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The Hisense U8H LED TV on display in the Reviewed labs with what appears to be Los Angeles at night time on the screen. Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

The Best Big Screen TVs Under $1,000 of 2024

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The Hisense U8H LED TV on display in the Reviewed labs with what appears to be Los Angeles at night time on the screen. Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

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1
Editor's Choice Product image of Hisense 65U8H
Best Overall

Hisense 65U8H

Check Price at Amazon

The Hisense U8H is one of the best budget-friendly TVs of the year. It offers excellent performance and useful features for a surprisingly low price. Read More

Pros

  • Excellent contrast and color
  • Easy-to-use smart platform
  • Strong gaming support for the price

Cons

  • A few picture processing quirks
  • Narrow viewing angle
  • Lackluster design
2
Editor's Choice Product image of TCL 75S555
Best 75-inch

TCL 75S555

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The 2022 TCL 5-Series combines impressive performance, improved brightness, great gaming support, and Roku OS to be the best budget pick available. Read More

Pros

  • Excellent out-of-box performance
  • Snappy Roku OS
  • Great for casual gaming

Cons

  • Some light bloom
  • Roku or bust
3
Editor's Choice Product image of TCL 65R655

TCL 65R655

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For an affordable price, the TCL 6-Series delivers a bright, colorful picture and an impressive array of next-gen gaming features. Read More

Pros

  • Bright, colorful picture
  • Built-in Roku smart features
  • Class-leading gaming features

Cons

  • Not enough A/V customization settings
  • Out-of-the-box picture is too cool
  • Chunky, ho-hum design
4
Editor's Choice Product image of Hisense 75U7H

Hisense 75U7H

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The Hisense U7H delivers a bright, colorful picture and a surprising amount of gaming-related features for the price. Read More

Pros

  • Excellent bright-room option
  • Class-leading gaming features
  • Fast, easy-to-use smart platform

Cons

  • Light bloom
  • Picture processing issues
5
Product image of Samsung QN65Q60BAFXZA

Samsung QN65Q60BAFXZA

Check Price at Amazon

The Samsung Q60B is a decent, affordable QLED TV for casual viewing, but its HDR performance is lacking and it's not cut out for next-gen gaming. Read More

Pros

  • Decent dark-room performer
  • Bright enough for casual viewing
  • Easy-to-setup design

Cons

  • Not cut out for next-gen gaming
  • Narrow viewing angle
  • HDR performance is lacking
  • Best Overall Hisense U8H
  • Best 75-inch TCL 5-Series S555 (2022)
  • Other TVs Under $1,000 We Tested
  • TCL 6-Series R655 (2022)
  • Hisense U7H
  • Samsung Q60B
  • Hisense U6H
  • How We Test TVs Under $1,000
  • What to Consider Before Buying A TV Under $1,000
  • More Articles You Might Enjoy

TVs under $1,000 are a great way for consumers to balance performance and cost. They often deliver more features than budget TVs at a price lower than premium televisions, but knowing which one to buy can be difficult. That’s why we’re constantly testing to find the best TVs under $1,000.

Our favorite TV under $1,000 is the Hisense U8H (available at Amazon) . A dependable bright-room TV with excellent contrast and color, it offers high-end performance and premium features at a great price.

The TV on display in the Reviewed labs with the screen showing off a large and bright blue splash.
Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

The Hisense U8H offers great performance for a price most people can justify.

Best Overall
Hisense U8H
  • Screen sizes under $1,000: 55”, 65”
  • HDR support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
  • Smart platform: Google TV

The Hisense U8H is a great value, delivering an excellent picture and an impressive collection of features at a good price.

The U8H is a mini-LED TV with quantum dots, a hardware tandem typically found in higher-end TVs. Thanks to the U8H's use of quantum dots, colors on this TV are bold and punchy. During testing, the U8H covered 97% of the HDR color gamut (DCI-P3). At home, you can expect both SDR and HDR content to look realistically colorful.

The U8H's level of brightness is almost unheard of at its price range—it is bright enough for daytime viewing with both SDR or HDR content. Additionally, local dimming performance rivals higher-end competitors, but you should expect little light bloom when there are bright picture elements on dark backgrounds.

