10 Best Budget TVs 2025 in the United States

The TCL 65-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly television that doesn't skimp on features. With its impressive 4K UltraHD resolution, viewers can expect stunning detail that surpasses standard HD. The HDR PRO+ support, which includes Dolby Vision, enhances the picture quality by providing vibrant colors and improved contrast, making it ideal for movie enthusiasts and gamers alike. The Game Accelerator 120 feature adds another layer of appeal for gamers, enabling a smoother performance with reduced lag, which is essential in fast-paced gaming scenarios.

On the smart TV front, the integrated Fire TV platform offers a wide array of streaming options, making it easy to access over 1 million movies and TV episodes, which is a substantial plus for anyone who enjoys binge-watching. The addition of voice control with Alexa built-in enhances user convenience, allowing for hands-free operation.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The refresh rate is capped at 60 Hz, which may not be sufficient for those looking for an ultra-smooth experience, particularly in high-action content. While the Dolby Atmos support is a nice touch, the built-in speakers may not offer the immersive audio experience that some users desire, potentially leading to the consideration of external sound systems for optimal performance. Additionally, the reliance on a Wi-Fi connection for some smart features may be a limitation for those in areas with less reliable internet service. The TCL 65S551F is a solid option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a large, feature-packed smart TV. Its strong visual performance, gaming features, and access to streaming services make it a great fit for families and casual viewers, while its limitations in refresh rate and sound quality may be less appealing to enthusiasts.

The INSIGNIA 50" Class F50 Series is a solid choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly 4K smart TV. With a 50-inch LED screen and 4K Ultra HD resolution, it delivers sharp and clear pictures that bring out fine details in movies and shows, especially when paired with HDR10 technology which enhances color and contrast nicely. The 60 Hz refresh rate is standard for TVs in this price range, making it good for everyday viewing but not the best if you want super-smooth action for fast-paced sports or gaming.

The Fire TV platform gives you easy access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, plus some free content from ad-supported services, so you’ll find plenty to watch right away. It also supports Alexa voice control and works with Apple AirPlay, helping you connect and control smart home devices, which is a nice bonus for smart home users. Connectivity options are versatile, with 3 HDMI ports, USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, allowing you to hook up game consoles, soundbars, or other devices without hassle. Sound quality is enhanced by DTS Virtual-X, offering a more immersive experience than basic TVs.

The 60 Hz refresh rate might feel limiting if you want very smooth motion, and while the Fire TV interface is user-friendly, it may come with occasional ads or prompts to subscribe to services. Also, the TV weighs about 40 pounds, so mounting it on the wall is doable but might require assistance. This Insignia model suits anyone wanting a large 4K smart TV with good picture and smart features for everyday entertainment, especially if you want to keep things budget-friendly.

The Samsung 65-Inch Crystal UHD U8000F is a solid pick if you want a large 4K screen on a budget. Its 65-inch size and 4K resolution deliver clear and vibrant images, with Samsung’s Crystal Processor enhancing colors and upscaling lower-quality videos to near 4K quality. The TV has a sleek metal design that looks modern and minimizes distractions with slim bezels.

It runs on smart TV features that let you access over 2,700 free channels and apps without extra subscriptions, making entertainment easy and varied. For gaming and sports, the 60 Hz refresh rate with Motion Xcelerator helps smooth out motion, though this refresh rate is on the lower side compared to higher-end models, so fast action scenes may not always be perfectly fluid. Samsung’s processing helps improve picture contrast and color.

Connectivity is versatile with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, and USB ports, so hooking up your devices or streaming is straightforward. The TV also offers extra security with Samsung Knox, which helps protect your personal data. If you want a large, stylish, and affordable 4K smart TV with good color and plenty of free content, this model fits well. For ultra-smooth gaming or advanced HDR features, higher-end options might be more suitable.