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The LG B5 is a brilliant, entry-level OLED TV with plenty to like, even though it doesn’t hit the same picture quality heights as its pricier OLED siblings

8:00 pm | August 8, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: AI, HDMI, OLED, TV | Comments: Off

LG B5 OLED TV review: Two minute review

The LG B5 is LG’s entry-level OLED TV for 2025. It doesn’t change a great deal from its predecessor, the LG B4, one of the best TVs of 2024, but still delivers the great performance and stacked feature set that you’d expect from an LG OLED TV. At $1,499.99 / £1,699 / AU$1,995 the main competition for the 55-inch model I reviewed is mid-to-premium price mini-LED TVs.

LG B5’s new features are primarily the AI ones associated with webOS 25, such as AI Search, AI Concierge and the improved AI Chatbot. Elsewhere, the B5 carries a lot of the same features as last year’s LG B4, although that is a well-stocked list.

The B5 delivers very good picture quality. Its main strength lies in its detailed textures and punchy, dynamic colors. Its rich contrast and deep black levels are what you’d expect from the best OLED TVs. Where the B5 falls short is brightness, as there has been no upgrade over the B4 in that respect. During testing, I also found its screen to be quite reflective, but its picture quality is still great overall.

With a two-channel, 20W speaker system, the B5’s built-in sound can only go so far. Using the AI Sound Pro preset results in clear sound for such a basic speaker array. Unfortunately, the bass is lacking, and its sound never really escapes beyond the screen. The B5 needs to be paired with one of the best soundbars to get a good cinematic experience.

Gaming is one area where the B5 shines. It has four HDMI 2.1 ports, which support 4K 120Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync and HGiG), ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming. It also has a measured 9.1ms input lag time, which is up there with the best gaming TVs. There is an odd quirk you may need to navigate if you’re an Xbox Series X user, which you can check in the Gaming section of this review. But other than this, the B5 is a fantastic option for gaming.

LG’s webOS 25 is one of the best iterations of its smart TV platform to date, and although it carries over a lot of what made webOS 24 great, such as Quick Menu, Quick Cards, it adds in new AI features that many should find useful. This is one of the best smart interfaces you’ll find on a TV.

Value is a difficult proposition for the B5. While the B4 is available, it’s easily the better option as the B5 doesn’t provide any major upgrades. Still, for the money, the B5 delivers a very good package with responsive gaming performance, a full suite of features and strong picture quality.

LG B5 OLED TV review: Prices & release date

LG B5 OLED TV with sunset over a city on screen — The LG B5 demonstrates strong contrast and refined detail (Image credit: Future)

Release date: July/August 2025 (UK/US)
48-inch: $899.99 / £1,299
55-inch: $1,499.99 / £1,699 / AU$1,995
65-inch: $1,999.99 / £2,499 / AU$2,695
77-inch: $2,999.99 / £3,499
83-inch: $4,499.99 / £4,499

The LG B5 is the entry-level model in LG’s 2025 OLED TV lineup, sitting below the mid-range LG C5 and the flagship LG G5 and LG M5 OLED models. The 55-inch model I tested launched at $1,499.99 / £1,699 / AU$1,995 compared to the LG C5’s 55-inch launch price of $1,999.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$3,295.

Since its release, prices for the LG B5 have fallen across the lineup in different regions. The 55-inch model is now priced at $1,499.99 / £1,399 / AU$1,995 and the 65-inch model is priced at $1,599.99 / £2,099 / AU$2,695.

LG B5 OLED TV review: Specs

Screen type:	OLED
Refresh rate:	120Hz
HDR support:	Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:	Dolby Atmos
Smart TV:	webOS 25
HDMI ports:	4x HDMI 2.1
Built-in tuner:	ATSC 1.0 (US)

LG B5 OLED TV review: Benchmark results

LG B5 OLED TV review: Features

LG B5 OLED TV ports — The LG B5's connections include four HDMI 2.1 ports (Image credit: Future)

Alpha 8 AI Processor Gen 2 and W-OLED panel
4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM and four HDMI 2.1 ports
AI picture and sound tools

The LG B5 serves as the entry-level model in LG’s 2025 OLED TV lineup. It uses a standard W-OLED panel, and for that reason, it doesn’t offer the same brightness as the LG C5, which has an OLED Evo panel, or the LG G5, which has a new Primary Tandem RGB OLED panel.

The B5 comes equipped with LG’s Alpha 8 AI Processor Gen 2, which features 4K Super Upscaling and AI Picture Pro. It also has AI Sound Pro, which features 9.1.2 surround sound upscaling. The B5 supports Dolby Vision for both movies and gaming, but there is no HDR10+ support.

A built-in two-channel speaker system totaling 20W of power is provided on the B5. Alongside common sound preset modes such as Standard, Cinema, and Sports, there is an AI Sound Pro preset that analyzes the content onscreen and adjusts the sound accordingly. There is Dolby Atmos support, but unfortunately, no DTS support, which is the case for all 2025 LG TVs.

The B5 is well-equipped for gaming. It carries four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K 120Hz, VRR (including AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-sync and HGiG), ALLM and Dolby Vision gaming. It also has a Game Optimizer mode where settings can be changed to improve picture and gaming performance, including an input delay boost.

The B5 uses LG’s webOS 25 as its smart TV platform. This supports all major streaming apps such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime Video, as well as UK-based streaming apps including BBC iPlayer and ITVX. The major new additions to webOS 25 include a number of AI-based tools such as AI Search, AI Concierge, which recommends content based on keyword searches you have used, and AI Voice ID, which recognises users and activates their saved profile with a customized home screen and content.

Features score: 5/5

LG B5 OLED TV review: Picture quality

LG B5 OLED TV with red flowers in a field on screen — The LG B5's superb color is one of its highlights (Image credit: Future)

Detailed, contrast-rich picture
Accurate colors and textures
Middling brightness levels

Starting with some brightness measurements, the LG B5 clocked in at 668 nits in Cinema mode and 637 nits in Standard mode for HDR peak brightness measured on a 10% white window. Those numbers are almost identical to its predecessor, the LG B4. Such brightness figures are to be expected from a TV with a W-OLED display panel, but they are a significant step down from the mid-range LG C5, which hit 1,180 nits and 1,198 nits on the same tests in Filmmaker and Standard modes, respectively.

For fullscreen HDR brightness, the B5 hit 131 nits in Cinema mode and 172 nits in Standard mode, measured on a 100% white pattern. Again, these are low numbers, but typical ones for a TV with a W-OLED panel.

Throughout my viewing, I found myself switching between Cinema and Filmmaker Mode, as the former was better for brighter scenes, and the latter was more accurate for darker scenes.

Starting with some upscaling tests, the B5 did a good job of upscaling textures on an HD stream of Fight Club via Disney Plus, giving pictures a sharper look while also improving contrast. With a DVD of The Amazing Spider-Man, there was some visible upscaling in action, but it didn’t quite take the picture to 4K-like detail levels.

The B5 delivers accurate and rich colors. Watching Elemental on Disney Plus with Dolby Vision Filmmaker Mode active, a scene where Ember makes a glass vase produced shimmering oranges and purples with plenty of vivid punch. In Wicked, during the Wizard & I scene, the pink flowers were vibrant, and Elphaba’s green skin and the blue details on the walls looked true-to-life with plenty of depth.

When I measured the B5’s HDR color gamut coverage, it hit 99.5% for UHDA-P3 and 74.85% for BT.2020. These are excellent results and explain why the B5’s colors appear both accurate and vibrant.

LG B5 OLED TV with gold stopwatch inner mechanisms on screen — The LG B5 delivers deep black levels as you'd expect from an OLED, but its reflective screen means darker scenes are best viewed in dim lighting conditions (Image credit: Future)

The B5’s black levels are as inky and rich as you could hope for from an OLED TV. In the opening crime scene investigation and subway fight in The Batman, the dark areas on screen looked deep and the shadow detail was superb. I did find there were minor instances of black crush in some particularly dark scenes in Filmmaker Mode, but dark scenes overall looked very good.

Contrast was also very good, with an even balance between light and dark tones. In both The Batman and Nosferatu, scenes with deep black backgrounds punctuated by bright light from torches or lamps had powerful depth. The B5’s average brightness meant the range between dark and light tones wasn’t as wide as you’d find on more premium OLEDs, but it was still impressive. And in black and white scenes from Oppenheimer, the B5 showcased a good range of gray tones between the deep shadows and bright highlights.

One thing that became obvious throughout my testing was how reflective the B5’s screen became in bright lighting conditions. Darker movies, such as The Batman and Nosferatu, were best viewed in dimmed or pitch black conditions, as they were difficult to watch with the overhead lights in our testing labs turned on.

Throughout testing, the B5 delivered realistic textures with a 3D-like level of crispness. Skin tones looked accurate, and the B5’s fine detail brought out features such as facial hair and pores.

The B5’s motion handling was accurate and smooth. In a scene from No Time To Die where James Bond walks across a hillside, the B5 handled the slow-panning camera shot with only minimal judder when Cinematic Movement was turned on in the Clarity settings. For sports, I chose Standard Mode with Natural motion turned on, as this produced the smoothest action when watching a soccer game on Prime Video while avoiding motion artefacts such as ghosting of the ball.

Picture quality score: 4.5/5

LG B5 OLED TV review: Sound quality

LG B5 OLED TV with Elphaba on screen — The LG B5's sound is average, and although AI Sound Pro mode does a good job, movies such as *Wicked* (pictured) deserve better (Image credit: Universal Pictures / Future)

Two-channel speaker system
Clear, accurate sound
Limited bass and soundstage

The LG B5 has a two-channel, 20W speaker system, and while it supports Dolby Atmos, it lacks the DTS support found on 2024 LG OLED TVs. A useful AI Sound Pro mode upmixes audio to a 9.1.2-channel configuration that adds a more immersive layer to the B5’s sound.

Another new feature for webOS 25 is AI Sound Wizard, a tool that lets you listen to pre-recorded audio clips to determine a sound profile you like, similar to the AI Picture Wizard. Although I didn’t use this tool for my testing, it may be useful for some.

While I usually choose a Cinema/Movie sound preset for my testing, I found myself using LG’s AI Sound Pro preset most often. It added width and depth to the soundstage and produced a more accurate sound and greater volume levels compared to the Cinema preset.

Watching the Batmobile chase scene from The Batman with AI Sound Pro activated, swerving cars, screeching tyres and spraying bullets were all accurately mapped, with the sounds closely connected to the action on the screen. Sadly, the rumble of the Batmobile's engine was absent as AI Sound Pro sacrifices bass, creating a more thinned-out sound. Even so, when watching Wicked, AI Sound Pro did a good job of creating a wider soundstage for the score while also delivering clear vocals.

One tough thing to ignore is that the B5’s sound doesn’t match up to its picture. I’d recommend adding a soundbar, and thanks to the B5’s WOW Orchestra feature, compatible LG soundbars can work in tandem with the B5’s speakers to create a punchier, more impactful sound.

Sound quality score: 3.5/5

LG B5 OLED TV review: Design

LG B5 OLED TV metal foot on dark surface — The LG B5 uses two metal feet instead of a central pedestal stand. (Image credit: Future)

Sturdy, lightweight design
Solid, metal feet
New AI smart remote

Even though it’s the entry-level OLED TV in LG’s lineup, the B5 has a premium design. It comes with two metal feet that feel reassuringly weighty, and when attached, the B5 is sturdy despite its light weight. It has a marble-effect on the rear panel that again gives it a premium feel.

The B5 is similar in depth to the LG C5, and although it doesn’t have the metal frame of the LG G5, it does have a visually appealing trim profile around most of the frame.

If you’re in the US, you’ll be getting a new streamlined, AI version of LG’s Magic Remote, which gets rid of some buttons in favor of a smaller, sleeker design. If you’re in the UK, the Magic Remote has a near-identical design to previous versions, but some buttons, such as source select, have been omitted in favor of the new AI button.

Design score: 4/5

LG B5 OLED TV review: Smart TV & menus

LG B5 OLED TV with webOS 25 home page on screen — webOS 25 is easily one of the best iterations of LG's smart TV platform to date (Image credit: Future)

LG webOS 25 interface
AI-based tools for content recommendation
Quick Cards and Quick Menu for easy navigation

The B5 uses LG’s webOS smart TV platform. This year’s iteration, webOS 25, adds several AI-centric features including AI Search, a tool that can be used to find specific content; AI Concierge, which uses keywords based on watch and search history to make content recommendations; and an improved version of AI Chatbot, an AI assistant that can help with any TV troubleshooting or queries.

The webOS 25 layout follows the same successful formula from webOS 24. It has Quick Cards on the home screen to house specific apps based on category, such as Game and Sports, and Quick Menu, a useful tool for making settings adjustments without having to move away from the content on screen. Navigation of menus and apps was smooth and responsive on the B5 throughout my testing.

Multiple viewers can create profiles that will have personalized layouts and even tailored comment recommendations. The new AI Voice ID feature can recognize a specific viewer, and the TV will automatically switch to the associated profile.

The B5 doesn’t have as many picture and sound settings as you’d find on some other smart TV platforms, but it now has AI Picture Wizard and AI Sound Wizards serving as useful tools to create your own personal picture and sound profiles.

Smart TV & menus score: 4.5/5

LG B5 OLED TV review: Gaming

LG B5 OLED TV with Battlefield V and game optimizer menu on screen — The LG B5 is a brilliant TV for gaming with responsive performance and handling with games such as *Battlefield V* (pictured) (Image credit: Future)

4K 120Hz, FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync
9.1ms input lag time
Four HDMI 2.1 ports

The B5 is an excellent TV for gaming and has a wide array of gaming features. It has four HDMI 2.1 ports that all support 4K 120Hz, FreeSync Premium, Nvidia G-Sync, HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming and ALLM. It also features a Game Optimizer mode where settings such as black level and input lag can be easily adjusted.

Gaming performance on the B5 is snappy and ultra-responsive. Playing Battlefield V on Xbox Series X, chaotic shootouts and battles with quick targeting were handled with ease, with the B5 delivering a judder-free experience throughout. With Boost mode activated in the Game Optimizer, I measured a low 9.1ms input lag time. With Dolby Vision picture activated, Battlefield V’s picture looked detailed with strong contrast and bold colors during a mission in an autumnal forest.

One quirk I did find during my testing was that with Dolby Vision picture, a feature that’s only relevant for certain Xbox Series X games, activated, I could not change the Input Delay in Game Optimizer. To get around this, I turned off Dolby Vision in the Xbox Series X settings, changed the Input Lag setting to Boost and then reactivated Dolby Vision. Not a dealbreaker, but something to note.

Gaming score: 5/5

LG B5 OLED TV review: Value

Image 1 of 2

LG C5 AI Magic Remote — The latest LG AI Magic Remote has a design change from previous generations. But it's only available in certain regions including the US. (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

LG C5 Magic Remote with AI button — UK users will have to settle for the original Magic Remote with a new AI button instead. (Image credit: Future)

Great features and performance for the price
Almost identical to its predecessor
Better value in the UK and Australia than in the US

The LG B5 is an odd TV to judge in terms of value. The 55-inch model I tested is available for $1,499.99 / £1,399 / AU$1,695, whereas the step-up 55-inch LG C5 is available for $1,399 / £1,599 / AU$3,295. This means if you’re in the US, it’s actually cheaper to buy the C5, though the reason the B5 is more expensive is that it was only recently released in the US and hasn’t yet seen discounts.

There is a significant price gap between the two in the UK and Australia, and while you may not get the C5’s brightness with the B5, you are getting a similar feature set.

The real elephant in the room is that the B5 is nearly identical to its B4 predecessor, with similar picture quality, including brightness levels, and similar features. While the B4 remains available, it is your best option as it’s now selling at a significantly reduced price. Once the B4 stock runs out, the B5 will be the cheapest 2025 OLED TV.

Still, the B5 carries a near-full suite of features and delivers great picture quality and gaming performance, for a competitive price. Once the B5 gets discounts, it will be a steal.

Value score: 4/5

Should I buy the LG C5 OLED TV?

