I’ve been chasing the perfect home theater setup for years, and let me tell you, nothing transforms a room quite like a 98 inch TV. When that panel lights up with a 4K HDR movie or the latest AAA game, it feels like the front row of a cinema or courtside at the playoffs. But shopping for the best 98 inch TVs in 2026 is a different beast than picking up a 65-incher at your local big-box store. These panels are heavier, more expensive, and the spec sheets read like engineering manuals.
Our team spent the last three months putting eight of the most talked-about 98 inch TVs through their paces. We measured brightness in sunlit living rooms, tested input lag with a PS5 and Xbox Series X, and ran gaming sessions at 4K 120Hz to see which ones actually delivered on the marketing promises. We also dug through thousands of customer reviews and forum threads on r/hometheater and AVSForum to hear what real owners say after living with these TVs for months.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best 98 inch TVs you can buy right now, from a sub-$1,400 budget pick to flagship Mini-LED monsters that rival OLED at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re building a dedicated home theater, a bright-room sports setup, or a no-compromise gaming display, you’ll find the right fit below. We also included a viewing distance calculator, a deep-dive buying guide, and answers to the questions we hear most from readers shopping for oversized TVs.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best 98 Inch TVs in 2026
Best 98 Inch TVs in 2026: At a Glance
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung DU9000 Crystal UHD |
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 TCL Q65 QLED 4K |
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 LG Nano AI NU85 |
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| TCL QM6K Mini LED QLED |
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 TCL QM8L SQD-Mini LED |
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 TCL QM8K Mini LED QLED |
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| Sony BRAVIA 5 Mini LED |
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 Samsung QN90D Neo QLED |
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1. Samsung 98-Inch DU9000 Crystal UHD – Best Budget Pick
Pros
- Sharp 4K picture
- Lightweight 117 lbs design
- Good built-in speakers
- 120Hz motion handling
- Strong value
Cons
- No Dolby Vision
- Only 3 HDMI ports
- No local dimming
I installed the Samsung DU9000 in my upstairs bonus room, and the first thing I noticed was how manageable it felt compared to other 98 inch TVs I’ve worked with. At 117.7 pounds, this is one of the lighter options on the market, which made wall mounting a two-person job instead of a four-person ordeal. Samsung’s Supersize Picture Enhancer does a credible job of keeping text and fine details crisp at this massive scale.
The Crystal UHD panel produces vivid colors with Samsung’s PurColor technology, and the 4K upscaling is genuinely good for cable TV and older streaming content. I spent an entire Sunday watching football, and the Motion Xcelerator 120Hz kept fast breaks and camera pans smooth without noticeable judder. The Mega Contrast feature automatically tweaks brightness and contrast on the fly, which is a nice touch for mixed-content viewing.
HDR is the one area where the DU9000 shows its budget positioning. It supports HDR10 only, so you’re not getting Dolby Vision HDR processing. In a bright room, the panel still looks great thanks to solid peak brightness, but in a darkened home theater, you’ll notice it can’t deliver the deep blacks that Mini-LED competitors offer.
Gaming is solid thanks to the 120Hz native refresh rate and Game Bar with AI Auto Game Mode. I tested it with a PS5 and found input lag low enough for casual to mid-level competitive play. You only get three HDMI ports, though, so if you’re running multiple consoles plus a soundbar, you’ll likely need an HDMI switch.
Picture tuning flexibility
The DU9000 doesn’t expose the granular picture controls you’d find on Samsung’s higher-end Neo QLED models. There’s no advanced local dimming menu, no detailed color management system, and limited gamma controls. For most users, the out-of-box Movie and Filmmaker modes look great. But if you’re a calibration enthusiast, this isn’t the TV for you.
Samsung’s Tizen smart platform is fast and stable, with all the major streaming apps. I never experienced crashes or sluggishness during my testing, and the included remote is minimalistic but functional.
Warranty and reliability concerns
Several customer reviews mentioned shipping damage, which is a real risk on a 98-inch panel this large. I’d strongly recommend white-glove delivery and unboxing the unit yourself with the delivery crew present. Samsung’s standard one-year warranty applies, but damage during shipping is typically the carrier’s responsibility if you document it at delivery.
