Best Budget Smart TVs for 2024
Smart TVs have become an essential part of our daily lives, providing us with endless entertainment options. With the advancement of technology, smart TVs have become more affordable, making it easier for people to enjoy the features of a smart TV without breaking the bank. In this article, we will be discussing the best budget smart TVs available in the market.
When it comes to purchasing a budget smart TV, there are a few things that you need to consider. The first thing to keep in mind is the size of the TV. You need to ensure that the TV is the right size for your room, as a TV that is too small or too big can impact your viewing experience. The second thing to consider is the picture quality. While budget smart TVs may not have the same picture quality as high-end models, you still want to ensure that the picture is clear and sharp. Finally, you need to consider the smart features. You want to ensure that the TV has all the necessary features, such as streaming apps and connectivity options.
With so many options available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right budget smart TV. That’s where we come in. We have spent countless hours researching and testing various budget smart TVs to identify the ones that offer the best value for money. In the following section, we will be discussing the top budget smart TVs available in the market.
Best Budget Smart TVs
We understand that not everyone wants to spend a fortune on a new smart TV, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on features or quality. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best budget smart TVs currently available on Amazon. These TVs offer a great balance of affordability and performance, making them perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment system without breaking the bank. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best budget smart TVs.
TCL 55-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV, the TCL 55-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is a great option.
Pros
- The 4K Ultra HD Resolution provides incredible detail with four times the resolution of 1080p Full HDTVs.
- The Motion Rate 120 technology enhances motion clarity for a smoother viewing experience.
- The HDR PRO (Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG) feature offers enhanced contrast, accurate colors, and fine details for an immersive viewing experience.
Cons
- The TV’s refresh rate is 60Hz, which may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes.
- The Display -amp; Sounds menu may display an empty gray screen with a white bar, or it may not display at all, which can be frustrating.
- The TV does not access Alexa via voice commands, which can be inconvenient for some users.
In our experience, the TCL 55-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is a great value for the price. The FullView Metal Bezel-less Design gives the TV a modern, sleek look that blends seamlessly into any home. The TV also offers endless entertainment options with access to over one million movies and TV episodes, as well as millions of songs.
The Auto Game Mode (ALLM) feature automatically enables game mode for the lowest possible input lag and latency, providing an unmatched gaming performance. The TV also features three high-speed HDMI inputs for the best connection to gaming consoles, set-top boxes, AV receivers, and more.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with great features and a sleek design, the TCL 55-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is a great choice.
INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-32F201NA23, 2022 Model) 32 inches
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV, the INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- With Alexa voice control, you can easily navigate through your favorite movies, shows, and games with just your voice.
- The Fire TV experience is built-in, giving you access to over 1 million streaming movies and TV episodes, tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills.
- Supports Apple AirPlay and HDMI ARC, which allows you to share videos, photos, music, and more from your Apple device and send audio directly to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver.
Cons
- The 720p resolution may not be as sharp as higher-end models.
- The refresh rate of 60 Hz may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes or sports.
- The built-in speakers may not provide the best sound quality.
In our experience, the INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV is a great option for those on a budget who still want to enjoy the benefits of a smart TV. The Alexa voice control feature is incredibly convenient, and the Fire TV experience offers a wide variety of streaming options. However, the 720p resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate may not be ideal for those looking for the sharpest picture quality or smoothest motion. Additionally, the built-in speakers may not provide the best sound quality, but this can easily be remedied by connecting external speakers or a soundbar. Overall, we would recommend this product for those looking for a budget-friendly smart TV option.
Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with great features, the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The picture quality is excellent, with support for vivid 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, providing a clearer and more vibrant picture with brighter colors compared to 1080p Full HD.
- It’s easy to find and control your content with Alexa voice commands, and you can stream over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, including favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney .
- With 4 HDMI inputs, you can easily connect all your gaming, cable, and audio equipment.
Cons
- The TV legs are set quite far apart, which may be an issue if you’re using a smaller TV stand.
- The remote control is quite basic, and some users may prefer a more advanced option.
- While the TV is easy to set up, some users have reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity.
We’ve been using the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with the picture quality. The colors are bright and vibrant, and the clarity is excellent. We also appreciate the Alexa voice commands, which make it easy to find and control our content.
One thing to note is that the TV legs are set quite far apart, so you’ll need a larger TV stand if you don’t want to wall-mount the TV. We also found that the remote control is quite basic, and some users may prefer a more advanced option.
