Smart TVs have become the standard for home entertainment with access to streaming services, remote voice control on some models, integration with other smart home gadgets like routers, and lots more. What's more, smart TVs also make great gaming TVs thanks to the inclusion of advanced specs like G-Sync and VRR.

  • best tv deals february 2023
    SAMSUNG 75-Inch Class Neo QN85B 4K TV
    Best Large Screen Smart TV
    See at Amazon
  • best tv deals february 2023
    Sony 65-Inch X95K Series 4K TV
    Best Sound Quality Smart TV
    $2798 at Walmart
  • LG C3 Series 48-Inch Class OLED evo Smart TV
    LG C3 Series 48-Inch Class OLED evo Smart TV
    Best OLED Smart TV
    $898 at Walmart
The Best Budget Smart TVs in 2023 Thumb
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The Best Budget Smart TVs in 2024

Smart TVs are no longer reserved for the elite. Budget shoppers have more choices than ever when it comes to affordable, top of the line smart TVs.

Getting a smart TV is possible for every need today, thanks to the availability of budget smart TVs, 8K smart TVs, large screen smart TVs, and more. No matter what your budget is, you're certain to find a smart TV that fits your needs perfectly. Seeing as there are diverse options to choose from, we went ahead to compile a list that includes the best smart TVs that deliver incredible value.

Updated on April 17, 2024 by Michael Akuchie: Since its last publish, a new category, “Best OLED Smart TV,” has been added highlighting the LG C3 Series. This TV is perfect if you demand a cinematic gaming experience that won’t lag no matter how fast the action is moving.

Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Smart TVs in 2024

A newer model, the Sony Bravia XR A80L is a terrific smart TV that offers you the best in streaming and gaming. It comes in four screen sizes (55", 65", 77", and 83"), giving you multiple options to choose from. No matter the screen size buyers opt for, every screen is built with OLED technology which promises pure black and vivid brightness always. Powered by Sony's Cognitive Processor XR, this TV optimizes picture quality. With a 4K resolution, the Bravia XR A8oL will upscale the images of every content, no matter the original quality.

As a smart TV, it's possible to watch one's favorite shows and movies thanks to diverse streaming service options, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. For a better Netflix experience, the A80L features an Adaptive Calibrated Mode which modifies a show's picture brightness to fit the room's lighting conditions. It's also compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. With Google Assistant, owners can efficiently manage their smart homes. Packing perks like a Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode, gaming on the TV should be a blast.

Intended for those unafraid to splurge on a new TV, the TCL QM8 is a flagship product that packs 4K ultra HD resolution among other features. Designed with QLED technology, this 85" TV will deliver higher peak brightness (up to 2,000 nits) and precise color. Buyers also get to experience ultra contrast up to 2,300 local dimming zones without image blooming. An IMAX Enhanced Certification translates into greater resolution and superior sound.

With HDR Ultra, the TCL QM8 is perfect for streaming TV shows and movies on diverse platforms. With a built-in Google TV Smart OS, buyers can also enjoy hands-free voice control at any time. The QM8's Auto Game Mode which comes with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro means gamers can experience low input lag for long periods. Although it has a native refresh rate of 120Hz, it can reach 240Hz thanks to the Game Accelerator 240 feature.

Hisense U8H QLED Series Quantum 4K Smart TV
Best Smart TV For Streaming
Hisense U8H QLED Series Quantum 4K Smart TV

The Hisense U8H QLED 55-Inch Mini-LED TV is an excellent mid-range TV offering that checks most of the boxes you could ask for a mid-range TV to offer while delivering a stellar performance at a price point that is much easier for most to budget around in 2023.

Dimensions
3"D x 48.5"W x 28.2"H
Brand
Hisense
Refresh Rate
120
Resolution
4K
What's Included
Stand, TV, Remote Control, Power Cable, Quick Start Guide
Pros
  • High quality display
  • Built-in Dolby sound system
  • Super convenient controls
  • Very Affordable
Cons
  • Often has issues after first year
  • Not as bright as OLED
See at Amazon

The Hisense U8H QLED Smart TV was made for streaming great shows and movies. Not every buyer wants to purchase one or more additional streaming devices to connect to a TV just to watch all types of content. The 4k visuals are immersive enough for gaming too, but with a plethora of content apps and intuitive controls, this QLED is among the best TVs for streaming.

Using mini-LED technology, the Hisense U8 takes advantage of lights that are 50x smaller than the lights traditional LED TV screens use, providing richer colors and sharper images in general. Plus, there’s built-in Dolby Vision HDR picture and Dolby Atmos sound that give off high-quality, realistic sounds, in case players don’t want to make their PC sound systems work double duty.

The only real downside to this TV is that the year-long warranty can sometimes be lacking. However, there are extended warranties available through nearly every retailer, but that will increase the total cost. That being said, this is one of the most affordable smart TVs around, especially considering the premium features, so the quality and convenience may be worth it to many users.

