Top 10 Smart TVs of 2024: Ultimate Buying Guide
As we move into the year 2024, the world of home entertainment continues to evolve with a plethora of smart TVs offering advanced features and superior viewing experiences. With so many options on the market, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. Our ultimate buying guide for the top 10 smart TVs of 2024 is designed to help you navigate through the latest technology and make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and entertainment needs. From stunning picture quality to seamless integration with smart home systems, we’ve got you covered with our curated list of the best smart TVs to enhance your viewing pleasure.
Key Takeaways
- The JBL Authentics 500 leads the pack with exceptional sound quality, earning it the top spot on our list.
- For those who prioritize portability, the Sonos Move 2 has replaced its predecessor as the ‘Best Portable’ choice.
- The Amazon Echo Studio stands out as a more affordable yet high-performing smart home speaker, suitable for lower mid-range budgets.
- IKEA’s SYMFONISK Bookshelf not only delivers decent audio performance but also doubles as a stylish home decor piece.
- Despite the myriad of choices, personal taste, preference, and listening habits are paramount in selecting the perfect smart TV for your home.
1. JBL Authentics 500
The JBL Authentics 500 stands out as the pinnacle of home audio entertainment. This smart TV is not just about its striking retro design that nods to the classic L100; it’s a powerhouse of modern technology tailored to enhance your listening experience. With built-in voice assistants, you can control your music hands-free, and the room calibration tool ensures the sound is perfectly adapted to your space.
Key Features:
- Virtual Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound experience
- Powerful bass that enriches every beat
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless streaming
- Compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant
- Chromecast built-in for easy integration with your devices
The JBL Authentics 500 is not merely a speaker; it’s a centerpiece that brings together powerful sound, versatility, and a touch of nostalgia.
Customer reviews highlight the "powerful sound" and "wide range of features" as significant pros of the JBL Authentics 500. The ability to play music across multiple rooms and the convenience of built-in Alexa and Google Assistant are also frequently praised. Whether you’re looking to enhance your movie nights or enjoy high-fidelity music, the JBL Authentics 500 is a top contender in smart home entertainment.
2. Sonos Move 2
The Sonos Move 2 stands out as a versatile smart speaker that excels in both indoor and outdoor environments. Its portability is a game-changer, making it easier to carry from one room to another or for enjoying music in your backyard. With an IP56 rating, it’s designed to withstand dust and water, ensuring durability wherever you go.
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Music | 7.5 |
| Videos/Movies | 6.9 |
| Podcasts | 7.8 |
| Voice Assistant | 8.8 |
| Outdoors | 7.6 |
The Move 2 is not just about portability; it offers an improved sound quality over its predecessor, capable of playing back stereo content authentically. This is particularly beneficial since most music is mixed in stereo, providing a more immersive listening experience.
The Sonos Move 2 would already be one of the top smart speakers on the market, but its portable design just cements that further.
While it may not have a graphic EQ for full-range customization like some competitors, the Sonos Move 2 still impresses with its acoustics. The Sonos S2 app facilitates bass and treble adjustments and allows for the integration of other Sonos speakers, creating a seamless multi-room audio system. Although it doesn’t reach the volume levels of some larger speakers, its performance is remarkable, making it a valuable addition for those already invested in the Sonos ecosystem.
3. Amazon Echo Studio
The Amazon Echo Studio stands out as a wired smart speaker that integrates seamlessly into your smart home ecosystem. With its built-in Zigbee hub, it allows for easy connection to a variety of compatible devices, such as light bulbs and thermostats, enhancing your home automation experience.
Performance Ratings (Out of 10):
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Music | 7.1 |
| Videos/Movies | 6.1 |
| Podcasts | 6.3 |
| Voice Assistant | 7.9 |
| Outdoors | 5.4 |
The Echo Studio is not just a smart speaker; it’s a central hub for controlling your smart home devices.
Customers have praised the Echo Studio for its sound quality, often noting it as the best-sounding speaker offered by Amazon. While it may not be the loudest compared to some higher-end models, its performance in an average-sized room is more than satisfactory. The Echo Studio’s affordability makes it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their home audio without a hefty investment.
