Best TV for the Money: Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Viewing

Television is a staple in most households, and with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. The market is flooded with televisions that boast different features, sizes, and prices. However, the most crucial factor when buying a TV is finding the best one for your budget.

When it comes to the best TV for the money, there are several things to consider. The first is the type of TV that suits your needs. There are currently three types of TVs: LED, OLED, and QLED. LED TVs are the most common and affordable, while OLED and QLED TVs are more expensive but offer better picture quality.

The second thing to consider is the size of the TV. A larger TV may be more expensive, but it can provide a better viewing experience. However, it’s essential to choose a TV that fits comfortably in your living room or bedroom.

Finally, it’s important to consider the features that come with the TV. Smart TVs are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow you to stream content from the internet. The number of HDMI ports, refresh rate, and resolution are also important factors to consider.

We spent hours researching and testing TVs to identify the ones that provide the best value for your money. In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the different types of TVs and provide our top picks for the best TV for the money.

Best TVs for the Money

We understand that finding the best TV for the money can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best TVs that offer great value for their price. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed each TV on this list to ensure that they not only provide excellent picture and sound quality but also offer a range of features that make them worth the investment. So, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end TV with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below.

INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote

If you’re looking for an affordable TV with 4K Ultra HD resolution and Alexa voice control, the INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote might be worth considering.

Pros

• Enjoy breathtaking 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
• Speak commands into the voice remote with Alexa to control your Fire TV verbally—ask it to watch live TV, search for titles, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more.
• Watch over 1 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Apple TV , Disney , Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, Sling TV, YouTube and other services right from this TV.

Cons

• This premium audio enhancement suite creates realistic and immersive audio with two-speaker playback that expands your sense of space and ambience.
• Pair with your Amazon Echo and go hands-free, controlling volume, search, channels and more.
• The refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes or sports.

We recently purchased the INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote and have been impressed with its picture quality and ease of use. The 4K resolution is stunning, and the upscaling feature makes even non-4K content look better. The Alexa voice control is a convenient feature that allows us to easily navigate the Fire TV interface and search for content without having to type or use a separate remote.

One downside we’ve noticed is that the built-in speakers aren’t very powerful, so we’ve had to use external speakers to get better sound quality. Additionally, the refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be ideal for sports or action scenes.

Overall, the INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote is a great value for the price, offering 4K resolution and Alexa voice control at an affordable price point.

Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote

If you’re looking for an affordable way to stream your favorite content without the need for cable TV, the Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The picture quality is excellent, thanks to 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus support.
• The Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to find, launch, and control your content, as well as check the weather, sports scores, and more.
• With over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes available to stream, including subscriptions to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney , and more, there’s always something to watch.

Cons

• The TV legs are set far apart, which may be an issue if you have a smaller entertainment center.
• The sound quality isn’t the best, so you may want to invest in a soundbar or external speakers.
• Some users have reported issues with the TV freezing or restarting unexpectedly.

We recently purchased the Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote and have been quite pleased with it so far. The picture quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and sharp details that really bring movies and shows to life. And with support for 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible viewing experience.

The Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote is also a great feature, making it easy to find and launch your favorite content with just a few simple voice commands. We’ve been able to easily access all of our favorite streaming services, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney , and have even been able to watch live and free TV, play video games, and stream music.

That being said, there are a few downsides to this TV. The legs are set quite far apart, which may be an issue if you have a smaller entertainment center. And while the sound quality is decent, it’s not the best we’ve ever heard, so you may want to invest in a soundbar or external speakers if you’re looking for a more immersive audio experience.

Overall, we think the Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote is a great value for the money, offering a convenient and affordable way to stream your favorite content without the need for cable TV.

VIZIO D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV

If you want a versatile and high-performing TV without breaking the bank, the VIZIO D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV is a great choice.

Pros

• The Full Array LED Backlight ensures superior light uniformity and picture performance.
• The IQ Picture Processor delivers faster navigation, quicker load times, and superior picture processing.
• The V-Gaming Engine optimizes picture mode for gaming and makes next-gen console gameplay more responsive.

Cons

• The TV’s sound quality is average, so a soundbar is recommended for a more immersive audio experience.
• The TV’s SmartCast platform may take some time to get used to, especially for those who are used to other streaming platforms.
• The TV’s 1080p resolution may not be as impressive as higher-end models.

We were impressed with the VIZIO D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV’s performance, especially considering its affordable price tag. The Full Array LED Backlight ensured that the picture was evenly distributed, and the IQ Picture Processor made navigation and content loading times much faster. The V-Gaming Engine was a standout feature, as it optimized picture mode for gaming and made gameplay more responsive.

