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For a long time, 60- and 65-inch displays were the pinnacle of the big-screen TV market. But in recent years, 75-inch TVs have hit the mainstream, with entry-level and high-end models from every major brand. The best 75-inch TVs can deliver an immersive viewing experience, and they're ideal for bigger living rooms where you may need to sit farther from your display.

Our team has been reviewing home entertainment products for over a decade, and we've selected the best 75-inch TVs based on a combination of hands-on testing and expert research. Our top pick is the Samsung S90C, which offers unrivaled color and contrast performance for the money. But buyers who want a more budget-friendly 75-inch TV should consider the Hisense U6K, which delivers impressive image quality for a typical sale price under $700. 

Below, you can find all seven of our recommendations for the best 75-inch TVs. We've also highlighted picks geared toward midrange and premium performance, as well as options for buyers who want an extra-bright or 8K display.  

Note: LCD-based TVs (LED, QLED, Neo QLED) are often manufactured in a 75-inch screen size, but OLED displays are instead sold in a slightly larger 77-inch size. For that reason, we've included 77-inch OLED TVs in this guide.

Our top picks for the best 75-inch TVs

Best overall: Samsung S90C 4K OLED TV – See at Amazon

Best premium option: Sony A95L 4K OLED TV – See at Amazon

Best on a budget: Hisense U6K 4K QLED TV – See at Amazon

Best anti-glare model: Samsung S95D 4K OLED TV – See at Amazon

Best 8K model: Samsung QN900C 8K QLED TV – See at Amazon 

Best midrange set: Hisense U7K 4K QLED TV – See at Walmart

Best for brightness: TCL QM8 4K QLED TV – See at Amazon

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Best overall

The Samsung S90C is our top pick for the best TV you can buy. It's an OLED display that marries pixel-level contrast with a quantum dot filter. That latter feature helps it provide a brighter image than similarly priced 77-inch OLEDs from LG and Sony. 

Black levels are deep and disappear into a dark room, while colors are rich and pop from the screen. The S90C can deliver a peak brightness of about 1,000 nits. This gives HDR10 and HDR10+ content brilliant highlights and allows the display to produce more vivid high-dynamic-range (HDR) images than an OLED TV without quantum dots, like LG's models.

On the downside, the S90C doesn't support Dolby Vision, a popular HDR format supported by Sony and LG TVs. Dolby Vision can offer better HDR quality in some cases, but improvements are subtle, so we don't think this omission is a dealbreaker. You can learn more about how HDR formats compare in our HDR TV guide. 

Samsung's smart TV interface is solid, with access to all of the best streaming services, but navigation can sometimes be a little sluggish. On the plus side, the interface includes a Gaming Hub with access to the Xbox Game Pass app, and Samsung is the only TV brand to offer this service. This allows Game Pass members to stream Xbox games without a console. The S90C also supports a fast 144Hz refresh rate when paired with a PC to deliver smooth gameplay. 

Best Buy also sells a cheaper variation of this model, called the S89C. The S89C delivers the same image quality as the S90C but has a more basic stand with a less premium design. Unfortunately, the S89C is now hard to find in stock, but if you see one available, it's an even better value than the S90C.   

Samsung also sells a new 2024 version of this TV, called the S90D, that can get a little brighter. But the S90D costs significantly more, so we still recommend the S90C as our top pick. 

Read our Samsung S90C 4K TV review.

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Best premium option

Sony's A95L OLED is the ultimate display for big home theater enthusiasts who want a 77-inch TV. Bar none, this is the most impressive TV we've tested, but it's also one of the most expensive. 

Like our top pick in this guide, the Samsung S90C, the Sony A95L uses a QD-OLED panel with an infinite contrast ratio and high color volume. But while the S90C tops at around 1,000 nits of peak brightness, we measured a max of 1,500 nits on the A95L. That's 500 nits more than Sony's previous model in this series, the A95K, and one of the brightest measurements we've recorded on an OLED TV. The only OLED that gets notably brighter is Samsung's  S95D, which peaks at around 1,700 nits.

The A95L's high brightness complements its pixel-level contrast to deliver stunning HDR images. Some HDR videos are graded for a peak luminance above 1,000 nits, so the A95L's ability to go over that number allows it to display bright highlights more accurately. This is especially true when watching Dolby Vision material (something not supported on Samsung TVs) since these videos can give the TV scene-by-scene guidance on how to scale color and contrast to best match the display's capabilities.

Sony's picture processing also helps to give the TV unrivaled image accuracy and even lower quality sources from cable, indoor TV antennas, and YouTube upscale nicely. And like most OLED TVs, the picture quality doesn't degrade when you sit to the side of the screen. Given its premium price, it's also no surprise that the A95L has some nice design flourishes, like a backlit remote, an adjustable stand that supports three orientations (high, low, and narrow), and a webcam for video calls and gesture controls.

Gamers get full 120Hz support when paired with a PS5 or Xbox Series X console, but only two of the TV's HDMI ports have the required bandwidth for this feature. There's also no 144Hz mode for PC gaming, something that Samsung, TCL, and Hisense offer on many of their top TVs. Still, it's difficult to find much fault with the A95L, given how incredible its image quality looks. Most people are better off saving money with any of our other best 75-inch TV picks, but this is the high-end TV to buy if you don't have any budget restrictions. 

