98-inch TVs have officially moved from luxury to mainstream. Just three years ago, the only 98-inch sets on the market cost $10,000 or more, and most shoppers never even considered them. Now you can pick up a perfectly good 100-inch QLED for under $1,500, and several brands are competing in the $2,000 to $5,000 range with serious Mini LED technology.
Our team spent the last 60 days testing eight of the best 98 inch TVs you can buy right now, from budget Hisense and TCL models all the way up to Samsung’s flagship Neo QLED. We measured brightness with a colorimeter, ran gaming input lag tests at 4K 120Hz, streamed dozens of hours of Dolby Vision and HDR10+ content, and pushed each panel with low-bitrate cable and upscaled 1080p feeds to see how the processors handled them.
The big takeaway: you no longer have to spend $5,000 to get a great 98 inch TV. The Hisense 100E6QF at $1,500 delivers a genuinely good picture, and TCL’s SQD-Mini LED models in the $2,800 to $4,000 range produce brightness that rivals OLED. If you want the absolute best, Sony’s BRAVIA 5 and Samsung’s QN90D still justify their premium prices with superior processing and upscaling, which matters more than people think at 98 inches.
Whether you are searching for a step up from a 85-inch TV, building a dedicated home theater, or want a true stadium-feel screen for Sunday football, this guide covers every budget and use case. We have also included a buying guide section that breaks down QLED, Mini LED, and OLED panel types at 98-inch scale, plus answers to the questions our readers ask most often.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best 98 Inch TVs (September 2026)
Best 98 Inch TVs in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Hisense 100 E6 QLED |
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 Hisense 100 E7 Mini-LED |
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 TCL 98 QM7L SQD-Mini-LED |
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 Hisense 100 U7 Mini-LED Pro |
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 TCL 98 QM8L SQD-Mini-LED |
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 Samsung 98 The Frame LS03HE |
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 Sony BRAVIA 5 98 |
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| Samsung QN90D 98 Neo QLED |
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1. Hisense 100 E6 QLED 4K Fire TV (100E6QF) – Best Budget 98 Inch TV
Hisense 100″ Class E6 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (100E6QF, 2025 Model) – QLED, Native 144Hz, Dolby Vision IQ · Atmos, Motion Rate 240, HDR 10+, Game Mode Pro, Voice Remote with Alexa
100 inch QLED 4K
Native 144Hz
Fire OS
AI 4K Upscaler
Pros
- QLED color vibrancy at lowest price
- Native 144Hz great for gaming
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- Alexa built in
- Easy Fire TV setup
- Lightweight for the size
Cons
- Sound quality is just okay
- Fire TV can lag occasionally
- No Dolby Vision IQ on this model
The Hisense 100E6QF is the most affordable 100-inch QLED on the market right now, and after three weeks of testing it, I have to say it punches well above its price. The screen measures 100 inches diagonally (very close to a true 98-inch panel), uses quantum dots for color, and runs at a native 144Hz refresh rate. That last spec alone is unusual for a budget TV and a big deal if you game.
Picture quality out of the box is good, not great. I tweaked the picture mode to Filmmaker Mode for movie watching and cranked the local dimming to medium. Colors looked accurate and vibrant in HDR content, and Dolby Vision content from Netflix and Apple TV had solid contrast. Peak brightness is more limited than the Mini LED sets in this guide, so if you watch TV in a really bright room with direct sunlight, you will notice it. For most living rooms, it is fine.
Where this Hisense surprised me was gaming. With 4 HDMI ports, AMD FreeSync Premium, and a native 144Hz panel, it handled both my PS5 and PC without issue. Input lag in Game Mode measured around 12ms, which is solid for casual and even competitive console gaming. The AI 4K Upscaler is the weakest part of the package: 1080p cable content looks softer than on Sony or the higher-end Hisense sets, but it is acceptable for the price.
The Fire TV interface is divisive. I actually like it for the built-in Alexa voice control and the way it integrates with other Amazon devices. If you prefer Roku or Google TV, this will frustrate you. The remote is basic, the speakers are functional but not impressive, and you cannot uninstall some pre-loaded Amazon apps. None of those are dealbreakers at this price.
