Best 65 inch TV under £1000

Picture quality is the most heavily weighted criterion because a 65 inch screen amplifies every strength and weakness in a TV's panel technology. At this size, poor contrast, uneven backlighting and limited brightness are far more noticeable than on a 43 or 50 inch screen.

The Hisense U8K 65" scores 9/10. Its Mini-LED backlight with over 500 dimming zones produces excellent local dimming that keeps dark areas dark while bright highlights punch through. At approximately 1500 nits peak brightness, HDR content looks genuinely spectacular. Colour accuracy covers 96% of the DCI-P3 space, which is impressive at this price. The VA panel delivers strong native contrast even before local dimming kicks in.

The TCL C845 65" scores 8/10. Its Mini-LED panel with 300+ dimming zones produces good contrast, though with fewer zones the blooming around bright objects in dark scenes is more noticeable than on the Hisense. Peak brightness reaches approximately 1100 nits, which is strong but noticeably below the U8K in direct comparison.

The Samsung CU8000 65" scores 6/10. As an edge-lit LED panel, it lacks the local dimming precision of Mini-LED. Contrast is acceptable for daytime viewing but dark scenes exhibit visible backlight bleed, particularly in the corners. Peak brightness of approximately 400 nits limits HDR impact.

The LG UR8000 65" scores 5/10. Its edge-lit IPS panel prioritises wide viewing angles over contrast. Black levels are the weakest in this comparison, appearing grey rather than truly dark. Peak brightness of approximately 350 nits makes HDR content look flat.

At 65 inches, all four TVs deliver a screen size ideally suited to UK living rooms with a viewing distance of 2.4 to 3 metres. The question is how much performance you get for your money at this screen size.

The Hisense U8K 65" scores 9/10. At approximately £799, it delivers Mini-LED technology that would have cost well over £1500 just two years ago. The price-to-performance ratio is exceptional. You are getting a 65 inch screen with flagship-level brightness and contrast for less than many 55 inch premium TVs.

The TCL C845 65" scores 8/10. At approximately £749, it undercuts the Hisense slightly while still offering Mini-LED and 120Hz. The value is strong, though the fewer dimming zones and lower brightness mean you are getting proportionally less for a modest saving.

The Samsung CU8000 65" scores 7/10. At approximately £599, it offers 65 inches of Samsung quality at a competitive price. However, the edge-lit panel technology is a significant step down from Mini-LED. You are paying less but getting substantially less picture quality.

The LG UR8000 65" scores 6/10. At approximately £549, it is the cheapest option and delivers 65 inches with LG's webOS platform. The IPS panel's weak contrast limits its appeal for anything other than casual daytime viewing.

The TCL C845 65" scores 8/10 with Google TV. The platform offers the strongest content discovery, aggregating recommendations across all installed streaming services. The interface is modern and app support is comprehensive.

The LG UR8000 65" scores 8/10 with webOS. LG's platform is polished, responsive and well-established. App launch times are fast and the interface is intuitive. The content store is comprehensive.

The Samsung CU8000 65" scores 7/10 with Tizen. Samsung's platform is feature-rich and fast, though the home screen includes advertising that detracts from the premium experience. All major streaming apps are well supported.

The Hisense U8K 65" scores 7/10 with VIDAA U7. Hisense's proprietary platform has improved significantly and now supports all major streaming services. However, the interface feels less refined than Google TV, webOS or Tizen, and third-party app availability is slightly more limited.

The TCL C845 65" scores 9/10 for gaming. Its approximately 6ms input lag in game mode is the lowest in this comparison. Full HDMI 2.1 support delivers 4K at 120Hz with VRR and ALLM. For a 65 inch gaming display under £1000, it is hard to beat.

The Hisense U8K 65" scores 8/10. Input lag is approximately 8ms, which is excellent for all but the most competitive gaming. HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz, VRR and ALLM are all supported across two ports. The higher brightness also benefits gaming in brighter rooms.

The Samsung CU8000 65" scores 5/10. Without HDMI 2.1 or a 120Hz panel, it is limited to 4K at 60Hz. Input lag is approximately 10ms, which is acceptable but not competitive. It lacks VRR support.

The LG UR8000 65" scores 5/10. Like the Samsung, it is limited to 60Hz without HDMI 2.1. Its IPS panel's low contrast also makes dark game environments look washed out.

The Hisense U8K 65" scores 8/10 for build quality. The metal stand is sturdy and well-finished, the bezels are thin and the overall construction feels solid for the price. Cable management is tidy with a rear channel.

The Samsung CU8000 65" scores 8/10. Samsung's build quality is consistently good, with slim bezels, a clean rear panel and a stable stand. The finish feels premium despite the lower price.

The TCL C845 65" scores 7/10. Build quality is good but not quite at the level of the Hisense or Samsung. The stand feels slightly less premium and the rear panel is thicker due to the Mini-LED backlight array.

The LG UR8000 65" scores 7/10. Build quality is acceptable with slim bezels and a clean design, though the plastic stand feels less premium than the competition. The panel itself is thin and light.