10 Best Cheap TVs in 2026

You know the feeling. You need a new TV, but the living room budget is already spoken for. You find yourself staring at screens that cost more than your monthly rent, wondering if there is a decent option that won't make you squint or curse the interface every time you try to launch Netflix. There is. The market for cheap TVs has improved dramatically over the past few years. For under $200 you can now get a 50-inch 4K set with a voice remote and a smart platform that doesn't feel like a punishment. The 10 best cheap TVs in 2026 span sizes from 24 inches up to 55 inches, covering 720p, 1080p, and 4K resolutions, and include models from Insignia, Hisense, Toshiba, and Roku. Whether you need a secondary set for the guest room or a primary living room TV that leaves money for a soundbar, here is where to spend your two hundred bucks.

TL;DR: The Insignia 50" F50 Series 4K is the crown jewel of sub-$200 TVs: it does 4K HDR10, Fire TV, and eARC for $160. The Toshiba 43" C350 Series is the pick for better picture quality with Dolby Vision and Atmos. The Insignia 40" FE Series is the best 1080p option for medium spaces. And the Roku 32" Select Series is the small-room champ with Bluetooth headphone mode.

#	Product	Resolution	Size	Smart Platform	Price	Best for
1	Insignia 50" F50 Series 4K	4K UHD (2160p)	50-inch	Fire TV	$159.99	Best overall balance of size, resolution, and price
2	Toshiba 43" C350 Series 4K	4K UHD (2160p)	43-inch	Fire TV	$139.98	Superior picture with Dolby Vision & Atmos
3	Insignia 55" F50 Series 4K	4K UHD (2160p)	55-inch	Fire TV	$179.99	Biggest screen for the money
4	Insignia 43" F50 Series 4K	4K UHD (2160p)	43-inch	Fire TV	$139.99	Compact 4K for apartments or dens
5	Insignia 40" FE Series 1080p	1080p Full HD	40-inch	Fire TV	$99.99	Best mid-size 1080p for bedrooms
6	Insignia 32" F20 Series 720p	720p HD	32-inch	Fire TV	$69.99	Cheapest reliable smart TV
7	Hisense 32" A4 Series 720p Roku	720p HD	32-inch	Roku TV	$99.99	Roku fans who want a simple interface
8	Hisense 32" A4 Series 1080p Fire TV	1080p Full HD	32-inch	Fire TV	$99.99	Sharp 1080p in a 32-inch with Game Mode
9	Roku 32" Select Series 1080p	1080p Full HD	32-inch	Roku TV	$139.99	Best small TV for late-night private listening
10	Insignia 24" F40 Series 1080p	1080p Full HD	24-inch	Fire TV	$59.99	Tiny TV for kitchen counter or desk

Prices shown are as of publication and may change. Check current pricing on Amazon via the links.

How we picked

• Resolution matters more than size at the low end. A 43-inch 1080p set is a bad buy if a 43-inch 4K is only $20 more. We weighed resolution against price to find the real value tipping points.
• Smart platform stickiness. Fire TV and Roku TV are the two dominant ecosystems under $200. We considered how easy they are to navigate, how often they update, and whether the remote includes voice control (all do, in this group).
• Connectivity for real-world setups. At least two HDMI ports and an optical output are baseline. We gave points for eARC (for future soundbar upgrades) and Ethernet ports.
• Sound quality in a budget set. Internal speakers on cheap TVs are universally thin, but some models include DTS Virtual:X or Dolby Atmos processing that actually makes dialogue clearer. We favored those.
• VESA mountability. Every TV here is wall-mountable, but we checked for common patterns and whether the included stand feels stable.

