Buying a quality television no longer requires breaking the bank. While flagship TVs still demand premium prices, major advancements in display technologies and streaming capabilities now allow consumers to purchase very solid performers at budget-friendly rates.
After extensive research comparing dozens of sub-$1100 models across leading brands, I‘ve compiled the 8 best TVs under $1100 available on the market this year based on factors like picture quality, smart connectivity, features and overall value. Whether optimizing your TV experience for sports, gaming, streaming or cable watching, this guide will help identify which model can best match your viewing preferences and room setup without exceeding budget.
1. TCL 6-Series 55" QLED Roku TV (55R635) – Best Overall
Picture Quality: 4K QLED display with Dolby Vision HDR
Key Features: Roku smart platform, voice control support, THX gaming mode
Audio: Decent sound with good clarity
Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, USB port, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth
Price: $699.99
TCL‘s 6-Series QLED Roku TV consistently ranks among the best performing and most feature-packed models under $1000. It starts with the brilliant 4K QLED panel capable of up to 600 nits peak brightness, with Dolby Vision HDR for incredible color, contrast and clarity. The intuitive Roku platform grants easy access to thousands of streaming apps.
For gaming, it enables 4K/120 fps action paired with THX Certified Game Mode. The built-in speakers provide solid audio quality, but connecting it to a soundbar via HDMI ARC takes it to the next level. For the price, no other TV matches the 6-Series overall capabilities and quality.
Who it‘s Best for: Gamers, sports fans, streamers seeking premium display specs at a budget cost.
2. Hisense U6H 55" Quantum ULED 4K Smart Google TV (55U6H) – Runner Up
Picture Quality: Quantum Dot display with Dolby Vision/HDR10/HDR10+
Key Features: Google TV interface, voice remote, dedicated game mode
Audio: 10W speakers with DTS audio processing
Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports supporting 4K/120Hz, Bluetooth, WiFi
Price: $698
As a less expensive alternative to the premium U8H series, Hisense‘s U6H Quantum ULED TV still delivers beautiful 4K picture quality powered by Quantum Dot Wide Color Gamut technology and 1200 nits peak brightness. It also features the user-friendly Google TV platform for quick access to apps and streaming services.
Gamers will appreciate its dedicated game mode with HDMI 2.1 inputs enabling 4K gaming at up to 120 fps. While the built-in 10W speakers provide decent audio, you can always connect it to a soundbar via Bluetooth for louder, clearer sound. Overall, the U6H offers stellar performance and features at an affordable price point.
Who it‘s Best for: Gamers and streamers wanting quantum display quality without the premium cost.
3. Samsung AU8000 Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV (UN65AU8000FXZA) – Best Display
Picture Quality: Crystal UHD with Dynamic Crystal Color, HDR
Key Features: Tizen OS, Universal Guide, Game Enhancer
Audio: 20W speakers with Adaptive Sound Lite
Connectivity: 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth, WiFi
Price: $697.99
Samsung‘s Crystal UHD displays continue getting better each year. Case in point – the AU8000 series boasts the brand‘s upgraded Crystal Color technology for over 1 billion shades of color. Combined with HDR and 60Hz refresh rate, both streaming and sports look impressively smooth and vibrant on this TV.
The user-friendly Tizen operating system makes navigating its smart features a breeze, further enhanced by voice commands via Bixby, Alexa and Google Assistant integration. For gaming, it automatically switches to Game Mode to minimize input lag. Finally, the 2-channel 20W speakers powered by Adaptive Sound Lite provide impressive audio quality from a stock TV.
Who it‘s Best for: Sports fans, movie watchers, Samsung ecosystem households seeking premium display quality from a 2022 Crystal UHD model.
4. Sony X80K 43" 4K Google TV (KD43X80K) – Best Compact Size
Picture Quality: 4K LCD with HDR and Triluminos Pro
Key Features: Google TV OS, Voice Search, Apple Airplay/HomeKit
Audio: 10W speakers, Dolby Audio processing
Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, WiFi, Bluetooth
Price: $698
Sony‘s X80K series delivers beautiful 4K HDR picture powered by the same powerful X1 processor found in their premium models. Combining incredible clarity with rich, accurate colors, it makes movies, shows and games look fantastic. As part of Google‘s smart TV platform, it provides speedy access to all your streaming favorites.
