The holidays are here, and it’s time to kick off your shoes and relax with some popcorn and home entertainment. TV’s have come along way, and smart TVs now offer a plethora of options besides just watching your favourite show, such as internet connectivity, streaming, recording, and connecting to your mobile phone.
If you’re in the market for a new home entertainment system and wondering what the best smart TV is in Australia, this handy guide will give you the know-how on the top 10 TV’s for 2020. Discover more about HD, UHD, LED and 4K technology, as well as the different prices, sizes and features for your viewing preference.
Our top 10 TVs for 2020
Sony 65’’ X7000G SmartTV — Best sound quality
Pros
- Remote control has a YouTube button for easy browsing.
- Wi-fi connectivity
- Smart Plug and Play feature lets you share media from multiple devices.
Cons
- Not advanced smart TV technology.
Price (RRP): $1245
The Sony 65’’ is one of the best TVs in terms of sound quality. It has ClearAudio+ which fine-tunes and enhances music and dialogue for an immersive, enriching sound experience. It is also one of the bigger sizes and offers clear picture quality.
Specs
- Size: 65’’
- Resolution: 3840×2160
- Connection: WiFi & Ethernet
- Inputs: 1 HDMI, 3 USB
- Controls: Remote control
Customer Reviews
Many customers were satisfied with the picture and sound quality of the TV and said it was easy to set up. Some were disappointed that the technology was not up to standard with other ‘smart’ TVs on the market. Some customers expressed problems with local delivery, and one said it was difficult to mount due to wide size of the back.
Hisense 65-inch S8 4K LED LCD Smart TV—Best resolution
Pros
- Very high definition and clear picture.
- Comes with 2 USB ports and 4 HDMI ports.
- Works with Alexa and supports Google Assistant for hands-free control.
- 3-year warranty.
- Built-in video recorder.
- VIDAA 3.0 Smart TV interface allows you to watch on-demand.
Cons
- Big and bulky, so it will need extra care when mounting.
- Only works with android phones.
Source: Harvey Norman
TheHisense 65” S8 4K LED LCD smart TV is perfect for viewing high definition content in a large space such a lounge area. It combines LED, LCD and 4K display technology to provide an immersive viewing experience. It offers optimum brightness and contrast, and with an internet connection, allows you to access various multimedia content.
Specs
- Screen size: 65’’
- Resolution: 3840×2160
- Connection: WiFi or ethernet
- Inputs: 4HDMI, 2 USB
- Controls: Remote & voice
Customer Reviews
Most customers were very impressed with the high quality of this TV. Some mentioned a problem with the sound, and others were disappointed that they were not able to download some apps.
Samsung Q60T 75’’ QLED Ultra HD 4K Smart TV —Best for gaming
Pros
- One remote control can control many devices.
- Built-in Bixby and Alexa assistants.
- Wi-fi connectivity for streaming.
- Cable management to reduce messy wiring.
Cons
- The Samsung Q60T is expensive at $2895.
Source:
JB Hi-Fi
The Samsung Q60T uses Qdot technology to produce sharpened, bright colours. It has six different picture modes, including Gaming mode. Gamers will be happy to know that the Game Enhancer on this smart TV neutralises tearing and stuttering and reduces lag. With Ultra High Definition and a QLED screen, they will also have superior picture quality.
Specs
- Screen size: 75’’
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Connection: WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
- Inputs: 3 HDMI, 2 USB
- Controls: Remote, Voice
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews for this TV were generally very positive, with most people saying they loved the Samsung brand, and the TV was easy to navigate, with excellent picture quality. Overall, they said it was good value for money. Some said the sound was good but not great, and some indicated that they were not able to get all the apps they wanted.
LG BX 55’’ 4K UHD HDR Smart OLED TV —Most comfortable on the eye
Pros
- Filmmaker mode provides a cinematic experience.
- Small enough for a bedroom.
- Built-in voice control.
- 4 USB ports for multiple devices.
Cons
- This LG TV is expensive at $3599.
- USB hardrive is required for record and playback.
The LG BX 55’’ is the best option for comfortable viewing, as it has OLED technology, which stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes. This means that while providing superior colour and contrast, it also reduces the amount of blue light, allowing for easy viewing and eye comfort.
Specs
- Screen size: 55’’.
- Resolution: 7680 x 4320
- Connection: Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity.
- Inputs: 2 HDMI, 4 USB
- Controls: Remote, voice and motion
Customer Reviews
Customers have generally been happy with both the picture and sound quality on this LG.
