If you want your living room to feel like a home theater, screen size matters a lot, and the best 85-inch TVs deliver a scale that smaller sets just can’t match. Movies look more cinematic and video games feel more immersive. This size is also perfect for watch parties during sports events, like the World Cup. The only downside? Once you jump to this size, prices rise quickly. That’s why choosing the right model really matters. You want that wow factor without paying more than you need to.
To make the decision easier, I’ve rounded up the best 83- and 85-inch TVs you can buy right now. I’ve spent more than a decade reviewing home theater gear, and my team and I test TVs year-round for picture quality, smart features, and overall value. Based on our findings, the TCL QM8K hits the sweet spot for most people. It’s a bright QLED that offers great contrast and rich, vibrant colors at a highly competitive price. But if you’re trying to keep your budget closer to $1,000, the TCL QM6K is worth a look. Though it’s dimmer than the QM8K, it delivers excellent performance for the money.
One quick thing to keep in mind about sizing: most LED and QLED models come in 85- or 86-inch sizes, while OLED TVs are typically offered in 83-inch sizes. That’s why this guide to the best 85-inch TVs also includes a few 83-inch OLED picks.
Best overall: TCL QM8K 4K QLED TV – See at Amazon
Best on a budget: TCL QM6K QLED 4K TV – See at Amazon
Best midrange OLED: LG C5 4K OLED TV – See at Amazon
Best high-end Mini LED: TCL X11L 4K SQD TV – See at Amazon
Best premium OLED: LG G5 4K OLED TV – See at Amazon
The QM8K is a fantastic QLED TV, especially for people who want a bright display. The panel also has good contrast control with minimal halos.
Specifics
The TCL QM8K QLED is the best 85-inch TV for most people. I previously recommended the step-down QM7K in this spot, but recent price drops have made this higher-end model a better value. It often sells for around $1,800, which is a fantastic price for a big-screen QLED with these specs.
The QM8K uses a Mini LED backlight with local dimming, which helps it to deliver great contrast control and high brightness. Our reviewer measured peak brightness at around 3,648 nits on a 10% HDR window, which is more than enough to make HDR highlights really shine. This level of brightness also gives users plenty of headroom to boost luminance and help overcome glare.
Black levels are also excellent with very little blooming (halos around bright objects). But while fantastic for a QLED TV, just keep in mind that black levels don’t always completely disappear in a dark room the way they would on an OLED.
Viewing angles are also quite good for a TV of this type. Colors and contrast still distort a bit off-center, but not to the point where the image looks distractingly washed out. On the software side, Google TV runs smoothly with Gemini AI voice control, and our reviewer didn’t encounter any major glitches.
Gamers get plenty of perks, too. A pop-up game menu shows key video and performance settings, and the TV supports up to 144Hz with a PC or up to 120Hz with a PS5 or Xbox Series X. The QM8K’s design is also worth calling out thanks to its ZeroBorder panel which features a very thin black border so more of the screen is used for the actual display.
Though there are better-looking 85-inch TVs out there, the price increase to reach that next tier is significant. For what you pay, few large-screen models can match the QM8K’s balance of brightness, features, and overall picture quality. TCL also has a newer 2026 QM8 model, called the QM8L, which delivers a wider color range. But I still give an edge to the cheaper QM8K in overall value.
Read our TCL QM8K TV review and TCL QM8L TV review.
Check out our guides to the best TCL TVs and best smart TVs.
The QM6K is TCL’s entry-level Mini LED TV model. It offers some of the best image quality you can get on a set this cheap. This 85-inch model also features a matte screen to reduce reflections.
Specifics
The best 85-inch TVs don’t come cheap. Even entry-level models rarely dip below $700, and those sets make key sacrifices to keep costs down. However, TCL’s QM6K is a bit of an outlier. The 85-inch size is often available for around $1,000 and features advanced capabilities that most budget-friendly sets lack.
Like the pricier QM8K, the QM6K utilizes a QLED panel with a Mini LED backlight and supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. This gives the TV a wider color range, higher contrast, a brighter picture, and smoother gaming performance than regular LED sets that lack these features. The TV’s contrast control is great for a display in this class, and its black levels are solid.
However, dark scenes aren’t quite as inky as they are on OLED TVs or pricier QLED models, and this is the dimmest TV in this guide. I measured a peak of around 560-730 nits across various test patterns. Those are decent numbers for the money, but bright HDR content lacks the impact I’ve seen on TVs with higher luminance. Like most QLED displays, the QM6K’s viewing angles are limited, though slightly better than those of older TCL models like the Q65.
