Best Sony TVs of 2026

How to Choose the Right Sony TVs

Selecting a Sony TV in 2025 means balancing cutting-edge tech with your lifestyle—whether for gaming, movies, or everyday streaming. Sony's BRAVIA lineup excels in picture quality, but not all models suit every user. Focus on panel type, size, and smart integration to match your space and habits.

Key Features to Compare

1. Panel Technology: Sony's 2025 TVs use OLED for self-emissive pixels delivering true blacks and wide viewing angles (e.g., BRAVIA XR8B), Mini LED for higher brightness in well-lit rooms (BRAVIA 5), or QD-OLED for enhanced color volume and anti-glare (BRAVIA 8 II). OLED excels in dark scenes but risks burn-in; Mini LED offers better longevity for bright content.

2. Resolution and Upscaling: All featured models are 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160), but Sony's Cognitive Processor XR uses AI to upscale non-4K content. The BRAVIA 8 II's QD-OLED provides superior detail in HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, outperforming standard LED in texture rendering.

3. Refresh Rate and Motion Handling: Look for 120Hz native rates with VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) for smooth gaming. Premium bundles like the XR8B with PS5 support 4K@120Hz, reducing tearing—essential for PS5 titles like Gran Turismo 7—while the budget BRAVIA 2 II caps at 60Hz, fine for casual viewing but laggy for fast action.

4. Smart Platform and Connectivity: Powered by Google TV, these TVs offer seamless app access (Netflix, Disney+), voice control via Alexa/Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2. Bundles include PS5 integration for exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping. HDMI 2.1 ports (up to 4 on higher models) ensure compatibility with next-gen consoles and soundbars.

5. Audio Capabilities: Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ turns the screen into a speaker on OLEDs like XR8B, but bundles like the BRAVIA 2 II with HT-S400 add a 2.1-channel soundbar (330W total) for deeper bass. Premium QD-OLEDs support Dolby Atmos, immersing you in soundscapes without extra gear.

6. Gaming Features: PS5 bundles shine with optimized modes, including exclusive PS5-exclusive UI tweaks and cloud gaming. The Digital Edition lacks a disc drive but saves $150; choose based on physical media needs.

7. Energy Efficiency and Build: 2025 models feature eco-modes reducing power by up to 20%. Larger 65-inch screens (XR8B, BRAVIA 5) demand more space but offer value per inch; the 43-inch BRAVIA 2 II suits apartments.

Budget Considerations

Sony's 2025 bundles span $696 to $2,897, tiered by performance and perks. Entry-level (under $1,000) like the BRAVIA 2 II + soundbar bundle ($696) targets casual users, providing 4K LED basics, Google TV, and enhanced audio for small rooms—great for streaming without gaming focus. Mid-range ($1,500-$2,000) includes the BRAVIA 5 Mini LED + PS5 Digital ($1,697) and XR8B OLED + PS5 Digital ($1,797), blending premium visuals (bright Mini LED or deep OLED blacks) with gaming bundles for families or gamers on a budget. These offer 120Hz, HDR, and PS5 synergy at accessible prices.

Premium (over $2,500) like the BRAVIA 8 II QD-OLED + PS5 ($2,897) or XR8B with full PS5 ($1,947, edging mid-range) caters to cinephiles and hardcore gamers, delivering top-tier QD-OLED colors, 144Hz potential (via updates), and Atmos audio. At each level, bundles add $200-$500 in value (e.g., PS5 retails ~$450 alone), but factor in installation and warranties—Sony's 1-year standard, extendable for $100+.

Performance vs. Price

The sweet spot lies in mid-range bundles, where you get 80-90% of premium performance for 60% of the cost. The BRAVIA 5 65-inch Mini LED bundle ($1,697) exemplifies this: its full-array local dimming hits 1,500 nits brightness (vs. 1,000 on budget LEDs), matching OLED contrast for mixed lighting at a $200 savings over the XR8B. For gamers, the PS5 inclusion justifies the price, enabling features like haptic feedback syncing.