LG B5 OLED TV with parrot on screen — (Image credit: Future)

LG B5 OLED
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	A fantastic list of features for smart TV and gaming	5/5
Picture quality	Great picture quality with rich contrast and colors, but just average brightness	4.5/5
Sound quality	Direct, engaging sound with AI Sound Pro but feels too narrow and bass is underwhelming	3.5/5
Design	Solid build quality with somewhat premium feel for an entry-level OLED	4/5
Smart TV and menus	webOS 25 is packed with new AI features while carrying over everything that made webOS 24 great	4.5/5
Gaming	Full suite of gaming features including 4K 120Hz support and four HDMI 2.1 ports	5/5
Value	Nearly identical to its predecessor, the B4, but still a great overall package	4/5

Buy it if...

You want brilliant picture quality
The B5 has a contrast-rich picture that delivers vibrant colors and realistic textures. It looks more premium than its entry-level status would suggest.

You want a great TV for gaming
Stocked with a near-full suite of gaming features and delivering responsive performance and great picture quality, the B5 is a top-tier gaming TV.

You want the best smart TV platform
webOS 25 is easy to navigate, user-friendly, packed with convenient features and introduces AI tools that can make your life much easier.

Don't buy it if...

You own the LG B4
The B5 is a great TV, but it carries almost no upgrades over last year's B4 other than webOS 25. If you own the B4 or can get a good deal on it, there's no point in upgrading.

You want to watch in a bright room
Due to the LG B5's middling brightness and reflective screen, it can be quite difficult to watch in a bright room, especially with darker scenes. It's best viewed in dim conditions.

You want brilliant built-in sound
The B5 does an admirable job and has a useful AI Sound Pro mode, but there's no denying that the sound doesn't match the picture. A soundbar would make a good addition.

Also Consider

	LG B5	LG B4	LG C5	Samsung QN80F
Price (55-inch)	$1,499.99 / £1,699 / AU$1,995	$1,399 / £1,399 / AU$2,199	$1,999.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$3,299	$1,299.99 / £1,399 (roughly AU$1,991)
Screen type	OLED	OLED	OLED	Mini-LED
Refresh rate	120Hz	120Hz	144Hz	144Hz
HDR support	Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG	Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG	Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG	HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Smart TV	webOS 25	webOS 24	webOS 25	Tizen
HDMI ports	4 x HDMI 2.1	4 x HDMI 2.1	4 x HDMI 2.1	4 x HDMI 2.1

LG B4
The LG B4 is the LG B5's predecessor and the two models are near-identical, with the main difference being the AI-based tools the B5 has received as part of webOS 25. While the B4 is still in stock, it's easily the better deal of the two. Read our full LG B4 review.

LG C5
The LG C5 is the mid-range OLED in LG's 2025 TV lineup. The main upgrades it has over the B5 include much higher peak brightness levels and an improved processor, as well as 4K 144Hz support for gaming. The C5 is arguably the best value OLED in LG's lineup and it's not much pricier than the B5. If you can't stretch your budget, the B5 is still a solid option. Read our full LG C5 review.

Samsung QN80F
The mid-range model in Samsung's 2025 mini-LED TV lineup, the Samsung QN80F is similarly priced to the B5. It carries a similar suite of features and delivers higher brightness, but its overall picture quality can't quite compete with the B5, as the latter offers richer contrast and more accurate colors. The QN80F may be a better option for bright rooms, however. Read our full Samsung QN80F review.

How I tested the LG B5 OLED TV

LG B5 OLED TV with colorimeter, laptop, test pattern generator and Portrait Display Calman software all connected and on display — (Image credit: Future)

Tested over a couple of weeks
Tested using SDR and HDR sources
Measurements taken using Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software

I first began testing the LG B5 with some casual viewing to determine the best picture modes, eventually settling on both Cinema and Filmmaker Mode (depending on the content).

After this, I began my subjective testing, using both Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) sources such as DVD and broadcast TV and HD streaming, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) sources such as 4K Blu-ray and 4K streaming.

With these sources, I used reference scenes to test the B5's picture for color, contrast, textures, motion and upscaling. I also used reference scenes to test the B5's sound quality.

For 4K Blu-rays and other discs, I used a Panasonic DP-UB820 4K Blu-ray player. I also used an Xbox Series X to test the B5's gaming features and performance.

LG B5 OLED TV with testing equipment attached and person testing — (Image credit: Future)

For objective testing of the B5, I used a colorimeter, test pattern generator and Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software to record measurements.

Brightness measurements were taken using both HDR and SDR white window patterns ranging in size from 1-100%, with a focus on 10% and 100% windows, for peak and fullscreen brightness, respectively. I also tested the B5's grayscale and color accuracy, taking an average of the Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what's shown on screen), looking for a result below 3.

I also tested the B5's coverage of the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces. Finally, I used a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Input lag Tester to test the B5's input lag in milliseconds.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar at that link.

First reviewed: August, 2025
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OLED is great, but the Mobile Pixels 34-inch ultrawide has taught me to respect mini-LED monitors – here is my take after two weeks

2:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: HDR, LED, OLED, TV | Comments: Off

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Three-minute review

GIF of Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

Having used an OLED ultrawide for years now, specifically the Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED (a mouthful, I know), I've been curious about a switch to mini-LED. The idea of higher brightness while gaming is intriguing, to say the least, and in came the Mobile Pixels 34-inch curved mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor.

This monitor left me impressed with its quality while gaming or watching content built for high brightness – so much so that I didn't miss using my main OLED monitor. For the first time ever, I've been able to push brightness very high in games and enjoy fascinating visuals, and most importantly, without too much exposure.

Images don't really do it much justice, as it will mostly seem too bright to view in images below. However, believe me when I say it's a treat to view in person – and it comes down to its HDR1000 VESA certification (allowing 1000 nits of peak brightness), and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio producing incredible deep black levels.

With an 180Hz refresh rate, which is higher than what you might find on some of the best ultrawide gaming monitors, I was able to enjoy my favorite games easily.

Side view of Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide monitor — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

It's important to note, though, that it's not all great. Dark level smearing (especially when reading white text against dark backgrounds) and ghosting in games are noticeable, and while that's to be expected for a VA panel, it will be bothersome for those who are accustomed to faster displays.

While it didn't completely spoil my gaming or movie viewing experiences, it was a lot more evident for me when playing fast-paced games, especially when using Frame Generation against darker backgrounds in-game. It gets worse (as expected) when enabling any of the overdrive settings via the monitor OSD menu – which I must add, is very finicky, as it sometimes won't save settings or simply undo them randomly.

The biggest examples for me were using path tracing in Cyberpunk 2077, and notably path tracing mods in Capcom's Dragon's Dogma 2, which comes with a lot of ghosting already and lacks a denoiser (but served as an easier way for me to notice the difference). When in lighter backgrounds, ghosting was noticeable, but it wasn't too extreme. When stepping into darker areas, the ghosting and smearing were seriously bad.

Perhaps it's a bit unfair coming from using an OLED to a VA mini-LED, but its price is in the same region as other OLED monitors that don't have this issue. It would have worked in Mobile Pixels' favor to use an IPS panel instead of VA for better response times, but that would potentially be a drawback on the great contrast available here.

Image of UFO Ghosting test — Notice the ghosting is worse on the darker background? (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

In terms of blooming, it's kept to a minimum when sitting directly in front of the monitor. Bear in mind, what you're seeing below isn't the best representation of how well the haloing effect is kept to a minimum, due to different lighting conditions.

There's a 'Halo Control' setting in the OSD menu, but I found that adjustments weren't very necessary. I was quite happy with how well this monitor handles bloom. Compared to my mini-LED TV (specifically the TCL 55QM8B), which has 300+ full-array local dimming zones, I'd say the results were fairly similar.

I must reiterate that this is a VA panel, so viewing angles are narrow. Essentially, blooming is significantly worse when viewing from either side, but I've never used my ultrawide monitors when sitting away from my desk (unless it's a 32:9 display).

HDR enabled — HDR is enabled here... (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

Lining this up with an OLED display, again, is pretty unfair, since the AW3423DWF is night and day ahead, but it gave me a good impression of how good the deep black levels are on the Mobile Pixels 34-inch ultrawide. If you've been using a regular LED display, mini-LED will still blow you away – and in my eyes, it's the best alternative to OLED.

And the comparison below is proof of that. The OLED's deep black levels are genuinely phenomenal, and while the mini-LED strays far behind due to blooming, it was still great enough for me to enjoy content – and that's even better when you throw in the benefit of very high brightness.

It's also worth noting that there's no worry of burn-in, unlike OLED monitors. It's been a breath of fresh air not to baby my Alienware display with OLED care and pixel refreshes. In some ways, you can almost say that makes mini-LED the better choice, as you're getting the best of the 'brightness world', while still taking some benefits of great contrast – and with an OLED, you're mostly getting the best of the latter.

Yes, multiple OLED monitors like the AW3423DWF can utilize HDR1000, and OLEDs are about to get brighter with True Black HDR1000 VESA certifications. However, my display has a very aggressive Automatic Brightness Limiter (ABL), which kicks in when trying to use HDR1000, and I've not had to deal with that on the Mobile Pixels ultrawide.

It's taught me to respect mini-LED monitors, which I once saw as too low of a step down from OLED, and I'd very much consider using one in a multi-display setup.

Alienware AW3423DWF OLED vs MP mini-LED bloom test — Top monitor is OLED, bottom is mini-LED (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

I'm very pleased with Mobile Pixels' decision to place the ports of the monitor directly on its rear, instead of the underside like most monitors do. I get that this is done to avoid strain on cables standing upright and prevent any damage, but it's so easy and convenient to reach if you need to unplug or plug any of them – and it's super beneficial if you have a cramped desktop setup like me.

The 90W USB-C reverse charging port is a welcome addition, and I could use it to charge other devices – and I really saw the benefit of this since I have tons of devices occupying power sockets.

It features 4-array microphones with DNC noise reduction, but no matter what I tried, I couldn't my PC wouldn't recognize this, so I had no luck with testing there.

Rear of Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

The RGB lighting is decent enough, but not bright enough to appreciate. I won't knock the monitor down for this, though. Most monitors I've used don't have RGB lighting that stands out, except for the Philips Evnia displays that have a special Ambilight feature to sync content on the screen to its RGB lights.

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Price & Availability

How much does it cost? $899.99 / around £660 / AU$1,370 without import costs
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia (shipping from the US)

The Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide monitor retails at $899.99 / around £660 / AU$1,730, and while this display's high brightness and contrast ratio have left me impressed, I think it should be much cheaper. Some OLED ultrawide monitors are currently cheaper and don't have issues like dark level smearing or ghosting.

It's not a bad monitor despite some of its issues, but I'd have been more fond of it if it didn't cost this much. Import fees will also bump up the cost if you're outside of the US, which makes its potential total price even more unappealing.

Fortunately, it gets a lot right, specifically within the region of HDR brightness and contrast; there's hardly any loss of detail when looking at bright scenery in movies or games when at maximum brightness, so it's something to consider if you're looking to get your hands on it.

Ghost of Tsushima on MP ultrawide — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Specs

Screen Size	34-inch
Aspect Ratio	21:9
Resolution	3440x1440
Brightness	450 nits (Min) 1000 nits (Max)
Contrast Ratio	1,000,000:1
Refresh Rate	180Hz
Color Accuracy	99% sRGB \| 94% DCI-P3 \| 99% Adobe RGB
Speakers	2x 5W Midrange, 1x 12W Bass
Microphone	4-array microphones with DSC noise reduction
Weight	18.51 lbs
Wall Mountable (VESA)	100 x 100 mm
FreeSync Premium technology	Yes
Power Consumption	Typ. 65W, Max. 270W
Panel Type	VA
Connections	2 × USB-A 3.0 1 × USB-C 3.1 2 × HDMI 2.0 1 × DP 1.4 1 × 3.5mm Audio out

Should you buy the Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Plenty of high brightness to enjoy across movies, TV shows, and games, but could benefit from a slightly cheaper price tag.	3 / 5
Design	Bogged down by the mediocre speakers on the bottom of monitor, but is adequate in other areas.	3.5 / 5
Performance	Besides dark level smearing and ghosting, the high brightness with HDR 1000, significantly enhances visual experiences, standing as a great alternative to OLED.	4 / 5
Features	OSD needs an improvement, but a 180Hz refresh rate and USB-C 90W reverse charging port are a very welcome addition.	4 / 5
Average rating	The Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide would be much better with a lower retail price, repositioning of the speakers, and an IPS panel for less ghosting and smearing, but excels at high brightness for immersion, making it a good option for PC gamers.	3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You desire an ultrawide with high brightness

The Mobile Pixels mini-LED monitor is ideal for those who crave bright and lively gaming experiences, with HDR1000 blending well with the 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. It's best used in titles that are built for HDR.View Deal

You want to avoid burn-in care

While OLED is an easy choice at an affordable price, it's not for everyone, as there's always a risk of burn-in. OLED burn-in care has advanced, but not having to worry about the possibility at all with this mini-LED monitor is a big win.View Deal

You're upgrading from a regular LED monitor

The jump from a regular LED display to Mobile Pixels' mini-LED, is significant, and while it suffers a total loss to OLED deep black levels, it comes close enough while getting the best of brightness. View Deal

Don't buy if...

You're looking for a budget monitor

This monitor's biggest issue is its price, especially compared to OLEDs that are at the same price range or less expensive. It retails at $899.99, which is too high considering the issues it has with ghosting and smearing.View Deal

You prefer the best deep black levels

Like other mini-LED displays, the Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor does a great job with contrast, but it doesn't match up to OLED, which remains undefeated at producing the best contrast.View Deal

You find ghosting and smearing frustrating

If you're a competitive gamer or simply happen to notice dark level smearing and ghosting easily, you might want to reconsider purchasing this monitor. It's using a VA panel, so viewing angles and the response time aren't the best.View Deal

Also consider

Acer Predator X32QFS

If dark level smearing and ghosting are a big issue for you, and you don't mind a 4K mini-LED instead of an ultrawide, then the Acer Predator X32QFS should be on your radar. This features a mini-LED IPS panel, which handles ghosting much better, and compatibility for both PS5 and PC with HDMI 2.1.

Read our full Acer Predator X32QFS review

MSRP/RRP	£899.99 / AU$1,099 (No US availability)
Panel Size	31.5in
Panel type	Mini-LED IPS
Panel resolution	3840 x 2160p; 4K
Aspect ratio	16:9
Refresh rate	150Hz
Response time	0.5ms
Brightness	700 nits (native) / 1000 nits (peak HDR)
Contrast ratio	1000:1
HDR	VESA DisplayHDR 1000
Ports	1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A, 1 x audio jack
Color gamut	99% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3
Display colors	1.07 billion
Warranty	2-years

How I tested the Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide

Two weeks of usage on movies, TV shows, and games, notably titles that implement HDR well
Some examples are Assassin's Creed Shadows, Street Fighter 6, Dragon's Dogma 2, Resident Evil 4 remake, and Cyberpunk 2077
Multiple contrast tests and comparisons with Alienware AW3423DWF OLED ultrawide monitor

Throughout my two weeks of testing, especially when gaming, I had plenty of fun with the Mobile Pixels 34-inch monitor, and put my OLED monitor aside as a secondary display. Despite the drawbacks of blooming and ghosting, it was easy to enjoy bright content without losing much detail.

Testing Stellar Blade, Assassin's Creed Shadows, and Cyberpunk 2077 first left great initial impressions, specifically in Cyberpunk 2077, where neon lights and vivid streets provide exceptional visuals on any display, but it took things up a notch. The ghosting issues became far more noticeable when using Frame Generation in Cyberpunk 2077 and Dragon's Dogma 2, and even more so in fast-paced FPS games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Placing this next to Dell's Alienware OLED monitor, allowed me to point out the mini-LED monitor's drawbacks more easily. However, in terms of deep black levels, I was impressed with the Mobile Pixels 34-inch display, with just how close it can get to OLED, albeit still quite far off.

I used it for work and multitasking, which proved to be beneficial, in comparison to OLED, which notoriously has readability issues – and the mini-LED was a breeze to use while deep into productivity.

OLED is great, but the Mobile Pixels 34-inch ultrawide has taught me to respect mini-LED monitors – here is my take after two weeks

2:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: HDR, LED, OLED, TV | Comments: Off

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Three-minute review

With an 180Hz refresh rate, which is higher than what you might find on some of the best ultrawide gaming monitors, I was able to enjoy my favorite games easily.

It's taught me to respect mini-LED monitors, which I once saw as too low of a step down from OLED, and I'd very much consider using one in a multi-display setup.

