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10 Best Affordable Smart TV Picks for 2026 That Won’t Break the Bank
The quest for the best affordable smart TVs has escalated in 2026, especially as consumers seek cost-effective and feature-rich options. With a myriad of choices available on Amazon, selecting the right device can be overwhelming. This article presents the top 10 affordable smart TVs, designed to help you make an informed decision without breaking the bank. From size to smart features, each product is analyzed in depth to ensure you find the best best affordable smart TV for your needs.
1. TCL 43S425 43 Inch 4K Smart LED Roku TV
The TCL 43S425 is a 43-inch 4K smart LED TV powered by Roku, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an exceptional viewing experience without overspending. It boasts 4K Ultra HD resolution and HDR support, allowing for vibrant color and clarity. The smart interface features thousands of streaming channels and provides easy access to services like Netflix and Hulu.
With built-in Chromecast, you can cast from your mobile devices seamlessly. It supports voice control via Google Assistant and Alexa, offering further convenience. The TV also features multiple HDMI ports and USB connectivity, ensuring you can connect all your devices effortlessly.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Easy-to-use Roku interface
- Excellent picture quality
- Voice control compatibility
Cons:
- Limited local dimming capability
- Basic remote control design
- Easy Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to help you find movie titles, launch or change channels, even switch inputs, using just your voice. Also available through the Roku mobile app
- Striking 4K UHD picture performance with HDR technology
- Simple, intuitive Roku interface allows seamless access to over 500,000 movies and TV episodes
- 4K Creative Pro Upscaling allows you to view your favorite HD content in near 4K quality
- Inputs: 3 HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 (one with HDMI ARC), 1 USB (media player), RF, Composite, Headphone Jack, Optical Audio Out, Ethernet
2. Hisense 50H8F 50-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV
The Hisense 50H8F is a standout smart TV offering 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR. Its 50-inch display is perfect for medium-sized rooms. The Android TV platform provides easy access to numerous streaming services, and with Google Assistant built-in, search and control have never been easier.
Notably, the H8F series features a full array of local dimming, enhancing contrast and producing deep blacks. The built-in Chromecast allows users to easily cast content from their smartphones or tablets, making it a versatile choice for tech-savvy viewers.
Pros:
- Stunning picture quality
- Excellent HDR performance
- Voice command capabilities
- Good audio quality
Cons:
- Limited viewing angles
- Some Android TV glitches reported
- Hi-QLED Color: Experience a visual treat with Hi-QLED Color. Every frame is rich, vibrant, and true-to-life, ensuring that every shade, from soft pastels to bold and striking tones, stands out in stunning clarity.
- Total HDR Solution: See every basket and goal in all its glory. Total HDR Solution distinguishes between the colors you perceive on screen. That means ink-black blacks, not muddled tones and brighter, more vibrant colors with every HDR format, including Dolby Vision, HDR 10+Adaptive, HDR 10 and HLG.
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: The fusion of Dolby VisionTM HDR imaging and Dolby Atmos sound transforms your TV into an entertainment powerhouse. These image and sound technologies from the cinema, now brought together for the home, provide amazing realism that you’ll see, hear, and feel like never before.
- Fire TV: Fire TV seamlessly integrates your favorite live channels and apps on the home screen, or you can browse the Channel Guide in Live.
- Press & Ask | Alexa: Just press and ask Alexa to find, launch, and control your content. Go beyond streaming to check sports scores, set timers, reminders, and more.
3. Amazon Fire TV 55-Inch 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV
The Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is an enticing option for those already integrated into the Amazon ecosystem. It features a stunning 55-inch 4K UHD display, providing excellent picture clarity. The Fire TV interface offers a wide variety of streaming options and personalized recommendations based on viewing habits.
Voice control is available through the Alexa-enabled remote, allowing for seamless navigation of your favorite streaming apps. This TV is especially suited for Prime members who can enjoy additional features and content exclusive to Amazon users.
Pros:
- Integration with Alexa
- User-friendly interface
- Access to Amazon Prime Video
- Great color accuracy
Cons:
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Average sound quality
- Get more from your TV – With 4K Ultra HD, enhanced brightness, and clear audio, the Fire TV 4-Series upgrades your entertainment.
- Vivid views – 4K Ultra HD and HDR10+ deliver bright, crisp visuals with improved contrast, so details look beautiful even in dark scenes.
- Speed, redefined – Jump right into what you love with Wi-Fi 6 support and a new quad-core processor. Apps open and load fast and the picture stays smooth.
- The new Alexa on Fire TV – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Talk naturally to find what to watch fast, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Instantly On - Introducing our custom Omnisense technology. Built-in sensors wake the display when you enter to show your favorite artwork or let you start watching in a snap.
