From February 2017 to September 2025 is a fair while for an audio product to stay on the market – so it just goes to show how right Ruark got the predecessor to its new Ruark MR1 Mk3 and what a tough act it has to follow.
Happily, it’s more than up to the task. Slightly larger than the product it replaces and significantly better specified (the MR1 Mk3 can handle everything from aptX HD Bluetooth and vinyl records to 24bit/192kHz hi-res digital audio), this new Ruark is the perfect desktop system. It’s also got great credentials when it comes to TV audio (it’s so much better looking than your average soundbar and can connect via digital optical), and will happily support a fairly extensive system in a small- to medium-sized room.
The Ruark MR1 Mk3 sounds far larger than it looks, and has impressive low-frequency presence that’s complemented by great detail retrieval and an undeniable facility for entertainment. The Ruark can do ‘analysis’ for you as well as any desktop system around, but it doesn’t lose sight of the fact that music is to be enjoyed every bit as much as it is to be admired. Soundstaging is good, dynamic headroom is appreciable, and the frequency response from top to bottom is smoothly even. The MR1 Mk3 sounds admirably consistent no matter which of its inputs you’re using, too.
In short, the Ruark MR1 Mk3 has been worth the wait, and sits firmly in the best stereo speakers on the market. Which is not the same as saying I’d be happy to wait until 2033 or something for the Mk4…
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Price and release date
Released June 2025
$579 / £399 / AU$899
The Ruark MR1 Mk3 is on sale now, and in the United States it's yours for $579. It goes for £399 in the United Kingdom and AU$899 in Australia.
To be fair to Ruark, that compares quite favourably to the $499 / £349 / AU$749 the MR1 Mk2 launched at back in early 2107, and it means the MR1 Mk3 is, all things considered, even more competitively priced than the model it replaces.
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Features
25 watts per channel of Class D power
Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD
Moving magnet phono stage
Ruark has ditched the Class A/B amplification of the MR1 Mk3's predecessor in favour of a Class D alternative derived from its very well-received R410 integrated music system. Power is up from 20 watts per channel to 25, and the driver array (a 20mm silk dome tweeter and 85mm ‘NS+’ treated natural fibre mid/bass driver in each speaker, bolstered by downward-facing bass reflex ports) is good for a claimed frequency response of 50Hz to 22khz.
Input options have undergone an upgrade, too. The MR1 Mk3 uses Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity, and is compatible with the aptX HD codec. There’s a 3.5mm socket that’s a hybrid optical/analogue input – in digital mode it’s capable of dealing with file resolutions of up to 24bit/192kHz. A USB-C input can handle anything up to 24bit/96kHz. And there’s a moving magnet phono stage behind a pair of stereo RCA sockets, so a record player can easily be integrated into the Ruark system. A pre-out for a subwoofer completes a very agreeable line-up.
Features score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Sound quality
Impressive low-frequency presence
Detailed and dynamic
Great sonic consistency across every input
There’s a definite sensation of ‘the Ruark sound’ to the MR1 Mk3, which is great but hardly unexpected. What’s equally impressive, and perhaps less predictable, is just how consistent the Mk3 sounds no matter which of its inputs you’re using.
Obviously there’s an appreciable difference between the sound of Sad and Lonely by Secret Machines being streamed as a 320kbps file via Bluetooth to the same song delivered via the integrated phono stage. But the fundamental Ruark character never wavers: in every circumstance, the sound is bold and punchy, spacious and properly defined, and is loaded with detail both broad and fine. Everyone hopes their tunes will sound ‘musical’ and ‘entertaining’, but the MR1 Mk3 understands and delivers on this better than any price-comparable alternative.
There’s a touch of warmth to the system’s tonality, but this just allows the weighty and nicely varied low frequencies to swing even more naturalistically. Bass sounds are properly controlled, which means rhythmic expression is sure footed – the Ruark is capable of quite startling extension and low-end attack. The midrange is open and revealing, with plenty of detail concerning tone and timbre, especially of voices, revealed. At the top end, the Ruark gives substance to treble sounds just as readily as it gives shine – and here, just as with the rest of the frequency range, detail levels are impressively high.
There’s more than enough dynamic headroom available for the MR1 Mk3 to make the fluctuations in volume and intensity during a listen to Music Has the Right to Children by Boards of Canada obvious. And there’s just as much attention paid to the dynamic variations apparent in a voice or solo instrument, too.
Thanks to the downward-facing reflex ports, the Mk3 always has a fixed boundary the perfect distance away - so it’s not quite as uptight about positioning as some alternative designs. And when you get the positioning just right, stereo focus is enjoyable and the soundstage the system creates is large and confidently defined. There’s plenty of space between individual elements of a recording, but at the same time the Ruark is able to make sure they all relate to each other and all contribute to the singularity of ‘performance’.
Sound quality score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Design
185 x 135 x 155mm (HxWxD)
Choice of two finishes
2.2kg
Ruark is no stranger to a tidy and attractive bit of cabinet work, and for the MR1 Mk3 it’s done that thing it does, just on a slightly larger scale.
Each Mk3 cabinet is 185 x 135 x 155mm (HxWxD), which is up from the Mk2’s 175 x 130 x 140mm in every direction. It also means internal volume is increased to a useful two liters while the system is still a realistic desktop proposition.
The standard of build and finish is impeccable. Each cabinet is handcrafted, and is almost as appealing on a tactile level as it is on a visual. My review sample is in a real walnut veneer, but a charcoal lacquer alternative is available – both are supplied with fixed slate-grey cloth grilles.
Design score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Usability and setup
Operation via remote control or RotoDial
3m braided connecting cable
Independent gain control for some inputs
There’s not a lot to get your head around when it comes to setting up the MR1 Mk3. The primary speaker – the one with all the inputs and amplification on board – needs to be plugged into the mains. It then needs to be connected to the secondary speaker using the 3m length of braided cable supplied in the box. And that’s about your lot: make any physical connections you might require, and you’re in business.
Control is available via a small and unremarkable remote control – it covers power on/off, volume up/down, and input selection. These functions are duplicated by the classic Ruark RotoDial that’s integrated into the top of the primary speaker and is just as pleasant to use here as it is in any of the company’s other products. And it makes the primary speaker, in fact, 202mm high.
Usability and setup score: 5/5
(Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas)
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Value
It’s difficult in the extreme to suggest the Ruark MR1 Mk3 doesn’t represent very decent value for money.
It’s compact enough to be a desktop system, it’s got sufficient sonic scale and presence to work as an alternative to a soundbar via its digital optical or Bluetooth inputs, and it’s ideal as a system for a smaller room. The standard of build and finish is hard to criticize. It looks, as well as sounds, good.
What more, really, are you expecting?
Value score: 5/5
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Should you buy it?
Buy it if...
You want a system that looks discreet but doesn’t sound it ‘Bigger than before’ doesn’t mean ‘big’, but the MR1 Mk3 sounds it nevertheless.
You don’t believe in soundbars Connected to a TV via Bluetooth or digital optical, the Ruark will wipe the floor with the sound your television makes.
You want a hi-res desktop Got a computer with a top-tier music streaming app installed or hi-res digital audio files in its memory? A connection to the MR1 Mk3’s USB-C socket is all you need…
Don't buy it if...
You want Airplay, Chromecast and stuff like that There’s no Wi-Fi here – Bluetooth is as much wireless connectivity as you get.
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: Also consider
Some Bluetooth speakers can form stereo pairs, so something like a couple of JBL Charge 6 could do a job on your desktop, and you’d have a pair of portable speakers for when you’re out and about. The battery-only power scenario might not work for you, though, and there’s only USB-C as an input beyond Bluetooth.
Maybe the Q Acoustics M20 would be a better bet? It’s certainly a great-sounding system, and has sufficient physical, as well as wireless, inputs to be a complete system. It’s large when compared to the Ruark, though – certainly too big for anything but the very largest desktop – and is a little less impressive when it comes to the standard of finish too.
Ruark MR1 Mk3 review: How I tested
Connected to various devices
Using every available input
Lots of music and TV over a fair amount of time
I mostly listened to the MR1 Mk3 on my desktop, where I used an iPhone 14 Pro and a FiiO M15S as wireless sources along with an Apple MacBook Pro connected via USB-C.
I also used it on the end of my main system, where I was able to test out its phono stage using my Clearaudio Concept turntable. And I connected it to my Philips OLED using the TV’s optical output, where it functioned as a replacement for my Bose Smart Ultra soundbar.
I listened to plenty of music and quite a bit of TV content, and made sure to check out the Ruark’s hi-res audio credentials as well as its ability to amplify a turntable and handle a wireless stream.
The Samsung S85F, the company’s entry-level OLED TV for 2025, could easily get overshadowed by its step-up siblings and more premium OLED competition. However, the S85F offers a good range of features and great performance at a more affordable price, with the 65-inch model I tested available for $1,499.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$1,999.99 several months after its release.
One thing to note in this review: I tested the 65-inch Samsung S85F, which in the UK, where I am based, uses a W-OLED panel. In the US, the 55- and 65-inch models instead use a QD-OLED panel.
The S85F boasts a feature list that rivals the best TVs, particularly in terms of smart TV and gaming capabilities. That list also includes AI-based picture enhancement tools such as 4K AI Upscaling and Real Depth Enhancer, as well as an improved Tizen 9.0 smart TV platform.
Picture quality on the S85F comes close to rivaling the best OLED TVs. Colors are vibrant, and it delivers strong contrast with deep blacks and refined shadow detail. Textures are realistic with both 4K and HD sources, giving people and objects a 3D-like quality. Motion does require some setup, but once this is done, the picture is smooth and responsive. Brightness is lower than that of flagship OLEDs such as the Samsung S95F and LG G5, and even mid-range OLEDs like the LG C5, but that’s the one area where it falls short.
The S85F’s two 2-channel, 20W speaker array delivers decent bass and clear speech, and it accurately maps sound effects to the action on screen, but is otherwise just average. Some may find the S85F’s sound fine for day-to-day viewing, but I’d recommend adding one of the best soundbars.