The TV’s Google TV interface is a breeze to use, and I didn’t run into any major lag or glitches. The included Google Assistant voice remote even has backlit keys, a nice perk that Samsung and LG remotes lack.
Though performance between all QM6K sizes is comparable in most areas, the 85- and 98-inch models have one notable feature that smaller sizes lack. The 85-inch QM6K features a matte screen coating that reduces reflections. This is great if you plan to use the TV in a room that struggles with sunlight. However, matte screens tend to reduce contrast under certain lighting conditions, so if you don’t have glare in your room, you might prefer a traditional glossy-style TV.
Read our TCL QM6K TV review.
Visit our guides to all of the best TVs and best budget TVs.
The 83-inch C5 is a standout midrange OLED TV in this size. It offers an infinite contrast ratio and inky black levels while providing a modest boost in brightness compared to the older C4 model.
Specifics
The 83-inch LG C5 OLED isn’t as budget-friendly as many competing QLED TVs in this size range, but it delivers a clear step up in overall picture quality.
Thanks to its self-emissive OLED panel, the C5 can control brightness and contrast at the pixel level, producing perfect black levels, excellent shadow detail, and ultra-wide viewing angles that no QLED can match. These traits make it especially impressive for movie nights or home theater setups in darker rooms.
That said, I still give TCL’s QM8K QLED an edge in overall value at this screen size, as OLED pricing jumps dramatically once you reach 83 inches. However, if you’re willing to spend the money, the C5’s infinite contrast ratio makes it a superior TV for cinematic viewing. In a dark environment, its black levels and contrast performance far exceed those of any midrange QLED.
On the downside, the C5’s brightness can’t quite match that of a midrange or high-end QLED. For a brighter 83-inch OLED, you’d have to spend up on LG’s high-end G5 or the brand-new 2026 C6H, which both use a more advanced screen with brightness-boosting capabilities.
Even so, the C5 is plenty bright for typical use. While testing the 65-inch model, our reviewer measured a peak of roughly 1,175 nits — a good number for an OLED of this class — and the 83-inch version should perform similarly. While it won’t cut through glare quite as effectively as brighter QLEDs or the G5, HDR movies still look fantastic, with deep contrast and rich color.
LG’s webOS smart TV platform works well enough, and I appreciate that you can disable banner ads on the homepage. That said, I don’t love how prominently shopping recommendations appear on the page. LG’s Magic Remote offers a choice between standard click-button controls and motion controls. The latest remote also has a more streamlined, compact, and comfortable design compared to previous models. However, I wish LG hadn’t removed the dedicated input and mute buttons.
Read our LG C5 4K TV review.
Visit our guide to the best LG TVs.
The X11L is TCL’s flagship premium TV for 2026 and the first to use its SQD (Super QLED) tech. Brightness, color, and contrast performance are all among the best on the market, resulting in the most impressive QLED ever made.
Specifics
The TCL X11L is the most impressive Mini LED TV ever made. It’s the ultimate high-end 85-inch display for buyers who crave industry-leading brightness and color. This is TCL’s premium TV model for 2026, and it’s the brand’s first to use SQD (Super Quantum Dot) tech. SQD might initially sound like marketing nonsense, but after testing the TV, it’s clear there’s real substance behind the technology.
Like TCL’s other top TVs, the X11L uses a Mini LED backlight. But this model takes things further by using larger super quantum dots and an improved color filter. In practice, these tweaks deliver a noticeable performance boost over other QLEDs. While testing the 85-inch model, I measured around 2,600 nits of brightness using a 10% pattern in default Filmmaker Mode. With all the TVs’ brightness-boosting adjustments maxed out, it hit temporary bursts of up to 9,300 nits, which is the highest I’ve ever recorded.
This level of brightness translates to dazzling highlights, strong daytime viewing, and the kind of HDR punch that makes movies and games look especially vivid on such a large screen. Color is another major strength. The TV offers one of the widest color ranges available on a consumer display, helping it stand out from conventional QLEDs like the QM8K and QM6K.
Just as important, its local dimming is the best I’ve seen on a Mini LED TV. Black levels often disappear in a dark room, and blooming around bright objects is virtually nonexistent. The TV’s contrast control still can’t fully match an OLED’s pixel-level precision, but it’s closer than any other QLED.
Beyond picture performance, the X11L’s design is fitting for a true flagship set. It has a sleek, attractive build with a thin bezel. Its Google TV smart interface is also intuitive and easy to navigate, with helpful Gemini AI support.
On the downside, viewing angles remain narrower than what you’d get from an OLED. And the TV’s biggest drawback is defintely it’s price. At launch, the 85-inch X11L costs $7,999, which is even more than high-end OLED TVs cost. Still, if you have the cash and want a premium Mini LED with elite brightness and color capabilities, the X11L is basically unmatched.
