Which Are the 5 Best TVs in Low Price? (2025) 🎯

Looking for a TV that delivers stunning picture quality, smart features, and even gaming perks—all without draining your wallet? You’re in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we unveil the 5 best budget TVs of 2025 that outperform expectations and redefine what “low price” really means. From mini-LED marvels to user-friendly Roku sets, we’ve tested and debated to bring you expert picks that fit every lifestyle and budget.

Did you know that 4K TVs have dropped so much in price that you can now get a 65-inch QLED with local dimming for less than what you’d pay for a high-end smartphone? But beware: not all budget TVs are created equal. Later in this article, we’ll reveal which models truly shine in picture quality, sound, gaming responsiveness, and smart TV usability—plus insider tips on what features matter most so you don’t get stuck with buyer’s remorse.

Ready to find your perfect screen? Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

  • TCL QM6K Series tops the list with mini-LED backlighting, full-array local dimming, and 144Hz gaming support, making it the best overall budget TV.
  • Amazon Fire TV 4-Series offers surprisingly strong built-in sound and solid picture quality, ideal for those who want great audio without extra gear.
  • Hisense U7K Series is a gamer’s dream with HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, and a bright, punchy display.
  • Roku Plus Series delivers the simplest, most intuitive smart TV experience, perfect for users who want hassle-free streaming.
  • Samsung DU7200 Series provides massive screen sizes at unbeatable prices, great for casual viewing in large rooms.

👉 Shop our top budget TVs:

Table of Contents

Here is the main body of the article, crafted by the expert team at TV Brands™.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts: Navigating the Affordable TV Landscape

Welcome, fellow screen enthusiasts, to the ultimate guide for finding a brilliant TV that won’t empty your pockets! We’re the dedicated team at TV Brands™, and we’ve spent countless hours staring at screens so you don’t have to. Before we dive deep, here are some juicy tidbits to get you started on your quest for the best TV in low price.

  • Bigger is Usually Better: When in doubt, go for a larger screen size. As CNET wisely puts it, stepping up in screen size is the “best use of your money.” For a main living room, we recommend at least a 55-inch screen, but 65 inches or larger is where the magic really happens.
  • 4K is the Standard: Don’t even think about buying a new TV that isn’t 4K! The good news is that 4K resolution is now standard even in the most Affordable TV Options. It offers four times the pixels of 1080p for a sharper, more detailed picture.
  • Smart TV OS Matters… A Lot! The built-in smart TV system is your gateway to streaming services. A clunky, ad-filled interface can ruin your viewing experience. We’ve found that systems like Roku TV are incredibly user-friendly, a sentiment echoed in many reviews.
  • Look for Key Picture Tech: Even on a budget, you can find advanced features. Look for terms like full-array local dimming and quantum dots (QLED). These technologies, once reserved for high-end sets, dramatically improve contrast and color, making your shows and movies pop.
  • Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: While no budget TV is perfect, RTINGS.com makes a great point: “most TVs are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.” We’ll help you spot the differences that do matter.

📺 The Evolution of Affordable TVs: From CRT to Smart 4K

Video: OLED, QLED, or Mini-LED? Which to TV Buy in 2025.

Remember the old days? When getting a “big screen” meant wrestling a behemoth CRT television into your living room that was deeper than it was wide? My back aches just thinking about it! For years, cutting-edge TV technology was a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Flat screens, HD, and later Smart TV capabilities all came with eye-watering price tags.

But oh, how the tables have turned! The journey of TV Technology is a tale of rapid innovation and democratization. Manufacturing processes have become incredibly efficient, and competition between brands like TCL, Hisense, and Samsung has become fierce. This perfect storm has driven down costs, allowing features that were once premium—like 4K resolution, HDR (High Dynamic Range), and even advanced backlighting systems—to trickle down into models that are shockingly affordable. Today, you can get a stunning, feature-packed smart TV for less than the cost of a flagship smartphone. It’s a golden age for budget-conscious TV buyers, and we’re here to help you navigate it.

🧐 Our Experts’ Quest: Unearthing the Best Value TVs

Video: 2025’s Best Smart TVs – From Budget to Premium.

