Buying a TV nowadays means pouring over dozens of special features offered by each model and deciding how the TV might fit in a home. Smart TVs take a lot of the guesswork out of the equation, with built-in internet connections that give users access to streaming apps and voice controls.
With all of these advanced features, it may seem impossible to find an affordable smart TV. However, with improvements in technology, budget smart TVs are available left and right. Whether the TV is destined for family movie nights or competitive console gaming, there are a good number of affordable smart TVs ready to entertain budget-minded shoppers. To make the search easier, Game Rant has compiled the best budget smart TVs available in 2023.
When choosing a Budget Smart TV, consider the following
Prospective buyers looking for a new smart TV on a budget should consider a few things before they start their search:
- Size – Bigger TVs are more expensive, but that doesn’t mean each size is stuck at a specific price point. Narrowing down results to a certain size will make it easier to pick out the best deals.
- Intended Use – Whether the TV will be used for gaming, streaming, or theater-style movie nights is an important distinction to make. Most budget smart TVs will place more focus on either visuals, app compatibility, or audio while sacrificing the quality of the other two.
- Extra Features – Extras such as more HDMI ports and built-in voice control typically aren’t make-or-break elements in a smart TV. However, users should decide how important these extras are to them so that they can make sure to get the biggest bang for their buck.
Game Rant's picks for the Best Budget Smart TVs
Insignia 50-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
The INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F30 Series TV offers a 4K Ultra HD resolution. This means it provides four times the resolution of Full HD televisions. The TV comes with built-in Alexa voice control, allowing you to manage your Fire TV with just your voice. In addition to voice controls, the TV offers hands-free operation when paired with an Amazon Echo. DTS Studio Sound support offers a better audio experience with two-speaker playback.
- Dimensions
- 10.4"D x 44.4"W x 27.8"H
- Display Technology
- LED
- Connectivity Technology
- Wi-Fi
- Resolution
- 4K
- Ports
- 3x HDMI, 1x USB, 1x 3.5mm
- Excellent 4K visuals
- Includes Fire TV streaming and voice control
- Offers three HDMI ports and a USB port
- Incredibly affordable
- Not a great lifespan after warranty ends
- No remote included
One of the most affordable TVs on the market also happens to be an excellent smart TV. For budget shoppers looking for a decent blend of visual and audio quality for gaming and streaming, Insignia’s Class F30 series smart TV is a seriously enticing deal. The 4K LED TV comes in at under $300, though it’s often on sale for $200 or less. With two broadly placed feet and a mountable back, the TV can be set up in a flash in any type of room. Since it’s a Fire TV, it automatically responds to Alexa voice commands to change the channel or start streaming from any of the Fire TV’s thousands of channels and apps.
Gamers aren’t left out of the fun either, with three HDMI ports and a USB port waiting for consoles, gaming peripherals, or even soundbars to be plugged in. Of course, the speakers are supported by DTS Studio Sound, though they’re powered by just two speakers. Regardless of the surround sound capabilities, this Insignia 50-inch smart TV has all the stunning visuals and immersive audio expected of a much pricier alternative.
VIZIO 50-inch MQX-Series 4K 120Hz QLED HDR10+ Smart TV
This Vizio MQX Series 4K television comes with a 50-inch display panel with QLED technology. The Quantum Color technology allows increased color performance in a 4K resolution with the use of Active Full Array Backlight technology and local dimming. The TV supports Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ for vibrant high dynamic range content. Vizio's smart TV platform allows easy access to millions of titles from popular streaming channels and other apps. With Vizio WatchFree+, there are also over 250 live-streaming channels for free.
- Dimensions
- 43.8 x 10 x 25.5 inches
- Display Technology
- QLED
- Resolution
- 4K
- Ports
- HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- What's Included
- XRT260 Voice Remote, 2 x AAA Batteries, Power Cable, Stand
- Brand
- VIZIO
- Refresh Rate
- 120 Hz
- HDR?
