Donald Trump’s recent tariffs have introduced a notable level of uncertainty to the U.S. economy, with expectations of rising prices across various goods, from food products to construction materials. Electronics, particularly high-end items such as TVs and soundbars, are among the most affected. Sony’s new flagship Bravia 8 Mk II OLED TV, anticipated to be priced similarly to or lower than its 2023 predecessor, the A95L, has instead been launched at a substantially higher cost. Other brands are seemingly following this pricing trend.
Given these uncertainties, it is not surprising that many consumers are contemplating the purchase of new TVs or soundbars. Current advice recommends purchasing last year’s models to circumvent the effects of the tariffs and enjoy cost savings. Although these models might lack one or two new features, they still offer considerable value. Recommendations include some of the best TVs and soundbars from the previous year or earlier, which present opportunities for significant savings.
One such recommendation is Roku’s Plus Series, which offers an affordable, user-friendly experience. This model features local dimming for improved black levels and contrast and is equipped with quantum dot colors for enhanced visual quality. It also includes voice control, simple Bluetooth connectivity, and a lost remote finder.
For enthusiasts who have not yet transitioned to OLED technology, the LG C4 model offers exceptional picture quality and value. With improvements in brightness, advanced gaming features, and LG’s Magic remote, it stands as a recommended choice without the new tariffs impacting its appeal. Similarly, Hisense’s U8N is lauded for its brightness and enhanced features, making it a strong contender for delivering excellent picture quality even in bright environments.
The TCL QM6K is highlighted for its early release and balance of excellent black levels and natural colors. It provides robust gaming features and a straightforward setup, coupled with an integrated Google TV interface.
Samsung’s S90 OLED TV is another admired model, known for its stylish design and exceptional contrast through quantum dot colors. Despite lacking Dolby Vision support, it remains a strong choice for viewing with its vivid shows. Additionally, the Sony A95L, which premiered in 2023 and boasts superior picture quality, is recommended as a potential last chance to secure an affordable OLED model from Sony.
On the soundbar front, Vizio continues to set the benchmark for affordable audio with its AIO bar, offering dynamic sound quality in a straightforward design. Klipsch’s Flexus Core 200 provides flexibility for future upgrades, featuring elements for Dolby Atmos audio and traditional subwoofer output.
The Samsung Q990 soundbar series remains a top pick for those seeking comprehensive Dolby Atmos sound at a discounted rate. Although it lacks newer features like VRR or ALLM pass-through, the Q990C model still delivers excellent surround sound performance without the premium price tag often associated with the latest models.