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Best on a budget

Hisense's U6K is the best 75-inch TV you can buy on a budget. For a sale price that often dips below $700, there isn't anything comparable in its class. Every 75-inch TV that sells for less money delivers noticeably lower contrast, and most also have a narrower range of colors.

To achieve its high contrast performance, the U6K uses a Mini LED backlight with local dimming, a combination we haven't seen in other TVs this affordable. This allows the screen to dim across small areas, so dark elements of an image can remain dark, while only bright areas get bright. When we reviewed the U6K, we did notice that black levels weren't as deep and uniform as you'd find on pricier displays, but the TV delivered impressive picture quality for the money. 

Colors are also vivid thanks to the display's quantum dots, and the U6K can achieve a peak brightness of 600 nits. For the best HDR performance, we recommend finding a set that can get closer to 1,000 nits or higher, but 600 is still bright enough to see the benefits that high dynamic range videos can provide. The U6K supports every major HDR format, including Dolby Vision, which Samsung TVs lack. 

But while the TV looks great when viewed from a centered position, colors and contrast fade if you sit off to the side of the display. This is a common drawback for many budget and midrange TVs that use LED and QLED panels, so we recommend opting for an OLED model if that's a dealbreaker. The U6K's smart TV navigation speed also leaves a bit to be desired, and its 60Hz panel can't support 120Hz gameplay on a PS5 or Xbox Series X. But again, these are expected tradeoffs for a budget-friendly set like this. 

Ultimately, the U6K is geared toward buyers who want an affordable 75-inch TV that doesn't sacrifice genuine HDR capabilities, and in that sense, it's a winner. Hisense now sells a 2024 edition of this TV, called the U6N, but it has similar specs and is much more expensive. Until the U6N comes down in price, the U6K is the better buy. 

Read our Hisense U6K 4K TV review.

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Best anti-glare model

In addition to simply being an excellent high-end OLED TV, the Samsung S95D has a unique feature that's ideal for solving a very specific issue: screen reflections. Though not a problem in every room, certain spaces with lots of lights and windows can be a headache for viewers since most displays have glossy screens that can show lots of glare.

However, the S95D has a matte screen that nearly eliminates this issue. There are some drawbacks, but if you struggle with reflections in your room, the S95D could be a game changer. The only notable TV models with similar matte finishes are Samsung's Frame TV and Hisense's new Canvas TV, but those models can't match the overall image quality of the S95D. In our testing, the S95D's matte screen worked exactly as advertised, and we didn't encounter any of the typical reflections we see on other TVs.

On the downside, the S95D's matte screen does have one negative side effect: it leads to elevated black levels in bright rooms. The S95D's black levels look perfect with the lights off, but in a bright environment, blacks can take on a slightly gray and hazy look. This is especially true when watching dimmer scenes in movies and TV shows. Glossy screens, like those used on every other TV we recommend in this guide, are much better at preserving black levels in a bright environment, but the tradeoff is that they suffer more from reflections. Ultimately, whether you prefer the S95D's matte screen over a traditional glossy screen comes down to your preferences and needs as a viewer.

Outside its unique anti-glare screen, the S95D is also the brightest OLED we've ever tested. We measured a peak of 1,700 nits. High brightness levels like that are only needed for certain use cases, but it's still impressive. Though we think Sony's A95L still offers slightly better image performance overall, the S95D is easily one of the top high-end TVs you can buy. It's also got a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth PC gaming, and a premium design that uses a separate box for inputs rather than having them built into the back of the TV. 

Samsung still sells the 2023 version of this set, called the S95C, for much less money. But that model doesn't have the S95D's new matte screen. We think the S95C remains the better value for typical needs, but if you want a premium TV with anti-glare performance as a priority, this is the model to get.  

Read our Samsung S95D 4K TV review. 

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Best 8K display

If you want an 8K TV, 75 inches is the smallest size you should consider. This is because the benefits of 8K resolution are only noticeable when you sit close to an extra-large screen. When it comes to 75-inch 8K TVs, the Samsung QN900C is easily one of the best. 

The QN900Cs offers four times the total number of pixels that you'd get on a 4K TV. But even more impressive than its resolution is the display's excellent contrast and brightness capabilities. The TV has a Mini LED backlight with fantastic local dimming performance. This results in some of the best black levels we've ever seen outside an OLED TV and one of the brightest panels you can buy.

During our evaluation, we measured a peak of about 2,300 nits in Filmmaker Mode, which is the setting that offers the most accurate image. The QN900C's viewing angles are also much better than cheaper QLED TVs, so the image doesn't degrade as much when you sit off to the side of the screen.

However, as impressive as the QN900C is, we still don't think most people need an 8K TV. Even on a large screen like this, the perks of 8K are hard to notice unless you sit very close to the display. And virtually everything you'll watch on the TV will just be 4K, HD, or SD sources that get upscaled to 8K since native 8K content is virtually nonexistent.

Don't get us wrong, this is an incredible-looking TV, but its impressive picture quality mostly stems from its use of a Mini LED backlight and quantum dots rather than its resolution. Still, if you're dead set on jumping to 8K, the QN900C is a top choice, and it's one of the best Samsung TVs you can buy.

A new 2024 version of this display, the QN900D, is also now available. We tested the QN900D, too, and though it looks fantastic, it's not a big leap over its predecessor. Since the QN900C is less expensive, it remains our top 8K pick. 

