Best TV gifts for the 2017 holidays
Nothing says "Happy Holidays!" like a gigantic box swathed in candy cane wrapping paper. Here's our picks this season, some of which are less expensive than you'd think.
TVs for all seasons
Tis the season...for giving somebody a TV as a gift. If you've decided to put someone in your debt with an awesome gift, this list will help.
TCL P series Roku TV
One of our favorite TVs of the year, the P comes in only one size--55-inches--but if that's for you, it's tough to beat. Superb image quality combines with Roku's best-in-class Smart TV system.
Vizio M series
Our second-favorite non-OLED TV of the year, the Vizio's biggest advantage over the TCL P series is availability in multiple sizes. It too delivers incredible image quality for the money, but we like the 55-inch TCL a bit better because of Roku.
Sony XBR-X900E series
Maybe you don't want a Vizio or TCL, of maybe you value the Sony brand, Google smarts or sleek styling. This superb TV is an excellent alternative, and it's still affordable.
LG OLEDB7A series
Sure it's expensive, but the B7A is actually the least-expensive OLED TV ever. We haven't reviewed it, but we did test the C7 series (see the next slide), which has identical image quality -- that happens to be the best we've ever tested. Talk about the perfect high-end TV gift.
LG OLEDC7P series
Its image quality is phenomenal and it has some slightly better features and styling compared to the B7A from the previous slide, but that OLED TV is still a better value than this one.
Vizio E series (60- to 80-inch)
So what if you don't want to spend quite so much? One of the best values is Vizio's larger E series models, the only ones with the image quality benefits of local dimming.
Vizio E series (43- to 55-inch)
The smaller E's are also excellent values, albeit without as good of an image. All of Vizio's E's have Chromecast built-in and app-based control from your phone.
TCL S405 series
Whether your gift recipient is a cable cord cutter or just wants a TV built for streaming, nothing does it better than Roku. The S405 is one of our favorites for the money.
TCL S305 series
Smaller than the S405 but with similar image quality, built-in streaming makes the S305 the perfect bedroom TV.
Element Amazon Fire TV Edition
Here's one for Amazon fans: the Element TV has Fire TV smarts built-in, and even allows Alexa voice control from Echo speakers.
Vizio P series
The bigger brother of the M series we liked so much, it's more expensive and promises a bit better image. We'll see once we get the chance to test it.
Samsung MU9000 series
It's not a QLED TV, but this sleek Samsung should still appeal to people who prize style and convenience.
LG OLEDE7P series
The E7 has the same picture as LG's other OLED TVs for more money, and tries to entice you with picture-on-glass styling and improved audio.
Sony XBR-A1E series
Feeling super DUPER generous? This Sony matches the LG OLED's picture and raises it with unique, stand-less design.
Samsung QNQ7F series
Speaking of stands, this Samsung QLED is flat-out beautiful. It's expensive, of course, but makes a great splurge for the design-conscious giftee.
Samsung The Frame
When is a TV not a TV? When it's designed to look just like a picture frame. Leave it to Samsung to create a TV that blends perfectly with your art collection, and even displays it.
LG OLEDW7P series
A TV that looks like a picture frame not sleek enough for you? This one is thin enough to be mistaken for actual wallpaper.
Optoma HD142X
So what if the person you're buying for wants a truly huge screen? This Optoma delivers a great picture for a rock-bottom price.
Benq HT2050
Spend a little more and get an even better image, courtesty of BenQ.
Epson Home Cinema 640
Sure it's not full HD resolution, but this budget Epson projector can still throw up a good-looking, massive picture.
Video: Best TVs for the 2017 holidays
Tis the season... for giving someone a TV as a gift. Here are some ideas you might want to consider.