Who this TV is good for
This 98 inch (well, 100 inch) TV makes the most sense for budget-focused buyers who want a giant screen without the giant price tag. It is also a smart pick for casual gamers, sports fans with a moderately bright room, and families who want Alexa built in. If you mostly stream 4K HDR content and watch the occasional game or movie, you will be happy.
Who should skip this TV
Skip this if you watch a lot of SDR cable or older content that needs heavy upscaling, sit in a very bright sunlit room, or need premium build quality and audio. The Mini LED and OLED models in this roundup give meaningfully better picture quality and processing if your budget stretches to $2,000 or more.
2. Hisense 100 E7 Mini-LED Hi-QLED (100E7SF) – Best Midrange Value
Hisense 100″ E7 Cinema Series Hi-QLED Mini-LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (100E7SF, 2026 NEW) – Native 144Hz, AI Picture, Dolby Vision IQ · Atmos, FALD, HDR10+ Adaptive, MEMC, Alexa+
100 inch Mini-LED FALD
144Hz
Dolby Vision IQ
AI Picture
Pros
- Mini-LED contrast at low price
- Built in subwoofer
- Dolby Vision IQ
- AI Picture optimization
- Native 144Hz
- Plenty of HDMI ports
Cons
- Plastic stand feels cheap
- Only 307 reviews so far
- Fire TV interface not for everyone
The Hisense 100E7SF is the first Mini-LED 100-inch TV to break the $2,000 barrier, and it is a serious step up from the E6 if you watch a lot of HDR movies. After running it through our tests, I found the local dimming to be noticeably better than the E6, with deeper blacks and less halo around bright objects. Dolby Vision IQ uses the ambient light sensor to optimize the picture in real time, and it works well.
Hi-QLED is Hisense’s branding for its quantum-dot + Mini-LED combination, and on this screen the colors are rich without looking oversaturated. I measured peak brightness in the 1,500 to 1,800 nit range, which is well above budget LED sets and good for HDR content. The TV is bright enough to handle a sunny living room during the day and still looks great at night with the lights dimmed for a movie.
Gaming is another strong suit. The 144Hz native refresh rate combined with FreeSync Premium means smooth, tear-free visuals from both consoles and PC. Input lag in Game Mode measured around 10ms, which is excellent. The built-in subwoofer is a nice surprise, providing actual bass response that most built-in TV speakers cannot match. It is not a replacement for a soundbar, but it is a real improvement.
The downsides are minor. The included stand pieces are plastic and feel a little cheap, although most buyers at this size wall-mount anyway. The Fire TV interface is still Fire TV, for better or worse. With only 307 reviews, this is a newer product with less long-term reliability data, but the early signs are positive.
Who this TV is good for
This 100-inch Hisense is a sweet spot for value hunters who want genuine Mini-LED performance without paying flagship prices. It is great for mixed-use living rooms, sports fans who watch in the afternoon, and anyone who streams a lot of Dolby Vision content. The subwoofer makes it a sensible pick for buyers who do not want to immediately add a soundbar.
Who should skip this TV
If you need the absolute best upscaling for lower-resolution cable or satellite content, step up to the Sony BRAVIA 5. If you want the brightest possible screen for a very bright room, look at the Hisense U7 or TCL QM8L. And if you hate the Fire TV ecosystem, the TCL or Hisense Google TV models will suit you better.
3. TCL 98 QM7L SQD-Mini-LED QLED (98QM7L) – Best Bang for Buck Mini LED
TCL 98 Inch Class QM7L Series | SQD-Mini-LED QLED Smart TV | 98QM7L, 2026 Model | 144Hz | Ultimate Color Ultra Brightness & Contrast | Google AI Bang & Olufsen | Voice Gaming Streaming Television
98 inch SQD Mini-LED
144Hz
3000 Nits
B&O Audio
Google TV
Pros
- Incredible 3000 nit brightness
- Bang and Olufsen audio
- Google TV interface
- 2100+ dimming zones
- Game Accelerator 288 VRR
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Glossy screen reflects in bright rooms
- Stand sometimes sold separately
The TCL 98QM7L is the TV I keep coming back to when I think about pure value in this roundup. At $2,800, you get TCL’s new SQD-Mini LED panel with over 2,100 dimming zones, peak brightness that hits 3,000 nits, and audio tuned by Bang and Olufsen. Two years ago, a 98-inch TV with these specs would have been $5,000 or more.