4. Amazon Echo Gen 4
The Amazon Echo Gen 4 emerges as the best budget home speaker of 2024, offering a harmonious blend of functionality and affordability. With its distinctive spherical design, it not only serves as a smart device but also as a stylish element of home decor, available in various colors to suit your taste.
Performance-wise, the Echo Gen 4 scores well across different uses:
| Content Type | Score |
|---|---|
| Music | 6.8 |
| Videos/Movies | 6.1 |
| Podcasts | 6.3 |
| Voice Assistant | 8.8 |
| Outdoors | 5.2 |
Despite its budget-friendly price, there are some trade-offs, such as the lack of deep bass and the inability to play stereo content without downmixing it to mono. However, for those who prioritize voice assistant capabilities and smart home integration over high-end audio performance, the Echo Gen 4 is an excellent choice.
The Echo Gen 4’s built-in Zigbee hub seamlessly controls other smart home devices, and for added privacy, Alexa’s microphone can be muted. This makes it incredibly convenient to manage your home environment and access Alexa’s plethora of skills hands-free.
5. IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf
The IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf stands out not just for its sound, but for its dual functionality as both a speaker and a piece of home decor. Available in black and white, it’s designed to seamlessly integrate into your living space. Mounting is a breeze with the compatible brackets sold separately, and once in place, the Sonos S2 app takes over, offering full control without the need to physically interact with the speaker.
The collaboration between IKEA and Sonos brings the best of both worlds to the SYMFONISK Bookshelf. With features like Trueplay room correction and manual bass and treble adjustments, it tailors the audio experience to your room’s acoustics.
While it may not boast the same sound quality as some of the more premium models, the SYMFONISK Bookshelf is a stylish choice for those who value aesthetics. Additionally, the ability to connect with other Sonos speakers allows for an expanded audio setup throughout your home.
| Feature | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Music | 6.7 |
| Videos/Movies | 5.7 |
| Podcasts | 6.4 |
| Voice Assistant | 2.8 |
| Outdoors | 4.7 |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes |
For those looking for a smart speaker that blends in rather than stands out, the IKEA SYMFONISK Bookshelf is a compelling option.
6. Sonos Era 300
The Sonos Era 300 stands out as a top contender in the upper mid-range smart speaker market. With its sophisticated design, it seamlessly blends into any home setting. The Era 300 is not just about looks; it delivers excellent sound quality across various audio content, from music to podcasts.
Here’s a quick glance at its performance ratings:
| Content Type | Rating |
|---|---|
| Music | 7.7 |
| Videos/Movies | 7.0 |
| Podcasts | 6.8 |
| Voice Assistant | 8.8 |
| Outdoors | 5.5 |
The Sonos Era 300 excels with its voice assistant integration and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a versatile addition to your smart home ecosystem.
While it lacks battery power and a speakerphone feature, the Era 300 compensates with Wi-Fi capabilities and the ability to integrate into a Sonos surround sound setup. Its Trueplay room correction technology ensures the speaker adapts to your room’s acoustics for an optimized listening experience.
7. JBL PartyBox 310
The JBL PartyBox 310 stands out as a powerhouse for those who love to take the party on the go. With its robust design and portable nature, this speaker is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and party-goers alike.
Key Features:
- Long-lasting battery life
- True Adaptive Noise Cancelling
- Smart Ambient settings
- Built-in carrying handle
The JBL PartyBox 310 ensures that your music doesn’t stop until the party does, offering up to 35 hours of playtime.
When it comes to durability and sound quality, the JBL PartyBox 310 does not disappoint. Its ability to deliver deep bass and clear highs makes it a versatile choice for various music genres. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a beach bonfire, the JBL PartyBox 310 will keep your guests entertained with its impressive audio performance.
