port for connecting the TV to a home-theater system. 

Hisense 40-Inch Class A4 Series

Best LCD TV for the money

Product specifications

Screen Size: 40” | Resolution: 1080p | Smart Capable: Yes | High Dynamic Range: Yes | Backlight Type: Full-array LED | Number of HDMI Inputs: 3 

If you’re looking for an LCD TV that will fit into almost any room and provide excellent picture quality and booming sound, we think this model is a perfect choice. The 40-inch LED display has a maximum resolution of 1080p, which is great for video games and streaming movies. 

It features a Sport mode, where the TV automatically adjusts the settings for smoother motions and optimized colors. Similarly, it has a Game mode, where input lag is reduced and the contrast ratio is adjusted.

Powered by Google TV, the smart TV’s menu is easy to navigate and, when connected to a Wi-Fi network, lets you access the Android app store to download your favorite streaming applications. But that’s not all for streaming. It has Google’s Chromecast built in, so you can mirror or cast any content from a mobile device. 

LG 32-Inch HDR Smart LCD HD TV

Best LCD TV for small areas

Product specifications

Screen Size: 32” | Resolution: 720p | Smart Capable: Yes | High Dynamic Range: Yes | Backlight Type: LCD | Number of HDMI Inputs: 2 

Sometimes having a big screen isn’t practical. We found this LCD TV to be the perfect choice for smaller areas or guest bedrooms. The visuals are powered by LG’s Alpha5 Gen 5 AI Processor for crisp, clear images, and it supports HDR10. It has a refresh rate of 60 hertz, one USB port and two HDMI ports.

It also has a built-in Wi-Fi receiver certified for 802.11ac connections and an Ethernet port for connecting it to the internet with a cable. This lets you access the smart TV functions, such as downloading streaming apps and enabling virtual assistants.

Vizio D43-D2 43-Inch Smart LCD TV

Best LCD TV alternative to bigger brands

Product specifications

Screen Size: 43” | Resolution: 1080p | Smart Capable: Yes | High Dynamic Range: No | Backlight Type: Full-array LED | Number of HDMI Inputs: 3 

We think this TV is a nice choice if you have a bit more space in your living room but don’t want to buy a model that will cost you an arm and a leg. The D43-D2 is also compatible with the VESA mounting system, so you can easily attach it to a wall at your chosen height.

The smart TV lets you access streaming applications through the easy-to-navigate menu and has two 10-watt speakers on the front that are compatible with DTS StudioSound.  

Vizio 40-Inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV

Best LCD TV for entertainment

Product specifications

Screen Size: 40” | Resolution: 1080p | Smart Capable: Yes | High Dynamic Range: Yes | Backlight Type: Full-array LED | Number of HDMI Inputs: 2 

Powered by the Via+ system, this 40-inch smart TV is a great option if you’re looking for a gadget that has lots of connectivity options. The LCD panel is illuminated by full-array LEDs, providing crisp, clear images while Vizio’s IQ Picture Processor helps to improve visual smoothness. 

In addition to two HDMI ports, this TV is also compatible with casting content through Apple AirPlay, and it has Google’s Chromecast built in. The smart TV functions also give you access to Vizio Watch, which includes 260 TV channels and over 6,000 titles on demand. 

Using the TV for gaming? We found that’s no problem either, as it has AMD’s FreeSync technology built in; this reduces screen tearing, smooths out motion blur and enhances the visual quality of compatible video games. 

The basics: LED vs. LCD

There is a common misconception that LED is a more advanced, separate technology from LCD in much the same way that LCD is distinct from plasma displays. However, it’s more accurate to say that LED is just a specific type (or evolution) of LCD, as it uses the same technology at its base. 

When the first LCD displays entered the market, they used cold cathode fluorescent lamps for lighting the elements that produce the colors and shades. As the technology evolved, LCD TVs started to incorporate light-emitting diodes in between the two polarized sheets where the liquid crystal solution was. But that’s also where a lot of confusion comes in. If you search for LCD TVs online, you’ll either find nothing or a lot of results for LED models. All LCD TVs sold today use LED technology, but it’s incredibly difficult to find LCD TVs that use cold cathode fluorescent lamps — what most people know when they think of LCD.

Why LCD TVs shine bright

As the evolution of TV technology marched along, many users noticed that there were plenty of reasons why a switch from plasma or CTR models to LCD televisions made sense. And even today, while there are newer display types such as QLED and OLED, LED-LCD is still a viable purchase. 

One of the advantages that LCD has over other types is that it’s slimmer and lighter. This means it’s easily mounted onto a wall with a VESA-compatible bracket. However, the feature that most people will benefit from is the display brightness. Due to how the panel works, it displays a more vivid picture with better contrast levels. 

LCD also doesn’t suffer from the dreaded “screen burn” many plasma TV owners experience. That’s when a static image is displayed on a plasma TV, and the chemical reaction causes the images to be fused with the panel. 

Key features to consider

The display type, in this case, LED-LCD, is only one aspect to consider when buying a new TV. There are plenty of other vital features that will give you the best possible viewing experience, and some of them you might not even have thought about.   

