The best TV with the best sound in the UK 2023

Most of the best TVs on the market offer excellent picture quality, but the sound performance can sometimes seem to fall short of your expectations. That's disappointing when you consider that at least half of your viewing pleasure comes from the audio. So find the best TV with the best sound in this comparison guide.

LG 48C1 1
8/10

Editor's Choice

LG 48C1

The best TV with the best sound in 2021

LG offers here a small format TV that delivers one of the best picture and sound quality of the moment. Among all the features that this TV offers, sound lovers will be delighted to know that it supports Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX.

1 032 £ on Boulanger

This TV has the essence of what made the 2020 LG CX so popular. These include incredible performance in video games, impeccable picture quality with 4k HDR content, and advanced features (Bluetooth 5.0 aptX, FreeSync compatibility, new and more user-friendly WebOS 6.0, 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs, and G-Sync for video games). The colors offered by this television are also rich and perfectly calibrated in Expert, Cinema and Filmmaker modes.

The device also has a powerful Alpha 9 Gen 4 image processor and comes with a Magic Remote gyroscopic remote. Incorporating an NFC chip, the remote allows sharing between the TV and your phone. Some users would still have liked the remote to be backlit. For a 48-inch model, the LG 48C1 is expensive. But if the price doesn't scare you, this TV will live up to your expectations.

Philips 55OLED805 2
9/10

Inexpensive

Philips 55OLED805

The best TV with the best entry-level sound

The Philips 55OLED805 shows you a very high quality image with precise details through its 55-inch format: the best OLED TV has other interesting assets as well.

894 £ on Amazon

Enjoy a great TV experience with the Philips 55OLED805, fully guaranteed by its manufacturers. Its 4K UHD resolution already gives you an idea of the sharpness of the images it displays. Its two speakers with included woofer guarantee outstanding sound coverage, provided by Dolby Atmos technology. This Philips OLED TV is even smarter thanks to its Smart functionality that enables digital audio, digital photo, digital video playback and easy web browsing, its Android 9.0 system as well as its compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa. The Philips 55OLED805 is suitable for both tabletop and wall mounting with a VESA standard of 300 x 300 mm.

SAMSUNG 65QN90AATXXC 3
9/10

Top of the line

SAMSUNG 65QN90AATXXC

The best TV with the best high-end sound in 2021

Featuring a 65-inch screen, the Samsung 65QN90AATXXC stands out with HDR-compatible Neo QLED UHD 4K display technology. Taking advantage of a Tizen OS operating system, it displays up to 120 Hz.

1 787 £ on Cdiscount

With a sober design, the Samsung 65QN90A has a 65-inch VA LCD panel with a display frequency of 100 to 120 Hz and a definition of 3840 x 2160 pixels. It uses a built-in anti-reflection filter and Neo QLED technology consisting of mini LEDs to gain more precision in color and contrast ratio. Establishing a 16:9 display format, the Samsung TV supports HDR with Quantum HDR 2000 compatible HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG.

This TV model defines a connected function using the Tyzen OS operating system. The latter will allow ergonomic menu navigation while enjoying applications and services such as Netflix, Spotify, Prime Video, Youtube and many others. It also includes support for Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-assisted command control. Its audio system of 60 watts on 4.2 channels. To its connectivity, it embeds 4 HDMI including an HDMI 2.1, 2 USB ports, an Ethernet port as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Sony Bravia XR-55A80J 4
8/10

A great choice

Sony Bravia XR-55A80J

The successor to the famous KD-55A8

Almost as good as the impressive XR-55A90J, the Sony XR-55A80J is a much more affordable 55-inch OLED TV. It displays crisp, perfectly detailed images, and handles motion very well.

1 279 £ on Darty

The Sony XR-55A80J is an excellent 4K OLED TV. It's a slightly more affordable alternative to the Sony XR-55A90J, but comes with many of the same features and performs just as amazingly. Its self-illuminating pixels have a near-infinite contrast ratio and the screen displays perfect blacks without glare. This Sony TV can deliver a satisfying HDR experience thanks to its wide color gamut.

The Sony XR-55A80J is a TV designed for mixed use. It works well in dark rooms, whether for watching movies or gaming; especially since the response time is almost instantaneous and the input lag is very low. Unfortunately, its announced variable refresh rate (VRR) support has not yet been implemented, but it should be added in a future firmware update. Finally, let's point out that this model has two HDMI 2.1 ports that allow you to enjoy a 4K signal with a 120 Hz refresh rate.

TCL 65C825 Mini Led QLED Android TV 2021 5
9/10

Very good

TCL 65C825 Mini Led QLED Android TV 2021

With Onkyo speakers

The Mini LED is already in its 2nd generation at TCL while the competition is just starting. This allows this TV to offer a satisfactory brightness and a high contrast ratio. Its integrated sound bar is also a big plus.

