GoKawiilLook for a feature including full-array local dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) do help improve the picture in our experience.
Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV — and 65 inches or larger is best.
Decide how much you're willing to spend -- even on a budget TV. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive and spending more money can also get you better image quality.
CNET staff -- not advertisers, partners or business interests -- determine how we review products and services. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
In 2026, the standard of budget televisions is higher than it's ever been, thanks to the trickle-down effect from the more expensive TVs. Whether you're looking for a TV for gaming, watching sports such as the World Cup or bingeing your favorite show, then a budget TV has a lot to offer.
Our Picks Best budget TV of 2026 Hisense QD7QF $300 at Amazon 8.2/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test Key to the Hisense QD7’s success is full array local dimming -- something you usually only find in more expensive TVs. In my head-to-head comparisons, I found the Hisense delivers picture quality that I have never seen in a TV this cheap. The enhanced levels of contrast give images a solidity that meant the Hisense was unmatched among its peers. It’s like that kid who gets an early growth spurt and appears a full head and shoulders above the others in class photos. That, but for budget TVs. Pros Full array local dimming
Excellent contrast
Fully saturated images Cons Sound quality isn’t as good as the Fire TV, especially at high volume Expand Pros & Cons Best budget TV for usability Roku Select TV (2025) $250 at Amazon 6.9/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test As was the case with last year’s Select model -- you would buy this Roku if you’re most interested in the TV’s usability features. From the excellent Roku interface to the handy, on-TV remote-finder the Select has the best feature set of any of the TVs here. To enable the remote finder, you press the button underneath the TV and then long press on the “find remote” option. While I’m on the topic, the remote control itself is still the friendliest one around -- with its large, colorful buttons and easy-to-use voice control. Pros The Roku Select has the most useful features at the price
The Roku operating system is friendly and easy to use Cons Picture quality is only average
Not the best choice for gamers Expand Pros & Cons Best budget TV for sound Amazon Fire TV 4 series (2024) (Replaced by newer model) $240 at Amazon 7.6/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. When we assign a score, we use a scale of 1-10. Each product we score is evaluated by criteria specific to its category with most assessing pricing, quality, features and performance. Read more on: How we test I reviewed the Amazon Fire TV 4 series (2024) and found it had the best sound of any of the budget TVs I looked at. However, this TV has been replaced by the 2025 Fire TV 4-Series, but from my discussions with Amazon it appears the two versions of this TV are similar in terms of picture quality. The main differences are that the new model has a couple of new features and a faster processor. As I expect the new Fire TV 4-Series to be the same or better, you can buy the 2025 version right now from the links below. Pros Decent sound quality
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