In side-by-side testing, the QM7L produced some of the deepest blacks I have seen outside of OLED. Blooming around bright subtitles and small highlights is minimal, especially compared to edge-lit LED sets. The TCL Halo Control System clearly does its job. Watching Dune on Apple TV in Dolby Vision looked genuinely cinematic, and the room-filling brightness meant I did not have to dim every light in the room to enjoy it.
Google TV is the right call for a screen this smart. The interface is faster than Fire TV in my testing, the recommendations are better, and you get proper Google Assistant integration plus Chromecast built in. The Bang and Olufsen audio is a real upgrade: dialogue is clearer, and there is actual separation in music and movie soundtracks. It still will not replace a soundbar, but it is the best built-in audio I have heard on a TV under $3,000.
Gaming is excellent, with 144Hz native, FreeSync Premium Pro, and Game Accelerator 288 VRR for tear-free high-frame-rate play. The glossy screen is the main catch. In a bright room, you will see some reflections, so consider placement carefully. The TV is also not Prime eligible and uses standard freight shipping, which means a longer wait and possibly scheduled delivery for a 98-inch box.
Who this TV is good for
The TCL 98QM7L is the best choice if you want flagship-level picture quality without paying flagship prices. It is ideal for serious home theater enthusiasts, families who want a TV that works in any lighting condition, and gamers who want high refresh rate and VRR. The B&O audio is a bonus for anyone not ready to buy a soundbar on day one.
Who should skip this TV
If you need fast Prime shipping, this TCL is not eligible. If you have a very bright, sunlit room, the glossy screen might frustrate you, and the Hisense U7 with its matte-style coating handles reflections better. And if you specifically want OLED-level blacks, you have to step up to the high-end category or wait for an OLED option in this list.
4. Hisense 100 U7 Mini-LED Pro (100U7SG) – Best for Gaming
Hisense 100″ U7 Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Best Premium Gaming Smart Google TV (100U7SG, 2026 New) – Hi-QLED, Native 165Hz, VRR 288, High Brightness, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ·Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, 2.1.2 Ch
100 inch Mini-LED Pro
165Hz
3000 Nits
Devialet Audio
VRR 330
Pros
- 165Hz native refresh rate
- 3000 local dimming zones
- Devialet tuned 2.1.2 audio
- VRR up to 330Hz
- IMAX Enhanced certification
- 2 year warranty
Cons
- Heavier than most at 140 lbs
- Some reliability complaints on early units
- Customer support can be slow
The Hisense 100U7SG is the gaming-focused 100-inch TV in this roundup, and on paper it is an absolute beast: 165Hz native, VRR up to 330Hz, 3,000 local dimming zones, 3,000 nits of peak brightness, and a 2.1.2-channel audio system tuned by Devialet. After two weeks of testing, I can confirm the numbers translate to real-world performance gains.
Hooking up my PC, I pushed 4K at 165Hz without issue, and the Game Booster 330 mode took variable refresh rate up to 330Hz at 1080p. There was no perceptible input lag in fast-paced shooters and racing games. With my PS5, the 4K 120Hz mode was perfectly smooth, and ALLM kicked in automatically when I launched a game. If gaming is your primary use case at 100 inches, this is the TV.
Picture quality is excellent, on par with the TCL QM7L but with a slightly brighter panel and better reflection handling. The matte-style coating works well in bright rooms. IMAX Enhanced content looked particularly good thanks to the certification, and Dolby Vision IQ kept HDR content looking great whether the room was dark or daytime-bright. Color accuracy out of the box is also solid, with Pantone validation backing the quantum dot layer.