4. Hisense 43H6570G 43-Inch 4K Smart TV
The Hisense 43H6570G is a budget-friendly smart TV that doesn’t sacrifice quality for price. With 4K resolution and Dolby Vision support, this model ensures a remarkable visual experience. The Android TV platform offers a wide variety of apps, and the voice remote enhances user interactivity.
This TV excels with its low-price tag while delivering impressive color accuracy and detail, making it a solid choice for streaming and casual viewing. Plus, it supports Google Assistant, allowing users to control their TV with voice commands.
Pros:
- Exceptional picture quality for the price
- Good integration with Google services
- Versatile connectivity options
Cons:
- Limited local dimming
- Sound quality could be better
- Hi-QLED Color: Experience a visual treat with Hi-QLED Color. Every frame is rich, vibrant, and true-to-life, ensuring that every shade, from soft pastels to bold and striking tones, stands out in stunning clarity.
- Total HDR Solution: See every basket and goal in all its glory. Total HDR Solution distinguishes between the colors you perceive on screen. That means ink-black blacks, not muddled tones and brighter, more vibrant colors with every HDR format, including Dolby Vision, HDR 10+Adaptive, HDR 10 and HLG.
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos: The fusion of Dolby VisionTM HDR imaging and Dolby Atmos sound transforms your TV into an entertainment powerhouse. These image and sound technologies from the cinema, now brought together for the home, provide amazing realism that you’ll see, hear, and feel like never before.
- Fire TV: Fire TV seamlessly integrates your favorite live channels and apps on the home screen, or you can browse the Channel Guide in Live.
- Press & Ask | Alexa: Just press and ask Alexa to find, launch, and control your content. Go beyond streaming to check sports scores, set timers, reminders, and more.
5. LG 55UN7300PUF Alexa Built-In 55 Inch 4K Smart TV
This 55-inch LG model is equipped with a powerful α7 Gen 3 AI Processor 4K, enhancing its overall viewing quality. The IPS display ensures bright and vivid colors, making it great for family viewing. With built-in Alexa, users enjoy hands-free control over their smart home devices and TV navigation alike.
The webOS interface provides an abundance of streaming options, and its Magic Remote allows for intuitive point-and-click control. This TV proves to be excellent for a variety of content, making it one of the best affordable smart TV options available.
Pros:
- Stunning color reproduction
- Strong built-in smart features
- Voice control through Alexa
Cons:
- Less vibrant black levels
- Sound could be improved
- REAL 4K DISPLAY: Enjoy 4K resolution for your 4K movies and shows; It's clarity in every moment, with pristine color, light and detail;
- QUAD CORE PROCESSOR 4K: Instant and intelligent; Our Quad Core Processor paints images, action, and color in the best possible light from source to screen;
- WebOS AND MAGIC REMOTE: LG's fan-favorite webOS platform makes it surprisingly fast and easy to stream movies and shows with your favorite apps and find new obsessions based on what you like; While our Magic Remote lives up to its name with voice and motion control - just speak or simply point, scroll and click
- ACTIVE HDR: Automatically elevate the beauty of your favorite scenes; Active HDR supports a wide range of formats for scene-by-scene picture adjustment, including HDR10 and HLG;
- APPLE AIRPLAY 2 AND APPLE HOMEKIT: Apple Airplay 2 and Apple HomeKit are built in; Cast entertainment from Apple devices to your TV using Airplay 2, including Apple's vast library of content; Also use your Apple devices to configure, customize, and control your smart home usingHomeKit;
6. Samsung TU6985 Series 65-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV
The Samsung TU6985 is an impressive 65-inch 4K UHD smart TV offering a sleek design and an array of smart features. With Quantum HDR technology, it provides deeper contrast and vibrant colors. The Tizen OS gives users access to a variety of streaming platforms with ease, and it comes with Samsung Smart Hub for quick navigation.
This model supports multiple voice assistants, making it versatile and user-friendly. Its gaming mode enhances the experience for gamers, further adding to its appeal in diverse viewing scenarios.
Pros:
- Large display with excellent color accuracy
- Game mode for enhanced experiences
- User-friendly Tizen OS
Cons:
- Heavier than average
- Limited brightness in bright rooms
- POWERS DRAMATICALLY CLEAR COLOR AND SOUND: Enjoy your movies and shows in stunning 4K, regardless of the source resolution. Plus, get the most out of what you're watching with AI-optimized color boosted picture and audio quality, enhanced accordingly to the type of content*
- OVER A BILLION COLORS THAT STAY TRUE EVEN IN THE BRIGHTEST SCENES**: Appreciate every beautiful shade of color with incredible precision. The nano-sized Quantum Dots can display the entire color spectrum,* so you can admire billions of shades at any brightness level.