Overall, we think the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV is a great option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with excellent picture quality and Alexa voice commands. Just be aware that you may need to adjust the TV legs or invest in a larger TV stand, and some users have reported issues with Wi-Fi connectivity.
TCL 55-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV that offers stunning picture quality and a plethora of features, the TCL S4 4K LED Smart TV is a great option.
Pros
- The 4K Ultra HD resolution provides incredible detail with four times the resolution of 1080p Full HDTVs.
- The HDR PRO (Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG) enhances contrast, accurate colors, and fine details utilizing all the most advanced HDR formats.
- The FullView Metal Bezel-less Design gives the TV an elegant edge-to-edge glass design that blends seamlessly into any home.
Cons
- The Refresh Rate of 60 Hz may not be sufficient for those who prioritize smoother motion in their viewing experience.
- Some users have reported issues with the “Display -amp; Sounds” menu displaying an empty gray screen with a white bar.
- The TV does not access Alexa via voice and just saying “alexa.”
We were impressed with the TCL S4 4K LED Smart TV’s picture quality and the many features it offers. The TV also has Dolby Atmos built-in, which provides an immersive cinematic experience at home. We found the FullView Metal Bezel-less Design to be a stunning feature that gives the TV a modern and sleek look.
One downside we noticed was the Refresh Rate of 60 Hz, which may not be satisfactory for those who prioritize smoother motion in their viewing experience. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the “Display -amp; Sounds” menu displaying an empty gray screen with a white bar. Finally, the TV does not access Alexa via voice and just saying “alexa,” which can be inconvenient for some users.
Overall, the TCL S4 4K LED Smart TV is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with great picture quality and a variety of features.
VIZIO 24-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV that delivers great performance, the VIZIO 24-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV is definitely worth checking out.
Pros
- The Full Array LED Backlight delivers superior light uniformity and picture performance, making the viewing experience more immersive and enjoyable.
- The V-Gaming Engine optimizes picture mode for gaming, enabling next-gen console gameplay to be more responsive and enjoyable with features like Variable Refresh Rate with AMD Freesync, auto game mode, low-latency gaming, and newly added gaming menu.
- SmartCast allows instant access to the best selection of apps from top-tier streaming services like Netflix, Disney , YouTube, HBO Max, and many more right out of the box.
Cons
- The sound quality is just OK, so if you’re an audiophile, you may want to invest in a soundbar.
- The Android TV interface is not as user-friendly as some other smart TV interfaces on the market.
- The TV is only 24 inches, which may be too small for some viewers.
We recently got our hands on this TV, and we were impressed with the Full Array LED Backlight, which delivered superior light uniformity and picture performance. The V-Gaming Engine also worked great, optimizing picture mode for gaming and making next-gen console gameplay more responsive with features like Variable Refresh Rate with AMD Freesync, auto game mode, low-latency gaming, and newly added gaming menu.
SmartCast was also a standout feature, allowing us to access the best selection of apps from top-tier streaming services like Netflix, Disney , YouTube, HBO Max, and many more right out of the box. However, the sound quality was just OK, so if you’re an audiophile, you may want to invest in a soundbar. Additionally, the Android TV interface was not as user-friendly as some other smart TV interfaces on the market. Lastly, the TV is only 24 inches, which may be too small for some viewers.
Overall, the VIZIO 24-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV is definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly smart TV with great performance.
VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD LED Smart TV
If you are looking for a budget-friendly smart TV that delivers on performance, then the VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD LED Smart TV is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 4K Ultra HD picture quality is breathtaking, with over 8 million pixels that provide crystal-clear and sharp picture quality.
- The Dolby Vision Bright Mode feature enhances color saturation, black detail, and brightness, providing lifelike accuracy that ramps up depth and detail to new heights.
- The V-Gaming engine enables sub 10ms input lag, 4K 48-60 fps Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Game Mode, and a newly added gaming menu, making it perfect for gamers.
Cons
- The TV can be a bit of a pain to set up and can cause problems at times.
- The legs are weak, so ensure you screw them on properly to avoid the TV falling over.
- The TV defaults to streaming screen, which can be annoying if you want to stay on cable input.
We have been using the VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD LED Smart TV for a few weeks now, and we are impressed with its performance. The picture quality is outstanding, and the colors are vibrant and true to life. The Dolby Vision Bright Mode feature takes the viewing experience to a whole new level, providing lifelike accuracy that ramps up depth and detail to new heights.
The V-Gaming engine is a standout feature, enabling sub 10ms input lag, 4K 48-60 fps Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Game Mode, and a newly added gaming menu, making it perfect for gamers. We played several games on the TV, and the experience was smooth and lag-free.
