How to Choose the Right LED TV

What Is an LED TV?

An LED TV is a flat-screen television that uses an LED (Light Emitting Diode) backlight to illuminate a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. The term LED TV is somewhat misleading — the LEDs don't form the image directly, they light up the LCD panel from behind (or the edges). LED TVs are the most widely sold television type in Australia and are available across a huge range of sizes, features, and price points. This guide covers what to look for when choosing an LED TV.

For an overview of all TV types, see our complete TV buying guide. If you're considering a premium TV, also see our guides for QLED TVs and ULED TVs.

Key Features to Look For

Screen Size

Screen size is measured diagonally in inches. Choose based on your viewing distance. As a guide: for 1.5 to 2 metres viewing distance, 40 to 55 inches is comfortable. For 2 to 3 metres, 55 to 65 inches. For 3 metres and above, 65 to 75 inches or larger. Australians have consistently been buying larger screens — 65 inches is now the most popular size for a main living room TV.

Resolution

All current LED TVs sold in Australia are 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) as standard at screen sizes above 40 inches. 4K delivers four times the pixel count of Full HD and is the standard for all major streaming services in Australia including Netflix, Disney+, and Stan. Full HD (1080p) is still available in smaller screen sizes at entry-level prices.

Backlighting Type

• Edge-lit: LEDs run along the edges of the panel. Thinner profile and more affordable, but can produce uneven lighting (brighter edges, darker centre) and limited local dimming performance.
• Full-array (direct-lit): LEDs are distributed across the full area behind the panel. Better uniformity and more effective local dimming. The better choice for picture quality.
• Mini-LED: A significantly higher number of much smaller LEDs in a full-array arrangement, enabling far more precise local dimming zones and higher peak brightness. Available on premium models.

HDR Support

High Dynamic Range (HDR) produces a wider range between the brightest and darkest parts of an image. Look for support for HDR10 as a minimum. HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are the premium HDR formats used by Netflix and Disney+ in Australia and produce better results through dynamic tone mapping.

Refresh Rate

A 60 Hz native panel is standard on entry-level and mid-range LED TVs and is fine for general watching. A 120 Hz native panel delivers smoother motion for sport, action films, and gaming. For gaming on a current-generation console, look for HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K at 120 fps.

Smart TV Platform

All current LED TVs include a smart TV operating system. Common platforms in Australia include Google TV (used by Sony, TCL, and others), Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, and Hisense Vidaa. All major Australian streaming services are available on all current smart TV platforms. Google TV has the broadest app ecosystem and Chromecast built in.

HDMI Inputs

Look for at least three HDMI inputs to connect your TV, streaming stick, gaming console, and soundbar simultaneously. For gaming, look for at least one HDMI 2.1 port that supports 4K at 120 Hz, VRR, and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode).

Panel Brand and Calibration

The LCD panel quality and the manufacturer's picture processing and calibration significantly affect the real-world picture quality of an LED TV, often more than specification sheets suggest. Check independent reviews from reputable sources for real-world picture quality assessments.

What to Expect at Different Price Points

Budget (Under $700)

Entry-level LED TVs deliver 4K resolution, smart TV functionality, and adequate picture quality for everyday viewing.

Mid-Range ($700 to $1,500)

Mid-range LED TVs offer better panel quality, full-array backlighting, improved local dimming, 120 Hz panels, and better HDR performance. A significant step up in picture quality over budget models.

Premium ($1,500 and Above)

Premium LED TVs deliver mini-LED backlighting, very high peak brightness, many local dimming zones, excellent HDR performance, and the best smart TV features. At this level, also compare with QLED and ULED models.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LED and QLED?

A QLED TV is an LED TV with an additional quantum dot filter layer that enhances colour reproduction and brightness. QLED is an upgrade on standard LED, not a separate technology. See our QLED TV guide for more detail.

Does free-to-air TV broadcast in 4K in Australia?

No. Australian free-to-air television broadcasts in Full HD (1080p) as its highest quality. Your 4K TV will upscale the signal to fill the 4K screen. 4K content is available through streaming services including Netflix, Stan, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

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