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How we rank products

Every ranking on this site is calculated, not hand-picked. Here is the whole method.

1. Specs come from official ENERGY STAR records

We enter only figures published on the ENERGY STAR certified televisions dataset, and we link the product-finder search and the public dataset under every product. If a figure isn't published we show "Not listed" instead of guessing. Official reported annual energy consumption is printed on each card. When we divide official federal on-mode power by official screen area, or multiply official horizontal and vertical pixel counts, we label the result computed. Obvious official size or area errors are noted and are not scored as fact. Peak brightness, refresh rate and the smart operating system are not in the fields we used.

2. Each spec is scaled from 0 to 1

Each criterion has a fixed reference range, from a "weakest reasonable" value to a "best in class" value (for example 13 to 115 inches of official diagonal, or 20 to 4 W/100 sq in of computed on-mode power density). A product's figure is placed on that range and clamped between 0 and 1, so scores stay meaningful as products are added. Yes/no features count as 1 or 0. The ranges are listed below.

3. Weights decide what matters most

Each category lists its criteria and weights on the page. The score is the weighted average, multiplied by 10:

score = 10 × Σ(weight × scaled value) ÷ Σ(weight)

4. How missing data is scored

If a spec isn't published, the product scores at the lowest value any product in that category actually published, so an unpublished figure never outranks a published one. The page marks each such cell with an asterisk. Yes/no features that aren't stated count as no. Nothing is ever scored at the category average.

5. Prices and ratings switch on automatically

When our retailer feeds supply a current price or customer rating for at least 60% of products in a category, two more criteria join the formula: Price / value (20%) and Customer rating (15%, discounted when there are few reviews). Until then we show "Check price" and never estimate a price.

6. What the score can't tell you

Specs don't capture contrast, color volume, motion handling or how a set looks in a bright room. Official on-mode power is a certified test figure, not a measurement we took at the wall. Computed on-mode power density is a size-adjusted reading of that official power and the official screen area; it is not a picture-quality score. Official measured standby-mode power is not the same as the other official standby fields, which we print as details and do not mix into the score. Use the score to shortlist, then read the pros, cons, safety notes and sources, and confirm the official screen size against a mount or stand the maker approves. When we add hands-on testing notes, we label them clearly.

7. Money never changes the order

We earn affiliate commissions from some retailers. Commission rates are not an input to the formula, and no brand can pay for placement. See our affiliate disclosure.

Criteria by category

OLED TVs

QLED TVs

LED LCD TVs