2023 Gift Guide: TVs & Monitors
Look, TV deals are always FLOODED on Black Friday and the rest of the holiday season. Generally, we recommend waiting until January & February just before the Super Bowl as the flagship TV models are at their cheapest (and coming off CES with new model launches around the corner). Black Friday TVs tend to be specific models that cut some corners to get those dirt cheap deals. That’s not to say you can’t get a solid deal on a quality TV, but keep that in mind if you’re looking for an OLED with HDR & HDMI 2.1 for the true high refresh rates.
Otherwise, if the cheapest TV possible is what you’re looking for, Amazon has TVs as low as $79 and steep discounts on OLEDs.
As far as monitors go, it’ll all depend on the use case, gaming, general use, or production (video, photo, graphic design).
$500 & Under
Hisense U7 QLED 55” 4K
This (along with the TCL Series 6 below) is one of the best TVs under $500. Mini-LED brings near OLED black levels for tight cinematic viewing experiences, with the added benefit of more brightness. HDMI 2.1 ports for the gamers (with native 144hz variable refresh) and Dolby Vision for good movie & tv content. Best overall for sports & gaming.
TCL 6-Series Mini-LED 55” 4K
Save a little bit of cash (perhaps for a sound bar) but keep mini-LED. Performance is very very similar to the Hisense but the TCL consistently gets slightly better reviews for movies & tv viewing if that’s more your jam. No HDMI 2.1, however, so gamers are likely going to want to spend that extra $80 for the hisense, although this does run at a native 120hz refresh.
OLED ($1000+)
LG C3 OLED 4K
OLED prices have not come down in price this season like they did last year, but this C3 is still perhaps the best overall TV deal in terms of flagship OLED, performance, & price. 4x HDMI 2.1, OLED is still best overall for movies & tv (even though mini-LED is catching up fast).
Monitors
ASUS ProArt 27” 4K - a $400 HDR monitor specifically for creatives on a budget. Good color accuracy, although the HDR400 is bare bones.
$390 Amazon $390 Newegg
Samsung 28” Viewfinity 4K - no frills 4k monitor if you just need something for your home office
$200 Amazon
Acer Nitro 27” HD 180hz - for the competitive gamers, this 1080p IPS monitor with freesync and 180hz is a solid deal
$130 Amazon $150 Newgg (VA)