Aiwa AW240 24’’ HD LED TV — Most affordable
Pros
- Very affordable at $139
- Light for wall mounting.
- Good value for money.
Cons
- Very small size, so viewing has to be fairly close.
- No Bluetooth connectivity
Price (RRP): $139
The Aiwa AW240 is a good choice for small spaces, as it is a small, compact size, and is thin enough to be mounted on a wall. It offers good value for the price, as it has necessary ports, a remote control, and decent quality for viewing. It can be used for gaming and has a headphone port.
Specs
- Size: 24’’
- Includes 2x nozzles.
- Connection: ARC Support
- Inputs: 1 USB, 1 HDMI
- Controls: Remote
Customer Reviews
Most customers have been happy with this TV as a small, functional purchase. In other words, it serves its purpose. They say the picture quality is fine, but many have complained about sound quality.
TCL 43’’ 4K UHD TV — Best value for money
Pros
- Very affordable at $614.99
- Compact size for a small space.
- Freeview certified.
- Dolby audio for impeccable sound.
Cons
- No USB port.
- Brand is not well known.
Source: Costco
The TCL is great for a basic to use smart TV at is good value for money as a cheap smart TV. It is small enough for a bedroom or small office but still provides good picture quality with ultra-high definition. It uses Dolby for high-quality audio as well.
Specs
- Screen Size: 43’’
- Resolution: 3840×2160
- Connection: Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity.
- Inputs: 2HDMI
- Controls: Remote and voice
Customer Reviews
Customers have expressed overall satisfaction with this product, saying it is easy to use, and they were impressed with the features, despite it being a lesser-known brand.
Kogan 32’’ HD LED TV— Best for record and playback
Pros
- Very affordable at $169.
- PVR feature allows you to record, pause and rewind live TV.
- Size can be beneficial for comfort and easy floating.
- VESA Mount compatible.
- Compatible with gaming consoles.
- 5-star energy rating.
Cons
- No voice control.
- Size is small for gaming.
- Not a smart TV, no internet connectivity.
Source: Dick Smith
The Kogan 32’’ HD LED TV has all you need in a mini home theatre system and allows you to record live TV and play content from a USB device. For the low price of $169, it has many features that most other big brands offer, such as HD, HDMI ports for gaming and a good quality picture.
Specs
- Screen size: 32’’
- Resolution: 1366 × 768 resolution.
- Connection: None
- Inputs: 3 HDMI ports, 1 USB port.
- Controls: Remote
Customer Reviews
Customers have said they were happy with this purchase, and that it was good quality for the price, with easy set up and installation.
Caixun 43’’ 4K Smart TV — Most versatile
Pros
- Built-in Chromecast.
- Comes with a Bluetooth voice remote control for hands-free operation.
- Google Assistant button on the remote.
- Compatible with gaming consoles.
Cons
- No voice control.
Price (RRP): $459.99
The Caixun 43’’ 4K smart TV offers many features for its price. It is an affordable, small smart TV with good picture and sound quality, as well as USB and HDMI ports, built-in Chromecast, Bluetooth and is compatible with YouTube, Netflix and Prime Video.
Specs
- Size: 43’’
- Resolution: 3840×2160.
- Connection: WiFi and Bluetooth
- Inputs: 3 HDMI, 2 USB
- Controls: Voice & Remote
Customer Reviews
Most customers thought that this was good value for money, while some said the remote felt cheap, and others complained of sound quality.
TCL 40S325 40’’ 1080p Smart Roku TV — Best for free TV content
Pros
- Can connect several devices with 3 HDMI ports.
- Plenty of access to movies and TV episodes with built-in TV tuner
- On-demand TV.
- Compatible with Alexa and Google assistant.
Cons
- Slightly expensive at $923.81
- No Bluetooth
Price (RRP): $923.81
Source: Amazon
The TCL Roku TV is excellent for people who enjoy movies and gives you free access to over the air HD content. The LED screen offers clear picture quality and colour contrast.
Specs
- Size: 40’’
- Resolution:1080p.
- Connection: WiFi Connectivity
- Inputs: 3 HDMI, 1 USB
- Controls: Remote
Customer Reviews
Customers generally like this cheap LED TV and were surprised by its quality considering the price. Some complained of wi-fi problems.
Kogan 43’’ Full HD LED Android TV — Best for streaming
Pros
- Good value for money.
- One-touch streaming access from the remote.
- Voice control allows you to speak into the remote for certain commands.
Cons
- Bluetooth is only compatible with Google Assistant and the voice search function on the remote.
- Sound quality is not very good.