While the TV’s sound quality was average, we found that adding a soundbar made a significant difference in the overall audio experience. The SmartCast platform may take some time to get used to, but it offers a great selection of built-in apps, including WatchFree for free access to live TV and hundreds of channels. The TV’s 1080p resolution may not be as impressive as higher-end models, but it still delivers a brilliant picture.

Overall, we highly recommend the VIZIO D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV for anyone looking for a versatile and high-performing TV at an affordable price point.

All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device

If you’re looking for a streaming device that offers a cinematic experience, the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance.
• Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router, thanks to Wi-Fi 6 support.
• Watch in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 , and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.

Cons

• Subscription fees may apply to access certain streaming services.
• Captions are not available for all content.
• Certain apps and services are subject to change or withdrawal at any time, may not be available in all areas and languages, and may require separate subscriptions.

We recently upgraded to the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The advanced 4K streaming elevates our entertainment experience, and we’ve noticed a significant improvement in streaming performance compared to our previous device.

The Wi-Fi 6 support ensures that we can enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to our router. The cinematic experience is enhanced with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 , and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, making us feel like we’re at the movies in the comfort of our own home.

One of the best things about this streaming device is the endless entertainment it offers. We can stream more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, including favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney , Max, and more. We also have access to over 300,000 free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Amazon Freevee, Tubi, and Pluto TV.

We also appreciate the Alexa Voice Remote, which allows us to quickly find, launch, and control content with our voice. We can get to our favorite apps with preset buttons, and control TV power and volume with one remote. Plus, we can control compatible devices like cameras, lights, and more with our remote by pressing and asking Alexa to check the weather or dim the lights.

Overall, we highly recommend the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device for anyone looking for a cinematic streaming experience with smooth 4K streaming and endless entertainment options.

PERLESMITH Full Motion TV Wall Mount

If you’re looking for a sturdy and reliable TV wall mount that can fit most TV brands and sizes, the PERLESMITH Full Motion TV Wall Mount is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The universal mounting bracket can fit well with brands Samsung, LG, TCL, Hisense, Vizio, Sony, Panasonic, Thomson, Toshiba, Sharp, Philips, and other TV brands among 26-60 inch screen sizes, securely supporting up to 77lbs LED or LCD flat panel TVs.
• The sturdy and strong mounting structure is designed with heavy-duty cold-rolled steel and 100% welded by automatic robot, making it capable of holding any TV weight up to 77lbs. The strong arms with solid and flexible joints can hold your TV steady while the arm extends far away.
• The full motion feature allows for customized viewing angles with /-90° swivel (max. swivel angle depends on TV size), a tilt angle ranging from 5° to -15° to reduce glare from lights, and /-3° level adjust for maximum viewing flexibility. The mount can also extend up to 18.3” to get more comfort from any seat in the room.

Cons

• Installation directions may be weak, making it challenging for those who are not handy people. However, all required mounting hardware and a detailed graphical installation guide are included to help you install the TV without any hassle.
• The mount may not be suitable for curved screens.
• The instructions may not be clear for some users.

We found that the PERLESMITH Full Motion TV Wall Mount is a great space-saving and ultra-safe design that works perfectly as a corner TV mount, living room, bedroom, kitchen, studio, office, etc. Its slim and low profile design with a single arm that retracts a mere 2.4” from the wall enables you to position your display at any corner of the house, and you can fold it to tuck-in closely to the wall when TV is left unused.

Overall, we highly recommend this TV wall mount for anyone looking for a reliable and sturdy mount that can fit most TV brands and sizes.

FPD 43-inch Smart TV Google TV 1080p Full HD with Google Play and Chromecast Built-in, HDR 10, Dolby Audio, Voice Remote, Stream Live TV(Palette-Series, CG43-P3, 2024 Model)

We recommend purchasing the FPD 43-inch Smart TV Google TV 1080p Full HD with Google Play and Chromecast Built-in, HDR 10, Dolby Audio, Voice Remote, Stream Live TV(Palette-Series, CG43-P3, 2024 Model) for its affordable price and impressive features.

Pros

• The Google TV Smart OS provides an intuitive platform to access a vast library of content.
• The combination of Full HD 1080p resolution and HDR10 delivers a truly immersive and captivating viewing experience.
• The Google Assistant Voice Remote offers hands-free navigation and voice commands, making it effortless to control your entertainment.

Cons

• The setup process for the Google TV software can be time-consuming and frustrating.
• The TV’s features and specifications are a bit dated compared to newer models on the market.
• The TV’s thickness may not be suitable for those looking for a slim and sleek design.

