As much as we love some of best TVs out there, they do trend more expensive. But we aren't just interested in flagship models and prices — we love value for money more than anything else. That's where this list of the best TVs under $1,000 comes in. These are some of the best bang-for-buck TVs we've ever seen, and some even feature on our list of the best QLED TVs this year. But they all have great brightness, strong contrast, fast response times, and impressive smart features. They're all most people need in a TV, for a much more affordable price.
Whether you’re looking to save a buck on your new TV purchase, or you just blatantly refuse to pay more than $1,000 for a new living room set (more power to you), we've spent hundreds of hours testing and reviewing all the latest TVs that come out each year to put together this roundup of all the best TVs under $1,000 to help you on your quest for a new big screen.
Best overall TV for under $1,000
Hisense U8N ULED
- Intense brightness
- Deep blacks/contrast
- Vibrant, accurate color
- Great sound
- Overly bright HDR
- Poor off-angle viewing
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 55, 65, 75, 85 inches |
| TV type | Mini-LED |
| HDR support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet |
It brings us great joy to be able to call Hisense’s 2024 flagship our best overall pick for a TV that costs less than a grand. We had the opportunity to take the U8N Series for a spin not too long ago, and we were totally blown away by the new heights Hisense has summited. Our editor-at-large, Caleb Denison, was taken aback by the exceptional brightness levels the U8N was able to achieve in our hands-on review, to the point that he felt it wise to proclaim that the illumination is actually a little too intense when viewing HDR content.
Thanks to its improved chipset, the U8N Series is able to deliver better overall brightness on top of vibrant colors and impressive contrast levels that rival the performance of some the best OLED TVs. And thanks to its top-notch reflection handling, the U8N can hang out in just about any brightly lit room. There’s a bit of trouble with the TV’s off-angle viewing, which is an unfortunate malady of some LED LCDs. That being said, it’s best to watch this set as centered with the screen as possible.
The U8N supports leading HDR formats like Dolby Vision, and thanks to HDMI 2.1 connectivity, game consoles and PCs run at lightning-fast speed when hooked up to Hisense’s flagship. Expect minimal input lag, quick response times, and 4K/144Hz for max resolution/refresh rate performance. The U8N also uses the Google TV OS for smart TV content and other UI elements and has a 50W 2.1.2 speaker configuration that sounds a lot better than most TV speakers.
Best budget TV under $1,000
Hisense U6N
- Bright and punchy picture
- Supports all HDR standards
- Fast response time for gaming
- Poor viewing angles
- Limited to 60Hz
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 55, 65, 75, 85 inches |
| TV type | Mini-LED |
| HDR support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 4 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet |
The Hisense U6N mini-LED isn't just a great TV under $1,000, it's almost an amazing TV under $500. It's a value-oriented TV that brings many high-end features down into the affordable range. It has a punchy and bright picture, with vibrant colors and impressive HDR support for all four major formats — HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. With local dimming zones, it can offer nuanced HDR, too, without much blooming, even in high-contrast scenes. In darker rooms, the high contrast on this TV really shines, too, offering impressive blacks that make moodier movies and TV shows look especially good.
Although it does lack a high refresh rate, its fast response time and low input lag make this a great TV for fast-paced gaming. You won't feel like it's holding you back in competitive play, and even the fastest of action looks clear (just make sure to turn off motion blur to get the best effect).
There is some image degradation at extreme angles, so this is a TV that it's best to sit directly in front of. If you can do that, though, you'll get a really solid TV at a very affordable price. With its wide HDR support, range of size options, and well-implemented Google TV OS, this is a TV that really helps you maximize your budget.
Best runner-up TV under $1,000
TCL QM8
- Stunning HDR performance
- Class-leading brightness
- Excellent black levels
- Virtually no detectable blooming
- Very good color saturation/brightness
- Some motion artifacts
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 65, 75, 85, 98 inches |
| TV type | Mini-LED |
| HDR support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet |
The TCL QM8 is a TV that could easily take the top spot in this roundup. It has many of the same strengths as our favorite, the Hisense U8N: sky-high brightness, great HDR support, and array of local dimming zones. This is one of the best TVs for watching HDR movies, period. Blooming is almost non-existent, and its blend of high brightness and strong contrast give this TV a real OLED-feel to it, even though it's still using an LCD panel.
"If you watch a lot of content like this where there’s bright, colorful stuff on dark backgrounds, you’ll swear this TV is practically as good as OLED," noted our own Caleb Denison in his review. He also praised its smooth integration of Google TV, with its snappy and responsive interface, and just how good it looks in general. When a TV reviewer says they'll use a model as their daily driver, it's worth taking notice.
For what you get, the price on this TV is supremely affordable, and it comes in under our $1,000 budget even at 65 inches. You can save a bit more with 55, but the 75-inch model isn't much more than the 65, so if you want a really big TV, this may be the best one to get.
