The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Everybody loves a cozy evening on the couch, right? And with the number of streaming platforms now available, there’s always something exciting, romantic, educational, or drama-fueled to watch. And the right TV can make all the difference. And if you love a streamlined viewing experience, a smart TV is the way to go.
Smart TVs have a number of advantages over traditional TVs, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll want to take advantage of the voice assistant compatibility and built-in streaming platforms. Some of them are even outfitted with AI technology to improve your life even more. And the intelligence of these TVs doesn’t take away from the audio or picture quality, either. In fact, they’re even better than usual.
If a smart TV sounds like the upgrade you’re looking for, we’re here to help you find your perfect match. Smart TVs will vary in things like price, screen size, display technology, refresh rate, overall size, smart features, and so much more. And you’ll want to think about all of these features to make sure you get the best possible fit to round out your entertainment space.
This comprehensive guide will investigate the best smart TVs in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.
Top Pick: Samsung 55-Inch OLED HDR+ AI-Powered 4K S90D Series Smart TV
Upgrade Pick: Sony 55-Inch A95L BRAVIA XR QD-OLED 4K HDR Google TV
Budget Pick: Hisense 55U68K 55-Inch Smart 4K ULED Google TV
Runner-Up: LG 55-Inch C4 OLED evo 4K Smart TV
Best for Multi-Tasking: LG 55-Inch B4 OLED 4K Smart TV
The Samsung 55-Inch OLED HDR+ AI-Powered 4K S90D Series Smart TV is a really fantastic TV. One of the things we appreciate most is the AI technology that works to improve your energy efficiency with a smart auto-off feature. With a 144 Hz refresh rate, this TV is also the best option if you spend a lot of time enjoying fast-paced content. This option will keep up no matter what happens on screen.
One of the things we like most about this smart TV is how versatile its smart features are. In addition to the AI power, you also get compatibility with two voice assistants (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant), a SmartThings hub to control other smart Samsung devices, and a ton of streaming platforms and live content. This is also the only PANTONE-validated TV out there right now, so you can be certain that you’ll get the best possible colour quality at all times.
Honestly, the only issue you might run into with this TV is the price tag. It’s a fairly expensive option and simply won’t fit into everyone’s budget, as much as we wish it would. You certainly get what you pay for with this one, but we can understand that it might also be too much TV for some of you and not actually worth the expense.
Overall, the Samsung 55-Inch OLED HDR+ AI-Powered 4K S90D Series Smart TV is one of our favourite TVs of all time. With stunning colour quality, great speakers, and well-rounded smart features, you’ll be able to enjoy every show, movie, and video game at peak performance.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Samsung 55-Inch OLED HDR+ AI-Powered 4K S90D Series Smart TV. They appreciate that AI technology can help them save on energy, and they could not be happier with the audio or picture quality. The voice assistants work flawlessly and they have no issues gaming with this TV either. They’d all buy it again.
Buy If…
Colour quality is really important to you
You want all of your viewing options easily accessible
You want a TV that can keep up with fast-paced content
You’d appreciate an energy-efficient TV
Don’t Buy If…
Affordability is a priority
Dimensions: 48.2” x 27.7” x 1.6”
Weight: 50.7 lbs
Screen Size: 55”
Display Technology: OLED
Resolution: 4K
Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
Warranty: 1 year
We have nothing but good things to say about the Sony 55-Inch A95L BRAVIA XR QD-OLED 4K HDR Google TV. If you’re looking for impeccable quality in sound and video, this is the one to get. The entire TV screen acts as a speaker to give you the best possible immersive audio experience, and with top-tier display features, you’ll get to enjoy the clearest images and most stunning colours.
This TV will also be perfect for you if you’re a gamer. It offers a unique gaming hub that will adjust the TV settings automatically for better video game performance, and you’ll be able to access all of your owned games and even personalized recommendations right there. With the Bravia cam, you’ll even be able to video chat in 4K. How does it get better?
The only reason you might wish to continue looking at other options is the price of this one. It’s one of the most expensive smart TVs out there right now. We can certainly understand why since it’s also the most advanced option, but it still might not be in the budget.