The S85F carries a gaming feature set to match the best gaming TVs, and it has the performance to match. Its four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 120Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, ALLM, and HDR10+ gaming. Samsung’s Gaming Hub has access to tons of cloud gaming apps, and an ultra-low 9.4ms input lag time ensures responsive performance, regardless of the game.
Tizen 9.0, the latest version of Samsung’s smart TV platform, is arguably the best one to date. Navigation is smooth, there are AI-based tools for content recommendation, and there are plenty of settings to adjust the picture. Those settings can be a pain to find at times, but that doesn’t make Tizen 9.0 any less of a success.
The S85F is great value for money. It has a comprehensive list of features, strong performance for gaming and movies, and is affordably priced for an OLED TV. While step-up models such as the Samsung S90F and LG C5 can be had for a bit more money, the S85F is still a great value overall.
Samsung S85F review: Prices & release date
(Image credit: Future)
Release date: May 2025
55-inch: $1,399.99 / £1,399.99 / AU$2,499
65-inch: $1,999.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$3,299
77-inch: $2,799.99 / £2,799.99 / AU$4,999
83-inch: $4,499.99 / £3,799.99 / AU$6,999
The Samsung S85F is the entry-level OLED model in Samsung’s 2025 TV lineup, sitting below the mid-range Samsung S90F and flagship Samsung S95F. It is available in sizes ranging from 55 to 83 inches. The 65-inch model I tested launched at $1,999.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$3,299.
All models have dropped in price since launch. At the time of writing, the 65-inch model is selling for as low as $1,499.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$1,999.99, putting it in the same region as its closest rival, the LG B5 (65-inch priced at $1,399.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$2,695). I expect those prices to continue dropping throughout 2025.
Samsung S85F review: Specs
Screen type:
OLED
Refresh rate:
Up to 120Hz
HDR support:
HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
Audio support:
Dolby Atmos
Smart TV:
Tizen
HDMI ports:
4 x HDMI 2.1
Built-in tuner (US):
ATSC 1.0
Samsung S85F review: Benchmark results
Samsung S85F review: Features
The Samsung Gaming Hub (pictured) is one of the Samsung S85F's strongest features (Image credit: Future)
NQ4 AI Gen 2 Processor and W-OLED panel
4K 120Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync
Vision AI tools
US models of the S85F use QD-OLED panels exclusively in the 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes. In every other region, the S85F uses standard W-OLED panels across all sizes. Since I’m in the UK, I tested a 65-inch model with a W-OLED panel.
The S85F features Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen 2 processor, which has picture enhancements such as 4K AI Upscaling and Real Depth Enhancer. Like all Samsung TVs, there is support for HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range formats, but not Dolby Vision.
A two-channel, 20W speaker array on the S85F supports Dolby Atmos, and there are sound-based AI tools such as Adaptive Sound and Active Voice Amplifier Pro. The S85F also supports Q-Symphony, which enables its speakers to be used in conjunction with compatible Samsung soundbars when connected.
Gaming is well supported on the S85F. The TV’s four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 120Hz, ALLM, HDR10+ gaming, and both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync. The S85F also features the Samsung Gaming Hub, a portal for cloud-based gaming services.
The S85F features Samsung’s Tizen smart TV platform, now on version 9.0. This provides AI tools for picture and sound enhancement, plus other features such as click to search and AI content recommendations. Tizen provides access to pretty much all major streaming apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and, in the UK, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and other major UK-based streaming apps.
Features score: 5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Picture quality
Colors and textures look great on the Samsung S85F, as shown here with Wicked(Image credit: Universal Pictures / Future)
Rich colors
Strong contrast and shadow detail
Middling brightness compared to other OLEDs
Measuring the S85F’s peak HDR brightness on a 10% white window pattern, it hit 777 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 818 nits in Standard mode. While that result is lower than mid-range OLED TVs such as the Samsung S90F, it was higher than the LG B5 (668 nits in Movie mode and 637 nits in Standard mode), which uses a similar panel.
The S85F’s fullscreen HDR brightness was just average, topping at 147 nits in Filmmaker Mode and 150 nits in Standard mode. This is again in the same region as the B5 (170 nits in Standard and 131 nits in Filmmaker), but much lower than what you’ll get with recent flagship OLEDs, which average around 300-plus nits on this test.
The S85F does an impressive job upscaling HD-quality movies and TV shows. A stream of Fight Club on Disney+ benefited from upscaled textures and showed good contrast. The same can’t be said for standard-definition content from apps like Samsung TV Plus and YouTube, however.
Color was among the S85F’s strong points. Viewed in the Movie picture mode, a scene from the 4K Blu-ray of Wicked, in which Elphaba stands under a pink tree, revealed vibrant pink flowers and a vivid green hue to Elphaba’s skin. Filmmaker Mode looked more natural, but picture highlights had more punch in Movie mode. A 4K stream of Elemental also demonstrated the S85F’s superb color, particularly in a scene where Ember repairs a broken vase.
Measuring the S85F’s HDR color gamut, it covered 98.1% of the DCI-P3 and 71.5% of the BT.2020 color spaces. While the former is a great result, the latter is lacking compared to other recent OLEDs, which have ranged from 74-81% in our tests.
The S85F delivers rich black levels and great contrast (Image credit: Future)
The S85F exhibited excellent contrast and shadow detail. Watching The Batman, specifically the opening crime scene in Mayor Mitchell’s house, there was a powerful balance between the light areas of torches and lamps and the dark floors and walls. Paintings were still visible on the walls in the darkest points of the scene, and so was Batman’s eye as he turned away from the camera. Shadows here were deep and rich throughout, with no signs of black crush.
Due to the S85F’s limited brightness and glossy screen, darker movies like The Batman were harder to watch in brighter viewing conditions, and were best saved for dim or pitch black viewing.
Black and white scenes from Oppenheimer also demonstrated the S85F’s excellent screen uniformity, displaying a good range of black, white and gray tones evenly across the screen.
Motion handling required some setup on the S85F. For sports, I found Standard mode with judder reduction set to 3-5 and blur redirection set to 2 to be the best settings, resulting in a smooth, but not overly smooth, picture. There was still some ghosting of the ball during a soccer game on Prime Video with these settings, but it was minimal. As for movies, a scene in No Time to Die where a camera pans across a hillside required the same motion settings to reduce judder.
Detail was one of the S85F’s other picture quality strengths. Almost everything I watched looked crisp and refined, taking on a realistic look without being too sharp. This gave people and objects a 3D-like quality, something helped along by the TV’s Real Depth Enhancer feature.
Picture quality score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Sound quality
The S85F features Samsung's Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Lite system for a more spatially accurate sound presentation (Image credit: Future)
Two-channel, 20W speaker array
Good accuracy and solid bass
Narrow soundstage
The S85F has a two-channel, 20W speaker system with Dolby Atmos support. There are two audio presets, Standard and Amplify, along with AI sound tools such as Adaptive Sound and Voice Amplifier Pro, both of which analyze the viewing environment and content on screen to adapt the sound.
Despite having a limited two-channel sound system, the S85F demonstrated solid bass. In the Batmobile/Penguin car chase from The Batman, it delivered the rumble of the Batmobile’s engine and the crunch of collisions with good impact and weight. The Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Lite system also did a great job of connecting sound with the action on screen, accurately mapping swerving tires, bullet sprays and blaring car horns. Speech was generally clear throughout my testing.
The S85F’s soundstage felt very narrow, however, with sound effects never really extending beyond the screen. While the S85F’s sound will be fine for day-to-day viewing, it deserves a soundbar to match its picture quality.
Sound quality score: 3.5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Design
The S85F's support feet can be installed in two positions: wide or narrow (Image credit: Future)
Sleek design with trim frame
Wide and narrow support feet options
SolarCell remote
Like many Samsung TVs, the S85F has an appealing design, with its extra-slim build and bezel-less screen giving it a sleek, modern look. Its rear panel even has a navy/gray color that helps differentiate it from other TVs on the market.
There are wide and narrow installation options for the TV’s support feet. Wide is perfect for accommodating a soundbar, and the narrow position is for those who have a particularly small TV stand.
The S85F comes with Samsung’s SolarCell remote, which features both a USB-C port and a solar cell on the rear as charging options. A new addition is the AI button, which provides access to Vision AI settings, such as click to search when pressed. If you’re in the UK, you’ll get Samsung’s older remote with a numeric keypad as well.
Design score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Smart TV & menus
Tizen 9.0, the latest version of Samsung's smart TV platform, is the best one to date (Image credit: Future)
Tizen 9.0 platform
Responsive performance and clean layout
Some settings are buried in menus
Samsung’s Tizen smart TV platform has gone through several big changes over the last few years, and the new Tizen 9.0 is the best version to date. A quick menu provides easy access to settings such as picture mode, brightness, and sound output. There are also four useful hubs: Home, for streaming apps and content recommendations; Game, for gaming apps and settings; Daily+, for lifestyle apps such as office and health; and Ambient, which gives access to artwork, photos and videos that can be displayed in a low power mode.
Tizen 9.0 offers AI content recommendations based on your watch history, and its Samsung TV Plus app houses hundreds of free channels. For UK users, Samsung TV Plus serves as an alternative to Freeview. There is the option to create custom profiles for different users as well.
Tizen 9.0 may be a marked improvement over previous versions, but it’s still not perfect. While there are plenty of settings to adjust the picture, these can be tough to navigate. For instance, I was frustrated to find that settings I regularly use, such as Motion, were buried deep in sub-menus.
Tizen doesn’t quite beat LG’s webOS as the best smart TV platform, but it comes in a very close second.
Smart TV & menus score: 4.5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Gaming
The S85F has a stacked list of gaming features and delivers great performance. (Image credit: Future)
Four HDMI 2.1 ports
4K 120Hz, FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync
9.4ms input lag time
The S85F carries a near-full stock of gaming features across its four HDMI 2.1 ports. These include support for 4K 120Hz, VRR including AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync (the latter a first for Samsung TVs), HDR10+ gaming and ALLM.