Read our TCL X11L 4K TV review.
The G5 is the most impressive 83-inch OLED available. This high-end display delivers the brightest OLED image we’ve seen, enabling gorgeous HDR with stunning contrast.
Specifics
LG’s 83-inch G5 is the ultimate high-end OLED TV. Part of what makes the G5 so impressive for an OLED is its high brightness.
While testing the 65-inch model using the TV’s HDR Filmmaker Mode (its most accurate setting), I measured a peak of 2,410 nits. The 83-inch model should deliver the same performance. LG’s older G4 maxed out at 1,550 nits, so this model offers a substantial upgrade. That still can’t match what top-tier QLEDs, like the X11L, can hit, but it’s exceptional for a TV of this type.
This high brightness, combined with the OLED panel’s infinite contrast ratio and perfect black levels, produces stunning HDR images without the blooming or backlight imperfections typically found on QLED TVs. The G5 also features wide viewing angles, providing a great image from virtually any seating position.
But as impressive as the G5 is, it’s not quite perfect. The TV initially experienced posterization (blocky, rather than smooth, gradations of color and shadows) in some isolated HDR content, but LG released firmware updates to address it. With that in mind, I don’t consider this a major problem.
LG’s webOS smart TV interface rounds out the package with solid navigation speed, access to every major streaming app, and nice perks like hands-free voice control. However, the interface emphasizes shopping recommendations too prominently, and I find other systems, like Google TV, to be more stable and consistent.
Buyers should also note that the G5 is designed for wall mounting, to the point that it doesn’t even include a traditional TV stand. Instead, you get a bracket that lets you mount it flush to your wall with virtually no gap. It looks beautiful hung this way, but you need to buy a stand separately if wall mounting isn’t an option for your room.
This set is expensive, but if budget isn’t a concern, the LG G5 is easily one of the best premium TVs available. That said, it’s worth noting that a new version of this TV, the G6, is now available. It has better reflection handling and uses an updated chip to help minimize banding. Those improvements will cost you, though, as the G6 is currently $1,500 more than the G5. The G6 is a better TV, but for now, I think most people are better off grabbing the cheaper G5.
Read our LG G5 4K TV review.
Visit our guides to the best TVs for picture quality and the best gaming TVs.
To select the best 85-inch TVs, our team of experts relies on hands-on testing informed by over a decade of experience covering the home entertainment product market.
When reviewing TVs, we typically evaluate each model’s 65-inch option since that’s the industry’s flagship size. However, a specific model’s overall performance often remains comparable across sizes 55 inches and up. For example, the 83-inch and 65-inch LG G5 OLED models have identical specifications. The only notable difference is the size of each panel.
However, QLED TV models with local dimming, like the TCL QM8K and QM6K, use fewer dimming zones on smaller models. This can lead to some variances in contrast performance across sizes, but not to the point that it would alter our overall takeaway. We take all differences into account when recommending TVs and detail these instances as they arise.
To evaluate displays, we examine key picture-quality elements, including color performance, clarity/sharpness, contrast control, HDR brightness, refresh rate, smart-TV interface speed, off-angle viewing, and overall value. We use a colorimeter and test patterns on the Spears & Munsil HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to check brightness and other objective image attributes.
We also use each TV we test for day-to-day viewing over multiple weeks, relying on various movies and TV shows to assess real-world performance in both bright and dark rooms. We’ve selected specific scenes to compare the quality of each TV, with black levels, shadow detail, HDR capabilities, and upscaling in mind. Sources include 4K, 1080p, and standard definition (SD) material from Blu-rays, streaming services, and cable TV. We also test gaming capabilities using a PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
For more information on our review process, visit our page detailing how we test tech products.
Steven Cohen, senior tech editor: I oversee tech product coverage for Business Insider’s Reviews team, and I’ve spent years putting TVs through their paces. I also studied filmmaking, so I’m a stickler for an accurate picture. I want movies and shows to look the way the director intended, with proper colors, strong contrast, and no weird motion issues. I’m also a big fan of 85-inch screens because they offer a more cinematic feel at home. My team and I use professional calibration gear and test patterns to measure things like brightness and color accuracy, but specs only tell you so much. We make sure to live with every TV for a few weeks to see how it actually holds up in everyday use. The models in this guide aced our tests and stood out for their value against similar rivals.
Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.
The best 85-inch TVs can provide a level of immersion that smaller displays can’t achieve. They’re especially suitable for larger rooms, as you can sit farther away and still enjoy a cinematic experience. Although there are fewer 85-inch models than smaller screen sizes, several of our picks for the best 4K TVs are available in sizes ranging from 83 to 85 inches.