1. Insignia 50" F50 Series 4K: Best Overall

This is the TV that most people should buy if they want the best cheap TV possible in 2026. The Insignia F50 series in 50 inches packs 4K UHD resolution, HDR10 support, and the full Fire TV smart platform into a package that routinely dips well under $160. The picture is surprisingly good for the price. Upscaling of 1080p content to near-4K quality works well enough that you won't feel like you are watching old content on a new display. Blacks are decent for an LED-backlit LCD, though you will notice some clouding in a dark room. The DTS Virtual:X sound processing gives the built-in speakers more presence than most competitors, but you will still want a soundbar for movies. Three HDMI ports (including eARC) and an Ethernet jack mean you can connect a game console and a streaming box without swapping cables. The stand is basic plastic, but the 200×200 VESA pattern makes wall mounting straightforward.

Pros:

• 4K HDR10 at a price that undercuts most 43-inch competitors
• Three HDMI ports with eARC for future soundbar connection
• DTS Virtual:X improves dialogue clarity
• Fire TV interface is fast and supports Alexa voice commands
• Upscaling of HD content looks respectable

Cons:

• Edge-lit panel leads to uneven backlight in dark scenes
• Plastic build feels hollow; stand is wobbly on unsteady surfaces
• No Dolby Vision support

Best for: Anyone who wants a large 4K smart TV for under $200 and doesn't need Dolby Vision.

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2. Toshiba 43" C350 Series 4K: Best Picture Quality

The Toshiba C350 is the outlier in this roundup. It is the only set that includes both Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio processing, and it also has a dedicated REGZA Engine ZR that does a better job upscaling 1080p content than any other TV here. The 43-inch size is ideal for apartments or bedrooms where a 50-inch would dominate. The picture quality advantage is real: colors are more saturated without looking artificial, and the Ultimate Motion handling reduces judder during fast sports. The Game Mode supports ALLM and VRR, which matters if you own an Xbox Series X or a PS5 and want to use this as a secondary gaming monitor. The built-in speakers are nothing special, but the Dolby Atmos virtualization creates a wider soundstage than the Insignia sets. The remote is the standard Fire TV voice remote with Alexa, and the interface is snappy. The only trade-off is the 43-inch size; you pay a small premium for the better image processing.

Pros:

• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos at a sub-$140 price
• REGZA Engine ZR upscaling is noticeably sharper than Insignia's
• ALLM, VRR, and Game Mode for console gaming
• Good motion handling for sports
• Ethernet port and eARC included

Cons:

• Only 43 inches; larger sizes cost more
• Audio still lacks bass; soundbar recommended
• Menu navigation can lag occasionally

Best for: Viewers who prioritize picture quality and want Dolby Vision on a budget, especially for movie nights.

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3. Insignia 55" F50 Series 4K: Biggest Screen for the Money

If you need a 55-inch TV and your cap is $200, this is your only real choice. The 55-inch version of the Insignia F50 series offers the same specs as its 50-inch sibling: 4K HDR10, Fire TV, DTS Virtual:X, three HDMI ports with eARC, and Ethernet. The extra five inches of diagonal are noticeable in a living room, and the price premium over the 50-inch is only about $20. The same caveats apply: edge-lit panel with uneven dark-scene illumination, no Dolby Vision, plasticky build. But at $180, you simply cannot get a bigger 4K set from a major brand. The stand is a bit flimsy for a screen this size, so wall mounting is recommended. Use the 200×200 VESA pattern and a solid mount.

Pros:

• 55-inch 4K for under $180 is unmatched value
• Same solid feature set as the 50-inch version
• eARC for soundbar connectivity
• Fire TV with Alexa voice remote included

Cons:

• Edge-lit backlight causes visible clouding
• Stand feels unstable for a 55-inch panel
• No Dolby Vision

Best for: Buyers who want the largest possible screen size on a strict $200 budget.

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4. Insignia 43" F50 Series 4K: Compact 4K

This is essentially the same TV as the 50-inch F50 but in a 43-inch frame. It offers 4K HDR10, DTS Virtual:X, three HDMI ports (eARC), and Fire TV. The smaller size makes it easier to fit into a narrower media console or a dorm room. The 200×300 VESA pattern is slightly different from the 50-inch version, so check your mount compatibility. At $140, it is the same price as the Toshiba C350, but the Toshiba has Dolby Vision and better upscaling. If Dolby Vision matters to you, go with the Toshiba. If you prefer the Insignia brand or need the Fire TV ecosystem and are willing to trade picture quality for a few dollars less, this is fine. The backlight uniformity is average, and you will see some light bleeding around the edges in dark content.