Samsung’s Gaming Hub offers cloud-based gaming services such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Luna, along with gaming-related content. It also allows for quick access to connected gaming devices such as consoles.
With an ultra-low 9.4ms measured input lag, gaming performance on the S85F is smooth and responsive. In even the most chaotic battle sequences in Battlefield V, I found it was snappy and responded to my inputs quickly with no signs of stutter or screen tearing.
Gaming score: 5 / 5
Samsung S85F review: Value
The S85F comes with Samsung's SolarCell remote (Image credit: Future)
Competitively priced for an entry-level OLED
Strong features and performance for price
Better value in US due to QD-OLED panel
I’ve seen the 65-inch S85F I tested selling for $1,499.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$1,999.99. While this is good value for an OLED TV of this size in the UK and Australia, it’s even better value in the US, since that size uses a QD-OLED panel that can potentially provide even better performance.
The S85F is competitively priced with its main rival, the LG B5, which costs $1,399.99 / £1,899.99 / AU$2,695 for the 65-inch model. I expect these two will compete on price for the remainder of the year, particularly during Black Friday.
The step-up Samsung S90F (which also uses a QD-OLED panel in the 65-inch size in both the US and the UK) is available for $1,699.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$4,295, meaning it’s a good value. And at $1,699.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$4,295, the LG C5, LG’s mid-range OLED, is priced the same as the S90F. For a bit more money, both these models offer better performance, with higher picture brightness.
Value score: 4.5 / 5
Should you buy the Samsung S85F?
(Image credit: Future)
Samsung S85F
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
A strong array of features for both gaming and smart TV
5/5
Picture quality
Excellent color and contrast plus realistic textures, but lacks brightness of more premium OLEDs
4.5/5
Sound quality
Solid bass performance and accurate mapping, but a narrow soundstage
3.5/5
Design
Slim, sleek design with two-position stand gives TV a more premium look than its price would suggest
4.5/5
Smart TV and menus
Best iteration of Tizen to date, with useful menus and settings and smooth performance, but some settings are buried in menus
4.5/5
Gaming
4K 120Hz and full VRR support plus ultra-responsive performance and Samsung Gaming Hub
5/5
Value
A great value TV that has all the features and performance most people will want
4.5/5
Buy it if...
You want a great OLED picture for less The S85F delivers bold colors, crisp textures and strong contrast for a cheaper price than most other 2025 OLED TVs.
You want a great TV for gaming The S85F has four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K 120Hz, FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, and it delivers ultra-smooth performance.
You want value for money An impressive picture, a full list of gaming features and plenty of smart tools and features make the S85F great value for money.
Don't buy it if…
You want to watch in a bright room The S85F doesn't have the high brightness of premium OLEDs, and its screen is reflective in brighter viewing conditions.
You want Dolby Vision support Samsung TVs don't support Dolby Vision for movies or gaming, and the S85F is no exception. It does support HDR10+, however.
You want the best built-in sound While fine for day-to-day viewing, the S85F's built-in sound can't compare with a soundbar, with even affordable models beating it.
Also consider
Samsung S85F
LG B5
LG C5
Samsung S90F
Price (65-inch)
$1,999.99 / £2,099.99 / AU$3,299
$1,999.99 / £2,499 / AU$3,299
$2,699 / £2,699 / AU$4,299
$2,499 / £2,699 / AU$4,299
Screen type
OLED (QD-OLED on 55- and 65-inch models in the US)
OLED
OLED
QD-OLED (65-inch only)
Refresh rate
120Hz
120Hz
144Hz
144Hz
HDR support
HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG
Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG
HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV
Tizen
webOS 25
webOS25
Tizen
HDMI ports
4 x HDMI 2.1
4 x HDMI 2.1
4 x HDMI 2.1
4 x HDMI 2.1
LG B5 The Samsung S85F's closest rival, the LG B5 offers similar brightness, features, performance, and even price. The B5 does support Dolby Vision HDR, but not the HDR10+ format.
LG C5 The LG C5 is brighter than the S85F, so it's better suited to watching in well-lit rooms. It also has better processing speed and built-in sound. It is, however, a step-up in price, and the S85F carries many of the same gaming features and performance.
Samsung 65-inch S90F The step-up model over the S85F, the Samsung S90F uses a QD-OLED panel in its 65-inch model, and that gives higher brightness, along with better contrast and color detail. It also supports a 144Hz refresh rate for gaming.
Tested in our testing room in varying lighting conditions
Tested using HDR and SDR sources
Measurements taken using Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software
Before conducting my testing, I spent some time casually viewing the S85F to establish its best picture modes, settling on a mix of Filmmaker Mode and Movie mode, with Standard for sports.
I conducted subjective testing by watching reference SDR (DVD, Blu-ray) and HDR (4K Blu-ray and streaming) sources to test the S85F's picture quality, focusing on color, contrast, textures, upscaling, shadow detail and motion handling.
I next conducted objective testing, taking measurements using specialized equipment: a Klein K-10 A colorimeter, with a Jeti Spectraval 1501 used to profile it and a Murideo 8K Six G Metal test pattern generator, with Portrait Displays' Calman color calibration software to record the results.
I measured the S85F's HDR and SDR brightness on 1-100% white window patterns, focusing on 10% (peak) and 100% (fullscreen) brightness.
Next, I measured the S85F's color and grayscale accuracy, looking for a Delta-E (the margin for error between the test pattern and what's displayed on screen) average below 3. I also measured the S85F's DCI-P3 and BT.2020 HDR color gamut coverage.
Finally, I measured the S85F's input lag using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI Input Lag tester.
The Sony Bravia Projector 7 (VPL-XW5100ES) joins Sony’s projector lineup following the Bravia Projector 9 and Bravia Projector 8. It’s the cheapest of the three but still comes in at a staggering $9,999 / £6,999 / AU$13,999. Compared to popular consumer projectors like the $2,999 Hisense C2 Ultra, that is a huge leap. But the Bravia Projector 7 is specialty hardware designed for die-hard cinema fans with plans for a robust home theater, and in that context, it’s fairly priced.
Like other higher-end examples of the best projectors, the Bravia Projector 7 is somewhat simple – it’sjust a projector. There’s no Google TV or other streaming platform built in, and there’s no sound system or even audio output ports. The few ports the Bravia Projector 7 does have are a pair of 4K 120Hz-capable HDMI 2.1 inputs plus a smattering of ports used for custom installation.
Though it’s just a projector, it’s a truly excellent one. It has flexible optics with a wide zoom range as well as vertical and horizontal lens shift, making it easy to align the projection. The picture you’ll get on your screen is also stunning: bright, colorful, and with the deepest black levels I can recall seeing from a projector.
While I’d love to see a wider color gamut and support for more HDR formats, these never felt like more than minor shortcomings during my time with the Bravia Projector 7, which never failed to impress. If you’re considering a projector for a dedicated, high-end home theater, it should be on your list.
Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Price & release date
The Bravia Projector 7 features manual focus and zoom adjustments on its lens (Image credit: Future)
Release date: June 2025
Price: $9,999 / £6,999 / AU$13,999
The Bravia Projector 7 launch trailed behind the Projector 8 and 9, and though its price also trails behind those models, it is decidedly a luxury home theater product. The Bravia Projector 7 comes in at $9,999 / £6,999 / AU$13,999.
Dials on the projector's top provide 71% vertical and 25% horizontal lens shift adjustments (Image credit: Future)
Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Design & features
The projector's connections include two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz and ALLM support (Image credit: Future)
Large footprint
No audio capabilities or smart TV
Flexible optics
The Bravia Projector 7 is a sizable home theater projector on the scale of the Epson LS12000 and BenQ W5800. This isn’t one of those compact lifestyle projectors, and it’s even larger than some of the ultra short throw projectors I’ve tested. The upside to this size is that the Bravia Projector 7 runs quietly, and it can still fit onto a (sizable) mantle or shelf at the back of a room, but it is better suited to ceiling mounting.
Thankfully, the Bravia Projector 7 is flexible about placement. The lens has a 1.6x zoom range, letting it shift from a modest throw ratio of 1.38 to a longer 2.21. It also has vertical and horizontal lens shift, offering 71% shifting vertically and 25% horizontally in either direction. You manually adjust focus and zoom using rings around the lens, and lens shift with a set of dials hidden under a small panel on the projector’s top.
In addition to these optical adjustments, the Bravia Projector 7 supports digital keystone, though for a projector of this caliber, it’s worth just ensuring proper alignment.
On one side, the Bravia Projector 7 includes several controls in case you misplace the remote control. There is also a series of ports, though most of these are for professional features, like networking and special triggers. Two HDMI 2.1 ports will accept a 4K 120Hz input, but these are for video input only. Neither offers eARC to pass on an audio signal. And with no other form of audio output, the projector doesn’t play well with streaming sticks or even some home theater PCs if they lack a quality audio output of their own.
The Bravia Projector 7 includes a large remote control with a fully backlit keypad. It includes buttons to access preset picture profiles, along with sharpness, brightness, and contrast. A large directional control is also built into the remote and includes a toggle to let the projector display a test pattern to help line up and focus the picture.
Design & features score: 4/5
Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Picture quality
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The Bravia Projector 7's picture is characterized by crisp 4K detail and deep blacks (Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
Bright and sharp picture
Deep blacks
Support for 4K 120Hz
Inside, the Bravia Projector 7 is built around a laser diode light source and features a native 4K SXRD optical system. While it’s still not quite on the level of triple-laser projectors for color gamut coverage, the picture is still simply stunning. As much as I’d love to see that extra bit of color, the quality is otherwise the best I've ever seen.
Blacks on the Bravia Projector 7 are simply exceptional. I can’t recall another projector I’ve seen that so thoroughly sank into darkness when displaying shadows. Letterbox bars presented by the Bravia Projector 7 looked so dim as to be indistinguishable from the surrounding walls, which were only illuminated by the light bouncing around the room from the projector itself during my evaluation. The Bravia Projector 7 has such good black levels that you will really want to invest in some light-absorbing materials or dark paint to reduce reflected room light’s impact on the picture.
