Are you looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup without breaking the bank? You're not alone. TVs are getting more advanced each year, but they can also be expensive. Fortunately, there are a number of great cheap TVs on the market that offer excellent value for your money.
In this guide, we'll take a look at the best cheap TVs for 2024, covering a variety of screen sizes, resolutions, and features. We'll also discuss some of the key factors to consider when choosing a cheap TV, so you can make an informed decision.
What to Consider When Buying a Cheap TV
Before we dive into our top picks, let's discuss some of the key factors to keep in mind when buying a cheap TV.
Screen Size
The first thing to consider is the screen size. How big of a TV do you need? This will depend on the size of your room and your viewing distance. If you have a small room, a 32-inch TV might be sufficient. However, if you have a larger room or like to watch movies from a distance, you'll want a bigger TV, such as a 43-inch or 50-inch model.
Resolution
Next, you'll need to consider the resolution. 1080p (1920 x 1080) is the standard resolution for most TVs, and it offers a good balance of picture quality and affordability. However, if you're looking for the best possible picture quality, you'll want to go with a 4K (3840 x 2160) TV. 4K TVs offer four times the resolution of 1080p TVs, resulting in a sharper, more detailed picture. While 4K TVs are becoming more affordable, you may still find that a 1080p model offers the best value for money in the cheap TV category.
Panel Type
There are two main types of TV panels: LCD and OLED. LCD TVs are the most common and affordable, while OLED TVs offer superior picture quality, particularly in terms of black levels and contrast. LCD TVs are further divided into two types: VA and IPS. VA panels generally have better contrast and black levels than IPS panels, but they can suffer from some viewing angle issues. IPS panels, on the other hand, offer better color accuracy and viewing angles. When looking for a cheap TV, you'll likely be looking at LCD technology, with VA panels being more common than IPS panels in the budget category.
HDR Support
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a technology that expands the range of colors and contrast that a TV can display. This results in a more immersive and realistic picture. While some budget TVs support HDR, the quality of the HDR implementation can vary. HDR can enhance the viewing experience, but it's not a deal-breaker for all users.
Smart Features
Many modern TVs come with smart features, such as built-in streaming apps and voice control. These features can be very convenient, but they can also add to the cost of a TV. If you're on a tight budget, you might want to consider a TV without smart features. However, if you value the convenience of streaming apps and voice control, a TV with smart features might be worth the extra expense.
Sound Quality
Most cheap TVs don't have the best sound quality. The built-in speakers are often small and tinny. If you're serious about sound quality, you'll want to consider investing in a separate sound system. However, most casual viewers can find that the sound quality of budget TVs is sufficient for everyday use.
Inputs and Outputs
Finally, you'll want to make sure that the TV has the right inputs and outputs for your needs. Most TVs come with at least one HDMI input and one USB port. However, you may need additional inputs, such as a composite video input or a digital audio output, depending on your equipment.
The Best Cheap TVs for 2024
Now that we've covered some of the key factors to consider when buying a cheap TV, let's take a look at our top picks for 2024.
Note: Prices and availability may vary depending on the retailer and your location.
Best Overall: TCL 43S535
The TCL 43S535 is a great all-around cheap TV that offers a lot of value for the price. It's a 43-inch 4K TV with HDR support and a Roku TV operating system. The Roku TV operating system is one of the best smart TV platforms on the market, with a vast library of streaming apps and a simple, intuitive interface.
Key Features:
- 43-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) display
- HDR support
- Roku TV operating system
- 3 HDMI ports
- 2 USB ports
Pros:
- Excellent picture quality for the price
- Excellent smart TV platform
- Wide selection of streaming apps
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Sound quality is average
Price: $299
Best for Budget: Hisense 32H8G
The Hisense 32H8G is a great option if you're looking for a small, cheap TV with good picture quality. It's a 32-inch 1080p TV with HDR support and a Roku TV operating system. While the resolution is not 4K, the price point makes this a great value for budget-conscious buyers.
