8 best TVs under $1,000 – CNET

The TCL S405 series TVs are among the least expensive 4K TVs on the market at $329.99 for a 43-inch screen. 

You’ll be sacrificing some picture quality, but the S405 series is still an excellent choice for budget buyers focused on streaming.

And the user interface is very simple to use, delivering tons of apps that update regularly. Netflix, Amazon Video, Sling TV and others are front-and-center and just a remote shortcut button away.

Here’s the thing with the Vizio E series: The image quality is best on the screens that are 60 inches and higher because they feature local dimming. The 65-inch model is currently on sale at Walmart for $748.

However, if you’re a big streamer, note that there are some apps that you can’t access without using your phone. 

The TCL P series has excellent overall image quality, with deep black levels, rich contrast and accurate color due to full-array local dimming. It only comes in a 55-inch, which costs $650. 

The Roku smart TV platform has a simple interface and vast streaming app support.

The aesthetic of this TV is also very sleek, with a pedestal instead of stands, and a thin, black frame. However, smart TV and voice control features can occasionally be slow to respond.

The affordable Vizio M-Series has better overall picture quality than anything else in its price range, with prices to be seen as low as $545.49 for the 50-inch, $700 for the 55-inch and $1,000 for the 65-inch. 

The Chromecast built-in system offers more apps and more frequent updates than many smart TV systems, and can be controlled by a Google Home speaker.

It’s still not as bright as some other TVs and the rounded chrome stand legs aren’t all that easy on the eyes. 

The 55-inch and 65-inch Vizio D series models offer very good picture quality, thanks to local dimming, and are among the least expensive TVs available in their size range.

The 55-inch model can be found for $550 and the 65-inch for $850. 

Connections are ample, and include TV tuners for antenna reception.

The legs on this TV are a tad odd, however, and the smart TV functions are not as good as on some TVs. 

The TCL S305 series Roku TV is the best budget smart TV experience. The largest screen in the series, at 49 inches, is currently $330 on Amazon.

Roku streaming, which comes with thousands of apps and a very simple menu, is built into the TV. 

Apps on this TV load quickly and perform well. But the TV doesn’t have an ethernet port. 

The Element Fire TV with Alexa has thousands of apps and games in an easy-to-use interface system that puts streaming first. But the picture quality on this TV isn’t as good as on others.