The projector also gets bright enough for various uses in the daytime, even with daylight coming in through multiple windows. Cartoons, bright video games, and even web-browsing were all possible. You won’t want to watch darker content in this environment, though. But given this is a projector intended for a specialized viewing setup, I don’t think a few blackout curtains would be a tall order.
Basic adjustments and menu nav controls are located on the side (Image credit: Future)
The Projector 7 uses Sony’s XR Processor for projector, and the resulting image is fantastically crisp, with the optics making even fine text appear clear from edge to edge. And that includes objects in motion. Panning shots looked fluid, avoiding stuttering and judder but also artifacts such as the soap opera effect that plagues many systems trying to smooth motion. The Bravia Projector 7 was also happy to game at 4K 120Hz, with smooth visuals and only faint ghosting, and its ALLM feature ensured any input lag was negligible.
Even though the HDR support doesn’t go beyond HDR10, the Projector 7’s XR Dynamic Tone Mapping provides features to enhance the look of HDR content, including three selectable tone mapping modes. An XR Deep Black feature also contributes by ensuring blacks look deep and highlights get maximum brightness punch. For example, when the earth ships decelerate as they approach Pandora in Avatar: The Way of Water, the picture looked simply stunning with the deep black of space contrasted with brilliant flames.
Picture quality score: 4.5/5
Sony Bravia Projector 7 review: Value
(Image credit: Future)
High price tag
Price is still competitive for category
Performance equivalent to competition
The Bravia Projector 7 is expensive, and you are only getting a display for the money with no speakers (or a way to output audio to speakers), and no smart platform for streaming. That may be a tough pill to swallow for some, but the Bravia Projector 7 isn’t meant for someone who wants anything less than a masterful home theater setup. And the display that you’re getting is a truly exceptional one.
There’s no getting past this being a big investment, both for the projector and for all the other elements you’ll need to make the most of the Sony Bravia Projector 7. And there are plenty of projectors that won’t look half bad next to the Bravia Projector 7 while being way less expensive.
So while it’s tough to say the Bravia Projector 7 is a great value, that still can’t undercut its greatness. And the truth is, the Bravia Projector 7 is still a bargain next to some, like the Epson QL7000, and it’s a comparably priced and worthy rival to the JVC DLA-NZ700.
Value score: 3.5/5
Should I buy the Sony Bravia Projector 7?
(Image credit: Future)
Sony Bravia Projector 7
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design and features
Fairly huge, but it's smartly designed, and the adjustable optics allow for positioning flexibility
4/5
Picture quality
The picture quality is absolutely brilliant, and I haven’t seen such a deep black from a projector before. Its ability to run at 4K 120Hz for gaming also adds to the experience
4.5/5
Value
It’s not cheap, but the picture is great and the price is comparable to some of the other dedicated home theater projector options out there
3.5/5
Buy it if...
You want a truly gorgeous picture The Bravia Projector 7 can provide a sharp, clean image with powerful contrast, great color, and impressive motion handling. View Deal
You have the rest of your home theater sorted This projector requires more elements to make a complete home theater. If you’ve already got the sound, the seating, the light mitigation, and video sources in place, this is a great drop-in solution, especially with its flexible optics.View Deal
You know you’re going big with the picture The value of a projector really soars as you move to bigger and bigger pictures. And the Bravia Projector 7 is happy to go even bigger than 100 inches while still maintaining a brilliant image.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You just want to plunk it down in your living room Tapping this projector’s full capabilities takes some effort. Just about any stray light or reflective surface in the room is going to degrade picture quality, and then you won’t be getting all of what you’ve paid for.View Deal
You like a simple setup The Bravia Projector 7 is meant for complete home theater setups with an A/V receiver routing video and audio signals, and cables and wires running all over the room. If that doesn’t sound appealing, you would probably be better suited by a different projector.View Deal
You don’t like watching in a dark room This projector’s extremely deep black levels are probably its greatest aspect, but you won’t appreciate them unless you black out your room almost completely. If you prefer watching with some lights on, look instead for a brighter model designed to work in a range of lighting conditions. View Deal
Also consider
Comparison: projectors
Sony Bravia Projector 7
Epson Pro Cinema LS12000
Hisense C2 Ultra
JVC DLA-NZ700
Price:
$9,999
$5,000
$2,999
$8.999
Screen sizes supported:
90 to 130 inches
50 to 130 inches
65-300 inches
30 to 150 inches
Brightness (specified):
2,400 lumens
2,500 lumens
3,000 lumens
2,300 lumens
HDR support
HDR10, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Optical technology:
Laser SXRD
Laser 3LCD
RGB Laser DLP
Laser D-ILA
Smart TV:
n/a
n/a
Vidaa OS
n/a
Connections:
2x HDMI 2.1
2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC)
2x HDMI 2.1 (1 with eARC)
2x HDMI 2.0
Epson LS12000
The Epson LS12000 falls into a similar category as the Bravia Projector 7. It’s similarly large, but it’s significantly less expensive. It also supports eARC, potentially simplifying setup for users who won’t opt for an A/V receiver. Its picture is also stunning, though less colorful. It also features similar optical adjustments, helping with setup simplicity.
If you’re wondering what you can get for a fraction of the price, the Hisense C2 Ultra is the perfect example. It’s incredibly bright, almost obscenely colorful (even more so than the Bravia), thanks to its triple-laser light source, and quite versatile. It supports a beautiful 4K image, but can also switch over to 1080p/240Hz visuals for gaming. And it has built-in speakers and Google TV for all-in-one capabilities. It may not be as pixel-perfect a projector as the Bravia Projector 7, but it’s a stunning projector nonetheless.
For $1,000 less, this projector gives you a very similar machine with excellent imagery, deep blacks, potent HDR capabilities, and a competitive color gamut. You’ll miss out on 4K 120Hz capabilities, though, and getting this projector’s 97% DCI-P3 color gamut requires enabling a filter that reduces brightness.
Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade
I tested the Sony Bravia Projector 7 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, and in-room lighting,. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with streamed content, HDR and non-HDR, and PC gameplay.
My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models I and colleagues at TechRadar have tested.
I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.
If you’re looking for a very affordable soundbar with a subwoofer, the Creative Stage Pro 2.1 should be on your radar. There are cheaper options available, but most are just a standalone soundbar. And the ones that do come with a sub are most likely from a brand that even a product reviewer like me wouldn’t recognize when browsing the endless options on Amazon.
If most of the best soundbars prioritize performance, features, or price point, then the price point is most important here. The performance of the Creative Stage Pro 2.1 soundbar is fine for a budget-friendly model and a definite improvement on the built-in audio of most flat-screen TVs. The feature set is also somewhat limited, though it does have a trick or two up its sleeve.
Overall, this soundbar is for someone who wants to upgrade their TV (or computer) audio without spending much money, since most soundbars with a subwoofer are going to cost more.
The Stage Pro's alphanumeric LED display is a rare feature in a budget soundbar (Image credit: Future)
The Creative Stage Pro is not quite petite, but it’s relatively compact at just under 22 inches wide. Its front is rounded and slightly pointed up due to the way it sits on its two attached feet. There’s an LED display that reads out information like volume/settings and source – a feature I appreciate that is strangely missing from many soundbars, including pricey ones.
The button layout on the soundbar’s top is pretty straightforward, with a power, volume level, input, Bluetooth, and SuperWide (more on that feature in a bit) buttons. All the basics are there, though you have to use the remote to get more granular in the controls, mainly by adding independent adjustments for the bass and treble, along with the sound mode selector.
The port selection might not wow, but it’s actually fairly robust for such a compact soundbar, with an HDMI ARC input with CEC Control (which lets you use one remote to control both the TV and soundbar), as well as optical digital, AUX, and USB-C inputs. It’s also worth noting that there’s Bluetooth 5.3 wireless support for streaming music.
At just under five inches deep, the subwoofer is also fairly compact, even if it stands a bit tall at 16.5 inches. The sub’s power cord is permanently attached, so if something happens to it, you’ll have to replace the whole subwoofer.
All sound adjustments to the Stage Pro can be made from the included remote (Image credit: Future)
Before I discuss performance, it’s worth noting that there’s a lot of power on tap with the Creative Stage Pro 2.1, which has two 20W channels for the soundbar and 40 watts for the sub, with a peak of 160 watts. This guy will give you more than enough volume, and I actually listened to it at a fairly low volume level setting most of the time.
There’s plenty of low end, though the bass doesn’t quite get that deep. After spending time watching blockbusters like The Batman where everything is always blowing up, it was clear that this system doesn’t deliver a lot of sub-bass – not too surprising when the subwoofer driver is a relatively small 5.25 inches.
As far as the mids go, they’re a bit boosted, and I wish I could back off a bit with EQ settings (something one would find on more expensive soundbars) for a flatter response. Ultimately, I ended up preferring to turn up the treble and bass a little bit and turn down the volume. The high frequencies on cheaper speakers and soundbars typically sound either tinny or muted, but luckily, the Creative Stage Pro has a decent amount of treble detail.
Considering the Creative Stage Pro is relatively compact, the soundstage is pretty narrow. I didn’t hear much in the way of sound effects positioning, whether in the aforementioned The Batman or other media, including some audio test tracks on YouTube.
As is expected at its price point, the Creative Stage Pro’s feature set is pretty minimal. There’s no Wi-Fi streaming or voice assistant support, though there is Bluetooth for wireless streaming.
What the soundbar does have for features is its various sound presets and Creative’s SuperWide Technology. The five presets are the usual variety: Movies, Music, Vocals, and Gaming. I found them to be a bit too subtle to be all that noticeable, though when I selected the Off option, there was a bit of a volume drop.
Of the presets, I wish Vocal – a mode that usually helps with boosting dialogue – was more distinguished, but it’s too small a boost to really help. I also wish there were a Night preset similar to that found on other soundbars that would limit volume peaks and boost quiet parts so you can hear what’s going on while keeping the volume low.
Creative’s SuperWide feature is more interesting. It has three settings, Near, Far, and Off, with Near or Far engaging processing that expands the audio horizontally for a bit of a wraparound effect to create a greater sense of space.