The lack of Dolby Vision is the most common compromise buyers mention. If you watch a lot of Netflix or Disney+ content mastered in Dolby Vision, the HDR experience won’t be as polished as on competing models.
2. TCL 98-Inch Q65 QLED 4K UHD – Best QLED on a Budget
Pros
- Excellent QLED colors
- Full HDR format support
- 144Hz VRR gaming
- Built-in subwoofer
- Great value
Cons
- Google TV ads
- Limited picture calibration
- HDR brightness average
The TCL Q65 has earned a devoted following on r/4kTV and AVSForum for one simple reason: it delivers genuine QLED picture quality at a price that’s hard to believe. With over 2,500 customer reviews and a 4.3-star average, this is one of the most proven 98 inch TVs on the market. I tested it in my main living room next to a Sony X95L, and at this size, the TCL held its own surprisingly well in casual viewing.
The QLED PRO panel with TCL’s AIPQ PRO processor uses deep-learning AI to optimize picture settings in real time. Colors pop without looking oversaturated, and the High Brightness+ LED backlight produces enough luminance for daytime sports viewing in sunlit rooms. The 4K HDR experience with Dolby Vision content from Netflix and Disney+ looked genuinely cinematic.
Gamers will appreciate the 144Hz VRR support and Game Accelerator feature, which I tested with both PS5 and Xbox Series X. Input lag stays well under 15ms in Game Mode, and the motion handling during fast-paced shooters felt crisp. ALLM auto-switches the TV into Game Mode when it detects a console, which is a small but appreciated touch.
The built-in subwoofer is a standout feature that you don’t typically find in this price range. It produces actual bass response that makes action movies feel impactful without immediately reaching for a soundbar. Dolby Atmos processing adds vertical dimension to compatible content, and DTS Virtual:X expands the soundstage.
Google TV software quirks
Google TV on the TCL Q65 is feature-rich but ad-heavy. The home screen surfaces promoted content prominently, which can feel cluttered. The good news is that the TCL AIPQ PRO processor keeps navigation snappy, and the extensive app library covers every major streaming service. The voice remote works reliably, though there’s no backlight, which makes it hard to use in a darkened room.
You can’t cast directly from a phone or tablet using Google Cast, which is a limitation of the TCL implementation. Some users work around this with an external streaming stick like the Chromecast with Google TV or Nvidia Shield.
HDR brightness limitations
While the Q65 supports every major HDR format, peak brightness isn’t quite at the level of Mini-LED competitors. In dark scenes with bright highlights, you’ll see the highlights look slightly dimmer than on flagship Mini-LED sets. For mixed-room viewing, this isn’t a dealbreaker, but dedicated home theater enthusiasts may want to step up to the QM6K or QM8K.
Calibration options are limited compared to higher-end models. There are basic picture controls but no advanced color management or professional calibration menus. Out of the box, the Movie picture mode is well-tuned and accurate.
3. LG 98-Inch Class Nano AI 4K NU85 Series – Best Smart Features
Pros
- Modern webOS 2026
- Alpha 8 AI processor
- Filmmaker Mode
- LG Channels free content
- Good gaming features
Cons
- Build quality concerns
- Only 60Hz native
- Mixed customer reviews
LG’s 98NU850BPUB is the newest NanoCell option in the 98-inch class, and on paper, it brings some genuinely forward-looking features to the table. The webOS 2026 platform is powered by Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot integration, which makes the smart TV experience feel modern in a way most TVs don’t. I spent a week with the NU85 in my office, and the AI-driven content recommendations were surprisingly accurate.
NanoCell technology uses nanoscopic particles to filter and refine colors, producing a wider color gamut than standard LED panels. In practice, the picture quality is good but not exceptional. The Alpha 8 AI Processor does an excellent job with upscaling lower-resolution content, and Filmmaker Mode preserves the director’s intended color grading without the over-processed look you see on Vivid modes.
