Best TVs in the UK (2026)

Start with the installed setup

A broad TV comparison becomes misleading when it mixes sizes, vague families and temporary prices. This route holds screen size at 55 inches and asks a narrower question: which exact panel and connection arrangement fits the devices, furniture and viewing platform already in the room?

Who this is for

This route is for buyers who want a balanced 55-inch starting set before narrowing to energy use, QLED or a larger screen. It is useful when HDMI allocation, eARC, platform and panel construction all matter, but no one specialist constraint has taken control of the purchase.

Who this is not for

It is not a measured picture-quality ranking, a live-price table or proof that one display technology is universally best. It is also the wrong route if 65 inches, a strict energy-label threshold, wall dimensions or a named gaming requirement has already fixed the shortlist.

Quick decision

• LG OLED55B65LA: start here when four HDMI inputs, OLED and a documented eARC port make the clearest balanced setup.
• Samsung MRE55R85HAUXXU: choose the four-HDMI Micro RGB configuration when its exact platform and four 4K144 inputs match the connected-device plan.
• Sony K55S25M2PB.UKA: choose direct LED and Google TV when four HDMI inputs matter more than moving beyond a 60Hz panel.
• Samsung UE55M72HAKXXU: choose Mini LED only after accepting three HDMI inputs and the documented 4K60 ceiling on those inputs.

Compare connection architecture before panel labels

LG’s OLED55B65LA is the primary route because it provides a clean four-input starting point and identifies HDMI 2 as the eARC connection. Published support for 4K120, VRR and ALLM makes it easier to plan consoles and audio without claiming that those standards guarantee low latency or better pictures. Confirm which sources need the higher-bandwidth modes and whether the soundbar consumes the eARC input.

Samsung’s MRE55R85HAUXXU is a different display path, explicitly named Micro RGB rather than LED, QLED or OLED. Its four inputs are documented for 4K144, with eARC also present. The exact first-party configuration page is retained for evidence even though that surface says the model is no longer available; the separately checked UK purchase destination supplies the purchase-current route. That split is a reason to verify the suffix carefully, not to infer scarcity or performance.

Sony’s K55S25M2PB.UKA keeps four HDMI inputs and a direct-LED 4K panel while moving the platform decision to Google TV. Its 60Hz panel is the important constraint: four physical inputs do not turn it into a high-refresh gaming display. Check that required UK apps, tuner functions and update support are present on the exact regional model at checkout.

Samsung’s UE55M72HAKXXU provides the Mini LED alternative but deliberately sits fourth because its connection plan is narrower. Three HDMI inputs can be enough for a set-top box, console and eARC soundbar, but there is no spare input in that example. The documented 4K60 support is a clear trade-off if 120Hz or 144Hz sources are part of the real setup.

Measure the whole route to the room

Screen diagonal alone does not establish fit. Check overall width, height and depth with the stand, stand spacing, cabinet clearance and delivery access. For a wall installation, verify exact VESA pattern, product weight, wall construction and safe professional guidance; this editorial comparison is not installation advice.

List every connected source before buying. Record required resolution and refresh mode, then reserve the eARC port for audio if needed. Check whether remaining devices can use a receiver or switch without losing required formats. Confirm aerial or satellite tuner requirements, streaming apps, accessibility features, remote controls and account terms on the selected UK model.

Known limitations

UK Shortlists has not viewed these panels side by side or measured brightness, colour, contrast, motion, latency, audio or reliability. Manufacturer standards and port counts do not prove performance under every cable, source or firmware version. App catalogues and software support can change. Merchant stock, delivery, price, installation, warranty and returns remain live checkout checks.

What would change the selection

A pick returns to hold if the exact regional suffix, panel designation, HDMI count, eARC path or current UK destination changes. The primary would change if another exact 55-inch configuration provided a clearer connection plan with equally bounded source evidence, not merely a louder picture-quality claim.