Televisions

How to Choose the Right Television

Start by thinking about the room and how far away you will sit from the screen. A large TV can feel immersive in a living room or cinema style setup, but it may feel overwhelming in a small bedroom or compact space.

Screen size should match both the room and your viewing habits. If you mostly watch films, sport or play games, a bigger screen may be more enjoyable. If the TV is for casual viewing in a bedroom or kitchen, a smaller model may be more practical and easier to position.

What Matters Most When Comparing Televisions

The main things to compare are screen size, resolution, display technology, brightness, contrast, refresh rate, smart platform, HDMI ports, sound quality and whether the TV suits wall mounting or stand placement.

Resolution affects picture detail. Full HD may suit smaller screens and casual viewing, while 4K is a common choice for larger TVs, streaming, gaming and modern home entertainment. Some televisions offer higher resolutions, but content availability, screen size and viewing distance should all be considered before paying more.

LED, QLED or OLED Television?

LED televisions are a common and practical choice for everyday viewing. They can suit living rooms, bedrooms and general family use, with a wide range of sizes and prices available.

QLED televisions are usually chosen for brighter images and strong colour performance, depending on the model. They can be useful in brighter rooms where reflections and daylight make picture quality more important.

OLED televisions are known for deep blacks and strong contrast, depending on the model. They can be excellent for films and cinematic viewing, especially in darker rooms, but they may cost more.

The trade off is price, brightness and contrast. LED TVs are practical for many homes, QLED TVs can suit bright rooms, and OLED TVs can suit people who care most about contrast and film style picture quality.

Smart TV or Standard TV?

A smart TV connects to the internet and can run apps for streaming services, catch up TV, music, screen casting and other online content depending on the platform. It is usually the most convenient choice for modern viewing.

A standard TV may still be useful if you mainly watch through a separate set top box, games console, streaming stick or satellite box. The trade off is built in convenience versus external flexibility. Smart TVs reduce the need for extra devices, while a separate streaming device can sometimes be easier to upgrade later.

Television for Films, Sport or Gaming?

For films and drama, picture quality, contrast, colour and screen size are usually the most important details. A TV that performs well in darker scenes can make films feel more enjoyable.

For sport, motion handling, brightness and viewing angle can matter because fast movement and shared viewing are common. A larger screen can also make matches feel more immersive.

For gaming, check HDMI ports, refresh rate, input lag information where supplied and compatibility with the console or gaming device you plan to use. A TV can look impressive for films but still not be the best fit for fast gaming if responsiveness is weak.

Screen Size, Viewing Distance and Room Layout

Before buying, measure the wall, TV stand or cabinet where the television will sit. Also think about the viewing distance from the sofa, bed or chair. A screen that is too small can feel underwhelming, while one that is too large can feel uncomfortable in a tight room.

Room lighting matters too. Bright rooms may benefit from a TV with stronger brightness and better reflection handling, while darker rooms can make contrast and black levels more noticeable. If the TV will sit opposite a window, check whether reflections may be a problem.

Sound Quality, Soundbars and Speakers

Television picture quality often gets the most attention, but sound matters too. Slim TVs can sometimes have limited built in speaker depth, so check audio features if you care about films, sport or music.

A soundbar can be a useful upgrade if you want clearer dialogue, stronger sound or a more cinema style experience. If you plan to add one, check the TV has suitable audio connections such as HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, optical output or Bluetooth where supported.

HDMI Ports, Apps and Connections

Connection options are important if you use consoles, Blu ray players, soundbars, TV boxes, streaming sticks or laptops. Check how many HDMI ports the TV includes and whether they suit the devices you want to connect.

USB ports, aerial input, satellite input, Ethernet, WiFi and Bluetooth may also matter depending on your setup. If you use several devices, choosing a TV with enough ports can avoid constant cable swapping.

Smart app support is also worth checking. Make sure the TV platform supports the services you use most, such as streaming apps, catch up services or casting features where relevant.

Wall Mounted or TV Stand Setup?

A wall mounted TV can save floor space and create a cleaner look, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. Before choosing this route, check the VESA mount size, wall type, cable routing and whether the screen will sit at a comfortable viewing height.

A TV stand setup is usually simpler and easier to adjust. It can be better if you rent, move furniture often or want easier access to ports. The trade off is appearance versus flexibility. Wall mounting looks neater, while a stand gives easier positioning and access.

Energy Use, Controls and Everyday Practicality

Televisions can vary in energy use, especially larger screens and brighter models. Check the product energy information before buying if running cost matters to you.

Remote control design, menu layout and voice control options can also affect everyday use. A TV with excellent picture quality can still feel frustrating if the menus are slow or the remote is awkward. For shared households, simple controls and easy app access can make the TV much easier to live with.

Find a Television That Suits Your Home

Browse our range of televisions and compare options by screen size, display type, resolution, smart features, connections and room suitability. Choose a TV that fits your space, works with your devices and gives you the viewing experience you want for films, sport, gaming and everyday entertainment.

Televisions FAQs

What should I check before buying a television?

Check the screen size, resolution, display type, smart features, HDMI ports, sound quality, refresh rate, wall mounting compatibility and whether the TV suits your room size and viewing distance.

What size television do I need?

The right TV size depends on the room, viewing distance and how you watch. Larger screens suit living rooms and films, while smaller screens can work better in bedrooms, kitchens and compact spaces.

Is a 4K TV worth buying?

A 4K TV is worth considering for larger screens, streaming, gaming and modern home entertainment. It offers more detail than Full HD when the content and viewing distance make that detail noticeable.

What is the difference between LED, QLED and OLED TVs?

LED TVs are common and practical for everyday use. QLED TVs often focus on brightness and colour. OLED TVs are known for strong contrast and deep blacks, depending on the model.

Is OLED better than QLED?

OLED may be better for contrast and darker rooms, while QLED may be better for brighter rooms and strong brightness. The better choice depends on your room, budget and viewing habits.

Do I need a smart TV?

A smart TV is useful if you want built in streaming apps and online features. If you already use a streaming stick, games console or TV box, smart features may be less important.

How many HDMI ports should a TV have?

Choose a TV with enough HDMI ports for your devices, such as a games console, soundbar, streaming stick, Blu ray player or TV box. More ports can make setup easier.

Are televisions good for gaming?

Many televisions are suitable for gaming, but serious gamers should check refresh rate, input lag information where supplied, HDMI features and compatibility with their console or gaming device.

Do I need a soundbar with a television?

You do not always need a soundbar, but one can improve dialogue, bass and overall sound. It is worth considering if you watch films, sport or use the TV as your main entertainment screen.

Can all televisions be wall mounted?

Not all televisions are suitable for every wall mount. Check the TV size, weight, VESA mount pattern and wall type before buying a bracket or planning a wall mounted setup.

What is refresh rate on a TV?

Refresh rate relates to how often the screen updates the image. A higher refresh rate can be useful for fast motion, sport and gaming, depending on the TV and source content.

What is HDR on a television?

HDR stands for high dynamic range. It is designed to improve contrast, brightness and colour detail in compatible content, depending on the TV performance and HDR format supported.

Are bigger televisions always better?

Not always. A bigger television can feel more immersive, but it must suit the room size, viewing distance and picture quality. In a small room, an oversized TV may feel uncomfortable.

How should I clean a television screen?

Turn the TV off, let it cool and use a soft dry or lightly damp microfibre cloth if suitable. Avoid harsh cleaners and always follow the product guidance for screen care.

Find out more with our Television Buyers Guide.

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