For people with next-gen gaming systems, the U8H has a strong selection of features, with two HDMI 2.1 ports capable of 4K gaming at 120Hz (though one also serves as the TV's eARC-enabled port), Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and FreeSync Premium Pro. Streaming on the U8H, which has Google TV as its built-in smart platform, is fast and easy.

There are some things about the U8H that left us a bit disappointed. While it might not be a dealbreaker for most people, Hisense's picture processing still has some quirks, especially with upscaling sub-4K content. Also, the U8H’s off-angle performance was poor at times, too, as the picture quality decreases as you shift away from direct, head-on viewing.

For the money, though, there are few TVs that perform at this level. The U8H is a great, value-forward TV that most people will be thrilled to own.

See our full Hisense U8H review.

Pros

  • Excellent contrast and color

  • Easy-to-use smart platform

  • Strong gaming support for the price

Cons

  • A few picture processing quirks

  • Narrow viewing angle

  • Lackluster design

Buy now at Amazon

$898.00 from Walmart
An image of Rebecca Ferguson in Dune displayed on a TCL 5-Series TV on a wooden credenza.
Credit: Reviewed / John Higgins

The TCL 5-Series S555 is the ideal combination of performance and value.

Best 75-inch
TCL 5-Series S555 (2022)
  • Screen sizes under $1,000: 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”
  • HDR support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
  • Smart platform: Roku

The TCL 5-Series S555 builds on the successes of earlier 5-Series models, offering solid performance at a great value. This quantum dot TV offers vibrant colors, a bright picture, and features that will satisfy casual gamers.

The average and peak brightness won’t match what you’ll get from more expensive mid-range TVs, but it’s one of the brightest you’ll find for the price—and there’s plenty of brightness to fight ambient light to deliver a great picture. During testing, we were also impressed by the 5-Series’ color performance, and color gamut coverage in both SDR and HDR and HDR10+ support is better than previous models.

For gamers, the S555 features four HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC), Auto Low Latency Mode, and Variable Refresh Rate, including AMD FreeSync support. Game mode is an independent toggle, so you can enjoy the excellent color and contrast performance from the TCL’s Movie and Dark HDR picture modes. However, the native refresh rate is 60Hz, so 4K/120Hz gaming isn’t possible.

We experienced some light blooming because of a limited number of dimming zones. Also, Roku is currently the only smart TV platform available, so fans of Google TV and other OS platforms may want to look at another option.

Overall, the TCL 5-Series is a great option for anyone looking to get serious performance without breaking the bank.

See our full TCL 5-Series S555 (2022) review.

Pros

  • Excellent out-of-box performance

  • Snappy Roku OS

  • Great for casual gaming

Cons

  • Some light bloom

  • Roku or bust

Buy now at Amazon

$999.99 from Walmart

Other TVs Under $1,000 We Tested

Product image of TCL 65R655
TCL 6-Series R655 (2022)
  • Screen sizes under $1,000: 55”, 65”
  • HDR support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
  • Smart platform: Roku

A fantastic mid-range TV, the TCL 6-Series has bright mini-LED performance and a set of features that make gamers happy. As a Roku TV, it also has our favorite smart platform out of the box.

Whether you're watching your favorite streaming show during the day or taking in a movie at night, the 6-Series’ picture quality is quite good—pairing deep black levels with bright highlights that reach as high as 1,300 nits during HDR content. Because it’s a quantum dot TV, colors are also well-saturated no matter the type of content. Compared to the similarly priced Hisense U8H, the 6-Series offers better picture processing, especially when it comes to upscaling content, but it covers 92% of the wide HDR color gamut, which is slightly less than our best overall pick.

A terrific option for gamers, the 6-Series has four HDMI 2.1 ports, two of which support 4K gaming at 144Hz with Variable Refresh Rate enabled. Importantly, the TV's dedicated eARC port is separate from the TV's pair of gaming-optimized ports, so it can accommodate two next-gen consoles and a dedicated soundbar. Also supported are Auto Low Latency Mode and FreeSync Premium Pro.

People who want to tweak picture and audio settings may be a bit disappointed by the 6-Series. Options include various picture presets and ways to make basic adjustments to the TV's backlight and color temperature, but that's about it. However, if you're a set-it-and-forget-it type of viewer, the 6-Series will serve you well.

