Though there are plenty of affordable TVs on the market, you shouldn't buy just any random model because it's cheap. Certain entry-level sets are missing key features, and in many cases, you can find better options without spending more. But sorting out the best budget TVs from the duds can be tricky. That's why I've used my extensive experience as a tech product reviewer to highlight the top cheap TVs that are actually worth the money.
The TCL QM6K earns my highest recommendation. This budget-friendly QLED TV has a Mini LED backlight, which helps it produce better picture quality than most displays in its class. But if you want an OLED display on a budget, I recommend the LG B4. Though pricier than QLED models, the B4 has higher contrast and wider viewing angles.
Below, you can find all of my picks for the best TVs on a budget, including an entry-level LED and an easy-to-use set with my favorite smart TV interface. My recommendations are based on a combination of hands-on testing and research, with an aim to highlight the best cheap TVs with benefits that many competing models lack.
Our top picks for the best budget TVs
Best overall: TCL QM6K - 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 Walmart
Best overall
The QM6K is an excellent entry-level Mini LED TV with solid contrast, vibrant colors, and decent black levels. However, its HDR brightness capabilities are limited compared to step-up models.
- Solid HDR performance for an entry-level Mini LED TV
- Local dimming enhances contrast with minimal blooming
- Google TV navigation is quick and responsive
- Brightness is limited compared to midrange and high-end QLEDs
- Older 2024 TVs with better performance are sometimes available for less
The TCL QM6K is the best budget TV I've tested. Though this model was a bit pricier when it initially launched, recent price drops have made it a fantastic value. Even extra-large 85- and 98-inch QM6K models are often discounted to surprisingly low prices for their size.
Most budget-friendly TVs suffer from poor contrast, which causes dark scenes to look washed out and flat, especially when you watch TV in a dark room. The QM6K, however, uses a Mini LED backlight with local dimming to greatly enhance its contrast. It also delivers a wide range of colors thanks to its use of quantum dots. These features are rare to find on TVs this cheap.
In my tests, the TV produced excellent backlight control. Though black levels aren't as deep as they are on pricier models, they're still a lot inkier and much more uniform than they are on most cheap TVs. The QM6K is also good at minimizing blooming, which is a common flaw on Mini LED sets that results in halos around bright objects.
That said, bright HDR videos don't pop as intensely as they do on midrange and high-end TVs. I measured a peak brightness of 557 nits on a 10% HDR test pattern and 736 nits on a 50% test pattern. Those numbers are nothing to scoff at, but they're under the 1,000-nit range that I recommend as the minimum for the best HDR experience.
Viewing angles are also limited, so image quality does degrade if you sit to the side of the screen. That said, this area has been improved compared to last year's model, the Q65, so the drop in color and contrast accuracy isn't as large as I typically see on entry-level models. Meanwhile, gaming capabilities have received a big upgrade, thanks to a notable bump in refresh rate. The QM6K can support up to a 144Hz signal when paired with a PC, or 120Hz when paired with a compatible gaming console. This results in smoother motion in games that support high refresh rate modes.
General smart TV navigation and usability are also solid via the QM6K's built-in Google TV interface. Though I've run into intermittent glitches on older TCL TVs I've reviewed, the QM6K was free from any notable bugs, offering a painless experience for streaming apps and adjusting settings.
The QM6K is now available in sizes ranging from 55 to 98 inches. A 50-inch model was also announced earlier this year but has yet to hit the market. For now, my pick for the best 50-inch TV on a budget remains the Amazon Omni QLED. That TV is similar to the QM6K, but its contrast performance isn't quite as good.
Read our TCL QM6K 4K TV review.
Best OLED
The B4 is LG's entry-level OLED TV. Though it can't get as bright as pricier models, it still offers an infinite contrast which makes it a great budget OLED for watching movies in a dark room.
- One of the most affordable OLED models
- Pixel-level contrast with deep black levels
- Dolby Vision support
- LG's pricier OLED models have superior image processing
- Dimmer than competing mid- and high-end OLEDs
- Lacks 144Hz mode for PC gaming
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 deep 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 short of 144Hz or 165Hz support, which you can get with some of LG's step-up OLED TVs.
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 1,400 nits, while high-end models can get as bright as 2,400 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 TCL QM6K and every other budget TV I recommend in this guide. LG sells the B4 in 48-, 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch sizes.
Buyers who want an alternative OLED on a budget should also consider Samsung's S85D TV. The S85D and B4 offer very similar image quality, but I give the B4 a slight edge thanks to its Dolby Vision capabilities. Dolby Vision isn't a must-have feature for higher-end TVs, but it can improve HDR performance on dimmer OLED models.
Check out our guide to the best LG TVs.
Best entry-level model
The S5 is one of TCL's upper entry-level TVs, so its contrast and brightness capabilities are limited. But it's still able to produce a wide range of colors and it has Amazon's Fire TV interface with Alexa built-in.
- Supports wide color gamut
- Includes Alexa voice remote
- Not bright enough to really showcase HDR content
- Lacks local dimming so contrast is limited
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 my 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 I recommend, the S5 still uses a standard LED panel without local dimming.
This means it can't get as bright as my 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 reliable, 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 comes in 50- and 43-inch sizes.
Best smart TV system
Roku's Plus Series is the company's budget-friendly QLED TV. The display boasts local dimming and quantum dots to deliver solid contrast, color, and brightness performance for the money. It also uses our favorite smart TV interface and includes a handy rechargeable remote.
- Solid HDR performance on a budget
- Intuitive Roku smarts
- Great remote and app
- Poor off-axis viewing
- Local dimming not as effective as that of Mini LED models
- No VRR or 120Hz support
Though the TCL QM6K has 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, my 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. I prefer this style over the more cluttered, content-focused approach of rival systems like the Fire TV OS. But if you want to see personalized content recommendations, you can simply navigate to the "What to watch" section on the sidebar menu.
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 TCL QM6K, it uses a QLED panel and has local dimming. But unlike that model, 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 delivers solid HDR performance, 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.
Roku also sells a second-generation version of the Plus Series. The new model has an upgraded Mini LED backlight system, but it's still limited to a 60Hz screen. Since the first-gen model is still available for less money, it remains the better budget TV.
Read our Roku Plus Series TV review.
Check out our guide to the best Roku TVs.
How we test budget TVs
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.
But test patterns only reveal so much, so we also sample an assortment of scenes from specific movies and TV shows 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
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 $900. Finally, OLED TVs are a lot pricier, with the cheapest 65-inch models starting at around $1,200.
If you're on a strict budget and don't want to spend more than $500, check out our guide to the best TVs under $500.
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 midlevel 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. That said, none of the 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 budget TVs have good sound quality?
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 and speaker buying guides to see our top recommendations:
- Best soundbars
- Best budget soundbars
- Best Dolby Atmos soundbars
- Best soundbars with subwoofers
- Best Bose soundbars
- Best Sonos soundbars
- Best surround sound systems
Can you get a cheap TV with 120Hz gaming 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 QM6K have those features. This enables those models to support advanced gaming capabilities when paired with a PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2, or PC.
HDMI 2.1 ports let a display 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:
- Best TVs
- Best 4K TVs
- Best smart TVs
- Best 55-inch TVs
- Best 65-inch TVs
- Best 75-inch TVs
- Best 85-inch TVs
- Best 100-inch TVs
- Best Samsung TVs
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