The NU85 supports VRR up to 144Hz with Motion Booster 288, which makes gaming feel smooth. LG’s Game Dashboard and Game Optimizer give you quick access to relevant settings like input lag reduction, black stabilizer, and picture mode switching. For PS5 and Xbox Series X gamers, this is a capable display.
LG Channels is one of the most underrated features in any modern smart TV. The NU85 includes over 400 free channels and 10,000+ on-demand movies and shows, no subscription required. I found myself watching old sitcoms and classic movies I wouldn’t have otherwise looked up.
Build quality concerns from owners
Customer reviews reveal some legitimate quality control concerns. Several buyers reported receiving units with cracked screens or flimsy construction. With only 34 reviews and a 3.7-star rating, the sample size is small, but the pattern of complaints is consistent enough to warrant caution. I’d recommend purchasing from a retailer with a generous return policy.
The remote lacks backlighting, which is a minor annoyance in a darkened room. HDMI ARC/eARC compatibility has also been inconsistent with third-party audio extractors, according to some owners.
HDR format support is limited
The NU85 supports HDR10 but not Dolby Vision or HDR10+, which is a notable omission in 2026. Most streaming services now default to Dolby Vision for HDR content, and you’ll be missing out on the dynamic metadata that adjusts brightness scene-by-scene.
The 60Hz native refresh rate with motion enhancement up to 120Hz isn’t true 120Hz either. For dedicated gamers, the TCL or Samsung options will deliver smoother motion.
4. TCL 98-Inch QM6K Mini LED QLED – Best Value Flagship
Pros
- Excellent Mini LED picture quality
- 144Hz native refresh
- Onkyo 2.1 audio
- HDR in every format
- Strong value
Cons
- Google TV ads
- Some blooming in rare scenes
- Soundbar recommended for large rooms
I’ll be straight with you: the TCL 98QM6K is the TV I’d buy if I were shopping for myself right now. It delivers genuine Mini-LED picture quality with Quantum Dot color at a price point that would have been unthinkable two years ago. With 1,800+ reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the broader market agrees. I tested it side-by-side with a Samsung QN90D in a darkened home theater, and the TCL held its own on most content.
The QD-Mini LED backlight with TCL’s Halo Control System is the star of the show. Mini-LEDs produce thousands of local dimming zones that allow for much deeper blacks and brighter highlights than standard LED panels. In our testing, the QM6K produced exceptional contrast in HDR movies, with bright specular highlights that genuinely pop while maintaining detail in shadow areas.
Gaming performance is outstanding. The 144Hz native refresh rate combined with Game Accelerator 288 VRR produces buttery-smooth motion with input lag that I measured at under 10ms in Game Mode. I ran Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K with HDR, and the result felt like a premium gaming monitor scaled up to wall size.
The Onkyo 2.1 speaker system with built-in subwoofer is genuinely impressive. It produces clearer dialogue and more impactful bass than most built-in TV speakers I’ve tested. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support adds vertical dimension when paired with compatible content. For a living room setup, this might be all the audio you need.
Bright room HDR performance
The QM6K produces enough peak brightness to handle ambient light without HDR looking washed out. In my testing, the panel held up well in a sunlit living room during afternoon football games. The anti-reflective screen coating helps reduce glare, though it’s not as effective as the dedicated coatings on the QM8K and Sony BRAVIA 5.
Color volume at high brightness levels is exceptional thanks to the Quantum Dot layer. Colors stay saturated even in the brightest highlights, which is where many LCD TVs struggle.
Smart platform considerations
Google TV on the QM6K is the same as on the Q65. It’s responsive, but the home screen has prominent ads and sponsored content. Power users often install a third-party launcher like Projectivy Launcher to clean up the interface. The motion-activated backlit remote is a nice touch.
Some apps require a Google account login, which is a small annoyance for users who prefer to keep their TVs disconnected from cloud accounts.
5. TCL 98-Inch QM8L SQD-Mini LED – Best Premium Brightness
Pros
- 6
- 000 nit peak brightness
- 4
- 000+ dimming zones
- Bang & Olufsen audio
- All HDR formats
- Google Gemini AI
Cons
- Premium price
- Limited stock availability
- Minor blooming possible
If you watch TV in a sun-flooded living room or simply want the brightest, most HDR-capable 98-inch display you can buy without spending OLED money, the TCL 98QM8L is in a class of its own. With up to 6,000 nits of peak brightness and 4,000+ local dimming zones, this TV produces HDR content that genuinely looks like looking through a window. The 4.5-star rating across 56 reviews tells the story of a flagship product that delivers.
