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Get stunning 4K picture quality, smart features, and immersive entertainment without breaking the $500 barrier.
Finding a great TV doesn't have to cost a fortune in 2025. With advancements in LED, QLED, and Mini-LED tech, budget TVs now deliver sharp 4K resolution, vibrant colors, and smooth motion that rival pricier models. Whether you're upgrading your living room setup or outfitting a bedroom, these picks prove you can score big-screen value under $500.
Why settle for subpar viewing when top brands like Hisense, TCL, and Roku offer premium features at entry-level prices? Picture quality, smart platform usability, refresh rates for gaming and sports, and overall value were our key criteria. We scoured expert reviews from sites like RTINGS and CNET, analyzed user feedback, and focused on 2024-2025 models still widely available with strong performance metrics like Dolby Vision HDR and low input lag.
Our selection spans everyday viewers, gamers, movie buffs, and space-conscious shoppers. From 43-inch compacts to 55-inch heavyweights, we cover diverse sizes, operating systems (Roku, Google TV, webOS), and specialties like gaming VRR or cinematic contrast. All are under $500 at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, ensuring real-world affordability.
The Hisense U6N sets the gold standard for sub-$500 TVs with its Mini-LED backlighting and full-array local dimming for exceptional contrast and brightness. Quantum dot color tech delivers lifelike hues, while Google TV offers seamless streaming. Perfect for mixed-use homes needing punchy HDR performance on a budget.
Unbeatable value from Walmart's in-house brand, this Roku TV punches above its weight with solid 4K upscaling and the intuitive Roku platform. It's ideal for cord-cutters who want easy access to 15,000+ apps without frills. Great entry point for secondary rooms or first-time smart TV buyers.
Our editor's favorite for its clean Roku interface and impressive low-light performance at this price. Enhanced processing ensures sharp details and accurate colors, with automatic brightness adjustment. A standout alternative to big brands for hassle-free streaming.
Gamers rejoice: TCL's Q6 offers 144Hz VRR, ALLM, and low 10ms input lag for responsive PS5/Xbox play. QLED quantum dots boost color vibrancy, and Dolby Vision gaming shines in dark scenes. A feature-packed choice that doesn't skimp on fun.
Deep blacks and adaptive brightness make this Vizio a cinematic gem for dark-room viewing. SmartCast supports AirPlay and Chromecast for easy casting, plus DTS audio immersion. Excellent contrast for under $300 elevates Netflix binges.
Perfect for bedrooms or offices, LG's UR8000 delivers webOS polish in a space-saving 43-inch frame. Thin bezels and AI brightness optimization ensure crisp viewing. Reliable brand quality for tight budgets and small spaces.
Samsung's Crystal UHD excels in fast-motion sports with Motion Xcelerator and PurColor for vivid stadium action. Tizen OS integrates seamlessly with Samsung devices, and solar-powered remote adds eco smarts. Bright panel handles lit rooms effortlessly.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Hisense 55-inch Class U6 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (55U6N, 2024 Model) Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
onn. 55-inch Class 4K UHD Smart Roku TV (100069857, 2024 Model) Rank #2 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Roku 55-inch Select Series 4K Smart Roku TV (55R4A5R, 2024 Model) Rank #3 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
TCL 55-inch Class Q6 Series QLED 4K UHD HDR Google TV (55Q651G, 2024 Model) Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
Vizio 55-inch Class V-Series 4K UHD Smart TV (V555M-KS, 2024 Model) Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
LG 43-inch Class UR8000 Series LED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (43UR8000AUA, 2024 Model) Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
Samsung 50-inch Class Crystal UHD 4K Smart Tizen TV (UN50CU7000FXZA, 2024 Model) Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
