10 Best Budget TVs 2026 in the United States

The TCL 85QM64L is a large 85-inch TV that stands out with its Mini LED QLED technology, delivering bright, vibrant 4K images with deep blacks thanks to local dimming and a high contrast panel. Its 144Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion, making it a strong choice for fast-paced content or gaming. The TV supports HDR10 and HDR10+, offering enhanced color and brightness for an improved viewing experience in various lighting conditions.

Smart features are powered by Fire TV, providing easy access to popular streaming apps, voice control with Alexa, and smart home integration. Connectivity options include 4 HDMI ports, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. While the brand positions it in the budget TV category, this model leans toward premium due to its high price and massive 85-inch screen, which may not be suitable for smaller rooms or tight budgets.

For those seeking a cutting-edge large TV with robust smart features and outstanding picture quality, this TCL is a compelling option. However, if affordability or a smaller screen size is preferred, simpler models may better meet those needs.

The Samsung 85-Inch Class Crystal UHD U8000H is a large 4K TV that offers a vivid picture thanks to its Crystal Processor and Color Booster technology, which enhance colors and sharpness. With an 85-inch screen and HDR10+ support, it delivers vibrant visuals that are good for movies, sports, and general entertainment. Its 60Hz refresh rate is standard for budget TVs, providing smooth enough motion for casual viewing and gaming, though it won’t match higher refresh rates found in premium models.

The TV’s smart features run on Samsung’s Tizen platform, giving access to a wide range of apps plus over 2,700 free streaming channels through Samsung TV Plus, which is a big plus for those wanting lots of content without extra subscriptions. Connectivity includes three HDMI ports, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3, covering most needs for connecting external devices like game consoles, soundbars, or streaming sticks. The built-in Alexa voice assistant adds convenience for controlling the TV hands-free.

A downside to note is the 60Hz refresh rate, which might not satisfy more serious gamers or those wanting ultra-smooth fast-action scenes. Also, being a large 85-inch TV, it requires significant space and budget relative to smaller budget models. This Samsung TV represents a strong choice for those looking for a big-screen, smart 4K experience with rich colors and a good range of streaming options, fitting well into the budget-friendly category without some high-end extras.

The Insignia 50" Class F50 Series TV offers solid value for anyone seeking a budget-friendly 4K smart TV. It delivers sharp Ultra HD 4K resolution combined with HDR10 support, providing vibrant colors and good contrast for movies and shows, making the viewing experience more immersive than basic HD TVs. The 50-inch screen size is a comfortable middle ground for most living rooms, offering a large and clear picture without overwhelming the space.

This TV runs on Fire TV, giving easy access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, plus lots of free content from ad-supported apps. The Alexa Voice Remote makes navigation smooth and hands-free, adding convenience. It also supports Apple AirPlay, allowing easy sharing of content from iPhone or Mac devices. Connectivity is a strong point, with three HDMI ports, USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, making it easy to hook up game consoles, soundbars, or other devices. The inclusion of HDMI ARC/eARC provides better audio connection options for compatible sound systems. The built-in DTS Studio Sound enhances the audio experience, though the audio may not match the quality of a separate speaker system at this price point.

The 60 Hz refresh rate is standard for budget TVs but may not be ideal for fast-paced gaming or sports if very smooth motion is desired. The screen uses LED backlighting, which is common but does not provide the deep blacks or wide viewing angles of higher-end models. Parental controls allow content restriction for children, and the TV’s weight and size make it manageable for wall mounting or placement on a stand. This Insignia TV is a great choice for a large, smart 4K TV with solid app support and good connectivity without a high price tag, though it does not offer the high-end picture quality or ultra-smooth motion performance of more expensive models.