1 272 £ on Boulanger

This TV has the essence of what made the 2020 LG CX so popular. These include incredible performance in video games, impeccable image quality with 4k HDR content, and beautiful, advanced technical features (Bluetooth 5.0 aptX, FreeSync compatibility, new, more user-friendly WebOS 6.0, 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs, and G-Sync for video games). The colors offered by this television are also rich and perfectly calibrated in Expert, Cinema and Filmmaker modes.

The device also has a powerful Alpha 9 Gen 4 image processor and comes with a Magic Remote gyroscopic remote control (without backlighting) incorporating an NFC chip. This allows sharing between the TV and your phone. For a 48-inch model, the LG 48C1 is expensive. But if the price doesn't scare you, this TV will live up to your expectations. Its built-in microphones, webcam and two remote controls set it apart from the competition.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best TV with the best sound

Any specific needs?

The best TV with the best sound in 2021

The best TV with the best entry-level sound

The best TV with the best high-end sound in 2021

The successor to the famous KD-55A8

With Onkyo speakers

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best TV with the best sound

The best Inexpensive Top of the line Excellent Very good
LG 48C1 6
8/10
Philips 55OLED805 7
9/10
SAMSUNG 65QN90AATXXC 8
9/10
Sony Bravia XR-55A80J 9
8/10
TCL 65C825 Mini Led QLED Android TV 2021 10
9/10
OUR SELECTION
LG 48C1
Philips 55OLED805
SAMSUNG 65QN90AATXXC
Sony Bravia XR-55A80J
TCL 65C825 Mini Led QLED Android TV 2021
LG offers here a small format TV that delivers one of the best picture and sound quality of the moment. Among all the features that this TV offers, sound lovers will be delighted to know that it supports Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX.
The Philips 55OLED805 shows you a very high quality image with precise details through its 55-inch format: the best OLED TV has other interesting assets as well.
Featuring a 65-inch screen, the Samsung 65QN90AATXXC stands out with HDR-compatible Neo QLED UHD 4K display technology. Taking advantage of a Tizen OS operating system, it displays up to 120 Hz.
Almost as good as the impressive XR-55A90J, the Sony XR-55A80J is a much more affordable 55-inch OLED TV. It displays crisp, perfectly detailed images, and handles motion very well.
The Mini LED is already in its 2nd generation at TCL while the competition is just starting. This allows this TV to offer a satisfactory brightness and a high contrast ratio. Its integrated sound bar is also a big plus.
Dolby atmos
Dolby Digital Plus output
Speaker power
40 W
50 W
60 W
30 W
30 W
Number of speakers
2 main stereo speakers and 2 dedicated low-frequency speakers
2 speakers and 1 subwoofer
4.2.2 channels with enhanced audio return channel (eARC) and Q-Symphony
2 actuators underneath the screen to handle the highs and mids and 2 woofers located at the back of the TV, it's the screen that creates the sound waves
2
Auto volume adjustment
The sound emitted is perfectly aligned with the image (or character) that is speaking for a totally immersive experience
Display
48-inch 4k
55-inch 4k
65-inch 4k
55-inch 4k
65 inches 4k

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Buying guide - TV with the best sound

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How to choose your TV with the best sound

#1 - The audio power

One of the most important things to look for when choosing a TV with the best sound quality is the power of its speaker(s). The power of the speaker is expressed in watts. The higher the wattage, the better the sound quality. The minimum sound power to look for is 30W. This means that the audience can enjoy a clearer voice even at a high volume.

#2 - The number of built-in speakers

The number of speakers a television set is equipped with is also a key criterion to consider. Typically, a television set uses two speakers averaging 10W each. So opt for a television with 2 speakers with a high quality subwoofer to watch your favorite series and movies in total comfort.

#3 - The audio return channel

The audio return channel is another important element that will determine the sound quality of the television. Therefore, favor a TV with eARC which stands for Enhancing Audio Return Channel. With eARC, even full resolution sound signals can be transmitted between the TV and the audio system.

#4 - The Dolby ATMOS

Dolby ATMOS is one of the leading formats that provide an incredible movie experience in the home. Dolby Atmos uses audio compression technologies that create a surround sound effect quite similar to cinemas at home. Choose a TV that supports Dolby Atmos so you can not only enjoy stunning sound quality, but also create the most immersive entertainment experience.

