Which VIZIO Smart TV is best?

Shopping for a TV is becoming increasingly more complicated. Different brands use different terms for effectively the same things. Some of these are smart and intuitive while others aren’t. There are also endless acronyms and jargon with meanings that are hard to puzzle out. One thing that’s certain, however, is the quality and budget-friendliness of VIZIO Smart TVs.

The best of all of VIZIO’s Smart TVs is the VIZIO 55-inch Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV. This VIZIO Smart TV meets every possible need, from high-quality cinematic experiences to the smoothest possible gaming connections.

What to know before you buy a VIZIO Smart TV

Types of LED displays in your VIZIO Smart TV

There are three main types of LED displays in your potential VIZIO Smart TV: LED, OLED and FALD. Each are a little different. Pick the one that will meet your visual needs most closely. For more information visit the VIZIO Smart TV buying guide from BestReviews.

LED TVs: LED stands for light-emitting diode. LEDs serve as the backbone to liquid crystal display — more commonly known as LCD screens — TVs. Here, light is projected from the back of the TV into the pixels. They aren’t as clear or detailed as more advanced TV display systems, but the trade-off makes them brighter, and they can also be much larger.
FALD or XLED TVs: Full-array local dimming TVs combine the traits of LED and OLED TVs and exist in a quality spectrum between the two. They are still backlit, like LED TVs, but they are better able to prevent light from bleeding into pixels that shouldn’t be receiving the extra light. You won’t see FALD marked on your potential TV, however. VIZIO markets this technology as XLED instead to try and limit customer confusion between display types.
OLED: Organic light-emitting diodes, or OLEDs, mean that each individual pixel is lit separately from every other pixel and only when that pixel needs to be lit. This gives your display an incredible range of color and OLED displays are the closest you can get to seeing a color as it exists in nature. The blacks are the deepest possible black by not lighting the pixel at all, and different viewing angles maintain uniformity and avoid distortion far better than LED displays. The only downside is OLED TVs are usually smaller than most while costing more.

What to look for in a quality VIZIO Smart TV

Accessory compatibility

Sound: VIZIO Smart TVs, like most TVs, are known for their affordability and their displays and not for their sound quality. While some VIZIO Smart TVs might have a little better sound than others, it’s strongly recommended you add a sound bar or speakers to your home setup. Keep in mind these will use up some of the ports on your VIZIO Smart TV.
Mounts: If you don’t want to use up more space in your home with a TV stand you’ll need to get a wall mount instead. Most TVs use a mount compatibility system called VESA to allow for any third-party mount to be used on said TV. VIZIO generally follows the VESA system but double-check your VIZIO Smart TV and prospective mount before purchasing.

How much you can expect to spend on a VIZIO Smart TV

VIZIO Smart TVs are some of the most affordable smart TVs on the market, but they can still cost a pretty penny. A VIZIO Smart TV that costs between $500 and $1,000 will usually net you the features you’re looking for with the size you want but won’t necessarily have every feature on your list. Spending above $1,000 will ensure that you do get everything you want in a VIZIO Smart TV.

VIZIO Smart TV FAQ

Do any VIZIO Smart TVs include a digital assistant?

A. They don’t include it per se. If you have a digital assistant like Google Assistant, Alexa or Siri, most VIZIO Smart TVs will be able to connect to your phone or other smart home-connected device and be controlled by them as long as they are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Can my VIZIO Smart TV pick up on my locally broadcast channels?

A. Unfortunately, no. While VIZIO and other brands still market their “TVs” as television sets, they are technically just a display as they do not include the hardware for translating over-the-air signals. You’ll need a few extra pieces of equipment to pick up your local channels.

What’s the best VIZIO Smart TV to buy?

Top VIZIO Smart TV

VIZIO 55-inch Class Quantum 4K QLED HDR Smart TV – M55Q6-L4

What you need to know: The creme of the visual crop, this VIZIO Smart TV has all the quality of the best TVs on the market and a tremendous library of apps for all your streaming needs.

What you’ll love: Its incredible array of features, including Wi-Fi 6 capability for improved streaming, a QLED display, enhanced HDR Dolby Vision and an integrated gaming menu, means this VIZIO Smart TV excels in every possible way.

What you should consider: Its sound quality is pretty good, but you might prefer a sound system for a better experience.

Top VIZIO Smart TV for the money

VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV (VFD40M-08)

What you need to know: This VIZIO Smart TV packs many features and a high-quality display at an amazing price.

What you’ll love: Native Chromecast and Apple AirPlay support, a vibrant 1080p LED display and HDR 10 make this budget pick well worth buying.

What you should consider: Some buyers thought that the display wasn’t very user-friendly.

Worth checking out

VIZIO P-Series Quantum 4K HDR Smart TV

What you need to know: The buttery performance of this VIZIO Smart TV and excellent picture quality make this the perfect high-end VIZIO Smart TV.

What you’ll love: The bright LED display features Dolby Vision HDR, with deep blacks and sharp whites and a high refresh rate, perfect for gaming or sports.

What you should consider: This VIZIO Smart TV has fewer and lower-quality colors than other options.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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St. Paul police confirmed Friday that the woman killed Wednesday in Lowertown was a 66-year-old.

Carrie Shobe Kwok’s family had previously posted on her Facebook page that was she the victim of Wednesday’s shooting.

