As we approach the end of summer, students across the world are returning to school, meaning attention is turning towards our favourite topic: gadgets, and specifically here, the best TVs.
Being a student likely means student accommodation and shared housing, so getting the right TV is going to make movie nights, TV, gaming, and â err â showing PowerPoint presentations a lot more enjoyable.
In 2025, TVs are a major hub for streaming, gaming, and watching sports â all key use cases for students in every country. To help you make the right decision, weâre looking at the best TVs, from budget-friendly models to premium OLEDs.
You may like
Having to spend big to get a good quality TV hasnât been true for a few years now, and lots of the options below should be affordable even on a student budget.
(Image credit: Future)
What to consider for the best TV?
Anyone who has looked into buying a new TV recently might have been overwhelmed by the sheer choice: every display size from 42-inch to 100-inch is covered, there are multiple display types, myriad ports, and so on.
To help you make the right decision, letâs look at the main areas to consider.
- Screen size and âdorm-friendlinessâ: A 42- to 50-inch TV is usually the sweet spot for student rooms as itâs big enough for movies and gaming, but not so large it takes over the space. Models like the LG C4 (42-inch) and LG B4 (48-inch) strike a great balance.
- Gaming performance: Planning on plugging in a PS5 or Xbox Series X? Make sure to look for 120Hz support, VRR, and HDMI 2.1 ports. TVs like the Samsung QN90F or LG C4 are packed with gaming tech, making them ideal for everything from shooters to sports titles.
- Smart TV features: Most TVs now come with solid built-in operating systems, so you wonât need to faff around with a streaming stick. Samsungâs Tizen, LGâs webOS, and Fire TV on the Amazon Omni QLED all support major apps and make switching between them quick and easy.
- Picture quality: OLED screens like those on the LG B4 and C4 are brilliant for film nights, with deep blacks and crisp contrast. If your room gets a lot of light, go for something brighter like the Samsung QN90F, which uses mini-LED tech and a clever anti-glare screen.
- Sound quality: If you donât fancy buying a soundbar, make sure your TVâs speakers can handle dorm movie nights. The Samsung Q80D has surprisingly decent audio, so you can get away without external speakers unless youâre really into your sound.
- Portability and setup: Chances are youâll move flats during your course, so it helps to have a TV thatâs easy to carry and mount.
- Connectivity: Finally, youâll want at least a couple of HDMI ports for consoles and laptops, plus WiâFi and Bluetooth for streaming TV and wireless audio.
While these are the main things to look out for, itâs definitely not an exhaustive list and there is likely to be another big consideration: budget.
TVs have become a lot more inexpensive in recent years and what used to cost $1,000, now costs $500.
Adding advanced display tech like OLED and mini-LED is likely to drive up the price, but there are often good deals to be found on TV models at Amazon, Walmart, and elsewhere.
LG C4 (48- and 42-inch)
(Image credit: Future)
If you want a TV that can handle everything from FIFA nights to film marathons, the LG C4 is hard to beat.
Available in compact 42â and 48âinch sizes, itâs perfectly suited to smaller rooms without compromising on features. In our testing, the OLED screen offers deep blacks, crisp contrast, and a brightness boost compared to older OLED TVs.
Where the C4 really shines is gaming.
It supports 4K at up to 144Hz, with VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming across all four HDMI 2.1 ports â so whether youâre using a PS5, Xbox Series X, or a high-end gaming laptop, youâre sorted.
LGâs webOS platform is slick and easy to use, with all the usual streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, plus Bluetooth and WiâFi for smooth wireless use.
Its sound is decent for a slim OLED, though you might still want a soundbar if youâre after bigger audio. That said, if you want brilliant picture quality, full gaming support, and a screen that wonât dominate your desk setup, the C4 is a top pick for the new term.
Todayâs best LG OLED42C4 deals
LG B4 (48-inch)
(Image credit: Future)
If youâre after an OLED TV that wonât drain your student loan, the LG B4 is a brilliant entry point. It keeps the signature OLED perks â rich contrast, true blacks, and vibrant colours â but comes in at a much lower price than LGâs top TVs.
The 48âinch version is the smallest available and it will fit comfortably into most bedrooms or student flats without feeling oversized.
For gaming, the B4, like the C4, doesnât cut corners with support for 4K at 120Hz, four HDMI 2.1 ports, and VRR and Dolby Vision gaming, so you can make the most of a nextâgen console or gaming PC.
The B4 is not as bright as the C4, which means you might need to close the curtains during the day, but it still performs well in darker environments and is a great option for lateânight movie sessions.