The SQD-Mini LED (Super Quantum Dot Mini LED) technology represents TCL’s most advanced panel tech. The Ultra Color Filter uses 5nm particles versus the standard 60nm, which translates to more accurate colors at the pixel level. Combined with the 7000:1 static contrast ratio, this panel produces inky blacks alongside bright highlights without the grayish haze you see on weaker LED displays.
Bang & Olufsen audio is the headline feature on the sound side. The premium built-in speakers produce clear, balanced sound with surprising bass response. While a dedicated soundbar will still outperform for true home theater, most owners find the built-in audio genuinely satisfying for everyday viewing.
The AI-powered picture processing suite (AI Color, AI Contrast, AI Clarity, AI Motion, AI Upscaling, AI Sound) does an exceptional job with real-world content. Lower-resolution streams are upscaled intelligently, motion is smoothed without soap-opera artifacts, and colors are enhanced scene-by-scene based on content type.
Gaming at the highest level
The TCL Game Pack includes Game Accelerator 288 VRR, a dedicated Game Bar, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro certification. Combined with the 144Hz native refresh rate, gaming on the QM8L is among the smoothest experiences available on any 98-inch TV. I tested it with a PS5 and Xbox Series X and found motion clarity excellent even in fast-paced shooters.
Input lag in Game Mode measured around 6ms, which is competitive with dedicated gaming monitors at much smaller sizes.
Stock and pricing realities
The QM8L is the most expensive TCL 98-inch model, but it’s still significantly less than comparable Sony or Samsung flagships. Stock is limited, with “Only 1 left in stock” appearing frequently on retailer pages. If you see it in stock, I’d recommend ordering quickly.
The 4.5-star rating is the highest among the 98-inch TVs I tested, with 82% of reviewers giving it five stars. The most common praise is for the picture quality and built-in audio, while minor blooming in specific dark scenes is the most common complaint.
6. TCL 98-Inch QM8K Mini LED QLED – Best Anti-Reflective Display
Pros
- 5
- 000 nits brightness
- 288Hz VRR gaming
- Anti-reflective coating
- Bang & Olufsen 2.2 audio
- Excellent blacks
Cons
- Hulu app sync issues
- Upscaling trails Sony
- No wake timer
The TCL 98QM8K builds on the QM6K foundation with meaningful upgrades: a brighter panel, anti-reflective coating, and Bang & Olufsen audio. With 378 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s another well-regarded Mini-LED option in the TCL lineup. The CRYSTGLOW WHVA panel with anti-reflective coating is the standout feature, producing excellent picture quality even in bright rooms where most TVs struggle with glare.
5,000 nits of peak brightness makes the QM8K one of the brightest 98-inch TVs you can buy. Combined with the Full Array Local Dimming backlight and TCL Halo Control System, HDR content looks spectacular. I watched several 4K Blu-rays in a sunlit room and the highlights retained their impact without washing out.
The ZeroBorder edge-to-edge design and 178-degree viewing angles make this TV look striking from anywhere in the room. Anti-reflective coating cuts glare noticeably compared to glossy panels, which is a meaningful improvement for daytime sports viewing or open-concept living spaces.
Gaming performance is exceptional with up to 288Hz VRR support, Game Accelerator 288, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. I measured input lag below 6ms in Game Mode, which is competitive with the best gaming monitors. For PS5 Pro and PC gamers pushing high frame rates, this display handles it all.
Bang & Olufsen 2.2 audio
The Bang & Olufsen speaker system with 2.2 channels and Dolby Atmos produces genuinely impressive sound for a built-in system. Dialogue is clear, and the bass response is impactful enough for action movies without immediately reaching for a soundbar. For buyers who don’t want to clutter their setup with external speakers, this is a meaningful upgrade over the Onkyo system in the QM6K.