The 90W USB-C reverse charging port is a welcome addition, and I could use it to charge other devices – and I really saw the benefit of this since I have tons of devices occupying power sockets.

It features 4-array microphones with DNC noise reduction, but no matter what I tried, I couldn't my PC wouldn't recognize this, so I had no luck with testing there.

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Price & Availability

How much does it cost? $899.99 / around £660 / AU$1,370 without import costs
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia (shipping from the US)

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Specs

Screen Size	34-inch
Aspect Ratio	21:9
Resolution	3440x1440
Brightness	450 nits (Min) 1000 nits (Max)
Contrast Ratio	1,000,000:1
Refresh Rate	180Hz
Color Accuracy	99% sRGB \| 94% DCI-P3 \| 99% Adobe RGB
Speakers	2x 5W Midrange, 1x 12W Bass
Microphone	4-array microphones with DSC noise reduction
Weight	18.51 lbs
Wall Mountable (VESA)	100 x 100 mm
FreeSync Premium technology	Yes
Power Consumption	Typ. 65W, Max. 270W
Panel Type	VA
Connections	2 × USB-A 3.0 1 × USB-C 3.1 2 × HDMI 2.0 1 × DP 1.4 1 × 3.5mm Audio out

Should you buy the Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Plenty of high brightness to enjoy across movies, TV shows, and games, but could benefit from a slightly cheaper price tag.	3 / 5
Design	Bogged down by the mediocre speakers on the bottom of monitor, but is adequate in other areas.	3.5 / 5
Performance	Besides dark level smearing and ghosting, the high brightness with HDR 1000, significantly enhances visual experiences, standing as a great alternative to OLED.	4 / 5
Features	OSD needs an improvement, but a 180Hz refresh rate and USB-C 90W reverse charging port are a very welcome addition.	4 / 5
Average rating	The Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide would be much better with a lower retail price, repositioning of the speakers, and an IPS panel for less ghosting and smearing, but excels at high brightness for immersion, making it a good option for PC gamers.	3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You desire an ultrawide with high brightness

You want to avoid burn-in care

You're upgrading from a regular LED monitor

Don't buy if...

You're looking for a budget monitor

You prefer the best deep black levels

You find ghosting and smearing frustrating

Also consider

Acer Predator X32QFS

Read our full Acer Predator X32QFS review

MSRP/RRP	£899.99 / AU$1,099 (No US availability)
Panel Size	31.5in
Panel type	Mini-LED IPS
Panel resolution	3840 x 2160p; 4K
Aspect ratio	16:9
Refresh rate	150Hz
Response time	0.5ms
Brightness	700 nits (native) / 1000 nits (peak HDR)
Contrast ratio	1000:1
HDR	VESA DisplayHDR 1000
Ports	1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A, 1 x audio jack
Color gamut	99% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3
Display colors	1.07 billion
Warranty	2-years

How I tested the Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide

Two weeks of usage on movies, TV shows, and games, notably titles that implement HDR well
Some examples are Assassin's Creed Shadows, Street Fighter 6, Dragon's Dogma 2, Resident Evil 4 remake, and Cyberpunk 2077
Multiple contrast tests and comparisons with Alienware AW3423DWF OLED ultrawide monitor

I tested TCL’s new flagship mini-LED TV, and for this price it’s going to be hard to beat

9:00 pm | July 25, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: Dolby Atmos, HLG, Sony Bravia, TV | Comments: Off

TCL QM8K: Two-minute review

The TCL QM8K is the company’s flagship mini-LED TV for 2025, and it brings several refinements over last year’s TCL QM851G, which was the brightest TV we’d ever tested at the time. The QM8K also delivers high brightness via a new Super High Energy LED Chip. Still, that brightness is now balanced with a Halo Control System, a 23-bit backlight controller, and a Dynamic Light Algorithm to ensure that pictures also have solid contrast and deep, detailed shadows.

The improvements made to the TCL QM8K make it one of the best TVs for movies, but its anti-reflection screen and new Ultra Wide Angle feature also make it perfect for sports. Not only do you get a very bright picture, but its anti-reflection coating lets you watch without having to worry about screen glare, while the Ultra Wide Angle feature means that groups can gather around the screen and everyone will experience the same picture quality no matter where they are sitting.

TCL tapped speaker Danish speaker maker Bang & Olufsen to design the QM8K’s built-in speaker system, which supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. Audio by Bang & Olufsen on the QM8K entails a ‘Beosonic’ equalization interface that lets you tune the sound using categories like Bright or Relaxed, as opposed to typical EQ options. Overall, the QM8K’s built-in sound is good for a TV, though it’s unsurprisingly light on bass and dynamics.

The QM8K’s Ultra Slim design uses a Zero Border bezel that reduces the distance between the TV’s edge and the actual picture to a mere 3.4mm. It has a more premium look than many TVs, and models up to 85 inches all get a sturdy pedestal stand with adjustable height to clear space for a soundbar.

Google TV is used for the QM8K’s smart TV platform, and it’s a serviceable one, but also one that serves up ads. A quick menu lets you easily access basic picture and other settings, and Google TV’s Live program guide can incorporate broadcast channels pulled in by the QM8K’s ATSC 3.0 ‘NextGen TV’ tuner.

Gaming is well represented on the QM8K with 4K 144Hz support, though that refresh rate is only supported on two of the TV’s four HDMI ports. A Game Accelerator 288 VRR feature also lets you double the TV’s native 144Hz refresh rate for 1080p resolution gaming. The QM8K’s 13.2ms input lag would be considered an average level for most TVs, though most gamers should be perfectly satisfied with its gaming performance.

Value is a strong point with the QM8K. TCL’s current discounted $1,599 price for the 65-inch model is several hundred dollars less than the 65-inch Samsung QN90F, and it offers many of the same features, including an anti-reflection screen and Ultra Wide Angle feature. But it's also more expensive than the Hisense U8QG, another super-bright mini-LED TV with impressive picture quality.

TCL QM8K review: Price and release date

TCL QM8K showing image of sunset — The QM8K's powerful contrast and wide color gamut coverage results in rich-looking color (Image credit: Future)

Release date: May 2025
65-inch: $2,499.99
75-inch: $3,199.99
85-inch: $3,799.99
98-inch: $6,499.99

Similar to its TCL QM851G predecessor, the new TCL QM8K series is available in 65- to 98-inch screen sizes. All QM8K sizes launched at a higher list price than the preceding models, but have since dropped significantly, with the 65-inch version I tested now widely selling for $1,599.

With its reduced pricing, the QM8K is now more competitive with the Hisense U8QG, which is that company’s flagship mini-LED TV series. The 65-inch U8QG dropped to $1,299 during the time I was reviewing the TCL QM8K. Another close mini-LED competitor for the QM8K is the Samsung QN90F, a 2025 model that has since dropped in price to $1,999 for the 65-inch model.

TCL QM8K review: Specs

Screen type:	QLED with mini-LED
Refresh rate:	144Hz
HDR support:	Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:	Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X
Smart TV:	Google TV
HDMI ports:	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
Built-in tuner:	ATSC 3.0

TCL QM8K review: Benchmark results

Hisense U8QG review: Features

TCL QM8K side panel ports — The QM8K has two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support, plus two HDMI 2.0 ports (Image credit: Future)

Ultra Wide Viewing Angle
Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG support
Audio by Bang & Olufsen

The TCL QM8K series uses a new CrystGlow WHVA Panel with TCL’s Halo Control System. To decipher all that, it’s a QLED display with a mini-LED backlight that uses a Super High Energy LED Chip for increased brightness, along with a reduced optical distance between the light modules and display panel. The Halo Control System in QM8K series TVs also feature a 23-bit backlight controller for more precise local dimming, which is helped by a Dynamic Light Algorithm.

Two other CrystGlow WHVA Panel features are a Zero Border display that reduces the distance between the TV’s edge to the actual image down to 3.4mm, and Ultra Wide Viewing Angle, which provides a 40% improvement in off-axis picture uniformity compared to last year’s TCL QM851G series, according to TCL.

QM8K series TVs feature up to 3,800 local dimming zones and up to 5,000 nits specified brightness. An anti-reflective screen is also provided to reduce screen glare when viewing in bright rooms.

HDR support on the QM8K series includes the Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats. The TVs are also IMAX Enhanced and they provide a Filmmaker Mode picture preset – a new feature for TCL TVs in 2025.

The Audio by Bang & Olufsen built-in speaker system on QM8K series TVs supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. No specific speaker configuration or wattage information is supplied in TCL’s specifications, but there are upfiring Atmos speakers on the TV’s top edge, along with dual subwoofers on the rear panel.

Like other TCL TVs, the QM8K series uses the Google TV smart TV platform, and it also features a built-in mic for hands-free Google Assistant voice control. If you don’t want to deal with Google Assistant, other control options include Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit.

Gaming features on the QM8K include 4K 144Hz support on two of the TV’s four HDMI inputs. A Game Accelerator 288 VRR feature lets you double the TV’s native 144Hz refresh rate to 288Hz for 1080p-resolution gaming, and there’s also a Game Bar menu for easy onscreen access to gaming-related adjustments.

The QM8K’s connections include an ATSC 3.0 tuner input. This lets you connect one of the best indoor TV antennas to receive both standard and ‘NextGen’ digital TV broadcast channels, and there are options to view channel data either in a dedicated program grid guide or integrated in the Google TV Live TV guide along with free streaming channels.

Features Score: 4.5/5

TCL QM8K review: Picture quality

TCL QM8K showing image of green plant — The QM8K's picture looks great for both light and dark room viewing, and it has has an effective anti-glare screen (Image credit: Future)

Excellent brightness
Accurate out-of-the-box picture
Impressive off-center picture uniformity

When I tested the QM8K’s predecessor, the TCL QM851G, it was the brightest TV I’d yet measured. The QM8K doesn’t hit the same brightness heights as that model, but it still has very high brightness even by flagship mini-LED TV standards.

In Filmmaker Mode, the QM8K hit 2,268 nits peak brightness (measured on a 10% HDR white window pattern) and 584 nits fullscreen brightness. Standard mode brightness was even higher, at 3,176 and 629 nits, respectively.

For comparison’s sake, the Samsung QN90F measured 2,086 and 667 nits, respectively, on the same tests in Movie mode when I reviewed it, while the Hisense U8QG – 2025’s current reigning brightness king – hit 2,888 nits peak brightness and 744 nits fullscreen brightness in my tests.

Color gamut coverage was also excellent, with the QM8K measuring 97% for UHDA-P3 and 78.7% for BT.2020. Picture accuracy was also notably good, with the QM8K delivering Delta-E (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) averages of 1.9 for grayscale and 0.8 for color, which means both are indistinguishable from perfect to the human eye.

The QM8K features an Intelligent picture preset that uses AI to determine the proper picture settings based on content. I used this for casual TV viewing with generally good results, though I’d recommend the more accurate Filmmaker or Movie modes for movies. Upscaling was impressive, with the QM8K presenting older TV shows and other lower-resolution content with a good level of clarity.

Brightness is one of the QM8K’s main advantages, and it helped sports come to life on screen, and also made highlights in movies like Alien: Romulus visually pop. In dark movies like that one, the QM8K’s refined local dimming ensured that shadows looked deep and detailed. Contrast was consistently strong, and, true to the promise of TCL’s Halo Control System, there was virtually no sign of backlight blooming.

TCL QM8K showing image of fantastic landscape — An Ultra Wide Angle features means the QM8K's picture looks good from a range of seating positions (Image credit: Future)

Motion handling on the QM8K was average, with a reference scene from the James Bond film No Time to Die showing a fair amount of blur and judder as Bond traversed a rocky hillside cemetery. Selecting the Custom Motion Clarity option in the Motion menu and setting both the judder and blur settings to 2 reduced this, however, and it didn’t add any soap opera effect to the picture in the process.

The QM8K’s anti-reflection screen proved effective when viewing with bright overhead room lights turned on. I could see mirror-like reflections when a lamp was placed in the way of its screen, but otherwise, general ambient room lighting didn’t harm picture contrast, even when watching movies.

Equally impressive is the QM8K’s Ultra Wide Viewing Angle feature. During my testing, pictures retained their contrast and color saturation even when viewed from a far-off-center seat. That’s a big step up from last year’s QM851G, which performed poorly in the same test.

Less impressive was a faint vignetting, an effect that is likely related to the QM8K’s Zero Border design, which places the LCD panel driver circuitry along the outer edges of the screen. The effect was minor, and I mostly saw it only on gray full-field test patterns during my initial testing, but during normal viewing, I occasionally noted it on flat fields of color, such as an empty blue sky.

Picture quality score: 4.5/5

TCL QM8K review: Sound quality

TCL QM8K rear panel bass modules — Dual bass drivers on the TV's back panel deliver extra low end, but certainly not subwoofer-level bass (Image credit: Future)

Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X
Audio by Bang & Olufsen built-in speakers
Good overall sound quality

The QM8K’s Audio by Bang & Olufsen built-in speakers support both Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. TCL doesn’t provide any specs about speaker configuration or power, but there are upfiring drivers on the TV’s top surface, and bass modules on the back panel.

Sound features are mostly limited to presets such as Speech, Movies, Game, and Night. There’s also a Custom preset that lets you make adjustments using Bang & Olufsen’s Beosonic interface, which involves moving a cursor between Relaxed, Energetic, Bright, and Warm options until you settle on a sonic mix that you like. Using this, I found it useful for taking off the bright edge that’s typical for built-in TV sound.

I did most of my viewing using the TV’s Movie preset, which provided a good level of spaciousness with Dolby Atmos soundtracks while retaining speech clarity. The QM8K’s sound was good overall, with accurate positioning, but bass was limited, and soundtracks could also get a bit muddied when pushed to higher volume levels. Movie fans will want to consider pairing the QM8K with one of the best soundbars.

Sound quality score: 4/5

TCL QM8K review: Design

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TCL QM8K pedestal stand close up — The QM8K's pedestal stand uses an aluminum base and a plastic top panel (Image credit: Future)

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TCL QM8K bezel shown from top — A contoured design gives the QM8K a slimmer look when viewed from the side (Image credit: Future)

Ultra Slim design
Adjustable height pedestal stand
Full-sized, backlit remote control

The QM8K’s “Ultra Slim” design features a sloping back panel that gives the impression the TV is thinner than it actually is. A sturdy plastic-capped aluminum pedestal stand is used for all sizes except the 98-inch model, and it has an adjustable height to clear space for a soundbar. Many TVs claim to have a “bezel-free’ design, but the QM8K with its 3.4mm, Zero Border bezel comes closer to presenting an all-image look than most I’ve seen.

Connections are located on a side-mounted input section and include four HDMI ports (including one with eARC and two HDMI 2.1 with 4K 144Hz support), an optical digital audio output, RF antenna, two USB type-A, and Ethernet.

TCL’s remote control strikes a nice balance between the more minimalist ones that come with TVs from LG and Samsung and the button-heavy remotes included with Hisense TVs. The buttons are backlit so you can actually see what you’re doing in the dark, and there are dedicated controls for input selection and for accessing Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and the ad-supported TCLTV free streaming channels portal.

Design score: 4/5

TCL QM8K review: Smart TV and menus

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TCL QM8K Google TV screens — The QM8K's Google TV homescreen (Image credit: Future)

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Image 4 of 4

Google TV
Live program grid integrates FAST and broadcast channels
Quick settings menu

TCL TVs use the Google TV smart TV platform, which features a homescreen with a large banner at the top with rotating show recommendations and a few sponsored ads. A ‘Top picks for you’ row of recommended programs is located directly below, and the options can be determined by your Google search activity and viewing history when you’ve signed in with a Google account. The final component of the homescreen is a ‘Your apps’ row at the bottom of the screen, which can be edited to reflect your most-used apps.

Tabs located at the top of the homescreen let you access the following: Live (a program guide with Google TV Freeplay channels and channels pulled in by antenna), Apps (a portal for downloading and organizing apps), Library (for purchasing and renting shows and movies on Google TV), and TCL (TCL’s own TCLtv free, ad-supported channels).

As usual with Google TV, picture adjustments and other settings can be accessed by clicking the gear icon onscreen, or its equivalent on the remote control. There are a fair number of adjustments available, including advanced ones such as 2- and 20-point white balance and variable gamma settings.

A quick menu can also be accessed via a dedicated remote control button, and this presents an overlay at the bottom of the screen for easy access to a range of settings, including essential ones like brightness and picture mode.

Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

TCL QM8K review: Gaming

TCL QM8K Game menu — The QM8K's Game Menu in action (Image credit: Future)

Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support
Game Accelerator 288 VRR
13.2ms input lag is an average level for TVs

Gaming features on the QM8K include two HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K 144Hz, ALLM, and FreeSync Premium Pro. There’s also a Game Accelerator 288 VRR feature that doubles the TV’s native 144Hz refresh rate for 1080p-resolution gaming (which may be of interest to PC gamers), and an onscreen Game Menu that lets you make quick gaming-related adjustments without having to exit the main screen.

I measured the QM8K’s input lag in Game mode at 13.2 using a Bodnar 4K meter. That’s an average level, and below the 15ms threshold most gamers look for, but other TVs we’ve recently tested from Samsung and LG, and also the new Hisense U8QM, yielded under 10ms lag times when we measured them.

Gaming score: 4/5

TCL QM8K review: Value

TCL QM8K remote control held in hand — The QM8K's full-size, fully backlit remote control (Image credit: Future)

Great value at current price
Cheaper options available with similar brightness
You’ll pay considerably more for premium brand options

At its current reduced $1,599 price for the 65-inch model I tested, the TCL QM8K is an excellent value.

That price is more than what you’ll pay for the Hisense U8QG, that company’s flagship model, but the TCL arguably has better overall picture quality and also better built-in sound. It’s also less than what you’ll pay for the Samsung QN90F, another flagship mini-LED, and one that offers a better smart TV platform and gaming features, along with a slimmer design.

Taking all that into consideration, the TCL is a solid middle mini-LED option, and perhaps the best value of the three.

Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the TCL QM8K?

TCL QM8K showing abstract colorful image — (Image credit: Future)

TCL QM8K
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	Comorehensive HDR support and Audio by Bang & Olufsen built-in speakers	4.5/5
Picture quality	High brightness, refined local dimming, an anti-reflective screen, and a wide viewing angle make this a great all-purpose TV	4.5/5
Sound quality	Good overall sound quality but limited bass. A Beosonic interface allows for fine-tuning audio	4/5
Design	A literally bezel-free design with a sturdy pedestal stand and solid, backlit remote control	4/5
Smart TV and menus	Google TV is a serviceable smart interface plus the quick menu provides easy access to basic settings	4/5
Gaming	4K 144Hz and FreeSync Premium Pro supported, but only on two HDMI ports	4/5
Value	At its current discounted price, the QM8K is a great value	4.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a great TV for movies
The QM8K’s high brightness, refined local dimming, and comprehensive HDR format support make it an excellent choice for watching 4K movies.

You also want a great TV for sports
An anti-reflection screen on the QM8K effectively reduces screen glare during daytime sports viewing, and an Ultra Wide Angle feature means its picture looks solid even from off-center seats.

You don’t want to pay top dollar for a mini-LED TV
The QM8K offers much the same performance level as other flagship mini-LED TVs from brands like Samsung, while costing several hundred dollars less.

Don't buy it if…

You want the best gaming TV
While the QM8K has a strong set of gaming features, including 4K 144Hz and FreeSync Premium Pro support, those features are only supported on two of its HDMI ports. Also, there are other TVs with lower input lag time than the TCL.

You want the best smart TV platform
Google TV is a generic, serviceable smart TV platform, but it's been eclipsed by the smart platforms on LG and Samsung TVs, which have seen strong improvements over the past few years.

You want to watch movies, but don’t want a soundbar
The QM8K has good built-in sound, but movie soundtracks can get congested at loud listening levels, making a soundbar a necessity for best audio quality.

TCL QM8K: Also consider...

	TCL QM8K	Samsung QN90F	Hisense U8QG	Sony Bravia 9
Price (65-inch)	$2,499.99	$2,499.99	$2,199	$2,999
Screen type	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED
Refresh rate	144Hz	165Hz	165Hz	144Hz
HDR support	DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	DolbyVision/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV	Google TV	Tizen	Google TV	Google TV
HDMI ports	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)	4x HDMI 2.1	3x HDMI 2.1	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Samsung QN90F
The QN90F is pricier than the QM8K, but it has better gaming features and performance and a superior smart TV platform. Its Glare Free screen is also more effective at reducing reflections in bright rooms.

Here’s our Samsung QN90F review

Hisense U8QG
Hisense’s flagship mini-LED TV is currently a cheaper option than the TCL QM8K. It has a similarly bright picture plus refined local dimming, but it lacks the QM8K’s Ultra Wide Angle feature and has less impressive built-in speakers.

Here’s our Hisense U8QG review

Sony Bravia 9

The Sony Bravia 9 is significantly more expensive than the other TVs listed here, but it has a bright picture with refined local dimming plus excellent built-in sound and audio-related features.

Here’s our Sony Bravia 9 review

How I tested the TCL QM8K

TV brightness being measured by a TV reviewer — Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)

I spent about 15 viewing hours in total measuring and evaluating
Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I test TVs, I first spend a few days or even weeks using it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-the-box picture presets and get familiar with its smart TV menu and picture adjustments.

I next select the most accurate preset (usually Filmmaker Mode, Movie or Cinema) and measure grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the TV can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources – you can read more about this process in our guide to how we test TVs at TechRadar.

For the TCL QM8K, I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, along with 4K HDR shows streamed from Max, Netflix, and other services.

First reviewed: July 2025
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Samsung’s mid-range mini-LED TV is pretty good, but I’d opt for one of its better-priced rivals

9:00 pm | July 24, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Televisions | Tags: HDR, TV | Comments: Off

Samsung QN80F: Two-minute review

The Samsung QN80F is the mid-range model in the company’s 2025 4K Neo QLED mini-LED TV lineup. It is available in 50-100-inch sizes (with the 50-inch only available in the UK and the 100-inch only available in the US and Australia) and carries a stacked feature set.

The QN80F uses the same NQ4 AI Gen2 processor as its predecessor, the Samsung QN85D. While not as effective as the step-up Gen3 processor, it still delivers useful picture and audio enhancements.

Picture quality is mixed on the QN80F. Its vibrant yet natural colors are up there with the best TVs, and it also delivers refined details and solid contrast. While brightness is lacking compared to cheaper rivals such as the TCL QM7K (and even the TCL C7K in the UK), it can still give pictures a nice boost. Black levels, while raised at times, are also generally respectable. Where the QN80F struggles is with its highly reflective screen and inconsistent motion handling, particularly with sports – something its more premium counterpart, the Samsung QN90F, has no issue with.

Sound quality is average on the QN80F. Speech is clear and sound placement is accurate, with a good sense of direction, but bass is lacking, and the narrow soundstage never extends beyond the screen’s threshold. Movie fans will definitely want to invest in one of the best soundbars for this TV.

Gaming is a strong area for the QN80F, which has a near-full list of gaming features, including 4K 120Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro and ALLM across four HDMI 2.1 ports. Plus, Samsung's Gaming Hub is an excellent portal for cloud-based gaming apps. Pair all this with an ultra-low 9.9ms input lag time, and the QN80F competes with the best gaming TVs.

Samsung’s own Tizen 9.0 smart TV platform serves as the QN80F’s smart interface. With smooth performance, tons of picture settings, a customizable home page, several ‘hubs’, and a useful quick menu, Tizen 9.0 is the best iteration of Samsung’s smart TV platform to date. Some settings are buried deep in menus, but this is one of my only gripes.

While the QN80F does have a strong feature list and generally solid performance, its value is a tough category to score. At $1,299 / £1,399 for the 55-inch model I tested, there are cheaper mini-LEDs from Hisense and TCL that deliver very similar features and performance for a lower price. The QN80F is still a good option, but one that you should look for during major sales events.

Samsung QN80F review: Price and release date

Samsung QN80F with aerial shot of city at night on screen — The Samsung QN80F demonstrates decent contrast but minor backlight blooming (Image credit: Future)

Release date: May 2025
50-inch: $N/A / £1,099
55-inch: $1,299.99 / £1,399 (roughly AU$1,991)
65-inch: $1,799.99 / £1,699 (roughly AU$2,757)
75-inch: $2,299.99 / £2,599 (roughly AU$3,524)
85-inch: $3,499.99 / £3,699 (roughly AU$5,363)
100-inch: $5,999.99 / £N/A (roughly AU$9,196)

The Samsung QN80F is the mid-range model in Samsung’s 2025 4K Neo QLED (mini-LED) lineup, sitting above the Samsung QN70F and below the Samsung QN85F and the flagship Samsung QN90F. The QN80F is not available in Australia. For the 55-inch model I tested, its May 2025 launch prices were $1,299.99 / £1,399 (roughly AU$1,990).

Since its launch, there have been discounts across the entire lineup. The 55-inch price remains unchanged in the US, but in the UK, its price has dropped to £1,199.

Samsung QN80F review: Specs

Screen type:	QLED with mini-LED
Refresh rate:	120Hz
HDR support:	HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:	Dolby Atmos
Smart TV:	Tizen
HDMI ports:	4 x HDMI 2.1
Built-in tuner:	ATSC 3.0 (USA)

Samsung QN80F review: Benchmark results

Samsung QN80F review: Features

Samsung QN80F ports — The QN80F has four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz support (Image credit: Future)

NQ4 AI Gen 2 Processor
HDR10+ HDR support
Four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz for gaming

The Samsung QN80F uses a mini-LED backlight and has a standard gloss screen rather than the Glare Free screen used in the step-up Samsung QN90F mini-LED TV. It features Samsung’s QN4 AI Gen2 Processor, a step-down from the Gen3 processor used in the QN90F, that supports 4K AI upscaling and Real Depth Enhancer.

Like all Samsung TVs, the QN80F supports the HDR10+ High Dynamic Range format, but not Dolby Vision.

The QN80F’s four-channel, 30W sound system supports Dolby Atmos. There are also AI-based tools such as Active Voice Amplifier and Adaptive Sound, both of which analyze the content on screen and adapt the sound accordingly.

Gaming features include 4K 120Hz, VRR (AMD FreeSync Premium Pro included) and ALLM, with all supported on four HDMI 2.1 ports. There is also Samsung’s Gaming Hub, which provides access to cloud-based gaming apps including Xbox and Luna.

The QN80F uses Samsung’s Tizen 9.0 as its smart TV platform. Along with the AI-based picture and sound enhancement tools mentioned above, the TV provides AI content recommendations based on viewing history. It has access to all major streaming apps such as Netflix and Prime Video, and there is built-in voice assistant support from Alexa and Bixby. The QN80F also supports the Samsung Art Store feature previously exclusive to Samsung’s The Frame TVs, which lets you display artworks when the TV is in standby mode.

Features Score: 5/5

Samsung QN80F review: Picture quality

Samsung QN80F with orange butterfly on screen — The QN80F's strength lies in its color reproduction, which is punchy and accurate (Image credit: Future)

Bold, vibrant colors
Generally good contrast
Screen reflections

I measured the QN80F in its Standard and Movie picture modes. I did find that Filmmaker Mode was the more accurate picture preset overall, but Movie provided a brightness boost (in default settings) that allowed the QN80F to better show off its picture quality strengths.

Peak brightness (measured on a 10% HDR white window pattern) hit 1,106 nits in Movie mode and 975 nits in Standard. That is a big drop from its step-up sibling, the QN90F, which registered 2,086 nits in Movie and 1,987 nits in Standard. It’s even less than the cheaper mid-range TCL QM7K, which hit 1,733 nits in Filmmaker mode (the UK equivalent TCL C7K hit 1,706 nits). This is quite a disappointing result for the QN80F.

Fullscreen HDR brightness, however, was significantly higher, with the QN80F hitting 754 nits in Movie mode and a mammoth 869 nits in Standard, which should make Samsung’s mid-range mini-LED TV great for daytime viewing in brighter rooms.

This does, however, bring me to the elephant in the room: the QN80F’s reflective screen. I found that I could see objects reflected on the TV’s screen when watching dark scenes, even in dim room lighting conditions.

The QN80F does an effective job upscaling non-4K movies and TV shows. An HD stream of Fight Club viewed on Disney Plus benefited from an uplift in sharpness, giving textures a cleaner look, and contrast was also stronger. But upscaling wasn’t as effective with lower-resolution content. The TV’s Auto Remastering HDR setting is an option here, but I found it gave pictures a too-sharp look.

Color reproduction is the QN80F’s main strength. A scene from Elemental (on Disney Plus) where Ember makes a red and orange glass vase showcased the TV’s vibrant, punchy color display. Watching a 4K Blu-ray of Wicked, a scene where Elphaba sings under pink flowers showcased the QN80F’s ability to deliver more natural hues, giving the flowers and Elphaba’s green skin a realistic yet dynamic look.

When I measured the QN80F’s HDR color gamut coverage, it yielded results of 70.3% for BT.2020 and 93.05% for UHDA-P3. These are surprisingly low results for a mini-LED in this range, but also not far off the QN90F’s numbers, which hit 76.3% and 93.6%, respectively, for the same color gamuts.

Samsung QN80F with peacock feather on black background on screen — Black levels are surprisingly deep on the QN80F, but can also sometimes take on a raised gray tone (Image credit: Future)

The QN80F’s black levels were generally quite good. As Hutler made his way to Orlock’s castle in Nosferatu, blacks looked pretty deep, although they did take on a slightly raised gray tone at times. Contrast was solid, with light sources such as torch and lamplight contrasting well with the dark surroundings in both Nosferatu and The Batman. The QN80F also showcased good local dimming with very few instances of backlight blooming.

Viewed from an angle, the QN80F’s screen took on a gray wash in darker areas, but its contrast wasn’t as bad as what I’ve seen on some older or cheaper mini-LED TVs.

Watching the black and white scenes in Oppenheimer, the QN80F had a good range of gray tones, and while screen uniformity wasn’t as good as what you’d find on more premium mini-LED and OLED TVs, it was still solid.

Textures and details throughout my viewing were rich and lifelike, with the right level of sharpness. Faces looked detailed, and the QN80F’s solid contrast helped to give objects and textures definition and depth.

Motion handling was an area the QN80F struggled with. Setting motion and judder reduction to between 3 and 5 seemed to be the sweet spot for movies, depending on how ‘smooth’ a picture you’re looking for. With these settings active, a scene in No Time To Die where a camera pans across a cliff face was smooth without any of the dreaded soap opera effects.

Using the same settings, sports never looked quite right, however. There always seemed to be motion artifacts, regardless of the settings I used. While football games on both YouTube and Prime Video were watchable, the action wasn’t as smooth as on other TVs I’ve tested, such as the Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED.

Picture quality score: 4/5

Samsung QN80F review: Sound quality

Samsung QN80F with photo from Art Mode on screen — The QN80F delivers clear speech and accurate sound placement, but struggles in every other aspect with its sound quality (Image credit: Future)

Four-channel, 30W speaker system
Direct sound
Narrow soundstage and limited bass

The QN80F has a four-channel, 30W speaker system that supports Dolby Atmos. It has two preset sound modes, Standard and Amplify, as well as AI sound enhancement tools such as Active Voice Amplifier Pro (to enhance speech volume) and Adaptive Sound Pro (analyzes the content on screen to optimize the sound).

The QN80F’s built-in speakers delivered direct, clear sound throughout my viewing, with speech coming through with good clarity in most movies. Active Voice Amplifier Pro and Adaptive Sound Pro, found in the TV’s AI Mode in Advanced Settings, worked very well for sports by amplifying the commentary. Sound was also accurately connected to the action on screen, as demonstrated by the swerving traffic in The Batman’s Batmobile chase scene.

Unfortunately, the QN80F falls short elsewhere. In the same Batmobile scene, the soundstage was very narrow, and there was no sense of Dolby Atmos height or surround effects. Bass was also lacking, making the rumble of the Batmobile’s engine feel limited and flat. The balance between the vocals and score in Wicked was effective, but it didn’t have the same weight or dynamic quality I’d experienced with other TVs I've recently tested, such as the TCL C7K.

Bottom line: QN80F’s sound is fine for day-to-day viewing, but I’d recommend using it with a soundbar.

Sound quality score: 3.5/5

Samsung QN80F review: Design

Samsung QN80F central stand — The QN80F's plain, but sturdy pedestal stand (Image credit: Future)

Central pedestal stand
Sturdy build quality
Bulkier and plainer design than other Samsung TVs

The QN80F’s design plays it safe. It has a slightly bulkier depth than more premium mini-LED TVs and a plain-looking rear panel, though its glossy, silver metal frame does give it a more premium look than other mid-range TVs from Hisense and TCL.