Premium options like BRAVIA 8 II outperform in color accuracy (DCI-P3 99% coverage) and burn-in resistance, but the jump from mid-range yields diminishing returns unless you have a dedicated theater. Budget picks like BRAVIA 2 II suffice for 1080p upscaling but falter in motion (60Hz) and blacks, making them poor for sports/gaming. Overall, aim for $1,700-$1,800 for balanced value—superior to last year's models with 20% better efficiency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Room Lighting: OLEDs like XR8B excel in dim rooms but wash out in bright sunlight; opt for Mini LED (BRAVIA 5) if your space gets natural light.

2. Overlooking Bundle Value: PS5 bundles save money, but the Digital Edition skips Blu-ray—don't buy if you own discs, as the $1,947 full PS5 variant adds flexibility.

3. Neglecting Size-to-Room Ratio: A 65-inch TV needs 8-10 feet viewing distance; the 43-inch BRAVIA 2 II is ideal for bedrooms, but forcing a large screen in tight spaces causes eye strain.

4. Skipping HDR Compatibility: Ensure Dolby Vision support for streaming; all listed do, but verify source devices—non-HDR content looks flat on premium panels.

5. Forgetting Sound Upgrades: Built-in speakers are mediocre; the BRAVIA 2 II bundle fixes this, but pair others with eARC soundbars to avoid tinny audio ruining immersion.

Top Picks Summary

Our top pick is the Sony BRAVIA 5 65 Inch Mini LED 4K Smart TV + PS5 Digital Edition Bundle ($1,697)—best for value-driven gamers and families, offering bright, versatile visuals and console integration without OLED premiums.

Second, the Sony 65" OLED BRAVIA XR8B + PS5 Digital Gaming Bundle ($1,797) suits movie buffs and dark-room enthusiasts, with superior contrast and PS5 optimization for cinematic gaming.

Third, the Sony BRAVIA 8 II 55 Inch QD-OLED + PS5 Bundle ($2,897) is for premium seekers wanting vibrant colors and anti-reflective tech, ideal for dedicated home theaters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sony's 2025 BRAVIA TVs stand out from competitors like Samsung or LG?

Sony's 2025 lineup, including models like the BRAVIA XR8B and BRAVIA 8 II, differentiates through the Cognitive Processor XR, which uses AI to analyze scenes in real-time for more natural motion, color, and contrast—outpacing Samsung's Neo QLED in cinematic accuracy (e.g., IMAX Enhanced certification on QD-OLEDs). Unlike LG's WOLED panels, Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ vibrates the screen for sound from visuals, reducing lip-sync issues. Bundles with PS5 add exclusive Sony ecosystem perks, like automatic genre picture modes, which Samsung's Tizen lacks in PlayStation integration. However, Samsung edges in raw brightness for ads-heavy rooms, while LG offers more affordable OLED sizes. For 2025, Sony's focus on filmmaker modes (endorsed by directors like Nolan) makes it ideal for purists, with all models supporting Dolby Vision—absent in some Samsungs.

Are the PS5 bundles worth it, or should I buy the TV and console separately?

Yes, for most users, the bundles like the XR8B + PS5 Digital ($1,797) offer 20-30% savings—the PS5 Slim retails for $450 alone—plus optimized setup, including pre-calibrated HDR for games. The Digital Edition suits downloaders, but if you have Blu-rays, the full PS5 variant ($1,947) adds value without much premium. Separately, you'd pay $1,200+ for the TV alone, but bundles ensure compatibility (e.g., HDMI 2.1 for 120Hz). Drawbacks: No returns on bundled items if one fails, and Digital skips discs. For non-gamers, skip for the BRAVIA 2 II soundbar bundle ($696), which enhances audio more practically. Overall, worth it if gaming is key; otherwise, standalone TVs allow flexibility.

How do OLED vs. Mini LED panels in these Sony bundles compare for different rooms?

OLED (XR8B bundles) provides perfect blacks and 1,000:1 contrast for dark rooms, excelling in movies with infinite viewing angles—no color shift off