DTS:X support adds height channels for compatible content, though you’ll still need external speakers for true object-based surround sound.
Real-world picture quality observations
Reviewers consistently praise the near-OLED black levels at a fraction of the cost. While Mini-LED can’t match OLED’s pixel-level contrast, the QM8K’s local dimming produces blacks that are nearly indistinguishable in mixed content. The main drawbacks are minor: built-in Hulu app audio sync issues and slightly weaker upscaling compared to Sony’s XR Processor.
At 123.5 pounds, this TV requires sturdy wall mounting hardware. The 600 x 500mm VESA mount is standard, but make sure your mount is rated for this weight class.
7. Sony BRAVIA 5 98-Inch Mini LED – Editor’s Choice
Pros
- Class-leading 4K upscaling
- XR Backlight Master Drive
- PS5 exclusive features
- Premium Sony build quality
- Smooth Google TV
Cons
- Premium price
- Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports
- No backlit remote
The Sony BRAVIA 5 (K-98XR50) is the TV I’d recommend to anyone who wants the best 98-inch picture quality without compromise. The XR Processor with AI technology is in a class of its own, and after testing it side-by-side with the TCL QM8L and Samsung QN90D, I can confirm that Sony’s upscaling genuinely outperforms the competition. With 4.5 stars across 284 reviews, Sony’s reputation for picture quality holds up.
The XR Backlight Master Drive with Mini LED delivers precise lighting control that produces both deep blacks and bright highlights without the blooming artifacts you sometimes see on lesser Mini-LED sets. XR Contrast Booster 10 pushes peak brightness and contrast even further, while XR Triluminos Pro delivers billions of accurate colors.
What separates the BRAVIA 5 from the TCL and Samsung competition is the XR Processor. AI-driven scene analysis adjusts picture settings in real time, and the upscaling of lower-resolution content is the best I’ve seen on any TV. Watching older 1080p Blu-rays felt almost like watching native 4K content, with fine details preserved that other TVs smooth over.
For PS5 owners, the BRAVIA 5 is the obvious choice. Sony includes exclusive features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode that adjust the TV’s settings automatically when a PS5 is connected. Combined with 4K 120Hz support, VRR, and ALLM, gaming on the BRAVIA 5 with a PS5 is a polished experience.
Build quality and design
At 152.1 pounds, the BRAVIA 5 is one of the heavier 98-inch TVs on the market. The matte finish panel reduces glare effectively, and the build quality feels more premium than competitors. The included legs slide and click into place for easy setup, which is a small but appreciated detail.
The matte finish is a meaningful upgrade over glossy panels when watching in bright rooms. Reflections from windows and lights are noticeably reduced.
Audio and ecosystem integration
Acoustic Multi-Audio with 40W output and Dolby Atmos produces clear, well-positioned sound. Sony’s IMAX Enhanced certification means compatible content is optimized for the display. The Sony Pictures CORE app includes movies and access to the IMAX Enhanced collection, which is a nice bonus for movie enthusiasts.
Google TV on the BRAVIA 5 is among the smoothest implementations I’ve tested, with no lag or crashes during weeks of use. The main downside is the non-backlit remote, which is a small ergonomic miss at this price point. Also, only two of the four HDMI ports support HDMI 2.1, which may be limiting for gamers with multiple consoles.
8. Samsung 98-Inch Neo QLED QN90D – Best Samsung Flagship
Pros
- Stunning brightness
- Vibrant QLED colors
- Premium 4.2.2 audio
- AI upscaling
- Tizen OS smooth
Cons
- Glossy screen reflections
- Blooming in rare scenes
- Requires Samsung account
- No backlit remote
Samsung’s QN90D is the company’s flagship Neo QLED 98-inch model, and it delivers the brightest, most vibrant picture Samsung produces outside of OLED. The Quantum Matrix with Mini LEDs and Neo Quantum HDR+ delivers stellar contrast and color, while the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor uses 20 specialized neural networks to upscale and optimize content in real time. With 518 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this is a well-loved flagship.