- SECURES PERSONAL DATA*** WITH TRIPLE-LAYER PROTECTION: Your TV experiences are secured. Samsung Knox Security defends against harmful apps and phishing sites while keeping sensitive data, such as PINs and passwords, secure. It also safeguards your IoT devices connected to your TV.
- A WORLD OF CONTENT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS, NO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED: Watch 2,700+ free channels including 400+ Samsung TV Plus premium channels and on free streaming apps. Enjoy national and local news, sports, movies and more. Explore new content being added regularly.
- BRINGS OUT DETAILS AND CONTRAST WITH DEEP BLACKS AND BOLD CONTRAST: Reveal hidden details with deep blacks and vibrant brights. The dynamic tone mapping of HDR10+ enhances contrast, delivering vibrant imagery and ensuring all meaningful details stand out.
7. VIZIO V-Series 40-Inch 4K Smart TV
The Vizio V-Series 40-inch smart TV is perfect for smaller spaces while still providing a stunning visual experience with 4K resolution and Smartcast platform. Its versatile connectivity options, including multiple HDMI and USB ports, allow for easy integration with other devices.
This TV pairs well with applications that support streaming directly, providing easy access to services like Netflix and Hulu without needing an external device. Its performance is balanced, making it an excellent choice for casual viewing.
Pros:
- Affordable with quality features
- Good build quality
- Smartcast platform for a variety of streaming services
Cons:
- Smaller screen may not suit everyone
- The remote could be improved
- 1080p High-Definition - Watch TV in crisp, clear 1080p Full HD resolution and experience a brilliant picture with the VIZIO D-Series..Voltage : 120V.Viewable Area : 39.5''. Standby Power : <0.5W
- Full Array LED Backlight - Evenly distributed LEDs across the screen’s backlight deliver superior light uniformity and picture performance.
- IQ Picture Processor - Delivers superior picture processing, faster navigation, and quicker load times to get to your favorite content faster.
- V-Gaming Engine Automatically optimizes picture mode for gaming and makes next-gen console gameplay more responsive with Auto Game Mode, Variable Refresh Rate with AMD Freesync, D-Series lowest input lag, and newly added gaming menu.
- SmartCast - With intuitive navigation, enjoy instant access to the best selection of apps from top-tier streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, HBO Max and many more right out of the box.
8. Sony X800H 43 Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV
The Sony X800H is a high-performing 43-inch smart TV featuring 4K Ultra HD and HDR capabilities. This model shines with its rich colors and deep blacks, making it superb for watching movies and playing games. The Android TV platform offers extensive app access along with Google Assistant integration.
With multiple HDMI ports and a powerful processor, the X800H is perfect for multi-device setups. Its user-friendly interface allows for hassle-free navigation, making it an excellent choice for families.
Pros:
- Excellent picture quality with HDR
- Multiple smart features
- Good for gaming and movies
Cons:
- More expensive than others on this list
- Limited audio options
- GOOGLE TV WITH GOOGLE ASSISTANT: Get access to all your favorite streaming apps in one place with Google TV. And with Google Assistant, simply use your voice to search and ask questions.
- YOUR FAVORITE STREAMING APPS IN ONE PLACE: Get access to all your favorite streaming apps, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, the Apple TV app, Crunchyroll, and many more. Easily stream to your smart TV with support for AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in.
- MOVIES INCLUDED WITH THE BRAVIA TV: Streaming high-bitrate, high-quality 4K UHD movies included with the SONY PICTURES CORE app (formerly BRAVIA CORE). Get 5 credits to redeem on latest release movies and 12 months subscription on hundreds of classics.
- MORE IMMSERVIVE MOVIE EXPERIENCE: Get a truly cinematic viewing experience with support for 4K HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.
- INTELLIGENT TV PROCESSING: 4K HDR Processor X1 intelligently enhances every scene in real-time boosting color, contrast, and clarity.
9. Sceptre 50 Inch 4K Ultra HD LED TV
The Sceptre 50-Inch 4K Ultra HD LED TV presents an attractive budget option without compromising quality. The vibrant display shows bright and clear images, making viewing enjoyable. It comes equipped with a variety of ports, allowing users to connect multiple devices.
This model provides a good balance of performance and accessibility, as it’s compatible with several streaming services. While it may lack some advanced smart features, it remains a solid option for traditional media consumption.
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly
- Nice image quality for the price
- Simple setup process
Cons:
- Limited smart features
- Basic remote control
- 4k Ultra HD (2160p resolution): Enjoy breathtaking HDR10 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
- High Dynamic Range: Provides a wide range of color details and sharper contrast, from the brightest whites to the deepest blacks.