The TV features a central pedestal stand, and due to its placement, it will make it difficult to place a soundbar underneath easily. The stand itself is made of a similar plastic to that used on the TCL C7K, but it still suits the QN80F’s design.

The QN80F uses Samsung’s SolarCell remote, a slim, compact remote control with minimal buttons. It can be charged using USB-C or the solar panel on the rear, eliminating the need for any batteries. In the UK, a second remote with numbered buttons is also included in the box.

Design score: 4/5

Samsung QN80F review: Smart TV and menus

Samsung QN80F Tizen home page — The QN80F uses Tizen 9.0, the best iteration to date of Samsung's smart TV platform (Image credit: Future)

Samsung Tizen 9.0 interface
Home, Game, Daily+ and Art hubs
Some settings difficult to find

The QN80F uses Samsung’s Tizen smart TV platform, now in version 9.0. The Home screen’s default layout is the For You page, which presents recommendations based on your viewing history, along with a row of customizable apps. There is a large sponsored ad at the top of the screen, but this is not as invasive as the one found on Google TV.

Tizen 9.0 is the most advanced version of Samsung’s smart TV platform to date. A useful Quick Menu provides easy access to major settings categories, and it even remembers your most visited settings for quick navigation. There are four major hubs: Home, Game (a portal for all things gaming), Daily+ (for health and office-based apps) and the Art Store (where artworks can be purchased to display as a screensaver).

There are plenty of picture settings in the menus for those who like to tweak, but this is also one area where Tizen 9.0 falls short. Some settings are buried in several submenus and can be very difficult to find. Still, performance is snappy enough that navigation is easy, though I did find the QN80F to be a bit slower than its more premium counterparts.

Smart TV & menus score: 4.5/5

Samsung QN80F review: Gaming

Image 1 of 2

Samsung QN80F with Battlefield V on screen — The QN80F with Battlefield V and game menu (1) and Samsung's Gaming Hub (2) displayed (Image credit: Future)

Image 2 of 2

Samsung QN80F with Game Hub on screen — (Image credit: Future)

Four HDMI 2.1 ports
4K 120Hz, AMD Freesync Premium Pro support
9.9ms input lag time

The QN80F has a stacked feature list for gaming. It supports 4K 120Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM and HDR10+ gaming, all featured on four HDMI 2.1 ports. Samsung’s Gaming Hub continues as an excellent portal for everything gaming-related, including access to cloud-based apps from Xbox, Luna and more.

Performance is responsive and snappy, even during fast-paced gameplay. In Battlefield V, the most chaotic of battles felt smooth, and targeting enemies was easy. This is helped by the QN80F’s ultra-low 9.9ms input lag time, which is up there with the best 120Hz TVs.

The QN80F’s Game picture mode delivers superb color and contrast with a nice hit of brightness. Textures are sharp, and motion is smooth and well-handled.

Gaming score: 5/5

Samsung QN80F review: Value

Samsung 2025 SolarCell remote — The QN80F's compact SolarCell remote control (Image credit: Future)

Good feature set for the price
Cheaper rivals available
Price drops help value

Value is a difficult area to score for Samsung’s Neo QLED TVs. That was something we discovered in our Samsung QN90F review, and the same holds true for the Samsung QN80F.

The 55-inch model I tested is available for $1,299 / £1,199 at the time of writing. In the US, you can get the Hisense U8Q (the company’s flagship mini-LED TV) for $848, and the TCL QM7K mini-LED TV for $749, a $4-500 price difference from the QN80F. Yes, the QN80F has more features, but both those TVs are significantly brighter.

In the UK, the QN80F is a more tempting option. Priced at £1,199, it's cheaper than the Hisense U7Q Pro (the U75Q equivalent for the UK), which is priced at £1,499. But the rival TCL C7K 55-inch is priced at £849, so again cheaper rivals exist.

The QN80F’s stacked feature list and generally solid performance make it a more premium option than its rivals, but ultimately, the Hisense and TCL alternatives deliver nearly the same performance at a lower price.

Value score: 3.5/5

Should I buy the Samsung QN90F?

Samsung QN80F with red and yellow flowers on screen — (Image credit: Future)

Samsung QN98F
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Features	A full suite of gaming features and AI-based enhancement settings	5/5
Picture quality	Punchy colors and contrast and refined textures but motion is hit-and-miss and the reflective screen can be very distracting in bright rooms	4/5
Sound quality	Clear speech and accurate placement but lacking bass and narrow soundstage	3.5/5
Design	Plain design with slightly bulky depth but solid and sturdy with central stand	4/5
Smart TV and menus	Snappier navigation and a 'hub' design make this the best version of Tizen yet, but some settings still buried in menus	4.5/5
Gaming	An strong list of gaming features, with a responsive performance to match	5/5
Value	More expensive than much of the competition and best sought out at a discounted price	3.5/5

Buy it if...

You want a punchy, colorful picture
The QN80F's main strength lies in its colors, which are bold, yet natural-looking.

You want a great TV for gaming
The QN80F carries a near-full suite of gaming features, including 4K 120Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ALLM, HDR10+ gaming, across four HDMI 2.1 ports, and it also delivers smooth, responsive performance.

You want a smooth user experience
Tizen 9.0 is the best version of Samsung's smart TV software to date, with a useful quick menu, mostly smooth navigation and an intuitive hub layout.

Don't buy it if…

You want Dolby Vision HDR:
As with all Samsung TVs, the QN80F doesn't support the Dolby Vision HDR format used for 4K Blu-ray and by streaming services. It does support HDR10+, however.

You want the best value mini-LED TV
The QN80F faces stiff competition from cheaper rivals that deliver equally strong performance and features for a lower price.

You have a very bright room
The QN80F's reflective screen resulted in mirror-like reflections during my testing in brighter conditions. View Deal

Samsung QN90F: Also consider...

	Samsung QN80F	Samsung QN90F	Hisense U8QG	TCL QM7K/TCL C7K
Price (55-inch)	$1,299.99 / £1,399 (roughly AU$1,991)	$2,499.99 / £2,499 (roughly AU$3,786)	$999 / £1,799 (roughly AU$1,513)	$749 / £849 / AU$1,395
Screen type	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED	QLED w/ mini-LED
Refresh rate	120Hz	165Hz	165Hz	144Hz
HDR support	HDR10+, HDR10, HLG	HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG	DolbyVision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV	Tizen	Tizen	Google TV / VIDAA	Google TV
HDMI ports	4 x HDMI 2.1	4 x HDMI 2.1	3x HDMI 2.1	4 (2x HDMI 2.1)

Hisense U8QG

The U8QQ is Hisense’s top mini-LED for 2025, and its picture quality is brilliant for the price. Although it struggles in similar areas to the QN80F (such as sound quality) it's arguably overall better value for money (in the US at least).

Here’s our Hisense U8QG review

Samsung QN90F

The step-up sibling to the QN80F, the Samsung QN90F offers superior picture and sound quality, plus its Glare-Free screen makes it better for bright room viewing. It is a significant price increase over the QN80F, but the QN90F is a big quality increase as well.

Here’s our Samsung QN90F review

TCL QM7K/C7K

TCL’s mid-range mini-LED model (QM7K in the US, C7K in the UK) delivers higher brightness, better overall sound and impressive gaming performance again for cheaper than the QN80F. But, the QN80F does offer more as an overall package.

Here’s our TCL QM7K review and our TCL C7K review

How I tested the Samsung QN80F

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Samsung QN80F being tested with calibration equipment by person — (Image credit: Future)

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Samsung QN80F with testing equipment attached — (Image credit: Future)

Subjective tests made using HDR and SDR sources
Measurements taken using Calman calibration software
Tested in varying lighting conditions in our testing lab

Before conducting my subjective and objective tests, I did some casual viewing of the QN80F to determine its best picture mode, deciding on Movie mode due to its added brightness. Filmmaker Mode is a good alternative as it provides a more accurate picture but it lacks the visual punch of Movie mode.

For my subjective tests, I used reference scenes from a variety of HDR (4K Blu-ray and 4K streaming) and SDR (broadcast TV and lower-resolution formats such as DVD) sources to test the QN80F's picture quality, focusing on color, contrast, detail, motion handling and upscaling. I used some of these same scenes to analyze the QN80F's built-in speakers as well.

I took several measurements of the QN80F using a colorimeter, test pattern generator and Portrait Displays Calman Color Calibration software. Brightness was measured using 1-100% white window patterns in both SDR and HDR, with results presented for peak (10%) and fullscreen (100%) brightness.

I also measured the QN80F's grayscale and color accuracy, recording its Delta-E results (the margin of error between the test pattern and what's displayed on screen).

I also measured HDR color gamut coverage for the BT.2020 and DCI-P3 color spaces.

You can check out a more in-depth guide to how we test TVs at TechRadar in the link.

First reviewed: July 2025
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I spent weeks testing the LG S95AR soundbar, and it’s a full Dolby Atmos home theater experience

2:00 pm | July 20, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Soundbars Televisions | Tags: Dead Rising, Dolby Atmos, TV, US | Comments: Off

LG S95AR soundbar: One minute review

LG S95AR on table with accessories — The S95AR with its included accessories (Image credit: Future)

The LG S95AR is the successor to the already great LG S95TR soundbar system. There are a few good improvements, but at a couple of hundred dollars more, it can also seem redundant.

That said, if you don’t already own the LG S95TR, then I can enthusiastically recommend the LG S95AR, as it ranks among the best soundbars available, not to mention one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars. This 9.1.5-channel system not only offers incredibly immersive surround sound and spatial audio, but it does so with plenty of power and clarity.

The LG S95AR’s feature set is about as impressive as on any soundbar I’ve tested, with AI Room Calibration that’s good enough to rival Sonos soundbars. On top of all of that, it’s very easy to set up.

I have some small nitpicks with the S95AR, such as its use of basic LED indicators to let you know when the volume or settings have changed instead of having a full LED display. And, of course, its price is going to be prohibitive for a lot of people. But if you can handle the high price, you’ll be impressed.

LG S95AR soundbar review: Price & release date

LG S95AR on TV stand with subwoofer and sleeping doggo — The S95AR soundbar with its included wireless subwoofer (dog not included) (Image credit: Future)

Price: $1,699.99 (about £1,260 / AU$2,610)
Released in April 2025

While I wouldn’t call it a soft launch, the LG S95AR Soundbar is currently only available in the US. If you’re located in one of the fifty states (or Puerto Rico and Guam), getting the LG S95AR will set you back a hefty $1,699.99 (about £1,260 / AUD$2,610).

The LG S95TR, this model’s predecessor, was also originally available only in the US, but has gone worldwide with a slightly better (but not by much) pricing of $1,499.99 / £1,699 / AU$1,699.

Both models come with a large soundbar, two rear speakers with multiple drivers, and a powerful subwoofer. They’re almost exactly the same, except that the S95AR has a redesigned subwoofer and better integration between the soundbar system and LG TVs. Oh, and there’s a new app, but more on that later.

LG S95AR soundbar review: Specs

Dimensions (W x H x D)	Soundbar: 49.2 x 2.5 x 5.3 in (1250 x 63.5 x 134.6mm); subwoofer: 7.9 x 16 x 15.9 in (200 x 406 x 404mm); rear speakers: 6.3 x 8.8 x 5.6 in (160 x 223.5 x 142mm)
Speaker channels	9.1.5
Connections:	2x HDMI (1 with eARC), optical, digital, Bluetooth, USB type-A
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X	Yes/Yes
Sub included	Yes
Rear speakers included	Yes
Features	4K @ 120Hz passthrough, Wi-Fi Streaming, Voice assistant support, AI room calibration, LG WOW Orchestra, LG WOW Interface, WOW Cast

LG S95AR soundbar review: Features

LG S95AR soundbar ports — Ports include two HDMI (one with eARC/ARC) and optical digital (Image credit: Future)

First-party features for LG TVs
Wi-Fi Streaming and Alexa/Google Assistant support
AI Room Calibration

There are several features of the S95AR that only owners of compatible LG TVs can access, which I wasn’t able to test with my non-LG TV. (You can tell which ones they are, because they start with the prefix “WOW.”) WOW Orchestra, for instance, combines an LG TV’s speakers with the LG S95AR for an even more immersive audio experience. And the WOW interface allows you to use one remote to control the soundbar’s functions as well as the TV’s via an onscreen interface. Lastly, WOW Cast lets you make a lossless wireless audio connection between the soundbar and specific LG TVs.

Luckily, there are plenty of features still accessible for non-LG TV owners. Wi-Fi streaming via Apple AirPlay 2 is available, as is Alexa and Google Assistant support. There are some gaming-related features as well, such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), as well as 4K, HDR10, and Dolby Vision support on the HDMI passthrough port.

Along with supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the LG S95AR can handle high-resolution audio, making this soundbar as capable of giving an immersive listening experience for music as it is for movies. There’s even what LG calls Smart Up-mixing that utilizes all the speakers for stereo audio playback.

What really puts the LG S95AR over the top in the feature department is its AI Room Calibration Pro, which I also appreciated when I reviewed the LG S95TR. Using LG’s app, you sit in the ideal listening spot (most likely your couch), and the soundbar will send out test tones. The app then measures the response and calibrates the soundbar’s audio output for your room. It’s pretty cool!

After calibration, the soundbar’s “AI Sound Pro Mode” will reflect the calibration. Speaking of sound modes, all the usual suspects are here, such as Cinema, Sports, etc., but the two I like to highlight are Night Mode and Clear Voice Mode. Both work very well, with Night mode compressing the audio to limit spikes without losing sound fidelity and Clear Voice mode pushing the dialogue level without distorting the frequency range, something that often happens with these types of modes.

Most of these features are only accessible through LG’s control app, which is fairly easy to navigate. You can even individually adjust the volume of the rear speakers, subwoofer, upward-firing speakers, and the center channel here. My only real gripe is that there’s only a three-band EQ for adjusting audio to taste.

Features score: 5 / 5

LG S95AR soundbar review: Performance

LG S95AR rear speakers with window in background — The system's rear speakers feature left, right, and upward-firing drivers for Atmos height effects (Image credit: Future)

Sound is a little mid-forward, but clear
Incredibly immersive soundstage
Stereo upmixing to all channels

The S95AR’s sound quality is very, very good – only the most nitpicky audiophiles will find some fault with it. I consider myself audiophile-adjacent, and the only issue I could hear is that its midrange was just a bit forward-sounding. Of course, there is a three-band EQ in the app to help with that.

That said, the midrange is generally well-balanced. This is particularly true with dialogue. You can enhance dialogue, either by turning up the center channel level or using the dialogue mode in the app, but I never really felt the need to. Whether it was when watching a scene from The Batman or Deadpool &Wolverine, or playing a game like Dead Rising 2 where the main character is often talking while a lot of various audio elements (well, zombies) are occupying sonic space, dialogue was consistently clear.

The S95AR’s bass is nice and present. At default settings, it has that “you can feel it before you can hear it” effect, so it blends in nicely with the rest of the frequency range. When watching a blockbuster like Deadpool & Wolverine, there’s a lot of low-end information since half of every set is exploding, but even without turning the subwoofer up and having the soundbar set at a modest volume, I could sense the impact of everything and anything that is supposed to go boom.

The high-end also resolves nicely so that I didn’t miss any details, whether watching a movie, listening to music, or playing a game.

As far as the S95AR’s soundstage goes, it was just as immersive as when I reviewed the S95TR. The surround sound works perfectly – I was a bit unnerved to hear zombies behind me when I booted up Dead Rising 2 – and the upward firing speakers give all the audio elements a sense of height along with the left to right and front to back directionality. It’s quite the experience.

Performance score: 5 / 5

LG S95AR soundbar review: Design

LG S95AR subwoofer on floor — LG's sub has a 8-inch side-firing woofer that’s helped along with a forward-facing port, which helps with bass extension and output (Image credit: Future)

Soundbar is fairly large
Wireless connectivity
Basic LED indicator display

The LG S95AR is not a small soundbar, and that’s without getting into the fact that this is a four-piece system. The main soundbar is almost fifty inches wide with ten drivers in it – three of them pointing up for Dolby Atmos height effects – and requires a fairly large entertainment console to properly hold it.