And despite its smaller 43-inch size, you still get a full 4 HDMI port array enabling 4K/120Hz gaming, multiple device connections and easy soundbar setup via ARC. With Apple Airplay and HomeKit built-in, iPhone and iPad owners can also directly cast content onto the TV. For its balance of performance, size and price, the X80K is a compelling option for compact spaces.
Who it‘s Best for: Buyers preferring a smaller screen size TV equipped with full smart capabilities and connectivity.
5. LG UP7770 65" 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (65UP7770PUC) – Best Value
Picture Quality: 4K IPS panel with Quad-Core Processor 4K
Key Features: WebOS platform, built-in Alexa/Google assistance
Audio: 20W speakers with AI Sound Pro tuning
Connectivity: 4 HDMI ports, 2 USB Ports, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0
Price: $646.99
The LG UP7770 series delivers gorgeous 4K picture quality and robust smart features at an extremely affordable price point. Powered by LG‘s Quad-Core Processor 4K, images appear sharp and colors richly saturated. Support for Active HDR formats like HDR10 and HLG add more contrast and vibrancy to HDR content.
With webOS onboard, you get simple access for all streaming apps along with built-in Alexa and Google Assistant. Connect an Xbox or Playstation via the HDMI ports, or cast content directly from your mobile device via WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0. Finally, a 20W speaker system tuned by LG‘s AI Sound Pro technology outputs impressively loud, well-balanced audio. Overall, the UP7770 punches well above its weight given the low asking price.
Who it‘s Best for: Shoppers wanting the Premium webOS smart TV experience on an IPS 4K panel at a budget rate.
6. Hisense A6H 65" 4K Android Smart TV (65A6H) – Best Budget Option
Picture Quality: 4K panel with Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10
Key Features: Android TV 11 smart platform
Audio: 24W speakers tuned by DTS Virtual: X
Connectivity: 3 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth, WiFi
Price: $529.88
As one of the most affordable 65" 4K Smart TV options from a major manufacturer, Hisense‘s A6H punches well above its weight class in terms of display performance and audio power. Support for leading HDR formats like Dolby Vision translates to fantastic color and contrast when watching movies or shows in 4K.
Integrated Google Play via Android TV also enables quick access to top streaming services. And with Bluetooth connectivity plus a beefy 24W speaker system tuned by DTS Virtual:X, you can expect loud, immersive sound quality right out of the box. While image processing could be faster, it‘s hard to beat everything the A6H offers given the reasonable price.
Who it‘s Best For: Budget buyers wanting the largest screen possible equipped with solid smart connectivity and audio.
7. Toshiba M550 65" 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (65M550KU)
Picture Quality: 4K panel with Dolby Vision HDR
Key Features: Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote
Audio: 20W speakers with DTS TruSurround
Connectivity: 4 HDMI input, USB input, WiFi, Bluetooth
Price: $599.99
Toshiba‘s partnership with Amazon Fire TV yields excellent results with their competitively priced M550 series. Excellent 4K clarity meets Dolby Vision HDR support for awesome picture quality when streaming or gaming. The user-friendly Fire TV platform also enables easy access to virtually any streaming service.
With built-in Alexa, navigating everything hands-free feels seamless as you search for content, check sports scores, control smart home devices and more using only your voice. 20W speakers tuned by DTS TruSurround provide loud, immersive audio that‘s quite impressive for a stock TV. Overall, the M550 delivers fantastic smart features and display quality at a wallet-friendly rate.
Who it‘s Best For: Amazon ecosystem households wanting Fire TV and Alexa voice control built into their next television.
8. Vizio V-Series 55” Class 4K QLED SmartCast TV (V556-J) – Best Under $500
Picture Quality 4K QLED panel with Dolby Vision Bright Mode
Key Features: SmartCast smart platform with Chromecast
Audio: DTS Virtual:X audio processing
Connectivity: 3 HDMI ports, 1 USB port
Price: $498
It‘s incredible just how much TV you can purchase these days for under $500. Case in point – Vizio‘s V-Series 55 delivers beautiful 4K QLED picture quality complete with Dolby Vision HDR support. Vizio‘s SmartCast platform also offers all leading apps while allowing effortless casting from your mobile device thanks to built-in Chromecast capabilities.
