Best Smart TVs in Canada

Buying a smart TV might be an overwhelming process. There are many technical terms and factors to consider. Comparing many brands and smart TV versions, sizes, and customizable features, we picked the best smart TVs to help you in your shopping experience.

Smart devices do not necessarily have to outsmart their owners, but to make their lives easier. Just like your smartphone or even a smart kitchen appliance, a smart TV was designed to become a more convenient upgrade to your ‘dumb’ version. A smart TV means it can stream shows and movies via services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video using the internet, without having to connect to an antenna.

A modern smart TV is basically a computer with its operating system, menus, content and selection of apps. Surely, it depends on the brand and version, and although different smart TVs offer variations of operating systems, most of them match when it comes to standard apps selection (which also can be customized).

Speaking of customizable experience, some smart TVs do not only allow you to stream your favourite movies, but also can adjust voice-controlled search to quickly find exactly what you want without using a remote, install such apps like Disney Plus, HBO Max, and Apple TV. Only make sure to check whether the app you would want to install is supported by the TV’s system. However, while some smart TV brands have a limited selection of apps, you can always solve that issue by using built-in Google Chromecast or Apple AirPlay.

• Best Overall Smart TV: Samsung 85″ 4K UHD Neo QLED Tizen Smart TV
• Best  Smart TV Under $500: Amazon Fire TV 55″ Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV, hands-free with Alexa
• Best Budget Smart TV: TCL 55″ 6-Series 4K UHD Dolby Vision HDR QLED Roku Smart TV
• Best 4K Smart TV: Sony BRAVIA XR A80J 65″ 4K UHD HDR OLED Smart Google TV
• Best Gaming Smart TV: LG OLED C1 Series 48” Alexa Built-in 4k Smart TV

We might brag about the convenience and advantages of a smart TV, but if you do not know what to look for exactly, it might be a challenging choice to make. After all, smart TVs, just like phones or other devices, have their differences. To make sure your purchase meets your expectations, we prepared a list of factors to consider when buying a smart TV.

Ability to turn Smart Mode off:

Indeed, we are buying a smart TV for all the features it offers, most of the time it is its ability to stream via internet connection. However, in some cases, you might want to switch back to a ‘dumb’ mode. As per Make Use Of, “there have been multiple reports of smart TVs possibly recording people’s conversations, which is pretty unnerving, to say the least.” So, if that is something important to you, make sure your smart TV has the option of turning off your television’s ACR settings.

Screen size:

It might sound obvious to double-check the space allowance for TV placement, yet people still make the mistake of buying a large device for a small room. In fact, putting a 75-inch TV screen in a small room might be damaging for your eyes. Thus, consider not only the size of the room, but also the distance between lounging furniture and a TV.

Screen resolution:

Screen resolution directly affects the quality of the image on the screen. Most TVs on the market will have a Full HD, which is usually good enough. However, the higher resolution you pick, the higher the price tag would be. For instance, a TV with 8K resolution can cost around $6,000. That is why, if you are willing to invest, and want to get the best quality for your money, yet not willing to spend more than necessary on a TV, look for a 4K resolution screen. Those usually can display a high-quality image, yet cost way less than an 8K resolution screen.

Connection ports:

You do not have to be a tech professional to know about the importance of an HDMI port which allows you to connect laptops, gaming consoles, and other devices to your TV. However, there are different types of HDMI ports: 2.0a, 2.0b, and 4.0. Most TVs would come with a standard HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 port. Thus, keep in mind that it is the 2.0 port most devices would support and check whether your smart TV has it. Another factor to consider is purchasing a high-speed HDMI cable if your smart TV has a 4k and higher screen resolution.

Besides HDMI ports look for USB connections. As much as a powerful USB connection (2.0 or 3.0) is important for laptops, as much significance they have for a smart TV. USB ports allow versatility in connecting your laptop, hard drive or charging a cellphone.

OLED/LED/LCD screen:

To compare those three screens’ types, we can say that OLED is a newer replacement for LED and LCD. It produces brighter colours, vibrancy and an overall, sharper image. OLED technology differs from a standard LED screen by using “individual organic pixels that emit light when an electric current passed through it”, says The Times of India. It directly affects black levels of the screen: those areas that are black can switch off while keeping other parts of the screen lit. While OLED screen TV might be more expensive, LCD screens tend to have a ‘washed out’ look, while LED screens often lack the quality. In the end, the price difference you pay would directly affect the quality of the image you see.

QLED (Quantum Dot):

It is a fairly new term on the market, that essentially means screens with the technology of using quantum dots that produce coloured lights. The Quantum dot layer is meant to brighten the picture. Overall, QLED is a screen that in price range and performance stands somewhere in between OLED and LED TVs.