LGâs webOS smart platform is just as snappy here, giving you easy access to all the usual suspects. Bluetooth and WiâFi are built in, and setup is straightforward.
If you want a premium picture without paying top dollar, the B4 is one of the best value OLEDs around and an easy recommendation for students.
Todayâs best LG OLED48B4 deals
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED (50-inch, 43-inch)
(Image credit: Amazon)
If youâre on a tighter budget but still want a 4K TV with smart features, the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED punches well above its weight.
Available in 43â and 50âinch sizes, itâs ideal for student bedrooms or shared living spaces, and has a slimmer frame than you might expect at this price point.
Picture quality is impressive for a budget TV, thanks to the QLED panel that boosts colours and contrast over standard LED screens.
Itâs not the brightest pick on this list, and you wonât get true blacks like you would with an OLED, but itâs more than good enough for everyday use.
The biggest selling point, though, is the Fire TV experience: Alexa voice control is built in, and you get quick access to apps like Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+.
You wonât find 120Hz gaming or HDMI 2.1 here, so this isnât one for competitive console players, but casual gaming is absolutely fine.
Thereâs also WiâFi and Bluetooth, like most modern TVs, for wireless headphones or speakers. For the price, itâs a solid, fussâfree option that covers the basics well, especially if youâre already in the Amazon ecosystem.
Todayâs best Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED 50 inch deals
Samsung QN90F (50-inch, 43-inch)
(Image credit: Future)
If you want your TV to shine â literally â the Samsung QN90F is one of the brightest options around.
Using miniâLED backlighting and Samsungâs Neo QLED panel tech, this screen easily cuts through daylight, making it perfect for sunâsoaked dorm rooms or shared spaces where screen glare is an issue.
The matte screen finish helps too, giving you a consistently crisp picture from almost any angle. In testing, we really loved the QN90F.
Itâs not just about brightness, though. The QN90F supports 4K at up to 165Hz, has four HDMI 2.1 ports, and offers full VRR and FreeSync support, making it one of the best gaming TVs you can get in a compact size.
Samsungâs Tizen smart platform, which many of you are likely familiar with, is packed with apps and works seamlessly, and the builtâin 4.2.2-channel sound system is surprisingly punchy â good enough that you can skip the soundbar if needed.
The QN90F is more expensive than some others on this list, but youâre getting excellent picture quality, highâend gaming features, and a screen that holds up in any lighting. Itâs a seriously smart buy.
Todayâs best Samsung QN90F 43-inch Neo QLED 4K (2025) deals
Samsung Q80D (50-inch)
(Image credit: Future)
The Samsung Q80D sits just below the brandâs miniâLED range but still offers plenty of premium features in a more affordable package.
Its fullâarray backlight and QLED panel deliver sharp detail, rich colours, and strong contrast, especially in darker scenes, making it a great pick if you want vibrant picture quality without the higher price tag of a Neo QLED.
Gamers are well looked after here too. The Q80D supports 4K at 120Hz, with four HDMI 2.1 ports, and includes Samsungâs Gaming Hub for quick access to cloud gaming services. Itâs fast, responsive, and handles motion well â ideal for FIFA, Fortnite, and anything in between.
Sound is another pleasant surprise. For a midârange TV, the builtâin audio is clear and spacious enough for regular viewing, whether youâre watching a film or streaming a live match. Samsungâs Tizen OS is clean, appârich, and easy to use.
If you want a wellârounded TV with excellent gaming support and a strong picture at a lower cost, this one ticks the boxes.
Todayâs best Samsung Q80D QLED TV 50 Inch deals
FAQ
- Do I need a TV licence to watch live TV at university? In the UK, yes, a TV licence is required to watch or record live TV on any channel or stream BBC iPlayer, even on a laptop or phone. Services like Netflix donât need one.
- Can I use Bluetooth headphones with my TV? Most smart TVs support Bluetooth audio, so you can pair wireless headphones. If not, a cheap Bluetooth transmitter can be plugged into the headphone or optical port.
- Whatâs the best size TV for a student room or flat? For dorms or bedrooms, 43â50 inches is ideal. In shared living rooms, 55â65 inches works well. Always measure your space and check for stand or wall-mount fit.
- Do I need a soundbar? Not always â some TVs, like the Panasonic Z95A, have excellent audio. But most mid-range TVs benefit from a compact soundbar for better movie and gaming sound.
- Can I use a TV as a monitor for studying or gaming? Yes. Many 4K TVs double as great displays for laptops or consoles. Just sit far enough back to avoid eye strain when reading text.
