Best 5 HDTVs

David Katzmaier

Senior Editor

(Nov 17, 2008) We've heard that people have a hard time choosing from more than five products. On this list, you won't have to. The HDTVs below represent the best of the best we've reviewed from among current models in a variety of categories we chose ourselves. There's something for everyone on this list, and if we review another HDTV that's better in any of these categories, we'll update it. In the meantime, check out the other lists to the left if you can't find what you need here.

Pioneer PRO-111FD

Best overall picture quality: The deepest blacks in the business and dead-on color make this expensive plasma the best HDTV we've ever reviewed.
Read full review >>

Price: $3,795.00 - $4,999.98 (check prices)

Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best plasma TVs

Panasonic TH-50PZ800U

Best picture for the money: If you don't have the scratch for the Pioneer, the THX-certified Panasonic is a worthy substitute for half the price.
Read full review >>

Price: $1,799.00 - $2,499.99 (check prices)

Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best plasma TVs

Sony Bravia KDL-55XBR8

Best flat-panel LCD: It costs a mint, but this LED-powered LCD is the new champion of the superheavyweight flat-panel LCD division.
Read full review >>

Price: $6,495.00 - $6,999.99 (check prices)

Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best LCD TVs

Samsung HL61A750

Best big-screen: The practical choice for those who want a huge screen and don't want to sacrifice the image quality.
Read full review >>

Price: $1,295.00 - $1,899.99 (check prices)

Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best rear projection HDTVs

Panasonic TH-42PX80U

Best flat-panel bang for the buck: There's no reason to scrimp on performance when you can get a solid plasma for a price like this.
Read full review >>

Price: $674.99 - $999.99 (check prices)

Filed in: Best HDTVs overall, Best cheap LCD TVs