LED, LCD and plasma TV: Buying a new TV Before you buy a new TV

There are hundreds of TVs available, so how do you go about getting the best one for you? From bargain TVs that keep your whole family happy, to large screen TVs that give you a cinema experience from the comfort of your sofa - we'll tell you how to find the perfect TV. 

First off, it's worth considering the following:

  • How much do you want to spend? Prices can range from less than £200 for a small screen 22-inch TV going up into the thousands for huge 75-inch models. Prices also vary for the same screen size. If you're in the market for a 32-inch TV, prices can still range from around £250 to £800.
  • What size TV do you want? You don't want to end up with your nose inches away from a massive screen. Not only will it make viewing uncomfortable and look out of place, if you sit too close to a big screen the results can be disappointing.

In this guide we take a closer look at the most popular TV types and what to think about when buying one, including which features to look out for and what else you'll need to consider. 

We test TVs in every category, so once you've decided which type you need we can recommend a great model to fit. Take a look at our latest TV reviews to see the most recent models rated and reviewed. 

What type of TV do I need?

How to buy the best cheap TV

Cheap TV 

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a great TV, whether it's your main living room set or a second TV for a kitchen or bedroom. If you're not fussed about advanced features like 3D or smart TV functionality there may not be any need to spend more.

Find out more about how to buy the best cheap TV - we explain where you can make savings. 

How to buy the best smart TV

Smart TV 

A TV that can connect to the internet is a neat solution for those who like watching online catch up services but don't want to pay out for a separate TV subscription. Smart TVs are becoming more common within manufacturers mid-ranges, so you won't necessarily have to spend a fortune to get one either. 

Find out more about how to buy the best smart TV. We explain what you need to consider. 

How to buy the best 3D TV?

3D TV 

No longer an impossible dream, 3D-ready TVs are now fairly common, with just less than a third of the TVs we've tested in our TV reviews having this capability. This doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to settle down on the sofa and watch everything in 3D from the word go though. 

Find out more about how to buy the best 3D TV - we explain what to look out for. 

What size TV should I go for?

This question might cause disagreements in some households, but you can get a great TV in any size. The most important thing to think about is the size of the room you'll be putting it in. We take a closer look at two of the most popular size TVs:

32-inch TV Find out more about how to buy the best 32-inch TV - we explain what features to look out for and which you won't get. 

42-inch TV Find out more about how to buy the best 42-inch TV - we explain what makes a good 42-inch feature-wise.

What else should I think about?

TV type The words LCD, LED or plasma will be plastered all over the models in your local electrical shop, or online store, selling TVs - but what do they mean? 

Find out more in should I buy LCD, LED or plasma? We explain the mystery behind the jargon. 

TV brand The TV giants are LG, Samsung, Panasonic and Sony. These days TV sets tend to look pretty similar on the outside, so what difference is there behind the screens?

Find out more about the best TV brands - we tell you what you need to know. 

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Which? works for you