© Provided by What Hi-Fi?Best Sony TVs
Sony makes some of the best TVs around. While we would always advise brand agnosticism, it's natural to want to stick with what you know - if you're happy with your current Sony TV, you may well want to stay with the Japanese tech brand when it comes time for a new set.
If that's you, you're in the right place. We've rounded up the best Sony TVs available right now between 49 and 65-inches, drawing on our extensive - and authoritative - library of reviews.
Sony has it all, including 4K models that use both LCD and more modern OLED TV technology. There's even an 8K set here if you're ready to make the leap. All of the below TVs also offer HDR support. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and is a way of showing the differences between light and dark parts of the picture, meaning a more detailed image. Sony's sets support various HDR formats, including HLG, HDR10 and Dolby Vision, but not HDR10+.
Sony TVs tend to use the Android TV operating system. While the OS can be a little sluggish at times, there's no doubting it's convenience. Just sign in using your Google Account and you can access all things Android on your TV, including the Google Play Store and Google Music.
So without further ado, let's see the best Sony's TVs the market has to offer.
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It's official: 48 is the new 55. Time was that you couldn't get an OLED TV under 55in, but then LG launched the world's first commercially available 48in OLED set. And now Sony has one of its own, too.
Sony has embraced the smaller size, making the TV as petite as possible thanks to its tiny bezels and low profile pedestal stand. It does have a rather large enclosure bolted onto the back (to house the speakers, processing hardware and connections), but you'll only notice if you look at the set side-on.
Disappointingly - and somewhat surprisingly for such a cutting-edge TV - it lacks some next-gen HDMI features such as 4K@120Hz (HFR), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM - basically automatic switching to the TV's game mode when appropriate). Which is bad news for gamers looking to hook up a PS5 or Xbox Series X.
But that's about the only fault we can find with this TV. Sony's X1 Ultimate processor makes images suitably stunning, there's plenty of dark detail on show, and it serves up pretty much every streaming app you could hope for. Motion control is still industry-leading, and in terms of sharpness and detail, there's never been a better TV at this size. If you can stump up the funds, you will not be disappointed.
Read the full Sony KD-48A9 review
The 65XH9005 is one of the TVs that Sony is selling as "ready for PS5". That means it'll have 4K@120Hz (often referred to as HFR), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). We say "will" because the set requires a firmware update, but Sony assures that'll land in time for the PS5's launch.
With or without these console gaming features, this is an awesome TV. There are plenty of connections for hooking up partner kit, and you won't be wanting for onboard tech: this is a full-array LED-backlit TV with local dimming, and supports the HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision HDR standards, and Dolby Atmos for sound. It's also Netflix Calibrated and IMAX Enhanced.
And the picture quality? Excellent. Sony's X-Motion Clarity motion processing technology is reliably superb, making fast-moving pictures like games, sports and action films as smooth as butter. There are plenty of options to fiddle with, but just leave it on auto and you'll still be treated to a great experience visually. It's got good sound, too. A little lightweight compared to some, but it's clear, precise and well projected. An ideal option for both gamers and non-gamers alike.
Read the full Sony KD-65XH9005 review
The A8 is the best Sony OLED TV yet and is up there with the best any rival currently has to offer. The Sony KD-55A8 combines a 2020 LG OLED panel with Sony's 2020 picture and sound smarts, and does so to excellent effect, making it the best Sony TV we've seen this year.
It's as thin as you'd expect from a cutting-edge OLED TV, though it's worth noting that the feet are positioned at the edge of the screen, so you'll need a large stand to accommodate it. You may not need a soundbar, though, as Sony uses actuators that vibrate the screen imperceptibly, essentially turning the display into a big, flat speaker. The A8 combines two of these actuators with two subwoofers.
You've got the usual array of connections, streaming apps and tech features, including support for various HDR picture formats including HDR10 and Dolby Vision. But the real excitement comes when you take in this TV's picture and audio. The A8 majors on realism and authenticity, delivering detail and subtlety, without sacrificing punch or colours. Fast motion is handled confidently, too. Throw in great sound by flatscreen TV standards and you have a clear class-leader and one of Sony's best ever TVs. The best Sony TV to buy right now? Quite possibly.
