Google might seem like a relative newcomer to the TV game, but it's actually been in the TV software platform arena for over a decade. The evolution from Google TV launched in 2010 to the sophisticated Android TV we see today encapsulates a journey towards creating user-friendly, highly efficient television interfaces. The latest iteration of this evolution is a revamped Android TV user interface, now known as Google TV. This new interface, although sharing a name, is distinct from Google's original foray into the TV domain.

Understandably, this might sound a bit perplexing.

In simpler terms, Android TV is the software found pre-installed on television sets from major brands such as Sony and Philips. A significant number of these TVs boast the fresh Google TV interface, offering users a plethora of perks. This includes the Google Chromecast with Google TV streaming device. Users enjoy features like multiple user profiles, the convenience of connecting to wireless speakers, enhanced storage management, and quicker navigation, making the user experience more enjoyable and streamlined.

Deciding on which Android TV or Google TV to purchase can be a thrilling quest. Let's dive into the options and discover the perfect fit for your entertainment needs.

A fast guide for easy reference

Discover the ultimate television experience with our comprehensive guide. Below, we've laid out a succinct rundown of the best TVs available, highlighting their standout features and why they deserve a prime spot in your living room. Interested in diving deeper? Follow the skip links provided to explore each Android TV in more detail and learn what makes them truly special to use.

The Best Android TVs in 2024

Looking to upgrade your home entertainment experience? Dive into our meticulously crafted guide featuring the cream of the crop in Android TVs for 2024. Each model on our list has undergone rigorous testing, ensuring that you get only the most reliable and enthusiast-approved recommendations. Get ready to bring the cinematic experience right into your living room with our top picks for Android TVs.

Top choices for Canadian readers

1. Sony A80L (XR-55A80L)

Discover unmatched viewing clarity: the top-rated OLED TV for stunning performance and value, empowering your informed choice

specification

• Screen size: 55 inches (also available in 65in, 77in)
• Type: OLED
• Backlight: N/a
• Resolution : 4K
• HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Operating system: Google TV
• HDMI inputs: 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC: eARC
• Optical output? : Yes
• Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 71 x 123 x 5.3cm (55-inch model)

reasons to buy

• + Crisp, vibrant visuals
• + True-to-life subtlety
• + Immersive sound experience

reasons to avoid

• - Needs deeper bass
• - SDR shadows lack detail

Discover the Brilliance of Sony's A80L OLED TV

Embark on a visual and auditory journey with Sony's A80L OLED TV, where every scene bursts to life with vibrant colors and exquisite detail. Perfect for avid movie lovers and gamers alike, this TV is a testament to Sony's commitment to quality.

Unmatched Design and Futuristic Features

The A80L flaunts a sleek design, albeit with a slightly more robust build due to its advanced actuator-based sound system. While it may bear a resemblance to its predecessor, the A80K, it stands out with its state-of-the-art features. Among its four HDMI ports, two are equipped with the full HDMI 2.1 specification, enhancing your gaming and viewing experience. However, note that one of these is also responsible for eARC functions, limiting the number available for high-level gaming. Although Dolby Vision is supported for an immersive viewing experience, gamers might miss out on Dolby Vision gaming features.

Google TV brings a universe of apps at your fingertips, and the A80L's performance is boosted by the XR Clear Image processor. This smart technology tailors picture settings based on the content, ensuring an optimal viewing experience every time.

Visual Excellence

The A80L masterfully balances bold and vibrant visuals with subtle nuances, creating a picture that's as lifelike as it is breathtaking. Its exceptional contrast ratio contributes to this realism, providing depth and clarity that makes each scene pop. From the shimmering glow of bright lights to the natural tones of human skin and the intricate textures of nature, the A80L showcases every detail in stunning clarity.

While its performance with SDR content could be enhanced in terms of dark detail, this minor point does not detract from the overall exceptional visual quality this TV has to offer.