If you’re hoping to save money on a gaming-ready TV that looks good right out of the box, the 6-Series is hard to beat at its price tag.

See our full TCL 6-Series R655 (2022) review.

Pros

  • Bright, colorful picture

  • Built-in Roku smart features

  • Class-leading gaming features

Cons

  • Not enough A/V customization settings

  • Out-of-the-box picture is too cool

  • Chunky, ho-hum design

Buy now at Amazon

$999.99 from Walmart
Product image of Hisense 75U7H
Hisense U7H
  • Screen sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”
  • HDR support: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
  • Smart platform: Google TV

The Hisense U7H is a well-rounded TV that performs well in both bright and dark rooms, has an easy-to-use smart platform, and is a great option for gamers

With an average ANSI picture brightness of about 650 nits in both SDR and HDR, the U7H is one of the brightest TVs at its price. Its specular highlights are even more impressive—our lab tests found small, concentrated pockets of brightness can crack 1,000 nits in HDR. The U7H’s quantum dot-enhanced colors deserve praise, too. It covers about 93% of the HDR color gamut (DCI-P3), enough volume for the TV’s colors to really pop in HDR.

As long as the U7H is not directly in a sunbeam, it holds up quite well. While its black levels aren’t as deep as some competitors, the U7H performs well in dark rooms, thanks to its ability to get bright. Overall, its performance is suitable for both bright- and dark-viewing environments.

Gamers on a budget should consider the U7H. Its panel features a native 120Hz refresh rate, and two of its HDMI ports support 4K gaming at 120Hz. Unfortunately, one of its 4K/120Hz-enabled ports also serves as the TV’s dedicated eARC port, which is a negative if you own two next-gen gaming consoles and an eARC-enabled soundbar. Even considering that, there’s no better gaming TV on the market today in the U7H’s price range.

The amount of value with the U7H is remarkable, but there are some shortcomings. While testing, we experienced severe light bloom when viewed off-axis, and Hisense’s picture processing struggles to upscale sub-4K content as well as some competitors. Still, the U7H punches well above its weight and is worth considering.

See our full Hisense U7H review.

Pros

  • Excellent bright-room option

  • Class-leading gaming features

  • Fast, easy-to-use smart platform

Cons

  • Light bloom

  • Picture processing issues

Buy now at Amazon

$998.00 from Walmart
Product image of Samsung QN65Q60BAFXZA
Samsung Q60B
  • Screen sizes under $1,000: 43-inch”, 50”, 55”, 60”, 65”
  • HDR support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
  • Smart platform: Samsung Tizen OS

The Samsung Q60B is an all-around good pick for people upgrading an older television or those diving into 4K TV. However, people who prioritize HDR performance or next-gen gaming will want to look at different models.

With a sleek design, the Q60B will be a beautiful addition to any living room. The panel is narrow, with slim, L-shaped feet. Setting it up is easy, too.

The Q60B is bright enough for daytime viewing even in sunny rooms, thanks to its color-enhancing quantum dots, although it performs better in dark-room settings, pairing respectable brightness with deep black levels. Unfortunately, the Q60B doesn’t get bright enough for HDR content to really pop.

Gamers should know that the Q60B supports Auto Low Latency Mode, but not Variable Refresh Rate. Also, it features a native refresh rate of 60Hz and lacks HDMI 2.1 support, so 4K gaming at 120fps is not possible.

See our full Samsung Q60B review.

Pros

  • Decent dark-room performer

  • Bright enough for casual viewing

  • Easy-to-setup design

Cons

  • Not cut out for next-gen gaming

  • Narrow viewing angle

  • HDR performance is lacking

Buy now at Amazon

$999.99 from Walmart
Product image of Hisense 75U6H
Hisense U6H
  • Screen sizes under $1,000: 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”
  • HDR support: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
  • Smart platform: Google TV

The Hisense U6H delivers respectable picture quality that casual users will appreciate.

It has fantastic out-of-the-box color accuracy in some of its picture modes. Not bright enough to thrive in a sun-drenched room, the U6H is good for rooms with an average amount of lighting, where it’s easier to appreciate its deep black levels and sharp contrast control. The U6H is susceptible to light bloom when bright picture elements are surrounded by darkness. The problem is even more noticeable in off-axis viewing. It also struggles to upscale sub-4K content and its subpar motion handling can be distracting.