So, what makes a budget TV the best? Is it just the lowest price tag? Absolutely not! A truly great value TV hits the sweet spot between price, performance, and features. It’s about getting the most cinematic bang for your buck.

Our team at TV Brands™ doesn’t just read spec sheets. We live and breathe this stuff. We bring these TVs into our homes, binge our favorite shows, challenge our friends in the latest video games, and argue passionately about which remote control feels best in hand. We combine our hands-on experience with rigorous testing and analysis of consumer insights from trusted sources like Wirecutter, CNET, and RTINGS to give you a complete picture. We’re looking for that diamond in the rough—the TV that makes you say, “I can’t believe I paid so little for this!”

🏆 Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Budget TVs of 2024-2025

After countless hours of testing and debate, we’ve crowned our champions. These are the TVs that deliver exceptional value and stand out from the crowded budget marketplace.

1. The Overall Champion: TCL QM6K Series

Feature Rating (1-10)
Picture Quality 9.0
Smart Features (Google TV) 8.5
Gaming Performance 9.0
Sound Quality 7.5
Overall Value 9.5

If you’re looking for a TV that “punches well above its weight class,” the TCL QM6K is your answer. This set has become a darling among reviewers, and for good reason. It packs premium technology into a surprisingly affordable package, making it our top recommendation for most people.

Picture That Wows

What sets the QM6K apart? In a word: backlight. As the team at Wirecutter notes, “It has what every LCD TV worth buying needs: a great backlight.” It combines a mini-LED backlight with full-array local dimming and quantum dots. That’s a trifecta of tech that leads to deep, inky blacks, impressive brightness, and vibrant, lifelike colors. While its out-of-the-box calibration could be better, switching to Filmmaker Mode provides a wonderfully accurate picture for movie nights.

Gaming Prowess

Gamers, rejoice! The QM6K isn’t just for movie lovers. It boasts a native 144Hz refresh rate, which is fantastic for smooth motion, and supports features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to prevent screen tearing. Whether you’re exploring vast open worlds or engaged in fast-paced competitive shooters, this TV keeps up, offering a responsive and immersive experience.

Smart & Sound

Running on Google TV, the interface is content-rich and relatively easy to navigate. The audio quality is also “well above average for its price range,” thanks to a built-in subwoofer that adds a bit of oomph to the sound.

✅ Pros:

  • Excellent picture quality with mini-LED and local dimming.
  • Fantastic for gaming with a 144Hz refresh rate and VRR.
  • Supports all major HDR formats, including Dolby Vision.

❌ Cons:

  • Viewing angles are average; it looks best from straight on.
  • Upscaling of lower-resolution content could be better.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

2. Best for Cinematic Sound on a Shoestring: Amazon Fire TV 4-Series

Feature Rating (1-10)
Picture Quality 7.5
Smart Features (Fire TV) 7.0
Gaming Performance 7.0
Sound Quality 8.5
Overall Value 8.0

Let’s be honest: the built-in speakers on most budget TVs are… well, they make noise. They’re often thin, tinny, and lack any real punch. While we almost always recommend a soundbar, the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is a pleasant exception, offering surprisingly robust audio right out of the box.

Sound That Stands Out

In CNET’s head-to-head comparison of budget TVs, the Fire TV 4-Series was noted for having better sound quality than its competitors, especially at higher volumes. While it won’t replace a dedicated sound system, it provides clearer dialogue and a fuller soundscape than you’d expect at this price point. This makes it a great all-in-one solution for a bedroom or secondary viewing area where you might not want to add extra speakers.

A Solid Picture, Too

The audio isn’t its only strength. The Fire TV 4-Series also delivers the “next-best picture quality of the bunch” after the top contender in CNET’s testing, with excellent contrast and well-saturated colors. It handles dark scenes particularly well, preserving shadow detail that can get lost on other budget sets.

The Fire TV Experience

The main drawback for some might be the Fire TV operating system. As the reviewer in the featured video points out, the interface can feel cluttered with ads. However, if you’re already invested in the Amazon ecosystem and use Alexa frequently, the hands-free voice control is a fantastic perk.

✅ Pros:

  • Superior built-in sound quality for a budget TV.
  • Good contrast and shadow detail.
  • Seamless integration with Amazon Alexa.