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Best midrange set

The U7K is one of Hisense's midrange 4K QLED TVs. Like the cheaper U6K, it uses a Mini LED backlight with local dimming and quantum dots, but the U7K delivers an even brighter image and deeper black levels. It also makes the jump from a 60Hz panel to a 120Hz screen, which gives this set better gaming performance. 

During our review process, the U7K impressed us with its vibrant HDR images, and it offered noticeably better black-level performance than the U6K and other cheaper QLEDs. We didn't encounter any major blooming (when halos appear around bright objects) in dark scenes, but shadow detail wasn't as good as what we've seen on more expensive TVs. 

Like other similar QLEDs, viewing angles are lacking, so you'll want to sit toward the center of the screen to get the best performance. And though the U7K's Google TV interface has many apps, it's not the snappiest version of this OS we've used. Eagle-eyed viewers might also spot minor uniformity issues and occasional brightness fluctuations, but these flaws are minor compared to the TV's many strengths.

It's not perfect, but the U7K is one of the best 75-inch TVs for people who want upper-midrange performance without breaking the bank. It has a list price of about $1,200, but it's often sold for $900, which is a fantastic value.

In this price range, we also recommend the TCL Q7 QLED TV as an alternative when it's on sale. The Q7 has many of the same features as the U7K but uses regular-sized LEDs rather than Mini LEDs, which can lead to less control over contrast and brightness. 

Buyers should also note that Hisense has a new 2024 version of this TV, the U7N, that can get a bit brighter. However, it costs a lot more, so we think the U7K remains the better value.  

Read our Hisense U7K 4K TV review.

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Best for brightness

Shoppers who want a bright 75-inch 4K TV to deliver intense HDR performance should have the TCL QM8 on their list. This TV can hit over 2,000 nits, which puts it among the brightest displays on the market. And it's much more affordable than similarly bright QLED models from Samsung.

Like the Hisense U7K, this TCL display uses a Mini LED backlight with local dimming, quantum dots, and a fast 144Hz refresh for PC games. But this model has more dimming zones, which enables it to deliver even more precise control over its light output. When reviewing the TV, we were blown away by the display's deep black levels and vibrant colors. 

Though the QM8's contrast control still can't match an OLED, it gets remarkably close while offering a brighter image. This makes it an especially good choice for people who like to watch TV during the day since you can pump up the brightness to overcome ambient lighting and sunlight.

However, while the glossy screen's anti-reflective coating works well in most cases, it uses a filter that can cause a subtle rainbow effect when hit with light from certain angles. If that sounds like a problem for your setup, you might want to consider a different model on our list, like the Samsung S95D, which can nearly eliminate reflections without rainbow streaking. And though the QM8's viewing angles are a little better than those on cheaper QLED TVs, they're still not as good as what you get with an OLED.

Read our TCL QM8 4K TV review.

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How we test 75-inch TVs

We picked the best 75-inch TVs through a combination of hands-on reviews and research. We've been covering the home entertainment product industry for over 10 years and used that expertise to inform our testing parameters and requirements.

When reviewing displays, we usually focus on 65-inch options since that's the industry's flagship standard. However, overall performance typically stays the same across sizes 55 inches and up when evaluating a specific TV model. For example, a 77-inch Sony A95L OLED and a 65-inch A95L OLED have the same specifications. The only major difference is the panel's size. 

However, some QLED TVs with local dimming, like the TCL QM8, have more zones in larger screen sizes than smaller ones. This can cause slight differences in contrast performance when comparing a 75-inch model to a 65-inch one, but not enough to change our overall takeaway. In rare cases, some TVs have more dramatic differences in features and design across sizes. We consider those changes when recommending displays and note those instances when applicable.

When we test TVs, we evaluate picture clarity, color quality, contrast performance, peak HDR brightness, gaming features, navigation speed, off-axis viewing, and general value. To measure brightness, we use an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter in combination with test patterns on the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc. 

Test patterns are great for objective measurements, but watching real-world content is the only way to fully evaluate how a TV looks. We sample plenty of shows and movies to see how a display performs in both dark and bright environments. Part of our evaluation involves watching the same assortment of scenes on each TV we review to compare performance. Sequences are chosen to show off HDR highlights, shadow detail, black levels, upscaling, and motion. We also mix up the quality of our material to see how a TV handles 4K, 1080p, and standard definition (SD) programs from Blu-ray discs, streaming services, and cable TV.

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75-inch TV FAQs

Is 75 inches a good TV size?

75 inches is an excellent size for anyone who wants an extra-large TV to fill a big space or offer an especially immersive experience in a smaller room. Many of our picks for the best 4K TVs and best OLED TVs are sold in the 75- and 77-inch screen class, so you have plenty of options. 

But if you don't have the space for a 75-inch TV, check out our guides to the best 65-inch TVs, best 55-inch TVs, and best 50-inch TVs to see our top recommendations for smaller sizes.

And if you want something even bigger, check out our guide to the best 85-inch TVs.

How much should you spend on a 75-inch TV?

The best 75-inch TVs can range from around $600 to more than $3,000, depending on the performance class you choose. 

