LCD TV Ratings: Top Rated LCD TVs

Page: 8 of 8

In this report

LCD TV Rating Sources

Total of 18 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. CNET
As of Aug. 2012

LCD TVs
by Editors of CNET

Our AssessmentCNET tests many televisions, giving its editors a good basis for comparison. The same team of reviewers generally reviews LCD TVs, so there's a consistency in the testing and ratings process. Testing can get a little technical at times, but the findings are generally well explained.

2. TelevisionInfo.com
As of Aug. 2012

Best HDTVs
by Editors of TelevisionInfo.com

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentTelevisionInfo.com provides some of the most exhaustive reviews we've seen, and some of what's provided might leave non-videophiles overwhelmed. That said, each review includes a clear conclusion that features explicit buying advice and alternatives. The editors are tough critics, and no TVs -- even top-rated ones -- escape without at least some flaws exposed. A ranking of the top HDTVs is provided, but would be more useful if older HDTVs were not included.

3. FlatpanelsHD.com
As of Aug. 2012

Flat Panel Reviews
by Rasmus Larsen

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentThough the level of detail might qualify as overkill for some, this site, based in Denmark, is another that provides comprehensive reviews of HDTVs. Most sets tested are similar to models sold in the U.S., and important differences are clearly spelled out in most -- but not all -- cases. The reports include lots of comparisons. The best LCD TVs are identified with a Highly Recommended award, but TVs are not otherwise rated or ranked.

4. Home Theater Magazine
As of Aug. 2012

Flat Panel Reviews
by Editors of Home Theater

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentThough Home Theater magazine doesn't review as many LCD TVs as other sites do, it does conduct in-depth testing and produces well-detailed reports. Star ratings are provided for factors such as performance and features, but TVs are not rated or ranked overall. However, best LCD TVs are honored with a Top Pick designation.

5. PCMag.com
As of Aug. 2012

HDTVs
by Editors of PCMag.com

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentPCMag.com looks at LCD TVs in single-product reviews and occasional articles that compare previously reviewed TVs. Though coverage had been sporadic in the past, the site has stepped up its game of late to cover a lot more models. Write-ups are shorter than on some other sites, and technically dense in spots, but conclusions are clearly spelled out and ratings are provided. The very best LCD TVs are singled out as Editors' Choice selections.

6. ConsumerReports.org
As of Aug. 2012

LCD & Plasma TVs
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org reviews more LCD TVs than just about any other source. Some of the listed TVs are last year's models, though most are still available at retail, and there are lots of current-year LCD TVs included. Testing is comprehensive, and recently reviewed sets get more commentary than in the past, though there is still far less detail than at most other top review resources. ConsumerReports.org is also one of the few professional sources to review sets with screen sizes of less than 32 inches.

7. LCDTV Buying Guide.com
As of Aug. 2012

LCD TV Reviews & Ratings
by Editors of LCDTVBuyingGuide.com

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentAlthough this website isn't very slick, the reviews appear to be objective and competently done. Testing is extensive and well documented, but discussion could be longer and more helpful. One nice plus is the inclusion of picture settings based on calibration tests. Ratings are provided, but comparisons are difficult because they are listed in a chart that includes many discontinued TVs.

8. DigitalTrends.com
As of Aug. 2012

TV Reviews
by Caleb Denison

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentDigitalTrends.com hasn't been a top destination for reviews of HDTVs in the past, but has stepped up with a nice selection of recent reports. Though the reviews are still heavy on the discussion of features, testing (both formal and viewing) is done in most cases. Ratings are provided, and based on those Editors' Choice awards are granted.

9. Amazon.com
As of Aug. 2012

Televisions
by Contributors to Amazon.com

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentAmazon.com invites owners to share their experiences with potential buyers. Many of the TVs offered get enough user ratings to help visitors get a handle on which ones are considered best. The site is among the easiest to use for evaluating owner-written reviews. Both the ratings and number of reviews each LCD TV has received are visible on the main navigation pages. Many LCD TV sets rate similarly, so it's easy to spot if one set gets above or below average reviews from users.