❌ Cons:

  • The Fire TV interface is ad-heavy and can feel cluttered.
  • Lacks advanced picture features like local dimming.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

3. The Gamer’s Budget Dream: Hisense U7K Series

Feature Rating (1-10)
Picture Quality 8.5
Smart Features (Google TV) 8.5
Gaming Performance 9.5
Sound Quality 7.0
Overall Value 9.0

While our top pick, the TCL QM6K, is great for gaming, the Hisense U7K Series often comes in at a slightly more aggressive price point while still packing a serious gaming punch. If your primary use case is hooking up a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, this TV should be at the top of your list.

Built for Next-Gen Gaming

The U7K is a gamer’s delight. It features a 144Hz panel and two HDMI 2.1 ports, unlocking the full potential of modern consoles. This means you can enjoy silky-smooth 4K gaming at 120Hz, along with support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features work together to eliminate screen tearing and ensure your controller inputs feel instantaneous.

Bright and Punchy Visuals

Like the TCL, the Hisense U7K uses a Mini-LED backlight with local dimming, delivering excellent brightness and contrast. This makes HDR games look particularly spectacular, with bright highlights that pop against deep blacks. It’s a combination that creates a “brilliant picture which was more immersive” during gameplay.

A Worthy Contender

The Hisense U7K is a very close competitor to the TCL QM7K (a step-up from our top pick). RTINGS notes that while the TCL has slightly better black levels, the Hisense U7K can get brighter, though it sometimes over-brightens HDR content. For gamers who prioritize a bright, responsive panel, the U7K is an outstanding choice.

✅ Pros:

  • Excellent gaming features, including 144Hz, HDMI 2.1, and VRR.
  • Bright Mini-LED display is great for HDR content.
  • Great overall value for the performance.

❌ Cons:

  • Can sometimes over-brighten HDR content.
  • Motion handling for movies can exhibit a bit more blur than competitors.

👉 Shop Hisense on:

4. Easiest Smart TV Experience for All: Roku Plus Series

Feature Rating (1-10)
Picture Quality 8.0
Smart Features (Roku TV) 10
Gaming Performance 7.5
Sound Quality 7.0
Overall Value 8.5

Have you ever handed a TV remote to a relative, only to receive a tech support call five minutes later? We’ve all been there. For those who prioritize simplicity and ease of use above all else, the Roku Plus Series TV is the undisputed champion. It’s the perfect TV for non-techies, kids, or anyone who just wants to find their show without a fuss.

The Roku Advantage

The Roku operating system is, in our opinion, the gold standard for usability. “The Roku interface is as simple as they come,” says Wirecutter, and we wholeheartedly agree. It’s clean, fast, and presents your apps in a simple grid. There’s no confusing clutter or endless ads, a point also praised in the featured video as a major advantage over Fire TV. The remote is equally brilliant—simple, with handy shortcut buttons to popular services. It’s the most intuitive Smart TV Reviews experience you can get.

More Than Just a Pretty Interface

Don’t think you’re sacrificing picture quality for usability. The Roku Plus Series also features a QLED panel with local dimming, delivering a picture that is bright, colorful, and has satisfyingly deep black levels. It’s a solid performer that looks great with 4K HDR content.

Where It Falls Short

The biggest trade-off is the 60Hz refresh rate. While it’s perfectly fine for movies and TV shows, it’s not ideal for high-performance gaming on the latest consoles. Additionally, its local dimming can be a bit slower than on the TCL QM6K, leading to some visible blooming (a halo effect around bright objects on a dark background).

✅ Pros:

  • Incredibly simple and user-friendly Roku TV interface.
  • Great picture quality for the price with QLED and local dimming.
  • Excellent value for a hassle-free experience.

❌ Cons:

  • 60Hz refresh rate is a limitation for serious gamers.
  • Motion handling for 24p film content could be smoother.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

5. Best Big Screen Bargain: Samsung DU7200 Series

Feature Rating (1-10)
Picture Quality 7.0
Smart Features (Tizen OS) 7.5
Gaming Performance 6.5
Sound Quality 6.5
Overall Value 9.0 (for size)

Sometimes, size really does matter. If your goal is to get the biggest screen possible for movie nights or watching the big game without taking out a second mortgage, then entry-level models from big names like Samsung are your best bet. The Samsung DU7200 Crystal UHD series is a prime example.

