How to buy the best Smart TV Who makes the best Smart TVs?

Most Smart TVs can connect to the internet wirelessly - either with the built-in wi-fi feature or a dongle bought separately

Of the 107 TVs of all sizes that Which? tested in 2011, 37 were Smart. We expect to see more in 2012. In Panasonic's 2012 range of TVs for example, only the entry-level models don't have internet connectivity. 

While each brand delivers its own particular suite of apps and on-screen interface, app stores are a common feature while full web browsing is becoming increasingly popular too. 

All smart TVs offer wired connections while many also offer wireless - either built-in on more expensive models or via a wireless dongle bought separately.

Below is a summary of the main smart TV platforms.

To see full, in-depth reviews of every smart TV we have tested, check out our smart TV reviews.

Smart TVs brand guide

LG Smart TV

LG's app store, good selection of pre-loaded apps and ease of managing them are definite plus points, but some ease of use niggles take the gloss away.

Panasonic Smart Viera

Easy to set up, we also like the optional USB keyboard which makes using the smart TV functions much easier than relying on the remote. The presentation of apps on-screen is a little clumsy.

Samsung Smart TV

Samsung has gone to town with apps. There are many pre-installed, and a comprehensive apps store to add more. Most smart TV functions are easy to use.

Sony Internet TV

A responsive on-screen keyboard and wide selection of apps is a good start, but it can't disguise the disjointed presentation and lack of app store. Sony has placed a strong emphasis on video content. 

How we test Smart TVs

Our ergonomics experts rate each internet TV interface for the initial setting-up process, for finding and accessing apps and customising the set-up. We check how easy it is to navigate web pages, select links and enter text into search engines. We also check streamed video quality by watching iPlayer or a similar catch-up service.

More TV reviews

What to find out more? For full test performance verdicts, including picture and sound quality ratings on every TV we test, visit our in-depth LED, LCD and plasma TVs reviews.