“I’m sorry to inform you that my mother, and your friend, Carrie Kwok, was shot and killed yesterday while painting a mural in downtown St. Paul,” Thursday’s post said. “… This news has been a complete shock to us all. Please keep her in your prayers while she is transitioning into … the next stage of her eternal life.”

Kwok was painting a mural in a parking lot outside the building where she lived, the Lowertown Lofts Artists Cooperative. The building’s front door is in an alley behind Kellogg Boulevard between Wacouta and Wall streets.

Police have said her killing appeared random. There was no evidence that she and the suspect had a conflict or fight or “a previous association with one another,” which is rare in a homicide, Police Chief Axel Henry said Thursday. It’s also not known why the suspect, a Belle Plaine resident, was “even in St. Paul in the first place,” the chief added.

Officers fatally shot the suspect in Belle Plaine on Thursday morning, Henry said. The father of Seantrell Murdock said the 29-year-old was the man who died.

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Vikings at Packers (-2½)
Former Green Bay standout Aaron Jones faces his old team for the first time, and the Minnesota running back said he plans to do a Lambeau Leap if he scores a touchdown. He’ll likely get a warm reception, as Cheeseheads usually reserve their venom for former Packers narcissists.
Pick: Packers by 3

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 29: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers and Alexander Mattison #2 of the Minnesota Vikings swap jerseys after a game at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Jaguars at Texans (-6½)
Jacksonville was embarrassed last Monday night in Buffalo in losing for the eighth time in its past nine games. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is so upset by his recent play that he’s going to cut down by half his pregame shampoo time.
Pick: Texans by 7

Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars arrives at the stadium prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Sept. 23, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

Commanders at Cardinals (-3½)
Jayden Daniels and the Commanders pulled off a big upset in Cincinnati and have now gone two consecutive weeks without punting. It’s easily the most impressive streak for the franchise since former owner Daniel Snyder managed to go two straight weeks without being accused of sexual harassment.
Pick: Cardinals by 3

Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after throwing a 27 yard touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium on Sept. 23, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Saints at Falcons (-1½)
Falcons owner Arthur Blank last Sunday was inducted into the Falcons’ Ring of Honor. The Home Depot founder hasn’t managed to win a championship in his 22 years owning the club, but he was voted in by a committee of one headed by Arthur Blank
Pick: Falcons by 3

Atlanta Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, is inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor during halftime of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Bengals at Panthers (+4½)
The Red Rifle, veteran QB Andy Dalton, led the previously winless Panthers to a surprising upset of the Raiders last Sunday in Las Vegas. Dalton’s play was so impressive that owner David Tepper is expected to fire him.
Pick: Bengals by 3

Andy Dalton #14 of the Carolina Panthers looks on prior to a game s Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

Chiefs at Chargers (+7½)
Kareem Hunt is back with Kansas City six years after being exiled over domestic violence allegations. The reunion results from the fact that the Chiefs are significantly more desperate for running backs than they were six years ago,
Pick: Chiefs by 11

Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs avoids a tackle by E.J. Gaines #28 of the Cleveland Browns to score a 50 yard touchdown during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on Nov. 4, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Titans at Dolphins (even)
The Dolphins, already missing Tua Tagovailoa, lost backup Skylar Thompson to a rib injury in their loss in Seattle. This could mean that for the first time in NFL history, and the last time in NFL history, the best quarterback on the field Sunday will be Will Levis.
Pick: Titans by 7

Liam Eichenberg #74 looks on as Skylar Thompson #19 of the Miami Dolphins lies on the ground injured during the third quarter at Lumen Field on Sept. 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Bills at Ravens (-2½)
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen is denying that he intended to slam former teammate Stefon Diggs when he praised his current mates who “don’t care about the stats.” This shows that Allen is also fibbing at a Pro Bowl level.
Pick: Ravens by 3

Stefon Diggs #14 and Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills plays look on during a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 22, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

Seahawks at Lions (-4½)
QB Geno Smith has led Seattle to a 3-0 start thanks, in large part, to a soft early schedule. Analysts say it’s the most unimpressive winning streak since Joe Biden swept the 2024 Democratic primaries.
Pick: Lions by 7

Quarterback Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks passes against the Miami Dolphins at Lumen Field on Sept. 22, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Eagles at Buccaneers (+2½)
Philadelphia hung on to win in New Orleans despite a foolish strategy of trying a 60-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Eagles watchers said it was the dumbest decision by coach Nick Sirianni in at least one week.
Pick: Buccaneers by 3

Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles calls a timeout during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Arena Corinthians on Sept. 06, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Patriots at 49ers (-9½)
San Francisco fans were stunned when the 49ers blew a late 14-point lead in their loss to their arch-rival Rams. The setback came as quite a shock for folks who believed that the Niners only choke in Super Bowls.
Pick: 49ers by 11

Kicker Joshua Karty #16 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a game-winning field goal against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 22, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Other games

Rams at Bears (-2½):
Pick: Bears by 3

Steelers at Colts (+1½):
Pick: Steelers by 3

Broncos at Jets (-6½):
Pick: Jets by 7

Browns at Raiders (-1½):
Pick: Raiders by 3

Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up before a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field on Aug. 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Record

Week 3
6-10 straight up
7-9 vs. spread

Season
26-22 straight up
24-24 vs. spread

All-time (2003-24)
3657-2042-14 straight up (.642)
2784-2785-144 vs spread (.500)

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Wednesdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on Twitter — @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.

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