Finding the best TV deals for basketball and spring sports can feel overwhelming. TVs have so many features these days it’s hard to know whether to go with an OLED or QLED display, how much refresh rate impacts your viewing, and what size TV to go for. But don’t worry, we’ll break it all down so you can make an informed decision when shopping for a new TV.
Finding the Best TV Deals: Choosing the Right Features for Your Needs
With countless technical terms and specifications thrown around in TV ads, knowing where to start can be tricky. Here are some of the most important features to consider when shopping for the best TV deals:
Screen Size & Resolution
Take into account your space and where the TV will go when deciding how big your TV should be. A 65-in. model may be tempting, but in a small room, it could feel overwhelming. A helpful rule of thumb: your TV should be about 1.5–2.5 times smaller than your seating distance. For example, if you sit 10 ft. (120 in.) from the TV, a 60–80-in. screen is ideal.
As for resolution, 4K is the standard for crisp, detailed images. But you can also go for 8K if you’re future-proofing. (Future-proofing means buying a TV on the cutting edge of what’s available so it will be compatible with technology for years to come.)
For smaller spaces or less demanding setups, 1080p resolution can work as a more affordable option, though it offers less detail than 4K.
Refresh Rate
Refresh rate impacts how smooth motion appears on your screen. Standard 60Hz works for casual viewing, but for fast-paced sports or gaming, a TV with a 120Hz refresh rate—or even 144Hz—is better. Many modern TVs also feature variable refresh rate (VRR), ideal for gamers using consoles.
Brightness & Local Dimming
Brightness matters, especially in well-lit rooms. Features like full-array local dimming or mini-LED backlighting enhance contrast and clarity in bright settings.
But if you’re watching in darker spaces, OLED TVs excel with perfect black levels and no backlight required.
Dolby Vision & Other Picture Quality Standards
High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology boosts picture quality by adding depth to contrast and color. Dolby Vision stands out as one of the best HDR formats, dynamically optimizing brightness and color for more lifelike visuals scene by scene.
OLED vs. QLED
When shopping for the best TV deals, you’ll probably be confronted with the question of OLED vs. QLED. OLED TVs offer incredible contrast and perfect black levels from self-lit pixels. This makes them ideal for dark rooms or movie nights.
However, QLED TVs excel in brightness and vibrant colors thanks to quantum dot technology. So, you’ll probably want to go with a QLED TV if you have a bright room or if durability is important to you.
Smart Features & Voice Controls
Most TVs now include smart features like built-in platforms, such as Roku TV or Google TV, so you can enjoy streaming services right from your TV. Voice control compatibility with assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa is a convenient bonus, especially when switching between tournament games.
By considering these factors upfront, you’ll simplify your search for the best TV deals. Now, let’s explore which categories stand out for specific needs like watching sports, budget options, and size.
TVs That Bring the Arena Experience Home
If you want your TV to mirror the excitement of being courtside, look for the best TV deals that offer large screen sizes and high resolution.
Features like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision enhance sound and picture quality, creating a viewing experience as close to the real thing as possible.
Another thing to consider is wide viewing angles. This is especially important if you’ll be hosting are watch parties where you want everyone to have a clear view.
One example in this category is the LG 86-in. Class UR8000 Series 4K UHD LED TV. This TV combines a vast screen size with 4K UHD resolution and an advanced α7 AI Processor Gen6 for vivid colors and smooth transitions. Its Magic Remote and built-in smart features let you easily switch between apps or share content from your phone—perfect for basketball season.
Best TV Deals for Watching Basketball on a Budget
You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy an epic basketball viewing experience. Budget-friendly TVs can still have features like 4K resolution, smart capabilities, and solid audio performance. Look for models with full UHD displays and compatibility with popular streaming platforms so you can easily catch every game. Connectivity options like multiple HDMI ports are also worth considering if you plan to connect sound systems.
A great example of a budget-conscious TV is the TCL 55-inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV. For under $400, this TV delivers a sharp 4K UHD display with a 3840×2160 resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio for detailed visuals. It runs on the Fire TV platform, offering seamless access to apps like Netflix and Hulu.
Plus, with 4 HDMI ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X audio, this TV delivers impressive features at an exceptional price—perfect for catching up on all the action while staying within budget.
Game-Day Ready: TVs With Lightning-Fast Refresh Rates
Fast-paced sports like basketball demand TVs with lightning-fast refresh rates to keep up with the action without any motion blur. So, a TV with a 120Hz native refresh rate ensures smooth playback. HDMI 2.1 support is equally important for gamers, as it provides low input lag and high frame rates, making these TVs dual-purpose for both basketball season and gaming marathons.
