6 Best Cheap TVs of 2022

Buying a cheap TV does not mean choosing between quality and budget. Brands like Samsung have begun to offer affordable TVs that offer the basic features expected of home entertainment, such as Wi-Fi for video and music streaming, 4K resolution and excellent sound quality without speakers. External or subwoofer. TCL has made itself the king of affordable TVs, and for good reason. Their models use the Roku platform to give you access to thousands of apps, voice control via external smart speakers or the Roku mobile app, and keep all your favorite apps and playback devices easily accessible in a streamlined central menu.

If you’ve built your smart home network around a specific virtual assistant, many new smart TVs have Alexa or Google Assistant built in, or are compatible with external smart speakers like the Google Nest Hub Max or Echo Show for hands-free control even without a remote. . With Bluetooth connectivity, you can set up wireless home audio devices or share content from your smartphone or tablet to entertain family and friends in a variety of ways. Console gamers can purchase a budget TV that supports variable refresh rate technology for smoother video playback, or an automatic game mode that reduces input response times for near-instant response on the screen. Check out our top picks below to find the perfect upgrade for your living room or home theater.

The best package: Samsung UN55TU8200 55-inch 4K TV

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better budget TV than the Samsung TU8000. It’s built with an updated Crystal 4K processor that uses artificial intelligence to scan and display footage scene by scene for more efficient upscaling of non-4K content and automatically optimizes picture and sound settings for the best possible viewing experience. It also has HDR10+ compatibility, which improves detail and contrast and captures more realistic images. The 55-inch screen is virtually borderless, so you can view the scene from edge to edge, and with a 60Hz refresh rate, you get smooth, powerful movement during action movies and sports, so you never lose detail. The voice-activated remote has built-in Samsung Bixby and Alexa, and also works with Google Assistant, so you can control your new TV hands-free with your favorite virtual assistant.

The new Tien operating system offers preloaded apps like Disney + and Netflix, as well as Samsung TV Plus, which gives you access to dozens of subscription-free live news, sports and entertainment channels. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to wirelessly set up additional audio devices for the ultimate home theater experience, and AirPlay2 or Miracast allows screen mirroring of mobile devices for even more video viewing. The back of the TV has built-in cable management channels and holders to prevent cables from getting tangled and keep your media room neat and tidy. With the built-in V-Chip, you can set parental controls to prevent young children from watching inappropriate programs and movies.

Best 50-inch: Samsung 50″ Q60T QLED 4K UHD

The Samsung Q60T is an excellent alternative to an affordable 50-inch TV. It has two LED panels that use both warm and cool lighting to create more accurate colors and better saturation. With 4K UHD resolution and HDR10+ support, you get excellent contrast, deep blacks and exceptional image clarity. This model is built around Samsung’s Quantum Lite processor, which offers faster display and response speeds while optimizing contrast, color and HDR settings for a perfect picture. It also features Tizen’s smart features platform for a smoother experience when downloading and using apps or streaming your favorite shows, movies and music.

Thanks to built-in Bixby and Alexa voice control, you get hands-free commands right out of the box; it’s also compatible with Google Assistant devices for full control of your smart speakers. With the multi-view function, you can watch programs and videos while mirroring the screen of your phone or tablet. This is great for anyone who wants to check their fantasy football rankings while watching the big game or keep up with stock prices while listening to the news.

Best Under $250: TCL 43S425 43-inch 4K UHD Roku TV

Staying on a budget can be difficult when buying a new TV, but the TCL 43S425 makes it a little easier. Priced well under $250, even the most budget-conscious shoppers can get their hands on a stunning 4K TV. It works on the Roku platform to give you instant access to your favorite streaming apps, and a simplified hub menu makes it easy to access game consoles, antennas, and cable or satellite receivers without having to remember input points. The Roku app turns your smartphone or tablet into a voice-activated remote for easy navigation and search, or you can connect your TV to an Amazon Echo or Google Home smart speaker to extend voice control and integrate your new TV into your smart home network. .

The TV has three HDMI inputs, a USB port, a composite input and an RF connection, so you can set up a custom home theater to entertain family and friends. Two 8-watt speakers use Dolby Digital Plus technology to create clear, enveloping sound without installing additional audio equipment; which is perfect for living rooms and home theaters where space is limited but need an immersive sound.

Best for Gaming: Hisense H8G 55-inch QLED Android TV

Hisense H8G is one of the most affordable TVs made with console gamers in mind. The patented ULED panel offers excellent 4K resolution and thanks to Dolby Vision HDR support you get exceptional details and colors to create more realistic images. It also has 90 local dimming zones for deep, intense blacks and better contrast. With an ultra-thin bezel, the H8G delivers an edge-to-edge image, so you can see more games and less of the TV itself. Two 10-watt speakers work with Dolby Atoms technology to produce virtual surround sound without additional speakers, although you can take advantage of the available Bluetooth connection for a customized wireless audio setup and a truly immersive gaming experience.

The all-new Hi-View processor and Android TV operating system have a special game mode that automatically detects when you turn on the console, optimizes refresh rates and reduces input lag for virtually lag-free gaming and smooth operation as the side. Dual-band WiFi gives you the internet speeds you need to play ranked matches online. The voice-activated remote has the Google Assistant built-in and works with Alexa for hands-free control of TVs and game consoles. With Chromecast, you can mirror the screen of your Android device to play mobile games on your TV or watch how-to videos when you’re stuck with a complicated puzzle or an annoying fight with a boss.

Best Value: TCL 50S425 50-inch 4K Roku Smart LED TV

The elegant and discreet TCL 50S425 TV offers many great features at an affordable price. With over 500,000 movies and TV episodes available through the built-in Roku interface, fans of all genres will find something to love. Images are vibrant and dynamic thanks to 4K Ultra HD and HDR, as well as direct-lit LED. While it comes with an intuitive remote, you can also download a companion app to your phone or tablet and use it to control the TV with your voice, or plug in headphones and listen to everything on the TV without anyone else in the room. to disturb. Game controllers can also be connected and the picture quality is decent for gamers, especially in this price range. The TCL 50S425 also benefits from the fact that Roku is constantly adding new features. It is also available in 43-inch and 65-inch models.

Best Small Screen: TCL 40S325 40 Inch 1080p

Smaller screen TVs are perfect for dorm rooms, apartments, smaller living rooms, and even RVs and RVs. The TCL 40S325, like its siblings, uses the Roku platform to give you access to all your favorite streaming apps like YouTube, Hulu and Pandora, so you can enjoy your favorite music, movies and shows without the mess. with an external setup. equipment. You can set up your mobile device with the Roku app or connect your TV to a Google Assistant or Alexa-enabled smart speaker for voice commands and hands-free control of your new TV.

A simplified hub menu makes it easy to find apps, game consoles, and even cable or satellite boxes without having to navigate confusing menus or remember entry points.