The 85-inch TV used to be the king of big-screen home theaters. While it’s been outclassed by 98-inch and even 115-inch cousins, it’s still one of the best choices for most living rooms. With enough screen real estate to give you fine details, bold colors, and crisp contrast, an 85-inch TV can be a great upgrade if you’re looking to create a more cinema-like experience at home.
Also: Samsung Micro RGB vs. QLED vs. OLED
For our May update, we’ve replaced the LG G4 OLED with the LG G6, as it’s the latest flagship release from the brand and offers a refreshed design. We also ensured that every other 85-inch TV featured on this list was in stock and the latest version available.
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What is the best 85-inch TV right now?
I chose the Samsung QN90F as my pick for the best 85-inch TV with support for object-tracking sound, cloud gaming apps for consoles, 120Hz refresh rate, and enhanced picture quality over previous models. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly or specifically for brighter spaces, keep reading to explore our other picks for the best 85-inch TVs.
The best 85-inch TVs of 2026
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Adam Breeden/ZDNET
Why we like it: The Samsung QN90F is an excellent choice for any living room or home theater looking to upgrade or add a big-screen TV. With a 120Hz refresh rate, you’ll get smoother action in fast-paced shows and movies as well as sports broadcasts. It also supports both Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound and Samsung’s own object-tracking sound technology for audio that follows the on-screen action and provides a more immersive experience.
In my testing, I found the QLED panel’s warmer tone was easier on the eyes in both bright and dark rooms — especially after a week of testing other models. With older movies and shows, you get clean, bright pictures. There’s just enough upscaling to remove the “fuzz” of smaller aspect ratios without that uncanny ultra-smooth motion effect.
It was also enjoyable for gaming, especially with Ghost of Tsushima. The environments are always full of color, and the QN90F handled them effectively with deep contrast for night scenes and the bold reds and yellows of the forested areas of the map. But if you’re a rhythm game fan, you may have to manually adjust your input lag, as the variable refresh rate support can drastically affect your gameplay.
Review: Samsung QN90F
Who it’s for: The QN90F is great for streaming if you’ve cut the cord with your cable or satellite provider, and it’s also a good option for anyone who wants to set up a dedicated gaming space. With the Samsung Gaming Hub, you get access to cloud gaming services so you can play your favorite titles without a PC or console. You also get AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR to help prevent annoying screen tearing and stuttering. If you’re looking for a TV that offers some of the best picture quality you can buy outside of an OLED model, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the QN90F.
Who should look elsewhere: For all of its premium-grade features, the QN90F may not have the ultra-sharp picture quality you want if you’re looking to put together the ultimate home theater. You can find an OLED model from either Samsung, LG, or Sony if you want a TV with more lifelike images for a comparable price.
Samsung QN90F tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Neo QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google
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Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Why we like it: LG refreshed its flagship OLED TV with the release of the G6, featuring an ultra-thin gallery inspired design, matte display, and a host of new smart features. The LG G6 boasts a dedicated Filmmaker Mode for streaming movies as well as a Dynamic Sports mode so you never miss a beat of the action. It supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for enhanced detailing and virtual surround sound while both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync give you ultra-smooth gaming.
Also: LG G6 vs. LG G5
Who it’s for: If you’re looking for an OLED TV that looks as good as it performs, the LG G6 is a great option. The art-inspired design lets you set up a flush wall mount for better blending into your decor. The balance between design and features means that whether you’re a movie buff or multimedia enthusiast, you’ll be able to get the most out of your shows, music, and more.
Who should look elsewhere: The LG G6 is a premium OLED TV with a price tag to match. The 83-inch retails for around $6,500, but there are more affordable OLED options from Samsung and LG. Or you can choose a cheaper panel type like an LED for an even more budget-friendly big-screen.
LG G6 OLED tech specs: Screen size: 83 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
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Why we like it: Motion blur and screen tearing are virtually nonexistent on the Hisense U8QG with its 144Hz native refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR. It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for crisp detailing and virtual surround sound without a headset. With Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, you get faster, more stable wireless internet for online sessions.
Review: Hisense U8QG TV
Who it’s for: If you want bright, bold images as well as crisp, immersive sound, the Hisense U8QG is a great option. The dedicated gaming picture mode helps colors and details pop while also improving input latency and smoothing motion with the help of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR.