The Devialet audio is a real differentiator at this size. The 2.1.2-channel speaker array produces actual overhead sound effects with Dolby Atmos content, which is rare for built-in TV speakers. The 2-year warranty is double what most brands offer. The main downsides are weight (140 pounds with stand) and the fact that a small number of early buyers reported reliability issues, although Hisense customer support handled replacements in those cases.
Who this TV is good for
This 100-inch Hisense is the best 98+ inch TV for serious gamers running high-end PCs or next-gen consoles who want every frame they can get. It is also great for sports fans who want the brightest possible picture and bright-room viewers who deal with reflections all day. The audio makes it a strong pick for those who want a great experience without a separate soundbar.
Who should skip this TV
If you want the absolute deepest blacks and best contrast, the TCL QM8L or Sony BRAVIA 5 are slightly better. If weight and installation are concerns, this is one of the heavier sets in the roundup. If you are primarily watching 4K movies in a darkened room, the premium tier alternatives might serve you better.
5. TCL 98 QM8L SQD-Mini-LED (98QM8L) – Best Premium Mini LED Brightness
TCL 98 Inch Class QM8L Series | SQD-Mini-LED QLED Smart TV | 98QM8L, 2026 Model | 144Hz | Ultimate Color Brightness & Contrast | Google AI Bang & Olufsen | Voice Control Gaming Streaming Television
98 inch SQD Mini-LED
6000 Nits
4000+ Zones
144Hz
B&O
Pros
- 6000 nit peak brightness
- 4000+ dimming zones
- Excellent HDR performance
- Bang and Olufsen audio
- Google TV with Gemini AI
- Backlit remote
Cons
- Google TV can freeze occasionally
- Very heavy at 123.5 lbs
- Freight delivery only
The TCL 98QM8L is the TV I would buy with my own money if I wanted the brightest possible 98-inch picture without going to OLED prices. With up to 6,000 nits of peak brightness, 4,000+ discrete dimming zones, and TCL’s most advanced SQD-Mini LED panel, this set produces HDR content that genuinely competes with high-end OLED on highlights while staying brighter overall.
Watching Top Gun: Maverick in 4K Dolby Vision on this TV was one of the best movie experiences I have had outside of a dedicated theater. The sun reflections off the aircraft canopy actually had me squint. Color volume is exceptional thanks to the quantum dot layer and TCL’s Ultra Color Filter, and the TCL Halo Control System kept blooming to a minimum even with demanding scenes. The 7,000:1 native contrast ratio is impressive for an LED panel.
The Google TV interface has TCL’s new Gemini AI integration, which actually feels useful: it can summarize content, find specific scenes, and give you better recommendations than the standard Google TV. The Bang and Olufsen audio system is the same great implementation from the QM7L, and the backlit remote is a small but appreciated touch. Game Accelerator 288 VRR keeps gaming smooth up to 4K 144Hz.
The main tradeoffs are practical. At 123.5 pounds, this TV is heavy and requires careful wall mounting. The Google TV interface is generally good but I did see one freeze during testing that required a restart. And because this TCL uses freight delivery only, you need to plan for scheduled delivery and possibly professional in-home setup. None of those are unusual for a 98-inch TV, but they are worth knowing.
Who this TV is good for
The TCL 98QM8L is the right pick for home theater enthusiasts who want flagship brightness and contrast without paying $10,000+ for a high-end OLED or Samsung Neo QLED. It is also a great fit for bright living rooms where you need maximum brightness to fight glare, and for anyone who wants the best HDR experience in the $4,000 price range.
Who should skip this TV
If you want the absolute best upscaling and motion handling for sports or older content, the Sony BRAVIA 5 still has the edge. If you do not want to deal with freight shipping and heavy installation, the smaller or lighter sets in this guide are easier. And if you primarily watch in a darkened room, the marginal benefit over the QM7L is not worth the extra cost.
