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The Best Budget Tvs: Top Cheap Displays That Don't Sacrifice Performance

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The best budget TVs include affordable QLED sets like the TCL QM7 (left) and Hisense U6N (right).

Steven Cohen/Business Insider

Buying a TV on a budget doesn't have to mean settling for subpar performance. The best budget TVs can still provide good image quality and convenient smart features for a low price.

Our top pick is the Hisense U6N, which is one of the most affordable Mini LED TVs on the market. Mini LEDs are usually reserved for pricier sets, and this feature enables the U6N to deliver higher contrast than its competitors. Buyers who want an even less expensive option should check out the TCL S5. This set has limited brightness capabilities, but it's a good fit for people who just want a cheap TV for casual viewing. 

Below, you can find all five of our picks for the best budget TVs, including an entry-level OLED and a gaming-friendly QLED with a high refresh rate. Our expert recommendations are based on a combination of hands-on testing and research, with an aim to highlight the best cheap TVs with key features that many competitors lack. Each display is available in multiple sizes, so be sure to select the size you want from each retailer's page. 

Our top picks for the best budget TVs

Best overall: Hisense U6N - See at Amazon

Best OLED: LG B4 - See at Amazon

Best entry-level model: TCL S5 - See at Amazon

Best smart TV interface: Roku Plus Series - See at Amazon

Best for gaming: TCL QM7 - See at Amazon

Best overall

The Hisense U6N is our pick for the best budget TV thanks to its rare combination of advanced specifications and low price. This affordable QLED display has a Mini LED backlight and local dimming capabilities, two desirable picture-quality features that are usually missing on TVs this cheap.

There are less expensive QLEDs on the market, but they all use regular-sized LEDs, and many don't have local dimming at all. These perks give the U6N better contrast than any other TV in its class. The U6N also has more dimming zones than its predecessor, the U6K, which results in more precise control of its light output. 

Though it can't get as bright as pricier TVs, we measured a decent peak luminance of around 625 nits on the U6N. That's just bright enough to start showing off the benefits of high-dynamic-range (HDR) content. However, it can't offer the same level of highlight intensity that you'd get from a step-up QLED that can hit 1,000 nits or more.

The U6N offers image quality that beats similarly priced models from brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony.

Steven Cohen/Business Insider

On the downside, the U6N suffers from poor viewing angles, so picture quality degrades if you sit to the side of the screen. Limited viewing angles are common on budget TVs, so this is one area where the U6N fails to rise above its competitors. We also noticed some banding (blocky gradients of colors) in certain streaming content, which is something that high-end TVs handle better.

In addition, gamers should note the U6N has a 60Hz display rather than 120Hz, so it can't support high frame rate modes on the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S. To get 120Hz support, we recommend stepping up to our budget gaming pick, the TCL QM7.

The U6N uses the Google TV OS (operating system), which offers easy access to the best streaming services and reliable voice search with Google Assistant. The smart TV interface works well enough, but the U6N's navigation and loading speeds aren't as snappy as they are on the best streaming devices we've reviewed.

This model is available in 55, 65, 75-, and 85-inch sizes, but sadly there isn't a 50-inch option. Buyers who want the best 50-inch TV on a budget should instead check out the Hisense U6HF. The U6HF is similar to the U6N but uses regular-sized LEDs and the Fire TV OS rather than Google TV. Contrast performance on the U6HF isn't as good as the U6N, but you won't find a better-looking 50-inch TV for the money. 

Best OLED

The best OLED TVs are celebrated for delivering the most impressive picture quality on the market, but they're not exactly known for their affordability. In fact, the term "budget" is a bit of a stretch for any OLED model. However, LG's B4 is one of the most budget-friendly options out there. 

The B4 delivers all of the contrast benefits that OLED TVs are known for. Thanks to its emissive panel, the display has pixel-level contrast control, which beats even the best Mini LED backlights on high-end QLED TVs. This leads to perfect black levels that disappear into a dark room without any halos around bright objects. Check out our QLED vs. OLED comparison for more details on how each panel type stacks up. 

Viewing angles are also far superior to any QLED, so picture quality remains good even if you sit to the side of the screen. The TV also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, so it's capable of smoother motion when playing high-frame-rate games on a compatible console or PC. That said, the B4 stops shorts of 144Hz support with PCs, which is something LG's step-up C4 and G4 OLED TVs do offer.

Compared to more expensive OLEDs, the B4 also lags behind in brightness and color volume. The TV can hit a peak of around 650 to 700 nits, which is still respectable. However, as a point of reference, many midrange OLED models can hit 1,000 to 1,250 nits, while high-end models can get as bright as 1,700 nits. Flagship OLEDs from Samsung and Sony also incorporate quantum dots, which the B4 lacks. Ultimately, this means that some HDR videos won't look as impactful or vivid on the B4 as they would on a more expensive OLED.

That said, the B4's image performance is still a clear step above the Hisense U6N and every other budget TV we recommend in this guide. LG sells the B4 in 48-, 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch sizes. If you want a smaller screen, you'll have to step up to the LG C4 or Samsung S90D, which are the cheapest OLEDs available in a 42-inch size.