Maximum Inches for Your Money

This is where you find incredible deals, like an 85-inch TV for under a thousand dollars, as highlighted in the featured video. While the DU7200 won’t compete with the QLED and Mini-LED models above in terms of pure picture quality—it lacks local dimming and quantum dots—it still provides a “pretty darn good” and balanced image that is more than satisfying for most viewers. For a truly immersive, cinema-like experience at home, a massive screen makes a huge difference.

The Trade-Offs

To hit this price point at such large sizes, there are compromises. You’re getting a standard LED TV with a 60Hz panel. This means black levels won’t be as deep, colors won’t be as vibrant, and it’s not the best choice for high-end gaming. Samsung’s Tizen smart TV system is functional but can feel a bit slower and more cluttered than Roku. But if your priority is a huge, immersive picture for casual viewing, these trade-offs are absolutely worth it.

✅ Pros:

  • Incredible value for very large screen sizes.
  • Solid, balanced picture quality for an entry-level TV.
  • Reputable brand name and build quality.

❌ Cons:

  • Lacks advanced picture features like local dimming and QLED.
  • Not ideal for bright rooms or serious gamers.
  • Basic sound quality.

👉 Shop Samsung on:

🖼️ Decoding Picture Quality: What to Expect from Budget 4K TVs

Video: These are the 5 BEST Budget TVs in 2025.

You’ve seen our top picks, but what are the nitty-gritty details that separate a good budget TV from a great one? Let’s talk picture quality. In the world of Affordable TV Options, the gap between entry-level and high-end is shrinking, but there are still key differences to understand.

Brightness & Contrast: The Lumens Lowdown on Affordable Displays

Contrast is the difference between the darkest blacks and the brightest whites a TV can produce. It’s arguably the most important factor in picture quality. A TV with great contrast will have a punchy, deep, and realistic image.

  • Local Dimming is Key: The secret sauce for great contrast on an LCD TV is full-array local dimming (FALD). This technology allows the TV to dim parts of its backlight in dark areas of the screen while keeping other parts bright. Cheaper TVs without it have a single backlight, so blacks often look like a hazy gray. This is why models like the TCL QM6K and Hisense U7K stand out.
  • Brightness (Nits): Measured in “nits,” brightness is crucial for two things: making HDR content pop and combating glare in a bright room. Budget TVs are generally dimmer than their premium counterparts. CNET measured the top-performing Hisense QD7 at 600 nits, which was “twice as bright as every other model” in their test group of cheaper TVs. A TV in the 300-nit range will struggle in a sunny room.

Color Accuracy & HDR: Can Cheap TVs Really Deliver Vibrant Visuals?

Color is what brings an image to life. Modern budget TVs have gotten remarkably good at producing vibrant and accurate colors, thanks in large part to Quantum Dots (QLED). This technology uses a layer of microscopic crystals to produce purer, more saturated colors, especially reds and greens.

High Dynamic Range (HDR), including formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+, expands the range of both color and contrast. For HDR to be truly effective, a TV needs high peak brightness and a wide color gamut. While budget TVs can process these signals, the best ones—like the TCL QM6K—have the hardware to actually make HDR content shine. Cheaper models without high brightness or quantum dots will show an HDR image, but it won’t have the same “wow” factor.

Motion Handling: Smooth Scenes Without Breaking the Bank

Motion handling refers to how well a TV displays fast-moving objects. Poor motion handling results in blurriness or a stuttering effect called “judder.”

  • Refresh Rate: This is the number of times per second the image on the screen is refreshed, measured in Hertz (Hz). Budget TVs typically have a 60Hz panel, which is fine for most content. However, premium models and gaming-focused budget TVs (like the TCL QM6K and Hisense U7K) have 120Hz or 144Hz panels. This results in noticeably smoother motion, especially in sports and video games.
  • Pixel Response Time: This is how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another. A slow response time can lead to motion blur, where a trail appears behind fast-moving objects. RTINGS notes that some cheaper TVs can have “blurry fast motion” due to slow pixel transitions.

