When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.
Every year, I watch, test and play video games on countless TVs.
There is an important distinction between the best TV money can buy and the best TV foryou.
After all, everyones budget and lifestyle is different.
What are the disadvantages of edge-lit LED TVs?
Unfortunately, its not without some performance-related issues.
Unlike edge-lit models, Mini-LED sets house their backlights behind the screen, shortening the distance travelled by light.
Picture a glowing spacecraft surrounded by the darkness of space.
That these Mini-LEDs are small and clustered together in zones is the biggest advantage.
These advantages arent just noticeable during visually demanding sequences, either.
What should I buy instead of an edge-lit LED TV?
Plenty of entry-level TVs use good ol fashioned, conventional LED backlights.
Rarely will a brand advertise this fact.
At the time of publishing, year-old Mini-LED TVs like theTCL QM7and theHisense U7Nare heavily discounted.
In 55-inch models, both TVs currently go for about $499.
TheSamsung Q60D an edge-lit TV with no local dimming is also $499 for a 55-inch model.
Personally, Im going with those TVs almost every time.
LED backlighting truly makes a difference, and its a difference I think youll notice.
