Which Samsung smart TVs are best?

Samsung is a reliable and quality brand if you are looking for a smart TV to add to your home. Depending on the model, they come with many different features (some of which are better than others); however, additional features usually mean a higher price tag.

The top choice for a Samsung smart TV that gives a large audience a 4K view is the Samsung Neo QLED QN85A Series 4K. Consider it if you want a high-quality display for your home theater.

What to know before you buy a Samsung smart TV

Where the TV will be mounted

The space of the room you have in mind and personal preference determines the size of the screen you may want. Consider other decor and how the TV fits in the overall environment. Samsung has a line of Frame series TVs designed to be low profile and blend in as if they were framed pieces of artwork on your wall.

Resolution

The newest resolution is 8K, so there is not much native 8K resolution content out there yet. There is plenty of 4K Ultra HD content and full HD, though. Depending on what you plan to view on the screen, you may not need the highest resolution available.

Smart TV apps

Older smart TVs may not have access to all the newest streaming services and applications, while newer models have access out of the box. If you use newer apps such as those from HBO or Disney, you may prefer a newer Samsung model.

What to look for in a quality Samsung smart TV

Display

Beyond screen-resolution classes, smart TVs do not always display light the same way. Crystal processors for 4K optimize color and details. Samsung’s high-quality QLED models have brighter colors and contrast than OLED. The best options are the Neo QLED TVs, which use faster AI processors to optimize visuals.

Sound

If you are setting up a home theater or already have one, your sound system may be separate from the screen. Some Samsung smart TVs are designed to work well with 3D sound setups, and they usually have good-quality sound on their own. Newer smart TVs have object-tracking sound to provide an immersive experience, but if you want the best possible sound, invest in speakers beyond those built into the TV.

Additional features

Samsung’s smart TVs give users access to many apps and quality-of-life conveniences, but there are more features to consider. The Frame series blends in and displays a piece of artwork on the screen when you are not using it. Serif models are freestanding, very thin and do not need to be near a wall. Some smart TVs are optimized for screencasting from a mobile device if that is an important feature for you.

How much you can expect to spend on a Samsung smart TV

Pricing varies based on the size and resolution of the screen. full HD screens cost less than $1,000, and 4K TVs are about $1,000-$3,000, depending on the size and model. New 8K TVs and the like run more than $3,000, and sometimes, they stretch beyond a $10,000 price tag.

Samsung smart TV FAQ

Do the apps and smart features of a smart TV come with additional costs?

A. That depends on which applications you use. Many popular streaming services, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, have paid subscriptions, but you can use all the apps on the smart TV without paying anything as long as you have access to the content. If you could access an app through your computer or other current devices, the smart TV can do the same thing.

Do you need a smart TV to watch streaming services?

A. You can use older TVs or screens that do not have built-in smart functions to view your favorite streaming platforms. Devices such as Roku TV, Fire TV and others plug into any TV display. Gaming consoles and computers can also display content on a TV that does not have smart functions. A smart TV has the benefit of convenience, especially when it provides a high-quality experience.

What’s the best Samsung smart TV to buy?

Top Samsung smart TV

Samsung Neo QLED QN85A Series 4K

What you need to know: These 4K Ultra HD screens are great for large households because they come with a variety of popular apps.

What you’ll love: This model has a very user-friendly interface. The QLED display provides high-quality 4K pictures and a built-in gaming mode to optimize the 4K gaming experience. It supports more than 150 live TV channels and major streaming applications. The TV has a wide viewing angle and supports 3D sound for a home theater.

What you should consider: The mobile screen-sharing function of these TVs does not work with iOS mobile devices.

Top Samsung smart TV for the money

Samsung Frame Series 4K

What you need to know: These stylish and decorative art-frame TVs allow users to display artwork or images on the wall when the TV is not in use.

What you’ll love: The picture is high-quality 4K. It has many popular applications available and a large selection of artwork to display. It hangs neatly on the wall as if it was a regular picture frame, blending into other pieces of home decor.

What you should consider: Users need to subscribe to access additional art gallery images beyond what is readily available out of the box.

Worth checking out

Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900A series

What you need to know: This is an 8K smart TV that upscales lower-resolution images to create the best cinematic viewing experience available.

What you’ll love: The QLED display is very bright and features high contrast between light and dark tones. The AI neural networks process video and upscale it to 8K quality without glare. Users can use 3D sound for their home theater with this screen and control the TV with AI voice commands.

What you should consider: This model is not available in as many sizes, and even the smallest scale costs more than $3,000.

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

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City Limits rounds up the latest housing and land use-related events, public hearings and affordable housing lotteries that are ending soon.

Welcome to City Limits’ NYC Housing Calendar, a weekly feature where we round up the latest housing and land use-related events and hearings, as well as upcoming affordable housing lotteries that are ending soon.

Know of an event we should include in next week’s calendar? Email us.

Upcoming Housing and Land Use-Related Events:

All week through Thursday, Aug. 15: Residents at NYCHA’s Coney Island Houses and Unity Towers in Brooklyn will have their last chance to vote on which funding model they want for their development. In-person voting will take place at Coney Island Houses at 3030 Surf Avenue (TA Room) and at 2007 Surf Avenue (TA room in the lobby) at Unity Towers. Hours will be 12 to 8 p.m., with extended hours of 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the last day of voting, Aug. 15. 

Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 9:30 a.m.: The NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission will hold a public hearing concerning several properties. More here.

Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m.: The city’s Department of Housing, Preservation and Development and the NYC Commission on Human Rights will host an informational workshop on fair housing laws at the New York Public Library’s Bronx Library Center. More here.

Thursday, Aug. 15 at 10:30 a.m.: The NYC Council’s Finance Committee will vote on two land use applications, including a proposed pedestrian plaza in the Bronx’s Morris Park neighborhood. More here.

Thursday, Aug. 15 at 11 a.m.: The NYC Council’s General Welfare committee will meet to vote on two bills related to shelter intake processes for families with children. More here.

Saturday, Aug. 17 at 3 p.m.: Chhaya CDC will host its Annual Jackson Heights Housing Fair in Diversity Plaza, Queens, offering resources for homeowners and first-time homebuyers. More here.

Monday, Aug. 19 at 1 p.m.: The NYC Planning Commission will hold a review session. The agenda has not yet been posted. More here.

NYC Affordable Housing Lotteries Ending Soon: The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) are closing lotteries on the following subsidized buildings over the next week.

2915 Albemarle Road Apartments, Brooklyn, for households earning between $111,532 – $181,740

83-61 116th Street Apartments, Queens, for households earning between $81,429 – $218,010

1777 Weeks Avenue Apartments, Bronx, for households earning between $83,658 – $181,740

339 West 38th Street Apartments, Manhattan, for households earning between $31,612 – $218,010

140 Riverside Blvd Apartments (Waiting List), Manhattan, for households earning between $38,812 – $134,160

3055 Sedgwick Avenue Apartments, Bronx, for households earning between $78,858 – $218,010

Best flashlight

You don’t want to get caught in the dark without a reliable light source when you need it most. When the power suddenly goes out, your car breaks down at night, or you need to complete a task in a dimly lit area, you will find that the right flashlight comes in handy. Pocket-size, industrial-strength, affordably priced — there’s a flashlight on the market to fit nearly any consumer’s needs and budget. This guide will give you some pointers and offer a few of our favorites.

Considerations when choosing the best flashlight

From practical to tactical, there are countless reasons why you might need a new flashlight. Do you want to stock your tool kit with a reliable, portable light? Do you need a small flashlight for your car’s glove box? Or maybe one to keep in the kitchen for the next time you need to light your way in a power outage? Different types of flashlights are designed for different purposes, and each has various convenient features.

General-purpose flashlights

These flashlights, also known as utility flashlights, are the go-to for basic in-home use. They’re usually inexpensive and, while practical, not known for longevity.

Pocket flashlights

These flashlights are designed as you’d expect—they are small enough to fit in your pocket. Their compact size makes them portable and ideal for lighting needs on the go. Some are even designed to resemble pens, with clips that can easily attach to a pocket or belt.

Work lights, spotlights, and industrial flashlights: These are all larger models with rugged housing, often used for tasks around the garage or workshop. They’re also suitable for tradespeople in fields like plumbing and carpentry.

Tactical flashlights

These are extremely heavy-duty lights, often made of tough, nearly indestructible metal. Modeled after flashlights used by professionals in law enforcement or the military, these flashlights provide superior lighting and are built to last.

Flashlight features

Size

Flashlights can be small enough to fit in a pocket or large enough to light up your yard. They also come in sizes in between, so you can find the perfect match to stash in your trunk, toolbox, or kitchen drawer.

Brightness

The brightness of a flashlight is measured in watts or lumens. The higher the number, the brighter the beam. While some flashlights have incandescent bulbs, they are typically dimmer and less durable than LED bulbs, which also last longer.

Batteries

Flashlights are powered by either disposable or rechargeable batteries. While disposable batteries are easy and quick to change, they can have questionable longevity. However, the downside of a flashlight that runs on a rechargeable battery is that it could take a while to charge completely.

Flashlight prices

No matter your budget, you can find an affordable flashlight. While many well-made models cost less than $20, high-end options can run over $100.

Best flashlight FAQ

I like the idea of the rugged build of tactical flashlights, but are they heavy?

A. It’s true that tactical flashlights are built to withstand heavy-duty use, but that doesn’t translate into hefty weight. In fact, most standard-size tactical models weigh less than a pound.

What is “strobe mode”?

A. In addition to turning on and off, some flashlights have a strobe mode, also sometimes referred to as SOS mode, that produces intermittent light. This mode is handy for attracting attention in an emergency.

Flashlights we recommend

Top flashlight

Fenix Flashlights FX-PD35TAC Flashlight

What you need to know: If you’re looking for a professional-grade flashlight that’s up to almost any task, this is the one to buy.

What you’ll love: It’s heavy-duty and has numerous capabilities, including a bright adjustable beam and SOS mode. It’s trusted by professionals such as military personnel.

What you should consider: The battery life and light brightness are known to diminish somewhat quickly when left on for long periods of time.