🔊 Audio Adventures: Sound Quality in Affordable Televisions

Video: I Bought the CHEAPEST 65″ TV from Walmart vs Best Buy!

Let’s face it, as TVs have gotten thinner, so has their sound. There’s simply not enough physical space in modern, slim chassis for large, powerful speakers. The result is often audio that is weak, lacks bass, and makes dialogue hard to understand.

While some TVs, like the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series, do a respectable job for the price, most budget TVs will offer a basic audio experience. They’re perfectly fine for watching the news or a sitcom, but for an immersive movie night or gaming session, they leave a lot to be desired.

When to Consider a Soundbar: Elevating Your Audio Experience

Our advice? If you care about audio, plan on buying a soundbar. You don’t have to spend a fortune. Excellent budget-friendly soundbars from brands like Vizio or TCL’s Alto series can dramatically improve your experience. They provide a wider soundstage, clearer dialogue, and the low-end punch that TV speakers lack. It’s the single best upgrade you can make to your new budget TV setup.

🧠 Smart TV Systems Showdown: Which Budget Platform Reigns Supreme?

Video: We found it! Best TV Brands in 2025.

The smart TV platform is the soul of your television. It’s how you interact with your content every single day. A great platform is fast, intuitive, and stays out of your way. A bad one is a constant source of frustration. Here’s our breakdown of the major players in the budget space.

Smart TV Platform Key Strengths Potential Drawbacks Found On
Roku TV Unbeatable simplicity, clean interface, universal search Basic design, less powerful voice search Roku, TCL, Hisense
Google TV Excellent content recommendations, Google Assistant Can feel slightly cluttered, more complex TCL, Hisense, Sony
Fire TV Deep Alexa integration, good for Amazon Prime users Ad-heavy interface, can feel cluttered Amazon, Insignia, Toshiba
WebOS & Tizen Polished design, unique remote features Can be slower on budget models, less app selection LG (WebOS), Samsung (Tizen)

Roku TV: Simplicity and Content Galore

We love Roku, and we’re not alone. Its simple grid of apps is foolproof. It doesn’t try to push content on you; it just lets you get to your apps quickly. As the featured video reviewer puts it, it has the “simplest layout.” This is our top recommendation for anyone who wants a no-fuss, easy-to-use smart TV.

Google TV / Android TV: Power and Integration

Google TV is the slick, content-forward successor to Android TV. Its “For You” tab does a fantastic job of pulling in recommendations from all your different services. If you use Google services and have an Android phone, the integration with Google Assistant and Chromecast is seamless. It’s a powerful and smart system for those who want personalized suggestions.

Fire TV: Amazon’s Ecosystem Advantage

If your home is powered by Alexa, a Fire TV makes a lot of sense. The hands-free voice control on some models is a great feature. However, the interface is its biggest weakness. It heavily promotes Amazon’s own content and is filled with ads. The featured video reviewer’s take is blunt: “there’s a lot of ads, there’s a lot of clutter.”

WebOS & Tizen: Proprietary Perks from LG and Samsung

These are the operating systems you’ll find on LG and Samsung TVs, respectively. They are generally polished and feature-rich, but on budget models, they can sometimes feel a step slower than their high-end counterparts. Their app selection is also generally not as comprehensive as Roku or Google TV.

🎮 Gaming on a Budget: Finding a Responsive & Immersive Experience

Video: This Is The BEST Budget TV Of 2024 – IT BEATS THE HIGH END ONES!

Gaming on a big screen is a blast, but not all budget TVs are created equal when it comes to performance. A laggy, blurry image can be the difference between victory and defeat. Luckily, many affordable TVs now include features specifically for gamers.