The FPD 43-inch Smart TV Google TV 1080p Full HD with Google Play and Chromecast Built-in, HDR 10, Dolby Audio, Voice Remote, Stream Live TV(Palette-Series, CG43-P3, 2024 Model) is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable smart TV with impressive features. The Google TV Smart OS provides an intuitive platform to access a vast library of content, and the combination of Full HD 1080p resolution and HDR10 delivers a truly immersive and captivating viewing experience.

The Google Assistant Voice Remote offers hands-free navigation and voice commands, making it effortless to control your entertainment. However, the setup process for the Google TV software can be time-consuming and frustrating, and the TV’s features and specifications are a bit dated compared to newer models on the market. Additionally, the TV’s thickness may not be suitable for those looking for a slim and sleek design.

Overall, the FPD 43-inch Smart TV Google TV 1080p Full HD with Google Play and Chromecast Built-in, HDR 10, Dolby Audio, Voice Remote, Stream Live TV(Palette-Series, CG43-P3, 2024 Model) is a great value for its affordable price and impressive features.

SunBrite Veranda 2 Series 43-inch Full Shade Outdoor TV

If you’re looking for a TV that can withstand the elements and provide excellent picture quality, the SunBrite Veranda 2 Series 43-inch Full Shade Outdoor TV is a great option.

Pros

• The upgraded ultra 4K HDR screen delivers a breathtaking, vivid picture in outdoor environments.
• The TV is designed to handle all types of weather, with a rugged case and components that protect against rain, snow, extreme temperatures, dust, and salt.
• The built-in speakers and media bay make it easy to connect popular streaming devices and enjoy your favorite content outdoors.

Cons

• The sound quality is fairly lacking, especially from a distance.
• The connections panel could be more spacious.
• The price point is higher than typical indoor TVs.

We recently purchased the SunBrite Veranda 2 Series 43-inch Full Shade Outdoor TV for our covered patio, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The 4K HDR screen is incredibly bright and delivers stunning picture quality, even in full shade. We’ve also been pleased with how well the TV has held up to the elements, with no issues despite rain and humidity.

The built-in speakers are a nice touch, and we’ve found the media bay to be spacious enough to connect our favorite streaming devices. However, we did find that the sound quality is lacking when we’re sitting further away from the TV, so we’ve had to invest in additional speakers to get the audio quality we’re looking for.

Overall, we believe that the SunBrite Veranda 2 Series 43-inch Full Shade Outdoor TV is a great investment for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite content outdoors. While it is more expensive than typical indoor TVs, the durability and picture quality make it well worth the cost.

ELIVED UL Listed TV Wall Mount

If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy TV wall mount, the ELIVED UL Listed TV Wall Mount is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The mount is compatible with most 26-60 inch TVs, with VESA patterns ranging from 100x100mm to 400x400mm, and can hold up to 88 lbs.
• The single stud swivel design allows for maximum flexibility in positioning your TV for a comfortable viewing experience. The mount can swivel left or right 90°, tilt up 5°, tilt down 15°, and has 3°/-3° screen level adjustment capability.
• The strong articulating 3-arm structure with cold-rolled steel ensures reliable strength and provides sufficient swivel angle. The automatic robot welding technology makes the whole TV mounting bracket unit sturdy and has a good appearance.

Cons

• The concrete anchors are not included in the package, so you have to request them separately.
• The mount is not suitable for drywall installation alone.
• The mount may not be compatible with certain TV models, so it’s important to check your TV’s weight, size, VESA, and input access before purchasing.

We recently installed the ELIVED UL Listed TV Wall Mount in our living room, and we were impressed with its sturdy and durable design. The mount was easy to install and came with clear step-by-step instructions, a bubble level, and necessary standard mounting kit. The swivel design allowed us to position our TV in the most comfortable viewing angle, and the screen level adjustment capability ensured that the TV was perfectly level. The mount also gave us more space in the room and added a touch of elegance to our living room.

Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy TV wall mount that offers flexibility and ease of installation, the ELIVED UL Listed TV Wall Mount is a great choice.

TCL 85-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart TV with Google (85Q750G, 2023 Model) Dolby Vision, Atmos, HDR Ultra, 120Hz, Game Accelerator up to 240Hz, Voice Remote, Works Alexa, Streaming UHD Television 85-Inch TV Only

If you’re looking for a premium TV with a large screen and top-notch features, the TCL 85-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart TV is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The 85-inch screen size is perfect for an immersive home theater experience, with stunning 4K resolution and HDR ULTRA technology for enhanced contrast and accurate colors.
• The QLED technology with Quantum Dot and UltraWide Color Gamut provides over a billion colors for rich and lifelike images, coupled with a HighBright Pro LED Backlight that creates dazzling specular highlights for a truly cinematic experience.
• Full Array PRO Local Dimming with over 200 local dimming zones dynamically adapts to on-screen content, for deep blacks without image blooming.