Pros:

• 4K HDR10 with eARC at a low price
• Fire TV platform with Alexa
• Smaller footprint for tight spaces

Cons:

• No Dolby Vision
• Backlight bleeding visible in dark scenes
• Same plasticky build as larger Insignia sets

Best for: Someone who wants a 43-inch 4K Fire TV and does not care about Dolby Vision.

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5. Insignia 40" FE Series 1080p: Best Mid-Size 1080p

Not everyone needs 4K. If the TV is going into a guest room, a kid's playroom, or a kitchen where viewing distance is close, a 40-inch 1080p set can be a smarter buy than a low-end 4K. The Insignia FE series at 40 inches hits the sweet spot: Full HD resolution, Fire TV with Alexa, and a price that often drops below $100. The picture is bright enough for a well-lit room, and the LED backlight is consistent across the panel. There is no HDR, but at this price that is expected. The biggest limitation is connectivity: only two HDMI ports and no optical output (only a headphone jack and composite inputs). If you need to connect a cable box and a game console, you will have to juggle cables. The sound is thin, but the TV supports basic audio output through the headphone jack to external speakers.

Pros:

• Good 1080p clarity for a sub-$100 price
• Fire TV with voice remote
• Bright enough for daytime viewing

Cons:

• Only two HDMI ports, no optical audio
• No HDR support
• Speakers lack volume and bass

Best for: Budget buyers who want a simple 40-inch smart TV for casual viewing in a secondary room.

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6. Insignia 32" F20 Series 720p: Cheapest Reliable Smart TV

At $70, this is the cheapest TV in the roundup, and it is still a smart TV with a voice remote. The 720p resolution is fine for a 32-inch screen at typical viewing distances. You will see pixelation if you sit closer than four feet, but for a bedroom TV that streams news and casual shows, it is perfectly adequate. The Fire TV interface is the same as on the expensive models, and the Alexa voice remote works well for searching. There is DTS Virtual:X support, which helps with dialogue clarity. The two HDMI ports and optical output are surprising at this price. The panel is basic: edge-lit with moderate uniformity, and colors are muted out of the box. You can tweak the picture settings to improve it a bit. This TV is a doorbuster for a reason: it works, it is smart, and it costs less than a pair of sneakers.

Pros:

• Unbeatable price for a smart TV
• Voice remote with Alexa
• Includes optical output and two HDMI ports

Cons:

• 720p resolution is not sharp for text or detailed content
• Colors and contrast are underwhelming
• Small 32-inch screen limits viewing distance

Best for: The absolute cheapest way to get a smart TV for a dorm, workshop, or secondary bedroom.

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7. Hisense 32" A4 Series 720p Roku: Roku Fans' Budget Pick

If you prefer Roku's interface over Fire TV, this is your entry-level choice. The Hisense A4 series at 32 inches runs the Roku TV platform, which is widely considered the most straightforward smart TV interface. It is 720p HD with a full-array LED backlight that gives even illumination. Dolby Audio processing adds a bit of richness to the sound, though you still need a speaker for serious listening. The remote is simple with one-touch access to major streaming services. It works with Google Assistant and Alexa through compatible devices, but there is no built-in voice assistant on the TV itself. The slim bezel design looks more modern than the Insignia sets. At $100, it costs the same as the 1080p Hisense Fire TV below, but you trade resolution for a better platform experience if you are a Roku devotee.

Pros:

• Clean, easy-to-use Roku interface
• Full-array LED gives even backlight
• Dolby Audio improves dialogue
• Slim bezel looks premium

Cons:

• 720p resolution is low for the price (1080p available elsewhere for same money)
• No built-in voice control
• Only two HDMI ports

Best for: Roku loyalists who want a small, affordable TV and don't need 1080p.

