Be it pairing your new 8K TV to a powerful PC, laptop, projector, or simply a console, buying an HDMI cable that supports 8K is a must. This is simply because you can’t get the best out of your new TV without pairing it with a good cable. So here are the best 8K HDMI cables you can buy for your fancy new TV.
While 4K TVs remain the most popular option for most buyers, 8K TVs are slowly growing in prominence. 8K content remains scarce, but it only appears to be a matter of time before this changes for the good. So check out this list of the best 8K smart TVs to make your next purchase future-proof.
Along with cramming in an insane amount of pixels, 8K TVs also offer big panels and access to the latest smart TV technologies. And if you’re a gamer, you’re in for a treat as the current crop of 8K TVs also brings with them the most sought-after gaming-first technologies.
These make them perfect companions for not just watching movies and shows, but also playing the latest games like Forza Horizon 5, Horizon Forbidden West, and more. And yes, these 8K smart TVs are compatible with consoles, including the PS5 and Xbox Series X and PCs.
But before we get to the list of best 8K smart TVs, we’d recommend checking out these posts as well.
- Here are the coolest 4K 55-inch smart TVs you can buy this year
- Start future-ready gaming with these 8K TVs for gaming
- Here are some affordable soundbars with Dolby Atmos that you can buy
1. TCL 6-Series 8K TV
- Panel type: Mini-LED
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ
- Operating system: Roku TV
- HDMI inputs: 4 (4x HDMI 2.1)
- Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM
TCL 6 Series R648 TV is an exceptional 8K TV for the price. Certified by the 8K Association, this TV offers some really impressive audio-visual experiences. Much of it is because it manages to cram in 33 million pixels within the mini-led panel. We also get access to TCL’s AiPQ engine which intelligently enhances visuals on the fly.
The mini-led backlighting of the panel helps the TV get plenty bright, with Digital Trends finding the number for this to be around 1,500 nits in their tests. This makes the TCL 6 Series 8K TV a great option for well-lit rooms.
While the TV does do great in producing bright, crisp, and clear visuals generally, its dark scene performance isn’t the best in class. However, the TV does offer decent contrast thanks to 240 localized lighting zones on the panel. These help images pop by distinguishing between bright and dark objects in a scene.
Overall, for watching movies and shows, this TV does a good job as it reproduces well-saturated colors, creates bright highlights, and adds depth to the whole experience through well-handled shadow details.
It’s also good for gaming, as it comes with a number of gaming-first features including 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and FreeSync Premium Pro. And with low response time, it’ll make for a good option to pair with your PS5 or Xbox Series X console on the cheap.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
2. Samsung QN800B Neo QLED 8K TV
- Panel type: Mini-LED
- HDR formats supported: HDR10+, HDR10, HLG,
- Operating system: Tizen OS
- HDMI inputs: 4 (4x HDMI 2.1)
- Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM
The Samsung QN800B is a device that promises exceptional 8K performance. This is thanks to Samsung’s image processing engine working in tandem with a very good mini LED-backlit panel. While there’s no Dolby Vision, the TV does offer really good HDR performance.
It is also great at handling super-bright scenes thanks to its 2,000 nits rated screen. Highlights are also handled well, along with colors that are punchy and accurate. Despite being a mini-LED TV, the contrast in scenes is very good and of course, upscaling of content is flagship-grade.
Another important thing to note is that the TV offers good upscaling of content. This is thanks to the Neo Quantum Processor 8K engine which upscales low-resolution content really well. For gaming, you get a panel that’s super responsive and also brings next-gen gaming features with it.
The audio, the QN800B is a good choice if you’re not planning on getting a sound system to pair with the TV. This is because the device comes with a 4.2.2 channel speaker system with a delivery of 70 watts. There’s also Dolby Atmos certification for an immersive sound experience.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
3. LG QNED99 8K TV
- Panel type: Mini-LED
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Operating system: WebOS
- HDMI inputs: 4 (4x HDMI 2.1)
- Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM
LG QNED99 8K TV
The LG QNED99 8K TV is a very good option if you’re asking is brilliant picture quality, good color accuracy, and stellar performance in both scenes with bright highlights, shadows, and plenty of darks. Thanks to its super mini-LED backlit panel, the TV offers very good contrast ratios and peak brightness.
Paired with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, this TV is a powerhouse for home cinema viewing and can also bring to life the latest TV shows that are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. Folks at RTINGS also claim that this TV has good reflection handling and good viewing angles as well.
LG has also made sure there’s enough in the TV for gamers, including up to 120Hz fast refresh rate, ALLM, good response rates, and HDMI 2.1 support on all four ports. And paired with the Game Mode baked into the OS, the LG QNED99 8K TV can offer some really good gaming experiences.
This TV high-end 8K TV from LG is available in multiple sizes, with the smallest size coming in at 65 inches. This model is also priced aggressively. So if you’re looking for a big-screen TV for watching movies, shows, and playing games, then this could be a good bet.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
4. Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900C
- Panel type: Mini-LED
- HDR formats supported: HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
- Operating system: Tizen OS
- HDMI inputs: 4 (4x HDMI 2.1)
- Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM
While this isn’t the most affordable TV on the list, it is definitely amongst the best ones. The Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900C promises great picture quality and even better upscaling of content. That is, of course, if you’re not playing native 8K content on it, which truly looks stunning on the TV.
