Buying a new TV doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune, but it also means you don’t have to limit yourself with a tiny budget either. If you’re able to stick to a budget of about $1,000, you’ll be able to pick up a solid smart TV from brands like TCL, Hisense, and even Samsung or Sony. Just because these TVs don’t have premium price tags doesn’t mean they skimp on features like integrated voice controls, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and even cloud gaming.
Also: The best TVs: Expert tested
What is the best TV under $1,000 right now?
At ZDNET, we test and research TVs across all brands. My pick for the best TV under $1,000 overall is the Samsung Q80D. Not only does the 50-inch model have an updated QLED panel for better picture quality, but it also supports object tracking sound for a more immersive experience when streaming movies, music, and TV shows. Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung Q80D as well as our other top picks for the best TVs under $1,000.
The best TVs under $1,000 of 2024
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Samsung Q80D
Best TV under $1,000 overall
The Samsung Q80D is one of the company’s higher quality mid-range TVs, and the 50-inch model retails for a touch under $1,000. The QLED panel supports Samsung’s Quantum HDR+ technology for more accurate colors, sharper details, and deeper contrasts. It also supports both Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound and Samsung’s object tracking sound technology for a more immersive experience when streaming movies, music, and shows.
Read more: LG vs Samsung TV: Which brand should you buy in 2024?
With Alexa built-in, you’ll get hands-free voice controls right out of the box. Plus, you can connect the Q80D to your Google account if you prefer Google Assistant. You can share music, photos, and videos from your iOS mobile devices via Apple AirPlay, and console gamers can take advantage of the dedicated cloud gaming support via apps like Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now.
Samsung Q80D tech specs – Screen size: 50 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant
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Hisense U7N
Best TV under $1,000 for gaming
If consoles are your main gaming platform, the Hisense U7N is an excellent option for upgrading your TV. The Mini-LED panel will give you a great 4K resolution with Dolby Vision IQ support for enhanced contrast and details as well as Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound.
Also: The best Hisense TVs: Expert tested and recommended
It also has a native refresh rate of 144Hz, which means you’ll get ultra smooth motion during fast-paced action scenes. It even supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin a good gaming experience, both online and offline. With support for both Chromecast and Apple AirPlay, you’ll be able to screen share from your Android and iOS devices, which is great news for mobile gamers.
Hisense U7N tech specs – Screen size: 55 inches | Panel type: Mini-LED | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant
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Samsung Q70D
Best TV under $1,000 picture
Want a TV with an excellent picture without having to spend a fortune on an OLED model? The Samsung Q70D features a QLED panel that has been Pantone Validated for more true-to-life color accuracy. It also supports Samsung’s Quantum HDR for enhanced contrast and detailing.
Read more: The best Samsung TVs you can buy: Expert tested
With a 120Hz refresh rate, you’ll get smoother motion during fast action scenes in movies, sports, and TV shows. An integrated blue light filter also helps protect you against eye strain and fatigue while marathoning your favorite movies or binging the latest shows on Netflix.
Samsung Q70D tech specs – Screen size: 55 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Quantum HDR | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant
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Roku Select Series
Best TV under $500
The Roku Select Series is a great option if you’re looking for a quality smart TV and you have a limited budget. For just under $500, you can pick up the 65-inch model, which still offers plenty of premium features. Along with 4K resolution, you’ll get HDR10+ support for enhanced contrast and detailing as well as Dolby Audio for enhanced dialogue and clean, clear audio.
Read also: The best Roku TVs: Expert tested
It also has support for voice controls via Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant for hands-free use of your new TV and connected devices. With AirPlay connectivity, you can easily share videos, photos, and music from your iOS mobile devices. If you’ve cut-the-cord and moved exclusively to streaming, the Roku platform gives you access to thousands of popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ right out of the box.
Roku Select Series tech specs – Screen size: 65 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: HDR10+ | Audio: Dolby | Voice controls: Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant
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TCL Q65
Best big screen TV under $1,000
Big-screen TVs can be quite expensive, but the TCL Q65 offers a 75-inch model for around $700. Along with a great price, you’ll get great 4K resolution with Dolby Vision HDR for enhanced contrast, color, and detailing. It also supports Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound.
Read more: The best TCL TVs you can buy
With Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls built-in, you’ll get hands-free use of your new TV right out of the box. If you prefer Siri, you can set up an Apple HomeKit device for use with Apple’s virtual assistant. Chromecast compatibility means you can easily share media from your Android devices for more ways to entertain family and friends.
TCL Q65 tech specs – Screen size: 75 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant
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I chose the 50-inch Samsung Q80D as my pick for the best TV under $1,000 for its object tracking sound support and virtual surround sound via Dolby Atmos. It also supports thousands of popular streaming apps, as well as Apple AirPlay for sharing media from your iOS devices.