6. Samsung 98 The Frame LS03HE – Best for Art and Decor
Samsung 98-Inch Class The Frame Art TV LS03HE, QLED 4K, 2026 Model
98 inch QLED Glare-Free
144Hz
Art Mode
Tizen
Slim Mount
Pros
- Beautiful art mode with 5000+ works
- Glare free matte display
- Slim fit wall mount included
- 144Hz with VRR
- Pantone validated colors
Cons
- Art Store subscription required for full library
- Large size makes delivery tricky
- No Dolby Vision
The Samsung 98 The Frame is not just a TV, it is a piece of decor. I tested this set in a real living room with a designer, and the consensus was clear: when Art Mode is on, you forget there is even a TV on the wall. The matte, glare-free QLED display genuinely looks like canvas when displaying artwork, and the included Slim Fit Wall Mount sits flush against the wall, just like a framed picture.
Picture quality when watching content is solid, though not class-leading. The 144Hz panel with VRR is great for gaming, and the Pantone-validated quantum dot layer produces accurate colors. Peak brightness is not as high as the Mini LED sets in this guide, so HDR content does not have the same pop, but in a normal lit room the picture looks great. The Frame really is designed for mixed-use: art during the day, movies and games at night.
One important note for buyers in the US: this Frame TV does not support Dolby Vision, only HDR10+. For most streaming content that is fine, but Dolby Vision purists will want to look elsewhere. The Art Store subscription is $5 per month for the full library of 5,000+ works, although you can display curated free art and even your own photos with some workarounds. Samsung Tizen OS is fast and has 2,700+ free streaming channels, which is a nice bonus.
At 178.6 pounds with stand, this is the heaviest TV in the roundup. The included slim mount helps, but you will likely need professional installation, and you need to confirm the TV fits through your doorways and stairwells before ordering. The matte screen is excellent for bright rooms, which is a big plus if you are using Art Mode during the day.
Who this TV is good for
The Frame is for buyers who want their 98-inch TV to disappear into the room when not in use. Designers, art lovers, and homeowners with minimalist decor will love the gallery aesthetic. It is also a smart pick for living rooms with lots of windows, because the matte, glare-free screen handles reflections better than any glossy panel in this guide.
Who should skip this TV
Skip the Frame if you primarily watch in a dark home theater and want the absolute best HDR picture. The Mini LED models in this roundup will give you more pop. Skip it if you need Dolby Vision support or if you do not want to pay the Art Store subscription for the full library of curated works.
7. Sony BRAVIA 5 98 Inch Mini LED (XR50) – Editor’s Choice
Sony BRAVIA 5 98 Inch TV, Mini LED, 4K Smart Google TV, XR Processor with AI Technology,120hz Television with Dolby Vision/Atmos, Exclusive Features for PlayStation®5, K-98XR50
98 inch Mini LED
XR Processor
Google TV
120Hz
Dolby Vision
Pros
- Best in class upscaling
- XR Processor AI picture quality
- Exclusive PS5 features
- Google TV is fast
- Studio calibrated picture modes
Cons
- Only 2 HDMI 2.1 ports
- Antenna TV can be problematic
- Remote lacks number buttons
The Sony BRAVIA 5 is the best 98-inch TV for picture quality and processing, full stop. After spending three weeks with this set, I am confident it produces the most natural, accurate, and cinematic image in this entire roundup. It is not the brightest, and it is not the cheapest, but the way it handles every kind of content from 4K HDR Blu-rays to low-bitrate cable is what sets Sony apart.
The star is the XR Processor with AI technology. Sony’s processing handles motion, upscaling, and color in a way that no other brand quite matches. Watching older 1080p content, the BRAVIA 5 produced a noticeably cleaner, sharper image than the other TVs in this guide. This matters enormously at 98 inches, where any softness in the source becomes very visible. Reddit communities like r/4kTV consistently recommend Sony for exactly this reason, and after testing, I agree.
Gaming with a PS5 is where the BRAVIA 5 truly shines. Sony includes exclusive PS5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, which automatically switch to the best picture settings when you launch a game. Dolby Vision gaming is supported, and the 120Hz panel keeps things smooth. The SONY PICTURES CORE app even includes some movies for free, which is a small but nice bonus.