However, many rooms simply can’t accommodate a TV this big, and 85-inch sets are typically pricey. If you need a smaller display, check out our guides focused on other sizes:
And if you want an even larger display, check out our guide to the best 100-inch TVs.
Differences in panel manufacturing processes across brands and screen types result in slight variations in screen size options, depending on the TV you buy. OLED TVs are only produced in 83 inches, while some LED/LCD panels may be produced in 86 inches instead of exactly 85 inches. In practice, the difference of an inch or two is subtle, so you’re still getting an extra-large, theater-like experience.
New 2026 85- and 83-inch TVs were announced at CES in Las Vegas. Some LG, Hisense, TCL, and Samsung models are now rolling out to stores. You can learn more about new TV models in our CES 2026 TV roundup, LG 2026 OLED TV breakdown, and Samsung 2026 OLED TV breakdown.
We’ll review new TVs for consideration in this guide once they’re available. That said, shoppers should keep in mind that 2025 TV models will remain in stock for much of the year. And since 2026 models are more expensive, 2025 85-inch TVs remain a better value in most cases.
Generally, you should expect to pay at least $900 to snag one of the best 85-inch TVs, though high-end models can cost $5,000 or more.
We’ve seen cheap entry-level 85-inch LED TVs on sale for as low as $600, but budget QLED models typically start at around $900. Midrange options with local dimming and higher brightness capabilities sell for around $1,200 to $1,800. High-end 85-inch QLED 4K TVs with the best performance typically cost around $2,000 to $4,000, while 8K models can range from $4,000 to $7,000.
If you want one of the best OLED TVs in this class, 83-inch options start at around $2,000, while high-end OLEDs this big can cost as much as $6,500.
Unfortunately, 85-inch TVs under $500 are virtually nonexistent unless there’s a particularly great deal during a big sales event.
If you’re looking for a more affordable set and are willing to compromise on size, check out our guide to the best TVs under $500 for our top recommendations.
It depends on your room and budget. OLED delivers perfect black levels and superior contrast, which look incredible in dark rooms. However, OLED options at this size are limited and expensive. QLED TVs are more common at 85 inches, typically get brighter, and cost significantly less, making them a better fit for bright living rooms and for shoppers focused on value.
You can learn more in our QLED vs. OLED comparison.
Yes, wall-mounting an 85-inch TV is generally safe and practical, as long as you use a high-quality mount rated for the TV’s weight and secure it to wall studs. You can find top recommendations in our guide to the best TV wall mounts.
Because these TVs are large and heavy, it’s important to have at least one extra person (or a professional installer) help with the mounting. Wall-mounting can free up floor space and looks great, but make sure you have enough clearance and a plan for cable management before committing.
No major brands currently sell 80-inch TV models. The closest options are 75-, 77-, 83-, 85-, and 86-inch TVs.
Generally, 4K resolution is enough to deliver a sharp, detailed image on an 85-inch TV. That said, the higher pixel density of an 8K display can slightly improve picture clarity if you sit very close to your TV.
Improvements in pixel smoothness on an 85-inch 8K display should be most noticeable when you sit less than five feet from it. However, for typical viewers, this subtle benefit is not worth the additional cost of an 8K TV.
However, if you’re determined to buy an 85-inch 8K TV, Samsung’s QN990F QLED is our top recommendation. The QN990F impressed us with its bright, high-contrast image. But we still think cheaper 83-inch 4K OLEDs, like the LG C5, deliver better overall picture performance.
Though there are exceptions, even the best 85-inch TVs tend to offer middling audio performance. Built-in TV speakers typically use small drivers placed in areas that can cause a muffled sound. They can get the job done for casual viewing, but we recommend that shoppers invest in a dedicated speaker system or a soundbar for the best audio performance. We especially like models that support Dolby Atmos, as this format can deliver an immersive surround-sound experience.
Check out our various soundbar and speaker guides to see our top recommendations for different needs:
Many midrange and high-end 85-inch TVs include at least one HDMI 2.1 port. HDMI 2.1 supports a 4K/120Hz signal (some brands support up to 165Hz), along with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). These features are designed for gaming enthusiasts, enabling smoother motion with reduced lag when paired with a compatible gaming console or PC.
To enable HDMI 2.1 features, all your home entertainment products need to support HDMI 2.1. Therefore, if you have a console connected to a soundbar plugged into your display, all three components must be HDMI 2.1 compliant. Likewise, you need to connect them all with an ultra-high-speed HDMI cable rated for 48Gbps. Visit our guide to the best HDMI cables for our top recommendations.
All of our best 85-inch TV picks support HDMI 2.1.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
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