Best entry-level model

TCL's S5 doesn't wow with advanced picture features, but it's one of the best cheap TVs for basic viewing needs. It's also ideal for people who want an affordable secondary display for a bedroom.

The S5 is a newer version of our previous pick in this category, the S4. The S4 is now hard to find in stock, and this revised model offers some improvements. Most notably, the S5 can provide a wider range of colors. However, unlike the more expensive QLED models we recommend, the S5 still uses a standard LED panel without quantum dots or local dimming.

This means it can't get as bright as our other picks, and its black levels look more elevated and washed out when watching dark scenes with the lights off. And though it can technically support every major HDR format, it can't control its contrast precisely enough to really showcase the benefits of high-dynamic-range content.

While those limitations are notable, the S5 is still solid for casual viewing needs, especially if you're someone who mostly watches cable TV and SDR (standard dynamic range) streaming content. Home theater enthusiasts and gamers should look elsewhere, but the S5 is a good fit for those who just want a cheap TV that gets the job done.

Buyers also have their pick of smart TV interfaces, with S5 options available in Fire TV or Google TV models. The S5 is also a particularly good choice for shoppers who want a smaller display since it's the only model in this guide that comes in 50- and 43-inch sizes.

Best smart TV system

Though the Hisense U6N and TCL QM7 have an edge in overall image quality, the Roku Plus Series is a good budget QLED for buyers who prioritize smart TV conveniences. This display uses the Roku OS, our favorite operating system thanks to its ease of use. 

Roku's streamlined interface runs smoothly and features a simple home screen with large tiles for all your favorite TV apps. We prefer this style over the more cluttered, content-focused approach of rival systems like the Fire TV OS. But if you'd rather see personalized content recommendations, you can simply navigate to the "What to watch" section on the sidebar menu. 

The Roku Voice Remote Pro has hands-free voice control with a dedicated mute switch.

Ryan Waniata/Insider

The TV's remote has a few cool features you won't find on many displays in this price range. Most notably, there's a hands-free voice search function and a built-in battery that recharges using USB. You can also use the Roku app to activate an audio chime on the remote to easily find it if it ever gets lost. 

When it comes to image quality, the Roku Plus Series is a solid-looking display. Like the Hisense U6N and TCL QM7, it uses a QLED panel and has local dimming. But unlike those models, the Roku Plus Series uses regular LEDs instead of Mini LEDs, which means it has fewer dimming zones and less precise contrast control. Still, the Roku Plus Series delivered solid HDR performance during our testing, and it should please most viewers. 

However, viewing angles are subpar, and the panel's refresh rate is limited to 60Hz. But for buyers who want an affordable and reliable smart TV, the Plus Series delivers a smooth streaming experience that's a bit more user-friendly than the competition.

Read our Roku Plus Series TV review. 

Best for gaming

With a bright image and fast 144Hz refresh rate, the TCL QM7 is an ideal TV for gamers who want an affordable display. The 65-inch model's list price is higher than what we'd typically consider budget-friendly, but it often gets great discounts, and it's one of the cheapest 4K TVs with 144Hz support. Cheaper QLEDs, like the Hisense U6N and Roku Plus Series, are limited to 60Hz. A high refresh rate enables smoother gameplay when paired with a compatible console or PC.

The QM7 replaces TCL's older Q7 QLED, which was our previous pick in this category. This new model can get even brighter and has Mini LEDs rather than regular-sized LEDs to provide better contrast control. Black levels aren't perfect, but the TV's dimming works great for this class. And with a peak of 1,700 nits, it's the brightest budget TV we recommend. We were wowed by the TV's dazzling HDR highlights (like explosions) during our review. The display's high brightness also helps the screen combat glare in rooms with lots of light.

The TCL QM7 supports 120Hz signals with a PS5 or Xbox Series X.

Steven Cohen/Business Insider

Like its predecessor, the QM7 can support 4K/120Hz when connected to a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S, the highest output that those consoles are capable of. When paired with a gaming PC, it can hit an even higher 144Hz refresh rate at 4K or 240Hz if you reduce the screen's resolution to 1080p.

It's also compatible with VRR (variable refresh rate), which syncs the TV's refresh rate to match the frame rate of the game you're playing. This helps ensure a smooth image. We played several PS5 games using the console's 120Hz VRR mode and were impressed with the results. The gameplay was snappy, and we didn't encounter any screen tearing. However, the TV's gaming performance isn't quite as crisp as we've seen on pricier TVs, and we noticed a slightly blurry quality in motion. That said, few sets in this price range can match the QM7's suite of gaming features.

If you're willing to spend extra money, you can find pricier TVs with deeper black levels, wider viewing angles, and better image processing. But for a common sale price as low as $698 (for the 65-inch model), the TCL QM7 is easily one of the best budget TVs for gaming.

Read our TCL QM7 4K TV review.

How we test budget TVs

We test TVs using demo material on streaming services, cable, and Blu-ray discs.

Ryan Waniata/Insider

To select the best budget TVs our team relies on a combination of hands-on testing and research informed by more than a decade of experience covering home entertainment products. 