Top flashlight for the money

SureFire G2X Series LED Flashlight

What you need to know: For the consumer who needs a versatile and durable light, this is a good value.

What you’ll love: Its rugged Nitrolon construction resists shock and moisture. It features a strobe mode and is straightforward to operate.

What you should consider: We wish the battery life lasted a bit longer.

Worth checking out

STANLEY FATMAX LED Spotlight

What you need to know: This flashlight is ideal for anyone who needs a bright light for heavy-duty tasks.

What you’ll love: It’s powerful, at 2,200 lumens. The rechargeable battery has a long life, and the flashlight can be used hands-free.

What we dislike: The design is a bit bulky. It’s not practical if you prefer a basic model for everyday use.

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

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Which K-Cup coffee pods are best?

For coffee drinkers who want their caffeine kick without the wait, single-serve coffee pod machines such as Keurig’s popular at-home brewers offer a fresh cup of coffee on demand. With so many coffee blends, flavors and roasts available in pods, it can be overwhelming to pick one for your morning routine. For the best tasting K-Cup coffee pod with added vitamins and minerals, the VitaCup Vitamin Infused Coffee Pods is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a K-Cup coffee pod

Coffee machine

The most important thing to know when picking out the perfect K-Cup coffee pod is whether it is compatible with your coffee machine. Not every brand of coffee pod fits with Keurig coffee machines, for example. Check the make and model of your machine, as well as any instructions that came with it.

Coffee preferences

Whether you drink your coffee black or with generous helpings of cream and sugar, there are many K-Cup coffee pods for every palate. Consider what blends, flavors or roasts you typically enjoy and try to find coffee pods that match your usual coffee tastes.

What to look for in quality K-Cup coffee pods

Flavors

If you like flavored coffees that offset the bitterness of the beans, there are coffee pods with added flavorings such as vanilla, cinnamon or hazelnut. There also are pods that create a creamy latte with milk products and sweeteners. Consult the packaging for nutrition information and to check for any food allergens.

Brand names

Many popular brands, such as Starbucks and Cinnabon, sell K-Cup coffee pods of their bestselling roasts. Finding brands you love is a great way to indulge in your favorite drive-through brews at home. Keep in mind that coffee pods from these recognizable names often come with a higher price tag.

Caffeine content

K-Cup coffee pods come in caffeinated and decaf varieties.

Eco-friendly packaging

Some K-Cup coffee pods use 100% recyclable materials, making it easy to toss in the recycling bin after dumping the coffee grounds into a compost bin. Coffee packs that use these materials have a clear label on their packaging.

How much you can expect to spend on K-Cup coffee pods

Most K-Cup coffee pods come in bulk packages of 12, 24, 30 or 48 for between $0.20-$1.50 per pod. Name brands such as Starbucks or specialty brews cost the most.

K-Cup coffee pod FAQ

What coffee roast has the most caffeine content?

A. Technically, light coffee roasts have more caffeine content per cup. Studies show that the caffeine content in coffee beans doesn’t change during the roasting process. However, beans expand through water evaporation the longer you roast them. Therefore, a scoop of light-roasted coffee will give you more beans and more caffeine than a scoop of dark-roasted coffee.

Is decaf coffee really caffeine-free?

A. Not entirely. Decaf coffee removes most of coffee’s caffeine content through water, organic solvents or carbon-dioxide extraction. The green coffee beans release almost all their caffeine before being roasted, ground and brewed. However, decaf coffee is a delicious alternative to regular coffee for those sensitive to caffeine.

Can I buy a single K-Cup coffee pod?

A. No. K-Cup coffee pods are sold in packs. If you want to buy fewer coffee pods to try a specific flavor, find the smallest pack available, which usually is a set of eight or 12 pods. Some manufacturers even offer variety packs, so you can try a handful of new flavors and roasts before finding your favorite.

What’s the best K-Cup coffee pod to buy?

Top K-Cup coffee pod

VitaCup Vitamin Infused Coffee Pods

What you need to know: These K-cup coffee pods are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them ideal for the health-conscious coffee drinker.

What you’ll love: The coffee blend is a light roast that’s easy to sip. The vitamin mixture is a dietitian-formulated blend of vitamins B and D to boost your energy and metabolism. The coffee pods are entirely recyclable.

What you should consider: With added vitamins and minerals, these are pricier than regular coffee pods.

Top K-Cup coffee pod for the money

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Breakfast Blend

What you need to know: This is the best light roast coffee pod on a budget.

What you’ll love: This breakfast blend’s light roast is not acidic and is perfect for your morning cup of coffee. Because it’s so flavorful without being watered down, it’s great for drinking any time of day or brewing iced coffee.

What you should consider: These pods may clog the Keurig needle, so keep it clean after each use.

Worth checking out

Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll

What you need to know: This coffee adds a kick of cinnamon-bun flavor without overpowering your cup of coffee.

What you’ll love: The aroma of Cinnabon’s trademark flavors fills the air when you brew these pods. For those with a sweet tooth, a little cream and sugar turn this drink into a dessert. It’s easy to drink in the morning or as a midday treat.

What you should consider: The name-brand coffee pods can vary in price and occasionally spike.

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

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.