- HDR10+
- Weight
- 27 lbs
- FreeSync
- Yes
- Quantum Color technology for vibrant and realistic imagery
- 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth motion for gaming and action scenes
- Integrated smart platform for easy access to streaming services
- Heavier than some models
- Requires calibration for optimal picture quality
- No direct way to add apps from the online store
Available for under $600, the VIZIO MQX-Series is a 50-inch 4K beauty with tons of incredible offerings for buyers. Equipped with industry-leading Quantum Dot display technology, this TV delivers deep contrast and incredible brightness levels. This makes streaming, gaming, and virtually any activity on this display look better than on other TVs. As a smart TV, users get access to their favorite channels and streaming apps. What's more, this TV supports voice control, a critical smart home feature, through integration with virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Home.
Beyond streaming, the VIZIO MQX-Series wants to be seen as a capable gaming TV. It packs a 120Hz refresh rate which makes gaming and streaming feel very fluid. Among its gamer-centric offerings are AMD FreeSync Premium, which eliminates screen tearing, HDR10+, VRR, and HDMI 2.1, which allows users to unleash the full potential of current-gen consoles. A major drawback of this TV is that users can not add new apps from Google PlayStore. There are also complaints about it being heavier than expected.
Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 Series LED 4K TV
The Toshiba Class C350 Series LED 4K TV lets you view all your content in one place, thanks to Fire TV. Whether it’s live, over-the-air TV, streaming channels, or your favorite apps, you can access them all on the home screen. The Regza Engine 4K, Toshiba’s high-performance 4K engine, combines ultra-essential PQ technology with a high-quality LCD panel to produce stunning picture quality.
With four times the resolution of Full HD, the Toshiba 4K TV provides uncompromisingly crisp, clear visuals for a fully immersive experience. Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 transform your TV into an entertainment powerhouse, offering an amazing realism you'll see, hear, and feel like never before.
- Dimensions
- 2.9"D x 37.9"W x 22"H
- Display Technology
- LED
- Connectivity Technology
- Coaxial
- Brand
- Toshiba
- Refresh Rate
- 120
- Resolution
- 4K
- Ports
- 3 HDMI
- Incredible visuals competitive with more expensive alternatives
- Includes remote with voice control
- Features a gaming mode
- Speakers are sub-par
- Doesn't have a local dimming feature
Even as TVs seemingly continue to get bigger with each passing year, the fact remains that a large TV is not always the best solution. For smaller spaces like bedrooms or dedicated gaming rooms, a 43-inch smart TV is often the ideal option. Luckily, that also means that users can save quite a bit when shopping. The Toshiba Class C350 4K TV packs the high-quality visuals and convenient streaming apps that everyone wants, all for under $200 during sales. Even at full price, this smart TV is less than $300, bringing with it the same excellent performance as comparable smart TVs.
Featuring built-in Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 support, the Regza Engine 4K that Toshiba relies on successfully delivers incredible ultra HD images with breathtaking picture quality. Although it’s rare to see with budget TVs in general, the C350 comes with its own remote, complete with Alexa-based voice control. Once again, Fire TV brings in tons of apps for every streaming service imaginable, while a special game mode lowers latency for instantaneous gameplay. Although the sound could be better, between the crisp images and super easy streaming, this medium-sized smart TV is a great addition to any compact media space.
SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series Smart TV
With effortless performance, crowd-pleasing features and great value, this large smart TV from Samsung offers 4K visuals to watch favorite movies and TV shows using the Crystal Processor. Picture quality is improved as colors, contrast, and motion are analyzed and adjusted with the Dynamic Crystal Color, Contrast Enhancer, and Motion Xcelerator technologies. Even the audio is transformed to deliver 3D surround sound that moves with the action using Object Tracking Sound Lite.
- Dimensions
- 11"D x 57.1"W x 34.4"H
- Display Technology
- LED
- Connectivity Technology
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Ports
- 3 HDMI, 2 USB, 1 LAN, 1 ANT
- Large, beautiful visuals
- Lots of software enhancements built-in
- Decent sound system
- Included remote is of poor quality
- Capped at 60 Hz with no VRR
At the other end of the spectrum are users who really must have a large TV to enjoy their favorite shows and games. Despite some premium 65-inch TVs being listed at well over $1,000, Samsung has managed to marry quality to affordability with their CU8000 series 4K smart TV. Available for less than $650, and even lower prices during sales, this smart TV uses Samsung’s Crystal UHD to provide users with truly stunning visuals.