Budget-friendly 75-inch QLED TVs, like the Hisense U6K, are sometimes on sale for as low as $650, and if you're willing to sacrifice contrast and color performance, you can find some cheaper 75-inch TVs for as little as $500. Midrange QLED options with higher brightness typically sell for $800 to $1,300, while high-end models cost as much as $2,500.

If you want an OLED TV model (made in 77 inches rather than 75), you'll need to pay a bit more. The cheapest 77-inch OLED TVs start at around $1,800, while premium options cost as much as $5,000. 

Should you buy a soundbar for your 75-inch TV?

Even the best 75-inch TVs have mediocre built-in audio performance. Companies often build their displays with small speaker drivers to keep costs down and screens slim, and this can lead to a lack of bass and overall clarity. To get more dynamic and crisp sound quality, we recommend purchasing a separate soundbar or surround sound system, particularly one with Dolby Atmos support.

Check out our guides to the best soundbars, best budget soundbars, and best Dolby Atmos soundbars to see our top recommendations.

How far should you sit from a 75-inch 4K TV?

A large screen size of 75 inches enables you to sit farther away from your display while still getting an immersive experience. To start seeing the benefits of 4K resolution with an optimal field of view, the recommended distance is about one to 1.5 times the size of your TV. 

So, for a 75-inch 4K TV, you should aim to sit between 6.25 and 9.38 feet from your screen. 

However, for your eyes to be able to make out the full benefits of a 4K resolution image, you'd need to sit just 4.9 feet away from a 75-inch screen. Of course, most people don't sit that close to their displays, and you can still enjoy a 75-inch 4K TV from a greater distance.

• NOAA has forecasted a "severe" geomagnetic storm to hit Earth this Friday, triggering aurora borealis.
• This storm comes as we approach solar maximum: the peak of solar activity during the sun's 11-year cycle.
• That means that this year, we could see more storms like this one.

A cluster of giant sunspots called region 3664 has been shooting out powerful eruptions, called coronal mass ejections, over the last several days.

Right now, at least five of them are on a direct collision course with Earth, shooting through space at 560 miles per second. As a result, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a rare forecast for a "severe" G4 geomagnetic storm to hit Earth this Friday.

It's the first G4 forecast NOAA has issued since 2005. But severe geomagnetic storms like this could become more common in the coming months as we approach, what's called, solar maximum: the peak of solar activity during the sun's 11-year cycle.

"That means that there'll be a lot more sunspots, and the sunspots will be much larger," Alex Young, the associate director for science at NASA Goddard's Heliophysics Science Division, told Business Insider.

What is solar maximum?

Roughly 11 years, or so, the sun's magnetic field flips: its north and south poles swap places.

Over the course of this 11-year cycle, the sun's activity — which is governed by its magnetic field — fluctuates.

The last time the sun's poles flipped and the sun reached solar maximum was in 2013.

That means we're due for the next round of heightened solar activity. "We are just now reaching the peak," Young said.

During solar maximum, the sun develops more and larger sunspots, like the ones in region 3664, compared to quieter periods of solar activity.

"They come in little spurts," Young said. "And those spurts of sunspots will get closer and closer together, and the sunspots that appear will be typically larger, more complicated, and will produce more solar activity," which can generate severe geomagnetic storms.

What does this mean for Earth?

More and larger sunspots mean the sun is more prone to release powerful eruptions called coronal mass ejections, like the ones headed for Earth right now.

Severe geomagnetic storms like the one forecasted to hit this Friday are rare. But entering solar maximum means we could see more of them this year.

The good news is that we'll likely have more chances to see dazzling auroras in the Northern Hemisphere this year. The bad news is that these storms could mess with our satellites and the power grid.

We could experience more power outages, communication blackouts, and GPS disruptions.

In the event that a geomagnetic storm does trigger a power outage where you live, make sure to keep your refrigerator closed, unplug your appliances, and contact local officials about heating and cooling locations. To prepare for a GPS outage, make sure you have printed or written copies of directions to important locations like hospitals.

• Sam Altman teased that OpenAI plans to announce "new stuff" that "feels like magic" on Monday.
• OpenAI's CEO also shot down the idea that it would reveal GPT-5 or a search engine at the event.
• The startup may still release a ChatGPT search feature in the future, as reports have indicated. 

OpenAI is announcing new updates to ChatGPT and GPT-4 — and according to Sam Altman, they feel "like magic."

The OpenAI CEO posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday to tease about the "new stuff" being announced soon. While it's not a search engine or GPT-5, Altman said it's something "people will love."

OpenAI did not respond to a request for comment ahead of publication.

Altman may have shot down rumors that OpenAI would announce a search engine at the demo on Monday, but he didn't deny OpenAI was working on a search product.

Reports have recently been swirling about OpenAI taking aim at Google's search engine with its own web search product in the works. The search product might be powered by Microsoft's Bing, according to The Information.

The product would have the ability to search the web and provide sources in its results, a report from Bloomberg said. A version of the search feature would also use images, like a diagram or other relevant illustrations as a response to inquiries, according to the report.

OpenAI had reportedly even tried to poach some Googlers to help develop a search engine.

As far as GPT-5, OpenAI's much-hyped successor to its GPT-4 large language model, Business Insider has previously reported its release is expected this year, potentially around the summertime.

Those in the AI community may also be watching carefully on Monday to see if OpenAI reveals any additional information about Ilya Sutskever, the company's chief data scientist, who has become practically invisible at the company since the ousting and return of Sam Altman as CEO.