Key Features:
- 32-inch 1080p (1920 x 1080) display
- HDR support
- Roku TV operating system
- 3 HDMI ports
- 2 USB ports
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good picture quality for the price
- Excellent smart TV platform
- Wide selection of streaming apps
Cons:
- Only 1080p resolution
- Sound quality is average
Price: $199
Best for Gaming: Toshiba 43LF621U21
The Toshiba 43LF621U21 is a great option if you're looking for a cheap TV for gaming. It's a 43-inch 4K TV with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is sufficient for most casual gamers. The TV also has low input lag, which helps to reduce lag and stuttering during gameplay.
Key Features:
- 43-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) display
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Low input lag
- 3 HDMI ports
- 2 USB ports
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good picture quality for the price
- Low input lag for gaming
- Decent sound quality
Cons:
- No HDR support
- Limited smart TV features
Price: $279
Best for Large Rooms: Vizio M50Q7-H1
If you're looking for a cheap TV for a large room, the Vizio M50Q7-H1 is a great option. It's a 50-inch 4K TV with HDR support and a Vizio M-Series operating system. The Vizio M-Series operating system is a good option, but it's not quite as comprehensive as the Roku TV operating system.
Key Features:
- 50-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) display
- HDR support
- Vizio M-Series operating system
- 4 HDMI ports
- 3 USB ports
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good picture quality for the price
- Large screen size
- Decent sound quality
Cons:
- Smart TV platform is not as comprehensive as Roku TV
Price: $349
Best for 4K Gaming: Samsung UN43AU8000F
If you're looking for a cheap TV for 4K gaming, the Samsung UN43AU8000F is a great option. It's a 43-inch 4K TV with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is ideal for smooth, fast-paced games. It also has low input lag and support for HDMI 2.1, making it an excellent choice for next-generation gaming consoles.
Key Features:
- 43-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) display
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Low input lag
- HDMI 2.1 support
- 4 HDMI ports
- 2 USB ports
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Excellent picture quality for the price
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming
- Low input lag for gaming
- HDMI 2.1 support for next-generation consoles
Cons:
- No HDR support
- Sound quality is average
Price: $429
Tips for Saving Money on a Cheap TV
Here are some tips for saving money on a cheap TV:
- Shop around: Compare prices from different retailers to find the best deals.
- Look for sales and promotions: Many retailers offer discounts and promotions on TVs, particularly around major holidays.
- Consider buying a refurbished TV: Refurbished TVs are often sold at a discount and can be a great way to save money. However, make sure that the refurbished TV comes with a warranty.
- Buy a smaller TV: Smaller TVs are generally more affordable than larger TVs.
- Avoid TVs with too many features: The more features a TV has, the more expensive it will be. If you're not going to use all of the features, you might be better off buying a simpler TV.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about cheap TVs:
Q: What is the best brand of cheap TV?
A: There are several great brands of cheap TVs on the market. Some of the best brands include TCL, Hisense, Vizio, and Toshiba.
Q: What is the best screen size for a cheap TV?
A: The best screen size for a cheap TV depends on your needs and budget. If you're on a tight budget, you can get a great value from a smaller TV, like a 32-inch model. If you have a larger room or like to watch movies from a distance, a 43-inch or 50-inch model might be a better choice.
Q: Do cheap TVs have good picture quality?
A: Some cheap TVs have excellent picture quality, especially for the price. However, you may need to compromise on some features, like HDR support or a higher refresh rate.
Q: What are the best smart TV platforms for cheap TVs?
A: The best smart TV platforms for cheap TVs are Roku TV and Android TV. These platforms offer a vast selection of streaming apps, a simple interface, and easy voice control.
Q: Are cheap TVs worth it?
A: If you're on a tight budget, cheap TVs can be a great value. While you may not get the same level of picture quality or features as more expensive TVs, you can still find excellent cheap TVs that offer a great entertainment experience.
Conclusion
Buying a cheap TV doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality or features. There are a number of great cheap TVs on the market that offer excellent value for your money. By considering the factors discussed above and taking advantage of some of our tips for saving money, you can find the perfect cheap TV for your needs and budget.
Remember: It's important to do your research and compare prices from different retailers before making a purchase. Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations to make sure you choose a TV that meets your needs. With so many great options available, you're sure to find a cheap TV that you'll love.