Superior Sound Quality

The A80L may desire a bit more depth in the bass, but it excels in providing a crystal-clear audio experience even at high volumes without distortion. Its unique design allows for precise sound effect placement, creating an enveloping soundscape that enhances every viewing experience. While the audio quality is impressive on its own, integrating a soundbar or a surround system can elevate your audio experience to new heights.

In conclusion, the Sony A80L OLED TV offers an unparalleled blend of visual brilliance and sonic excellence, making it a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment system. With its blend of advanced features and exceptional performance, the A80L stands as a shining example of Sony's innovation in the realm of home entertainment.

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2. Sony XR-42A90K

Discover the unmatched clarity and colour of our compact OLED TV - your smart choice for vibrant, immersive viewing experiences in any space.

specification

• Screen size: 42 inches (also available in 48in)
• Type: OLED
• Backlight: n/a
• Resolution: 4K
• HDR formats supported: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Operating system: Google TV
• HDMI inputs: 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
• Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC: eARC
• Optical output: Yes
• Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 55 x 93 x 5.7cm

reasons to buy

• + Ultra-clear, detailed visuals
• + Smooth motion
• + Great for gamers

reasons to avoid

• - Less vivid color display
• - Some darker detail loss
• - Not optimal for gaming

Why We Love It:

Who said compact TVs can't pack a punch? The 42-inch A90K is here to debunk that myth, offering an array of high-end features usually reserved for its larger siblings. Sony, LG, and Samsung have revolutionized the small TV market, presenting models like the A90K that boast superior sound, impressive gaming capabilities, and, most importantly, stellar picture quality—all wrapped up in a design that's perfect for cozy spaces.

Design and Innovation: The entry of A90K, right after LG's C2, marked a significant moment for 42-inch OLED TVs. Sporting a chic, slim profile that can easily be adjusted to integrate a soundbar, the A90K stands out with its stylish design. It may be a tad heavier than its counterpart, but it compensates with aesthetic appeal.

It features four HDMI ports, including two with HDMI 2.1 specs, catering decently to gamers with multiple consoles. While the absence of a Dolby Vision gaming mode is puzzling, the support for 4K 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM ensures a thrilling gaming experience. The inclusion of HDR10 and HLG, alongside the omission of HDR10+, and the presence of Dolby Atmos for audio, alongside Sony's innovative Acoustic Surface Audio technology, underscores its forward-thinking features.

Visual Excellence: The A90K doesn't hold back in delivering a visual feast. Its capacity to project images with remarkable depth, sharpness, and realism is nothing short of extraordinary for a TV of its size. With Sony's mastery over motion processing, viewers are treated to images that are as smooth and lifelike as possible, avoiding any artificial feel.

The overall picture presentation is well-balanced and authentic, though it sometimes presents a subdued appearance and might overlook some minor details in darker scenes. Nevertheless, these are minor blemishes in an otherwise impeccable display.

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3. Sony KD-55X85L

Discover unparalleled value with our comprehensive guide: expertly curated for those seeking a perfect blend of quality visuals and affordability.

specification

• Screen size: 55 inches (also available in 65in and 75in)
• Type: LCD
• Backlight: Direct LED
• Resolution: 4K
• HDR formats supported: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision
• Operating system: Google TV
• HDMI inputs: 4
• Gaming features: 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC: eARC
• Optical output: Yes
• Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 71 x 123 x 5.6cm

reasons to buy

• + Crisp, vibrant visuals
• + Rich, true-to-life colours
• + Smooth, clear motion playback

reasons to avoid

• - Tricky game setup
• - Issues with bright scenes
• - Lacks HDR10+ feature

Why We Love It

While there might be more budget-friendly options in the mid-range Android TV market, none shine quite as brightly as the X85L. This model continues to uphold the tradition of offering top-notch quality and innovative features at an affordable price point.