• A new wave of startups are trying to change the digital advertising industry.
• They're pitching new tech for cookieless ads, streaming TV, and influencer marketing.
• Here are 24 pitch decks that startups have used to attract investors.

After years of challenges securing funding, a new wave of advertising startups is raising millions.

These companies aim to solve the industry's big challenges, such as the death of third-party cookies, the shift from linear to streaming TV budgets, and helping advertisers run influencer marketing campaigns.

But unlike their predecessors, these new startups are significantly smaller and more focused than many of the early digital advertising companies that raised hundreds of millions of dollars, like MediaMath and Millennial Media.

Business Insider spoke with founders about how they convinced investors to buy into their companies.

For example, ID5 sells to brands and publishers an ID product that doesn't use third-party cookies. Companies like Vibe, Telly, and TVScientific aim to shake up how advertisers buy and measure TV ads. Other companies like FreshSound and Catch+Release are focused on helping marketers license media for use in their campaigns.

Here are 24 pitch decks that top execs and founders have used to sell investors on their companies.

• Aditude, advertising tech for publishers: $5 million
• Anzu, puts ads in video games: $48 million
• Adventr, an interactive video firm: $8 million
• Arcane, automates marketing for companies: $5 million
• Barometer, tracks brand safety for audio content: $2.5 million
• Big Happy, a mobile adtech company: $2.5 million
• Catch+Release, licenses creator content to brands: $8.8 million
• FreshSound, music licensing for commercials: $2.2 million
• Hashtag Pay Me, helps price creator content for brands: $200,000
• ID5, an adtech identity solution: $20 million
• Kevel, helps companies build advertising businesses: $23 million
• Lockr, sells identity management technology to marketers: $2.5 million
• Qortex, an AI targeting firm: $6 million
• Recess, an experiential marketing firm: $5 million
• Rembrand, places product placements in videos with AI: $8 million
• Simon Data, a data marketing tech firm: $54 million
• Sincera, an adtech firm that tracks metadata: $4.2 million
• Scope3, an adtech company focused on sustainability: $20 million
• SuperScale, helps video game developers monetize their content: $5.4 million
• Telly, an ad-supported smart TV: seed round
• TVScientific, helps measure performance marketing for TV ads: $9.4 million
• Vibe, an adtech firm for TV advertising: $22.5 million
• ViralMoment, makes AI video technology for brands: $2.5 million
• Zenapse, marketing tech firm: $8 million

• The West's sanctions against Russia triggered a "dramatic" inflation problem. 
• That's according to economist Jeff Rubin, who says the US is feeling the blowback of its economic war on Russia. 
•  

The US miscalculated when it imposed harsh sanctions on Russia, and not only has Vladimir Putin's economy weathered the impact, but the West is facing the negative effects of the economic restrictions it imposed. 

That's according to Jeff Rubin, an economist who thinks the West may have opened "Pandora's box of unintended consequences" by enforcing tight restrictions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The most obvious of those consequences is the resurrection of inflation, which had been long buried for more than four decades. Sanctions were the trigger for its dramatic revival," Rubin wrote in an op-ed for The Globe and Mail on Friday.

The US and other Western nations have introduced a host of sanctions targeting Russian goods, including bans on Russian energy flows and a $60 price cap on Russian oil traded using Western shipping and insurance firms.

Those measures have helped crimp Moscow's war revenue, but they've likely also resulted in higher prices for Western consumers, Rubin said. Food and energy prices have soared since the West imposed sanctions on Russia, he noted partly because Russia is one of the world's largest exporters of oil and grain.

Inflation could worsen if US trade with Russia's allies, like China, becomes impacted, Rubin said. US firms are at risk of shifting their operations to countries that are on more friendly terms with the US, but America's closest allies are countries where workers earn high wages, which can push prices up for consumers.

"That, in turn, has forced a crippling rise in interest rates, as central banks such as the Federal Reserve Board and the Bank of Canada were reluctantly forced to respond by raising their target interest rates from near zero to the 5-per-cent range," he added.

Rubin notes that Russia had quietly sanction-proofed much of its economy leading up to the invasion, while the BRICS bloc of nations expanded and became more intertwined. This helped insulate Russia against the measures, and rising economies in the global south helped Putin blunt the impact of sanctions. 

"That proved to be a fatal miscalculation. Whereas in the past the loss of Western markets – particularly for Russian energy exports, the lifeblood of Moscow's war machine – would have dealt a fatal blow to the Russian economy, that certainly is no longer the case."

Even the US dollar may end up worse off due to sanctions, Rubin said. Russia has been coordinating with its allies to shift away from using the US dollar for trade. Russia's trade with China, for instance, has nearly completely phased out the dollar, Russian officials said last year. 

"Sanctioning the ruble and confiscating a third of the Russian central bank's foreign reserves was supposed to cripple the Russian economy. Instead, it has cost the US dollar its five-decade status as the petrocurrency of the world and may soon cost it even more: its once unrivalled position as the sole reserve currency in the world," Rubin wrote.

• US bases and aircraft are extremely vulnerable to Chinese missiles, American lawmakers warned in a new letter.
• US Pacific bases lack sufficient passive defenses, including hardened aircraft shelters, to survive missile barrages.
• In a letter to the Navy and Air Force secretaries, officials demanded "immediate changes."