While it lacks high-end gaming features like 4K/120Hz support, it does support Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate. Gamers who are looking for a TV that’ll last them several years into the future might want to spend a bit more on the Hisense U8H.

See our full Hisense U6H review.

Pros

  • Bright enough for most rooms

  • Rich, accurate color

  • Good smart platform and features

Cons

  • Lackluster upscaling

  • Susceptible to light bloom

  • Troublesome motion handling

Buy now at Amazon

$559.99 from Best Buy

$795.99 from Walmart

How We Test TVs Under $1,000

Credit: Reviewed

Our lab is outfitted with much of the same equipment you would find at a factory that manufactures and calibrates televisions.

The Testers

Reviewed’s Home Theater expert, Michael Desjardin is a Senior Staff Writer and, since 2014, a member of the tech team. Michael takes picture quality seriously, but he also understands that not every TV is a good fit for everyone.

Reviewed A/V and Electronics Senior Editor John Higgins is an Imaging Science Foundation Level III-certified calibrator. In his A/V career of more than two decades, he has written about all manner of technology, including TVs, speakers, headphones, AVRs, and gaming.

A TV tester measuring a TV's contrast
Credit: Reviewed / Chris Snow

We measure things like peak brightness, black level, hue, and so on.

The Tests

Reviewed’s TV testing process, honed over many years, gathers data marginal enough to satisfy curious video engineers, but it’s also relevant to the average person's viewing experience. During the testing process, we also spend a lot of time watching and using TVs to get a feel for the at-home experience.

What to Consider Before Buying A TV Under $1,000

Size

It used to be that a 50-inch TV was considered huge. These days, the average living-room TV size—in America, anyway—is 55 inches. As big screen TVs continue to get more affordable, the average TV size just keeps going up. In other words, it's easier than ever to land a really big TV without spending oodles of cash.

Display Type

LED, LCD, QLED, OLED, what does it all mean and what should you be looking for in a TV under $1,000?

LED or LCD refer to Light Emitting Diode and Liquid Crystal Display, respectively. These technologies are used together, so you may see them referred to interchangeably as LCD TVs or LED TVs. LEDs are the backlights used in LCD TVs. They shine through a layer of a semi-solid substance called "liquid crystal," which gets its name for its ability to morph in reaction to tiny electrical volts and allow light to pass through.

Most of the televisions in this guide are QLED TVs. Essentially, that means they are LED TVs with quantum dots. The addition of quantum dots allows the displays to produce rich colors, especially those that rely on combinations of red and green, better than LED TVs without quantum dot technology.

OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diode, is a different panel technology than LED/LCD. An OLED TV, which typically is more expensive than LEDs, essentially combines the backlight and display arrays, using sub-pixel strata that produce light and color individually.

HDR support

Most 4K TVs also feature HDR), or High Dynamic Range, which means the TV can show images that are brighter and more colorful than older model televisions without this technology. Current top HDR formats include HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision.

Meet the testers

Michael Desjardin

Michael Desjardin

Senior Staff Writer

@Reviewed

Michael Desjardin graduated from Emerson College after having studied media production and screenwriting. He specializes in tech for Reviewed, but also loves film criticism, weird ambient music, cooking, and food in general.

See all of Michael Desjardin's reviews
John Higgins

John Higgins

Managing Editor, Tech

@johntmhiggins

John is Reviewed's Managing Editor of Tech. He is an ISF Level III-certified calibrator with bylines at ProjectorCentral, Wirecutter, IGN, Home Theater Review, T3, Sound & Vision, and Home Theater Magazine. When away from the Reviewed office, he is a sound editor for film, a musician, and loves to play games with his son.

See all of John Higgins's reviews
Alex Kane

Alex Kane

Sr. Editor, Search & Updates

@alexjkane

Alex Kane is a senior editor at USA Today’s Reviewed and the author of the Boss Fight Books volume on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He has written for Fangoria, PC Gamer, Polygon, Rolling Stone, StarWars.com, and Variety. He lives in west-central Illinois.

See all of Alex Kane's reviews

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