Setting up the TV can be a bit of a pain, but once it’s up and running, it works like a charm. The legs are weak, so ensure you screw them on properly to avoid the TV falling over. The TV defaults to streaming screen, which can be annoying if you want to stay on cable input.
Overall, the VIZIO V-Series 4K UHD LED Smart TV is an excellent budget-friendly option that delivers on performance. If you are looking for a TV that provides crystal-clear and sharp picture quality, vibrant colors, and a standout gaming experience, then this TV is definitely worth considering.
TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV (32S350G, 2023 Model), Google Assistant Built-in with Voice Remote, Compatible with Alexa, Streaming FHD Television,Black 32 inches
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV that offers good picture quality and an array of features, the TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV (32S350G, 2023 Model) is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 1080p Full HD Resolution provides clear and detailed picture quality, making it perfect for watching your favorite movies and TV shows.
- With HDR (HDR10 -amp; HLG), you can enjoy enhanced contrast, accurate colors, and fine details utilizing all the most advanced HDR formats.
- The Google TV Smart OS brings all your favorite movies, shows, and live shows together in one place.
Cons
- The sound quality is not the best, so you may need to invest in external speakers or a soundbar for better audio.
- The TV is not the fastest when it comes to navigating between apps and menus.
- The remote control is quite basic and lacks a dedicated button for popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
Overall, the TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV (32S350G, 2023 Model) is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smart TV that offers good picture quality and an array of features. The FullView Metal Bezel-less Design gives it a modern look that blends seamlessly into any home, and the Bluetooth Personal Audio feature allows for a private listening experience. With Chromecast Built-in, you can easily stream your favorite shows and movies from thousands of apps, and the TV works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control it with your voice. While it may not be the fastest or have the best sound quality, it’s a great option for those on a budget.
TCL 75-Inch Q6 QLED 4K Smart TV
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with exceptional picture quality, then the TCL 75-Inch Q6 QLED 4K Smart TV is a great buy.
Pros
- The QLED technology provides stunning picture quality with accurate colors and fine details.
- The Google TV feature allows you to stream your favorite shows and movies with ease.
- The Motion Rate 240 and MEMC frame insertion ensure exceptional motion clarity, making it perfect for watching fast-paced action scenes or playing games.
Cons
- The TV is quite bulky and heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The sound quality is not as good as some other high-end TVs on the market.
- The remote control can be a bit confusing to use at first.
We recently got our hands on the TCL 75-Inch Q6 QLED 4K Smart TV, and we were blown away by the picture quality. The QLED technology provides stunning colors and fine details, making it perfect for watching movies and TV shows. The Google TV feature is also a great addition, allowing you to easily stream your favorite content from your phone or tablet.
One of the standout features of this TV is the Motion Rate 240 and MEMC frame insertion. This technology ensures exceptional motion clarity, making it perfect for watching fast-paced action scenes or playing games. We were also impressed with the Game Accelerator 120, which provides a more responsive gameplay without lag.
While we loved the picture quality and features of this TV, there were a few downsides. The TV is quite bulky and heavy, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the sound quality is not as good as some other high-end TVs on the market. Finally, the remote control can be a bit confusing to use at first.
Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with exceptional picture quality, then the TCL 75-Inch Q6 QLED 4K Smart TV is a great buy.
TCL S4 50-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV
We highly recommend the TCL S4 50-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV for those looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Pros
- The 4K Ultra HD Resolution offers incredible detail, providing four times the resolution of Full HD TVs.
- The Motion Rate 240 with MEMC Frame Insertion combines multiple motion enhancement technologies for exceptional motion clarity.
- The HDR PRO (Dolby Vision, HDR10, -amp; HLG) enhances contrast, accurate colors, and fine details utilizing all the most advanced HDR formats.
Cons
- The TV’s refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be ideal for serious gamers.
- The TV’s built-in speakers are decent but may not provide the best audio experience for those who are picky about sound quality.
- The TV’s design may not be to everyone’s taste, as the FullView Metal Bezel-less Design may not blend well with certain home decor styles.
We were impressed with the TCL S4’s picture quality, which is on par with some higher-end models. The TV’s HDR PRO feature delivers bright and accurate colors for a lifelike viewing experience, and the Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion ensures exceptional motion clarity. The TV’s Google TV Smart OS also provides easy access to all your favorite streaming apps, and the Auto Game Mode (ALLM) automatically enables game mode for the lowest possible input lag and latency for an unmatched gaming performance.