Best TV under $1,000 |
Best price |
Screen size |
HDR/audio |
Samsung Q80D |
$900 |
50 inches |
Quantum HDR+, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound Lite |
Hisense U7N |
$600 |
55 inches |
Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos |
Samsung Q70D |
$800 |
55 inches |
Quantum HDR, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound Lite |
Roku Select Series |
$400 |
50 inches |
HDR10+, Dolby Audio |
TCL Q65 |
$600 |
75 inches |
Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos/Dolby Digital Plus/Dolby Digital |
Not all TVs are created equal, and that is especially true for mid-range models. If you want something with incredible picture and audio quality without having to fork over a ton of cash for an OLED, the Samsung Q80D and Q70D are some of the best you can get for around $1,000. If you want a big-screen TV that doesn’t cost a fortune, the 75-inch TCL Q65 is your best bet.
Console gamers should check out the Hisense U7N with its 144Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. If you’re looking to stick to an even more modest budget, the Roku Select Series offers support for thousands of streaming apps as well as 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos audio for under $500.
Buy this best TV under $1,000… |
If you need… |
Samsung Q80D |
A well-rounded TV under $1,000. The Samsung Q80D offers 4K resolution, Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound, and a 60Hz refresh rate. |
Hisense U7N |
A gaming TV under $1,000. The Hisense U7N has a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support. |
Samsung Q70D |
A TV under $1,000 with great picture. The Samsung Q70D features a Pantone Validated screen for true-to-life color accuracy. |
Roku Select Series |
A TV under $500. This TV uses the Roku platform to give you access to thousands of streaming apps without breaking the bank. |
TCL Q65 |
A big-screen TV under $1,000. The 75-inch TCL Q65 offers voice controls, AirPlay and Chromecast support, and a dedicated gaming mode. |
After you’ve hammered out a budget, there are a few more factors to keep in mind while you shop:
- Picture and audio quality: A TV is only as good as it looks and sounds. As 4K has become the standard, it’s easier to find affordable TVs that offer UHD resolution as well as HDR support like Dolby Vision or HDR 10 for enhanced picture quality. It’s also important that your new TV produces clean, clear audio so you can appreciate complex music and quiet dialogue in movies and shows.
- Voice controls: Many newer TVs support hands-free voice controls via Alexa, Google Assistant, or even Siri through Apple HomeKit. This allows you to browse media, launch and download apps, and search for something new to watch without having to hunt for a remote.
- Streaming support: While you’ll be hard-pressed to find a TV that isn’t “smart” nowadays, it’s still important to make sure that the TV you want supports your favorite apps. Many new TVs come with a suite of preloaded, popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video to help you get started right out of the box, but you may need to download less popular apps like Crunchyroll or Twitch.
At ZDNET, we’ve tested TVs from all of these brands. While seeking out the TVs featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:
- HDR and audio support: As more and more people cut the cord and move to streaming their movies, music, and shows, it’s important to have a TV that can support ultra-high resolution HDR processing and high-quality audio.
- Refresh rate and VRR support: While 60Hz is a decent enough refresh rate for most TV buyers, console gamers and movie buffs alike can appreciate a 120Hz or higher rate for smoother motion. With VRR support via AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync, you’ll be less likely to encounter annoying screen tearing and stuttering.
- Connectivity: While multiple HDMI inputs are standard on TVs, many have come to rely on wireless Bluetooth connectivity for sharing media from their mobile devices. Many newer TVs support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as streaming via AirPlay and a Chromecast.
Televisions are one of those things that you can spend as much or as little as you’d like. Having a budget of around $1,000 will land you a pretty impressive TV if you know where to look. While OLED models will continue to be some of the most expensive, you can get QLED and even LED models for around $1,000 (or even less) without sacrificing features like Dolby Vision HDR support, 4K resolution, and Bluetooth connectivity.
To put it in simple terms, if you prioritize picture quality and color accuracy above all else when shopping for a TV, it’s best to spring for an OLED model. With the ability to individually power LEDs combined with a special color-producing panel, OLED TVs are able to achieve truly deep blacks, bright whites, and highly true-to-life color accuracy.
If, however, you’re simply looking for a TV that has a great picture quality but aren’t looking for anything groundbreaking, a QLED model is the better option. They’re more affordable while still offering excellent picture quality.
If you’d like a more in-depth explanation, read about whether OLED or QLED is the right option for you.
If you’re not quite sure just how big of a TV you’ll need for your room, there’s a simple math formula you can follow. Measure the distance, in inches, from where your TV will be wall mounted or placed on a stand to where you’ll be sitting. Then divide that number by two.
So, if your couch is 10 feet (120 inches) from your TV, your ideal TV size would be around 60 inches. You can go a bit larger or smaller depending on what is available and what will fit your budget, but a screen that is too large will overwhelm your space and can even cause motion sickness. While a screen that is too small will force you and your family and friends to crowd around to see, which isn’t comfortable or enjoyable.
More TVs under $1,000 to consider