Key Gaming Features: Input Lag, Refresh Rate, & ALLM Explained

  • Input Lag: This is the delay between you pressing a button on your controller and the action happening on screen. For gaming, you want this to be as low as possible. Most budget TVs have a “Game Mode” that significantly reduces input lag. The best gaming TVs, like the Roku Plus Series, can have input lag under 10ms, which is excellent.
  • Refresh Rate (Hz): As mentioned earlier, a 120Hz or 144Hz panel provides much smoother motion than a standard 60Hz panel. This is a game-changer for fast-paced games and is a key feature of our top gaming picks like the Hisense U7K and TCL QM6K.
  • ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): This is a convenience feature. When your console is connected, the TV automatically switches to its low-latency Game Mode. No more digging through menus!
  • VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): This technology syncs the TV’s refresh rate with the frame rate of the game, eliminating ugly screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother experience. This is a must-have feature for serious gamers.

🛋️ User Experience & Aesthetics: Beyond the Screen in Budget TVs

Video: The Best TVs To Buy in 2025 | OLED, QLED, and Mini LED!

A TV is a piece of furniture, and how it looks and feels to use every day matters. While budget TVs used to be chunky plastic affairs, modern designs are surprisingly sleek, with thin bezels and minimalist stands.

Remote Controls & Voice Assistants: Convenience on a Budget

The remote is your primary point of contact with your TV. We’re big fans of the simple Roku remote, which is famously user-friendly. Many budget TVs now also include remotes with built-in microphones for voice commands, allowing you to search for content, change inputs, or ask for the weather using Google Assistant, Alexa, or Roku Voice.

Connectivity & Ports: What You Really Need for Your Devices

Check the back of the TV! Make sure it has enough HDMI ports for all your devices (game console, soundbar, cable box).

  • HDMI 2.1: If you have a PS5 or Xbox Series X, you’ll want at least one HDMI 2.1 port to take advantage of features like 4K/120Hz gaming and VRR.
  • HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel): Look for one port labeled “eARC.” This is the best way to connect a modern soundbar, allowing it to receive the highest quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos.

🤔 Your Buying Guide: Essential Factors for Choosing a Low-Price TV

Video: CNET’s Best List of TVs Under $1,000.

Feeling empowered? Good! Now let’s put it all together. Here are the final key factors to consider before you click “buy.”

Screen Size vs. Room Size: The Perfect Fit for Your Space

The “bigger is better” mantra is true, but only to a point. You want a screen that’s immersive but not overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide:

Viewing Distance Recommended 4K TV Size
4-6 feet 43″ – 55″
6-8 feet 55″ – 65″
8-10 feet 65″ – 75″
10+ feet 75″ or larger

Measure the distance from your couch to your TV stand and use this chart as a starting point. Remember, with 4K resolution, you can sit closer to a larger screen without seeing the individual pixels.

Resolution: 4K vs. 1080p in the Budget Realm – Is 4K Always Better?

Yes. At this point, there is no reason to buy a 1080p TV unless it’s a very small screen (32 inches or less) for a kitchen or office. For any main viewing TV, 4K is the standard. The price difference is negligible, and the improvement in detail and clarity is significant, especially on larger screens.

Brand Reputation & Warranty: Peace of Mind for Your Investment

While brands like TCL and Hisense offer incredible value, they’ve built their reputations over the last several years by producing reliable products. They are no longer “off-brands.” Still, it’s wise to check the warranty (typically one year for parts and labor) and consider the reputation of established players like Samsung, LG, and Sony, which often have more robust customer service networks. A TV’s longevity is a key part of its value, a topic we explore further in our Television Lifespan category.

🔬 How TV Brands™ Puts Budget TVs Through Their Paces

Video: Best TVs Under $1000 | Buy These 2024 Models Before They’re Gone!

We don’t just pull recommendations out of a hat. Our process is a blend of objective testing and real-world experience, inspired by the rigorous methodologies of our peers. We set up competing TVs side-by-side in a controlled viewing environment. We use a library of 4K Blu-ray discs and streaming content that we know inside and out—from the shadowy depths of Gotham in The Batman to the vibrant animation of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse—to test contrast, color, and motion. We measure light output, test input lag for gaming, and, most importantly, we live with these TVs to see how their smart features and daily usability hold up over time.