The rear speakers are sizable as well, but there’s a good reason for that. Unlike most rear speakers, these don’t have just one driver. They use three – one slightly angled to the right of the speaker, one to the left, and one out of the top for spatial audio or Dolby Atmos effects.

The subwoofer houses an 8-inch side-firing woofer that’s helped along with a forward-facing port, which helps with bass extension and output.

A nice design feature is that all units have recessed power ports with angled power cables so that everything looks flush when installed. Soundbar connections, meanwhile, include optical digital, two HDMI (one of which supports Dolby Vision HDR passthrough), and a USB port.

The soundbar does have a set of capacitive buttons so that everything looks clean, but you can still power on the soundbar, change the volume, change inputs, connect Bluetooth, or enable Wi-Fi (necessary for pairing to the app) without using the remote.

I also want to mention that, like the S95TR before it, there is no display other than three LED indicator lights on the right side of the soundbar that light up and change color depending on what you’re doing, whether it’s adjusting the volume or changing to Bluetooth connectivity.

Speaking of the remote, it has a good feel in the hand and comes with a decent set of controls, though it’s not as robust as the app. Since the soundbar itself just has the three indicator lights, cycling through certain settings via the remote, like different sound modes, is somewhat of a guessing game.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

LG S95AR soundbar review: Setup & usability

LG S95AR remote control held in hand — The S95AR's remote lets you control basic functions, but more advanced ones are only available in LG's app (Image credit: Future)

Removing the various pieces from the box takes the longest
Physical setup is incredibly easy
Mounting brackets included

The S95AR comes in a big box. It takes a minute to get all the pieces out as they’re very well packed, with the rear speakers and subwoofer bound in recyclable packing material. But getting all the pieces out of the box (and putting the box away) is the most time-consuming part of the whole setup process. I would estimate it probably took me about 10 minutes at most.

Connecting the soundbar to the TV via the included HDMI cable and power, and then connecting the various other speakers to power (remember, they’re all wireless) took half that time. And, since the rear speakers and subwoofers are paired out of the box, there was no other physical setup besides placing the included batteries into the remote.

I did have to go through one more step, which is connecting the app to the soundbar system. It does take an additional 5 to 10 minutes, but it is mostly just following instructions on a screen. This is a necessary step, however, as the remote can't access all the features and fine-tuning capabilities found in the app.

If you want to wall-mount the soundbar and rear speakers, LG has helpfully included brackets and screws for both without an extra charge.

Setup & usability score: 5 / 5

LG S95AR soundbar review: Value

LG S95AR rear speaker recessed power port being demonstrated — All speakers in the system feature recessed power ports for neat installation (Image credit: Future)

Similar-specced soundbars come with similar price tags
Building out a home theater sound system probably costs more
Cheaper surround sound and Dolby Atmos systems available

With a price tag of $1,699.99 (about £1,260 / AUD$2,610), the LG S95AR is expensive. However, that’s par for the course for a flagship soundbar system. The Samsung Q990D, for instance, retailed for $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995 when first released and covers a lot of the same ground, being a feature-filled 11.1.4-channel system.

Of course, building out an actual home theater setup with individual speakers is probably going to cost even more if you get decent speakers. That said, there are cheaper options if you want surround sound and Dolby Atmos, such as the Hisense AX5125H. Being a 5.1.2-channel system, it is not as robust as the LG S95AR, but it goes for a much, much cheaper $299 / £349 (roughly AU$449). Of course, you’re giving up a lot in terms of features as well

Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the LG S95AR soundbar?

Section	Notes	Score
Features	Even if you can’t use the features that only work with LG TVs, there’s a lot to take advantage of, including AI Room Calibration	5 / 5
Performance	The sound quality is immersive and clear, with plenty of low-end rumble	5 / 5
Design	Big, with lots of drivers, including upward-firing ones on the rear speakers. Unfortunately, the LED display is very limited	4.5 / 5
Setup & usability	Easy to set up and quick, too, though you’ll need to use an app to get at more sophisticated setup functions	.5 / 5
Value	Expensive, but priced in line with other flagship soundbar systems	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want immersive audio
With seventeen drivers pointing every which way, the sound on the LG S95AR is very immersive, even with stereo audio, thanks to stereo up-mixing.

You’re looking for lots of features
Just about every feature one could want is provided on this soundbar. The AI Room Calibration is great, but so are the various sound modes, Wi-Fi Streaming, and Alexa and Google Assistant support.

You need easy
As much as this soundbar is capable of, it’s also easy to set up and easy to use. You can probably get it fully set up in 20 minutes.

Don't buy it if...

You’re looking for value
I don’t necessarily think the LG S95AR is overpriced, but it’s not cheap, and it’s not really a value proposition. If you’re trying to stretch your cash, there are other options that are cheaper.

You’re not in the US
At the time of writing (June 2025), the S95AR is only available in the US. Luckily, the S95TR is very close in most aspects and is available in other territories.

LG S95AR soundbar review: Also consider

	LG S95AR soundbar	Samsung HW-Q990D	Hisense AX5125H
Price	$1,699.99 (about £1,260 / AUD$2,610)	$1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995	$299 / £349 (roughly AU$449)
Dimensions (w x h x d)	Soundbar: 49.2 x 2.5 x 5.3 in (1250 x 63.5 x 134.6mm); subwoofer: 7.9 x 16 x 15.9 in (200 x 406 x 404mm); rear speakers: 6.3 x 8.8 x 5.6 in (160 x 223.5 x 142mm)	Soundbar: 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm (51.3 x 23.4 x 10.9 in), Subwoofer: 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm (8.6 x 16.2 x 16.1 in), Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm (5 x 7.9 x 5.5 in)	Soundbar: 36.2 x 18.8 x 3.5 in (920 x 478 x 90mm); Subwoofer: 8.5 x 12.3 x 11.9 in (210.5 x 310 x 300mm); Satellites: 3.6 x 5.7 x 4.3 in (90.1 x 140.5 x 110mm)
Speaker channels	9.1.5	11.1.4	5.1.2
Connections	2x HDMI (1 with eARC), optical digital audio, USB type-A	11.1.4	1x HDMI Out (eARC), 1x HDMI in, optical, USB, 3.5mm AUX
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X	Yes/Yes	Yes/Yes	Yes/Yes

Samsung HW-Q990D
If you want a powerful, all-encompassing surround sound and Dolby Atmos-equipped soundbar, the Samsung HW-Q990D has about as much going for it as the LG S95AR. Like the LG soundbar, it’s also a bit pricey and has an obscured LED display.

Read our full Samsung Q990D review

Hisense AX5125H
The Hisense AX5125H is a fraction of the price of the LG S95AR, and that is probably the main reason to consider this 5.1.2 system over something more robust. It’s still immersive with clear dialogue and punchy bass, but it is much more limited when it comes to features.

Read our full Hisense AX5125H review

How I tested the LG S95AR soundbar

close-up of LG S95AR front panel LED indicator lights — The S95AR's indicator lights offer basic control feedback, but a front-panel alphanumeric display would have been a better option (Image credit: Future)

I used the LG S95AR Soundbar for several weeks
Tested with both TV, movies, and music

I used the LG S95AR Soundbar regularly for several weeks with TV, movies, and music. I listened to the different sound modes and I tested the various features.

As has been hopefully expressed in the review, this is a powerful, immersive soundbar that does a very good job of offering an immersive home theater experience and should work for anyone with the budget for it who wants the convenience of a soundbar.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years, from laptops to keyboards and speakers, and so have been able to use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

LG S95AR soundbar: One minute review

The LG S95AR is the successor to the already great LG S95TR soundbar system. There are a few good improvements, but at a couple of hundred dollars more, it can also seem redundant.

LG S95AR soundbar review: Price & release date

Price: $1,699.99 (about £1,260 / AU$2,610)
Released in April 2025

The LG S95TR, this model’s predecessor, was also originally available only in the US, but has gone worldwide with a slightly better (but not by much) pricing of $1,499.99 / £1,699 / AU$1,699.

LG S95AR soundbar review: Specs

Dimensions (W x H x D)	Soundbar: 49.2 x 2.5 x 5.3 in (1250 x 63.5 x 134.6mm); subwoofer: 7.9 x 16 x 15.9 in (200 x 406 x 404mm); rear speakers: 6.3 x 8.8 x 5.6 in (160 x 223.5 x 142mm)
Speaker channels	9.1.5
Connections:	2x HDMI (1 with eARC), optical, digital, Bluetooth, USB type-A
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X	Yes/Yes
Sub included	Yes
Rear speakers included	Yes
Features	4K @ 120Hz passthrough, Wi-Fi Streaming, Voice assistant support, AI room calibration, LG WOW Orchestra, LG WOW Interface, WOW Cast

LG S95AR soundbar review: Features

First-party features for LG TVs
Wi-Fi Streaming and Alexa/Google Assistant support
AI Room Calibration

Features score: 5 / 5

LG S95AR soundbar review: Performance

Sound is a little mid-forward, but clear
Incredibly immersive soundstage
Stereo upmixing to all channels

The high-end also resolves nicely so that I didn’t miss any details, whether watching a movie, listening to music, or playing a game.

Performance score: 5 / 5

LG S95AR soundbar review: Design

Soundbar is fairly large
Wireless connectivity
Basic LED indicator display

The subwoofer houses an 8-inch side-firing woofer that’s helped along with a forward-facing port, which helps with bass extension and output.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

LG S95AR soundbar review: Setup & usability

Removing the various pieces from the box takes the longest
Physical setup is incredibly easy
Mounting brackets included

If you want to wall-mount the soundbar and rear speakers, LG has helpfully included brackets and screws for both without an extra charge.

Setup & usability score: 5 / 5

LG S95AR soundbar review: Value

Similar-specced soundbars come with similar price tags
Building out a home theater sound system probably costs more
Cheaper surround sound and Dolby Atmos systems available

Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the LG S95AR soundbar?

Section	Notes	Score
Features	Even if you can’t use the features that only work with LG TVs, there’s a lot to take advantage of, including AI Room Calibration	5 / 5
Performance	The sound quality is immersive and clear, with plenty of low-end rumble	5 / 5
Design	Big, with lots of drivers, including upward-firing ones on the rear speakers. Unfortunately, the LED display is very limited	4.5 / 5
Setup & usability	Easy to set up and quick, too, though you’ll need to use an app to get at more sophisticated setup functions	.5 / 5
Value	Expensive, but priced in line with other flagship soundbar systems	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want immersive audio
With seventeen drivers pointing every which way, the sound on the LG S95AR is very immersive, even with stereo audio, thanks to stereo up-mixing.

You need easy
As much as this soundbar is capable of, it’s also easy to set up and easy to use. You can probably get it fully set up in 20 minutes.

Don't buy it if...

You’re not in the US
At the time of writing (June 2025), the S95AR is only available in the US. Luckily, the S95TR is very close in most aspects and is available in other territories.

LG S95AR soundbar review: Also consider

	LG S95AR soundbar	Samsung HW-Q990D	Hisense AX5125H
Price	$1,699.99 (about £1,260 / AUD$2,610)	$1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995	$299 / £349 (roughly AU$449)
Dimensions (w x h x d)	Soundbar: 49.2 x 2.5 x 5.3 in (1250 x 63.5 x 134.6mm); subwoofer: 7.9 x 16 x 15.9 in (200 x 406 x 404mm); rear speakers: 6.3 x 8.8 x 5.6 in (160 x 223.5 x 142mm)	Soundbar: 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm (51.3 x 23.4 x 10.9 in), Subwoofer: 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm (8.6 x 16.2 x 16.1 in), Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm (5 x 7.9 x 5.5 in)	Soundbar: 36.2 x 18.8 x 3.5 in (920 x 478 x 90mm); Subwoofer: 8.5 x 12.3 x 11.9 in (210.5 x 310 x 300mm); Satellites: 3.6 x 5.7 x 4.3 in (90.1 x 140.5 x 110mm)
Speaker channels	9.1.5	11.1.4	5.1.2
Connections	2x HDMI (1 with eARC), optical digital audio, USB type-A	11.1.4	1x HDMI Out (eARC), 1x HDMI in, optical, USB, 3.5mm AUX
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X	Yes/Yes	Yes/Yes	Yes/Yes

Read our full Samsung Q990D review

Read our full Hisense AX5125H review

How I tested the LG S95AR soundbar

I used the LG S95AR Soundbar for several weeks
Tested with both TV, movies, and music

I used the LG S95AR Soundbar regularly for several weeks with TV, movies, and music. I listened to the different sound modes and I tested the various features.

WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight: two-minute review

The first step of setting up my WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit was actually removing my Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror Kit, as that was what I had been using for TV accent lighting prior to the test period. Both Nanoleaf and WiZ are among the best smart light brands and so being able to directly compare the two was a valuable asset for the review process.

I’ll admit I was a little sad to put the old Nanoleaf light strip into storage but I really wasn’t going to miss the camera that used to linger above my screen. Luckily, the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit doesn’t have any unwelcome distractions like that, and the setup was a good deal cleaner too.

WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight — The light strip's corner pieces are cleverly designed to accommodate different screen sizes (Image credit: Abigail Shannon)

My television is 55 inches, and it was definitely the smallest screen the 55-65” kit could fit on. In fact, I had to readjust my positioning a couple of times to avoid any sections of the LED strip going beyond the TV’s edge. Thanks to the adhesive clips and weirdly ingenious corner sections included with the kit, I was to achieve an application that I was confident would last.

Alongside the included LCD light strip, I also tested the Sync Box’s functionality with other WiZ products, including the Gradient Light Bars. The app has a clever and easy-to-use function where you essentially tell it where your extra lights are in relation to your television and that dictates how its colors shift. Sure enough, the synced lights change in line with the light strip, further expanding the glowing halo around whatever episode of Kitchen Nightmares I happen to be watching.

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When it got to actually testing the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit, I encountered a bit of a problem: my partner and I are the kind of adult children who own at least one of every current gen console, so the singular HDMI 2.0 port included with the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit was just not going to cut it.

Thankfully, the sync box supports the use of switch splitters, meaning you can expand your number of inputs provided you’re happy to spend a little extra. Depending on how many more ports you need, HDMI splitters can set you back about $10 to $50, so keep that added cost in mind if you plan to use the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit while gaming across multiple platforms.

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Skull and Bones is undoubtedly not one of gaming’s greats, but it happened to be one my partner was playing at the time – and, in its defence, it does have an open world that delivers a good deal of color information for the sync box to work with. As I expected, the deep grey-blue of the game’s sea was reflected really beautifully on the wall behind my screen, but what was particularly impressive was when a blast of lightning cut across the game’s skybox.

This in-game weather phenomenon prompted a localised shock of white light to cut across my walls, adding a fabulous sense of drama to what was otherwise rather goofy game.

On the other hand, playing Dead by Daylight on a map with a grimy, rust colored palette intermittently produced the most random shade of violet. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a sucker for some good bisexual lighting at the best of times, but I’d appreciate it if my light strip stuck just a tad closer to the script.

One mechanic in Dead by Daylight involves the appearance of what’s called a ‘terror radius’, causing a blood-red glow to emit from another player’s character. When the sync box picked up the terror radius, it looked superb and truly enhanced the thrill of the chase. The only problem was, it didn’t activate all that reliably.

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Some kind of colored light was always present and enhancing the atmosphere of my media setup, but there were times where I’d pay especially close attention to the WiZ light strip’s output and realise how arbitrary its choices were. I navigated the WiZ app (which as mentioned in my WiZ Gradient Floor Lamp review, is a breeze) and tried to force a firmware update, hoping this would resolve these quirks. Unfortunately, it seems like the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit has a tiny rebellious streak that can’t be quashed.

WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight: specifications

Connectivity	Wi-Fi (2.4GHz only), Bluetooth
Smart home compatibility	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Matter
Supported resolution	4K at 60hz
Supported HDR formats	HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Supported screen sizes	55-65 inch or 75-80 inch
Brightness	Not specified
Color temperature	2,700-6,500k
Total LED strip length	8.5ft / 2.6m

WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight: price and availability

55-65 inch kit price: $89 / £79.99
75-85” inch price: $109 / £99.99
Where to buy: Amazon, WiZ (US only)

The 55-65” WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit costs $89, while the larger 85” model comes with a bit of a premium at $109. Both can be purchased on the WiZ site or on Amazon.

