TVs can get quite pricey these days, especially if you want all the bells and whistles of fancy OLED screens, 4K resolutions and smart apps. But here‘s some good news – even with a max budget of $250, you can still land a decent television that handles most viewing needs just fine.
Now these affordable sets won‘t have the peak performance and premium build quality of high-end Samsung or LG models that cost thousands. However, I‘ve analyzed top-rated options from brands like TCL and Hisense that provide solid overall quality given their ultra budget-friendly price point. If you set your expectations accordingly, you can get great value for under $250.
In this guide, I‘ll summarize exactly what to expect regarding display resolution, processing power, features and connectivity options when shopping this price segment. I‘ll then recommend 5 specific TV models worth considering and explain their strengths and limitations based on hands-on testing and reviews. Finally, I‘ll provide detailed buying advice tailored to your needs, whether streaming movies, binging shows, gaming or watching live sports.
What Capabilities Should You Expect From a Sub-$250 Television?
Display Resolution – Most TVs under $250 max out at a 1080p full HD resolution, which looks decent but not as razor sharp as 4K sets. Expect vibrant colors but muted brightness capped at around 250 nits. HDR is essentially non-existent. And viewing angles wash out significantly beyond 35 degrees off center.
Processing Power – Budget TVs utilize basic processors without advanced imaging tech. So don‘t expect stellar upscaling of lower resolution content. Motion smoothing that reduces blur during action scenes is also pretty ineffective.
Sound Quality – Super thin TVs simply can‘t incorporate decent speakers. Sound from 10 watt built-in audio is predictably tinny and hollow, lacking any semblance of bass. Investing in a sound bar is highly recommended to improve audio quality.
Refresh Rate – While fancy 120Hz or 240Hz screens deliver buttery smooth motion, 60Hz is the norm for sub-$250 models. This works fine for movies and shows but expect some motion blur with fast on-screen action.
Connectivity – Most budget TVs have at least 2 or 3 HDMI inputs to connect devices like a cable box, Blu-ray player or game console. Some even incorporate Wi-Fi for going online, but Ethernet ports are rare. USB ports allow playing personal media files.
If you align your expectations with the performance and feature limitations detailed above, an affordable TV under $250 can meet your needs without breaking the bank. Now let‘s look at 5 top-rated options I recommend.
1. TCL 32S327 – Best Overall
Screen Size: 32 inches
Resolution: 720p
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB
Priced at a very wallet-friendly $150, TCL‘s 32S327 delivers an amazing blend of quality and value. Images pop with vibrant color, appearing sharp across the compact 32-inch screen. Contrast ratio measures an impressive 1200:1 for deep blacks. The integrated Roku smart platform grants speedy access to thousands of streaming apps.
According to laboratory testing, this TCL TV covers about 88% of the Rec 709 color gamut for vibrant, accurate hues. While brightness tops out at just 270 nits, that‘s very good given similarly priced competitors average under 250 nits. The 32S327 even handles motion reasonably well, displaying only modest blur during fast action scenes.
Owners praise the 32S327 for its great picture given its low cost. And the intuitive Roku interface makes navigating its features a breeze. If you want the top bang for your limited bucks, this TCL is a fantastic choice.
Pros
Bright display with vibrant color accuracy
Roku TV offers robust smart features
Cons
Resolution maxes out at 720p HD
Audio predictably lacks bass
2. Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 – Runner Up
Screen Size: 32 inches
Resolution: 720p
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB
Amazon‘s extremely affordable 32-inch Fire TV Edition model gives the TCL a run as an impressive budget performer. Like the 32S327, Insignia‘s NS-32DF310NA19 renders colors with excellent accuracy. Vivid picture quality stands out for this price range. Its quad-core processor and Fire TV OS allow smooth streaming from apps like Netflix and Disney+.
I like that Amazon‘s TV interface centers recommendations around your favorites. The home screen customizes selections from subscribed services. Setting up the TV is a breeze, especially if you already have an Amazon account. Just use the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi and sign-in.
Solid smart features, accurate color and decent HD resolution make the Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 a sensational value buy. It may lack voice controls and fancy extras but covers the basics very well.
Pros
Accurate colors and vibrant 720p display
Fire TV offers quality streaming apps
Cons
No voice assistant features
Mediocre audio quality
3. TCL 40S325 – Best 40-Inch
Screen Size: 40 inches
Resolution: 1080p
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB
Budget shoppers wanting screen real estate bigger than 32 inches should shortlist this TCL 40S325. Its 1080p resolution looks nice and sharp across an expansive 40-inch panel. Testing revealed brightness hits 275 nits, providing pleasing contrast ratio just shy of 1100:1. This all contributes to vibrant yet accurate color reproduction.
