We're a team of home entertainment enthusiasts on a mission to help every Australian household find their perfect Smart TV.
SmartTV.au was founded in 2020 by a group of friends who shared a common frustration: buying a television in Australia shouldn't be so complicated. With dozens of brands, countless technical specifications, and confusing marketing jargon, we found ourselves spending weeks researching before making a purchase. We knew there had to be a better way.
What started as a simple blog sharing our TV testing experiences has grown into Australia's most trusted Smart TV resource. Today, our team has tested over 50 television models across every major brand available in Australia, from budget-friendly Hisense sets to premium LG OLED panels. We've calibrated countless displays, measured input lag for gaming enthusiasts, and evaluated smart platforms in real Australian homes with local streaming services like Stan, Kayo, and Binge.
Our approach is different from typical review sites. We don't just run benchmarks in a laboratory setting and call it a day. We live with these TVs. We watch the AFL grand final on them. We binge entire seasons of Australian dramas. We game on them with our PS5 consoles. We experience the frustration of slow app loading times and the joy of stunning 4K HDR content. This hands-on, real-world testing philosophy means our recommendations reflect how a TV actually performs in your home, not just on a spec sheet.
We believe everyone deserves access to honest, unbiased information when making a significant purchase like a Smart TV. Our mission is to cut through the marketing noise and provide clear, practical advice that helps Australians choose the right television for their specific needs and budget. Whether you're setting up a dedicated home theatre, looking for a bedroom TV, or need something that handles both Netflix binges and PS5 gaming sessions, we're here to guide you.
Every article we publish, every comparison we create, and every recommendation we make is informed by our direct experience with these products. We explain complex topics like OLED burn-in, HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, HDR tone mapping, and local dimming zones in plain language that anyone can understand. Because at the end of the day, you shouldn't need a degree in electrical engineering to buy a television.
Our team brings together diverse expertise in home entertainment, technology journalism, and consumer advocacy. We're based across Australia, testing TVs in different lighting conditions and room sizes to ensure our recommendations work for households nationwide.
Founder & Lead Reviewer
Former AV installer with 12 years of experience in home theatre setup and calibration. Marcus has personally calibrated over 200 televisions for Australian homes.
Technical Editor
Electronics engineer turned tech journalist. Sarah breaks down complex display technologies into understandable explanations for everyday consumers.
Gaming Specialist
Competitive gamer and input lag expert. James tests every TV for gaming performance, from response times to VRR compatibility with PS5 and Xbox.
Every TV we review undergoes a rigorous testing process that typically spans two to four weeks. We evaluate picture quality across multiple content types including SDR, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and gaming content. We measure brightness levels, contrast ratios, colour accuracy, and viewing angles. For gaming, we test input lag, VRR performance, and compatibility with current-generation consoles. We also assess the smart platform's responsiveness, app availability, and integration with Australian streaming services.
Importantly, we test TVs at various price points fairly. A $799 Hisense isn't expected to match a $3,999 Sony—we evaluate each television against others in its category and price range. Our goal is to help you find the best TV for your specific budget, not just identify the most expensive option.
SmartTV.au maintains complete editorial independence. While we do earn affiliate commissions when you purchase through our links (at no extra cost to you), this never influences our recommendations. We've recommended budget-friendly options over premium alternatives when they offer better value. We've criticised products from brands that advertise with us. Our reputation depends on honest, trustworthy advice—and we take that responsibility seriously.