Top 5 85-Inch TVs

  • Best Overall Resolution: SAMSUNG 85-Inch NEO QLED TV
  • Best Entry-Level: TCL 85-Inch Smart Roku TV
  • Most Lightweight: SAMSUNG 85-Inch Crystal UHD TV
  • Best Features: SAMSUNG 86-Inch Crystal UHD TV
  • Best 4K Picture Quality: Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV

Pros and Cons

Comparison Table

SAMSUNG 85-Inch NEO QLED TV

  • $3,948
          Prices taken at time of publishing.

With its NEO QLED screen technology and stunning 8K resolution, this 85-inch smart TV allows you to see every detail no matter how far away you’re sitting. The TV also has built-in object-tracking sound that follows movements on the screen for precise audio.

✘ Costs more than the other models in this review✘ Weighs 120 pounds

What Customers Are Saying

Satisfied users who left positive reviews for this 85-inch TV said that the picture quality was superb, outperforming other TVs that they owned in the past. Customers also praised the built-in sound system that didn’t require an additional soundbar. On the other hand, a few users mentioned that while the picture worked for movies and TV shows, it couldn’t support video games that well.

TCL 85-Inch Smart Roku TV

  • $1,300

Combining an easy-to-operate Roku interface with a large theater-like screen, this TCL TV is the perfect option for those who don’t want to pay a high-end price to enjoy an oversized display. Two leg stands are included if you don’t intend to mount the TV on your wall.

✘ Requires a Roku account✘ Has user reports of longevity issues

Overall, the majority of reviewers thought that this Roku TV performed in line with its price, offering 4K HDR screen technology, a simple user interface, and easy setup. Alternatively, some users thought that the built-in sound wasn’t up to their standards.

✔ Uses an AirSlim profile to blend in nearly anywhere✔ Has a fast 4K processor for smooth operation✔ Features Motion Xcelerator to minimize blur and enhance activity

SAMSUNG 85-Inch Crystal UHD TV

  • $1,498

At 92 pounds, this 85-inch SAMSUNG TV is easier to hold and mount compared to bulkier and heavier smart TVs. It supports a range of voice assistants, including Alexa and Bixby, for hands-free control. With 4K upscaling technology, everything will appear in ultra HD.

✘ Has a slow refresh rate of 60 hertz (Hz)✘ Only has three HDMI ports

Positively, customers praised this 4K UHD TV for its clear picture quality and sleek border. Negatively, there were some complaints about the voice control connectivity, with one user reporting that they couldn’t connect other Google devices to the Google Assistant voice control system.

✔ Has a crystal display for a naturally crisp and vivid picture✔ Uses the Tizen operating system for an intuitive user experience✔ Includes three AAA batteries for the remote control

SAMSUNG 86-Inch Crystal UHD TV

  • $1,598

This 4K TV has a screen that spans over 85 inches diagonally. It comes loaded with several features, including AMD FreeSync, Multi View Screen, and Real Game Enhancer+, making it a great choice for gamers. It also has a sharp exterior thanks to its borderless design.

✘ Has ads along the sidebar of the home screen✘ Can’t remove the built-in apps

Several satisfied customers appreciated the size of this TV’s screen, as the viewing experience was immersive even from across the room. Happy users also thought that the picture quality met or exceeded their expectations. Conversely, users had complaints about not being able to remove the built-in apps that came with the TV’s operating system.

Sony 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV

  • $1,498
  • $1,598
  • 7% off

This Sony TV has a 120-Hz refresh rate and an HDR 4K processor to deliver a smooth, clear, and rich viewing experience. Additionally, it has Google TV built-in as its operating system, allowing users to browse over 700,000 movies and series on various streaming applications.

✘ Works with fewer soundbars than other 85-inch TVs✘ Doesn’t include a BRAVIA CORE subscription like other Sony TVs do

Some highlights from positive customer reviews included the TV’s intuitive menu browsing and quality picture. However, some buyers said that it was too fragile. Others said that they couldn’t dim it enough at night, which made the bright screen hurt their eyes.