10. BestBuy.com
As of Aug. 2012

TVs
by Contributors to BestBuy.com

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentBestBuy.com also allows users to comment on products they own. Navigation is easy; the overall rating and number of reviews are on the main navigation page, and only currently available TVs are listed (though some of last year's models remain). One nice feature is a top-line summation of how many customers would recommend the reviewed LCD TV to a friend. LED-backlit LCD TVs get their own listings here. Among LCD TVs with lots of reviews, many models score similarly well.

11. PC World
As of Aug. 2012

TVs
by Editors of PC World

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentPC World skips formal bench testing (at least none is indicated) for performance testing by a panel of judges. Ratings are provided, with scores that tend to the stingy side compared to most other sites. Good attention is paid to usability issues. However, relatively few sets have been reviewed of late.

12. HDGuru.com
As of Aug. 2012

LED/LCD Flat Panels
by Gary Merson

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentThis site concentrates on news and opinion related to the world of HD television, but it also reviews equipment on rare occasions. Reviews can be hard to find on this blog-style site, and that's a shame because the experts here -- including "HD Guru" Gary Merson -- are highly knowledgeable. Commentary can get a little heavy for non-videophiles, but conclusions are clearly stated.

13. HomeTheaterReview.com
As of Aug. 2012

Review Resource for Flat HDTVs
by Editors of HomeTheaterReview.com

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentWhen it comes to reviews of televisions, HomeTheaterReview.com remains very much a mixed bag. At best the reviews here are as good as, if not better than, reviews at sites we rate much higher. The problem is that those reviews are interspersed with reviews based solely on a reading of the spec sheet and expected performance -- though to the site's credit, editors usually identify when that's the case. Ratings are provided, though they can't be given tons of weight since both tested and untested sets are treated alike.

14. AVSForum.com
As of Aug. 2012

LCD Flat Panel Displays
by Contributors to AVSForum.com

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentThis discussion site provides lots of information about anything and everything related to home entertainment, including a forum for LCD flat-panel televisions. Sets typically get their own thread that offers discussions of specifications, features, problems, fixes and more. Some threads span thousands of posts, so be prepared to spend time when investigating a particular TV set. The site also features industry news, press releases, a small selection of user reviews and more.

15. Walmart.com
As of Aug. 2012

TVs
by Contributors to Walmart.com

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentThough few top-performing LCD TVs can be found here, Walmart.com is a good source for user reviews of budget-friendly options. The overall rating is shown on the main navigation page, but you'll need to click through to the individual product pages to see how many reviews a particular LCD TV has received. Some reviewers include discussion, while others only leave ratings. Many LCD TVs have lots of feedback -- hundreds of reviews and ratings, in some cases -- but many more get just a handful of reviews.

16. BigPictureBigSound.com
As of Aug. 2012

HDTV, Televisions, Projectors
by Editors of BigPictureBigSound.com

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentBigPictureBigSound.com doesn't review very many HDTVs, though what's here is usually worth a read. The reports are highly detailed and backed by appropriate testing, yet not so technical as to bury a non-videophile with too much data.

17. Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity
As of Aug. 2012

HDTV
by Editors of Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentThis site for the video- and audio-obsessed looks at LED TVs from time to time. Conclusions are clearly stated, but much of the discussion -- especially the results of bench testing -- will likely go over the heads of non-videophiles. No ratings are provided, but positives and negatives are discussed.

18. About.com
As of Aug. 2012

Best LCD TVs and LED/LCD TVs 40-Inches and Larger
by Robert Silva

Credibility Rating

Our AssessmentThis list, which covers LCD and LED TVs, 40 inches and larger, names the LCD TVs that About.com guide Robert Silva considers to be best overall in that screen-size range. Though Silva does provide well detailed reviews on occasion, most write ups are brief and look to be based on features and specifications rather than hands-on testing. Silva also maintains lists of top sets in smaller screen sizes, but those suffer from similar shortcomings. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Best small-screen LCD TV