This smart TV makes use of some of Samsung’s most advanced technology, too. The Motion Xcelerator reduces blurring during moving scenes, while the Mega Contrast analyzes and adjusts each image to give scenes more natural depth. Along with visuals, Samsung’s smart TV comes with Object Tracking Sound Lite, which creates a 3D surround sound effect that follows on-screen movement. There is a free remote included with the TV, though it honestly isn’t the best and many people might prefer to simply use a third-party remote or Alexa voice controls to switch between activities. Despite that minor flaw, users with large spaces to fill who still want an affordable option can’t go wrong with the 65-inch Samsung CU8000 smart TV.
LG 55-Inch Class UQ7570 Series 4K Smart TV
This large TV from LG offer 4K displays using the next generation of ThinQ AI and webOS. Users can stream their favorite shows, including instant access to over 300 free channels with LG Channels. Enhanced picture detail and improved sound from the α5 AI Processor Gen6 detects room lighting to adjust color and picture contrast to optimal settings for perfect streaming in any room. Plus, players can have one of the best gaming experiences around with Game Dashboard, which allows for quick adjustments to many game settings.
- Dimensions
- 10.1"D x 48.5"W x 30.4"H
- Display Technology
- LED
- Connectivity Technology
- Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Ports
- 2 HDMI
- Uses AI technology to improve picture
- Includes an optimized gaming mode
- LG offers over 300 free channels
- Has somewhat frequent Wi-Fi connectivity issues
- Slow smart interface
Most often, the best way to get a large smart TV at a great price is to sacrifice some features. However, for gamers, that’s an easy enough thing to do, as is exemplified by the very affordable LG Class UQ7570 series. This smart TV is priced at under $500 and falls to less than $400 when on one of its frequent sales. There are several caveats, but for gamers who have a great headset and who like to stream through their console, this smart TV is perfect.
The visuals on this LG TV are spectacular. LG uses AI technology to automatically upscale images to 4K while also using a 4K UHD processor to enhance pictures based on room lighting. The biggest hang-up with this smart TV is the fact that streaming can be a bit of a headache. According to multiple reviews, the TV’s Wi-Fi connectivity isn’t that strong and can cut out randomly. Gamers with consoles can work around this inconvenience and stream from their systems, making the extreme affordability more palatable, despite the shortcomings of the built-in smart TV capabilities.
Amazon Fire TV 55" 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV
This Amazon Fire TV comes with a 55-inch display panel that supports 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus. The television comes with Amazon's Fire TV platform and an integrated Alexa voice assistant that can be accessed straight from the remote.
The smart TV platform allows users to access over one million movies and TV episodes from their favorite subscription services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and others, and enjoy other apps, like YouTube and Spotify.
- Dimensions
- 48.7” x 28.3” x 3.5”
- Display Technology
- LED
- Refresh Rate
- 60 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Ports
- 3 HDMI 2.0, 1 HDMI 2.1 with eARC, 1 USB, 1 Ethernet
- Super easy to stream shows and movies
- Plenty of ports for consoles and devices
- Works well with other smart devices
- Visual quality could be better
- Lacks HDR10+
Amazon’s Fire TV software is popular among smart TVs everywhere, so it only makes sense that getting an Amazon-branded Fire smart TV is the optimum choice for people who prioritize streaming. The 55-inch Amazon Fire TV is one of the most affordable on the market, coming in at just over $500 and a bit under $400 when on sale. With over 35,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, there’s little to complain about with the TV. The picture quality and privacy settings are some of the biggest gripes, though the picture has plenty of available adjustments that can greatly improve visuals.
Regardless of negative reviews, the picture is supported by a plethora of software, including 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus. Additionally, most streaming apps come pre-installed, and Amazon offers six months of MGM+ with the purchase of a Fire TV. Naturally, the smart functions work wonderfully with Alexa and are maximized in a smart home already using other Amazon smart devices. The TV also has an impressive four HDMI ports, so the whole family can plug in whatever console or other device they want to stream from, plus there are extra ports for things like surround sound systems and smart backlighting.
Hisense 55-Inch Class U8 Series
This 55-inch TV from Hisense uses proprietary ULED technologies to boost color, contrast, brightness, and motion. By utilizing LED’s that are significantly smaller than traditional LED’s Hisense is able to create a bright image that distributes the light more evenly for a uniform image across the screen. Quantum Dot QLED produces purer, richer, more brilliant and accurate color than a regular LED TV. This affordable option now brings QLED tech to budget TV shoppers.
