Hisense U8 85"

A gaming beast with killer audio, but the smart features are stuck in 2015. Get it for the speed and sound, not the apps.

The gaming chops are the headline here. A native 165Hz panel with VRR from 48Hz to 165Hz is one of the best on the market, and the Game Booster 288 mode pushes things even further. The audio setup surprised us too, six front-firing speakers, two up-firing, four surrounds, and a 6.5 inch subwoofer puts this in the top tier for sound. But the smart platform is a real letdown, it's dead last compared to other TVs we've tested.

Against the LG OLED evo C5 and Sony BRAVIA 9, the Hisense loses on picture quality and HDR, those OLEDs are simply better at making movies look stunning. But neither of those can touch the U8's 165Hz refresh rate or the included 5.1.4 soundbar. The TCL QM8K is the closest rival on gaming specs, but its audio is nowhere near this bundle. If you're a competitive gamer who wants big sound without buying separates, the Hisense makes a strong case.

Without a listed price it's hard to call this a slam dunk, but the bundle approach makes sense. You're getting a massive 85 inch screen and a serious Atmos soundbar in one box. If the price lands under what you'd pay for a comparable OLED plus separate audio, it's worth it. If it's priced like a premium OLED, skip it.

This is a gamer's dream bundle that skips the boring stuff to go all-in on speed and sound. The Hisense U8 brings a native 165Hz panel and FreeSync Premium Pro, and they've thrown in a 5.1.4 channel soundbar with actual up-firing speakers. It's not the smartest TV on the block, but if you want big-screen gaming with audio that rattles your couch, this is a serious contender.

If you're a movie buff who wants deep blacks and perfect HDR, this isn't it. Go get the LG OLED evo C5 or Sony BRAVIA 9 instead. And if you just want a simple smart TV for Netflix and chill, the Roku Pro Series will treat you better.

Buy this if gaming is your main event and you want a complete setup without hunting for a separate soundbar. The 165Hz panel and Atmos audio are genuinely impressive. But if you care more about movie nights and smart TV apps, look elsewhere, this thing's smart platform and HDR performance just don't keep up.