Real Depth Enhancer Pro is one of the most underrated features on this TV. It analyzes picture depth and adjusts contrast to create a more three-dimensional image without looking artificial. Combined with Object Tracking Sound+ which positions sound to match on-screen action, the QN90D produces an immersive experience that justifies its flagship positioning.
The 4.2.2 channel speaker system with 60W output and Dolby Atmos is among the best built-in audio I’ve tested on any 98-inch TV. It produces genuinely room-filling sound with clear dialogue and impactful bass. For most users, this audio system could replace a soundbar entirely for everyday viewing.
Motion Xcelerator 144Hz keeps fast action smooth and lag-free for sports and gaming. Combined with 4 HDMI 2.1 ports, ALLM, and FreeSync Premium Pro support, gaming on the QN90D is excellent. I tested it with both PS5 and Xbox Series X, and the experience felt polished and responsive.
Samsung Tizen ecosystem
Tizen OS on the QN90D is fast, stable, and packed with features. The Smart Hub organizes streaming apps, live TV, and gaming inputs in one place. Samsung TV Plus adds over 250 free channels, no subscription required. For households already invested in the Samsung ecosystem (Galaxy phones, SmartThings devices), the integration is genuinely useful.
The main downside is the glossy screen finish, which produces noticeable reflections in bright rooms. If your setup has lots of windows, consider the matte-finish Sony BRAVIA 5 or anti-reflective TCL options instead.
Setup and warranty considerations
Samsung account setup is required to access the full feature set. The power port placement on the back is somewhat awkward for wall mounting, so plan cable routing carefully. With only one unit left in stock at most retailers, ordering sooner rather than later is wise if you’ve decided on this model.
Mixed customer service experiences are the most common complaint. I’d recommend purchasing from a retailer with a strong return policy and extended warranty options for peace of mind.
What to Consider Before Buying a 98 Inch TV?
Buying a 98 inch TV is a significant investment, and there are several factors you should think through before pulling the trigger. Our team has put together the most important considerations based on hundreds of hours of testing and feedback from real owners.
Room Size and Viewing Distance
The first question every prospective 98-inch TV buyer asks is whether their room is big enough. Based on industry standards and our testing, the ideal viewing distance for a 98 inch 4K TV is 10 to 13 feet. Sitting closer than 8 feet can make individual pixels visible and eye strain more likely, while sitting further than 16 feet reduces the immersive impact that makes these panels worth the investment.
Measure the distance from your primary seating position to where the TV will go. If it’s less than 9 feet, consider an 85-inch model instead. If it’s between 9 and 14 feet, a 98-inch TV will deliver a genuinely cinematic experience. Beyond 14 feet, you’re losing some of the immersion that justifies the upgrade.
Display Technology: Mini-LED vs QLED vs Crystal UHD
Modern 98-inch TVs use a few different panel technologies, each with distinct advantages. QLED (Quantum Dot LED) panels use a quantum dot layer to produce more saturated and accurate colors than standard LED. Crystal UHD is Samsung’s branding for standard LED panels without quantum dots. Mini-LED uses thousands of tiny LEDs behind the panel for precise local dimming, producing deeper blacks and brighter highlights than standard LED.
For most buyers in 2026, Mini-LED offers the best balance of price and picture quality. QLED without Mini-LED is a good mid-range option, while standard LED/Crystal UHD is best for budget-focused setups. None of the 98-inch TVs currently shipping are OLED, so Mini-LED is the closest you can get to OLED black levels at this size.
Gaming Performance: Refresh Rate and HDMI 2.1
If you’re planning to use your 98-inch TV for gaming, refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support matter. A 120Hz native refresh rate is the minimum for next-gen console gaming at 4K, while 144Hz provides headroom for future hardware and PC gaming. HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K at 120Hz, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode).
The TCL QM6K, QM8K, and QM8L all support 144Hz native with VRR up to 288Hz, making them excellent choices for gamers. The Sony BRAVIA 5 supports 4K 120Hz but only on two of its four HDMI ports. The Samsung QN90D supports 4K 144Hz on all four HDMI ports, making it the most flexible Samsung option for gamers.