Who should look elsewhere: If you’re not a gamer, you can still get a lot of good out of the Hisense U8QG. However, many of the gaming-related features won’t be of much help while streaming movies and shows since they’re tied to the dedicated picture mode. Hisense offers plenty of other mid-range and high-end options that are almost tailor-made for streaming.
Hisense U8QG tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: Mini LED | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
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Adam Breeden/ZDNET
Why we like it: If you watch TV in a bright room, you know how much your viewing experience can decline. The TCL QM8K should be your first choice for brighter spaces, as it handles light better than almost any other set we’ve seen. With a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, details and colors are clear regardless of surroundings. It has a fast 144Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution for a clean, smooth picture, and with support for Dolby Vision HDR you’ll get the best detailing and contrast to make colors pop. The TCL QM8K also made the top two in our list of the most popular TVs ZDNET readers bought in 2025.
Review: TCL QM8K
Who it’s for: If your living room or home theater gets a lot of natural light throughout the day, or if you have harsh overhead lighting, the TCL QM8K is a great option. The TV is capable of up to 5,000 nits of brightness, which means that even in direct sunlight, you’ll still get a clean, easy-to-see picture. This means it’s great for rooms with lots of windows as well as binge-watching your favorite shows and movies at any time of day.
Who should look elsewhere: The TCL QM8K is a great mid-range big-screen TV, but it may not provide all of the features you’re looking for. If picture quality is your top priority, there are several OLED choices if you’re willing to pay the premium price.
TCL QM8K tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
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Sony/ZDNet
Why we like it: The Sony Bravia 3 is one of the brand’s more affordable models, with its 85-inch model retailing for about $1,100. You get support for thousands of streaming apps, free live TV channels, and integrated voice controls for hands-free use. It also supports both Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos for enhanced picture quality and a more immersive listening experience.
Who it’s for: The Sony Bravia 3 is a great choice for both Sony loyalists and brand newcomers alike. It has great picture and audio quality as well as a host of smart features to create the ultimate entertainment spot at home. It even supports video calls with the Bravia Cam, so you can keep in touch with family and friends or join work calls from the comfort of your couch.
Who should look elsewhere: While the Bravia 3 is a great LED TV, it falls a bit short if you’re looking to get the best picture and audio that money can buy. If you want to invest in a high-end 85-inch TV that delivers a top-notch viewing experience and will last for years to come, have a look at an OLED model from either Sony, LG, or Samsung.
Sony Bravia 3 tech specs: Screen size: 85 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
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My choice for the best 85-inch TV is the Samsung QN90F. The updated Neo QLED panel gives you more accurate colors and bolder contrast while both Dolby Atmos and Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound+ give you a more immersive experience while streaming movies, shows, and music.
|
Best 85-inch TV |
Price |
HDR |
Audio |
|
Samsung QN90F |
$2,500 |
Neo Quantum HDR+ |
Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ |
|
Sony Bravia 3 |
$1,500 |
Dolby Vision |
Dolby Atmos |
|
LG G6 OLED |
$6,500 |
Dolby Vision |
Dolby Atmos |
|
Hisense U8QG |
$1,798 |
Dolby Vision IQ |
Dolby Atmos |
|
TCL QM8K |
$1,798 |
Dolby Vision |
Dolby Atmos |
*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that the actual price may vary by retailer and depending on available promotions and discounts.
Once you’ve hammered out a budget for your new 85-inch TV, the most important thing to remember is what you’ll use your TV for the most. Have you cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming? You’ll want to choose a model with a preloaded suite of popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video so you can get started right out of the box.
Do you have a network of smart speakers? Pick a TV that supports your preferred virtual assistant and has multi-room linking to pump music and dialogue throughout your whole home.
This table quickly breaks down which 85-inch TV best suits your watching preferences.