#5 - The DTS HD

DTS is known for enhancing the clarity of bass, virtual surround sound, and the voice itself. This zero-compressed audio decoding format has created a rich acoustic field that replicates the sound of live studio recording. It is encoded at a higher bit rate and is therefore considered by some experts to be of higher quality. Others, however, argue that Dolby Digital is more advanced and produces better sound quality at a lower bit rate. Either way, having this kind of system in a TV is the icing on the cake for audio quality because you'll get hi-fi sound quality with high clarity.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution is an invisible but present danger. It includes any unwanted or disturbing sound that affects the health and well-being of living beings in the vicinity.

Sound is measured in decibels. There are many sounds in the environment, from the rustling of leaves (20 to 30 decibels) to a thunderclap (120 decibels). Sounds that reach 85 decibels or more can damage the ears.

Noise pollution affects millions of people every day. The most common health problem it causes is noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Exposure to loud noise can also cause high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep disorders and stress. These health problems related to noise pollution can affect all age groups, especially children.

So pay attention to the audio quality and volume of your electronic devices because the possible effects of prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds over 85 decibels and poor quality sounds can in summary include:

  • Inflammation of the brain
  • Loud noise-induced hearing loss
  • Poor mood
  • Weakening of the immune system
  • Severe lack of concentration
  • Insomnia
  • Fertility problems

TV with the best sound or sound bar?

TV with the best sound

The advantage of today's TVs is that they are at the cutting edge of technology to offer the user unparalleled viewing comfort. Thanks to the various ultra-sophisticated sound technologies(Dolby Atmos, DTS, etc.) that these devices are equipped with, they are able to take your home theater experience to a higher level.

Apart from that, the ultra slim and sleek design of today's TVs allows them to save space. They don't have room for a sound bar either. Manufacturers have made a great effort to equip their sets with a built-in sound bar. This means you don't have to buy a sound bar to enjoy the most immersive viewing experience.

Sound bar

The space-saving sound bar allows you to enjoy excellent sound quality without having to sacrifice space. It's also very easy to install because there are fewer components to interconnect for the device to work. In addition, the sound bar is a more economical choice than a TV with the best sound. For a little over a hundred euros, you can get a cheap but quality sound bar without matching the sound effects offered by a good home theater.

Of course, the quality of the sound effects does not match that of a good home theater. The widest models, up to 1.20 m, struggle to reproduce a stereo effect worthy of a 5.1 system. And the surround effects, obtained by reflection of the sounds on the walls, seem very random, even non-existent, on certain models.

Verdict

In the end, the choice between a sound bar and a TV with the best sound will depend mainly on your budget. In any case, if you are not in a hurry, it is better to wait a little and save money in order to be able to afford a good TV with better sound instead of buying a TV and later a sound bar.

Why buy a TV with the best sound?

1- So that you can concentrate and enjoy your TV shows

With a TV that has the best sound, the dialogue is clear, the sound effects can be chosen according to your taste and the music is appropriate. High quality sound does not distract you from the content of the program, it welcomes you and allows you to listen, learn or be entertained.

2- For a new musical experience

You may be reluctant to spend a lot of money on a TV with the best sound, but there is a noticeable difference in sound quality with high-end equipment. With high-performance sound, your music becomes much richer and more realistic. High-performance audio systems do a much better job of recreating the notes taken whenever sound was recorded. When it comes to music, you get distinct bass notes instead of a muddy rumble, crisp, clear high notes that won't make your teeth chatter, and much more distinguishable mid-range tones. No matter how many times you've listened to your favorite song or album, it'll be like hearing it again for the first time with high-performance sound.

3- For better movie soundtracks

All the benefits of high-performance sound for music also apply to your favorite movies or TV shows. Better quality surround sound equipment will transform the way you hear what's happening on screen. Voices, nature sounds, ambient noise, explosions, gunshots and the roar of a dragon in fantasy movies will all sound more realistic. And with surround sound, you can even feel the urge to "dodge" the blow when the dragon flies over your head.

4- For more high-quality streaming choices

Since many high-performance audio systems come with or can be connected to music streaming services, these systems are a great way to expand your music library. Once your system is set up, open your streaming service and enjoy almost any song or movie you can think of. Plus, a hi-fi streaming service like Tidal or Quboz also gives you access to thousands of songs of extremely high quality.

5- For a more robust whole-house audio system

It may not be possible to place high-end speakers in every room of your home, but high-performance TV systems can really improve audio quality and make a difference. With a TV that sounds the best, you'll get a clearer signal to other devices in your home. It may not make much difference, depending on the equipment in the rest of your home, but you'll know that you're at least getting the most reliable source signal.