- Dimensions
- 3"D x 48.5"W x 28.2"H
- Display Technology
- QLED
- Connectivity Technology
- Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Refresh Rate
- 144 Hz
- Resolution
- 4K
- Ports
- 4 HDMI, 2 USB, 1 LAN, 1 ANT
- Excellent visuals that rival more premium brands
- Audio is adequately supported with five speakers and a subwoofer
- Includes easy to use voice controlled remote
- Some customers complain about stuttering during busy scenes
- Image quality drops when viewed from the side
The most expensive smart TV on this list, the Hisense 55-inch Class U8 series smart TV, is currently one of the best smart TVs overall and still manages to come in at less than $1000 when on sale, which is fairly frequent. Hisense’s proprietary ULED tech does a lot of heavy lifting to enhance the screen quality, boosting color, contrast, brightness, and motion instantaneously. It also comes with a ton of ports, including four HDMI ports, two USB ports, and even a LAN port.
While this makes the U8 smart TV ideal for attaching soundbars to, like the Amazon Fire TV, the built-in speakers aren’t bad and plenty of users won’t feel the need to augment them. Five speakers, which include rear ‘overhead’ speakers, and a built-in subwoofer put this TV leagues ahead of the competition in the audio department, a rarity in the budget TV market. The Hisense U8 smart TV also comes with a voice-control capable remote and can be additionally controlled using Alexa or Google Home. For those with a bit more extra cash who want an affordable TV that will sound better, look better, and last longer than the competition, this smart TV from Hisense is the answer.
How to Choose the Best Budget Smart TVs
Budget shopping is rarely easy, but by considering a few key factors, users can ensure their money is well spent on a smart TV that will last through months and years of use.
Screen Size
The biggest screen isn’t always the best option. Depending on the size of the room the TV will be in, the size of the screen may need to be smaller or larger. In general, a 42” TV is most ideal for rooms where viewers will be sitting 4-5 feet away, while 85” TVs, the biggest option for most manufacturers, is only going to look good to viewers sitting at least 10 feet away from the screen. Screen size directly impacts cost, so users on a budget should choose the smallest size that will still look good in their space.
Planned Usage
Whether a smart TV will be used for streaming, gaming, or playing music matters. Buyers on a budget can save quite a bit of money by sacrificing features they won’t make use of. For instance, gamers typically have headsets for communicating with teammates and keeping an ear out for enemies; they don’t need their TV to have the best audio. At the same time, users who only want to stream don’t need to get a smart TV with tons of HDMI ports and special gaming modes built-in. In both instances, users can save money by choosing options without unnecessary extras.
Extra Features
At the same time, some extra features are seriously important to the overall convenience and quality of a smart TV. People who are already living in a smart home will want extra features like Alexa or Google Home connectivity, while other users may want unique ports, such as LAN or 3.5mm to stabilize streaming or plug in a surround sound system. Depending on what capabilities a user wants their smart TV to have, they may have to opt for a more expensive model, even while on a budget.
FAQ
Q: What type of TV lasts longer?
While LED TVs have a lifespan of 6 years (or more in some cases), OLED TVs are said to last between 8 and 10 years, depending on usage.
Q: What are the advantages of owning a smart TV?
A smart TV allows owners to stream content on their favorite platforms, surf the internet, enjoy voice control, integrate with other smart home gadgets, and lots more.
Q: How do I turn my normal TV into a smart TV?
A streaming stick will equip regular TVs with the capabilities of a smart TV. The Amazon Fire Stick and Roku Stick are two of the most popular streaming sticks to purchase.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a smart TV and regular TV?
The biggest difference between a smart TV and a regular one is the fact that only smart TVs can connect to the internet out of the box. Non-smart TVs also don't offer things like voice control or built-in apps.
Q: Do I need cable with a smart TV?
No, users with a smart TV automatically gain access to streaming apps that can make cable seem obsolete. Additionally, many smart TVs come pre-installed with free channels that offer streaming content with commercials.
Q: What is a reasonable price for a smart TV?
Most Smart TVs are listed somewhere between $250 and $2,000. A reasonable price for a budget smart TV would be between $250 and $600, depending on the size and included features.
Q: Are cheap TVs worth buying?
Yes, cheap TVs are typically worthwhile. However, TVs at the very bottom of the price range (around $200-300) are known to last only a year or two, at most.