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8. Hisense 32" A4 Series 1080p Fire TV: Sharp 32-Inch Value

This is the 2025 model Hisense A4 that upgrades to 1080p Full HD and runs Fire TV instead of Roku. It keeps the same slim bezel design and adds DTS Virtual:X for virtual surround sound. The 1080p resolution at 32 inches is genuinely sharp for desktop use or close-up seating. The Natural Color Enhancer feature makes skin tones look more natural than the Insignia panels. Game Mode cuts input lag to about 16ms, which is excellent for a budget TV if you plan to connect a gaming PC or console. The Fire TV interface is fast, and the Alexa voice remote is included. The biggest downside is the price: at $100, it is the same as the 720p Roku model, but this one gives you better resolution. If you don't care about the platform, get this one.

Pros:

• 1080p Full HD at a 32-inch size is crisp
• DTS Virtual:X audio processing
• Game Mode with low input lag
• Alexa voice remote included

Cons:

• Only two HDMI ports
• No optical audio output (headphone jack only)
• Smart platform is Fire TV, not Roku (subjective)

Best for: Gamers or home office users who want a sharp 32-inch screen with Fire TV and low input lag.

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9. Roku 32" Select Series 1080p: Best Small TV for Private Listening

The Roku Select Series is a first-party Roku TV, meaning the software is optimized by the company that invented it. At 32 inches with 1080p Full HD, it offers the best overall experience in the small-TV segment. The picture is bright and well-calibrated out of the box, with Roku Smart Picture mode that adjusts settings automatically. The standout feature is Bluetooth Headphone Mode: you can pair your wireless headphones directly to the TV for private listening without disturbing anyone. No other TV in this price range offers that. The voice remote works with Roku Voice, and the TV supports Apple AirPlay for casting from iPhones. The design is clean with a slim bezel. The downside is the price: $140 is steep for a 32-inch 1080p TV, but the feature set justifies it if you need Bluetooth audio.

Pros:

• Bluetooth Headphone Mode for private listening
• Excellent Roku platform with automatic updates
• Apple AirPlay support
• Bright 1080p panel with good out-of-box colors

Cons:

• More expensive than comparable 32-inch sets
• Only two HDMI ports
• No optical audio out

Best for: Night owls or parents who want to watch TV without waking others, using wireless headphones.

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10. Insignia 24" F40 Series 1080p: Ultra-Compact Full HD

At 24 inches, this is the smallest TV in the roundup, and it is also the cheapest. It offers 1080p Full HD resolution in a compact size that fits on a kitchen counter, a desk, or a small shelf. The Fire TV platform with Alexa voice remote gives it capabilities far beyond what you would expect from a $60 TV. The connections are decent: two HDMI ports, an optical output, a USB port, and composite inputs for older devices. The screen is bright enough for a well-lit room, though the viewing angles are narrow. Colors are acceptable but not vibrant. The stand is basic, and the speakers are tiny and tinny. For its intended use as a secondary TV for casual viewing, it does the job without complaint.

Pros:

• Cheapest TV in the roundup with smart features
• 1080p resolution at a very small size
• Fire TV with Alexa voice remote
• Includes optical output

Cons:

• 24-inch screen is too small for main room use
• Poor viewing angles and muted colors
• Tiny speakers sound thin

Best for: A kitchen TV, a desk monitor replacement, or a guest room where space is extremely limited.

Check current price on Amazon →

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Buyer's guide: how to choose cheap TVs

Before you buy a cheap TV, focus on the factors that actually affect your viewing experience. The budget segment has gotten good enough that you don't have to settle for a terrible screen, but you still need to make trade-offs.

Resolution: 4K vs 1080p vs 720p

If your budget allows and you have space for at least a 43-inch screen, choose 4K. The difference in sharpness is noticeable with streaming content and upscaled HD broadcasts. Below 43 inches, 1080p is perfectly fine for typical viewing distances. Avoid 720p unless you are buying a 32-inch set for under $80 and you are okay with softer text and less detail. The 720p sets in this roundup (Insignia 32" and Hisense 32" Roku) work well for background TV, but if you plan to read on-screen text, go 1080p.