SuperWide is also great for adjusting the sound for use with a computer or a TV, with the Near setting optimized for a desktop installation. When toggling through the two modes, I did get a sense of audio being closer or farther away, depending on the setting. It’s a bit of a gimmick, but a pretty cool one, and a good substitute for surround sound or spatial audio.
Creative Stage Pro 2.1 review: Price & release date
The Stage Pro's top surface control buttons (Image credit: Future)
Price: $139.99 / £139.99 (around AU$220)
Date first available:July 2025
Creative has been on the budget audio train for a long time, so a price tag of £139.99 / $139.99 (AU$220) for a 2.1 soundbar system is about what one would expect from the company.
This system might have some limitations, as discussed in this review, but it is among the best cheap soundbars with a subwoofer. After all, when you get down to this price point, you’re either dealing with a very limited package, such as the even more affordable Majority Naga 60, a standalone soundbar that comes with its own performance issues. Alternatively, you’ll have to pay more for the just barely sub-$500 Sony HT-S2000. Of course, that 3.1-channel soundbar comes with Dolby Atmos and has better sound quality, but it’s almost four times the price despite being our top budget soundbar pick.
Should I buy the Creative Stage Pro 2.1?
Ports include HDMI ARC, optical digital and 3.5 analog audio inputs and a subwoofer output (Image credit: Future)
Creative Stage Pro 2.1
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
Somewhat limited audio quality and features, but you’re still getting a lot for the price
4 / 5
Performance
The bass doesn’t get super deep, and the soundstage could be wider, but this soundbar will be an upgrade for most TVs
3.5 / 5
Design
A bit utilitarian looking, especially the sub, but it has an LED display and side-firing speakers
4 / 5
Value
Priced just right, especially when you consider it comes with a subwoofer
4.5 / 5
Buy it if...
You’re on a budget but want a subwoofer: The price is very affordable for a soundbar/subwoofer combo, and finding a similar setup from other established brands is going to set you back quite a bit more.
You want a soundbar that can work with both a TV and a desktop computer: Creative has its roots in computer audio, so it’s no surprise that they make it easy to switch the soundbar between computer and TV setups.
Don't buy it if...
You want superior audio quality: While the Creative Stage Pro is a step up from built-in TV audio, it’s not perfect and isn’t going to satisfy pickier listeners. If that sounds like you, save up or skip the subwoofer for something a bit higher quality.
You care about features: Though the Creative Stage Pro does have an interesting feature or two, the package is pretty limited. There’s no voice assistant support or Wi-Fi streaming, for instance.
Creative Stage Pro 2.1: Also consider
Majority Naga 60
Like the Creative Stage Pro, the Majority Naga 60’s biggest asset is its low, low price. Even though it is a single unit, it does have a built-in subwoofer and the ability to project 3D audio. Of course, both are a bit limited, and the sound can distort at higher volumes.
The Sony HT-S2000 stretches the concept of budget to a degree, but this petite soundbar sounds impressive and provides Dolby Atmos / DTS:X processing. It is surprisingly light on some features given the price tag, however
The Stage Pro with its included accessories (Image credit: Future)
Used regularly for several weeks
Tested with all sorts of media
Tested the different modes
I used the Creative Stage Pro 2.1 soundbar regularly for a few weeks, streaming all sorts of media from old and new movies to TV shows and music. I pressed every button on the remote to check out the different sound presets as well as the Superwide Technology modes.
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.
Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2: review
The Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is a peculiar, yet undeniably fun creation. It’s a webcam for Nintendo Switch 2 that’s modelled on the classic Super Mario enemy, Piranha Plant. You know, the one that rears its head from a pipe in an attempt to eat you whole.
This model is produced by video game accessory producer Hori, but licensed by Nintendo itself. Yes, it’s a lot more character-filled and extravagant than the official Switch 2 camera, but still, it costs a fair chunk less, coming with a list price of just $59.99 / £33.99 / AU$64.95. But why?
Well, before we get to that, I want to talk about this thing’s design – which is more unique than even the best webcams. Not only is it playful and perfect for any Nintendo fan, but it’s pretty well made too. It comes with a poseable stem to angle the webcam with, a leaf part – which you can attach to its stem – and a mouth that can be opened and closed to reveal or conceal the camera.
(Image credit: Future)
On top of that, there’s a plant pot, which can be kept closed and used as a stand, or opened to mount the plant on top of your monitor or TV. For the most part, I kept the pot closed, and connected it up to my Nintendo Switch 2 via the included USB-C cable. The open position wasn’t wide enough to fit on top of my TV, which I expect will be the case for a lot of users.
If you’re playing in handheld mode, you can plug the Piranha Plant into your Switch 2’s USB-C port directly, which makes it a highly versatile option. I also appreciated a 3.5mm right-angle adapter, which enables you to use one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets wired, without the leaf part obstructing your cable.
So far, it all looks very rosy for this lil’ plant. But we haven’t really addressed the key reason for that low price point yet. And it is, unfortunately, tied to performance. Yes, Hori’s Piranha Plant camera offers a 480p resolution, which would’ve been fine 20 years ago but, in 2025, it’s simply not good enough.
As you can imagine, 480p is highly restrictive, and the picture quality you get from this camera is poor. I tried playing some Mario Kart Worldwith my friend, and details on my face and clothing were unclear, while colors lacked vibrancy and that true-to-life tone. On top of that, I tried sitting about one meter from my TV in docked mode, and my picture was extremely blurry. In fact, my face looked almost as if it was melting. Thankfully it wasn’t, but the Plant made me question that.
(Image credit: Future)
One thing I’ll commend the Piranha Plant on, though, is that it tracked my face fairly well. In Mario Kart World, a webcam can be used to show your face in a small circle on the results page, or alongside your character mid-race. Throughout, the Piranha Plant was able to keep me well-centered, even if the actual sharpness of my picture was lacking.
It’s worth noting that there aren’t all too many titles with webcam functionality right now. Yes, it adds a fun touch to Mario Kart World's online multiplayer, and it unlocks a few extra minigames in Mario Party Jamboree + Jamboree TV, but that's about it right now.
With that said, is it worth purchasing Hori’s Piranha Plant webcam? Well, its 480p resolution makes it impossible for me to recommend outright – that is unless you want to reminisce over the camera quality of the Nintendo DSi and 3DS.
And so ultimately, it matters not how much I adore the very sight of this dashing plant. For I cannot help but feel despair – no… anguish – over its tragic picture quality. It makes me wonder, then, how can we possibly reconcile two such polarising emotions for just one individual. Well, maybe we can’t. Maybe that conflict is, at its core, what makes this plant so intriguing. Its beauty is undeniable, yet so are its flaws. To buy it is to experience conflict in its rawest form.
(Image credit: Future)
Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 review: price & specs
Price
$59.99 / £33.99 / AU$64.95
Resolution
480p at 30fps
Field of view
85 degrees
Dimensions
65 x 44 x 150mm (camera); 49 x 49 x 47 (base)
Weight
30g (camera); 80g (base)
Compatibility
Nintendo Switch 2, Windows, MacOS
Should you buy the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2?
(Image credit: Future)
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Design
Fun, endearing look, flexible stem, mount works well, but won’t fit every screen
4.5/5
Performance
Dismal 480p resolution, very blurry at a distance, but framing works well
2/5
Value
Considerably cheaper than official Switch 2 camera, but at a quality cost
3/5
Buy it if...
You’re a big fan of Piranha Plant Honestly, there’s a case to pick this lil’ guy up as a collectible, or a statement piece – rather than to use as your Switch 2 webcam. The Piranha Plant cam is well made and oozing with character, and it can add a splash of color to your TV unit or monitor.
You want a flexible design I appreciate the versatility of the Piranha Plant webcam a whole lot. You can find the perfect angle for your living space using its poseable stem and L-shaped mount, and it can be used in either handheld mode, or in TV mode (using the mount or plant pot base).
Don't buy it if...
You value strong picture quality Oh what could’ve been. See, this Piranha may look pretty neat on the outside, but on the inside, it’s not really equipped for peak performance. That’s due to its resolution being capped at 480p – the same as that of the DSi, which first released in 2008. Ouch.
You want an ultra-secure, highly versatile mount The L-shaped mount on this webcam is good enough to sit on top of most monitors, and a good amount of slim TVs. Still, it’s not exactly the most secure mount I’ve used, and if you’ve got a chunkier TV, then it won’t be able to sit on top. You can instead place it inside the pot and on top of a TV unit, if the mount isn’t working out, of course.
Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2: also consider
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera Well, I’ll be honest, there aren’t too many Switch-2-oriented competitors out there right now, so if you’re not sold on this plant creature, I’d just suggest picking up the official Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. It offers far higher picture quality, thanks to its 1080p resolution, and even if that’s the only reason to pick it over this model, it’s a pretty major one!
How I tested the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for one week
Used at home in handheld and TV mode
Predominantly tested while playing Mario Kart World
I tested the Hori Piranha Plant Camera for a week, using it as the primary camera for my Nintendo Switch 2. During this period, I used the camera in both handheld and docked mode, with my console connected to the Sky Glass Gen 2 television and Samsung HW-Q800D soundbar.
There aren’t all too many titles that support camera functionality on the Nintendo Switch 2 just yet, so for the most part, I tested this model’s picture quality on Mario Kart World. To do this, I entered GameChat with my Future colleague, Nikita, and assessed the quality of my picture from various distances.
The Panasonic Z95B is the latest flagship TV to enter what is turning out to be a very competitive OLED TV market in 2025. Whereas some of those models – specifically those from Samsung and LG – are making a bet on high brightness to distinguish themselves among the best TVs, Panasonic is pushing accuracy with the Z95B, and the effort can be seen in its refined, natural, and finely detailed picture.
For the Panasonic Z95B, the company opted to use the same Primary RGB Tandem panel OLED display found in the LG G5. This new panel tech has a ‘four-stack’ structure, with separate red and green OLED layers sandwiched between two blue layers, and it accounts for the Z95B’s rich color display and high brightness capability – I recorded brightness measurements as high as 2,107 nits, though brightness is considerably more limited in several of the TV’s picture presets such as Filmmaker Mode, which is a quirk I'll dig into later in the review.