Price (RRP): $515.99
The Kogan 43’’ Android TV is the best option if you plan to do a lot of streaming, as it comes with pre-installed Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video. It has built-in Chromecast and wi-fi connectivity so you can watch your favourite online content in high resolution.
Specs
- Size: 43’’
- Resolution: 1920 × 1080 Full HD resolution
- Connection: Bluetooth, wi-fi, Ethernet
- Inputs: USB and HDMI
- Controls: Remote and voice
Customer Reviews
Customers reviews are mostly positive, with most saying they were happy with the price and features of this TV. They say the streaming was easily done with the built-in Chromecast, and it was easy to use. Some have commented on the lack of contrast in picture quality, and some have said the remote is very lightweight and weak.
What to look for when buying your TV
- Size: One of the first things to look for in a smart TV is the size, which is normally included in the product name, so it’s easy to identify. A small smart TV for a bedroom or small lounge can be 24’’, 32’’, or 40’’. The bigger TVs start from 43’’ and go up to 65’’ or 75’’. The smaller the TV, the closer the viewing distance will have to be, and the bigger the TV, the clearer the picture will be.
- Picture and sound quality: Sharpness, brightness, colour and contrast are what most people look for in a TV. You ideally want something with a high resolution for clarity, such as 4K display technology. Some TVs come with Dolby audio which provides good sound quality. If you want excellent sound, you may have to use separate headphones or speakers.
- Screen type: The most common screen type is LED, which offers decent quality. The more advanced TVs use Ultra HD or OLED for superior quality. The resolution on a 4K Ultra HD is greater than Full HD.
- USB and HDMI ports: Check if your TV has at least one or more USB and HDMI port, so you can plug in your USB device to play movies, or use a gaming console. The more ports, the better, as you can attach multiple devices.
- Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity: The defining feature of smart TV is internet connectivity, so make sure your TV has built-in wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity for optimum use. This will allow you to browse, stream video and audio content and connect your mobile phone to the TV.
- Smart features: Look out for other smart features such as voice control, one-touch YouTube and Netflix access, and screen mirroring, which can be very useful and convenient.
Comparing the top 10 TV’s in Australia for 2020
| Product | Price (RRP) | Screen type | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony 65’’ X7000G smart TV | $1245 | LED |
|
| Hisense 65’’ S8 4K LED LCD Smart TV | $1095 | LED LCD |
|
| Samsung Q60T 75’’ QLED Ultra HD 4K Smart TV | $2895 | QLED Ultra HD 4K |
|
| LG BX 55’’ 4K UHD HDR Smart OLED TV | $3599 | Ultra HD 4K |
|
| Aiwa AW240 24’’ HD LED TV | $139 | LED |
|
| TLC 43’’ 4K QUHD TV | $614.99 | 4K UHD |
|
| Kogan 32’’ HD LED TV | $169 | HD LED |
|
| Caixun 43’’ 4K Smart TV | $459.99 | UHD LED |
|
| TCL 40S32540’’ 1080p Smart TV | $923.81 | LED |
|
| Kogan 43’’ Full HD LED Android TV | $515.99 | Full HD LED |
|
Source: Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, Appliances online, Costco, Dick Smith, Amazon, December 2020
Conclusion
Smart TVs in Australia range widely in price, and some of the cheaper brands compete pretty well with, the more popular brands. Hopefully, this article has given you some clarity on how to make an informed decision when comparing your TV options. If you want a small, cheap smart TV for a bedroom, the Aiwa AW240 24’’ or Kogan 32’’ are good options. If you want something more sophisticated with the optimum resolution for high definition viewing, go for the Samsung Q60T 75’’ or the Hisense 65’’ S8 TV.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is the best TV on the market?
The Hisense 65’’ S8 4K LED LCD Smart TV and Samsung Q60T 75’’ QLED Ultra HD 4K Smart TV are two of the best models on the market, offering the best resolution and most advanced features. There is no cheap 75 inch smart TV, so be prepared to pay over $2000.What’s a good size TV for the bedroom?
A 24-inch, 32-inch or 43-inch TV should be suitable for a bedroom and will be light enough to mount on a wall.What is the best 32-inch TV on the market?
The Kogan 32’’ HD LED TV is one of the best 32 inch TV in Australia, as it offers most features you would want in a TV. Most customers were happy with this purchase. However, this particular model has no internet connectivity, so it may not be the best 32 inch smart TV in Australia.What does a smart TV cost?
A smart TV in Australia can cost between $139 to around $4000.What brand is best for smart TVs?
Customer reviews indicate that Samsung is a preferred and trusted brand when it comes to smart TVs.
