The What Hi-Fi? team has more than 100 years experience of reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics. These days, it's all about HDMI, which is used to connect everything from set-top boxes to video streamers, Blu-ray players to games consoles. Thanks to ARC/eARC (Audio Return Channel / Enhanced Audio Return Channel), a single HDMI connection can even be used to output sound to an AV receiver or soundbar at the same time as it receives a video signal. Currently, three HDMI connections is standard on budget and mid-range TVs, while four is the norm for premium models.

Some models also offer additional features, such as Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio connections, and smartphone and tablet connections. Other apps that are less common but potentially worth looking out for include BT Sport, Now, Britbox, and music apps such as Spotify and Tidal. Should you buy an OLED, QLED or LCD TV?

Featuring Dolby Vision HDR for cinematic detail and Smart TV by Roku, the Sharp 50FJ2K has a top spec at a bargain price. The 48-inch C3 isn’t markedly different to the C2 it replaces (which is just about still available for roughly 10 per cent less), and at its launch price, that might have been a problem. However, some months and several discounts into its life, the OLED48C3 looks like excellent value and is notably short of serious challengers. The Omni QLED’s performance is markedly more assured, considered and authentically cinematic than expected at this level, now or in the past. It clearly isn’t up there with the latest OLED models, such as the LG C3 above and Sony 48A90K below, but if those are out of reach this is an excellent compromise that will give you authentically cinematic entertainment for very little money (and effort).

The Sharp EQ3 supports HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision, but as is often the case with this kind of mid-range TV, the peak luminance is fairly limited. The EQ3 can hit around 430cd/m² nits on both a 10% window and a full-field pattern, regardless of which mode you select, so you’re better off choosing the more accurate Movie mode.

The most obvious feature that sets the former What Hi-Fi? Awards-winning Philips 48OLED807 apart from the other sets in this list is the inclusion of Philips’ Ambilight technology. It depends on the TV brand and model, phone brand and model, and available screen-mirroring apps. Not to mention the availability of Bluetooth connections. However, as technology improves, more and more smart TVs are capable of being paired with a smartphone. Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 27th November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.) They're currently only available as open-box models but that brings some possibilities of real bargains. That said, it’s worth bearing in mind that to upgrade to the 4K models is only a matter of a few dollars at the 50in size and - a relatively small price to pay for four times the pixels and HDR support.