If you’re in the UK, you can browse WiZ products on the website but when it comes to actually popping them in your basket, you’ll have to head to Amazon. Here, you can pick up the 65” kit for £79.99 and the 85” kit for £99.99.

Should you buy the WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight

Buy it if

You like your TV experience more theatrical

Screen mirroring smart lights transform your living space to match the vibe of the show, film, or game you’re enjoying; it’s fun, it’s flashy, and it’s a little silly. If that sounds like your jam, you know what to add to your shopping list.

You’re on a budget

Whereas some HDMI sync boxes can cost you close to $250, the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit is just $90 (or $109 if you’re opting for the larger size). This is an especially attractive option if you’ve recently splashed the cash on a new TV.

You don’t want a camera

While Nanoleaf offers a screen-mirroring smart light kit that’s similarly-priced, it relies on information from a camera feed instead of a HDMI input. Depending on the layout of your TV, you can have the camera below or above your screen but either way, it’s a little distracting.

Don't buy it if

You rely on smart TV streaming apps

Given the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit bases its screen mirroring on data from a HDMI source, you can’t use it in tandem with smart TV apps. If you watch the majority of your media directly on your TV instead of a console or cable box, you might want to explore other smart light options.

You want a sync box that natively supports multiple HDMI inputs
While you have the option to hook up a switch splitter, the WiZ HDMI Sync Box only supports one HDMI input as standard. If you have multiple gaming consoles, keep in mind you’ll have to drop an extra $30 to allow you quickly change between them.

You’d like illumination from all angles

The light strip included with the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit provides coverage across the top and sides of your TV or monitor. The lack of light on the bottom is barely noticeable on standing TVs but is a good deal more obvious if your TV is wall-mounted.

WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight: also consider

If you’re not totally sold on the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit, it might be worth checking out alternatives like the Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit and the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box.

Specification	WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight	Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit	Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box 4K
Price	$89 / £79.99 (up to 65 inches) $109 / £99.99 (up to 85 inches)	$99.99 / £81.94 (up to 65 inches) $119.99 / £105.52 (up to 85 inches)	$249.99 / £229.99 (light strips sold separately)
Screen mirroring input	HDMI 2.0 Sync Box (single input)	Camera	HDMI 2.1 Sync Box (four inputs)
Supported resolution	4k at 60hz	N/A	4K at 60hz (8K variant also available)
Supported HDR formats	HDR10+, Dolby Vision	N/A	HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Supported screen size	55-65 inch or 75-85 inch	Up to 65 inch or up to 85 inch	Lights sold separately, Hue Bridge required to link
Smart home compatibility	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Matter	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Matter	Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit (Matter compatible if used with Hue Bridge, sold separately)
Light strip length	8.5ft / 2.6m 11.2ft / 3.4m	13.1ft / 4m 17ft / 5.2m	N/A
Brightness	Not specified	1,075 lumens (65 inch variant) 1,122 lumens (85 inch variant)	N/A
Color temperature	2,700-6,500K	2,700-6,500K	N/A

How I tested the WiZ HDMI Sync Box with TV Backlight

I connected the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit to my TV
I tested the Sync Box using input from my PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
I experimented with in-app features and controls

During the two weeks I used the WiZ HDMI Sync Box Kit, I enjoyed a variety of films, tv shows, and video games while observing how the LCD light strip emulated what was onscreen. After assessing the functionality of the light strip alone, I also connected the Sync Box to the WiZ Gradient Light Bars and the WiZ Gradient Floor Lamp. For more details, see how we test, rate, and review at TechRadar.

First reviewed July 2025

I tested this Sony Dolby Atmos soundbar for a few weeks, and was blown away by its bass

2:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Soundbars Televisions | Tags: Dolby Atmos, TV | Comments: Off

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6: One minute review

Sony Bravia theater bar 6 packaging on floor — The Theater Bar 6's packaging (Image credit: Future)

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 lives up to the ‘Theater’ part of its name. If you want to upgrade your TV’s audio but can’t quite go the full home theater route, the next best thing is a soundbar with a separate subwoofer for extended, theater-like bass. As great as the best soundbars are, not all come with, or even support, external subwoofers, and that low rumble a subwoofer delivers makes the biggest difference between hearing a movie and feeling it.

Dolby Atmos speakers for height effects take the theater experience to the next step, and the Sony Bravia Theater 6, along with having a powerful wireless subwoofer, has upward-firing speakers for immersive spatial audio.

While the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 has some shortcomings – there’s a delayed response when using Sony’s Bravia Connect control app, and the soundbar’s soundstage is a bit narrower than I would like – I still think it’s a strong contender for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Price & release date

Sony Bravia theater bar 6 on floor with accessories — The Theater Bar 6's full set of accessories (Image credit: Future)

Released in April 2025
Price: $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 soundbar is widely available for $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899).

That price is far from budget, though the Theater Bar 6 does include a wireless subwoofer, not to mention a good feature set including some first-party integration with Sony Bravia TVs. The soundbar's upward-firing speakers, which let it deliver Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height effects without resorting to virtual processing, add to the cost as well.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Specs

Dimensions (W x H x D)	Bar: 37.5 x 2.63 x 4.38 inch / 950 x 64 x 110 mm, (Sub) 8.27 x 15.28 x 15.28 inch / 210 x 388 x 388 mm
Speaker channels	3.1.2
Connections:	1x HDMI (with eARC), optical, digital, Bluetooth, USB, IR
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X	Yes/Yes
Sub included	Yes
Rear speakers included	No
Features	Bravia Sync, DSEE, app support

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Features

Sony Bravia theater bar 6 ports — Ports include one HDMI with eARC/ARC and optical digital (Image credit: Future)

Can upmix stereo to spatial audio
Night mode is clear while limiting audio spikes
Voice mode is subtle enough not to distort audio

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6’s feature set is a bright spot. There's the aforementioned Bravia Sync (along with an enhanced dialogue mode that can be used with Bravia TVs) and it can upmix stereo audio to spatial audio. There’s Bluetooth connectivity, though no Wi-Fi streaming, and a bunch more features that you’ll find digging through the Sony Bravia Connect app.

Most notably, I want to mention the app’s Night Mode and Voice Mode features. The first does a wonderful job of flattening audio so you can hear it clearly, even though almost all dynamic range has been lost. That makes it perfect for watching when someone else in your home is asleep.

The Voice mode boosts the frequency range where the dialogue in movies and TV shows sits. And it does so without distorting the way the audio sounds, which is usually the case with voice or dialogue modes.

Using the app gives you access to a lot more functions for setting up and adjusting the soundbar. However, there seemed to be a delay with every press when I tested the Theater Bar 6. If I turned up the volume or adjusted the bass level, I had to do it slowly so that the app registered and transmitted each press to the soundbar. I don’t quite understand the lag, as the soundbar has Bluetooth 5.3, which is not that old a Bluetooth standard, and should be sufficient to register a control command quickly.

Features score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Performance

Sony Bravia theater bar 6 screwing in support feet — The Theater Bar 6's support feet are easy to install (Image credit: Future)

Good overall audio quality
Lots of power from subwoofer
Soundstage is a bit narrow

Now to the interesting part. The Theater Bar 6’s sound quality is very good. It’s full without sounding bloated, and the high-end is crisp and clear. Bass from the system’s subwoofer is massive – I had the subwoofer’s level set at 4 out of 10 and still got quite the punch from it. Most listeners will be more than happy with the Theater Bar 6’s sound.

That said, there is one area where the sound falls a little short. The soundstage is a bit narrower than I would like. I tested with action-packed movies, such as The Batman and Deadpool & Wolverine, and I didn’t sense a lot of movement with sound effects. That’s not to say it’s not there. It’s just not dramatic like one would expect from a sound system with the word “Theater” in it.

The Theater Bar 6’s limited soundstage didn’t quite take me out of the experience, but it is certainly a limitation. At least the subwoofer delivers a nice rumble that you can feel, and the Dolby Atmos speakers add some height to the audio. The effect is subtle, but everything just sounds a little taller.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Design

Sony Bravia theater bar 6 wireless subwoofer on wood floor — The Theater Bar 6's wireless subwoofer provides deep, solid bass (Image credit: Future)

Soundbar and subwoofer on the big side
Features upward-firing speakers
Limited port selection

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is essentially two pieces: the soundbar itself and a subwoofer. The soundbar is fairly wide, measuring 37 1/2 inches across, as well as 2 5/8 inches tall and 4 3/8 inches deep (950 x 64 x 110 mm). If you have anything smaller than a 50-inch TV, then this soundbar is too big for it.

It comes in matte black and has a few LED indicators that light up on the lower right side whenever anything is changed. I do prefer an actual LED display that gives more information, but this more minimal way of communicating changes to settings seems to be the norm for most mid-range and budget soundbars.

This is a 3.1.2 system with six total speakers, with five of them in the soundbar itself. The left, center, and right speakers are all, as is expected, front-facing, though I would have expected the left and right to maybe angle out a little. The wo upward-firing speakers align with the left and right ones. Those speakers are angled so that they’ll bounce sound off the ceiling to the listener’s ears.

The port selection is pretty slim here, though that’s not unusual in this price range. Besides power, there’s one HDMI and one optical port. Both ports support quite a few features. For example, the HDMI supports eARC, allowing you to listen to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, as well as HDMI CEC, which allows you to use your TV’s remote to control the volume on the soundbar. It also supports Bravia Sync, a feature that requires a Bravia TV.

If you plan on buying the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, make sure you have enough space for the wireless subwoofer, as it’s quite hefty, measuring 8.26 x 15.28 x 15.28 in (210 x 388 x 388 mm). It comes in the same matte black finish, has one plug for power, a forward-facing woofer, and a bass reflex port (the big hole in the front) to extend bass response.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Setup & usability

Sony Bravia theater bar 6 remote control held in hand — The Bravia Theater 6 comes with a basic remote control, but many more sound adjustments are available in the Bravia Connect app (Image credit: Future)

Simple setup
App is straightforward
Remote control is intuitive

The physical setup of the Theater Bar 6 is very easy, just requiring a screwdriver for attaching the rubber feet that raise the soundbar off the surface it’s sitting on by half an inch. Connecting it to a TV just requires either an HDMI or optical cable (Sony includes an HDMI cable).

Subwoofer setup is even easier. After connecting it to power, it automatically links to the soundbar wirelessly (though there are instructions on how to pair if there’s an issue).

Despite my annoyance with the app’s lagging, setting it up and pairing it with the soundbar is also straightforward. There are a number of screens to go through, but there’s nothing confusing, and you just follow the instructions or answer the questions on the screen.

As far as using the soundbar, you either interact with it via the remote or the app, as there are no physical buttons on the unit. The remote is straightforward in its operation, and the Voice mode and Night mode each have their own buttons.

Setup & usability score: 5 / 5

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Value

Sony Bravia theater bar 6 on tv stand with games beneath — The Theater Bar 6 features two upfiring speakers for Atmos height effects (Image credit: Future)

Can find Dolby Atmos models with a subwoofer for cheaper
Priced about right for the quality
Stiff competition from companies like Samsung

The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6’s price tag of $649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899 is nowhere near budget. Consider the Hisense AX5125H with its current pricing of $299 / £349 (roughly AU$449). It’s a 5.1.2-channel system, so it not only comes with that subwoofer and upward-firing speakers but two rear speakers for surround sound capability. That said, it doesn’t have an app for any kind of EQ or audio fine-tuning. Even worse, the rear speakers can get overwhelmed and distort. That’s a good reminder that sometimes you do get what you pay for. It’s also worth mentioning that the Hisense originally went for $449 / £499 (roughly AU$599) when it was released in 2023.

A better comparison might be the Samsung HW-Q700C, a 3.1.2-channel soundbar system that goes for $549.99 / £599 / AU$899 that can be upgraded at a later date to surround sound, though getting those extra speakers will add $299 / £249 / AU$349 to the cost. It covers a lot of the same ground as the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, though the Samsung seems to suffer even more from app-related connectivity issues.

Value score: 4 / 5

Should I buy the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6?

Section	Notes	Score
Features	It can upmix stereo to spatial audio and has solid Night and Voice modes	4.5 / 5
Performance	The soundstage is a bit narrow, but the sound quality is very good, especially the low end, thanks to the powerful subwoofer	4.5 / 5
Design	On the bigger side, and there's no alphanumeric LED display for control feedback	4 / 5
Setup & usability	Everything about using the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is easy and intuitive	5 / 5
Value	A solid mid-range soundbar. You can find cheaper options with similar setups, but the quality may be less	4 / 5

Buy it if...

You want good sound quality
The audio quality is overall very good, especially the low end, and it’s only slightly held back by a narrow soundstage.

You want something easy
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 is powerful and does a lot. Even so, it’s easy to set up, and using it is intuitive.

You want Dolby Atmos
Not only does it sound good, but those upward-firing speakers add some dimensionality to audio. Plus, it can upmix stereo audio to take advantage of those extra speakers.

Don't buy it if...

You want surround sound
Sony’s 3.1.2 channels provide immersive sound, but it’s still not the same as surround sound.

You want a wide stereo image
It’s par for the course with soundbars, but the soundstage here is not particularly wide. If you want a wide stereo image, find a home theater system with actual speakers or a soundbar system with rear speakers.

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 review: Also consider

	Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6	Samsung HW-Q700C	Hisense AX5125H	Sony HT-A7000
Price	$649.00 / £449.00 / AU$899	$549.99 / £599 / AU$899	$299 / £349 (roughly AU$449)	$999 / £1,299 / AU$1,699
Dimensions (w x h x d)	Soundbar: 37.5 x 2.63 x 4.38 in (950 x 64 x 110 mm); Subwoofer: 8.27 x 15.28 x 15.28 in (210 x 388 x 388 mm)	Soundbar: 46.5 x 18.5 x 10.7 in (1182 x 468 x 272 mm); Subwoofer: 8 x 13.8 x 11.8 in (205 x 353 x 302 mm)	Soundbar: 36.2 x 18.8 x 3.5 in (920 x 478 x 90mm); Subwoofer: 8.5 x 12.3 x 11.9 in (210.5 x 310 x 300mm); Satellites: 3.6 x 5.7 x 4.3 in (90.1 x 140.5 x 110mm)	51.8 x 3.1 x 5.6 in(1300 x 80 x 142 mm)
Speaker channels	3.1.2	3.1.2	5.1.2	7.1.2
Connections	1x HDMI (with eARC), optical, digital, Bluetooth, USB, IR	1 x HDMI input, 1 x HDMI eARC support, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	1x HDMI Out (eARC), 1x HDMI in, optical, USB, 3.5mm AUX	2 HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X	Yes/Yes	Yes/Yes	Yes/Yes	Yes/Yes

Samsung HW-Q700C
A 3.1.2-channel system, the Samsung HW-Q700C is a little cheaper and covers a lot of the same ground. It does have similar (but worse) app-connectivity issues, and, like the Sony, it has some features that are only unlocked when used with Samsung TVs.

Read our full Samsung HW-Q700C review

Hisense AX5125H

The Hisense AX5125H comes fairly stripped down in the features department. However, it’s almost half the price while offering a subwoofer, upward-firing Dolby Atmos speakers, and rear speakers for surround sound. Unfortunately, audio can overwhelm those rear speakers.

Read our full Hisense AX5125H review

Sony HT-A7000
Sony’s current flagship soundbar ships as a single-bar solution. It still provides 7.1.2 channels and 500W, though, making it one of the most cinematic-sounding single-bar solutions. You can add optional rear and subwoofer speakers too, and it has 4K 120Hz HDMI pass-through.

Read our full Sony HT-A7000 review

How I tested the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6

Sony Bravia theater bar 6 on TV stand — (Image credit: Future)

I used the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 for several weeks
Tested with TV, movies, games, and music

I used the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 regularly for several weeks. I watched movies, shows, games, and listened to music with it. I tested all the various features, especially the various audio modes.

After having tested the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6, it’s clear that it’s an ideal soundbar for anyone who wants a somewhat premium, home theater-type experience without having to pay premium prices.

Nebula X1: two-minute review

The Nebula X1 is the latest projector from Anker, a company that built its projector reputation by releasing the Capsule and Mars series, some of the most consistent, well-performing 1080p portable projectors available. A few years ago, Anker dipped its toes into the best 4K projectors category with the Nebula Cosmos Max, an oval-shaped, pixel-shifting LED projector designed to live on a shelf or ceiling mount. Since then, Anker upgraded from an LED light source to a laser one, and leaned back into the portable idea with the 2,200-ANSI lumen Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K, which has a carrying handle and rectangular shape.