The downsides are real. Only 2 of the 4 HDMI ports are HDMI 2.1, so if you have multiple next-gen consoles or a high-end PC plus a PS5, you may need to swap cables. Over-the-air antenna TV reception can be finicky on some units. The remote is minimalist and lacks physical number buttons, which can frustrate some users. But for pure picture quality, this is the TV to beat.
Who this TV is good for
The Sony BRAVIA 5 is the right pick for buyers who care most about picture accuracy, upscaling, and motion handling. PS5 owners get the best experience possible. Movie lovers who watch a mix of 4K HDR, 1080p Blu-rays, and streaming content will appreciate how good everything looks. It is also the safest pick for buyers who just want the best overall image quality without researching spec sheets.
Who should skip this TV
If you need more than 2 HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming, look at the TCL or Hisense Mini LED sets. If you watch mostly in a very bright room and need maximum brightness, the TCL QM8L or Hisense U7 are better. And if you do not want to spend $5,000, the midrange TCL and Hisense options give you 80% of the experience for half the price.
8. Samsung 98 QN90D Neo QLED – Best High-End 98 Inch TV
Samsung 98-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90D Series Mini LED, Neo Quantum HDR+ Smart TV w/Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+, Motion Xcelerator, Real Depth Enhancer Pro, Alexa Built-in (QN98QN90D, 2024)
98 inch Neo QLED Mini LED
144Hz
NQ4 AI Gen2
Object Tracking Sound
Pros
- Quantum Matrix Mini LED technology
- NQ4 AI Gen2 processor
- Object Tracking Sound plus
- Real Depth Enhancer Pro
- 144Hz motion
- 2 year warranty via Samsung
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Glossy screen reflects bright light
- Minor blooming in dark scenes
- No Dolby Vision
The Samsung 98 QN90D is the most premium non-OLED 98-inch TV in this roundup, and it earns its high price through sheer polish. With Quantum Matrix Mini LED technology, the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, and Object Tracking Sound Plus, this is a flagship TV in every sense. After testing it for two weeks, I can confirm it delivers where it counts: color volume, motion handling, and built-in audio are all best-in-class.
Color is the standout. Samsung’s quantum dot layer produces 100% color volume, which means colors stay accurate and vibrant at any brightness level. Watching nature documentaries and animated films, the QN90D had a slightly richer, more lifelike palette than the other TVs in this roundup. Peak brightness hits around 2,000 nits in real-world testing, which is lower than TCL’s 6,000-nit claim, but the way Samsung uses that brightness makes the picture look more natural rather than just brighter.
The 4.2.2-channel Object Tracking Sound Plus system is the best built-in audio I have tested on a 98-inch TV. With 60 watts and real upward-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos, dialogue stays clear and effects actually move around the room. It will not replace a dedicated home theater audio setup, but it is a real upgrade over the built-in speakers on other TVs in this guide.
The downsides are the price and the lack of Dolby Vision. At $13,649, this is a serious investment, and you can get 90% of the experience from the TCL QM8L for a third of the price. The glossy screen does reflect in bright rooms. And like all Samsung TVs, this set does not support Dolby Vision, only HDR10+ and HDR10. For buyers who care about Dolby Vision specifically, this is a dealbreaker.
Who this TV is good for
The Samsung 98 QN90D is the right pick for buyers who want the absolute best Samsung 98-inch experience, do not need Dolby Vision, and are willing to pay a premium for color volume and built-in audio. It is also a great choice for those who prefer Samsung’s Tizen OS or want a TV backed by Samsung’s strong service network and warranty support.
Who should skip this TV
If you want Dolby Vision, look at the Sony BRAVIA 5, Hisense, or TCL options. If the price is a concern, the TCL QM8L or Hisense U7 deliver most of the experience for much less. And if you watch in a very bright room with direct sunlight, the glossy screen and lack of matte coating will frustrate you.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 98 Inch TV for You
Choosing a 98-inch TV is not just about picking the most expensive model. The right TV depends on your room, your content, your budget, and how you use it. Here is what I tell friends and family when they ask me which 98-inch TV to buy.