Cons

• The TV is quite large and heavy, which may require a sturdy wall mount or dedicated TV stand.
• The Google TV interface may not be as intuitive as other options, and may take some time to get used to.
• The price point may be higher than some other options on the market.

Overall, we highly recommend the TCL 85-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart TV for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line home theater experience. With its stunning picture quality, advanced features, and impressive size, this TV is sure to impress.

SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series

If you’re in the market for a new TV and want to get the most bang for your buck, the SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series is a solid choice.

Pros

• The Dynamic Crystal Color technology provides a stunning, vivid display with a billion shades of color.
• The Crystal Processor with 4K upscaling automatically enhances the picture quality of your favorite content.
• The Motion Xcelerator feature ensures smooth motion and improved clarity, making it perfect for high-intensity sports, movies, and games.

Cons

• The 60 Hz refresh rate may not be suitable for serious gamers or sports enthusiasts who want to see every detail in fast-paced action.
• The sound quality may not be up to par for audiophiles who want a theater-like experience.
• The TV’s size and weight may be too bulky for some living spaces.

Overall, we were impressed with the SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series. The picture quality is top-notch, and the Dynamic Crystal Color technology really makes the colors pop. The Crystal Processor with 4K upscaling is also a great feature, as it automatically enhances the picture quality of your favorite content.

The Motion Xcelerator feature is another standout feature, as it ensures smooth motion and improved clarity, making it perfect for high-intensity sports, movies, and games. However, the 60 Hz refresh rate may not be suitable for serious gamers or sports enthusiasts who want to see every detail in fast-paced action.

The sound quality may not be up to par for audiophiles who want a theater-like experience, but the Object Tracking Sound Lite feature provides 3D surround sound that follows the movement on screen using virtual top channel audio.

Overall, we think the SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series is a great choice for anyone looking for a TV with stunning picture quality and advanced features.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a TV, there are a few key features you should consider to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Screen Size

The size of the TV you choose will depend on the size of the room it will be in and how far away you will be sitting from it. As a general rule, a 55-inch TV is suitable for a medium-sized room, while a 65-inch TV is better for a larger space. However, if you have a small room or sit close to the TV, a smaller screen size may be more appropriate.

Display Technology

There are two main types of display technology to consider: LED and OLED. LED TVs are more affordable and offer good picture quality, but they don’t have the same deep blacks and contrast as OLED TVs. OLED TVs are more expensive but offer superior picture quality, with deep blacks and vibrant colors.

Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels on the screen and affects the clarity and detail of the image. The most common resolutions are 1080p (Full HD) and 4K (Ultra HD). A 4K TV offers four times the resolution of a 1080p TV and is becoming increasingly popular as more content is produced in 4K.

Smart Features

Many TVs now come with built-in smart features, such as streaming apps and voice control. If you plan to use your TV to stream content, look for one with a user-friendly interface and a wide selection of apps.

Sound Quality

While the picture quality is important, don’t overlook the importance of sound. Look for a TV with good speakers or consider purchasing a separate soundbar to enhance the audio.

By considering these factors, you can choose a TV that meets your needs and provides the best value for your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best budget-friendly smart TVs currently on the market?

There are several great options for budget-friendly smart TVs on the market. Some of our top picks include the TCL 4-Series, Vizio V-Series, and Hisense H8G. These TVs offer excellent picture quality and a range of smart features, all at an affordable price point.

Which TV brands are known for their reliability and quality?

When it comes to reliability and quality, some of the top TV brands include Samsung, LG, and Sony. These brands have a reputation for producing high-quality TVs that are built to last.

What are the top-rated TVs in terms of performance and value for 2024?

As of 2024, some of the top-rated TVs in terms of performance and value include the Samsung QN90A, LG C1 OLED, and Sony X95J. These TVs offer excellent picture quality, a range of smart features, and are priced competitively.

How do 4K, QLED, and OLED TV technologies compare?

4K, QLED, and OLED are all different types of TV technologies, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. 4K TVs offer ultra-high-definition resolution, while QLED TVs use quantum dot technology to enhance color and brightness. OLED TVs, on the other hand, offer exceptional picture quality and deep blacks thanks to their self-emitting pixels.

What are the best 32-inch TVs for those looking to maximize their dollar?

For those looking for a 32-inch TV on a budget, some of our top picks include the TCL 3-Series, Insignia Fire TV, and Vizio D-Series. These TVs offer good picture quality and a range of smart features, all at a wallet-friendly price point.

What are the highest-rated TV models available on Amazon for cost-conscious consumers?

Some of the highest-rated TV models on Amazon for cost-conscious consumers include the TCL 6-Series, Vizio M-Series, and Hisense H9G. These TVs offer excellent picture quality and a range of smart features, all at a reasonable price point.