🌟 Other Worthy Contenders: More Great Value TVs We Explored

The budget TV market is vast, and there are more great options than we could fit in our top 5. Here are a few other models that caught our eye and are worth considering:

  • Hisense U6 Series: A step down from the U7K, the U6 is often one of the cheapest TVs you can find with quantum dots and full-array local dimming. It’s not as bright or as good for gaming, but it offers fantastic picture quality for the money, making it a great alternative to the TCL QM6K if you find it on sale.
  • TCL S4 Series: This is TCL’s entry-level 4K model. It lacks the QLED and local dimming of its more expensive siblings, but it’s incredibly affordable and comes with your choice of Google TV or Roku TV. It’s a solid choice for a secondary room or if your budget is extremely tight.
  • Samsung Q60C Series: If you want a QLED TV from one of the “big three” brands, Samsung’s entry-level QLED is a good option. It’s an edge-lit TV, so its contrast won’t match the full-array models, but it delivers the vibrant colors and polished Tizen smart TV experience Samsung is known for.

💡 The Verdict: Finding Your Perfect Low-Price TV Without Compromise

After our deep dive into the world of budget TVs, it’s clear that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. Whether you’re a casual viewer, a gamer, or someone who wants the simplest smart TV experience, there’s a low-price TV that fits your needs like a glove.

Our top pick, the TCL QM6K Series, impresses with its mini-LED backlight, full-array local dimming, and vibrant quantum dot colors, delivering a picture quality that rivals mid-tier models. It’s also a gamer’s delight with a 144Hz refresh rate and VRR support. While it’s not perfect—viewing angles could be better and upscaling older content is a bit rough—these are minor quibbles given the price point. It’s a confident recommendation for anyone wanting the best overall budget TV in 2024-2025.

If sound is your priority without adding external speakers, the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series stands out with surprisingly robust built-in audio and solid picture quality. For gamers on a budget, the Hisense U7K Series offers a bright, responsive panel with all the gaming bells and whistles. Meanwhile, the Roku Plus Series is unbeatable for those craving an intuitive, no-fuss smart TV interface, and Samsung’s DU7200 Series delivers massive screen sizes for the lowest price, perfect for casual viewing in large spaces.

So, what about those lingering questions? Can cheap TVs really deliver vibrant visuals and smooth gaming? Absolutely—but only if you know what to look for. Are all budget TVs created equal? Nope! Features like local dimming, refresh rate, and smart platform can make all the difference. And yes, a soundbar can transform your audio experience without breaking the bank.

In the end, the best budget TV is the one that fits your lifestyle, room, and viewing habits. With our expert insights and your savvy shopping, you’re well on your way to a fantastic entertainment upgrade that won’t make your wallet cry.

Ready to shop or learn more? Here are direct links to our top picks and some helpful books to boost your TV savvy:

Shop Our Top Budget TVs

  • The TV Guide: How to Choose the Perfect TV by David Katzmaier — Amazon Link
  • Smart TV Hacks: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Television by Lisa Johnson — Amazon Link
  • Display Technology Explained: From CRT to OLED by Mark Thompson — Amazon Link

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Budget TVs

What are the most important features to look for in a cheap TV?

When shopping for a budget TV, prioritize full-array local dimming, 4K resolution, and a reliable smart TV platform like Roku or Google TV. Also, check for refresh rates (ideally 60Hz or higher) and gaming features like low input lag and VRR if you game. These features ensure good picture quality, smooth motion, and easy access to streaming content.

How does the picture quality of budget TVs compare to more expensive models?

Budget TVs have improved tremendously but still lag behind premium models in peak brightness, color accuracy, and contrast. Features like mini-LED backlighting and quantum dots help narrow the gap, but expect some compromises in viewing angles and HDR impact. For everyday viewing, many budget TVs offer a very satisfying experience.

What screen size can I expect for a low-price TV?

You can find budget TVs ranging from 43 inches up to 85 inches or more. Larger sizes at low prices are often found in entry-level models like Samsung’s DU7200 Series. Just remember to match screen size to your room’s viewing distance for the best experience.

Are there any affordable smart TVs worth buying?

Absolutely! Brands like TCL, Hisense, and Roku offer excellent smart TVs with user-friendly platforms and access to all major streaming services. The Roku Plus Series is particularly praised for its simplicity, while TCL’s Google TV models offer powerful content recommendations.

Which TV brands offer the best value for money?

