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Affordable 4K TVs that punch above their price with stunning picture quality and smart features for budget shoppers.
Tired of settling for tiny screens or outdated tech? In 2026, you don't have to blow your budget for a great TV. With advancements in QLED, Mini-LED, and smart platforms, sub-$500 models now deliver 4K resolution, vibrant colors, and seamless streaming—perfect for cord-cutters, gamers, and families.
These budget TVs matter because they make home entertainment accessible without compromise. Whether you're upgrading a bedroom setup or outfitting a living room, our selections balance size, performance, and value. We prioritized real-world testing data on brightness, contrast, color accuracy, and gaming features like low input lag.
From 43-inch compacts to 55-inch powerhouses, we cover diverse needs: everyday viewing, gaming, sports, and more. All picks are currently available, under $500, and from trusted brands like TCL, Hisense, and Roku. Let's dive into the best TVs that won't break the bank.
Our top pick for most buyers. This QLED TV offers exceptional brightness and color volume for its price, with Dolby Vision HDR and a smooth 60Hz panel. Google TV integration makes streaming effortless, and it's ideal for mixed-use in living rooms.
Ultimate value on a tight wallet. Mini-LED backlighting delivers impressive contrast and deep blacks rarely seen under $300. It's a steal for casual viewers with full app support and low energy use.
Unique hybrid streaming powerhouse. Stands out with Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in, plus solid upscaling for non-4K content. Perfect balance of features makes it our wildcard for tech-savvy budgets.
Gamer's budget delight. Auto Game Mode and VRR support deliver responsive play on consoles. Compact size fits desks perfectly without sacrificing 4K clarity.
Motion mastery for fast action. Crystal Processor upsizes sports feeds beautifully with minimal blur. Tizen OS is snappy for live streams and apps.
Big screen in a smaller footprint. Alexa integration shines for voice control, and Fire TV handles Prime Video flawlessly. Great entry-level 55-incher for tight spaces.
Streaming-first simplicity. Roku's interface is unbeatable for free content and universal search. QLED panel adds punchy colors to everyday shows.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
TCL 55-inch Q6 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2026 Model) Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Hisense 50-inch U6N Series Mini-LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV (2026 Model) Rank #2 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Vizio 55-inch V-Series 4K UHD SmartCast TV (2026 Edition) Rank #3 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
TCL 43-inch S5 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV with Game Accelerator (2026 Model) Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
Samsung 50-inch CU8000 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV (2026 Refresh) Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
Insignia 55-inch F50 Series Fire TV 4K UHD Smart TV (2026 Model) Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
Roku 55-inch Select Series QLED 4K Smart TV (2026 Edition) Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