One of the best TV deals in this category is the VIZIO 75″ Class Quantum Pro Series QLED Smart TV for under $1000. Its 120Hz native refresh rate (up to 240Hz at 1080p) ensures smooth motion during intense gameplay or game-day action. Its Dolby Vision Bright+ and HDR10+ compatibility enhance colors and contrast, providing lifelike images with rich blacks and brilliant whites. The DTS Virtual X technology delivers immersive surround sound, while the VIZIO Home Smart Platform offers instant access to apps and streaming services.
Smaller TVs for Big Plays: Ideal Sizes for Compact Spaces
Smaller spaces like college dorms, apartments, or spare bedrooms don’t mean you have to sacrifice picture quality or features. Compact TVs are more versatile than ever, offering vibrant displays, smart functionality, and advanced connectivity options. Whether you’re watching basketball highlights or catching up on your favorite streaming shows, smaller TVs are a practical and affordable choice.
At 24 in. the LG 24LQ520S-PU 24″ HD Smart LED TV is ideal for small rooms but still offers HD-quality images with wide viewing angles. It runs on the webOS platform, giving you easy access to streaming apps like YouTube and Disney+. Additionally, the built-in Wi-Fi and mobile casting features make it great for sharing content from your phone or laptop.
But if you prefer a slightly larger screen, consider the TCL 32″ Class S3 Full HD Smart Roku TV. This 32-in. model features full HD resolution (1080p) for extra clarity and comes with Roku TV’s intuitive platform, which organizes live channels and apps seamlessly. With multiple HDMI inputs and AirPlay compatibility, it easily integrates into any setup while delivering high-quality visuals perfect for any tight space.
OLED vs. QLED: Which Display Wins the Championship?
If you’re deciding between OLED and QLED, understanding the strengths of each technology can help you pick the best fit for your needs.
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) TVs are known for their perfect black levels, rich contrast, and vibrant colors, thanks to their self-lit pixels. This makes them ideal for dark rooms or movie lovers seeking exceptional detail and depth.
On the other hand, QLED (Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diode) TVs shine brightest in well-lit environments, boasting impressive color vibrancy, high brightness levels, and long-term durability.
For an exceptional OLED option, the Samsung 77″ Class S90D Series 4K UHD OLED TV delivers stunning visuals with OLED HDR+ and Auto HDR Remastering for vivid colors and deep contrasts. It also includes Dolby Atmos audio, Motion Xcelerator 144Hz for smooth motion, and adaptive features like Object Tracking Sound for immersive experiences.
If brightness and versatility are priorities, the Amazon Fire TV 75″ Omni QLED Series offers a vibrant 4K Quantum Dot Display with Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive support. Smart features like Alexa voice control, Fire TV Ambient Experience, and adaptive brightness make this one of the best TV deals for QLED technology. Its robust connectivity with 4 HDMI inputs and Alexa Home Theater integration ensures it fits seamlessly into any space.
The Best TVs to Upgrade Your Fan Cave in Time for Tip-Off
If you’re turning your fan cave into the ultimate basketball haven, a large-screen TV with top-tier features is a must. Models 65 in. or larger bring the action to life. Then, additional enhancements like HDR support, advanced processors, and smart features ensure an immersive viewing experience. When you’re hosting game-day watch parties, these TVs provide the crisp visuals and cinematic sound you need to feel like you’re at the game.
For a fan cave centerpiece, the Samsung DU9000 98″ 4K HDR Smart LED TV is a showstopper. Its massive 98-in. UHD 4K display with HDR10+ and PurColor technology delivers over a billion lifelike shades for stunning visuals. Powered by Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K and Motion Xcelerator, it offers smooth performance and sharp picture clarity even during fast-paced games.
Additionally, smart features like Tizen OS for seamless access to streaming apps, Alexa integration, and adaptive brightness mean you can manage content effortlessly.
As for sound, Q-Symphony syncs TV speakers with Samsung soundbars for rich, synchronized audio.
The Final Buzzer: Wrap-Up Tips for Picking Your Perfect TV Before Basketball Season Ends
When finding the best TV deals, focus on the features that matter most to you, whether it’s the crisp visuals of Dolby Vision, the smooth motion of a 120Hz refresh rate, or the convenience of smart capabilities like Google Assistant. Avoid paying for extras you won’t use and take advantage of sales to score a great deal.
Once your new TV is set up, settle in, grab some snacks, and get ready to enjoy every buzzer-beater.