The Z95B’s predecessor, the Panasonic Z95A, distinguished itself as one of the best TVs for sound with its powerful 5.1.2-channel built-in speaker array. This same '360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics’ system carries over to the Z95B, though Panasonic has made improvements to the speaker drivers, speaker layout, and woofer output. The result is one of the best built-in TV speaker systems you can buy, with sound that’s clear, powerful, and immersive enough that you could easily get away with not using an external soundbar.
Those speakers on the Z95B are concealed behind a gray mesh fabric that runs along the TV’s top, bottom, and sides, and gives it a solid, dignified appearance. A pedestal stand that swivels in either direction to accommodate a range of seating positions is a bonus, though the included, basic remote control seems at odds with the TV’s premium design.
Panasonic uses Amazon Fire TV as its smart TV system, and it's a serviceable, but ad-driven platform that really would like you to be a Prime Video subscriber and devotee of other Amazon services and products. Fire TV’s Live TV portal is particularly friendly to users of the best indoor antennas, though, and the Z95B supports ATSC 3.0 broadcasts for viewers in the US.
Gaming is well supported on the Z95B, with 4K at 144Hz, Dolby Vision gaming, and variable refresh rate, including AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, all accounted for. HDMI 2.1 ports supporting those features are limited to two, rather than the four HDMI 2.1 ports we look for on the best gaming TVs, but the Z95B’s powerful built-in speaker system makes that less of an issue than it normally would be.
Panasonic OLED TVs are typically priced higher than their Samsung and LG counterparts, particularly in the UK, but the Z95B was priced around the same as its competition at launch, and has already seen discounts. Given its impressive picture and sound quality, it’s one of 2025's best OLED TVs, and a very good overall value among premium TVs.
Panasonic Z95B review: Price and release date
The Fire TV Ambient Experience lets you choose images and artworks to display when the TV is in standby mode (Image credit: Future)
Release date: June 2025
55-inch: $2,599 / £2,499
65-inch: $3,399 / £2,999
77-inch: $4,699 / £3,999
The Panasonic Z95B is available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch screen sizes, with that last option an expansion on last year’s Z95A series, which was only available in 55- and 65-inch sizes. Prices for all Z95B series TVs have dropped since launch, with all screen sizes now selling for several hundred less in both the US and the UK.
At the reduced price, the Z95B series is now priced in line with its premium OLED competition from LG, Samsung, and Sony. For example, the 65-inch Panasonic is now selling for around $3,000 in the US. In that same screen size, you’ll find both the LG G5 and the Sony Bravia 8 II priced around $3,000, and the Samsung S95F at $3,299.
Panasonic Z95B review: Specs
Screen type:
Primary Tandem RGB OLED
Refresh rate:
144Hz
HDR support:
Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
Audio support:
Dolby Atmos
Smart TV:
Fire TV
HDMI ports:
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
Built-in tuner:
ATSC 3.0 (US)
Panasonic Z95B review: Benchmark results
Panasonic Z95B review: Features
The Z95B's four HDMI ports, including two inputs with 4K 144Hz support (Image credit: Future)
Primary RGB Tandem panel OLED display
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics speaker array
The Panasonic Z95B uses a new Primary RGB Tandem panel OLED display with a notably higher brightness capability than the Master OLED Ultimate panel with micro lens array tech used in its Panasonic Z95A predecessor. Panasonic additionally uses a ThermalFlow aerodynamic cooling system that helps to maximize peak brightness by improving airflow through the TV.
Panasonic has carried over the same HCX Pro AI Processor MK II from the Z95A to the Z95B. This advanced picture processor uses dynamic 3D LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to ensure accurate colors across a range of picture brightness levels and provides 4K Fine Remaster and Smooth Motion Drive Pro features to improve detail and motion handling.
Panasonic models continue to be the only OLED TVs in the US to support both the Dolby Vision and HDR10+ high dynamic range formats (Philips OLEDs in the UK have the same capability), and in the Z95B, that’s supplemented by Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive for automatic picture brightness adjustments across a range of lighting conditions. Picture presets include Filmmaker Mode and Panasonic’s True Cinema and True Game modes, along with Netflix and Prime Video Calibrated modes for automatic picture optimization when streaming from those services.
The Panasonic Z95A quickly earned a spot as the best option for built-in sound quality in multiple TechRadar best TVs lists, and the new Z95B also features a '360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics' built-in 5.1.2-channel 160W speaker system – this time with redesigned speaker drivers and speaker layout, and higher bass output. This differs from the built-in speaker arrays found on most other TVs in providing a dedicated center channel speaker, along with side-firing and upfiring speaker drivers for enhanced immersion.
As with picture settings, the Z95B features a wide range of sound settings. Key among these is Space Tune, for automatically tuning the TV’s sound output using the remote control’s built-in mic, and Sound Focus, which lets you adjust the directionality of the TV’s sound using beam-forming to accommodate off-center seating positions.
Panasonic switched to the Amazon Fire TV smart TV interface back in 2024, and Fire TV on the Z95B features optimized voice control features for content discovery and navigation, a hands-free control option, and an interface that can be personalized for multiple users. Live TV channels, including ones pulled in by the TV’s ATSC 3.0 tuner, can be integrated into the smart interface for browsing and also customized for a ‘personalized Live-TV Experience.’
Gaming features on the Z95B include a True Game mode with latency reduction, a Game sound mode, and a Game Board onscreen menu for making quick adjustments while gaming. Two of the TV’s four HDMI ports also support HDMI 2.1 features such as 4K 144Hz and VRR, including AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.
Features Score: 4.5 / 5
Panasonic Z95B review: Picture quality
Ambient Experience options include full-motion and AI-generated images plus information widgets (Image credit: Future)
High brightness capability for an OLED TV
Brightness is limited in Filmmaker and other picture modes
Rich color and excellent detail
The first thing to say about the Panasonic Z95B’s picture is that, while the TV is capable of high brightness, it’s not as bright as its premium OLED TV competition when its most accurate picture presets – Filmmaker Mode, True Cinema, and Cinema – are used and left at their default settings.
That’s because Panasonic is prioritizing picture accuracy over brightness here, and those modes limit peak brightness based on the maximum mastered brightness level of the source – typically 1,000 nits for most content.
Correspondingly, I measured Z95B’s peak HDR brightness in Filmmaker Mode at 992 nits, while its fullscreen brightness in that mode was 347 nits. After bumping up the luminance level of my test pattern source, peak HDR brightness in Filmmaker Mode jumped to 2,107 nits, and the TV’s EOTF (the equivalent gamma for HDR) also remained accurate at that brightness level.
Viewers not wanting to deal with any brightness limitations could instead opt for the Standard picture preset, which had a measured peak HDR brightness of 1,835 nits, and 327 nits fullscreen brightness. Panasonic also provides settings in the TV’s HDR submenu that let you manually set HDR tonemapping and luminance clipping levels, and these can be used to help optimize brightness. Needless to say, this is great news for tweakers, but a potential source of annoyance for others who don’t like to sift through menu settings.
As for other numbers, the Z95B’s coverage of the UHDA-P3 and BT.2020 color spaces in Filmmaker Mode measured 99.9% and 79.1%, respectively – both impressive results. The average Delta-E value (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen, with a result lower than 3 being undetectable by the human eye) for color point accuracy was 2.6, and it was 3.2 for grayscale accuracy.
The Z95B has high peak brightness capability, but brightness is limited by default in specific picture modes, such as Filmmaker Mode (Image credit: Future)
For most of my Z95B evaluation, I viewed it in dimmed lighting, and such conditions allowed the Panasonic’s picture to fully shine. The set does use an anti-reflection screen, and while this works to a degree, I could still see mirror-like reflections from lamps and overhead lights, and picture contrast was also lessened with my room lights on.
After watching the recent movie Weapons in the theater, I was motivated to stream the director’s earlier movie, Barbarian (on Netflix in 4K), and the Z95B did an excellent job of displaying the deep black of the house’s basement and fleshing out shadows in the corridors of the creepy, dungeon-like space. For this movie, I used Netflix Calibrated Mode, which by default made it too dark, but the TV’s multiple black level adjustments allowed me to tweak the picture for a more balanced look.
Wild Robot was up next, and I streamed it in 4K with Dolby Vision using the TV’s Dolby Vision Dark preset – one that I’m happy to report turned off motion smoothing by default. The jungle and creatures in this animated movie were displayed with rich, vivid color. The picture also looked fantastically detailed and clean, with the textures in the computer-generated images giving the picture a near-3D quality.
I like to use the Netflix series Ripley in TV evaluations because of its sumptuous cinematography (by frequent Paul Thomas Anderson collaborator Robert Elswit). The Z95B certainly did not disappoint here, displaying the wide range of fine gray tones in the black and white images of Italian villages and villas with an impressive level of subtlety.
Dolby Vision Dark mode proved to be a good match for Ripley, but in this case, when I switched to Netflix Calibrated mode, the picture retained both its subtle grayscale and contrast punch.
No Time to Die is one of my go-to reference 4K Blu-rays, and when I watched the scene where James Bond walks across a craggy hillside cemetery, the Z95B’s picture looked impressively solid, with only a minimal level of judder. I often find myself applying some level of motion adjustment to TVs after checking this scene, but the Z95B’s motion handling was good enough that I didn’t feel any need to.
Picture quality score: 5 / 5
Panasonic Z95B review: Sound quality
The Z95B features a rear-mounted subwoofer with dual passive radiators (Image credit: Future)
5.1.2-channel, 160W speaker array
360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics
Sound Focus feature adjusts for off-center seating
The Z95B features a built-in 5.1.2-channel, 160W speaker array, with the front-facing left, center, and right-channel speakers contained in a soundbar-like enclosure at the screen’s bottom. Along with these, there are newly designed line-array speakers positioned at the sides and top surface of the TV, along with a subwoofer and dual passive bass radiators located around the back.
