Decade-long TV Testing Expertise Yields Top Recommendations for Every Budget Range
The No-BS Guide to Buying a TV: On a Budget and Making Wise Choices
Hey there, folks! Whether you're a tech aficionado or just a TV-watching enthusiast, finding the perfect set for your viewing pleasure can be quite the challenge, especially if you're on a budget. I've spent the last decade immersed in the world of televisions, giving me a unique insight into what's worth your hard-earned cash. So, let's dive right in!
First things first, the price range most folks shop for is under $500, and there's a multitude of good value options here. My top pick for this price bracket is the TCL QM7 Mini-LED TV. This bad boy boasts a native 120Hz refresh rate, which can be boosted to 144Hz when connected to a gaming PC, and it supports both primary types of dynamic HDR, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+.[1]
Alternatively, for around $200 less, the Hisense U6N offers many of the same features, but with slightly lower brightness and color volume. If you're looking for cheaper options, the TCL Q6 and the Roku Series Plus are worth considering, but bear in mind that you'll sacrifice a bit in terms of performance.[1]
Now, if you've got a bit more to spend, let's talk about the $1,000 range. Finding a clear winner at this price point gets tricky, as you can either opt for a stunning OLED TV at its smallest size, a huge budget TV, or a decent-sized mid-range model.
Considering a small OLED TV like the LG B4 OLED at 55 inches might be a great choice if you're after a gorgeous picture for a reasonable size. If 55 inches isn't enough for your taste, go for the Hisense U8N, which is my favorite TV from 2024, offering exceptional Mini-LED backlighting for superior contrast and color saturation.[1]
For larger screens under $1,000, options like the 85-inch Hisense U6N (2024) or the 75-inch TCL QM6K (2025) are on the table, both Mini-LED models providing great value for bigger screens.[1]
Unfortunately, there's no 98-inch model under $1,000 yet, but who knows, maybe that will change in the future.
Lastly, for those who are willing to shell out some big bucks, the 65-inch LG C5 OLED should drop down to just under $2,000 once it's released. If you can't wait, the LG C4 OLED is available in a 77-inch screen size for $1,799. This TV delivers excellent performance and is currently my top pick in this price range.[1]
Before we wrap up, keep in mind that TV prices are subject to change, especially during sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. So, make sure to keep an eye out for deals!
Stay tuned for more from Tom's Guide, such as how to avoid certain picture modes when setting up your TV, tips for getting the best reception from a TV antenna, and what settings to modify right after purchasing a Hisense TV.[4][5]
Happy viewing, folks!
Enrichment Data:[1] The best TVs under $1,000 in 2025 according to Tom's Guide are led by the Hisense U8N. It provides exceptional Mini-LED backlighting for superior contrast and color saturation. The U8N has limited HDMI 2.1 ports, but delivers performance comparable to TVs that cost twice as much. [2] Other notable mentions under $1,000 include the TCL QM8 and larger screen options like the Hisense U6N (85-inch, 2024) and the TCL QM6K (75-inch, 2025). [3] The Hisense U6K Mini-LED 4K TV, while a popular budget option, has a 60Hz refresh rate, which may be a limitation for some gamers. [4] Tom's Guide suggests avoiding certain picture modes when setting up a TV, such as Vivid, as they can lead to washed-out colors and oversaturated images. [5] Immediately after purchasing a Hisense TV, users are advised to modify the following settings for optimal performance: Picture Mode (set to Cinema or Calibrated Mode), Color Temperature (set to Warm2 or Expert1), Contrast (set to High), Brightness (set to your personal preference), Backlight (set to 50 or Auto), and Sharpness (set to 0).
In the world of TVs, not only are there options tailored for budget-conscious tech enthusiasts, but also for those with a higher budget. For instance, the LG C4 OLED, priced under $2,000, is a high-performance gadget boasting excellent picture quality. Similarly, the Hisense U8N, under $1,000, offers advanced technology with Mini-LED backlighting for superior contrast and color saturation.