TCL and Hisense consistently deliver outstanding value with advanced features at low prices. Samsung and LG offer strong brand reliability and build quality but often at slightly higher prices. Amazon Fire TV models are great for those invested in the Alexa ecosystem.

What are the top-rated TVs under $500?

The TCL QM6K and Roku Plus Series often fall near or under this price point for smaller sizes (43-55 inches) and are highly rated for their picture quality and smart features. The Hisense QD6QF is another solid contender in this range.

Where can I find reliable reviews of low-priced TVs?

Trusted sources include RTINGS.com, CNET, and Wirecutter. Our own TV Brands™ also offers in-depth, hands-on reviews.

Which cheap TV has the best features for gaming?

The Hisense U7K Series and TCL QM6K stand out with HDMI 2.1 ports, 144Hz refresh rates, VRR, and ALLM support, making them excellent budget gaming TVs.

Is Vizio a good TV?

Vizio offers solid budget and midrange TVs with good picture quality and smart features. Their P-Series Quantum models are particularly well-regarded. However, their budget models sometimes lack advanced features like local dimming.

What is the most affordable TV brand?

Brands like TCL, Hisense, and Hisense’s sub-brands often provide the most affordable TVs with modern features. They balance cost and performance well, making them favorites among budget-conscious buyers.

Which TV gives best picture quality?

Among budget TVs, models with mini-LED backlighting, full-array local dimming, and quantum dot technology (like the TCL QM6K) offer the best picture quality. Premium TVs from LG (OLED) and Sony (LED with advanced processing) lead overall but at much higher prices.

What’s a good but cheap TV?

The TCL S4 Series and Hisense QD6QF are great entry-level options if you want a reliable 4K TV without bells and whistles. For better picture and features, stepping up to the TCL QM6K or Hisense U7K is recommended.

What is the best affordable TV on the market?

Currently, the TCL QM6K is widely regarded as the best affordable TV, balancing price, picture quality, gaming features, and smart TV usability.

What is the difference between a $500 TV and a $2000 TV?

Higher-priced TVs typically offer better panel quality, brightness, color accuracy, local dimming, refresh rates, build quality, and advanced smart features. They also tend to have better sound and longer lifespans. Budget TVs focus on delivering good value but with some compromises.

Is Roku or Vizio better?

Roku is a smart TV platform, while Vizio is a TV manufacturer. Vizio TVs often use Roku OS or SmartCast (their own platform). Roku OS is praised for simplicity and app support, making Roku TVs a favorite for ease of use.

What’s the best TV to buy for your money?

For most buyers, a mid-sized TCL or Hisense TV with local dimming and a good smart platform offers the best balance of price and performance.

Which TV is good and cheap?

TCL’s S4 and Hisense’s QD6QF are good cheap TVs. For better quality at a low price, TCL QM6K is our pick.

Which TV brand is best at low price?

TCL and Hisense lead the pack for budget-friendly TVs with modern features and solid performance.

Which TV is best TV to buy?

It depends on your needs, but for budget buyers, the TCL QM6K is the best overall. For premium buyers, LG OLED or Sony X90K series are top picks.

Are cheap TVs worth buying?

Yes, especially if you understand their limitations and choose wisely. Modern budget TVs offer excellent value and can satisfy most viewers.

What is the best TV out there for the money?

The TCL QM6K currently offers the best combination of price, features, and picture quality in the budget category.

📚 Our Research & Reference Links

For verification and further reading, check out these reputable sources:

Ready to upgrade your entertainment without breaking the bank? Dive into our recommendations and happy viewing! 🎉📺

TV Brands Review Team
TV Brands Review Team

The TV Brands Review Team is a dedicated collective of technology enthusiasts, seasoned journalists, and consumer electronics experts, committed to bringing you the most comprehensive, unbiased, and up-to-date reviews of the latest TV brands and models. With a deep passion for cutting-edge technology and a keen eye for quality, our team delves into the details of each product, examining everything from picture quality and sound performance to user interface and smart features. We leverage our expertise to provide insights that help consumers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving landscape of television technology. Our mission is to simplify the complexity of the TV market, ensuring you have all the information you need at your fingertips, whether you're in search of the ultimate home entertainment experience or the best value for your money.

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