Best Budget TVs of 2026

The TCL QM6K represents a significant step forward in the entry-level mini-LED segment, launching in early 2025 as one of the first televisions to market this year. This television leverages quantum dot technology with mini-LED backlighting to deliver deep blacks, vibrant colors, and exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy that punches well above its sub-\$1000 price point. TCL's proprietary Halo Control System minimizes the blooming effect common in zone-dimmed displays, while a native 144Hz refresh rate and Game Accelerator 240 feature make this a compelling choice for gamers. However, the television struggles with peak HDR brightness compared to premium competitors, and the built-in speaker system fails to match the visual performance. For viewers upgrading from older LED panels or seeking excellent value in the mid-range segment, the QM6K delivers a surprisingly premium experience at an entry-level investment.

The Hisense QD6QF represents the brand's entry-level QLED offering for 2025, targeting budget-conscious buyers who want quantum dot color enhancement without premium pricing. This Fire TV-powered display covers approximately 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and demonstrates excellent SDR accuracy straight from the box, positioning it above standard LED panels in color vibrancy. However, the absence of local dimming combined with limited peak brightness, slow response time creating noticeable motion blur, and restriction to HDMI 2.0 connectivity create meaningful compromises that prevent it from competing with slightly more expensive alternatives. The TV suits moderately-lit rooms and casual viewing scenarios where its strengths shine, but struggles with bright environments, HDR content, fast-paced sports, and modern gaming requirements.

The Hisense U65QF represents the brand's 2025 entry-level ULED Mini-LED television, targeting budget-conscious consumers who refuse to sacrifice modern features. Available in sizes from 55 to 100 inches, this TV packs HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on two ports for 4k @ 144Hz gaming, comprehensive HDR support including Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and Amazon's Fire TV interface with Alexa integration. Professional testing reveals solid fundamentals: good contrast from its VA panel with local dimming, great SDR brightness reaching levels that surpass competitors like the Samsung Q7F 2025, and surprisingly competent built-in audio with a 2.1-channel system including a rear-mounted subwoofer. The 55-inch model features 160 local dimming zones and up to 1000 nits peak brightness, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks that elevate it above typical budget offerings. However, critics consistently note mediocre black uniformity, poor PQ EOTF tracking that overbrightens HDR content, and inadequate direct reflection handling that limits daytime viewing in rooms with windows facing the screen.

The TCL S551G represents the manufacturer's most advanced entry-level television in its 2024 lineup, bridging the gap between basic viewing needs and modern gaming features. As TCL's flagship S Class model, it introduces capabilities typically reserved for higher-tier sets, including variable refresh rate technology and comprehensive HDR format support. This Google TV-powered display targets budget-conscious consumers who prioritize smart features and gaming compatibility over premium picture performance. Available in sizes from 43 to 85 inches, the S551G trades advanced panel technology for affordability, delivering adequate performance in controlled lighting environments while struggling with brightness and contrast limitations that affect both SDR and HDR content.

LG's QNED television series represents the company's LCD-based alternative to its acclaimed OLED lineup, combining multiple display technologies into one package. The QNED range uses Quantum Dot and NanoCell color technologies paired with Mini-LED backlighting to deliver bright, colorful images with up to 30,000 Mini LEDs and 2,500 dimming zones. While QNED TVs excel at gaming with full HDMI 2.1 support, 120Hz refresh rates, and AMD FreeSync Premium, they struggle with dark scene performance due to limited local dimming effectiveness. The technology positions itself as a more affordable middle ground between standard LED TVs and premium OLED displays, though critics consistently note that blooming around bright objects and mediocre contrast ratios hold the series back from competing with higher-end models.

The Samsung Q7F represents the brand's 2025 entry point into QLED technology, positioning quantum dot color enhancement at a price point that undercuts premium models by substantial margins. This television delivers solid out-of-box color accuracy and adequate performance for standard definition content, but compromises are evident throughout. The 60Hz panel lacks variable refresh rate support, local dimming, and the brightness needed for compelling HDR experiences. Available in sizes from 43 to 98 inches, the Q7F runs Samsung's Tizen operating system with reduced features compared to flagship models, omitting TV-to-Mobile and Ambient Mode+. The design emphasizes clean aesthetics with three-sided slim bezels and adjustable feet that accommodate various furniture configurations. While professional reviews highlight significant performance gaps compared to competitors at similar price points, consumer feedback skews positive, with buyers appreciating picture clarity, ease of setup, and the solar-powered remote.

The Hisense U8QG represents a significant leap forward in affordable Mini-LED television technology. As the flagship model in Hisense's 2025 ULED lineup, this TV delivers record-breaking brightness levels exceeding 5,700 nits in some measurements, placing it among the brightest consumer televisions ever tested. The display combines quantum dot color technology with up to 5,376 local dimming zones (depending on size) to produce OLED-rivaling black levels alongside eye-searing HDR highlights. Gaming enthusiasts benefit from a native 165Hz refresh rate, three HDMI 2.1 ports, and an innovative USB-C display port input. While the TV excels in bright rooms and mixed-usage scenarios, it struggles with subpar EOTF tracking that over-brightens HDR content, slow pixel response times that blur fast motion, and viewing angles that degrade image quality from off-center positions. The Google TV interface provides smooth operation with comprehensive app support, though the platform includes unavoidable advertisements. For consumers seeking flagship-level picture quality without premium pricing, the U8QG delivers exceptional value despite specific technical compromises.

The TCL QM7K QLED represents a compelling mid-range mini-LED television that delivers professional-grade picture quality without premium pricing. Released in 2025, this quantum dot display features up to 2,800 local dimming zones, impressive HDR brightness reaching over 1,700 nits, and native 144Hz refresh rates that cater equally to cinephiles and competitive gamers. The television's standout feature is TCL's proprietary Halo Control technology, which effectively minimizes the blooming artifacts that typically plague mini-LED displays. With Bang \& Olufsen-tuned audio, comprehensive HDR format support including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+, and Google TV smart platform integration, the QM7K positions itself as a versatile entertainment hub. Available in six sizes from 55 to 115 inches, this television targets consumers seeking near-flagship performance without the associated cost premium.

The Roku Pro Series represents the streaming giant's most ambitious television to date, bringing Mini-LED backlighting technology and quantum dot color to a competitive price bracket. Testing across both 2024 and 2025 models reveals a television optimized for bright room viewing and straightforward usability, with exceptional SDR performance and the kind of interface simplicity that made Roku a household name. The 2025 refresh addresses previous weaknesses with improved contrast, refined color accuracy, and enhanced audio output via a slit-loaded speaker system that delivers surprisingly convincing stereo separation. However, technical compromises persist: HDR content displays overly bright, colors stray from filmmaker intent, and the narrow viewing angle restricts placement flexibility. For buyers prioritizing user experience, bright room performance, and Roku's vast streaming ecosystem over reference-grade image fidelity, the Pro Series delivers compelling value against competitors from TCL and Hisense.