Design and Features: The X85L sports a sleek, minimalist design that emphasizes its impressive display. Its versatile 'blade-style' feet adapt to various setups, accommodating soundbars if needed. At its heart lies Sony's powerful X1 processor, renowned for its exceptional handling of color, lighting, and motion, despite its age. Connectivity is a breeze with four HDMIs, including two HDMI 2.1 ports for advanced gaming features like 4K 120Hz, ALLM, and VRR. The inclusion of eARC allows for seamless transmission of Dolby Atmos soundtracks to compatible soundbars or AV receivers, enhancing the audio experience.

These gaming perks are a welcome addition, though they may require some adjustments for optimal performance.

Key features to consider in an Android TV for Canadians

Discover Your Perfect Android TV

Embarking on the journey to find the perfect Android TV for your home? It's an adventure filled with exciting decisions, chiefly influenced by your budget and the space you have to work with.

Size Matters: The quest for the ultimate viewing experience often leads to one simple truth - bigger is often better. Dreaming of a cinematic ambiance in your living area? Aim for the largest screen your budget allows. Sometimes, compromising slightly on picture quality or cutting-edge features for a more substantial screen size can be a worthwhile trade-off.

However, if you're dialed into the specifics - maybe a certain size fits your space perfectly, and you refuse to compromise on quality - then focusing on superior picture performance and advanced features should be your north star.

Fortunately, with the diverse range of sizes that Android TV offers, you're spoilt for choice.

Prioritizing Picture Quality: A top-notch viewing experience begins with exceptional picture quality. This aspect is influenced not just by the hardware but the unique processing capabilities of the manufacturer, making each TV experience distinct.

Sound That Matches: Coupling your new TV with a dedicated sound system is highly recommended to match the superior picture quality. However, for those who prefer a more integrated setup, it's crucial to select a model known for its commendable in-built audio solutions.

Next-Gen Gaming Features: For gaming enthusiasts, considering a TV with next-gen gaming features, such as support for Xbox Series X or PS5, can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Features like 4K/120Hz and VRR support promise a visually seamless gameplay, while ALLM guarantees an optimized visual setting for both gaming and entertainment.

By concentrating on what truly matters to you, be it size, picture quality, sound, or gaming capabilities, you can pinpoint the Android TV that not only fits your space and budget but uplifts your viewing experience to new heights.

How we conduct our tests

Discovering the Best in Android TVs: Our Rigorous Testing Journey

Exploring the capabilities of modern TVs is no small feat, given their multifaceted roles in our digital lives. They're not just screens; they're gateways to cinematic universes, gaming realms, and sonic adventures. Bearing this in mind, our evaluation process delves deep into their performance across a spectrum of resolutions—from the humble standard-definition to the awe-inspiring 4K and 8K. We meticulously examine their prowess in handling various dynamic ranges, ensuring each scene unfolds with impeccable clarity and contrast.

Central to our assessment is the verification of major streaming apps like Netflix, All 4, Prime Video, and Spotify. It's not just about having these apps available but ensuring they deliver content in the expected video and sound quality. Our checks also extend to premier gaming consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X to explore available gaming features and assess their performance down to the finest detail.

The visual experience a TV offers is paramount, prompting us to test its picture quality with an extensive array of content. We consider every possible scenario, from vintage DVDs to the latest blockbuster hits in 4K, ensuring our comparison is thorough and fair. Our commitment to excellence means we don't settle for factory settings; numerous hours are invested in fine-tuning each TV to guarantee it presents the best image quality possible.

While we often recommend enhancing your audio experience with an external sound system, like a soundbar or AV amplifier, we also rigorously test built-in speakers. Diverse content and intricate settings adjustments are part of our process, aiming to unearth the full potential of the TV's sound capabilities.

Our expert review team, located in state-of-the-art facilities, brings a combined total of over 100 years of experience to the testing process. This depth of knowledge, combined with our collective approach to conclusions, ensures our reviews are both comprehensive and trustworthy. When you choose a TV based on our recommendations, you're selecting a product that stands out for its excellence and reliability.