Smart platform: Fire TV vs Roku

These are the two major platforms in the budget space. Fire TV is integrated into Insignia and Toshiba sets. It offers Alexa voice control and a dense home screen with ads. Roku is cleaner and simpler, with a more organized interface and no clutter. Both support all major streaming services. If you are already in the Amazon ecosystem, Fire TV is convenient. If you want minimal fuss, Roku wins. The Roku Select Series and Hisense Roku TV are the only Roku options in this group.

Connectivity: HDMI and audio ports

Look for at least two HDMI ports (three is better) and an optical audio output if you plan to connect a soundbar. The Insignia F50-series 4K TVs have three HDMI ports and eARC, which is rare at this price. The smaller sets often skimp on ports, so check the table. If you need Ethernet for stable streaming, the larger Insignia and Toshiba 4K sets include it; most 32-inch sets are Wi-Fi only.

Audio quality

Cheap TV speakers are small and lack bass. Some models include virtual surround sound processing (DTS Virtual:X or Dolby Atmos) that improves dialogue clarity. The Toshiba C350 and the Hisense 1080p Fire TV do this well. The Roku Select Series focuses on clear speech. Regardless, plan to budget for a soundbar later. No cheap TV sounds great on its own.

Wall mounting

All the TVs here are VESA-compatible. The 24-inch and 32-inch sets use 200×200 or 100×100 patterns. The 50-inch and 55-inch Insignia sets use 200×200. The 43-inch Insignia uses 200×300, which is less common, so check your mount. A basic fixed mount costs about $20 and is worth it for a cleaner look.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use these TVs as a computer monitor?

Yes, especially the 32-inch 1080p models and the 43-inch 4K models. The Hisense 32" 1080p Fire TV has Game Mode with low input lag, making it suitable for desktop use. For text, 1080p at 24 or 32 inches is comfortable. 4K at 43 inches offers plenty of screen real estate but requires scaling to avoid tiny text.

Do these TVs support HDR?

Most support only HDR10, which is a basic HDR format. The Toshiba C350 supports Dolby Vision, which provides better dynamic range and color. Budget 4K TVs do not have the peak brightness to deliver true HDR impact, but HDR10 processing can still improve contrast in SDR content.

Are these TVs good for gaming?

For casual gaming, yes. The Toshiba C350 and Hisense 1080p Fire TV have Game Modes with low input lag. The Toshiba also supports ALLM and VRR, which benefit Xbox Series X and PS5. The Insignia sets do not advertise low-lag modes, but they are adequate for non-competitive play.

How long do cheap TVs last?

Budget TVs typically last 3 to 5 years with normal use. The LED backlights are rated for 30,000 to 50,000 hours, but the power supply and main board are the weak points. If you want longer lifespan, the Toshiba and Hisense models tend to have better build quality than Insignia.

Do I need a soundbar with these TVs?

Yes, if you care about audio quality. All the TVs here have thin, weak speakers. The virtual surround features help a little, but a $100 soundbar will transform your experience. The Toshiba C350's Dolby Atmos processing is the best built-in sound in this roundup, but still not as good as a dedicated bar.

Will this TV work with my antenna for local channels?

Yes, all models have a coaxial input for an antenna. You can scan for over-the-air channels. The Fire TV and Roku interfaces include a live TV guide for antenna channels alongside streaming apps.

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Final verdict

The best cheap TV in 2026 is the Insignia 50" F50 Series 4K, because it gives you the most size and resolution for $160. It is not perfect, but nothing at this price is. If picture quality matters more than size, the Toshiba 43" C350 Series with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos is a clear winner. For a small room, the Roku 32" Select Series offers the best interface and the unique Bluetooth headphone mode. And if you need something under $100, the Insignia 40" FE Series or the Hisense 32" 1080p Fire TV are your best bets.

You don't need to spend a lot to get a good TV. The best cheap TVs in 2026 prove that $60 to $180 can buy a perfectly watchable, smart, and modern set. Pick your size, pick your platform, and don't look back.

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