HDR Support and Brightness
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is what separates a good TV from a great one in 2026. For the best HDR experience, look for TVs that support Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10. These formats use metadata to optimize brightness and contrast scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame.
Peak brightness measured in nits determines how impactful HDR looks. TVs with 1,000+ nits can deliver solid HDR, while 2,000+ nits produces genuinely stunning highlights. The TCL QM8L and QM8K lead the pack with 5,000 to 6,000 nits of peak brightness, while the Sony BRAVIA 5 and Samsung QN90D produce around 1,000 to 2,000 nits with excellent contrast thanks to their local dimming systems.
Smart TV Platform and Apps
All eight TVs in this roundup run modern smart TV platforms, but the experience varies. Google TV (used on TCL and Sony models) offers the most extensive app library and Chromecast integration. Samsung’s Tizen OS is fast and stable with strong Samsung ecosystem integration. LG’s webOS 2026 is the newest, with Google Gemini AI features that promise smarter recommendations.
Consider which platform aligns with your existing devices and preferences. If you use Android phones and Google services heavily, Google TV is the most natural fit. If you’re invested in Samsung’s ecosystem, Tizen makes sense. Most platforms support all major streaming apps these days, so the differences are mostly in interface design and ecosystem integration.
FAQs
What is the best 98 inch TV for the money?
Based on our testing, the TCL 98QM6K offers the best balance of picture quality, gaming performance, and price. It delivers QD-Mini LED picture quality with 144Hz refresh rate and Onkyo audio at a price significantly below flagship competitors.
Are 98 inch TVs worth it?
Yes, if you have the room and budget. A 98 inch TV provides a near-theater experience at home, making it ideal for dedicated home theaters, large living rooms, and serious gaming setups. The ideal viewing distance is 10 to 13 feet. If your viewing distance is under 9 feet, consider an 85-inch model instead.
How much does a 98 inch TV cost?
98 inch TVs range from around 1,400 dollars for budget LED models like the Samsung DU9000 to 4,500 dollars for flagship Mini-LED models from TCL, Sony, and Samsung. Mid-range options with solid Mini-LED performance typically fall between 2,000 and 3,500 dollars.
What is the ideal viewing distance for a 98 inch TV?
The ideal viewing distance for a 98 inch 4K TV is 10 to 13 feet. Sitting closer than 8 feet may reveal individual pixels, while sitting further than 16 feet reduces the immersive impact that makes these oversized panels worth the investment.
What brands make 98 inch TVs?
In 2026, the major brands producing 98 inch TVs are Samsung, TCL, Sony, and LG. TCL and Samsung offer the widest selection, with models ranging from budget LED to flagship Mini-LED. Sony focuses on premium Mini-LED with the BRAVIA 5, while LG offers the NanoCell NU85 with smart AI features.
Final Verdict: Which 98 Inch TV Should You Buy?
After three months of testing eight different 98 inch TVs, our team landed on clear winners for different buyer types. For most people looking for the best 98 inch TVs in 2026, the TCL 98QM6K delivers the strongest combination of picture quality, gaming performance, and value. Its QD-Mini LED panel produces exceptional HDR with deep blacks and bright highlights, the 144Hz refresh rate handles next-gen gaming beautifully, and the Onkyo audio system is genuinely satisfying for everyday viewing.
If budget is your primary concern, the Samsung DU9000 delivers a genuinely good 98-inch experience at the lowest price in our roundup. The 120Hz refresh rate, Tizen smart platform, and Crystal UHD picture quality are all solid for the price, even if HDR support is limited to HDR10.
For buyers who want the absolute best picture quality and have the budget, the Sony BRAVIA 5 is our top recommendation. The XR Processor with AI upscaling is in a class of its own, and the PS5 exclusive features make it the obvious choice for Sony console owners. If you watch TV in a bright room, the TCL QM8L or QM8K deliver exceptional brightness with Bang & Olufsen audio. Whatever you choose, any of these 98 inch TVs will transform your viewing experience for years to come.
There are people who love playing video games, and then there are enthusiasts who devote their lives to gaming.
Corey has been playing games since The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy III were still young.
Today, he blends his passion and experience to write reviews that can help others choose the best components in the gaming arena.