The second-best TCL TV under $1,000
TCL QM7 Series (2024)
- Excellent colors and contrast
- Impressive brightness
- Solid gaming optimizations
- Google TV is fast and intuitive
- Not the best off-angle viewing
- Default picture settings need some tweaking
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 inches |
| TV type | QLED |
| HDR support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet |
TCL is one of our favorite budget-friendly TV brands because the company puts just as much focus on picture and performance as it does value. New for 2024, the TCL QM7 Series sits one rung below the top TCL TV of the year, the QM8. And while both models are often on sale, you’ll likely have an easier time finding the QM7 for under $1,000 for larger screen options.
Capable of dishing out up to 2,400 nits at peak brightness, the QM7 also delivers a wide color gamut and terrific black levels, thanks to TCL’s AIPQ Pro processor and up to 1,500 dimming zones for specific sizes. The QM7 gets top marks for HDR support, as it is compatible with everything from Dolby Vision to HDR10+ and even comes with an IMAX Enhanced Certification. Considering how bright this QLED gets, it also does a fantastic job at performing in a brightly lit room.
Gamers will love the QM7 for its VRR (variable refresh rate) support, HDMI 2.1 certification, 4K/144Hz performance, and the built-in Game Mode that optimizes picture settings for consoles and PCs. As for smart TV features, the TCL QM7 uses Google TV for all streaming functions, smart controls, and UI navigation. This version of the OS is zippier than ever and can be controlled via Google Assistant, Alexa, and even Apple HomeKit.
The next-best Hisense TV for under $1,000
Hisense U7N ULED
- High brightness
- Great contrast
- Vivid color
- Surprising accuracy
- Great for gaming
- Poor off-angle viewing
- Risk of dirty screen effect
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 55, 65, 75, 85 inches |
| TV type | Mini-LED |
| HDR support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet |
Our resident TV reviewer Caleb Denison tested the Hisense U7N, and he walked away from the experience a pleased viewer.
Illuminated by mini-LEDs and enhanced by quantum dots, the U7N manages to put out some chart-topping brightness. With brightness scoring in the 2,000-nit range for HDR highlights, the U7N should have no issues looking great in a brightly lit room. Well, save for the fact it doesn’t have the greatest off-angle viewing. Unfortunately, this is the kind of LED-LCD malady we run into when spending less than $1,000.
Hisense’s Hi-View Engine PRO chipset brings the kind of picture processing to the table that other manufacturers should be taking notes from. From one frame to the next, the U7N keeps things sharp, colorful, and motion-optimized. Thanks to HDMI 2.1, VRR support, and 4K/144Hz, the U7N is an excellent TV for watching fast-action movies and playing video games. There’s even a PC/Game Mode for maximizing response times and reducing input lag for consoles and gaming PCs.
Hisense U7N size options include 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch models, and the Google TV OS handles all streaming features and smart TV controls. We’d also like to mention that the 40-watt speaker system isn’t too shabby. While most folks will prefer a soundbar or surround sound configuration, the 2.1-channel audio of the U7N really does hold its own, especially in small to medium-sized viewing spaces.
Best OLED under $1000
LG B4
- Incredible OLED contrast
- Very fast pixel response time
- Supports 4K 120Hz for fast gaming
- Exceptional color
- Lacks the brightness of top OLED TVs
- Viewing angles aren't as clean as other OLEDs
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 55, 65, 77 inches |
| TV type | OLED |
| HDR support | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Operating system | LG WebOS |
| Connectivity | 4 x HDMI 2.1, USB-A, Ethernet, Optical |
Somehow we've reached the stage where you can get a killer 55-inch OLED TV for under $1,000, and we are here for it. The LG B4 might not quite measure up to our firm favorites in the C4 and G4, but my goodness does it bring a lot to the table. You still get the stellar LG OLED panel, with its infinite contrast and incredible colors. It's also about as fast as it gets for gaming, with a 120Hz refresh rate and near instantaneous response time.
There's a full suite of four HDMI 2.1 ports, giving you full support for 4K 120Hz gaming on PC or consoles, and its HDR support is stellar, with Dolby Vision and FIlmmaker Mode letting you see films just as they were designed. There's no HDR10+ as with all LG TVs, but HDR10 is always there as a backup option.
The only real complaint we've seen with this TV is a slight degradation of the image at extreme angles, which is typically more common on Mini-LED TVs. If you can put up with that, though, this is as good as it gets under $1,000.
The best Samsung TV under $1,000
Samsung Q60D QLED
- Delivers a bright and colorful picture
- Very low input lag
- Comes in eight sizes
- Only a 60Hz refresh rate
- No local dimming capabilities
- Picture processing could be better
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 inches |
| TV type | QLED |
| HDR support | HDR10, HDR10+, HLG |
| Operating system | Tizen OS |
| Connectivity | 4 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet |
We get it: Sometimes, you just want to stick with a big, noteworthy brand when it comes to big-ticket tech items like TVs. This is why we’ve decided to include the Samsung Q60D on our list.