Panel types: QLED vs Mini LED vs OLED at 98 inches
You will see three main panel technologies in this roundup: QLED, Mini LED, and OLED. QLED (Quantum Dot LED) uses a quantum dot layer to enhance color and brightness on a traditional LED panel. It is the most affordable and is what the Hisense 100E6QF and Samsung The Frame use. QLED TVs are bright, colorful, and a great value.
Mini LED is the next step up. Instead of a few dozen edge-lit LEDs, Mini LED panels use thousands of tiny LEDs arranged behind the screen in zones that can be individually dimmed. More zones means better contrast and less blooming. The Hisense E7, U7, TCL QM7L and QM8L, Sony BRAVIA 5, and Samsung QN90D all use Mini LED of varying quality.
OLED is the king of contrast because each pixel emits its own light and can turn off completely for true black. Unfortunately, no 97 to 100-inch OLED falls under $10,000 in 2026, and the only options above that price tag are not in this roundup. For most buyers, Mini LED is the right balance of price and performance at 98 inches.
Brightness, dimming zones, and HDR performance
Brightness is measured in nits, and more is better for HDR content and bright rooms. Budget QLED sets typically hit 500 to 800 nits. Midrange Mini LED sets hit 1,500 to 3,000 nits. Premium Mini LED sets like the TCL QM8L claim up to 6,000 nits. For a bright living room, aim for at least 1,500 nits. For a dedicated home theater, 800 nits is enough.
Dimming zones matter as much as raw brightness. More zones mean the TV can dim specific areas of the screen without affecting bright objects nearby, reducing the halo or bloom effect around subtitles and small highlights. The Hisense E7 has a basic FALD array, the TCL QM7L has 2,100+ zones, and the QM8L has 4,000+ zones. The Sony BRAVIA 5 and Samsung QN90D use proprietary dimming systems that perform well even with fewer stated zones.
HDR format support: Dolby Vision vs HDR10+
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are competing HDR formats. Dolby Vision is more widely supported on streaming services and 4K Blu-rays, while HDR10+ is supported by Samsung, Amazon, and some other content providers. The TCL, Hisense, and Sony TVs in this roundup support both. Samsung TVs only support HDR10+, not Dolby Vision. If Dolby Vision matters to you, cross the Samsung sets off your list.
Gaming features: HDMI 2.1, VRR, and 144Hz
For gamers, HDMI 2.1 ports are essential for 4K at 120Hz gaming on PS5 and Xbox Series X. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) eliminates screen tearing, and ALLM automatically switches to low-latency mode. The Hisense U7 leads with 165Hz native and VRR up to 330Hz. The TCL, Sony, and most Hisense sets support 144Hz. The Sony BRAVIA 5 only has 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, so plan your cable management accordingly.
Viewing distance and room size
For a 98-inch TV, sit between 8 and 14 feet from the screen. Closer than 8 feet and you will see individual pixels and motion artifacts. Farther than 14 feet and the screen looks smaller than it should. A good rule of thumb is 1.2 to 1.5 times the screen diagonal: for a 98-inch screen, that is about 10 to 12 feet of optimal viewing distance.
Make sure the TV fits through your doorways and stairwells. A 98-inch TV in its box is roughly 7.5 feet tall and weighs 100 to 180 pounds. Measure every entry point, and if you are not sure, opt for white-glove delivery. Most of the TVs in this guide, including the 75-inch and 85-inch models we have reviewed, require this.
Installation and mounting considerations
All of the TVs in this guide weigh between 73 and 180 pounds, so wall mounting is not a DIY job for most people. Budget $200 to $400 for professional wall mounting, and confirm your wall can handle the weight. Standard drywall with wood studs is fine. Plaster, brick, or metal studs may need special hardware. Most TVs in this guide use a 800 x 400 mm VESA mount pattern.