Read the full Sony KD-55A8 review
Successor to the 49XG9005 below, Sony's KD-49XH9505 manages to squeeze in a heck of a lot of TV tech for a TV of this size. It's an attractive set from the front, with a slim brushed-metal bezel although make sure its wide feet can be accommodated on your TV stand. It gets the same remote as Sony's more premium sets, which works particularly well, thanks to the fact it works over Bluetooth. The Android TV interface is quick to respond while Sony's made its on-screen menus cleaner and simpler to use.
Inside, you get Sony's top picture processing chip, the X1 Ultimate, which promises better definition and an enhanced version of Object Based HDR Remaster, which promises better contrast. And it all adds up to an extremely punchy and vibrant picture, with loads of detail and excellent motion handling, which is a traditional Sony strength. Sound quality is also impressive by flatscreen standards. The set uses its own room calibration to help present you with a weighty and dynamic sound.
What we have here is a brilliant Sony all-rounder, capable of giving more expensive rivals a real run for their money. Definitely one for your list.
Read the full review: Sony KD-49XH9505
TV manufacturers might be keen to push 55in and 65in sets, but not everyone's got the space for such big screens. If you fall into this camp and have your heart set on a Sony TV, then we'd suggest starting your search with the KD-49XG9005. This 49in 4K HDR set is an absolute belter, capable of delivering a crisp punchy picture, full of detail and colour. It sounds good too, delivering a surprisingly open and atmospheric soundstage.
Read the full review: Sony KD-49XG9005
Read the full review: Sony KD-65XG9505
This 65in telly might be a little long in the tooth (it's a 2018 model), but it combines high-end features with a much more reasonable price point to devastating effect. Colours are bright and vibrant while the skin tones remain calm and natural - a rare balancing act. Colours are punchy and bright, while the set also packs in an impressive amount of detail. Motion processing is - typically for Sony - on point. Upscaling standard dynamic range content to HDR is another in a long list of highlights. Overall, fantastic value that has to be seen to be believed.
Read the full review: Sony KD-65XF9005
You'll need a lot of room to accommodate its 85in frame, and deep pockets to meet the asking price, but if you can stretch this far you'll be suitably rewarded. Even upscaled 4K content looks brilliant, with the Sony TV matching the best 4K models for sharpness, detail and motion handling.
The 85ZG95 also happens to be one of the best-sounding sets we've reviewed in recent months with plenty of weight and body given to movie soundtracks. It might be tricky to justify an 8K TV at the moment because of the lack of content. But, if you want to be on the cutting edge of TV resolution, then you need this Sony TV in your life.
Read the full review: Sony KD-85ZG95
Sony's Master Series is designed to produce a picture closer to the director's intention than any commercially available television has done before. This is Sony's LCD entrant to the range, though it has direct LED backlighting onboard to help deliver deeper blacks. It's a stunning TV, though 4K picture quality is a little softer than the very best. If you're upscaling from HD to HDR, you're in for a treat, thanks to the impressively sharp and detailed picture. Throw in ultra-realistic colours and Sony's excellent motion processing, and you've got quite a TV on your hands.
Read the full review: Sony KD-75ZF9
Another set from Sony's high-end Master Series, the 65in AG9 is a gorgeous OLED TV, perched on a pedestal stand with thin black bezels making the chassis melt away in darkened rooms. It's blessed with the usual smattering of HDMI (4) and USB (3) inputs and, like the vast majority of Sony sets, it runs on Google's Android TV platform. All your key smart services are catered for, including Netflix and Amazon Video with HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision HDR all supported.
It takes a bit of time getting the Sony to look its best, but once settled, you're treated to a balanced picture, full of detail and crisp three-dimensionality. Motion processing is arguably best-in-class too. Some rival sets boast a brighter and punchier image, though, and the Sony isn't the last word in detail.
On the plus side, this model (and the 55in version) sounds brilliant for a flatscreen TV, with a wide soundstage and a sense of focus and precision that you don't normally get from such slender sets. There's impressive weight but also enough space for dialogue to breathe.
Read the full review: Sony KD-65AG9
Read the full review: Sony KD-55AG9
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