The Samsung S90C's Neutral Quantum Processor ensures that buyers see their favorite show or movie in 4K no matter the content's original quality. This is possible thanks to an AI-driven processor that also powers offerings like the Smart TV hub and Dolby Atmos. The S90C gets Q-Symphony 3.0, Samsung's unique audio technology that allows the TV's speakers to work with a soundbar to deliver a terrific listening experience.

Moving to its gaming features, the S90C features Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro, a feature that provides 4K pictures for fast-paced games. Players can get a refresh rate of between 120 Hz and 144 Hz thanks to Game Motion Plus. Samsung's intuitive Gaming Hub enables players to access their best game streaming apps and console games within one platform.

best tv deals february 2023
Best Budget Smart TV
VIZIO 50-inch MQX Series Premium 4K TV
$548 $630 Save $82

This Vizio MQX Series 4K television comes with a 50-inch display panel with QLED technology. The Quantum Color technology allows increased color performance in a 4K resolution with the use of Active Full Array Backlight technology and local dimming. The TV supports Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ for vibrant high dynamic range content.

Vizio's smart TV platform allows easy access to millions of titles from popular streaming channels and other apps. With Vizio WatchFree+, there are also over 250 live-streaming channels for free.

Brand
Vizio
Dimensions
10"D x 43.8"W x 25.5"H
Refresh rate
120Hz
Display Size
50"
Display Resolution
4K
Pros
  • Voice-control available on the remote
  • Compatible with WiFi 6E
  • Great 4k resolution and perfect 1080p display
  • Can connect with Bluetooth headphones
Cons
  • Vizio Software is problematic
  • One less HDMI port than most other smart TVs
$548 at Amazon$498 at Walmart$564 at Newegg

Vizio is a fan favorite for gamers looking to get a smart TV that is just one step above the best budget options. This TV is super easy to use, with a helpful remote that even offers voice control. Although the sound quality isn’t top-notch with this TV, it’s decent enough for most shows and movies, plus the Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to use an awesome gaming headset to get immersed in a scene.

The connectivity to other software and apps helps bolster Vizio’s smart TV. Features like Wi-Fi 6E compatibility, AMD FreeSync Premium, VRR, and Dolby Vision make this affordable smart TV seem like a much higher-end device. It’s especially impressive considering that the visual quality can be dropped from 4k to 1080p to lower latency and the display still looks amazing.

That being said, sometimes Vizio’s software can lag and prompt a restart, so this may not be one of the best TVs for streaming reliably. Still, there aren’t many complaints about this smart TV, even if the software isn't flawless. It’s a great option for players looking for something simple and inexpensive that only has the most important bells and whistles.

OLED TVs are undoubtedly the most sought-after type of modern display, but their cost skyrockets if you are looking for an ultra-large TV. The Samsung Neo QN85B is a more affordable option with a 75-inch screen size available. Powered by an almost never-ending amount of Quantum Mini LEDs, the extensive number of lighting zones in the QN85B allows the smart TV to produce an excellent range of colors and superior contrast. The Mini LED technology also contributes to the remarkably slim profile of the Samsung set, which almost disappears when glancing at it from its sides.

Gaming on a 75-inch screen is a far more impactful experience than when playing popular PC and console titles on a smaller OLED gaming monitor. The Samsung Neo QN85B is capable of 120 Hz refresh rates and compatible with G-Sync and Free Sync for the smoothest possible gaming performance. In addition, with the Gaming Hub, it's simple for gamers to access streaming games and content from services like Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now, and Luna. The Tizen-based software on the QN85B is once again feature-packed with an endless collection of streaming apps. However, content suggestions now take up most of the viewing area, and the responsiveness of the interface has taken a step backward.

The Samsung Neo QN85B is excellent value in its 75-inch variation, providing the wow of a big screen in bright living rooms and dark theater rooms. Despite some surprising disappointment with its upgraded software, the QN85B is among the best TVs for streaming in a large form factor.

Gamers always have to experience the latest and greatest in tech, so it's no surprise that 8K monitors are becoming more commonplace. Sadly, even the best graphics cards will struggle to render games at this resolution, and it ultimately may be movies that first take advantage of the added pixels. There is some 8K content available already, especially on YouTube, and the Samsung Neo QN600B QLED 8K lets viewers get a glimpse of the future at a less-than-astronomical asking price.

When first glancing at the Neo QN600B, what's most noticeable is what is missing. The front side of the smart TV is nearly void of any bezel at all, a product of Samsung's Infinity edge-to-edge screen. To maintain the minimalist theme, buyers also have at their disposal an external Slim One Connect box for cable routing that is easily hidden.