All in all, the Sony 55-Inch A95L BRAVIA XR QD-OLED 4K HDR Google TV is one of the best TVs around right now. With unparalleled video and audio quality, video-chat compatibility, and a well-rounded gaming hub, everything you could want in a TV will be provided by this one.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers are blown away by the Sony 55-Inch A95L BRAVIA XR QD-OLED 4K HDR Google TV. The sound quality is unlike anything they’ve ever heard before, and they’re incredibly happy with the clarity and vividness of the colours. It keeps up easily with fast-paced movies, sports, and games, and the video-chat functionality is a big hit.
Buy If…
You like to play video games on your TV
You want the best possible picture quality
Immersive audio is what you’re after
You’d love a TV that is video-chat compatible
Don’t Buy If…
You’re shopping on a budget
Dimensions: 48.25” x 27.9” x 1.75”
Weight: 41.9 lbs
Screen Size: 55”
Display Technology: QD-OLED
Resolution: 4K
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Warranty: 1 year
The Hisense 55U68K 55-Inch Smart 4K ULED Google TV is our favourite budget-friendly option right now. It’s one of the least expensive smart TVs but it still packs a punch when it comes to both audio and video quality. With Quantum Dot Colour, this TV brings billions of colour shades to every show/movie, and the adaptable brightness will make sure every pixel is visible no matter what your lighting conditions are.
Your audio experience will be just as impressive thanks to Dolby Atmos. You’ll be fully immersed in every scene thanks to audio that surrounds you with perfect clarity. No matter what genre you love the most, this TV has the specs to bring it to life every time.
The main problem you’ll run into with this TV is the refresh rate. It’s only rated at 60 Hz, unlike most smart TVs that offer 120 Hz or more, so you’ll definitely notice a difference in the clarity of some video content and potentially even lags during high-powered video games. Just something to be aware of.
Overall, the Hisense 55U68K 55-Inch Smart 4K ULED Google TV is the perfect choice if you want a quality option at a budget-friendly price. It doesn’t have the best refresh rate in the world, but it’ll still be able to keep up with most of your shows and movies. And you really just can’t beat the price.
Performance: 4/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Price: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have plenty of good things to say about the Hisense 55U68K 55-Inch Smart 4K ULED Google TV. They’re very happy with both the audio and video performance of this one, especially considering how budget-friendly the price tag is. It isn’t perfect for watching sports games or playing video games, but for most movies and TV shows it’s perfect.
Buy If…
Affordability is your main priority
You’re looking for a TV with excellent colour quality
An immersive audio experience is ideal
You’ll be watching TV in a variety of lighting conditions
Don’t Buy If…
You spend a lot of time watching fast-paced movies/sports games or you play video games
Dimensions: 48.4” x 28.1” x 3”
Weight: 56.2 lbs
Screen Size: 55”
Display Technology: ULED
Resolution: 4K
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Warranty: 1 year
We could truly not be happier with the LG 55-Inch C4 OLED evo 4K Smart TV. It has everything we could want in a smart TV, and we think you’ll say the same. One of the things we like best is the adaptive brightness—depending on the lighting conditions around the TV, it’ll intelligently adapt the brightness to make sure you can see every second of every scene. No matter what.
It also has adaptive audio. The sound quality changes based on the genre of show/movie you’re watching to make sure you get to enjoy the most authentic experience possible. And the AI technology will also adapt the resolution to elevate everything you’re watching. If you’re a film buff, this will be your favourite TV. Ever.
We have nothing negative to say about this TV at all in terms of performance. It’s remarkable. For everything. The only thing that might not thrill you is the price tag. You’ll have to invest a fair amount to make this TV yours, and if you’re not absolutely keen on top quality, you can definitely find something more budget-friendly to meet your needs.
