T3 Awards 2026: All the TV winners of the year revealed

In a World Cup year, there's been a big focus on bigger panels and emerging TV technologies – with RGB Mini-LED the incoming talent. But the established technologies, from OLED to Mini-LED, have also been bolstered further this year.

So whether you're buying a top-tier set to tune into the best streaming services, plug in a player for ultimate 4K Blu-ray experiences, or want best-of-best for a gaming panel, there are lots of top-notch TV options.

This year's T3 Awards 2026 not only celebrates the year's best TVs, but also expands across our brand's core areas of coverage – from Tech to Active and Home – and the quality over the past 12 months has been incredible. In addition to this Best TVs section, do also check out the Best Tech and Best Headphones & Audio winners.

Picking out the best TVs to award for this year was a considerable task. That's why we've broken down this category into relevant sections, highlighting specific purchase needs, from the best OLED model to the best gaming TV. Check out all the winners below.

Best Gaming TV

Samsung S99H / S95H

For the pivotal gaming experience, you'll have a number of requirements. High brightness for top HDR (high dynamic range), 4K output with speedy refresh rates (upward of 120Hz – meaning that HDMI 2.1port types are a must).

Well, Samsung's S99H goes above and beyond. Not only is this QD-OLED panel super-bright, but it's also equipped with four HDMI 2.1 ports on the rear.

Beyond this, however, you can connect a separate Wireless One Connect box and tot up a total of eight HDMI ports (the latency of the additions aren't for gaming link-ups, but ideal for your other A/V kit – no unplugging to make accommodations).

The S99H model pictured has a fancy 'FloatLayer' border design, too, but if that's not to your tastes, then in the UK the S95HF model ditches that and will likely be most gamers' choice.

Highly commended: LG OLED G6

Best OLED TV

LG OLED G6

Traditional OLED – that's organic light-emitting diode – technology has the benefit of self-emissive pixels, which create perfect contrast visuals. That means no light bleed, but it's also meant that other, brighter technologies have come to challenge it.

Well, 'challenge accepted' seems to be the message from LG. The Korean brand's latest panel proves that there's still a long life in OLED yet. Its Primary RGB Tandem multi-layer panel (the same fundamental one as in the previous OLED G5) and new processor combine for an even greater brightness uptick.

But it's not just sheer eye-searing levels that award this TV its accolades. The picture quality is magic – colourful yet faithful and an ideal match for cinematic content – and, when asked, this TV can flex its OLED muscles to deliver vivid gaming experiences too. It's very versatile – and frankly could have won many of these T3 Awards gongs.

Highly commended: Philips OLED 910

Best Streaming Service

Apple TV

The very reason to own a great TV comes down to the quality of what you can watch on it. This year has introduced more content from the best streaming services than ever before – including some absolutely superb shows.

Once again, Apple TV has shown itself to be the most consistent of them all in our book. The strength of Apple Originals shows and movies has been second to none – across a wide range of genres.

There's more to come, too, whether you're into drama, sci-fi, comedy, thrillers – Apple has got the lot. They'll all look even better via an Apple TV 4K box, too, if you want to back up your streaming service with some worthy hardware.

Highly commended: Disney+

Best TV

Sony Bravia 8 II

Now, while the LG and Samsung above are sensational OLED and QD-OLED panels in their own right, there's something untouchable about Sony's entry in this category – and why the second-gen Bravia 8 is our unequivocal winner.

No, it doesn't have four HDMI 2.1 ports (only two). No, it's not even technically the top model in Sony's line-up (that goes to the Bravia 9 II True RGB set). So why's it our winner? There's just something about the image quality straight out of the box that'll take your breath away.

Add better-than-average sound, a great design, and those visuals which bring out the best for both gaming and home-cinema uses alike, and it's a stormer of a set. It's a premium TV with a premium price, though, but it's a premium that's worth paying.

Highly commended: LG OLED G6

Best Mid-Range TV

TCL C7K

Another TV trend for 2026 is that top technologies are trickling down to more affordable price points. Indeed, the best "mid-range" winner this year feels anything but – often delivering flagship-grade results.

TCL has long been at the top of its game when it comes to the craft of Mini-LED panels, which is where the C7K (soon to be replaced by the C7L) brings great performance at a great price.

It delivers super-bright images, with a better-than-average sound system, yet will cost a huge amount less than its mainstream rivals – with minimal compromise. What's not to like? It's an obvious 5-star winner in this category.

Highly commended: Sky Glass Air

Best soundbar

Marshall Heston 120

Best TV acquired, but the sound's not up to delivering that true cinematic experience? While you may consider a full surround system, many people just want a single 'bar solution to cater for the task – and this year's winner does that with style.

Marshall's speakers have always stood out for visual flair reasons, which the company's first soundbar brings to the TV market. But it's not design for the sake of it, this is a practical setup that's complete with physical control knobs to give it unique appeal.

Not only this, it sounds absolutely banging straight out of the box, whether you're enhancing the best movies or blaring out your favourite music. It's got Dolby Atmos duties well and truly ticked, and its volume goes up to 11.

Unlike last year's Sonos winner, the Marshall has a 4K/120Hz HDMI passthrough, too, so you needn't compromise what you have to unplug in order to accommodate it and lots of other A/V kit beneath your TV. That's an added bonus in addition to its solid sonic performance.

Highly commended: Samsung HW-Q990H

Best Streaming Device (UK)

Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer with Freely

This year has also seen a huge uptick in the way we here in the UK can source content, with Freely having accelerated that. This free-to-air streaming provider brings access to BBC, ITV ,Channel 4 and Channel 5 – without the need for an aerial or sat dish.

There are umpteen ways to obtain Freely, with a number of manufacturers now baking it into new TVs, too, but as a separate purchase it's the Manhattan Aero that we find a diamond among the other gems. It also brings access to more than 400 other channels, so it's not just locked to the 'big five'.

It's not the first streaming device with Freely support, mind, but we do find it the most integrated. Powered by TiVo – which provides a smooth experience, suggesting the right shows and films at the right time – it's a doddle to set up and use, and you never have to pay a penny for a subscription either.

Highly commended: Apple TV 4K