The 40S325 incorporates TCL‘s lean-back Roku experience for accessing entertainment options. Browsing movies or shows displays crisp text, thanks to that Full HD 1920 x 1080 display. Owners praise this model‘s clear picture quality given its affordable cost.
Factor in solid smart features plus robust connectivity, and the TCL 40S325 becomes a 40-inch bargain. Compromises made to achieve this price undoubtedly include mediocre audio and plastic build quality. But display specs matter most, and this TCL delivers.
Pros
Crisp 1080p resolution across 40 inches
Smooth Roku TV streaming platform
Cons
Tinny audio from slim speakers
Feels a little cheaply built
4. Hisense 32H5500F – Best for Sports
Screen Size: 32 inches
Resolution: 720p
Refresh Rate: 60Hz effective (Motion Rate 120)
Ports: 2 HDMI
Avid sports fans seeking a smaller budget TV should consider Hisense‘s 32H5500F. Its efficient edge-lit LED display renders a bright enough picture for keeping up with the action. While rated 60Hz native, its Motion Rate 120 processing works well to reduce blur, critical for sports viewing.
Integrated Google Assistant supports handy hands-free voice commands. Ask it to launch the YouTube TV app to catch a live game. Or request playback controls as you stream the big match on ESPN+. The Android smart platform also offers built-in Chromecast abilities.
Reviewers compliment this model‘s vibrant color and crisp motion clarity. As a smaller 32-inch display, the 32H5500F fits conveniently in kitchens, dorms and other cozy spaces. It nails the basics for an engaging sports viewing experience.
Pros
Vibrant picture with fluid motion
Google Assistant voice controls
Cons
Max 720p resolution
No Ethernet port
5. JVC LT-32MAW205
Screen Size: 32 inches
Resolution: 720p
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB
Lastly, I suggest considering this even more affordable JVC LT-32MAW205 priced around just $130. Its 32-inch LED display renders colors with surprising pop and vibrancy. Black levels could be deeper but contrast still pleases for the price. 720p HD resolution meets expectations for close-up viewing.
While lacking smart features, this JVC TV‘s three HDMI ports have you covered for external streaming devices. There‘s even a USB input for playing video files off a thumb drive. Menus are dated but responsive enough for tweaking settings.
Downsides include the lack of a smart platform, cheap plastic design and tin-sounding audio. But focusing purely on display performance per dollar, the wallet-friendly LT-32MAW205 deserves a look.
Pros
Incredible price under $150
Punchy colors and vibrant 720p display
Cons
No smart streaming features
Thin sound from 10W speakers
Key Buying Considerations
Beyond picking the right display size to fit your room, also think about how you plan to use the TV most. Movie lovers can get by with basic 60Hz refresh rates but sports fans should look for motion clarity. Gamers will want low input lag under 20ms.
Consider adding on a sound system later since most under $250 models have subpar audio. Factor in $100 to $150 for a quality sound bar to vastly improve sound.
Connectivity needs also matter. If you‘ll stream lots of YouTube or Netflix content, ensure to choose a TV with Wi-Fi and smart apps. The number of HDMI ports should cover your Blu-ray player, game console and other devices.
Finally, don‘t hesitate buying refurbished if it means stepping up to a nicer display size or model tier. Top brands like Samsung and LG sell certified refurb units on sites like Amazon Renewed that function like new. Just be sure defective return policies apply in case of issues.
Let‘s Find You the Perfect TV on a Budget!
Even working with a limited $250 budget, scoring a television with solid display qualities and decent features is absolutely achievable. Tiny 720p screens may feel too cramped. But step up to a nice 32-inch or 40-inch model and you have plenty of options.
Now that you know what to realistically expect at this price point, we can pinpoint options perfectly tailored to your viewing habits. For cable news and sitcoms, a basic 60Hz LED screen gets the job done. Sports fans should emphasize fluid motion. Movie lovers want the richest contrast and black levels possible.
Carefully weighing your exact needs against the strengths and compromises of lower-cost models is key to satisfaction. Once your expectations align with reality, that $250 budget buys a competent TV that provides years of enjoyment. Hopefully these recommendations and tips help steer you toward the perfect television fit! Let me know if any other questions come to mind during your search.
