The best frame TVs: fantastic TVs that show off your favourite art
Display your favourite works of art when you're not watching TV, on the best frame TVs around.
The best frame TVs are perfect for anyone who cares about the aesthetics of their home. Rather than having a nondescript black box shoved in a corner, you can repurpose your TV as a digital art gallery, with frame TVs offering sophisticated displays, anti-glare matte screens and elegant bezels.
While the trend was kickstarted by the Frame TV from Samsung, nowadays there are plenty of frame TVs offering sharp resolution and libraries of curated art collections for you to chose your favourites to display – many also allow you to upload your own.
Below, I've picked the five best frame TVs available today. So, if you want a TV in your home that's more tasteful than the average, you'll find it here.
Best frame TV overall
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01. Hisense Canvas TV S7N
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Display: A matte-screen display enveloped by a stylish teak frame – yep, the Hisense Canvas TV is a proud and unashamed imitator of the OG Samsung Frame, which kicked off a trend for 'lifestyle' TVs that are as much statement pieces as they are televisions. Its display has a 144 Hz refresh rate, handily beating the Samsung Frame's 100 Hz, making it much better for serious gaming. And its QLED panel produces vibrant, saturated colours that make bright games look brilliant.
Features: There's plenty to enjoy here. Looking at the display functions of the Canvas TV S7N, you get free access to a library of 300+ free artworks. You can use Google TV for easy navigation and connect it to Google Assistant for voice control (it'll also work with Amazon Alexa). And Game Mode Pro achieves an input lag of just 16 milliseconds – great for fast-paced multiplayer.
Price: One of the best aspects of the Hisense Canvas TV S7N is that it's all-inclusive. Unlike Samsung's Frame, which waits to spring on you the fact that you'll have to pay extra for the frame (you know, the thing in the name), the Hisense Canvas TV S7N comes with everything in the box and no hidden cost. That magnetic teak bezel frame and ultra-slim flush wall mount are ready and waiting for you – and once you've got it mounted, you have a free built-in art library that doesn't try to bilk you for a subscription or add-ons. This makes the asking price of £749 / $798 for the 55-inch version very tempting indeed, and cements the Canvas TV's status as the best-value frame TV you can buy.
Best frame TV for budget buyers
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02. TCL 55" NXTVISION
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Display: Unlike many art TVs, which connect to an external box that contains their computing parts, the TCL 55" NXTVISION somehow manages to cram all of its workings into its ultra-slim frame – just 1.1 inches thick! The display itself is a 4K Ultra HD QLED Pro with Quantum Dot that delivers rich colours, and it also offers high brightness thanks to an LED backlight. The clip-on frame doesn't feel as premium as some other similar TVs, but it does at least come included in the box.
Features: Equipped with Google TV, the TCL 55" NXTVISION is quick and easy to set up. It also has a 120 Hz refresh rate, meaning it's no slouch for gaming, and this can be further bolstered with the Game Accelerator mode. Art-wise, you have a fairly limited default library of 350 free works to choose from, however there's also a built-in AI generator that allows you to 'create' your own. This may be to your taste, or may not, but it's strictly optional. There are also some nifty optional extras, such as a free-standing floor mount, and if you spring for the slightly more expensive 'Pro' version, a Bang & Olufsen tuned soundbar!
Price: This is one of the most cost-efficient ways to get yourself a good-looking art TV. The TCL 55" NXTVISION can be picked up for $698 / £664, which is substantially less than any rival for a 55-inch TV. There are other TVs with better contrast or frame rates, but on price, the TCL can't be beat.
Best frame TV for art
03. Samsung Serif TV
Our expert review:
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Display: Available in sizes ranging from 43 to 55 inches, the Serif uses QLED technology, providing a vibrant 4K image with deep contrast and vivid colours. The matte finish helps reduce reflections, making it suitable for bright rooms. Expect rich, dynamic colours and better brightness levels compared to standard LED TVs. The screen supports HDR content, allowing for a wider range of colours and enhanced detail in dark scenes, although it may not match the black levels of premium OLEDs.
Features: Created in collaboration with renowned French designers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, the Serif's design stands out with its unique "I" shape when viewed from the side, reminiscent of a serif typeface. Its detachable stand offers flexibility in positioning, whether you prefer to place it on a stand or a table. While it lacks a dedicated art mode, the design and overall aesthetic make it a natural fit for any modern space. The sound system features Dolby Digital Plus and Adaptive Sound+, providing decent audio quality that complements the visual experience – though proper audiophiles will want to invest in a decent soundbar.
Price: The Samsung Serif TV is priced at a premium compared to other frame TVs, primarily due to its unique design and brand reputation. In the US, it generally ranges from $744 to $1,999, depending on the size (from 43-inch to 65-inch) and specific retailer. In the UK, prices typically fall between £499 and £1,099, also varying by screen size and where you purchase it.
Best premium frame TV
04. LG Posé (LX1)
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Display: Ah, c'est magnifique. This high-end art TV, the fabulously named LG Posé (also known as the LX1) uses an OLED panel, rather than the QLED panel, meaning it delivers perfect blacks and infinite contrast for an absolutely stunning picture – and the self-lit pixels of OLED displays don't require a backlight. It's a 4K display, available in in 42-inch, 48-inch and 55-inch sizes – so if you want a larger TV than 55-inch, you'll need to look elsewhere. It has a refresh rate of 120 Hz and offers AI 4K upscaling.
