You know that feeling when you’re standing in the electronics aisle, squinting at a price tag that’s way too good to be true? That’s what happened to me the first time I stumbled across a Kogan TV. The brand name rang a faint bell, like hearing a song from high school you can’t quite place. Aussie-owned? Online exclusive? My curiosity kicked into high gear, and I dove headfirst into the rabbit hole of “Who makes these things, and are they even worth it?”
Who Manufactures Kogan TVs and Are They Good?
Kogan TVs are manufactured by Chinese OEM companies like Hisense, TCL, and Haier, then branded and sold by Australian-based Kogan.com. They’re generally considered good for the price, offering decent specs and performance at a budget-friendly rate, though not without compromises.
Who owns the Kogan brand, and where is it based?
Here’s the funny thing—Kogan sounds like a slick European tech giant, but it’s actually as homegrown as Vegemite. The company was founded by Ruslan Kogan, a Melbourne entrepreneur with a flair for shaking up Australia’s retail scene. Back in 2006, he started selling TVs out of his parents’ garage. Fast forward to today, and Kogan.com is one of Australia’s biggest online retailers.
Kogan is owned and operated by Kogan.com Limited, an Australian company headquartered in Melbourne. It’s listed on the ASX and operates primarily through e-commerce, skipping the brick-and-mortar route to keep prices low and competitive.
Who actually manufactures Kogan TVs?
Alright, here’s the juicy bit. While Kogan.com is Australian through and through, their TVs are not made in some secret lab in the Outback. Instead, they source them from overseas manufacturers—the same ones that supply parts or full units to big-name brands.
To be blunt: Kogan TVs are manufactured by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in China, including well-known companies like Hisense, Haier, and TCL. These manufacturers often make similar products for multiple brands, with tweaks in firmware, design, and branding.
Think of it this way: it’s like buying a generic cereal that tastes suspiciously like Froot Loops. The contents might be similar, but the box (and the price) look different.
Are Kogan TVs reliable and long-lasting?
Now, this is where it gets a bit murky. Reliability is like buying a second-hand car—you might get lucky, or you might end up on the side of the road wondering why you didn’t just fork out a bit more.
Some people have owned their Kogan TVs for years without a hiccup, while others have stories that sound like tech horror flicks. A friend of mine had her Kogan TV for 5 years before it died, and she swore it outlasted a pricier brand she owned before. Meanwhile, another mate had one that fizzled out right after the warranty ended.
So, what’s the takeaway?
Kogan TVs are generally reliable for casual use, especially at their price point, but they may not match the durability or quality control of premium brands.
How do Kogan TVs compare to Samsung, LG, or Sony?
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Kogan TVs are not in the same league as Samsung, LG, or Sony when it comes to cutting-edge picture quality, design finesse, or software integration. But hey, they’re not trying to be.
If you’re a die-hard movie buff or a gamer chasing buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rates and pixel-perfect OLED blacks, you’ll want to steer toward the big dogs.
But if you’re like my aunt Cheryl who just wants to binge Home and Away without burning a hole in her pocket? Kogan TVs get the job done.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Kogan | Samsung | LG | Sony |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ★★★★☆ (Budget) | ★☆☆☆☆ (Expensive) | ★★☆☆☆ (Mid-High) | ★★☆☆☆ (Mid-High) |
| Picture Quality | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Smart Features | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Best For | Budget buyers | Premium seekers | Smart TV lovers | Film/Gaming fans |
What features do Kogan TVs offer?
Here’s where Kogan gets cheeky—they often pack in just enough tech to make you raise an eyebrow and think, “Wait, this only costs how much?”
Most Kogan TVs today come with:
- Full HD or 4K resolution
- Smart TV capabilities (usually Android-based)
- HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity
- Compatibility with streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube
That said, don’t expect Dolby Vision, deep blacks, or voice control that doesn’t make you want to scream. For casual streaming and day-to-day viewing, Kogan TVs offer impressive features for the price.
I once set one up for my cousin’s rental unit, and we had it up and streaming Bluey in under ten minutes. Easy-peasy.
Are Kogan TVs good for gaming?
Here’s the rub—gamers are picky, and rightly so. If you’re playing Call of Duty or Fortnite, you don’t want laggy input or blurry motion ruining your killstreak.
So, let me be real:
Kogan TVs are okay for casual gaming, but serious gamers will notice input lag, lower refresh rates, and lack of advanced display tech.
If your gaming habits lean more toward Mario Kart with the kids than competitive esports, you’ll be fine. But if you’ve got a PS5 or Xbox Series X and want all the bells and whistles? You might feel a bit let down.
What do customer reviews say about Kogan TVs?
It’s a mixed bag, to be honest. Scroll through Kogan’s site or ProductReview.com.au and you’ll see glowing five-star reviews right next to some pretty salty one-star takes.
Some highlights:
“Amazing value for money. Easy setup and great picture for Netflix.” –Affan
“The screen just went black after 18 months, and support was slow.” – Mazhar
That tells you two things:
- Expect to get what you pay for.
- Customer service might be a bit of a roll of the dice.
The positive reviews usually come from people who knew what they were buying—a budget-friendly telly, not a cinema-grade screen. The negatives tend to come from folks whose expectations didn’t quite match reality.
Can you return or get support for Kogan TVs?
Ah yes, the dreaded post-purchase panic. Fortunately, Kogan does offer warranties and returns, but the process can sometimes feel like jumping through hoops.
Kogan TVs come with a standard 1-year warranty, and you can buy extended protection plans if you’re extra cautious (or just paranoid like me). If something goes wrong, you’ll typically deal with customer support online, not through a local store.
Pro tip: Keep your receipts and take photos of the issue. It speeds up the return process a lot.
Should you buy a Kogan TV in 2025?
Let me say this straight: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly TV with decent performance for everyday use, then yes, Kogan TVs are worth considering in 2025.
You’re not getting luxury, but you are getting value.
I’ve recommended them to folks setting up first apartments, rentals, or spare rooms. And for those situations? They’re hard to beat. But if you want perfection, maybe save up a bit more.
FAQs
Is Kogan an Australian company?
Yes, Kogan.com is a proudly Australian company founded in Melbourne by Ruslan Kogan.
Do Kogan TVs have Netflix?
Yes, most newer Kogan Smart TVs support Netflix and other streaming apps.
Are Kogan TVs Smart TVs?
Many Kogan TVs are Smart TVs with Android or custom OS platforms for streaming and apps.
Do Kogan TVs support 4K?
Yes, many models support 4K resolution, especially in the mid to large size range.
Can you use Kogan TVs with gaming consoles?
Yes, but casual gaming is better suited. Competitive players may prefer higher-end TVs.
Where can I buy Kogan TVs?
Exclusively online through Kogan.com or associated marketplaces like eBay.
Conclusion
Buying a Kogan TV is a bit like ordering a meal from your local pub—you’re not expecting gourmet cuisine, but if it fills you up and doesn’t break the bank, you walk away happy. They might not dazzle videophiles or make your mates jealous at the next footy night, but they do punch well above their weight in affordability.
And in a world where every dollar counts—especially in Aussie households juggling mortgages, school fees, and the occasional meat pie—it’s refreshing to have an option that’s good enough without bleeding your wallet dry.
So, are Kogan TVs good? Yeah, for the price, they’re more than alright.