This ‘360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics’ Dolby Atmos sound system is more elaborate than what you’ll find on most TVs, and its performance is good enough that you can easily use it in place of one of the best soundbars. Panasonic has also introduced enhanced two-channel and 5.1-channel upmixing on the Z95B which it says can “deliver immersive rear sound without rear speakers,” though the TV’s virtual processing comes short of delivering on that claim.
As with the picture, there are extensive sound presets on the Z95B, along with settings for customizing the sound. After using Space Tune, a feature that uses the remote control’s built-in mic to calibrate the TV’s sound output for your viewing environment, I found that many of the presets sounded too bright for my taste and opted for the User preset, which provides Sound Field and Bass Boost settings to customize the sound, along with an eight-band EQ adjustment.
Once adjusted, dialogue projected clearly and sounded natural, and even music sounded good, as I confirmed when watching Queens of the Stone Age Alive in the Catacombs, an acoustic performance by the band recorded in the catacombs beneath Paris. The sound effects in action movies like Mad Max: Fury Road had a high level of spatial precision, and the TV’s powerful speaker array delivered a strong impact on engine roars and crashes during the movie’s many vehicle chase scenes.
Another key Z95B feature is Sound Focus, which uses beam-forming processing to change the direction of the speaker output to accommodate off-center seating positions. You can choose Pinpoint, Area, Spot, or Ambient settings, each of which provides a different level of soundfield width. Testing this, I used the Pinpoint setting to aim the sound at the far end of my sofa, and the TV’s soundstage clearly shifted 30 degrees off from center.
Sound quality score: 5 / 5
Panasonic Z95B review: Design
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The Z95B's swiveling pedestal stand (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2
The mesh fabric grille covering the TV's top- and side-mounted speakers (Image credit: Future)
Swiveling stand
Wide range of input and control ports
Flimsy remote control
With its two-inch depth, the Z95B, while slimmer than its Z95A predecessor, is still on the bulky side for an OLED TV. That girth is a necessity given the TV’s substantial built-in speakers, however, and the Z95B still manages to maintain a sleek look when viewed straight on.
An attractive dark gray fabric mesh covers both the front-facing and side- and top-firing speakers, and the TV’s sturdy aluminum pedestal stand can be swiveled – a useful feature to accommodate a range of viewing positions.
The Z95B’s extensive connections include four HDMI ports (with two HDMI 2.1) and both optical digital audio and a 3.5mm headphone output that can also be configured for connecting an external subwoofer. An ATSC 3.0 tuner connection can be used for viewing ‘NextGen’ digital TV broadcasts in the US, and there are also powered USB and Ethernet ports, and an IR blaster output.
Panasonic hasn’t changed the flimsy remote control that previously shipped with the Z95A for the Z95B. And while that’s disappointing given this TV’s premium price, it mostly does the job and features a built-in mic for Alexa voice commands.
There’s no input select button on the US remote for changing inputs – one of my pet peeves with TV remotes – but you can configure one of the controls to switch to a specific input on the TV, along with a range of other options such as selecting a specific streaming app.
Design score: 4 / 5
Panasonic Z95B review: Smart TV and menus
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The main Fire TV home screen (Image credit: Future)
Image 2 of 2
The Live TV guide screen on Fire TV (Image credit: Future)
Amazon Fire TV smart TV platform
Live program grid with broadcast channels customization
Extensive array of picture and sound adjustments
Panasonic TVs use Amazon Fire TV for a smart TV system, and the version you’ll see on the Z95B is essentially the same as what’s found on Amazon’s own Fire TV lineup. The top half is occupied by ads, many for Amazon streaming and VOD offerings, while a horizontal bar cutting across the center contains input selection, My Stuff, search, and Live TV tabs, along with a customizable row of streaming apps and a gear icon for advanced menus.
The bottom section contains a grid of recommended program options culled from free TV and subscription apps, and if you scroll down, you’ll see a seemingly endless range of these, with everything from political news to the latest cooking videos.
Fire TV’s Live TV portal features a grid guide option that lets you browse channels grouped in a range of categories such as Antenna Channels, Sports, News by Fire TV, and more. Digital broadcast stations can be arranged into lists, with the option to favorite your regularly watched channels, and to hide ones like home shopping networks that you’d prefer to shut out.
Fire TV provides a greater range of customization for browsing both free broadcast and streamed TV channels than most other smart interfaces, so it’s a good option for antenna users.
The Fire TV Ambient Experience provides a wide assortment of still and motion images that can be displayed when the TV is in standby mode. (It can also be accessed at any time by pressing and holding the power on/off button on the remote.) Along with the supplied content library, you can access personal photos (you’ll first need to upload these using the Amazon Photos app on your phone).
You can also use Alexa voice commands to create AI-generated images for your Ambient Experience library, though, as I found when experimenting with this feature, political content is not permitted.
Panasonic provides a much wider range of picture and sound adjustment options in the setup menus than most other TVs. I hit the high points for sound in the Sound Quality section above, but the Z95B’s picture menus include an almost over-the-top array of advanced adjustments.
To list just a few, the Brightness menu has multiple advanced settings for configuring black levels, and there’s an HDR submenu that lets you set EOTF type, HDR tonemapping, and luminance clipping levels. For color, you can switch between Rec. 2020, DCI-P3, Adobe, and Rec. 709 color gamuts.
The reason for all these adjustments is that Panasonic’s OLED TVs are used in post-production facilities as reference monitors, but in the majority of instances, you’ll want to leave things set to Auto.
Smart TV & menus score: 4 / 5
Panasonic Z95B review: Gaming
The Z95B's Game Bar menu overlay (Image credit: Future)
Two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support
FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync VRR
12.7ms input lag is average
The Z95B’s gaming features include two HDMI ports with 4K at 144Hz, FreeSync Premium, and Nvidia G-Sync VRR support, and Dolby Vision gaming. There’s a True Game picture and a Game sound mode, and Panasonic’s Game Board onscreen menu can be called up to make quick and easy adjustments to parameters like dark visibility, sound mode, and variable refresh rate.
Input lag measured with a Bodnar 4K meter was 12.7ms, which is an average level for a TV. The best gaming TVs can hit the 9ms range, but the Z95B’s input lag is minimal enough that the vast majority of gamers will find it more than acceptable.
Gaming score: 4 / 5
Panasonic Z95B review: Value
The Z95B's remote control is flimsy and lacks backlighting and an input select button (Image credit: Future)
Priced the same as top OLED competition
Built-in sound enhances value
Less extensive gaming features than competition
The Panasonic Z95B is currently priced on par with, or even less than, its premium OLED competition from LG, Samsung, and Sony. Choosing between this year’s top OLED TVs is tougher than ever, but I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed with the Z95B’s picture, though the Samsung S95F and LG G5 may be better options for those wanting to view in bright rooms.
One thing that enhances the Z95B’s value is its powerful sound. For that reason, you could consider using this TV without a soundbar, though the built-in speakers aren’t necessarily a match for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar systems with separate rear-channel speakers and a subwoofer.
An argument could be made that the Z95B is a lesser gaming TV than the Samsung S95F and LG G5, both of which feature four HDMI 2.1 ports, lower input lag, and cloud-based gaming from apps including Xbox. But the Z95B’s lower HDMI 2.1 port count won’t be an issue if you're using its built-in speakers, and as a Fire TV, there is Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming app, which features popular games like Fortnite.
Value score: 4.5 / 5
Should I buy the Panasonic Z95B?
(Image credit: Future)
Panasonic Z95B
Attributes
Notes
Rating
Features
A fine selection of features led by sound processing modes for room tuning and off-center seating accommodation
4.5 / 5
Picture quality
Capable of high brightness for an OLED, but many of the TV’s preset picture modes favor a more subtle, balanced, and accurate images
5 / 5
Sound quality
Powerful built-in 5.1.2-channel speakers distinguish the Z95B from other TVs and is good enough that a soundbar isn’t exactly needed
5 / 5
Design
A slightly bulky form factor due to its built-in speakers, but otherwise a sleek design with a swiveling pedestal stand. Remote control could use work
4 / 5
Smart TV and menus
Amazon Fire TV isn’t the best smart TV platform, but it does the job for streaming and Amazon subscribers and Alexa users will find it useful
4 / 5
Gaming
A good set of gaming features and solid overall gaming performance
4 / 5
Value
A very good value compared to other premium OLED TVs, and its value is enhanced by its excellent built-in sound
4.5 / 5
Buy it if...
You want the best TV for movies With its refined, colorful, and accurate picture, the Z95B is an excellent choice for those who want movies on Blu-ray and streaming services to look their best.
You don’t want to use a soundbar The Z95B’s 5.1.2-channel built-in speaker array is powerful and immersive enough that you could easily get away with not using a soundbar.
You’re an Amazon fan The Z95B’s Fire TV smart TV platform is very much aimed at Prime Video subscribers, and its built-in Alexa support makes it a perfect match for viewers who live in the Amazon Alexa ecosystem.
Don't buy it if…
You don’t want to dim the lights While the Z95B is capable of putting out a bright enough picture to compete with daylight, many of its picture modes are tuned for viewing in dimmed lighting conditions, and its anti-reflection screen isn’t the most effective one we’ve seen.
You don’t like to tweak settings The Z95B is a tweaker's delight, with an exhaustive list of advanced settings for configuring its picture and sound. You can ignore these, but in some cases, tweaking is necessary to get the best performance.View Deal
You already own a good soundbar The Z95B’s built-in 5.1.2-channel is meant to replace a soundbar. If you already own a good Dolby Atmos soundbar, especially one with a subwoofer and rear speakers, this TV’s sound capabilities are overkill.
Panasonic Z95B: Also consider...
