Top Budget-Friendly TVs: Best Cheap TV Recommendations

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Finding a cheap TV that's actually good can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, right? You want something that doesn't break the bank but still delivers a decent picture, good sound, and lasts more than a year. Well, guys, you're in luck! I've done the digging for you and rounded up some of the best budget-friendly TVs out there. Forget those days of squinting at a blurry screen – let's get you set up with a quality TV without emptying your wallet.

Why Go for a Budget-Friendly TV?

Before we dive into the recommendations, let's quickly talk about why opting for a budget TV can be a smart move. First off, the most obvious reason: saving money! You can get a perfectly capable TV for everyday viewing without spending a fortune on high-end features you might not even use. Think about it – do you really need an 8K TV with all the bells and whistles if you're mostly watching Netflix, streaming sports, or playing video games? For many people, a good quality, affordable TV is more than enough.

Another reason is that budget TVs have come a long way in recent years. Technology has trickled down, meaning you can now find TVs with decent picture quality, smart features, and reliable performance at much lower prices than you used to. So, you're not necessarily sacrificing quality when you go for a cheaper option. Plus, a budget-friendly TV can be a great choice for secondary rooms like bedrooms, kitchens, or guest rooms where you don't need the absolute best-of-the-best display. It’s also perfect for kids' playrooms where expensive electronics might be more at risk. Ultimately, choosing a cheap but good TV can give you great value and free up your budget for other things – like more streaming subscriptions or a new gaming console!

Factors to Consider When Buying a Budget TV

Okay, so you're on board with the idea of a budget TV. Awesome! But before you rush out and buy the first one you see, let's talk about some important factors to keep in mind. This will help you make sure you're getting the best TV for your needs and avoiding any buyer's remorse.

Screen Size

First up: screen size. This depends on how far away you'll be sitting from the TV. A good rule of thumb is that you should have about 1.5 to 2.5 inches of screen size for every foot of viewing distance. So, if you're sitting about 8 feet away, a 55-inch to 65-inch TV might be a good fit. Of course, this is just a guideline – personal preference plays a big role too. Some people prefer a more immersive experience with a larger screen, while others find it overwhelming. Consider the size of your room and how far you'll be sitting, and then choose a TV size that feels comfortable. Don't forget to measure your space to make sure the TV will physically fit!

Resolution

Next, let's talk resolution. You'll typically find budget TVs with either 1080p (Full HD) or 4K (Ultra HD) resolution. 4K TVs have four times the number of pixels as 1080p TVs, which means a sharper, more detailed picture. If you're planning to watch a lot of 4K content (like from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or 4K Blu-rays), then a 4K TV is definitely worth considering. However, if you mostly watch cable TV or older content, a 1080p TV might be perfectly adequate and save you some money. Keep in mind that on smaller screen sizes (like 32 inches or less), the difference between 1080p and 4K might not be as noticeable.

Smart Features

Most modern TVs come with smart features, which means they can connect to the internet and run apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more. The smart TV platform can vary – some TVs use Roku, others use Android TV, and others use their own proprietary system. Roku TVs are generally known for being user-friendly and having a wide selection of apps. Android TV is also a solid choice with a lot of customization options. Consider which platform you prefer and make sure the TV you choose has the apps you use most often. If a TV doesn't have the smart features you want, you can always add a streaming device like a Roku Stick, Amazon Fire Stick, or Chromecast.

Ports

Don't forget to check the ports! You'll want to make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports to connect all your devices, like your cable box, Blu-ray player, gaming console, and streaming device. Also, look for USB ports, which can be useful for connecting external hard drives or thumb drives. An Ethernet port is helpful if you want a wired internet connection for more reliable streaming. And if you have older devices, you might need to look for component or composite inputs. Make sure the TV has all the connections you need before you buy it.

Audio Quality

Audio quality is another important factor. Many budget TVs have weak speakers, so you might want to consider getting a soundbar or external speakers to improve the audio experience. If you're on a tight budget, look for a TV with decent built-in speakers, but don't expect them to blow you away. Read reviews to get an idea of the audio quality before you buy. Also, check if the TV has an audio output (like HDMI ARC or optical) so you can easily connect it to a soundbar or receiver.

