Top 5 Best Smart TVs to Buy in 2026 (Based on Consumer Reports Testing)

Introduction

Buying a smart TV in 2026 isn’t just about screen size anymore—it’s about picture quality, long-term reliability, smart features that actually work, and whether the TV fits into everyday family life. With streaming, gaming, work presentations, and weekend movie nights all happening on the same screen, expectations are higher than ever. That’s why I always trust Consumer Reports testing when narrowing down the best options. Their evaluations focus on real-world performance, not marketing hype.

Based on extensive testing results from 2025, several models clearly stood out for picture accuracy, brightness, motion handling, sound quality, and ease of use. Even going into 2026, these TVs remain excellent choices because they’re powerful enough to stay relevant for years—especially with ongoing software updates and strong build quality.

In this guide, I’m sharing the top 5 smart TVs to buy in 2026, based directly on Consumer Reports’ findings. Whether you’re upgrading your living room, setting up a family entertainment space, or looking for a premium OLED experience, these models offer the best balance of performance and value for modern homes.

1. Samsung S90D – Best Overall OLED TV for Most Homes

The Samsung S90D earns its place at the top thanks to its outstanding OLED picture quality and excellent brightness levels. Consumer Reports testing highlights its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and smooth motion handling, making it ideal for movies, sports, and gaming alike.

What makes the S90D especially appealing in 2026 is its versatility. It performs beautifully in both bright living rooms and darker home-theater setups. The smart interface is fast and responsive, and it integrates well with popular streaming platforms and smart home ecosystems.

For families who want a premium TV without stepping into ultra-high price territory, the Samsung S90D is one of the safest and smartest choices.

2. LG G5 – Best Premium TV for Wall-Mounted Setups

The LG G5 is designed for users who want a sleek, gallery-style TV without compromising on performance. According to Consumer Reports, it delivers exceptional brightness, excellent contrast, and industry-leading color accuracy.

This TV truly shines for cinematic viewing. Movies and shows look incredibly detailed, and the viewing angles are excellent—perfect for large family rooms. The LG G5 also stands out for its build quality, making it a strong long-term investment heading into 2026.

If aesthetics matter just as much as picture quality, the LG G5 is hard to beat.

3. Samsung S95F – Best for Brightness and Color Performance

The Samsung S95F is praised in Consumer Reports testing for its superior brightness and vivid color reproduction. This makes it a fantastic option for rooms with lots of natural light where standard OLED TVs sometimes struggle.

In real-world use, this TV handles fast motion extremely well, which is great for sports fans and gamers. The colors pop without looking artificial, and HDR content looks especially impressive.

For users who want a bold, eye-catching picture that still maintains accuracy, the S95F remains a top-tier choice in 2026.

4. LG C4 – Best Value OLED TV

The LG C4 consistently ranks as one of the best value-for-money OLED TVs. Consumer Reports testing shows that it delivers excellent picture quality at a more accessible price point compared to premium flagship models.

It’s an ideal option for families upgrading from older LED TVs. The interface is user-friendly, performance is reliable, and it handles both streaming and gaming smoothly. While it may not be the absolute brightest TV on the list, its overall balance makes it incredibly appealing.

In 2026, the LG C4 remains one of the smartest buys for anyone wanting OLED quality without overspending.

5. Samsung S90F – Best for Gaming and Everyday Use

Rounding out the list, the Samsung S90F stands out for its excellent gaming performance and everyday usability. Consumer Reports highlights its low input lag, fast refresh rates, and consistent picture quality across different types of content.

This TV is especially well-suited for households where the TV is used all day—for cartoons in the morning, work presentations in the afternoon, and movies at night. The smart features are intuitive, and switching between apps is smooth and fast.

For gamers and multi-purpose users, the Samsung S90F is a strong and future-ready choice going into 2026.

When you look closely at Consumer Reports’ testing, one thing becomes very clear: the “best” smart TV in 2026 depends heavily on how and where you’ll use it. All five TVs on this list scored highly, but each excels in a slightly different real-world scenario. That’s why understanding your viewing habits matters more than chasing the most expensive model.

If your TV sits in a bright living room, higher brightness and strong reflection handling should be a priority. TVs that perform well in daylight viewing consistently receive higher satisfaction scores from families who watch TV throughout the day. On the other hand, if your setup is more of a home-theater environment, contrast, black levels, and cinematic accuracy matter more than peak brightness.

Another major takeaway from Consumer Reports testing is long-term usability. Fast processors, smooth menus, and reliable software updates significantly affect owner satisfaction after the first year. A TV that looks great but feels slow or clunky quickly loses its appeal. The top-ranked models maintain responsiveness even after months of daily use.

OLED vs LED: Why OLED Dominates the Best TVs of 2026

One striking trend in Consumer Reports results is the dominance of OLED technology. Every TV on this list uses OLED panels, and for good reason. OLED delivers perfect blacks, excellent contrast, and superior viewing angles—qualities that consistently rank high in consumer satisfaction.

In everyday use, OLED TVs make movies feel more immersive and streaming content look more polished, even when the source quality isn’t perfect. Sports and fast-moving content also benefit from OLED’s instant pixel response, reducing blur and motion artifacts.

While LED TVs are still improving, Consumer Reports data shows that buyers who switch to OLED are far less likely to regret their purchase. In 2026, OLED is no longer just a premium feature—it’s becoming the expected standard for high-end smart TVs.

Smart Features, Gaming, and Daily Performance

Smart TV software plays a bigger role than many people expect. Consumer Reports testing places strong emphasis on app availability, navigation speed, and system stability. TVs that lag, freeze, or struggle with updates tend to receive lower long-term ratings—even if their picture quality is excellent.

Gaming performance is another area where top-rated TVs stand out. Low input lag, high refresh rates, and smooth motion handling matter not just for serious gamers, but also for casual console users and kids. TVs that handle gaming well also tend to perform better with sports and action content.

In 2026, the best smart TVs feel fast, intuitive, and reliable across everything—from streaming shows and gaming to screen mirroring and voice control.

Size, Placement, and Value Considerations

Consumer Reports also highlights that bigger isn’t always better. A properly sized TV for your room delivers a better viewing experience than an oversized screen with compromised picture quality. Viewing distance, seating layout, and wall placement all influence satisfaction.

Value doesn’t always mean the lowest price. TVs that balance strong performance with reasonable pricing often receive the highest owner ratings. Many buyers report greater happiness with slightly older flagship models than with brand-new midrange TVs.

This is exactly why these 2025-tested models remain top recommendations for 2026—they offer proven performance, mature software, and excellent long-term value.

Conclusion

Looking at Consumer Reports’ extensive testing, it’s reassuring to see that the best smart TVs of 2025 continue to be excellent choices in 2026. These models don’t just shine in lab tests—they hold up in real homes, with real families, and real daily use.

What I personally appreciate most is how balanced these TVs feel. They’re not just about stunning visuals; they’re about reliability, ease of use, and technology that fits naturally into everyday life. Whether it’s family movie nights, kids’ cartoons, weekend sports, or late-night streaming, these TVs handle it all without fuss.

If you’re planning a smart TV upgrade in 2026, choosing from this list means you’re investing in performance that’s already been tested, trusted, and proven to last.

Disclaimer

This article is based on publicly available Consumer Reports testing data and general performance trends. Individual experiences may vary depending on room conditions, usage patterns, software updates, and model variants. Always review specifications and warranty details before purchasing.