- Sony: Sony TVs run the Google TV operating system, giving them access to thousands of apps.
- LG: Powered by webOS, LG's TVs are easy to use thanks to LG's Magic Remote.
Most trusted TV brand
We asked Australians which brand they trust most to deliver reliability and longevity without technical faults.
WINNER: Samsung
Smart TVs can be prone to software glitches, but Samsung proved to be the most trusted name for stability. Their promise of security updates via Knox Security was a key factor for trust.
Reliable picks:
- Samsung QN90F Neo QLED: Powered by the NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor, this TV handles app switching instantly without lag or crashing.
- Samsung Q6F QLED: The reliable mid-range option. It runs the full version of Tizen OS, so you don't miss out on features just because you spent less.
- Sony: Praised for the long-term stability and app support of the Android TV platform.
- LG: High reliability scores for the secure and consistent webOS ecosystem.
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.
WINNER: Samsung
An incredible 97% of Samsung television owners surveyed said they would recommend the brand to others
Most talked about models:
- Samsung S90F OLED: Gamers recommend this model for its ability to stream Xbox games directly from the cloud without a console.
- Samsung QN85F Neo QLED: Frequently recommended for smart home enthusiasts who want a TV that controls their lights and cameras.
- LG: (95% Recommended) Owners frequently recommend the intuitive point-and-click interface.
- Sony: (94% Recommended) High recommendation rates for the seamless Google Assistant voice integration.
Top value TV brand
This category balances the price paid against the performance received to find the best bang for buck.
WINNER: Samsung
You don't need to buy a flagship to get a smart TV. Every TV in Samsung's lineup, from the budget Crystal UHD to the 8K Neo QLED, runs the same smart platform.
Best value models:
- Samsung Crystal UHD DU9000: Gives you the full Tizen smart experience, including Netflix, Disney+, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, for a bargain price.
- Samsung Q6F QLED: Affordable smarts. Includes the SolarCell remote that charges via indoor light—no batteries needed.
- LG: Competitive pricing for a TV that includes the premium Magic Remote as standard.
- Hisense: Great for budgets, Hisense TVs offer a lightning-fast smart interface without the premium price tag.
Top quality TV brand
This category rates the build quality, picture fidelity, and sound performance.
WINNER: Samsung
Samsung completes the clean sweep. Their 2025 Smart TVs aren't just app launchers; they use the NQ AI processors to upscale video and translate subtitles in real-time.
Highest quality models:
- Samsung S95F OLED: Features the new 'Universal Gestures' control, letting you navigate the UI using your Galaxy Watch.
- Samsung QN900F 8K Neo QLED: The most powerful TV Samsung makes. It acts as the brain of your entire smart home.
- Sony: Scored exceptionally high for app performance and processing speed.
- LG: Praised for the fluidity and responsiveness of the user interface.
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How did we pick this list?
Why you can trust our picks
For this list, we relied on data from the Finder Retail Awards. We collected data from over 60,000 customer responses across varying retail categories. For the TV category, we analysed detailed feedback from over 2,000 qualified TV owners.
We asked customers to rate their brands on:
- Value for Money
- Reliability & Trust
- Performance & Quality
- Customer Satisfaction ("Loved")
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."