Best smart TV brands in Australia 2026

The Winners: Best TV Brands 2025/26

Today, buying a TV is like buying a computer for your living room. Smart TVs offer entertainment-focused operating systems with direct access to internet streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus, as well as more traditional digital TV broadcasts.

We surveyed thousands of Australians to find out which brands they trust to deliver the smartest, fastest, and easiest-to-use experience.

Based on the 2025 Finder Retail Awards, here is how Australian consumers rated the top TV brands across the five key decision categories.

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Most loved TV brand

This category measures overall customer satisfaction and emotional connection to the brand. It answers the question: "Do you love this product?"

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Most trusted TV brand

We asked Australians which brand they trust most to deliver reliability and longevity without technical faults.

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Most recommended TV brand

This score is based on the percentage of owners who would actively recommend their TV brand to a friend or family member.

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Top value TV brand

This category balances the price paid against the performance received to find the best bang for buck.

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Top quality TV brand

This category rates the build quality, picture fidelity, and sound performance.

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Save on TVs with these deals and discounts

Appliances Online

25% off Samsung 65 Inch S85F OLED 4K Smart AI TV

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Appliances Online

Up to 60% Off Clearance at Appliances Online

Score unbeatable deals with up to 60% off clearance items at Appliances Online - featuring top-brand fridges, washers, TVs, and more. Whether you're upgrading your home or grabbing a last-minute bargain, this is your chance to save big while stocks last. Limited time offer and while stocks last. T&Cs apply.

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The Good Guys

TV sale starting from just $245

Shop, save and get great deals when you buy a TV online at The Good Guys. Choose from across leading brands such as Samsung, LG, Hisense, Panasonic and Sony. T&Cs apply.

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The Good Guys

Hisense 50-inch Q6QAU 4K QLED Smart TV 2025: $695

Cinematic brilliance, the 2025 Hisense 50-inch Q6QAU 4K QLED Smart TV - available now at The Good Guys Australia. Dive into ultra-rich colours and smart streaming that turns every viewing into a show-stopping experience. Limited time offer. T&Cs apply.

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Kogan

Up to 53% off TVs & home theatres

Upgrade your entertainment setup with up to 53% off TVs and home theatres at Kogan. Don’t miss this limited-time deal to bring cinematic experiences right into your living room. T&Cs apply.

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Things to consider when buying the best smart TV

The hardware is important, but the software is what you interact with every single day. If the interface is slow, cluttered with ads, or crashes constantly, even the best screen in the world will be frustrating to use. Here is what to look for in a smart platform in 2025.

Know your Operating System (OS)

There is no "standard" smart TV software. Each brand uses a different system, and they don't talk to each other.

• Samsung (Tizen): Best for people with Galaxy phones. It is incredibly fast and has the "Gaming Hub" for cloud gaming. The new 2025 update makes it look more like a phone interface.
• LG (webOS 25): Best for ease of use. The "Magic Remote" lets you point and click like a mouse, making typing passwords much easier. LG now guarantees 5 years of software updates on new models.
• Sony & TCL (Google TV): Best for app selection. Since it uses the Google Play Store, it has the widest range of apps (10,000+), including niche VPNs and media players like Kodi/Plex that you can't get on Samsung or LG.
• Hisense (VIDAA): Best for speed. It is a simpler, lightweight system that boots up instantly. However, it has fewer apps than the others, so check if your favourite niche streaming service is supported before buying.

Processor power matters

Budget TVs often have the same apps as premium TVs, but they run on slower processors. This means Netflix might take 10 seconds to load instead of 1 second, or the menu might lag when you press a button.

If you are buying a budget smart TV, we recommend sticking to Google TV or VIDAA models, as these operating systems tend to run smoother on lower-end hardware compared to the more graphics-heavy Samsung Tizen or LG webOS.

Voice control options

Typing a movie title using a remote control arrow key is tedious. The best smart TVs now feature "hands-free" voice control. This means you don't even need to pick up the remote; you just say "Hey Google" or "Hi Bixby" to the room, and the TV's far-field microphones will pick it up.

Look for TVs with built-in microphones (often found in mid-range and premium models like the Samsung S90F or Sony Bravia 8). Entry-level models usually require you to press a button on the remote to talk.

Casting and mirroring

Sometimes the easiest way to find content is on your phone. Make sure your Smart TV supports the phone you use.

• If you have an iPhone: You need a TV with AirPlay 2 support. Almost all Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs have this now.
• If you have an Android: You want a TV with Chromecast built-in. Sony and TCL (Google TV) do this best, while Samsung and LG use their own mirroring standards which can sometimes be finicky with non-Samsung phones.

Frequently asked questions

• Do smart TVs need an internet connection?

  Yes, to use the "smart" features like Netflix, YouTube, or voice control, the TV must be connected to Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. However, you can still watch free-to-air channels and use HDMI devices (like a DVD player or console) without internet.

• Can I update the software on my smart TV?

  Yes, manufacturers release software updates to fix bugs and add new features. Most TVs will update automatically overnight if left in standby mode, but you can also manually check for updates in the 'Settings' menu under 'Support' or 'System'.

• Do smart TVs have a monthly fee?

  The smart TV itself does not have a monthly fee. However, the apps inside it (like Netflix, Disney+, Stan, Kayo) require their own paid subscriptions. Apps like YouTube, ABC iview, and SBS On Demand are free.

• Which smart TV system has the most apps?

  Google TV (found on Sony and TCL) has the largest library, with over 10,000 apps available via the Google Play Store. Samsung (Tizen) and LG (webOS) have all the major streaming apps but lack some of the niche utility apps and games found on Google TV.

• Is it safe to enter passwords on a smart TV?

  Generally, yes. Major brands like Samsung (Knox Security) and LG invest heavily in security. However, you should avoid connecting your TV to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks and ensure you install software updates as soon as they become available to patch any security vulnerabilities.

• Can I use a VPN on my smart TV?

  It depends on the brand. Google TV (Sony, TCL) allows you to download VPN apps directly from the Play Store. Samsung and LG TVs generally do not support native VPN apps; to use a VPN with them, you would need to install the VPN on your router or use a feature like "Smart DNS."