While a bit light on ports, you still get 3 HDMI inputs – perfect for connecting a streaming device, soundbar and gaming console simultaneously. Finally the DTS Virtual:X audio tuning provides surprisingly decent and balanced sound from the downward firing speakers. If your budget is extremely tight yet you still want quantum dot performance from a reputable brand, the V556-J fits the bill wonderfully.
Who it‘s Best For: Buyers on a strict $500 budget wanting QLED 4K and robust smart features at a reasonable size.
Key Factors When Choosing the Best TV Under $1100
With so many great TVs now available at relatively affordable rates, making the right selection for your viewing needs and room setup is critical. Here are some key factors to consider:
Display Quality
Resolution, panel type, refresh rate and HDR capabilities determine overall picture performance. At minimum, 4K resolution is recommended along with support for key HDR formats like HDR10, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. Together these enrich detail, color and contrast. Refresh rates of at least 60Hz provide smooth motion clarity for sports, movies and gaming. Popular panel types in this price range are QLED/quantum dot for heightened color vibrancy or OLED for perfect blacks and pixel-precise luminosity.
Smart Features
Onboard operating systems like Fire TV, Android TV, Tizen and more allow quick access to virtually any streaming service. Universal search, casting abilities and hands-free voice control offer added convenience. Consider which platforms provide your must-have apps while balancing ease of use.
Audio Quality
While most sub-$1100 TVs have decent built-in audio, louder volumes and background noise can expose shortcomings. Connecting a soundbar easily remedies this, so factor in audio upgrade potential during buying considerations, making sure your TV has enough ports for add-ons. Dolby Atmos support allows truly immersive, theater-like surround sound playback if equipped with compatible audio gear.
Ports and Connectivity
Inspect port selection including presence of HDMI 2.1 inputs for gaming devices and soundbar hookup via ARC. Fast Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 6 further simplify streaming box and gaming console connections while eliminating line-of-sight frustrations.
Viewing Angle
For media rooms or lounge areas with wide seating, ensure your preferred TV offers solid off-angle clarity so those not directly centered still experience proper color and contrast.
Display Settings Customization
Calibrated picture modes backed by advanced tuning options help dial-in color temperature, motion, brightness and other display characteristics to best match the type of content typically viewed.
By better understanding these pivotal elements, finding an awesome television matching both your viewing preferences and budget becomes vastly simpler. Taking time to clarify needs makes a world of difference compared to simply purchasing based on brand familiarity or screen size alone. Let the above buying guide help narrow your search towards TV perfection!
Frequently Asked Questions
What TV brands offer quality 4K models under $1100?
Top brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, TCL and Vizio provide excellent performing 4K televisions with great smart connectivity and picture quality at affordable rates under $1100.
What display features should I look for?
Seek TVs offering 4K resolution, high dynamic range (Dolby Vision, HDR10, etc), solid refresh rate of at least 60hz, rich color support through Quantum Dot/QLED panels or OLED displays, and technologies like full array local dimming which heighten contrast/shadow detail.
Do smart features vary by TV brand?
Yes – Popular platforms include Fire TV, Google TV, Android TV, LG webOS, Samsung Tizen and proprietary solutions. All provide solid access to thousands of apps, but interface, search and casting abilities differ. Android TV, Google TV, webOS and Tizen also integrate voice assistants.
Should I also buy a soundbar?
As TV audio quality varies greatly, adding a soundbar provides louder, clearer playback. The expandable speaker array also enriches sound separation and bass compared to small built-in TV speakers. Just make sure your television includes ARC HDMI support for the easiest one-cable soundbar hookup.
What connectivity options are most crucial?
Look for at least 3-4 HDMI ports allowing simultaneous connections to cable/satellite boxes, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles and streaming devices. HDMI 2.1 enables 4K/120fps gaming on compatible consoles. Also ensure adequate USB ports for displaying personal media from flash drives.