From its high color accuracy to bright highlights, shadow details, and dark scene performance, everything about the picture performance of the TV is just on point. Yes, there are TVs out there that do better in some metrics. Especially OLEDs, but the Neo QLED 8K QN900C does more than enough to rival their performance.
However, where the TV shines and shines brighter than even more expensive TVs is in the gaming department. While it can’t do 8K/120Hz, it offers support for variable refresh rates and auto low-latency mode along with some cool features like FreeSync Premium.
Plus there’s support for a 120Hz refresh rate (and 144Hz if you’re connecting the TV to a PC). There’s also a dedicated Game Mode which adds a number of gaming-first features to the TV. All these combined, come together to make this one of the best 8K smart TVs out there, and an even better 8K gaming TV.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
5. Sony Z9K 8K Mini LED TV
- Panel type: Mini-LED
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Operating system: Google TV
- HDMI inputs: 4 (4x HDMI 2.1)
- Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM
The Bravia Z9K is arguably the best 8K TV from Sony at the moment. It comes packing the best tech and features that Sony offers. While it doesn’t use an OLED panel, it uses the next best thing, a mini LED backlight display.
The panel uses Sony’s XR Backlight Master Drive algorithm which can dynamically handle thousands of LEDs. Along with this, it also brings Sony’s all-new Contrast Booster 20 dynamic range enhancement system.
These help the TV produce a high dynamic range which allows it to create good contrast in challenging scenes. Thanks to this the Bravia Z9K can show deep blacks and the brightest highlights on the screen without any issues.
Using the Cognitive Processor XR, the TV can also upscale HD and 4K content to 8K. And that’s not it. We also get support for advanced gaming features, including high refresh rates up to 4K/120fps VRR, ALLM along with a Game Mode.
But arguably its biggest win over competing devices such as the Samsung Neo QLED 8K is in the audio department. This is because it comes with Acoustic Multi-Audio technology which uses the TV’s four tweeters to produce rich sound and a good sound stage.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
6. LG Z2 8K OLED TV
- Panel type: Mini-LED
- HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
- Operating system: webOS
- HDMI inputs: 4 (4x HDMI 2.1)
- Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM, Game Mode
The LG Z2 is the brand’s flagship 8K OLED TV which offers a lot to like. Striking design, very good sound quality thanks to the in-built speakers, and an extensive list of gaming-first features. But above all, picture-perfect visuals make watching movies and shows a delight on the Z2 OLED TV.
While it’s true it’s not the most affordable TV in the market and the scarce amount of 8K content on the web may not justify its price, it is still a brilliant TV to buy if you can afford it. The rich colors, deep blacks, well-defined shadow details, and super bright highlights, along with the high pixel precision of the panel, make this a great buy.
The LG Z2 uses LG’s latest, Alpha9 Gen5 8K processor for AI-based 8K upscaling, which is honestly great at its job. There’s also AI Picture Pro and AI Sound Pro. The latter works with the TV 4.2-channel sound system to create immersive home cinema.
For sound, we also get AI Acoustic Tuning and support for Dolby Atmos object-based audio. All these combined, make the LG Z2 a device with one of the best audio solutions on a smart TV.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
FAQs About 8K TVs
Yes, they are. 8K TVs bring with them some major benefits. These include more detailed pictures, improved brightness, and color accuracy depending on the panel type and picture engine. All of these combine to provide a much better viewing experience than you’d get on a 4K TV. Plus, it’s future-proof.
Honestly, this is a comparison that makes little sense. Simply because one is a resolution standard and the other a panel type. As such, the two cannot be compared directly. The two can go hand in hand, with 8K and OLED available on the same TV to make for the best combination for great cinema viewing.
Time to 8K
Despite 8K content remaining very limited in number, it won’t be a bad idea to get ahead of the curve and invest in the technology. It is future-proof and will be the next big thing in television technology. So take the plunge and decide on your next television from this list of the best 8K smart TVs. If you’re not decided yet, we’d recommend choosing between the LG QNED99 8K TV or the Samsung QN900C if you don’t want to stretch your budget too much. If money isn’t a concern, then the LG Z2 OLED TV is your best bet.
Last updated on 21 July, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
Read Next
Smart Plug vs Smart Outlet: Which Is Better for Your Smart Home
Smart home devices are no longer a thing of the future.
Top 5 Android FHD and 4K Smart TVs in India
When it comes to 4K TVs or Full HD TVs, it's safe to say they provide one of the best cinematic experiences.
4 Best 4K 55-Inch Smart TVs in 2023
Despite the influx of bigger panel TVs in the market, the 55-inch remains the most popular size.
4 Best Webcams for Smart TVs You Should Get
Over the past year or so, demand for smart TVs has grown at a rapid pace.
Otterbox Defender vs. Lifeproof Fre: Which is the Ultimate Phone Case?
Otterbox has established a name for itself over the years as the supreme brand of protective iPhone and Android cases.
5 Best Ultrawide Monitors With USB-C for Ultimate Productivity
When it comes to productivity, a dual monitor setup seems to be an ideal solution.
Lawnchair Launcher vs Nova Launcher: The Ultimate Comparison
Customizability is one of the biggest advantages of the Android platform.
How to Use iMovie on iPhone and iPad: The Ultimate Guide
An iPhone is an excellent device for content creators for multiple reasons.
DID YOU KNOW
The Fire TV Stick and the Fire TV are two different products.