Quantum dots and mini-LED backlights

Similar to how LED is a type of LCD, there are also elements that work in conjunction with LCD to provide a better image. One of these is quantum dot technology, and it's rather fascinating how it works. These tiny particles produce light at specific wavelengths, allowing for more accurate color reproduction.

Where a regular LCD or LED TV has polarizing sheets and backlighting, these TVs have a layer of quantum dots between the panel and the backlighting, and there are several advantages. It creates a wider color gamut, is more energy-efficient and assists in brightness.

Refresh rates

Most viewers obviously want the best possible image quality, and while the display panel and the maximum resolution certainly aid in that, the refresh rate is equally important. Simply put, the refresh rate is a measure of how many times per second the image on the screen is recreated or refreshed. 

As indicated in hertz, the faster the refresh rate, the smoother an image on the display appears. It’s not essential for all types of viewing, but it can make a huge difference with fast-moving content, such as sports games, action movies and fast-paced video games.

It’s common to find a TV or computer monitor with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, meaning the image is refreshed up to 60 times a second — sometimes also indicated as 60 frames per second. However, the best onscreen motion is delivered through TVs that have a refresh rate of 120 Hz or 240 Hz.  

High Dynamic Range (HDR)

You’ll often see modern TVs and monitors include a feature called HDR. Among other advances, this technology helps to provide a better quality image. It allows for a wider array of color shades and deeper blacks, enhancing the contrast ratio between light and dark. The effect is most prominent in video games where the visuals quickly change brightness

HDR is made available in several formats, with HDR10 being the most common. It’s mandatory for Blu-ray players to be compatible with HDR10. Another popular format is Dolby Vision 8.1, and you’re likely to find this format in video game consoles, Apple TV gadgets and TVs made by LG, Sony and Vizio. 

Size and placement

Most people want to have the biggest TV possible, thinking it will have the best quality sound and visuals. While that might be true in some cases, it’s more often false for a residential setting such as your living room. It’s crucial to get a TV that is compatible with the available space. 

For example, if you place a large TV in a small room, you won’t be the optimal distance away from the display for the best quality. Similarly, if you have a small TV in a large space, it will be awkward when lots of people need to huddle in one spot to catch a glimpse of the visuals.  

For a regular living room, a TV between 32 and 42 inches is optimal, as the best viewing range is between 10 and 15 feet. Bigger TVs, measuring more than 42 inches diagonally, are better suited for large living rooms or open-plan environments. 

Smart TV systems

You’d be hard-pressed to find a TV that doesn’t have any “smart” functions, but they are still available from some retailers. These “dumb” TVs don’t connect to the internet, so you’ll need a separate streaming box, like a Roku or Apple TV, or a video games console to access Netflix, Hulu or Spotify.

If you have a steady internet connection, it’s best to look for a smart TV. As mentioned, these have a built-in Wi-Fi receiver and, when connected to the local network, let you download and access many apps. 

There are different operating systems for smart TVs, but you’ll likely find that your prospective model uses webOS, Tizen or Android TV. Essentially, the functionalities are the same between operating systems with minor differences in the available apps. 

Price range

As with all gadgets, the more modern the internal technology and larger the display, the more expensive it becomes. However, when it comes to LED-LCD TVs, there are other factors to consider, such as the manufacturer and additional features. For example, a 42-inch model from a lesser-known brand might be the same price as a 32-inch TV from a market leader.

But on average, you should budget between $150 and $250 for a 32-inch TV with smart capabilities, HDR and some audio-enhancing features. Larger models between 40 inches and 55 inches command a budget of between $350 and $450, depending on the manufacturer. 

If you really want to splurge on a TV that’s more than 65 inches, it can set you back anywhere from $500 to $1,000.

FAQ

Q. How do you care for an LCD TV?

A. There shouldn’t be any special methods or products you need to keep your LCD TV in peak condition. As with all tech, if you use it as intended, regularly dust it off with a microfiber cloth, and keep it away from direct sunlight, it should last for at least five or six years.

Q. What do you do when there is no HDMI signal?

A. The first thing you should check is whether you selected the correct HDMI channel. Some LCD TVs have more than one HDMI channel, and when you switch to a different one, you won’t see any visuals. On your remote, cycle through the input channels and ensure that you stop on the same channel as where the HDMI cable is plugged into. On the back of the TV it will state “HDMI 1” or “HDMI 2.” If there is still no signal, you might have to replace the cable.

Q. Are LCD TVs still being made?

A. Given that LED is just a different version of LCD, it’s fair to say that LCD TVs are still being manufactured. However, for TVs sold explicitly as LCD, the technology is slowly dying. In mid-2023, a leading liquid crystal optimization company revealed that it has no further plans to innovate or develop technology for these TVs.

Q. Are LCD TVs bad for your eyes?

A. While staring intently at something for long period can be harmful, LCD TVs have a particular technology that can be detrimental to your eyesight. These TVs might have excellent-quality visuals, but they give off more brightness than others — leading to eye strain. 

How we analyzed the best LCD TVs

The best LCD TV isn’t just about pixels and picture quality. Of course, that is a critical part of singling out the perfect model, but there are other factors that could sway an opinion from one TV to another. 

We researched and examined as many LCD TVs as we could, and while we considered the display quality, HDR capabilities and maximum resolution, we also included the audio quality, connection ports and additional features in the assessment.