Top Recommendations for Cheap But Good TVs

Alright, let's get to the good stuff – my top recommendations for cheap but good TVs. These TVs offer a great balance of price, performance, and features, making them excellent choices for budget-conscious buyers.

TCL 4-Series

The TCL 4-Series is a fantastic option for those looking for a truly affordable 4K TV. It offers surprisingly good picture quality for the price, with decent color accuracy and contrast. It also comes with Roku TV, which is one of the easiest and most user-friendly smart TV platforms out there. You'll have access to thousands of streaming channels, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. The TCL 4-Series is available in a variety of sizes, from 43 inches to 75 inches, so you can find one that fits your space and budget. While it doesn't have all the fancy features of more expensive TVs, like local dimming or wide color gamut, it's a great value for the money.

Hisense A6 Series

The Hisense A6 Series is another excellent choice for a budget-friendly 4K TV. It boasts Dolby Vision HDR support, which can enhance the picture quality with better contrast and color accuracy (when watching compatible content). It also comes with Android TV, which gives you access to a wide range of apps and games. The Hisense A6 Series is known for its vibrant colors and decent black levels, making it a good option for watching movies and TV shows. It's available in sizes ranging from 43 inches to 75 inches. Keep in mind that the Hisense A6 Series doesn't have the best viewing angles, so it's best viewed from directly in front of the screen.

Insignia Fire TV Edition

If you're a fan of Amazon's Fire TV interface, the Insignia Fire TV Edition is a solid choice. These TVs come with Fire TV built-in, so you can easily access all your favorite streaming apps and services. They also support Alexa voice control, so you can use your voice to control the TV, search for content, and more. The Insignia Fire TV Edition TVs offer decent picture quality for the price, with good color accuracy and contrast. They're available in sizes ranging from 24 inches to 70 inches, making them a good option for smaller rooms or secondary TVs. Plus, they often go on sale, making them even more affordable.

Vizio D-Series

The Vizio D-Series is a great all-around option for a budget TV. It offers a good balance of picture quality, features, and price. It comes with Vizio's SmartCast platform, which is easy to use and has a decent selection of apps. The Vizio D-Series TVs offer good color accuracy and contrast, making them a good choice for watching movies, TV shows, and sports. They're available in sizes ranging from 24 inches to 43 inches, making them a good option for smaller rooms or as secondary TVs. Vizio is known for its value, and the D-Series definitely delivers.

Sceptre TVs

For those on an extremely tight budget, Sceptre TVs are worth considering. While they may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive brands, they offer a surprisingly decent picture quality for the price. Sceptre TVs are often very basic, with few smart features, but they get the job done if you just need a simple TV for watching cable or playing video games. They're available in a variety of sizes, from small portable TVs to larger screen sizes. Just don't expect them to compete with the picture quality or features of more expensive brands.

Tips for Getting the Best Deal on a Budget TV

Okay, now that you know which budget TVs to consider, let's talk about how to get the best deal. Here are a few tips to help you save even more money:

  • Shop around: Don't just buy the first TV you see. Compare prices at different retailers to make sure you're getting the best deal. Check online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, as well as local stores.
  • Look for sales: TVs often go on sale during holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Memorial Day. Keep an eye out for these sales to snag a great deal. You can also set up price alerts on websites like CamelCamelCamel to track the price of a TV and get notified when it drops.
  • Consider open-box or refurbished TVs: You can often find open-box or refurbished TVs at a discount. These are TVs that have been returned to the store for various reasons, but they've been inspected and tested to make sure they're in good working condition. Just make sure to check the store's return policy before you buy.
  • Read reviews: Before you buy a TV, read reviews from other customers to get an idea of its pros and cons. This can help you avoid buying a TV that has a lot of problems.
  • Don't be afraid to negotiate: If you're buying a TV in person, don't be afraid to negotiate the price. You might be surprised at how much you can save.

Final Thoughts

Finding a cheap but good TV doesn't have to be a daunting task. By considering your needs, doing your research, and following these tips, you can find a great TV that fits your budget. Remember to prioritize the features that are most important to you, like screen size, resolution, and smart features. And don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices to get the best deal. With a little effort, you can enjoy a quality TV without breaking the bank. Happy watching!