- All-in-one: Get right to your good stuff. With Fire TV, you can enjoy a world of entertainment from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, stream for free with Fire TV Channels, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more. Access over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
- Smart Home: Your smart home hub. Pair Fire TV with compatible smart home devices to see live camera feeds, use AirPlay, control your lighting and thermostat, and more.
- Free Content: Stream for free. Access over 1 million free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
10. LG 32LM570BPUA 32-Inch HD Smart TV
The LG 32LM570BPUA is an ideal selection for those seeking a compact smart TV that delivers quality at an affordable price. With HD resolution and the webOS platform, this TV offers ample streaming options. The built-in Alexa lets you control your TV with voice commands, adding ease of use.
This 32-inch model is perfect for bedrooms or kitchens where space is limited. Its user-friendly interface ensures quick access to popular streaming services, making it a great choice for casual users.
Pros:
- Compact size for smaller spaces
- Good overall picture quality
- Easy access to streaming services
Cons:
- Limited sound output quality
- Not 4K resolution
- Quad-core processor brings out the beauty in every scene; Energize your movies and shows for a more lifelike viewing experience with a TV Processor that improves images, action and color
- Discover every detail with scene-by-scene picture adjustment; Active HDR maximizes HD imagery and makes the makes the most of the high-definition display
- Use your voice as your remote Control; Lg HD TVs work with devices that have the Google Assistant* and Alexa built-in, so you can control your TV's settings by simply using your voice
Buying Guide: Best Affordable Smart TVs
When it comes to purchasing a smart TV on a budget, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best value for your money. This guide will help you navigate the options and make an informed decision.
1. Screen Size
- Room Size: Choose a size that complements your room. Typically, a larger screen is better for bigger rooms, while a smaller TV works well in compact spaces.
- Viewing Distance: A common guideline is to sit about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal size of the TV. For example, a 50-inch TV is best viewed from about 6.5 to 10.5 feet away.
2. Resolution
- Full HD (1080p): Good for budget models; suitable for most viewing needs.
- 4K UHD (2160p): Offers better picture clarity and detail. Ideal if you plan to watch a lot of 4K content.
- 8K: Typically too expensive for budget shoppers and not widely available in terms of content.
3. Smart Features
- Operating System: Look for a user-friendly platform. Popular options include:
- Roku TV: Easy interface with many apps.
- Android TV: Offers Google Assistant and a vast app library.
- Tizen (Samsung) and webOS (LG): Both provide a range of streaming options.
- App Availability: Ensure the TV supports the streaming services you want (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.).
4. Audio Quality
- Built-in Speakers: Generally offer basic sound quality. Consider getting a soundbar for improved audio.
- Audio Formats: Check for support for advanced audio formats like Dolby Digital or DTS for enhanced sound.
5. Connectivity
- HDMI Ports: Aim for at least 3 HDMI ports to connect multiple devices (gaming consoles, Blu-ray players).
- USB Ports: Handy for connecting flash drives.
- Wi-Fi & Ethernet: Most smart TVs come with built-in Wi-Fi, but a stable Ethernet connection is preferable for streaming.
6. Brand Reliability
- Research brands known for affordability and reliability. Some budget-friendly brands include:
- TCL
- Hisense
- Vizio
- Samsung (lower-end models)
- Read reviews to gauge performance and customer satisfaction.
7. Price
- Set a budget and stay within it. Affordable smart TVs generally range from $250 to $600, depending on size and features.
- Look for seasonal sales, especially around holidays or major shopping events.
8. Energy Efficiency
- Check for energy ratings. Energy-efficient models can help reduce electricity bills.
9. Warranty & Support
- Look for TVs that come with a good warranty and responsive customer service. Typically, a one-year warranty is standard.
10. Customer Reviews
- Take time to read user reviews and expert opinions to learn about the real-world performance and reliability of specific models.
Recommendations:
Top Affordable Smart TVs (as of 2023)
-
TCL 5-Series (S535)
- Pros: 4K HDR, built-in Roku, great picture quality, good pricing.
- Cons: Mediocre audio quality.
-
Hisense H8G
- Pros: Excellent brightness and contrast, Android TV support.
- Cons: Slightly slower interface compared to others.
-
Vizio V-Series
- Pros: Affordable, good picture performance, supports voice control.
- Cons: Limited app selection compared to competitors.
-
Samsung TU8000 Series
- Pros: Solid performance, great smart features, user-friendly interface.
- Cons: Limited viewing angles.
-
LG UN7300
- Pros: Good color accuracy, webOS interface with many apps.
- Cons: Lower brightness levels.
Conclusion
Finding the best affordable smart TV requires balancing features, quality, and price. This guide provides essential factors to consider, ensuring you make a choice that fits your needs without breaking the bank. Happy viewing!