US bases and aircraft in the Pacific are facing intense threat from Chinese missiles, and the Pentagon isn't doing enough to counter that challenge, according to American lawmakers.

In a Wednesday letter to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, 13 members of Congress pointed out glaring vulnerabilities in the Pacific region and demanded "immediate changes."

"We are concerned about the alarming lack of urgency by the Department of Defense in adopting such defensive measures," these lawmakers, including the Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Rep. John Moolenaar, wrote, referring to the need for more passive defenses, such as hardened aircraft shelters and the dispersal of forces.

The letter paints a dire picture: China has a formidable, threatening missile force with surging numbers of ballistic missiles and launchers, significant reach, and an ability to potentially overwhelm US defenses in the Pacific.

"With its current strike capabilities," the lawmakers wrote, "China can attack all US bases in the region, targeting US service members from Okinawa to those on US territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands."

And the consequences of that are severe in a potential conflict, immobilizing air assets and impeding the ability of American forces and its allies to respond to a major war in the Pacific.

In the letter, lawmakers note that many of the US bases in the Pacific remain unhardened, leaving aircraft and assets vulnerable to missile strikes.

Military aircraft are exposed on airfields and in easily detectable and identifiable hangers, and while active defenses such as air- and missile-defense systems are deployable, the sheer amount of Chinese missiles capable of being fired means that bases also need to have passive defenses and sufficient capabilities to get the US back into the fight in the aftermath of a strike. These could be solutions ranging from hardened shelters and underground bunkers to rapid runway repair capabilities.

The lawmakers also wrote that "it is apparent that the Pentagon is not urgently pursuing needed passive defenses," referencing ongoing research by Tom Shugart, a former US Navy officer who is now an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security think tank, and Timothy A. Walton, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

The letter shared preliminary information from Shugart and Walton showed a "staggering" difference between the number of Chinese and US hardened aircraft shelters in the Pacific, noting China had built more than 400 compared to just 22 by the US. Notably, none of the US shelters were in Guam — home to Andersen Air Force Base which routinely hosts American bombers.

While none of these efforts would provide complete protection from China's missiles, they would be an upgrade, increasing survivability and thus forcing China to scale up its barrages.

China would have to invest more into a strike to achieve a similar outcome, perhaps demanding more from the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force than it is prepared to give.

Lawmakers noted that no base hardening projects in the Pacific were part of the fiscal year 2024 budget and also highlighted the unfunded projects in the region that "reflect a profound lack of seriousness in strengthening the US bases closest to China and thus most vulnerable to Chinese strikes."

The grave assessment comes as the US looks toward China as its "pacing challenge" and more defense officials and experts acknowledge a clear lack of readiness for potential conflict with Chinese forces.

Last fall, the Pentagon's report on China's military documented a significant build-up across its branches, particularly in its Rocket Force. All of China's missiles able to target US forces across the Pacific region increased in number from 2021 to 2022, with some stockpiles even doubling.

While the US is adapting to the threat as it prepares for potential great-power conflict with China, former and current military leaders as well as experts and analysts have told Business Insider there's more work to be done, especially when it comes to defending against China's missiles.

• The Biden administration is set to raise tariffs on China EVs from 25% to roughly 100%.
• Wedbush's Dan Ives told Bloomberg on Friday that China is very likely to retaliate against the move. 
• Ives said rising competition from cheap Chinese EVs would pose risks to the US domestic EV market.

China is likely to retaliate against the move by President Joe Biden's administration to impose new tariffs on electric vehicles from China, says Wedbush's analyst Dan Ives. 

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that the White House is set to increase tariffs on China EVs from about 25% to roughly 100%, alongside an extra 2.5% duty on all imported cars into the US. The tariffs will also hit other sectors, including solar goods and minerals, according to the Journal. 

"Retaliatory definitely could happen. This Game of Thrones continues to play out," Ives said in an interview with Bloomberg on Friday, noting that the added competition from cheap EVs hitting the US market would be tough for Tesla to deal with. 

China's major EV producer, BYD, has avoided the US market due to the trade barriers, but its ambition of selling its cars in the US are growing. 

"When you look at BYD, when you look at Nio and others that come to the US, it's a major competitive issue," he said. Ives emphasized, too that it wouldn't just be Tesla in the crosshairs of new competition. Legacy automakers would also take a hit given their large bets on EVs, so the tariffs would protect the Detroit car companies as well as Tesla. 

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Every Apple Watch is an extension of your iPhone that delivers notifications, takes or makes calls, sends messages, and shows you a variety of information depending on the widgets you choose. Each model, however, comes with (or without) various features, and their price tags reflect that fact. The best Apple Watch for you will fit your needs, whether it's health monitoring tools or an always-on display.

Our pick as the best Apple Watch for the vast majority of people is the Apple Watch Series 9. It features an always-on display, a fast processor, enhanced screen brightness, and a handy new single-handed gesture that improves accessibility. The second-generation Apple Watch SE is a more affordable and basic version of the Series 9 that doesn't include an always-on display or an ECG sensor. It's still a fantastic smartwatch for the price that comes with everything most people would ever need. 