At this point, the company has built up significant fanfare in the TV marketplace, and for a couple of reasons. Samsung TVs, including the Q60D, are known for their brightness, making them a great fit for various room lighting conditions. The Q60D, in particular, excels in brightly lit rooms, making it a versatile choice that accommodates different viewing environments.
Unfortunately, the Q60D doesn’t have local dimming, though, so it’s not uncommon for black levels to fade in brighter scenes during movies, shows, and video games. The Q60D is capped at 60Hz for its native refresh rate as well, which means it can display up to 60 frames per second. While this may not be the best choice for a die-hard gamer or sports fanatic who may prefer a higher refresh rate for smoother motion, the Q60D does manage to deliver low input lag and includes a built-in Game Mode.
With the Q60D, you're not limited to a single size. In fact, you’ll have numerous size options to choose from, ranging from a compact 32 inches to a whopping 85 inches. This variety allows you to select the size that best fits your viewing space and preferences.
A great alternative
TCL QM6K
- Surprisingly good color accuracy
- Excellent black levels
- Vastly improved off-angle picture
- Feature rich
- Impressive clarity
- Underwhelming sound
- Lacks a little sparkle
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 50, 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 inches |
| TV type | Mini LED |
| HDR support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision Gaming, HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, Ethernet |
The TCL QM6K is the first 2025 TV we took a look at, and boy did it set us right for the year ahead. It delivers a gorgeous picture at an affordable price, with some seriously impressive black levels and color accuracy for such an affordable TV. It doesn't get as bright as the QM8, so it's not quite ready to dethrone the best TCL TV from last year yet, but this is the entry-level option -- imagine what's coming down the pipe.
If you don't want to wait for that, though, you can get a stellar TV today with the QM6K, with much improved viewing angles that make this TV far better for communal viewing and gaming than most other TCL options. New gaming settings make getting set up to play easier and more straightforward, to, avoiding input lag as much as possible.
Sound is underwhelming, but you'll probably add a soundbar to this TV anyway, and it doesn't get quite as bright in HDR as we'd like, but if you're more interested in color accuracy, this TV blows away anything we've seen from TCL before. It's that good.
Best budget TCL TV under $1,000
TCL Q6
- Low response time and input lag for gaming
- Vibrant, saturated picture with vivid colors
- Supports all HDR standards
- Lacks the peak brightness of higher-end models
- Image degrades at steep viewing angles
| Specification: | |
| Screen sizes available | 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 inches |
| TV type | QLED |
| HDR support | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Operating system | Google TV |
| Connectivity | 4 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet |
The TCL Q6 is a great alternative to our favorite budget offering, the Hisense U6N. While it doesn't have the local dimming zones of that alternative, the Q6 is still a stellar TV and very affordable at around $450 for the 65-inch version, and under $300 for the 55-inch in some discount periods. That's a lot of TV for comparatively little money. If you are sticking to a strict budget when upgrading your TV, you can get a great deal with the TCL Q6.
It has a vibrant picture, with great color saturation that makes color-rich content look particularly good, especially in darker rooms. It doesn't have the high brightness of some of the more higher-end TVs on this list, but it gets bright enough to make HDR movies and TV shows look good. It has support for all major HDR standards, too, which is something you won't get on a Samsung or LG TV.
If you're looking for a gaming TV, this one's pretty good too. It doesn't have a high refresh rate, but its low input lag makes sure you aren't held back in competitive games, and the fast response time means high-paced games won't leave ghosting across the screen. That's also useful for sports and other fast action, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll be able to find a TV as large as 75 inches for under $1,000.
Yes, but very rarely with deals. OLED TV technology still is primarily available on high-end models that soar beyond the $1,000 mark. But we're starting to see some models dip below a grand.
Using either Google Home, Fire TV, or an Amazon Echo, you can pair many modern TVs with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Many newer TVs have these options built-in, so you can use them without buying a separate appliance. Unfortunately, no current models of TVs have Siri built-in, so you’ll have to try a workaround. For example, TVs that support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit let you control them by using Siri on an iOS device, such as an iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Mac.
The No. 1 thing to consider is HDMI in terms of outputs and inputs. We recommend purchasing a TV with HDMI ARC or eARC, which means your TV audio can stream to an AV receiver or a soundbar. Every TV we’ve included on this list has at least one HDMI ARC port, and most have three total HDMI ports. This means you’ll have plenty of image and audio channels available to connect gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and set-top streaming devices to your system. Getting the latest generation of HDMI is also important for enabling the most recent visual/audio options.
There are several times in the year that are good for buying a TV. Let's get the obvious out of the way — Black Friday and the surrounding holidays tend to have the best deals for things like TVs, so November and December are clear choices. But if you missed a deal or it ran out of stock, these can also be annoying months to buy. We suggest also looking for deals in January when brands discount in preparation for the Super Bowl, and in April and May, when many TVs go on sale.
With proper care, TVs can last for many years. But Samsung and LG have particularly good reputations for durable TVs that can handle long-term use without developing annoying issues like damaged pixels, while still offering top-notch quality. Check out our excellent post on the best TV brands for more details.