An 85-inch TV is your answer for an at-home cinematic experience. This buying guide will help you pick the best 85-inch TV to watch all of your favorite shows, movies, and more.

Thickness

Because they are so much larger than other televisions, most 85-inch TVs are extremely thin. This prevents them from being too heavy or bulky to mount on the wall safely.

Picture Quality

Picture quality is arguably the most important factor to consider when you’re purchasing a TV, especially such a large one. Most 85-inch TVs use crystal color enhancement, LED backlighting, and other features to provide you with crisp pictures and bright colors.

Refresh rate also plays into picture quality. It refers to the number of times a TV refreshes its image per second. You want your screen to be able to keep up with the action happening in a video game, movie, or TV show. Traditional TVs refresh at a rate of 60 hertz (Hz). High-end models refresh even more frequently at 120 Hz.

HDMI Ports

HDMI ports help you connect laptops, gaming consoles, speakers, soundbars, and other devices and accessories to your 85-inch TV. Most TVs feature at least one HDMI port, with some offering as many as four or five.

Remote

All TVs come with a handheld remote. In addition to your standard play, pause, and home buttons, it may also have shortcuts to your favorite streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu.

Smart Home Compatibility

Although large televisions are more affordable and available than they were 10 years ago, they’re still an investment that you need to take care of. To protect the centerpiece of your living room, check out these care tips.

Dust the Screen

Dust buildup on the surface of your TV’s screen can lead to scratching and other damage. We recommend weekly or even daily dusting. Only use a microfiber cloth for this, as a regular cloth could attract dirt and other particles that may scratch your TV screen.

Mount the Frame

Given the size of an 85-inch TV, many homeowners opt to mount it to a wall. That way, it doesn’t fall and break while it’s sitting on a TV stand or entertainment center.

To walk you through the mounting process, check out this video featuring This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert:

Allow for Ventilation

Like other electronics, your 85-inch television should have enough space behind it for its internal components to “breathe.” A wall mount should allow at least a few inches between the back of the TV and the wall. If your 85-inch TV is sitting on a surface, make sure any objects are at least a few inches away from it.

Adjust the Brightness

Your TV, regardless of the brand or model, arrives with factory settings that affect the display’s brightness, contrast, and other features. After you’ve positioned your television, explore its display options. Constantly running your TV on the highest brightness setting wears out the screen faster.

Turn Off the Screen

If you’re leaving the house or done watching something, turn off your television. Although modern smart TVs are designed to enter a “sleep” mode when they’re inactive, turning off your TV still increases its lifespan—not to mention, saves electricity.

Is a 4K resolution enough for an 85-inch TV?

Yes. A 4K resolution is enough to enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies, and games on an 85-inch TV. However, upgrade to an 8K TV for the best picture possible. That way, you can take in the detail of the picture without standing too close to the screen.

What is the difference between OLED and QLED technology?

The primary difference between OLED TVs and QLED TVs is in how many pixels they display. While individual OLED pixels emit their own light, QLED pixels rely on an LCD backlight. Generally, OLED televisions use less power, look clearer at different viewing angles, and offer deeper colors. Conversely, QLED screens are less expensive, last for longer, and have a lower burn-in risk.

What is the best distance for viewing an 85-inch TV?

Because 85-inch TVs are so large and bright, sitting too close to them may cause eye strain. We recommend sitting between 10 and 12 feet away from your 85-inch screen.

Do I need to purchase speakers or a soundbar for my 85-inch TV?

It depends on the model you choose. Some 85-inch TVs feature high-quality audio to go along with the crisp picture. Others focus exclusively on picture quality, delivering weaker audio. If you want a truly cinematic viewing experience, purchase additional speakers. They can help even if your model has crisp audio already.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

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