Panasonic Z95B
LG G5
Samsung S95F
Sony Bravia 8 II
List price (65-inch)
$3,399 / £2,999
$3,399 / £3,299 / AU$5,299
$2,699 / £2,699 / AU$4,299
$3,499 / £2,999 / AU$4,999
Screen type
Primary Tandem RGB OLED
Primary Tandem RGB OLED
QD-OLED
QD-OLED
Refresh rate
144Hz
165Hz
165Hz
120Hz
HDR support
Dolby Vision/HDR10+/HLG
Dolby Vision/HDR10/HLG
HDR10+/HDR10/HLG
DolbyVision/HDR10/HLG
Smart TV
Fire TV
webOS
Tizen
Google TV
HDMI ports
4 (2 x HDMI 2.1)
4x HDMI 2.1
4 x HDMI 2.1
4 (2x HDMI 2.1)
LG G5 The LG G5 also has ‘four-stack’ display panel and delivers exceptional brightness levels for an OLED TV. It has superior gaming features and a better smart TV platform, though its built-in sound isn’t nearly as good
Samsung S95F Samsung’s flagship OLED TV also delivers high brightness levels, and its Glare Free screen does quick work of eliminating screen reflections when viewing in bright rooms. Similar to the LG G5, it has superior gaming features and a more advanced smart TV platform.
Sony Bravia 8 II Sony’s flagship OLED TV offers up a refined picture with very good brightness and also has powerful built-in sound. Gaming features are about the same, and it has a somewhat better smart TV platform in Google TV.
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 and fullscreen light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of UHDA-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.
For the Panasonic Z95B, 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 HBO Max, Netflix, Apple TV+, and other services.
Hostage is now streaming on Netflix, and if you don't binge watch its pithy five episodes over the next few days, then you're weekending wrong. In fact, I'd go stronger than that: if you don't watch it this weekend, you'd be missing out on the streamable television event of the year (just behind Adolescence).
The millisecond I heard that Suranne Jones was on board to play fictional British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, I knew the new Netflix series could do no wrong. Fortunately, I love being proved right, and this is one of those times.
Let's set the scene; Dalton has just won the country's general election, with her husband Alex (Bashy) deployed to French Guiana with Médecins Sans Frontières (a.k.a Doctors Without Borders). Soon after, he's kidnapped by a group of unknown terrorists, who demand Dalton resigns in order to release the hostages safely. In the meantime, she's dealing with a huge crisis in the National Health Service (NHS) as medicine supplies run out, while French President Toussaint (Julie Delpy) is in the city for a scheduled visit to work out a deal to help.
Netflix obviously isn't a stranger to hit political dramas, with shows like The Diplomat, House of Cards and The Night Agentin its back pocket. But not only is Hostage offering a fresh perspective by focusing on the relationship between Britain and France, but it's giving us a political problem we've never seen before: two female leaders of Western states, in power at the same time, both being blackmailed by a system intent on setting them up for harm. For me, that's the most exciting part of the entire show, as well as the most honest.
Hostage on Netflix is an explosion of tension from start to finish
If you're not a UK native, you're probably unaware of what a national powerhouse Suranne Jones is over here. From Doctor Foster andGentleman Jack to classics like Scott & Bailey and her humble beginnings on soap opera Coronation Street, there's not a single role she's not knocked out of the park. Her craft really comes into its own when she's playing someone in a position of power, but usually this only extends to doctors and detectives.
The only way up is to play the leader of a country, and frankly it's a role she was born for. Jones takes the careful political intricacies of Hostage in her stride, deftly portraying a political leader who wants to put her country first as well as a mother trying to keep her family intact. It's not a dilemma we've seen from a world leader explored on TV because the women just haven't been represented deeply enough in this way... but here, there are two.
Julie Delpy's Toussaint is everything Dalton is not. Caring more about her upcoming re-election campaign than anything else, she comes across as cold, conniving, and uncaring to any problems that aren't immediately her own. We get to understand her personality and predicament more as the five episodes go on, but her natural acidity towards Dalton makes for some delicious back and forth sparring sessions. This only gets better when the pair realize that in order to cull this threat they must work together, beautifully blending in a level of raw vulnerability scarcely seen in the political coalface. They're a dynamic leading duo, and make for faultless casting.
If you asked me, I'd say the big baddie here was actually the patriarchy (yay, feminism!). Sure, the patriarchy isn't directly holding a gun to Alex's head, but it is the ultimate threat to both Dalton and Toussaint. It's assumed they will both crumble and give into the demands of the masked men trying to call the shots, but when neither leaders backs down, the game changes. They're both able to juggle the extreme surge of demands on their plates with tact and strategy, even when they're at breaking point behind closed doors.
The broader story is just as exceptional as the people bringing it to life
Netflix’s incredible new political drama Hostage had me so hooked, I never saw the final shocking twist coming. (Image credit: Netflix)
Performances aside, what I'm most impressed with in Hostage is its astonishing grasp on its storytelling. Most have us have sat through enough crime procedurals or bog standard thrillers to anticipate exactly what twists are coming when, but Hostage kept me on my toes the entire time. In fact, the only shock moment I saw coming was thanks to an episode blurb on the platform (here's your reminder to take each of these with a pinch of salt), and you could easily argue that episode 5 is a little too fluffy around the edges, though it worked for me. Trust me, there are more than enough moments to leave you gasping out loud and scrambling to figure out what's going to come next.
The intersection of social and political issues at play – the NHS and immigration crises, disgruntled politicians and underfunded national defense – are all things we're experiencing the effects of in real time, which only makes watching Hostage that much more visceral. Almost all of what we see could actually happen in the blink of an eye, shrewdly exposing the problems that lie underneath if push came to shove. It's quite a feat to blend fact and fiction so well that you don't quite know where the seams join up, and its a testament to the team behind it.
Do I feel better about the post-Hostage world? Absolutely not, but we probably all need a reality check of this convincing magnitude. If this could open up the same international conversations as Adolescence (and as far as TV show quality is concerned, it should do), imagine how much more proactive we could all be.
Hostage is now streaming on Netflix, and if you don't binge watch its pithy five episodes over the next few days, then you're weekending wrong. In fact, I'd go stronger than that: if you don't watch it this weekend, you'd be missing out on the streamable television event of the year (just behind Adolescence).
The millisecond I heard that Suranne Jones was on board to play fictional British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton, I knew the new Netflix series could do no wrong. Fortunately, I love being proved right, and this is one of those times.
Let's set the scene; Dalton has just won the country's general election, with her husband Alex (Bashy) deployed to French Guiana with Médecins Sans Frontières (a.k.a Doctors Without Borders). Soon after, he's kidnapped by a group of unknown terrorists, who demand Dalton resigns in order to release the hostages safely. In the meantime, she's dealing with a huge crisis in the National Health Service (NHS) as medicine supplies run out, while French President Toussaint (Julie Delpy) is in the city for a scheduled visit to work out a deal to help.
Netflix obviously isn't a stranger to hit political dramas, with shows like The Diplomat, House of Cards and The Night Agentin its back pocket. But not only is Hostage offering a fresh perspective by focusing on the relationship between Britain and France, but it's giving us a political problem we've never seen before: two female leaders of Western states, in power at the same time, both being blackmailed by a system intent on setting them up for harm. For me, that's the most exciting part of the entire show, as well as the most honest.
Hostage on Netflix is an explosion of tension from start to finish
If you're not a UK native, you're probably unaware of what a national powerhouse Suranne Jones is over here. From Doctor Foster andGentleman Jack to classics like Scott & Bailey and her humble beginnings on soap opera Coronation Street, there's not a single role she's not knocked out of the park. Her craft really comes into its own when she's playing someone in a position of power, but usually this only extends to doctors and detectives.
The only way up is to play the leader of a country, and frankly it's a role she was born for. Jones takes the careful political intricacies of Hostage in her stride, deftly portraying a political leader who wants to put her country first as well as a mother trying to keep her family intact. It's not a dilemma we've seen from a world leader explored on TV because the women just haven't been represented deeply enough in this way... but here, there are two.
Julie Delpy's Toussaint is everything Dalton is not. Caring more about her upcoming re-election campaign than anything else, she comes across as cold, conniving, and uncaring to any problems that aren't immediately her own. We get to understand her personality and predicament more as the five episodes go on, but her natural acidity towards Dalton makes for some delicious back and forth sparring sessions. This only gets better when the pair realize that in order to cull this threat they must work together, beautifully blending in a level of raw vulnerability scarcely seen in the political coalface. They're a dynamic leading duo, and make for faultless casting.
If you asked me, I'd say the big baddie here was actually the patriarchy (yay, feminism!). Sure, the patriarchy isn't directly holding a gun to Alex's head, but it is the ultimate threat to both Dalton and Toussaint. It's assumed they will both crumble and give into the demands of the masked men trying to call the shots, but when neither leaders backs down, the game changes. They're both able to juggle the extreme surge of demands on their plates with tact and strategy, even when they're at breaking point behind closed doors.
The broader story is just as exceptional as the people bringing it to life
Netflix’s incredible new political drama Hostage had me so hooked, I never saw the final shocking twist coming. (Image credit: Netflix)
Performances aside, what I'm most impressed with in Hostage is its astonishing grasp on its storytelling. Most have us have sat through enough crime procedurals or bog standard thrillers to anticipate exactly what twists are coming when, but Hostage kept me on my toes the entire time. In fact, the only shock moment I saw coming was thanks to an episode blurb on the platform (here's your reminder to take each of these with a pinch of salt), and you could easily argue that episode 5 is a little too fluffy around the edges, though it worked for me. Trust me, there are more than enough moments to leave you gasping out loud and scrambling to figure out what's going to come next.
The intersection of social and political issues at play – the NHS and immigration crises, disgruntled politicians and underfunded national defense – are all things we're experiencing the effects of in real time, which only makes watching Hostage that much more visceral. Almost all of what we see could actually happen in the blink of an eye, shrewdly exposing the problems that lie underneath if push came to shove. It's quite a feat to blend fact and fiction so well that you don't quite know where the seams join up, and its a testament to the team behind it.
Do I feel better about the post-Hostage world? Absolutely not, but we probably all need a reality check of this convincing magnitude. If this could open up the same international conversations as Adolescence (and as far as TV show quality is concerned, it should do), imagine how much more proactive we could all be.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
(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
(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.
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.
Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Three-minute review
(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.
(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.
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 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.
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.
(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.
(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.
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.