One downside of the TCL S4 is its refresh rate of only 60 Hz, which may not be ideal for serious gamers looking for a smoother gaming experience. Additionally, while the TV’s built-in speakers are decent, they may not provide the best audio experience for those who are picky about sound quality.
Overall, we think the TCL S4 50-Inch Class 4K LED Smart TV is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Its stunning picture quality, easy-to-use interface, and sleek design make it a smart choice for any home.
TCL 55-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly smart TV, the TCL 55-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 55-inch screen size is perfect for an immersive viewing experience.
- The QLED technology and UltraWide Color Gamut provide rich and lifelike images with over a billion colors.
- The Full Array PRO Local Dimming with over 200 local dimming zones ensures deep blacks without image blooming.
Cons
- The Google TV interface may not be for everyone.
- The sound quality could be better.
- The remote control could be more user-friendly.
We’ve been using the TCL 55-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV for a few weeks now and we’re impressed with its performance. The picture quality is excellent with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and great contrast. The Full Array PRO Local Dimming technology ensures that the blacks are truly black without any blooming, which is great for watching movies or TV shows in a dark room.
The TV comes with a built-in Google TV interface, which allows you to access all your favorite streaming services with ease. The interface is easy to navigate, although it may take some time to get used to if you’re not familiar with Google TV.
One of the standout features of this TV is the Game Accelerator 240, which provides a responsive gaming experience without any lag. The native 120Hz TV, with up to 240Hz VRR powered by AMD FreeSync, makes it an excellent choice for gamers.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the TCL 55-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart Google TV to anyone looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with excellent picture quality and gaming capabilities.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a budget smart TV, there are a few key features that you should consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors that we recommend you keep in mind when making your purchase:
Screen Size
The first thing to consider is the size of the screen. This will depend on the size of the room where you plan to use the TV, as well as your personal preferences. A larger screen size will provide a more immersive viewing experience, but it may also be more expensive. We recommend choosing a screen size that is appropriate for your space and budget.
Display Technology
The type of display technology used in the TV can also have a significant impact on the viewing experience. Some popular options include LED, OLED, and QLED. LED TVs are the most affordable option, but they may not offer the same level of picture quality as OLED or QLED TVs. OLED TVs are known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors, while QLED TVs offer bright and vivid colors. Consider your viewing preferences and budget when choosing a display technology.
Smart Features
One of the main advantages of a smart TV is the ability to access streaming services and other online content directly from the TV. Look for a TV that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide selection of apps. Some smart TVs also offer voice control, which can be a convenient feature for hands-free navigation.
Connectivity
Make sure to also consider the connectivity options of the TV. Most smart TVs come with built-in Wi-Fi, but you may also want to look for a TV with Ethernet connectivity for a more stable connection. Additionally, consider the number and type of ports available for connecting other devices such as gaming consoles, soundbars, and Blu-ray players.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a budget smart TV that meets your needs and provides a satisfying viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top features to look for in a budget smart TV?
When shopping for a budget smart TV, there are several features to consider. Look for a TV with a high resolution, such as 1080p or 4K, for a clear and crisp picture. A TV with built-in Wi-Fi and smart capabilities will allow you to stream your favorite shows and movies without needing an external device. Additionally, consider the number of HDMI ports, as well as the overall design and user interface of the TV.
How do I choose the best budget 4K TV for gaming?
For gaming, it’s important to look for a TV with a fast refresh rate and low input lag. A refresh rate of at least 120Hz and an input lag of less than 20ms will ensure a smooth and responsive gaming experience. Additionally, look for a TV with HDR support for enhanced color and contrast.
Which budget smart TVs offer the best value for their price?
There are several budget smart TVs on the market that offer great value for their price. Some top options include the TCL 4-Series, Vizio V-Series, and Hisense H8G. These TVs offer a high-quality picture and smart capabilities at an affordable price.
What are the best smart TV brands for budget-conscious consumers?
When it comes to budget smart TVs, some of the best brands to consider include TCL, Vizio, Hisense, and Samsung. These brands offer a range of affordable options with smart capabilities and high-quality picture.
What size smart TV offers the best balance between cost and functionality?
The best size for a budget smart TV will depend on your personal preferences and viewing habits. However, a 50-55 inch TV is a popular choice for many consumers, as it offers a good balance between cost and functionality.
How does picture quality compare among budget smart TVs?
While budget smart TVs may not offer the same level of picture quality as high-end models, there are still many options that provide a great viewing experience. Look for a TV with a high resolution, HDR support, and a good contrast ratio for the best picture quality. Additionally, consider the overall design and user interface of the TV to ensure a seamless viewing experience.