Features: One thing I love about the LG Posé – which is part of the 'Objet' collection, ooh la la, etc – is the way that it advertises itself as the centrepiece of a room. Many TVs, even frame TVs, feel like they're designed to be hidden away in a corner – but the freestanding LG Posé looks like a piece of furniture. Its back is wrapped in a beige Kvadrat fabric, and features a built-in shelf that can be used to store something aesthetic – it can be a magazine rack, perhaps, or used to show off a few vinyls. LG's Gallery Mode allows it to function as an art display when you're not watching movies.
Price: The LG Posé is currently available for £1,790 on Amazon UK for the 55-inch – it appears to be less available in the US at the moment. That's more expensive than any of the other TVs on this list, and certainly marks it out as the premium option.
Best OG frame TV
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Display: Samsung’s Frame kicked off the trend for art TVs, and while it has since been surpassed by other options, the latest 2026 version is a great choice for anyone looking for something sleek-looking and tasteful to have in their home. Its display features Quantum HDR, Pantone-certified colours and a lovely matte finish that’s great for displaying art in a brightly lit room. With 4K resolution and a 100 Hz refresh rate, it’s also fantastic for fast-paced action movies.
Features: Running all its features through a single, unobtrusive cord that comes out of the bottom and into the connect box, the Samsung Frame is about as close as you'll get to a cordless frame TV. The Frame is famous for its Art Mode, the standby mode in which it displays artwork of your choice. Whether you choose paintings from Samsung's considerable library, photography or one of your own images, everything looks absolutely fantastic. It's absolutely great for displaying art, but in terms of its features as a TV, it lags a little behind rivals – you can get better performance in HDR and better contrast elsewhere.
Price: It's a relatively expensive option in a pretty competitive market. The Samsung Frame (2026) starts at $1,199 for the smallest 55-inch version and goes up to $2,999 for the largest 85-inch. Also, I do find it a bit cheeky that this doesn't include the clip-on frame, which you have to add on separately (you do at least have a choice of finishes).
How to choose the best frame TV
Frame TVs are a great choice for people who want a TV that can blend in with their home décor and display art. To find the right one for your needs, there are a few factors to consider.
First, size. Most frame TVs come in a variety of sizes, so it's important to choose one that's the right dimensions for your space. Bigger doesn't always mean better, so consider the distance between where you'll be sitting and the TV when making your decision.
Second, think about resolution. All three frame TVs on our list come with 4K resolution which will display sharp and detailed images. Other, cheaper TVs may have lower resolution, so take care.
Thirdly, consider aesthetics. Frame TVs come in a variety of colours and styles, so try to choose a frame TV that matches your home décor. You can might also consider buying interchangeable bezels if you need to change the look of your frame TV. Finally, think about mounting options. Frame TVs can either be wall-mounted or placed on a TV stand, so choose a frame TV that comes with the mounting options you need to make it work in your space.
FAQs
What is a frame TV?
A frame TV is a TV designed to mimic wall-mounted artwork when not in use. These sets feature ultra-thin bezels, matte anti-glare screens and specialised art modes that display digital paintings or photographs. They have a matte finish to reduce reflections and create a canvas-like appearance that helps the TV blend seamlessly into your décor. When you want to watch content, they function as a standard 4K smart TV.
Is the Frame TV an actual TV?
Yes, frame TVs are fully functional televisions capable of streaming shows, playing games and displaying all your usual content. The "frame" designation refers purely to their aesthetic design: the thin profile, minimal bezels, and flush wall-mounting capability. When powered on for viewing, they perform like any other smart TV. The primary trade-off is viewing angles: most frame TVs work best when you're seated directly in front of them, whereas some traditional TVs offer wider viewing angles.
What are the disadvantages of a Frame TV?
Frame TVs typically cost more than standard TVs with similar specs. Bear in mind too that you may need to purchase additional stuff, such as custom bezels (which can cost £100-300), art subscriptions for premium content, and professional installation.
Another potential disadvantage of frame TVs can be modest brightness levels and limited contrast compared to similarly priced Mini-LED or OLED sets. Also, the matte screen coating that makes artwork look realistic can slightly reduce picture vibrancy during normal viewing, and the narrow viewing angles mean everyone needs to sit relatively centered to the screen.
Can I display my own photos on a frame TV?
Absolutely. All frame TVs on our list allow you to upload and display personal photographs. Most of them support USB drives for photo transfer, whilst some also work with smartphone apps or cloud services for wireless uploads. What many people like to do is create custom galleries that rotate through your images on a timer, just like a digital photo frame. The high resolution and matte screens do an excellent job showcasing personal photography alongside (or instead of) professional artworks.
Do frame TVs use a lot of electricity?
Because Frame TVs are always on, you may worry about energy costs. But actually, these TVs are generally very energy-efficient when displaying artwork. Most use motion sensors to detect when someone enters the room, powering on the display automatically and turning it off when the room is empty. In art mode, power consumption typically ranges from 30-60 watts, depending on screen size and brightness settings, which is around the same as a couple of light bulbs. At a rough guesstimate, running one all year round will probably add around $10-30 to your annual energy bill.
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Beren cut his teeth as Staff Writer on digital art magazine ImagineFX, and has since worked on and edited several creative titles, including Paint & Draw and Computer Arts. As Ecom Editor on Creative Bloq, when he's not reviewing the latest audiophile headphones or evaluating the best designed ergonomic office chairs, he’s testing laptops, TVs and monitors, all so he can find the best tech deals for Creative Bloq’s digital professional audience.
- Tom May Freelance journalist and editor