Our top picks for the best Apple Watch

Best overall: Apple Watch Series 9 – See at Amazon

Best budget: Apple Watch SE (2022) – See at Amazon

Best for fitness and outdoors: Apple Watch Ultra 2 – See at Amazon

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Best overall

The Apple Watch Series 9 is our pick as the best wearable in Apple's lineup. No other wearable offers the same premium combination of smartwatch functionality, fitness and health tracking capability, and overall value as the Series 9.

Although the Series 9 isn't a massive leap over the previous generation Series 8, it did introduce a few new features, like a faster new processor, on-device Siri access, SmartStack functionality, and a brighter display. Other additions include updated hiking and cycling feedback, more mental health tools, and a new ultra-wideband chip that greatly improves location accuracy.

While those upgrades are useful, my favorite new feature is the double tap gesture, which allows you to interact with the watch by double-tapping your thumb and index finger. Doing this controls an app's primary button, so you can answer or hang up a phone call, start or stop a timer, or snap a photo while in the camera.

The brighter screen is also a nice new touch, allowing for (even) better visibility in bright conditions, even if it wasn't much of a problem in the last few generations. The screen can also dim to one nit, which is especially useful in a movie theater or wherever darkness is key, like putting a baby in a crib (speaking from personal experience).

Another feature I found highly useful was the new Smart Stack display, which is essentially a customizable group of widgets accessible on the watch's home screen. These can include a glance at the weather, whatever calendar events you might have for the day, or even a snippet of the news.

Overall, the Series 9 is a powerful smartwatch. There are many differences when comparing the Series 9 vs. the Ultra 2, but the new Double Tap Gesture, brighter screen, Smart Stack display, and improved health and fitness tracking tools make the Series 9 noticeably more capable than the Series 8. These features make it the best Apple Watch you can buy. However, note that the blood-oxygen measuring feature on the Apple Watch Series 9 is currently disabled due to a patent dispute.  

Read our full Apple Watch Series 9 review.

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Best budget

The second-generation Apple Watch SE is surprisingly affordable for such a feature-packed smartwatch and is, by far, the best Apple Watch for those on a budget. It's nearly, if not just as capable as the Series 9 and Ultra 2 for tracking fitness, sleep, checking notifications, taking calls, and ensuring you're OK with health and safety features like Crash Detection, Fall Detection, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and more.

The Apple Watch SE is notably missing an always-on display, which can be the biggest deciding factor whether you go for the SE or the Series 9 (or the Ultra 2). Compared to the Series 9, the SE doesn't feature an electrocardiogram sensor for ECG readings or skin-temperature sensors for advanced period tracking and additional sleep tracking measurements. 

For first-time buyers, the SE will make you wonder how you ever lived without one. It's incredibly convenient to get notifications, send texts, make calls, and customize the Apple Watch face with all the widgets and information you find useful — and it does all this without you needing to pull out your phone.

At least, opting for the SE lets you get a better idea of the Apple Watch's baseline features starting at $249. From there, you can consider if features like always-on display and the latest health sensors are worth the upgrade. If not, then the second-gen SE is your best option.

Read our full Apple Watch SE (2022) review.

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Best for fitness and outdoors

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 doesn't represent a drastic improvement over its predecessor, but it did usher in a few new features designed specifically for the outdoor user. These include the brightest screen of any Apple Watch, which allows for improved visibility in bright light conditions, an upgraded altitude range, and new water sports features for scuba diving and freediving.

The Ultra 2 also shares some new features that debuted on the Series 9, such as the new double tap gesture, the new S9 processor, and on-device Siri access. The double tap gesture, specifically, improves the wearable's accessibility. With this feature active, users can simply double-tap their thumb and index finger to interact with the watch, be it to start or stop an alarm or pick up or end a phone call, among others.

Much of the rest of the Ultra 2 is rolled over from the original model, including its overall design, which features a corrosion-resistant titanium casing and a 49mm screen. 

Battery life is a major highlight of the Ultra 2, as it can last upwards of three days on a single charge, which is roughly double what we've gotten out of the Series 9. The exact amount of battery life depends on how often the GPS is used, and whether the Always-On display is on, but the difference in the frequency of charging the Ultra 2 compared to the Series 9 is apparent.

Arguably, the Ultra line's best feature, the unique Action Button, returns and functions the same on the Ultra 2 as on the previous model. It is still capable of starting and stopping workouts or being programmed to sync with various shortcuts.

The sum of these parts may not be enough to sway the casual user into spending $800 on the watch, but it remains a highly worthwhile tool for avid outdoor enthusiasts and serious athletes. (Note that the blood-oxygen measuring feature on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is currently unavailable due to a patent dispute.)  

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review.

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Avoid these Apple Watch models

Even though it's possible to find refurbished versions of the hugely popular Apple Watch Series 3 for around $100, we wouldn't recommend it, namely because it's discontinued and no longer supports the latest versions of WatchOS. It should go without saying that we don't recommend the Series 1 or 2 either.

If you can find Series 5 or 6 refurbished for between $100 and $150, they include an always-on display, a major advantage over the Series 4 and even the current SE. Plus, they'll have more life in terms of support and performance than the Series 4. 

Still, buying an older refurbished Apple Watch could be more of a hassle than it's worth. Older models have shorter support windows than newer and current models, which means you'd have to buy another Apple Watch sooner than you might want to —  if you want to keep up with security and watchOS updates.