HDR compatibility:

If you have never heard about HDR, which stands for High Dynamic Range, it is because this feature is not a crucial one to have. However, if a high-quality resolution of the TV screen matters to you, HDR is something you want to look for. The HDR feature is a technology that increases the contrast between the dark and light parts of an image. While there are a few different kinds of HDR, like HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Advanced HDR by Technicolor, and Dolby Vision, most smart TVs would support HDR10.

We created our list of best smart TVs based on a few main criteria: picture performance, feature set, design, and sound quality. While TV is a device used daily by many people, we made sure to cover such requests as budget-friendly smart TV, best smart TVs for gamers, as well as, high-end OLED smart TVs.

Our decision, as always, was based on thorough research. We analyzed customers’ reviews, experts’ opinions, and other buying guides’ suggestions. Besides, the TVs we selected for the list have at least four stars and many reviews from satisfied users.

This guide took around 15 hours of in-depth exploration of the market, and comparison of various smart TV brands, to make sure when you complete your purchase and bring the new TV back home, you would be pleased with its performance for the years to come.

What is a smart TV?

The main difference that makes a TV smart is the ability to stream videos on demand. It means you can select your shows, add favourite apps, and even browse social media. The main advantage is that with a smart TV you do not need to connect to a TV antenna. A smart TV works with an integrated internet connection, instead of you having to subscribe to cable service.

What is a 4K TV?

A 4K TV has a screen resolution with four times more pixels than a full HD version. As a result, comparing a 4K TV and an HD one, you can expect a higher clarity of the image on the screen.

Do smart TVs have cameras?

It depends on the model, some smart TVs do have a built-in camera, and some do not. To figure out whether a TV you are eyeing has a camera look at the top part of the frame. A camera will appear as something similar to what your laptop has. Besides the visual appearance of the camera, watch for such signs as facial recognition, and/or video chat options.

Can I use Disney Plus with my smart TV?

Yes, Disney Plus is compatible with smart TV devices. To connect you have to visit the App Store on the home screen, then download and install Disney Plus. If for some reason it does not work, experts suggest clearing the cash within the app, resetting the internet and then uninstall and reinstalling the app.

How do I know if I have a smart TV?

It might be that your TV is a smart device, yet until recently you had no idea. To check whether it is true, press the Home/Menu button on the remote. If you see apps logos like Netflix or YouTube, then you have a smart TV.

Can I download apps to my smart Samsung TV?

Yes, you can download apps to your smart Samsung TV. Simply go to the Home screen, select Apps and then search for whatever it is you want to install.

What is the best smart TV brands?

According to other buying guides and the list we came up with after thorough research, the best smart TV is the Samsung 85″ 4K UHD Neo QLED Tizen Smart TV. However, there are several brands out there that can easily compete with our best choice. It always depends on what exactly you are looking for in a smart TV. Among other brands on the market, besides Samsung, we could recommend LG, Sony, and TCL.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, that still has most smart TV features, then TCL could be the right choice. Meanwhile, if you do not mind spending more, as long as you are getting a high-end, OLED screen, something from LG, Sony or Samsung is a better option.

What are the smart TV advantages and disadvantages?

Smart TVs, just like any other smart devices, were created to make the life of a user easier. Thus, a smart TV has several advantages:

• It does not require a separate streaming device.
• It can be compatible with your Smart Home system.
• You can browse the internet and use apps just like on your laptop.
• With some smart TVs, you can even make video calls.

But, to name one main disadvantage would be the price tag. Smart TVs can get quite expensive, yet considering all the advantages, it is worth having one.

Is a refurbished smart TV worth it?

A refurbished device means the one that had an issue, but had been repaired. Considering that fact, even if you decide to buy a refurbished TV, after all, you can find a repaired device for a much lower price, make sure you purchase it from a reliable, trustworthy seller.

Should I get a smart TV or a Chromecast?

The main advantage of a smart TV is that it is a full package including not only movie streaming, but apps availability, and internet browsing. While Chromecast is an additional way to add to your already existing TV. It can help with streaming apps if your TV does not come with all the essentials of a standard smart TV.

What is the best movie app for smart TVs?

No doubt you can use your favourite Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus, however, one of the best free apps you can use for smart TV is Pluto TV. It is a streaming app that lets you watch hundreds of channels, TV shows, breaking news, live sports, and more.

Can I connect my phone to smart TVs?

Yes, you can connect your phone to a smart TV. Most smartphones can be plugged into a TV’s HDMI port. As soon as you connect you can display pictures, watch videos, and browse the internet.

Can I connect my laptop to smart TVs?

Yes, just like smartphones and tablets you can connect your laptop to a smart TV using an HDMI port. Another method is connecting via AirPlay.

Do smart TVs have Bluetooth?

Yes, most, especially newer models, smart TVs have Bluetooth. Even if your TV does not come with built-in Bluetooth, you can always use a Bluetooth transmitter or download the TV manufacturer’s smartphone app.