Best Budget TVs Summary

TCL Q7/QM7

• Pros:
  • Good picture and sound quality.
  • Cost-effective.
• Cons:
  • Some users reported the need for frequent reboots and slow software.
• User experience: "My TCL TV started out ok, but after a few years it slowed down considerably, and it now requires a full reboot every single time I turn it on, otherwise it fails to connect to the internet."

Samsung

• Pros:
  • Good quality and picture.
• Cons:
  • Some users experienced issues after a year of use.
• User experience: "Returned my Samsung that went to crap after a year of use"

LG

• Pros:
  • Quality sound and selection of apps.
• User experience: "I recently purchased a Samsung 690T. ... I find the picture and sound quality to be excellent, it has a great selection of apps."

Hisense U6/U7N

• Pros:
  • Good value for the price.
• Cons:
  • Slow software reported by some users.
• User comment: "TCL but beware they have shit processing and ram so they freeze and go slow and need power cycling. I bit the bullet and took the ear bashing from the mrs and got a 75" 2024 Samsung and cannot be happier."

Sony

• Pros:
  • Excellent picture and sound quality.
• User experience: "I got the Sony Google TV and have been very happy with it."

Vizio

• Pros:
  • Decent TV for the price.
• Cons:
  • Sound quality may not be the best.
• User experience: "I now have a Vizio 4K TV that just doesn't have very good sound."

Roku, Google TV, Fire Stick, Apple TV

• Pros:
  • Faster and more reliable than smart TV interfaces.
• User recommendation: "Just pick out any TV you want and add a Roku or Chromecast."

Costco

• Pros:
  • Great deals and extended warranties.
• Cons:
  • Generally higher-end, pricier TVs.
• User experience: "Easiest way to deal with the unwanted features is to not allow the TV to connect to the internet."

Best Buy

• Pros:
  • Good prices and bundled accessories.
• Cons:
  • Prices might not be the lowest.
• User advice: "See what TV fits your budget on Costco and then Google it to see if anywhere else has it cheaper."

LG OLED

• Pros:
  • Superior to QLED or Mini-LED TVs.
• User recommendation: "LG B4 65" for $1200 is the best here for sure because of one thing, it's OLED which is far superior to any QLED or Mini-LED TV out there."

General Advice

• Consider buying a TV before the Super Bowl or during X-Mas shopping season for the best deals.
• Look for TVs reviewed on rtings.com for detailed evaluations.
• Check open box items for discounts or look for used TVs for cost-effectiveness.

For detailed reviews and further recommendations, it's suggested to visit rtings.com for in-depth evaluations of various TV models. Make sure to consider factors such as picture quality, sound, reliability, and additional features based on personal preferences and budget constraints.