Most TV regrets come from the same handful of mistakes. People buy based on the biggest number on the box, or a showroom picture that doesn’t reflect their living room.
Avoid these common errors, and you will be much happier with the TV you pick.
Buying the Wrong Size
Buying too small is more common than buying too large. Measure your seating distance and use that to pick a size; our TV size guide has a simple formula.
Also measure the space, the stand, and the doorways.
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Universal hardware pack contains M4, M5, M6, and M8 TV screws and spacers for mounting virtually all TV's up to 80". It'll ensure you aren't screwed when it comes to mounting your TV.
Trusting the Showroom Picture
Store TVs are set to bright, vivid modes under strong lights, which makes every set look punchy. At home, the same picture can look very different.
Check reviews that test brightness and contrast, and plan to change the picture mode after you buy. Our TV settings guide shows where to start.
Ignoring the Panel Type
OLED, QLED, and LED sets suit different rooms. A dim room favors OLED or a good mini-LED set, while a bright room favors high brightness and glare control.
Match the technology to where the TV will live; see OLED vs QLED vs LED.
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OLED HDR+ WITH GLARE FREE*: Experience incredible brightness and deep contrast. Advanced AI enhances details, while Glare Free technology eliminates distracting reflections.*
TVs from TV experts: From America’s number 1 TV streaming platform*, the thoughtfully-designed Roku Pro Series OLED TV combines the delightfully simple Roku experience with picture you have to see to believe. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
Paying for Specs You Cannot Use
Headline numbers can mislead. Refresh rates like 240 are often motion-processing claims, not real panel speeds, and 8K adds cost without a visible benefit at normal distances.
If you game, check the native refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support, and skip 8K unless you have a very large screen. See 60Hz vs 120Hz and 4K vs 8K.
Forgetting About Sound and Connections
Thin modern TVs have small speakers, so plan on a soundbar or speakers if you care about dialogue and bass.
Check the number and type of HDMI ports, and whether one supports eARC for soundbars and receivers; see what eARC is and our guide to improving TV sound.
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ARC/eARC CONNECTION FOR TV & SOUNDBAR:Connect your TV to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver using their HDMI ARC or eARC ports. This 3 ft HDMI cable is designed for close-range home audio setups, making it a practical choice for bedroom TVs, compact entertainment centers and nearby soundbars.
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Skipping the Smart Platform and Return Policy
The smart platform affects daily use, so look at what the TV runs and whether it suits you; see Roku vs Google TV vs Fire TV.
Check the retailer’s return window, so you can still swap a TV with bad uniformity or dead pixels.
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1080P Full HD Resolution -- experience your favorite movies and TV shows in stunning high-definition picture quality for enhanced clarity and detail.
【Applicable model series】This infrared remote control for Hisense Smart Google TV Series A6 A65H A6H A7 U6 U6H U7H U8H U8K U7 U6K U8 UX U75K U76 A76K L9 A65K A4K A7H L5H U7K. ( NOTE: Not compatible with Google Chromecast remote control, Google TV remote control, and Google TV streaming)
HI - QLED COLOR: Vivid and authentic color brings every shade, scene, and skin tone to life exactly as it was meant to be seen. Hi-QLED technology delivers a picture so true-to-life, you'll feel like you're watching through a window, not a screen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest TV buying mistake?
Choosing size and features based on the store display instead of your room, seating distance, and viewing habits.
Is it better to buy a TV in store or online?
Both work. Store visits help with size and look, while online offers more selection and prices. Either way, confirm the return policy.
Do I need to buy an extended warranty?
Usually not. Check whether your credit card already extends the manufacturer warranty, and weigh the cost against the TV’s price.
When is the best time to buy a TV?
Prices often drop before major sale events like Black Friday and in the months after new models launch. Compare current prices before you commit.
Should I buy last year’s model?
Often yes. Previous-generation models usually offer very similar picture quality for less, as long as they have the ports and features you need.