To review TVs, we evaluate key performance parameters, including picture clarity, contrast, black levels, HDR brightness, color range, viewing angles, and smart TV navigation. Brightness is measured using an X-Rite iDisplay Plus colorimeter with test patterns from the Spears & Muncil Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc.

We also have an assortment of scenes from specific movies and TV shows that we sample on every TV we test. Sequences have been selected to showcase HDR highlights, shadow detail, upscaling, and other picture-quality attributes. We watch displays in both dark and bright environments to evaluate nighttime and daytime viewing conditions. Our demo material comes from various sources and includes 4K, HD, and SD content from Blu-ray discs, streaming services, and cable TV. 

To learn more about our review process, visit our breakdown of how we test tech products.

Budget TV FAQs

Hisense's QLED TVs are some of the most affordable displays available with Min LED backlights.

Steven Cohen/Business Insider

How much should you spend on a budget TV?

The best budget TVs vary in price depending on the size and panel type you choose. Standard LED TVs are the cheapest, followed by QLED TVs, and then OLED TVs on the higher end. 

In general, a 65-inch 4K LED TV on a budget will cost around $300 to $400. Meanwhile, budget-friendly 65-inch QLED TVs with better color and contrast capabilities can be found for around $500 to $750. Finally, OLED TVs are a lot pricier, with the cheapest 65-inch models starting at around $1,300.

If you're on a strict budget and don't want to spend more than 500 bucks, check out our guide to the best TVs under $500.

When will 2025 budget TVs be released?

Several popular TV brands unveiled the first details of their latest display lineups at CES in January 2025. However, information on specific release dates and pricing is still pending for most of these new models. New TVs typically start rolling out to stores in spring, so we expect a similar timeline this year.

That said, it's important to remember that 2024 budget TVs will still be available for much of the year, and they'll likely remain cheaper than their 2025 successors. Our experts will test 2025 TVs once they're available to see if they're worth the extra money.

What are the most reliable cheap TV brands?

Hisense, TCL, and Vizio are known for being the best budget TV brands. These companies sell many affordable entry- and mid-level TVs that often deliver better image quality than similarly priced displays from LG, Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic. Likewise, Roku and Amazon have recently entered the value TV market, and their latest budget TVs are solid options, particularly when they're on sale. 

However, budget TVs from value-oriented brands tend to offer cheaper builds, more glitches, and worse quality control than pricier TVs from LG, Samsung, Panasonic, and Sony. That said, none of the minor inconveniences we've run into on TCL, Hisense, or Vizio TVs have been big enough to prevent a recommendation. 

What are the downsides to buying a budget TV?

The best cheap TVs offer impressive performance for the money but displays in this class must make some compromises to keep costs down. Most notably, brightness, color range, contrast, and build quality are often limited compared to pricier sets. 

When buying an LED TV on a budget, you'll often miss out on picture-quality features like local dimming and wide color support. This translates to a dimmer image with lighter black levels and less vivid HDR performance than you'd get on a pricier display. If you step up to a budget QLED, you can find some models with those aforementioned features, but brightness and contrast control will still be less advanced than you'd see on a high-end model. Likewise, designs tend to be flimsier, and operating system speeds are often slower.

However, entry-level OLED TVs make far fewer concessions in performance and build quality compared to midrange and high-end options. This is because even the cheapest OLED displays are still expensive compared to budget QLED and LED models. That said, budget OLEDs can't get quite as bright as premium ones, and their picture processing is less advanced. 

Do you need a soundbar with a budget TV?

Even the best budget TVs are often equipped with mediocre built-in speakers. Though these integrated sound systems can get the job done for casual viewing, we recommend upgrading to a soundbar to get a better experience. Reliable budget soundbars can be found for as little as $100, and these entry-level offerings will still offer a decent improvement in audio quality compared to most TV speakers. Models with advanced surround sound and Dolby Atmos capabilities cost more but provide a bigger jump in immersion.

Check out our soundbar buying guides to see our top recommendations:

Can you get a cheap TV with HDMI 2.1 and 120Hz support?

Though not common, there are a few budget-friendly TVs that include HDMI 2.1 support with a 120Hz refresh rate. In this guide, both the LG B4 and the TCL QM7 support HDMI 2.1. With these features, a TV is able to support advanced gaming capabilities when paired with a PS5, Xbox Series X, or PC.

HDMI 2.1 ports enable a display to receive a 4K/120Hz signal, along with ALL (auto low latency mode) and VRR (variable refresh rate). When used with a compatible gaming system, these features provide smoother motion with minimized screen tearing and lag.

To receive an HDMI 2.1 signal, every device in your home entertainment chain needs to support HDMI 2.1. Likewise, you need to connect all of your components with an ultra-high-speed HDMI cable capable of 48Gbps transmission. Visit our guide to the best HDMI cables for top picks.  

When are TVs the cheapest to buy?

The best cheap TVs often drop to their lowest prices during big deals events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. Likewise, we see great TV discounts on holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Presidents Day, as well as around big sporting events like the Super Bowl and March Madness.

For more TV recommendations across budgets and sizes, check out our other display guides:

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