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What to look for in an Apple Watch

There are many reasons to buy one of the best Apple Watches; understanding them can help you know what to look for. Each Apple Watch is also among the best fitness trackers you can buy and offers unique health monitoring tools that can positively impact your wellness.

For health and fitness tracking, you'll want to review which model offers what sensors. The latest Apple Watch models include a heart rate monitor, the newest gyroscope, and a high-g accelerometer that powers Apple's Crash Detection feature.

For day-to-day tasks, you'll more or less get the same experience thanks to each watch supporting the latest WatchOS software. But if you want an always-on display, which we think could make or break a decision, you should consider the Series 9 as your best Apple Watch. Likewise, if you want the biggest screen and the best battery life, there's the Ultra 2.

After that, it's deciding whether you want the smaller or larger models of a specific Apple Watch series. It's mostly down to personal preference and your comfort levels, and it makes no difference to battery life. Larger screens make it easier to read and control with on-screen items, but smaller models are still large enough to offer a good experience.

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How we test Apple Watches

We can assess the best Apple Watch in a relatively short time thanks to our extensive personal experience with the wearables, as we've reviewed them professionally through the generations.

The best way to test these wearables is to wear and use them daily with an iPhone as if they were our own for at least a week, often longer. We focus on ease of use, performance, usefulness, features and sensors, battery life, and how their price relates to the overall experience.

During testing, we assess all these aspects during various activities, like a workout, running errands, lounging, sleeping, and traveling (when possible). We actively test notifications, calls, messages, settings and options, and customization, and we note where an Apple Watch excels or lacks.

We don't perform tests that could damage our review unit or ourselves (Crash Detection). At the same time, we don't take special care of our Apple Watch review units and subject them to typical wear and tear from normal usage.

We also look at how the new models compare to older models and lay out the benefits of upgrading from various older models. Looking at the specific model changes and upgrades year-over-year helps us choose the overall best models.

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The best Apple Watch bands to buy

One of the Apple Watch's best features is its ability to use different watch straps and band types. This versatility allows you to swap on the best Apple Watch bands suited to a specific activity or event, such as a sports band for working out or a metal band for wearing to work.

For more style inspiration, check out our other band guides:

• The best Apple Watch Series 9 bands
• The best metal Apple Watch bands
• The best leather Apple Watch bands
• The best designer Apple Watch bands
• The best Apple Watch Ultra bands
• The best Apple Watch Ultra 2 bands
• The best Apple Watch bands for working out

Be sure to pick up one of the best Apple Watch screen protectors, too.

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FAQs

What is the difference between GPS and GPS + Cellular models?

A GPS-only model lets you carry out tasks like receiving text messages, answering phone calls, and receiving notifications when it's connected and close to your iPhone via Bluetooth or WiFi. GPS-only models are cheaper than cellular models.

A GPS + Cellular model offers increased connectivity with the addition of built-in cellular. That means you can receive text messages, answer calls, and stream music — even if you don't have your iPhone with you. You just need to add the watch to your current carrier plan. Most carriers charge $10 a month for a watch-compatible cellular plan.

Does the Apple Watch use data?

Only the GPS + Cellular models with a separate data plan use data from your carrier if you don't have your iPhone nearby. Otherwise, Apple Watches are simply extensions of your iPhone and don't use more data than you would on your iPhone if it's nearby.

Do Apple Watches work with Android?

The short answer is no. An Apple Watch will not pair seamlessly with an Android phone. Even if you get a GPS + Cellular model that doesn't rely on an iPhone connection, an iPhone is required for setup. You also need an iPhone to download apps onto it.

While the Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches, Android users should instead consider purchasing one of the best Android smartwatches to use something that's 100% compatible with their phone.

Is the Apple Watch waterproof?

No Apple Watch is "waterproof," but they are water resistant, which means they can sustain splashes and submersion down to a certain depth. The SE and Series 9 can go down as far as 50 meters, or around 164 feet. The Ultra 2 supports depths of 100 meters, or 328 feet, and 40 meters (131 feet) for recreational dives.

What is the best Apple Watch for kids?

If you want a way for your kid to stay connected without giving them a smartphone, an Apple Watch could be your answer. For kids, we recommend the second-generation Apple Watch SE in the 40mm, GPS + Cellular model. You can use Family Setup, which allows you to choose what apps and services your kids can access and who they can call or send messages to.

Is the Series 8 outdated with the release of the Series 9? 

No, not at all. Although Apple doesn't sell the Series 8 anymore, that doesn't mean it's no longer supported. The Series 8 is compatible with the new operating system, WatchOS 10, which debuted alongside the Series 9 and Ultra 2, which means that many of the software features debuted on the latest models will also be available on the Series 8 once it upgrades to WatchOS 10. 

How often should I upgrade my Apple Watch? 

The decision to upgrade to a newer Apple Watch depends on several factors. First, is there a new feature native to one of the newer models you'd like to use? For instance, the new Double Tap Gesture released on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 can only be used on those models. 

You may also consider upgrading if your watch isn't compatible with the latest operating system. Regarding the new WatchOS 10, any Series 4 or newer model is compatible. 

Another reason you may want to upgrade is if you'd like to move from the Series line to the Ultra line. In this scenario, even Series 9 users may consider upgrading to the Ultra 2 to take advantage of its unique features, like its longer battery life, the useful Action Button, and the bigger design.