Your “Watch Everything” Checklist: What to Know Before Buying a Smart TV

Buying a Smart TV should be simple. It’s a screen, right? You pick a size, maybe a brand you recognize, and you’re good to go.

Except—buying a Smart TV today is not simple. It’s a little like buying a car with a built-in computer, app store, and media library… and it also happens to be your Friday night date, your Sunday sports bar, and your Tuesday Zoom screen if you’re really working the hybrid life.

The good news? You don’t need to be a techie to make a smart Smart TV choice. You just need to know which features actually matter and which ones are marketing fluff.

1. Start With the Basics: Size, Space, and Setup

Before we even get into pixels or processors, think about where your Smart TV is going. This sounds obvious, but it’s the easiest place to miscalculate.

If it’s your main TV (i.e., the living room centerpiece), go big—at least 55 to 65 inches, depending on your room size. A good rule of thumb? Multiply the distance (in inches) from your couch to the screen by 0.84 to get your ideal screen size.

That said, bigger doesn’t always mean better. If you're shopping for a kitchen, office, or bedroom TV, 32 to 43 inches is more than enough—and you’ll save hundreds.

Also, make sure to check:

• Wall mount or stand compatibility: Some Smart TVs are wider at the base than they look in photos.
• Ports: How many HDMI or USB ports will you need for a gaming console, soundbar, or streaming stick?
• Power setup: Do you need surge protection, cable concealment, or a wireless speaker setup?

Don’t just look at the screen size—look at the bezel size. Some TVs with smaller bezels give you more screen without needing more space

2. Resolution Wars: 4K Is the Standard, 8K Is the Hype

Let’s decode the lingo. “HD” is 1080p. “Ultra HD” or “UHD” means 4K. And now there’s 8K, which sounds impressive but is mostly unnecessary for most viewers—and still very expensive.

If you're buying a Smart TV today, go 4K minimum. The content is widely available (Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube all stream in 4K), and the pricing has dropped significantly.

8K? It looks amazing, sure. But there’s almost no content made for 8K yet, and you’ll pay a premium for something you likely won’t use for years. Unless you're planning to use the screen for professional-level gaming, design work, or flexing on houseguests—you’re better off getting a high-quality 4K with great upscaling tech.

3. Operating Systems Matter (More Than You Think)

Smart TVs aren’t just TVs anymore—they’re full-blown media centers. That means you’re not just choosing a brand; you’re choosing a platform. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Roku TV: Very user-friendly, intuitive layout, wide app selection. Great for casual users.
• Google TV (formerly Android TV): Best if you're already in the Google ecosystem (YouTube, Nest, Google Assistant). Tons of apps.
• Samsung’s Tizen or LG’s WebOS: Fast, sleek interfaces, but fewer apps. More proprietary.
• Amazon Fire TV: Deeply integrated with Alexa and Prime content—great if you’re already an Amazon household.
• Apple TV app: Available on many brands, but not usually the primary OS unless you use an Apple TV device.

Some TVs come with limited app stores—meaning you may not be able to download Hulu or HBO Max if the OS doesn’t support it. Always double-check app availability before you buy. Look for a system that feels intuitive. You’ll be using this every day. If it takes four clicks to find your favorite show, it’s going to get old fast.

4. HDR, Refresh Rates, and Other Buzzwords (What Actually Matters)

You’ve seen the acronyms: HDR, OLED, QLED, refresh rate, contrast ratio, local dimming…

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

This improves contrast and color depth. It’s not about resolution—it’s about vibrancy. Look for HDR10 or Dolby Vision support for the best visual experience.

Refresh Rate

60Hz is standard. 120Hz is smoother, especially for gaming or sports. You’ll feel the difference when watching fast-moving scenes (football, action movies, gaming).

Panel Type (LED, OLED, QLED)

• LED: Standard. Budget-friendly.
• QLED: Brighter colors, good for well-lit rooms (Samsung’s tech).
• OLED: Superior contrast and deep blacks. Best for home theaters and dim rooms. More expensive, but many say it’s worth it.

If you mostly stream dramas and movies at night? OLED’s your friend. If your TV’s in a bright, sunlit room with lots of daylight viewing? QLED may suit you better.

5. Voice Control, Smart Home Integration, and Privacy

Modern Smart TVs can double as smart home hubs—but not everyone wants Alexa listening to their living room.

If you want voice control, look for models with:

• Built-in Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri compatibility
• Microphone mute options
• Physical remote control with voice button (not just app-based)

Pro Tip: Check privacy settings during setup. Some Smart TVs collect viewing data for ad targeting. You can disable this in the settings (it’s just often buried).

6. Audio: The Underrated Feature That Makes a Big Difference

Most Smart TVs come with underwhelming speakers. They’re slim, and that doesn’t leave much room for decent sound. If you care about clear dialogue or immersive audio, budget for a soundbar. Even a $100 one can dramatically improve your experience.

Look for TVs with:

• Dolby Atmos or DTS support
• Bluetooth or HDMI ARC connectivity for soundbar pairing
• Auto volume leveling to avoid loud commercials and whispering actors

If you’re spending over $500 on a Smart TV, set aside 10–15% of your budget for better sound. It’s that important.

7. Price vs. Performance: Where to Save, Where to Splurge

A few truths no one tells you:

• The difference between a $400 and $800 Smart TV isn’t always visual—it’s often in speed, OS smoothness, and extra features.
• You can skip extended warranties if you’re buying with a credit card that offers purchase protection.
• Black Friday and Super Bowl season are the best times to score deals—but keep an eye on refurbished models from certified retailers all year.

Where you can save:

• Skip the 8K hype
• Choose last year’s model (they’re often nearly identical)
• Pass on built-in voice assistants if you don’t use them

Where it’s worth spending:

• Better panel (OLED/QLED)
• Faster OS and processor (fewer lags)
• Improved refresh rates for sports/gaming households

The Bottom Line

Buying a Smart TV today isn’t just about screen size or brand loyalty—it’s about how well that screen fits into your life. You want a device that works with your habits, enhances your downtime, and doesn’t nickel-and-dime you with features you’ll never use.

So if you walk away with one key mindset, let it be this: choose function over flash. Get clear on what you’ll actually use—from app access to refresh rates to sound quality—and ignore the rest. The best Smart TV for you is the one that disappears into the background when you’re deep into your favorite show, movie, or game… not the one with the most acronyms on the box.

Smart doesn’t mean complicated. It just means informed. And you’ve officially got the tools to make that decision like a pro.

Jasmine Lee, Senior Contributor

Jasmine's been diving into finance for over a decade and still gets a kick out of finding smart ways to save. Whether it's budgeting hacks or investment insights, she's got the tools to make your money goals feel doable.