8. Bose SoundLink Flex
The Bose SoundLink Flex emerges as a standout in the budget Bluetooth speaker category, offering an impressive blend of portability and sound quality. The audio is crisp, balanced, and free of distortions, making it a favorite among users who appreciate clear and powerful sound.
- Astonishing sound quality
- Variety of colors available
- Portable and versatile
The SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker plays astonishing sound wherever you are, ensuring your music experience is always top-notch.
Whether you’re at home or on the go, the Bose SoundLink Flex is designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience. Its robust build and stylish design also make it a great addition to any setting.
9. JBL Charge 5
The JBL Charge 5 stands out as a portable powerhouse in the realm of wireless Bluetooth speakers. With its robust IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, it’s built to accompany you on all your adventures, whether that’s a beach party or a casual gathering at home.
Key Features:
- Clear and powerful sound
- Long-lasting battery life
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating
Users have consistently rated the JBL Charge 5 highly, with one verified purchaser exclaiming, "JBL makes a GREAT Bluetooth speaker!" The speaker’s ability to deliver 5.0 out of 5 stars performance is a testament to its quality and user satisfaction.
The JBL Charge 5 is satisfactory for podcasts. Dialogue is reproduced clearly, making it a favorite for podcast enthusiasts who value clarity and portability.
Whether you’re looking to amplify your favorite tunes or stay connected to the latest podcasts, the JBL Charge 5 offers a versatile audio experience that won’t disappoint.
10. JBL Flip 6
The JBL Flip 6 stands out as a versatile portable Bluetooth speaker, offering a robust sound experience in a compact form. Its racetrack-shaped woofer delivers exceptional low frequencies and midrange, while a separate tweeter ensures the high-frequencies are crisp and clear. The Flip 6 is not just about sound; it’s also designed to be durable and stylish.
Available in a variety of colors, the JBL Flip 6 allows you to express your personal style while enjoying music on the go. It’s rated IP67 for dust and water resistance, making it an ideal companion for all your adventures, whether you’re lounging by the pool or hiking through the wilderness. The removable strap adds to its portability, ensuring you can easily take your tunes wherever you go.
The JBL Flip 6 is a testament to the blend of style, durability, and high-quality audio performance.
For those who prioritize both aesthetics and functionality in their audio devices, the JBL Flip 6 is a compelling choice.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through the top 10 smart TVs of 2024, it’s clear that the perfect TV is about balancing features, performance, and budget. Whether you’re looking for the best in sound quality, a mid-range marvel, or a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features, there’s something on this list for everyone. Remember, while specs are important, your personal preferences and usage will ultimately guide your decision. With the latest updates and insights, we hope this guide has illuminated your path to finding the smart TV that will transform your viewing experience. Happy watching!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best features to look for in a smart TV in 2024?
When looking for a smart TV in 2024, consider resolution (4K or 8K), HDR support, smart platform compatibility, refresh rate, number of HDMI and USB ports, audio quality, and any AI-enhanced features for picture and sound optimization.
How important is the refresh rate on a smart TV?
The refresh rate is crucial for a smooth picture, especially for fast-moving content like sports or action movies. A higher refresh rate, such as 120Hz, can provide a more fluid and less blurry viewing experience.
Do all smart TVs in 2024 come with voice assistant support?
While most high-end and many mid-range smart TVs come with built-in voice assistant support, it’s not universal. Check the specifications to ensure the TV supports your preferred voice assistant like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or others.
Is it worth investing in an 8K smart TV?
Investing in an 8K TV might be worth it if you want future-proof technology and have access to 8K content. However, 4K content is still more prevalent, and 8K TVs are typically more expensive.
What smart platform should I choose for my smart TV?
Choose a smart platform based on the ecosystem you’re already invested in (e.g., Android, Apple) and the availability of apps and features you need. Common platforms include Android TV, Roku TV, Samsung’s Tizen, LG’s webOS, and Apple TV.
Can I upgrade my older TV to a smart TV using external devices?
Yes, you can upgrade your older TV to a smart TV by using external devices such as streaming sticks, set-top boxes, or game consoles that provide smart functionality and access to streaming services.