Quality TVs aren’t as expensive as they used to be. You no longer have to scrimp and save to get one. In 2023, there are plenty of perfectly good options that might not offer all the latest bells and whistles, but are actually more than enough for most people. CNET’s list of best TVs is full of models with QLED, mini-LED or OLED screen technology — advancements that enhance picture quality but also significantly increase the price. But what if you don’t need all of that and just want an inexpensive upgrade? That’s where this list comes in.
We’ve set out to find great entry-level TVs that don’t break the bank, but still have plenty to offer. These units won’t win any awards for brightness or picture enhancements, and that’s OK. Entry-level TVs aren’t super fancy, but they can bring a surprisingly clear and balanced picture at a more palatable price.
In fact, most models in this range have more similarities than differences. All use LCD panels with a 60Hz native refresh rate, offer 4K resolution and HDR playback and come with smart TV streaming built in. Differences in brightness, the color quality of the screen, the type of HDR format, extra features (such as for gaming, among other things) and the usefulness of the smart platform help certain models stand out.
For this roundup, CNET editor David Katzmaier and I tested four 2022-model budget TVs side by side in CNET’s TV lab. We focused on 50-inch models because they fit well in many different kinds of spaces, but are significantly less expensive than their big-screen counterparts. That said, these TVs come in a range of sizes, usually between 43 and 75 inches. Specifications for other sizes in the same series are generally identical, and we expect similar image quality from every size.
Sizes 43-, 50-, 55-, 58- 65-, 70-, 75-inchTV Technology LEDSmart TV Yes (SmartCast)Resolution 4KHDMI Ports 3
The picture quality of the TCL 4-Series Roku TV was only a slight step behind the Vizio in our testing. The black levels and picture accuracy of the TCL might not be quite as deep and rich as the Vizio, but are still quite good. The differences between the two are slight enough that you’d really have to have them set up side by side to notice anything at all. The 4-Series lacks the Dolby Vision, Bluetooth connectivity and AMD FreeSync with a variable refresh rate, all of which the Vizio offers. However, it does come with the excellent Roku Smart TV system built in.
The TCL 4-Series is a great entry-level option for most people and could be a great purchase for those who prefer the Roku system and are looking for a one-stop smart TV solution.
Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch. The price below is for the 50-inch model.
Sizes 55-, 65, 75-inchTV Technology LED with local dimmingSmart TV Yes (Android TV)Resolution 4KHDMI Ports4
The Fire TV 4 Series is one of the most basic TVs on this list. It doesn’t offer Dolby Vision or any perks for gamers, like AMD FreeSync, and it also lacks the impressive build quality of the Hisense. Instead, the Fire TV gives you a brighter image, an Alexa-powered voice remote and access to Amazon content.
The Fire TV 4-Series offers the brightest screen and the best picture for gaming out of our entry-level models, but we liked its smart TV system least of all. That said, it could be a good fit for people with bright rooms or those who are tied into the Amazon ecosystem.
Sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, 55-inch. The price below is for the 50-inch model.