Even at 4K and lower resolutions, the Samsung Neo QN600B QLED is an excellent option for PC and console gamers. Console users will appreciate the available 120 Hz refresh rate, but PC gamers can benefit now from the smart TV's rare 144 Hz capability. Samsung credits its Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro technology for generating frames at a blistering pace without the TV breaking a sweat. For other types of content like movies and TV, however, viewers will occasionally notice some choppiness with cameras panning in slow-moving scenes.

Sound is too often an afterthought for buyers who are shopping for a new smart TV. Frankly, many people are better off using a set of budget PC speakers rather than relying on a flat-panel TV for sound. In many ways, the Sony Bravia X95K sets the standard for what audio features are possible in a TV. Even if a gamer wants to compliment the X95K with a soundbar or surround sound speaker system, this TV outputs an impressive soundscape.

Without additional equipment, numerous features result in punchy bass and positional audio that a listener would hardly expect from a thin TV. XR Sound Position takes advantage of the Sony X95K's strategically placed tweeters to ensure that sounds match where the action is happening in scenes. Similarly, XR Surround can direct audio effects upwards, simulating the effects of ceiling-mounted Dolby Atmos speakers. Buyers who opt to use the X95K with a soundbar will enjoy Acoustic Center Sync which works in conjunction with the TV to output crystal-clear dialogue in center channels.

The Sony Bravia X95K is a tempting smart TV to pair with a PS5, especially with VRR and a 120 Hz refresh rate enabled. However, the TV offers HDMI 2.1 required for these features on only 2 of 4 HDMI ports, so gamers with multiple consoles or the latest 4K Blu-ray players may soon run out of inputs. Even so, the Bravia X95K is the best smart TV for buyers who think powerful and dynamic sound is just as important as breathtaking visuals.

OLED TVs are becoming a popular choice among shoppers due to their ability to render vibrant images with deeper blacks that make content look better than on LED TVs. The LG C3 is a fantastic product for buyers who desire a premium visual experience, whether for streaming or gaming. The TV’s OLED panel along with the 4K resolution ensures that you get to discover never-before-seen details in movies. Also, movie scenes are better to watch with Brightness Booster Max which can generate up to 70% brighter images. The LG C3 is also designed to be a cinema away from the cinema thanks to the duo of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, which bring out the best sound, color, contrast, and brightness for a wholesome viewing experience.

This TV also comes with a wide range of streaming services to explore, plus you can discover new gems from the 300+ free channels on LG Channels. As a 120Hz TV, you should expect fast-paced scenes and gaming to be highly fluid. You also get advanced gaming specs like VRR, Nvidia G-Sync, and AMD FreeSync Premium to eliminate screen tearing and input lag. Being an OLED TV, the C3 is quite pricey, so it's worth keeping that in mind when considering it for purchase.

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How to Choose the Best Smart TV

Shopping for a new smart TV is an exciting thing provided you have an idea of the qualities to look for among the options. Below are those factors to help with your decision.

  • Screen size: While resolution is important, screen size ultimately has the largest impact on the viewing experience. Buyers should consider if they have the budget for a larger TV and if a room has sufficient dimensions for an optimal seating position.
  • Panel type: Most experts consider OLED TVs as the gold standard of picture quality, capable of the deepest blacks. However, these are the most expensive smart TVs and the competing LED technology provides bright and colorful images for more reasonable prices.
  • Smart TV OS: Smart TVs use a variety of different software to offer downloading streaming and gaming apps. As a result, not all TVs may have the same apps available or communicate with every smart home device, so it's wise to check out any TV's capabilities in advance.
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  • Gaming features: Both consoles and the graphics cards that power gaming PCs are constantly evolving. Some smart TVs differ with features like 120 hz or higher refresh rates, VRR, and G-Sync which all affect the smoothness of gameplay.
  • Sound Quality: Whether you're streaming or playing games, sound is a crucial aspect of both activities. As such, it makes sense to ensure that the TV you intend to buy has an impressive built-in sound system. Doing this saves you the trouble of getting a soundbar to improve the sound output.
  • Number of Streaming Services: Although smart TVs support streaming services, not all are available for all TVs. Before making a decision, check that the smart TV you want to buy supports your favorite streaming service or consider buying a TV streaming device as an alternative.

FAQ

Q: What exactly does a smart TV do?

Smart TVs work like smartphones, streaming content from apps and connected devices like consoles and headphones. Smart TVs make it possible to stream content without a dedicated streaming device.

Q: Does a smart TV need Wi-Fi?

Yes, smart TVs require an internet connection in order to work and many models no longer feature a port for an ethernet cable, although some budget and high-end models still do.

Q: What is OLED?

OLED is the next advancement in visual quality. Unlike LED, which relies on backlit pixels, OLED monitors each pixel individually, allowing for richer colors and a significant reduction in lag.

Q: Which is better 4K OLED or LED?

4 OLED is better than LED, but it is still fairly new. This means that it is still quite a bit more expensive than LED TVs and there have been some issues reported with the lifespan of these screens.