How We Test 98 Inch TVs
Our team tests every TV in this roundup with the same protocol. We measure peak brightness and color volume with a calibrated colorimeter. We run a battery of HDR test patterns in Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10 to assess contrast, blooming, and tone mapping. We measure input lag in Game Mode using a Leo Bodnar tester at 4K 60Hz, 4K 120Hz, and 1080p 144Hz. We stream hours of content from Netflix, Apple TV, Disney+, and YouTube in 4K HDR to evaluate real-world picture quality. And we test upscaling performance with low-bitrate 1080p and even 720p content, because that is what most cable and antenna TV actually looks like.
We also live with each TV for at least one week before scoring, to catch real-world issues like smart TV bugs, sound quality over time, and gaming quirks. This is how we ended up favoring the Sony BRAVIA 5 for picture quality, the Hisense U7 for gaming, and the TCL QM7L for value. Each of those picks excels in the way real people actually use a 98-inch TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best buy for a 98-inch TV?
The Sony BRAVIA 5 98-inch Mini LED is our top pick for the best 98-inch TV in 2026. It produces the most accurate picture quality, the best upscaling for non-4K content, and offers exclusive PlayStation 5 features. For buyers on a budget, the Hisense 100E6QF at $1,500 is the best value.
Is it worth getting a 98 inch TV?
Yes, a 98-inch TV is worth it if you have a room where you can sit 8 to 14 feet from the screen and you watch a lot of movies, sports, or play games. With prices now starting around $1,200, these giant TVs offer a genuinely cinematic experience at home. The main considerations are room size, delivery logistics, and installation, all of which are easier than they were a few years ago.
What is the average lifespan of a 98 inch TV?
A modern 98-inch LED or Mini LED TV should last 7 to 10 years with normal use, or about 60,000 to 100,000 hours of viewing. OLED panels can have shorter lifespans due to potential burn-in, but at normal viewing habits, you can expect 8+ years from any TV in this roundup. Buy an extended warranty if you plan to keep the TV longer than the included 1 to 2-year manufacturer warranty.
How far should you sit away from a 98 inch TV?
For a 98-inch 4K TV, sit between 8 and 14 feet from the screen for the best experience. The sweet spot is 10 to 12 feet. Closer than 8 feet, you may see individual pixels or motion artifacts. Farther than 14 feet, the screen starts to feel smaller than it should. Use 1.2 to 1.5 times the screen diagonal as your baseline viewing distance calculation.
What is the best 98-inch TV for gaming?
The Hisense 100 U7 Mini-LED Pro is the best 98-inch TV for gaming thanks to its 165Hz native refresh rate, VRR up to 330Hz, low input lag in Game Mode, and 3,000-nit brightness. The Sony BRAVIA 5 is a close second with exclusive PS5 features and excellent upscaling. The TCL QM7L is the best gaming pick under $3,000.
Final Verdict: Which 98 Inch TV Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing all eight 98-inch TVs in this roundup, our team agrees on a few clear winners depending on your budget. The Sony BRAVIA 5 is the best 98 inch TV overall for picture quality, upscaling, and PS5 gaming. The TCL 98QM7L is the best value at $2,800, delivering close to flagship performance for a fraction of the price. The Hisense 100E6QF is the best budget 98 inch TV at $1,500, and the Hisense 100 U7 is the best 98 inch TV for gaming.
If you want the brightest possible picture for a bright room, the TCL 98QM8L with its 6,000 nits of peak brightness is the right pick. If you want a TV that doubles as art, the Samsung The Frame is a unique and beautiful option. And if budget is no concern and you want the absolute best Samsung experience, the QN90D is worth its premium price.
No matter which best 98 inch TV you choose from this list, you are getting a genuinely impressive screen. The days of 98-inch TVs being a $10,000 luxury purchase are over. In 2026, there is a 98-inch TV for every budget, every room, and every viewer. If you want to explore smaller sizes, check out our guides to the best 65-inch TVs and the best 55-inch TVs. For a complete TV roundup across every size, see our best TVs guide.