Now, Anker has stepped things up again. The new Nebula X1 is a 3,500-lumen triple laser 4K DLP projector with its 14-element all-glass lens on a unique motorized gimbal, which is designed to ease setup in virtually any situation while delivering a sharp, properly aligned image. Built-in liquid cooling keeps temps down without excessive fan noise. It also has Dolby Vision HDR support, is ISF certified, and uses the Google TV smart TV platform.

The X1 includes a retractable handle for portability and has four built-in speakers (a 15W full-range woofer and 5W tweeter on each side) with a front-firing passive radiator. For improved sonic performance, two wireless speakers can be paired with the projector, and wireless microphones can turn a movie night into a karaoke night.

All of this performance and flexibility comes with a price, though, as the X1 on its own is $2,999, with the optional external speakers and microphones adding to that base price (not to mention a projection screen). But for movie nights, both inside and outside, the Nebula X1 delivers an excellent experience with an effortless, consistent setup process that will have you watching movies within minutes.

Nebula X1 review: price and release date

First available: May 2025
Price: $2,999 / £2,999 / around AU$4,500

Anker Nebula X1 on table — At 3.500 ANSI lumens, the Nebula X1 is incredibly bright for a portable projector (Image credit: Future)

The Nebula X1 is available now for $2,999 / £2,999 / around AU$4,500 through the Nebula website or Amazon. The external speakers, sold in a pair, cost $699. An accessory pack is available that includes two speakers, two microphones, and a carrying case that holds all of it for $999.

There aren’t any projectors at the same price point that offer the same type of performance and portability. The triple laser Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 is the most similar, although it is more suitable as a single-room home theater projector rather than a portable one. Other triple laser projectors around its price are of the ultra short throw (UST) type, while other, less expensive portable laser projectors use a single laser.

Nebula X1 review: Specs

Anker Nebula X1 rear ports — Connections include two HDMI ports (Image credit: Future)

Screen sizes supported:	up to a 200-inch diagonal
Brightness (specified):	3,500 ANSI lumens
HDR support:	Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Optical technology:	Triple laser DLP
Smart TV:	Google TV
Connections:	2 x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), USB-A, USB-C, optical audio out
Dimensions (W x H x D):	11.1 x 7.3 x 9.7 inches (H x W x D)
Weight:	13.7 pounds

Nebula X1 review: design and features

Anker Nebula X1 top panel — Basic controls are provided on the Nebula X1's top surface (Image credit: Future)

Incredibly easy and accurate setup
Quiet operation thanks to liquid cooling
Innovative motorized gimbal for optical engine

The shape of the Nebula X1 is similar to the Cosmos 4K and Cosmos 4K SE projectors in the Nebula line — a tall rectangular box with a handle. The X1, though, is larger than its cheaper cousins, and its handle can be hidden in its body, out of view, by pressing it down (it can be just as easily extended by pressing on it again). When powered on, the X1 illuminates a Cylon-esque red line on its top, and capacitive volume, auto adjustment, and back buttons appear around the tactile navigation toggle.

Some projectors, such as the Hisense C2 and JMGO N1S 4K, have a gimbal stand to manually position the projector image toward the screen from a lower vantage point. The Nebula X1 takes it to a whole new level by having the built-in gimbal motorized and attached to the optical engine itself, thereby angling just the optics and not the entire projector.

On startup, the X1 scans the wall for a projection screen or unobstructed space for the image by moving the gimbal up and down across its full 25-degree range. When a screen is detected, the Nebula’s Intelligent Environment Adaptation tools adjust the image to fit the screen size and aspect ratio. If, for some reason, the auto setup didn’t properly adjust the image, there’s a button at the top of the remote (and on the projector) that will run spatial adaptation again.

In my weeks with the projector, I only needed to do this a couple times, and all but one of those was because I didn’t have the projector situated far back enough for the scan to cover the entirety of my 100-inch Elite Screens CineTension 3, resulting in the screen space not being filled properly. Scooting the projector back a few inches and running the setup process again fixed the user-error issue. The image fit isn’t totally pristine and can extend into a screen’s masking or frame by a few centimeters, but that’s still mightily impressive for an automated system, and, quite honestly, about as good as you’ll get doing it on your own.

While the usable image is sized well to the screen, there is some dim light bleed to the borders of the unaltered projected image size (that is, the full size before taking any auto setup into account). It’s only noticeable when the adjusted picture goes to black, or if you’re specifically looking for it while watching content. And if you’re projecting onto a freestanding screen outside, it’s of no consequence, because that light bleed disappears into the space around the screen.

It’s important to note that if you simply short-press the power button to turn off the Nebula X1 when you’re done, the gimbal will not immediately return to its default position — a short press puts the projector in standby mode. In fact, it will take close to 30 minutes for it to return, and if you unplug the projector to put it away, the gimbal will stay in that position until you turn it back on. You need to long-press the power button and select Power Off, which will shut down the projector and cause the gimbal to move into its vertical, default position within six seconds. The projector is then ready to be unplugged and put away safely. The instructions point this out when discussing the power button on the projector, but not when using the remote, so it’s easy to miss.

Instead of relying solely on fans to keep the internals cool, the X1 has a liquid cooling system — touted as an industry first — to keep things running at an optimum temperature, with a large fan exhausting the heat out the back of the projector. The liquid cooling makes the X1 one of the quietest projectors I’ve come across. Be aware that if you plan to sit directly behind the projector, you’re in for a warm evening.

On either side of the projector, behind the built-in grilles, are two speakers — a 15W woofer and a 5W tweeter — with a single passive radiator at the front. When paired with the two optional wireless speakers, the projector acts as the subwoofer in the 4.1.2 configuration.

The IR remote control is small and light, with backlit buttons that glow when the remote is picked up. There’s a built-in mic for use with Google that can be activated with a microphone button. The most prominent button is the four-way nav with the select button in the middle. Below it is the home button flanked by volume (up and down), settings, and the back button. Just below those are four quick buttons for YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video, and volume mute.

The up and down volume buttons are laid out horizontally (with down on the left side and up on the right), instead of being oriented vertically, as is the setup on most remotes I come across. It’s a minor gripe, but I found myself hitting the back button (which is located directly above the volume down button) on numerous occasions when I intended to raise the volume.

Design and features score: 4.5/5

Nebula X1 review: picture and sound quality

Anker Nebula X1 carrying handle — The Nebula X1 has a sturdy carrying handle for toting it outside (Image credit: Future)

Incredible detail from the 14-element, all-glass lens
Accurate colors in Movie mode
Gaming requires careful projector setup

The Nebula X1 has nine different picture modes – NebulaMaster, Standard, Vivid, Sport, Movie, Game (with two sub modes I’ll talk about below), Conference, ISF Day, and ISF Night.

As might be expected, Movie and the two ISF modes are the most accurate. I measured peak HDR brightness on a 10% white window pattern at 188 nits in both modes. The Nebula X1's native contrast ratio in the same was 1,656:1, and its dynamic contrast was 11,482:1.

What was not expected is that every mode, including the ISF modes, has some degree of MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation), commonly referred to as motion smoothing or the ‘soap opera effect.’ With some content, the motion smoothing introduced artifacts when set at Middle or High. Low was more acceptable and could be beneficial when watching sports, but in general, I suggest you turn it off immediately.

NebulaMaster mode, according to information on the Nebula X1 site, dynamically adapts the image based on projection size and ambient lighting, while also using decontouring algorithms to reduce posterization artifacts (also known as banding). In my room, the image in this mode leaned heavily blue in both SDR and HDR, which was confirmed by my measurements. Some prefer an image with a cooler color balance, but for my taste, it was a bit too much. The mode also tended to slightly boost black levels in darker images.

Out of the box, Movie and the ISF picture modes were my preferred picture modes for all of my viewing. Colors, particularly skin tones, were far more accurate. Grayscale and colors could be dialed in even further in Movie mode with 11-point white balance correction, and a color management system for adjusting hue, saturation, and color brightness (luminance), plus offset and gain. (An ISF calibrator can unlock these options for the ISF picture modes, as well.)

The X1 performed admirably in dark scene torture tests from Dune and the opening scenes at Sapper Morton’s home in Blade Runner 2049, with some detail being visible in the dark shadows on the little home’s walls near the piano and in the kitchen. The X1 also delivers a good amount of brightness that allows the image to still have some pop while viewing in a backyard where there’s uncontrollable light pollution. Just wait until the sun goes down for the best experience.

But perhaps the most impressive performance aspect of the X1 was its detail. The 14-element, all-glass lens produces a gorgeously detailed 4K image, even with the picture adjustment processing to fit the image to the screen, which can introduce clarity issues towards the edge of the image. The X1’s picture looked crisp from corner to corner.

There was one issue I encountered during testing with the eARC port (HDMI2). I planned to watch a Blu-ray on my disc player connected to HDMI2, but the projector would only recognize the disc player as an audio source, and the video would default back to Google TV. When I contacted Anker about this, they said, “We are aware of this issue and will optimize this functionality in future software updates.”

When it comes to any gaming that requires a decent reaction time (which includes the vast majority of games), the projector needs to be in the Game picture mode with the Extreme setting active. This disables the keystone correction and delivers the best input lag, which I measured at 18.3 ms. But as you can imagine from that sentence, if you’ve been relying on the auto-adjust features to watch movies and TV shows, the moment you put it in this mode, the image becomes skewed and no longer fits your screen. If you use Game mode with the Standard setting, the keystone correction stays on, but the input lag shoots up to 142.1 ms with a 4K/60 signal, far too high for any serious gaming.

This scenario requires you to do a proper setup without the use of one of the best parts of the Nebula X1 – the auto adjustment. The lens needs to be level with the bottom of your screen, and it will take some time to play around with positioning to get the image to square up with your screen.

The built-in speakers can play impressively loud, although audible distortion can be heard from around 90 percent and above. But I wouldn’t recommend listening at that level anyway. As I listened in my living room, the maximum volume I set was between 50 and 60 percent, and usually lower. Dialogue was clear, and while it’s not the fullest and most robust sound I’ve heard (these are small woofers, after all), it was plenty to deliver a nice experience.

Adding the wireless speakers brings the sound performance to another level. The left speaker connected quickly, while I needed to turn the right speaker on and off several times before the connection happened. Naturally, having the ability to widely set a left and right channel with side-firing speakers increased the soundstage with a convincing phantom center, and the projector becomes the subwoofer. The upfiring Atmos speakers do a bit to add some height to the sound, but it’s not a convincing Atmos canopy with sounds flying overhead like you get from the best Dolby Atmos soundbars or discrete speakers with DSP. And if you use them outside, without a ceiling to bounce the sound off of, the effect is minimized.

Still, for a more immersive experience, I recommend getting the wireless speakers. Their relative ease of use, setup flexibility, and solid performance are a welcome addition to the Nebula X1. And if you purchase the accessory pack, they fit nicely in the carrying case along with the projector, remote, power supply, and (presumably) microphones. (I did not have the microphones on hand to test them.)

Picture quality score: 4.5/5

Nebula X1 review: value

Anker Nebula X1 remote control — The Nebula X1 remote control (Image credit: Future)

Top-of-the-line portable projector
More expensive than competitors
Best experience requires additional speakers

When compared to other portable projectors, or even those that aren’t as portable, the Nebula X1 delivers incredible performance and, more importantly, a great movie-watching experience no matter where you set it up. There’s no need to take 10 minutes getting its height or angle perfectly correct for a squared-up image. Just put it down, point it towards your screen, and in a few dozen seconds it’s set to go. With the addition of the wireless speakers, the sound performance greatly improves without needing to set up (and plug in) a separate sound bar.

The $2,999 price tag, though, puts it hundreds of dollars above the portable competition, and more in line with lifestyle home theater projectors such as the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 and UST projectors like Samsung’s The Premiere 7 and the Hisense PX2-PRO. And then the accessory pack adds another $999.

That said, the performance and versatility of the Nebula X1 make it a top choice for a movie enthusiast's backyard projector, and one with the flexibility to serve as an indoor everyday projector as well.

Value score: 3.5/5

Nebula X1 projector
	Notes	Rating
Features & Design	Automatic picture calibration and wireless speakers option; sturdy design with carrying handle	4.5/5
Picture quality	Exceptional brightness for a portable projector and crisp 4K picture	4.5/5
Value	Pricey, especially with wireless speaker option, but exceptional picture quality for a portable projector	3.5/5

Should I buy the Nebula X1?

Anker Nebula X1 in carrying case with speakers — The Nebula X1 with its optional wireless speakers (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want a top-end outdoor projector
The Nebula X1 is easily transportable thanks to its retractable handle and accessory pack that includes a padded carrying case, and it projects a beautifully crisp and accurate picture in the proper picture modes.

You want a projector that’s easy to set up
The automated setup process takes only a few seconds and is consistently very accurate in finding and filling your projection screen.

You want a bright projector with a great smart TV platform
For its price, the X1 has one of the brightest images currently available and runs on the Google TV OS, which supports all of the popular streaming apps and runs quickly and smoothly.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re looking for a “sometimes” projector
The Nebula X1 is expensive for the portable projector market. When spending $3,000 on anything, you want to be sure you’ll get as much use out of it as possible. If you only want a projector for an occasional summer movie night, this might not be the best one to get.

You plan to use it mostly for gaming
Can you game on the X1? Absolutely. But since all of the auto setup features add significantly to the input lag time, it requires a more careful and time-consuming setup to get the image framed correctly without the use of keystone correction and auto zoom.

You want the option to use eARC for video sources
As it stands at the time of review, the eARC port (HDMI2) only recognizes connected sources as audio playback devices. So if you have a Blu-ray player or console connected via HDMI2, the video currently defaults to Google TV instead of what’s playing from the source.

Also consider...

Comparison: 4K UST projectors
	Nebula X1	BenQ X3100i	Nebula Mars 3
Price:	$2,999 / £2,999 / around AU$4,500	$2,399 (around £1,900 / AU$3,690)	$1,099 (around £850 / AU$1,645)
Screen sizes supported:	up to 200 inches	60 to 200 inches	30-200 inches
Brightness (specified):	3,500 lumens	3,300 ANSI Lumens	1,000 lumens
HDR support	Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG	HDR10, HLG	N/A
Optical technology:	Triple laser DLP	4LED, DLP	LED DLP
Smart TV:	Google TV	Android TV	Android TV
Connections:	2 x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC), USB-A, USB-C, optical audio out	3x HDMI 2.0 (1x eARC, 1x internal), optical digital audio out, USB-A 2.0, RS232, 12V trigger out, 3.5mm audio output, Ethernet	HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm audio out, DC power in

BenQ X3100i

Another portable 4K projector with high brightness capability, the X3100i is designed specifically for gaming and features solid built-in speakers. It costs a bit less than the Nebula X1, but is a better option for someone more focused on gaming than movies.

Read our full BenQ X3100i review

Nebula Mars 3
The Nebula Mars 3 is also made by Anker and is a portable model with a built-in rechargeable battery. At 1,000 lumens, its picture is not nearly as bright as the Nebula X1's, and its picture tops out at 1080p resolution, but at around $1,000, it's a much cheaper portable projector option.

Read our full Nebula Mars 3 review

How I tested the Nebula X1

Anker Nebula X1 on floor with speakers — (Image credit: Future)

Tested in multiple situations
Measured with Calman calibration software
Evaluated with SDR and HDR content

I primarily tested the Nebula X1 in my living room on a 100-inch Elite Screen CineTension 3 ISF-certified retractable screen with a 1.1 gain screen material. I also briefly brought it outside and projected it on my garage door to test brightness after the sun had set. To test grayscale and color accuracy, I used an X-rite i1 Pro 3 spectrophotometer, Murideo Seven-G 8K pattern generator, and Calman calibration software by Portrait Displays. Input lag testing was done with a Leo Bodnar 4K lag tester.

Subjective testing included watching hours of content through the Google TV streaming platform using the Disney+, Hulu, and Max apps, as well as 4K Blu-ray discs played on an Oppo UDP-203 disc player. Games were played with an Xbox One X console.

I’ve been testing and reviewing projectors, TVs, and other displays for a couple of decades, and am an ISF Level III certified calibrator.

First reviewed: July, 2025

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