Are 4K TVs Worth It? (Everything You Need To Know)

What’s all the fuss about 4K TVs? Are they worth purchasing now? 4K TVs have some of the best picture quality available today (besides your 20/20 eyesight). Learn all the details about 4K TVs and whether or not you should purchase one.

What Is 4K TV?

4K TVs deliver four times the resolution of 1080p Full HD. That means 4K TVs have eight million pixels compared to the two million pixels or less that we are all used to. 4K and UHD (Ultra High Definition) are used interchangeably by TV manufacturers so don’t let this confuse you. Ultra HD basically means 4K resolution or higher.

4K TV Resolution

Remember the jump from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD)? When this happened, screen resolutions went from 480 pixels high to 1080 pixels high. Moving from HD to UHD will be similar except now it’s 1080 pixels high to 2160 pixels high. 4K TVs are 4000 pixels wide, hence the name 4K. They are also referred to as 2160p, again referring to the number of pixels vertically.

Here is a side by side comparison of an HD TV and a UHD TV.

4K TV Price

Below is a table showing some of the available 4K TVs from these major TV manufacturers. All TVs are flat screen (not curved) and 2D (not 3D). Other features may vary depending on the manufacturer.

4K TV Reviews

Below are some focal points that sets each brand apart. Take them into consideration when deciding which 4K TV you might like. And remember to reference the table above for pricing. Amazon links go to our editor’s choice models.

LG Review

View the LG 55UB8500 4K TV on Amazon

• Many options available including curved and 3D
• Remote can be hard to get used to

Panasonic Review

View the Panasonic TC-55CX800U 4K TV on Amazon

• Can often find some pretty good deals
• VR-Audio True Surround

Samsung Review

View the Samsung UN55HU8550 4K TV on Amazon

• Tons of sizes
• Apps for smart TV need some work

Sharp Review

View the Sharp LC-60UD27U 4K TV on Amazon

• Good discounts
• Only two options: 60″ and 70″

Sony Review

View the Sony XBR49X850B 4K TV on Amazon

• Multiple sizes available from 48.5″ to 84.6″
• By far the most expensive for 4K TVs

Vizio Review

View the VIZIO P502ui-B 4K TV on Amazon

• Currently offers the lowest prices for 4K TVs
• Customers sometimes have to return their TV because it doesn’t work

Are 4K TVs Worth It?

So far, all of this sounds great, right?! It’s important to note that there isn’t much 4K content out right now. So purchasing a 4K TV at this point won’t improve your TV viewing in all aspects. However, if you want to purchase the most up-to-date TV available then go for it! 4K TV prices have dropped considerably over the last few months and will only get cheaper.

Do you have a 4K TV? Which brand did you choose and why?