|
Buy this 85-inch TV… |
If you want… |
|
Samsung QN90F |
A well-rounded 85-inch TV. With object tracking sound, HDR support, and Dolby Atmos, you’ll get great picture and sound for gaming and streaming. |
|
Sony Bravia 3 |
An 85-inch Sony TV with support for thousands of streaming apps, exclusive VRR support for the PlayStation 5, and integrated voice controls. |
|
LG G6 OLED |
An 85-inch TV with great picture quality. The LG G6 OLED is a high-end, gallery-inspired TV with Dolby Vision HDR and dedicated filmmaker picture mode. |
|
Hisense U8QG |
An 85-inch TV for console and PC gaming. The Hisense U8QG has a 144Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support, and four HDMI inputs. |
|
TCL QM8K |
An 85-inch TV for brighter home theaters and living rooms. This TV has a maximum brightness of 5,000 nits for better visibility in daylight and under harsh overhead lighting. |
Before investing in an 85-inch TV, you should consider the following factors:
- Use cases: Will you be mainly watching movies, playing video games, streaming TV shows, watching live sports, or a mix of all these? Some sets have specially designed gaming hubs that let users fine-tune settings, some have booming built-in audio that provides a theater-like sound experience, and some have the best picture you’ll see. Choose your set based on which performs best in the area you want.
- TV location: Consider where you’ll have your TV set up. Some sets do poorly in brightly lit rooms, while others have special features for brightly lit rooms.
- Price: Before you choose your set, consider how much money you’re willing to spend. There are quality, budget-friendly options, but you’ll likely have to give up a few features in exchange for a lower price.
- Number of ports: Some TVs have a limited number of input ports. If you’re connecting a couple of video game consoles, a sound bar, and a cable box or DVD player, you might have to choose which one gets the best input slot. Ensure the TV you choose has enough input slots for your needs.
While many manufacturers have reached a consensus on standardizing screen size classes, there are still a few outliers—even at big brands like Sony and LG. Some brands choose to produce 83-inch models, and I have considered many, as they are quite similar in viewing area to an 85-inch model.
I’ve also considered many other factors when testing and researching the 85-inch TVs on this list:
- Picture quality: A TV is only as good as the images it can produce. With 4K resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rates being the norm, it’s easier to get a quality big-screen TV. Sony also produces a large-screen OLED for ultra-detailed images and enhanced contrast.
- Audio quality: Tinny or cheap-sounding TV speakers can ruin your viewing experience. I’ve chosen 85-inch TVs that support HDMI eARC connectivity for setting up sound bars and other audio equipment, as well as support for premium audio drivers like Dolby Atmos.
- Features: While every set on this list will have pretty good picture and audio quality, some truly shine when it comes to extra features. Some sets have extra picture settings that let you fine-tune things to your liking, and some have special gaming modes that let you tinker with options and set things up specifically for your style of gameplay.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity have become standard for home TVs as more and more people switch from cable and satellite providers to exclusively streaming content via apps like Netflix and Disney+. But I’ve also made sure that each TV on this list has plenty of HDMI and USB inputs and a hardwired Ethernet connection so you can easily connect DVD or Blu-Ray players, game consoles, audio equipment, and more reliable internet connections.
Find out more about how we test TVs at ZDNET.
Latest news on 85-inch TVs
Almost every brand has released refreshed and updated models to their TV lineups. Sets from Sony, LG, TCL, and Hisense, sport better displays and audio processing, dedicated picture modes for streaming and console gaming, as well as enhanced smart features like screen sharing and integrated voice assistants.
Yes, 85-inch TVs are getting lighter, but they can still be heavy and have larger VESA mount spacing. This means you’ll want to spend extra money on a heavy-duty mounting bracket. Mounts like the Echogear wall mount can support up to a 90-inch screen size and up to 125 pounds (about 57kg) of weight. Make sure you consult your TV’s operating manual for specific mounting requirements, so your shiny new screen doesn’t come crashing down in the middle of the night, taking most of the wall with it.
The best way to find out is to measure in inches from where the TV will be wall-mounted or placed on a stand to where you will be sitting and then divide that measurement by two. If your couch is anywhere from 150 to 170 inches (12.5 to 14 feet) from the TV, an 85-inch screen will be an almost perfect fit.
You can go bigger or smaller depending on your budget and what’s available from each brand. A screen that is too big can overwhelm your space and even cause motion sickness. In contrast, one that is too small will make it feel cavernous and force everyone to crowd around to see.
Also: Best 75-inch TV
Latest Updates
May 2026: We replaced the LG G4 OLED with the LG G6. We also ensured that every other 85-inch TV featured on this list was in stock and the latest version available.
More 85-inch TVs
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Kerry Wan/ZDNET
The Samsung S95F is one of the best OLED TVs I’ve ever tested, offering top-notch picture quality for streaming, gaming, and live TV. A 165Hz refresh rate gives you smoother action for live sports and console gaming while Dolby Atmos helps create virtual surround sound for a more immersive movie experience.
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