All in all, the LG 55-Inch C4 OLED evo 4K Smart TV was a no-brainer addition to our top five this year. Whether you’re wowed by immersive audio or vibrant colours, this TV has what you’re looking for. And so, so much more.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers have a very positive opinion of the LG 55-Inch C4 OLED evo 4K Smart TV. They’ve never seen a TV so adaptable — they absolutely love how it automatically adjusts the brightness and audio depending on what they’re watching and what the lighting in their space looks like. They never have to miss a moment. They would recommend it to everybody.
Buy If…
You’d appreciate a lightweight TV
A bright TV is essential
You’d love a TV with advanced AI capabilities
You’d love sound that fits each scene
Don’t Buy If…
Affordability is a priority
Dimensions: 48.1” x 29.8” x 9.1” (with stand)
Weight: 35.3 lbs
Screen Size: 55”
Display Technology: OLED
Resolution: 4K
Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
The LG 55-Inch B4 OLED 4K Smart TV has a lot going for it. We’re so excited to share it with you. One of the best things about it is the colour quality. With 8 million self-lit pixels and 100% colour volume and fidelity, every scene will look it's absolute best. We also love the ultra-slim design — when wall-mounted, this TV can double as a painting or photograph with the right screen saver.
Another thing you’ll love about this TV is its suitability for gaming. With a 0.1ms response time, native 120Hz refresh rate, four HDMI ports, a game optimizer, and a game dashboard, among other things, every gamer will feel right at home using this TV as a monitor. And that’s not all! There’s even a split-screen mode that will let you watch two different things at once on the same screen. How do you beat that!?
We are very happy to report that there is nothing wrong with this TV when it comes to performance. Or longevity. Or ease-of-use. Or anything else. Isn’t that great? The only potential concern you may have is with the price. It isn’t the most affordable smart TV out there, so if budget-friendliness is your priority, you can definitely do better.
All in all, the LG 55-Inch B4 OLED 4K Smart TV is the perfect option for folks who want to game, be immersed in a single show and movie, and enjoy multiple sports games at once all from a single TV. No matter where your standards are at right now, this TV will surely raise them. Enjoy it.
Performance: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Price: 4/5
Quality: 5/5
Reviewers really like the LG 55-Inch B4 OLED 4K Smart TV. Many people use it as a gaming monitor instead of a TV, but it performs incredibly well for shows and movies as well. With a quick refresh rate, impeccable colours and brightness adjustments, and a great sleep mode, this TV is perfect for literally everything they ask it to do. They couldn’t be happier.
Buy If…
Vivid colours are your favourite
You’d love to watch two things at once on the same screen
You prefer to game on a TV instead of a laptop/PC monitor
You’d love a TV that blends into your space
Don’t Buy If…
You don’t want to spend much on a TV
Dimensions: 48.3” x 27.9” x 1.8”
Weight: 32 lbs
Screen Size: 55”
Display Technology: OLED
Resolution: 4K
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Warranty: 1 year
Some smart TVs are priced at less than $600, but others can easily exceed $3,000. In general, more expensive smart TVs will offer more advanced display technology, a larger screen, better video and audio performance, and more smart features such as improved voice assistant compatibility or AI-powered features.
Most smart TVs will use OLED technology to create vibrant colours and stunning clarity in all of the images, but you can also run into ULED and QLED options. TVs using those technologies won’t be as expensive, but they will also offer a subpar viewing experience.
Many smart TVs are also 4K TVs, but that isn’t a guarantee. If you’re looking to get the best possible viewing experience, though, a 4K TV is the way to go. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a bit extra for it.
The refresh rate of a smart TV is another thing to pay attention to while you’re browsing through your options. On the low end you’ll see a refresh rate of 60 Hz, the average rate is 120 Hz, and your best choice will be a TV with a 144 Hz refresh rate. The faster the rate, the better the TV will cope with fast-paced movies/shows, sports games, and video games.
Of course, smart TVs rely on smart features. But not all TVs will have the same smart capabilities. They’ll all offer some built-in streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. And they’ll all have some sort of voice assistant compatibility, usually Amazon Alexa and/or Google Assistant. The more advanced smart TVs will also offer AI features such as intelligent power saving or setting changes, so that’s something to look for as well.
Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.