The best brands of TV with the best sound

In our opinion, the best brands of TV with the best sound in 2022 are :

LG
Samsung
Sony
TCL
Philips

LG Electronics is a core company of the South Korean conglomerate group LG, alongside LG Chem, founded in 1958. LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in nearly every country and an international workforce of more than 75,000. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from televisions, home appliances, air solutions, mobile devices, monitors, service robots, automotive components and its premium brands LG SIGNATURE and smart LG ThinQ are household names around the world.

Samsung, a South Korean company that is one of the world's largest producers of electronic devices. Samsung specializes in producing a wide variety of consumer and industrial electronics, including home appliances, digital media devices, semiconductors, memory chips and embedded systems. Arguably, currently, it has become one of the most recognizable names in technology.

Sony Corporation is one of the most recognizable names in consumer electronics. Since its founding shortly after World War II, Sony has released a series of groundbreaking products, including the transistor radio, the Trinitron television, the Betamax VCR, the CD player, the Walkman portable cassette player, and the PlayStation game console. Sony is ranked among the best in sound enhancement in all of their designs.

TCL is a fast-growing consumer electronics company and a leading player in the global television industry. Founded in 1981, it now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. TCL is one of the top specialists in the development and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio products and smart home.

Philips - Founded in 1891 by Gerard and Frederik Philips, the Dutch brand specializes in the production of home appliances, electronic personal care items, and primarily audio-visual equipment. With more than a century of experience, Philips is a reference brand.

What is the price TV with the best sound

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
800 £ to 1200 £
Mid-range
1200 £ to 1700 £
High-end
more than 1700 £
Price range diagram

Tips

The best solution to improve TV sound quality

The best way to improve the sound of your TV is to connect your set to external speakers that will always sound better than your TV's built-in speakers. You can use a sound bar, stereo hi-fi amplifier, or AV receiver if you want surround sound.

Change your audio settings at night

Most TV brands will offer some form of volume compression. This can be called auto volume or auto gain control. The idea is to achieve compression of the sound so that there is less dynamic range between the loud bits and the soft bits. This can be especially useful if you're watching TV at night to avoid the nighttime racket caused by a good action movie.

Improve dialogue and voices

To increase the volume of dialogue, try selecting speech enhancement modes such as News or even Clear Voice. While you're at it, turn off special "enhancements" like Dolby Surround, Virtual Surround, or 360 sound. This should bring the dialogue more to the forefront instead of the sound effects.

Connect your TV to a surround sound system

If you really want the best sound experience in your room, you can install a surround sound system that is sure to blow you away. You can use an all-in-one home theater system, which includes the amplifier and speakers in a complete package. Or you can install an AV receiver (which is the amplifier) and a separate set of surround speakers. Using separate components will usually give you the best sound quality. And will also allow you to upgrade individual parts of your system in the future.

Improve muffled sound problem

If you find that the sound from your TV seems a bit muffled and hard to hear, you can try reducing the bass settings and increasing the treble. You can also change the sound as you like using the equalizer, but be aware that you'll still be limited by the overall quality of your TV's speakers.

FAQ

What is HDR?

HDR or High Dynamic Range is a technology integrated in the vast majority of 4K TVs, especially those of major brands. HDR guarantees you the most enjoyable viewing moments. HDR provides a wider range of brightness levels from black to maximum white to allow you to better discern details in the darker and near white parts of the images. Note that many manufacturers put the label on their products without actually offering true HDR quality.

How to avoid paying the TV fee?

To qualify for a TV tax exemption, you must be exempt from council tax and also have a reference tax liability of 0. Can also enjoy an exemption:

  • Students under 25 years of age,
  • any disabled child who has his or her own home and is attached to his or her parents' tax household,
  • as well as those under 21 years of age who pay a property tax.

How can I improve the sound of my TV for the hearing impaired?

Ifyou can change the sound mode, put your TVon the "news", "voice" or "speech" mode. Then turn down the bass and turn up the treble. It's best to turn off audio enhancements like Dolby surround sound. This will help people with hearing loss hear the sound from the TV better and improve its clarity.

Can a sound bar further improve the sound quality of a TV?

A sound bar works exactly like an external speaker. That means it can deliver louder, more robust sound than a TV's built-in speakers. Soundbars also improve sound quality and can play streams through multiple speaker channels. Be aware, however, that most of the best sounding TVs have a built-in sound bar that makes them versatile. Therefore, they will no longer need a sound bar.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information. See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
LG 48C1 11
LG 48C1
Philips 55OLED805 12
Philips 55OLED805
SAMSUNG 65QN90AATXXC 13
SAMSUNG 65QN90AATXXC
Sony Bravia XR-55A80J 14
Sony Bravia XR-55A80J
TCL 65C825 Mini Led QLED Android TV 2021 15
TCL 65C825 Mini Led QLED Android TV 2021

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