Upgrading your television can drastically improve your home entertainment experience. With today‘s technology, TVs under $1,350 offer incredible picture quality, smart connectivity and an immersive viewing experience perfect for movies, sports and gaming.
But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which model is right for you. This comprehensive guide breaks down the 6 best TVs under $1,350 available in 2023 based on performance, features and value. We‘ll explain what to look for when shopping in this price range and provide specific product recommendations suited to different needs.
What to Consider When Buying a TV Under $1,350
Before jumping into the top picks, let‘s go over what factors matter most when choosing a new television in the sub-$1,350 category:
Display Resolution
One of the biggest considerations is display resolution. Most modern TVs feature either 4K or 1080p resolution:
4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) offers four times as many pixels as 1080p, resulting in sharper, more detailed images. 4K is highly recommended for screen sizes over 50 inches.
Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) is the minimum you should accept when buying a new TV. While not as sharp as 4K, 1080p still delivers excellent image quality.
In this price range, most TVs will feature 4K resolution. Only go with 1080p if you must have a larger screen and 4K stretches your budget.
Screen Size
Television screen sizes range anywhere from 32 inches up to a staggering 98 inches for extra-large models. When deciding on size, consider your room size, seating distance and budget:
For small-to-medium rooms, stick with screen sizes between 50 and 65 inches. This is the sweet spot before prices jump considerably for larger panels.
Use a viewing distance calculator to find your ideal screen size. As a general rule of thumb, you want to sit between 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen length.
Within the sub-$1,350 category, you‘ll typically find sizes up to 65 inches for 4K TVs and 75 inches for 1080p sets. Anything larger gets very expensive.
Display Type
The two most common display technologies are LED/LCD and OLED:
LED/LCD televisions use a backlight system with liquid crystal display (LCD) panels. This allows for very bright, uniform images perfect for well-lit rooms. LED/LCD TVs also come at more affordable prices.
OLED televisions use organic light-emitting diodes that can switch individual pixels on or off. This gives OLED better black levels, wider viewing angles and an ultra-thin profile. But they are currently more expensive than LED/LCD.
In this price tier, you‘ll mostly find LED/LCD tech. But a few OLED bargains are starting to enter the market.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate determines how many frames per second (FPS) a TV can display. Higher refresh rates translate to smoother motion clarity while watching sports, playing games and viewing fast-action content:
60Hz is the standard refresh rate, displaying 60 FPS. This works well for most TV watching purposes.
120Hz displays twice as many frames, helping to minimize motion blur during action sequences. Gamers in particular benefit from 120Hz.
240Hz provides the smoothest possible motion clarity. However, keep in mind that broadcast and streaming content won‘t surpass 60 FPS.
For most viewers, a 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rate is perfectly suitable. Only hardcore gamers need to splurge on 240Hz.
Smart TV Features
Nearly every new TV now comes with built-in smart platforms that connect directly to streaming services and the internet. Look for these essential features:
4K Streaming Support — The TV should support popular 4K streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
Voice Assistants — Most smart TVs feature either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free voice control.
Gaming Features — Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and next-gen HDMI ports are useful for gaming.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet — All smart TVs connect via Wi-Fi, but having an ethernet port for wired connectivity provides faster, more reliable streaming.
Prioritize sets that ticks all these boxes to get the most out of your smart TV.
The 6 Best TVs Under $1,350
Now let‘s dive into the top six televisions priced below $1,350, starting from the best overall choice:
1. LG OLED65C2PUA Alexa Built-In C2 Series 65" 4K UHD Smart OLED TV
Screen Size: 65" 4K OLED
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Smart Features: Built-in Alexa, Google Assistant, WiSA, ALLM
Why We Chose It: Stunning OLED picture with gaming features for under $1,300
The outstanding LG C2 Series television proves you can land a premium 65-inch OLED TV for well under $1,350.
This 2022 model supports the latest Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG high dynamic range (HDR) formats for scene-by-scene picture adjustments and sparkling luminosity. LG‘s a9 Gen5 AI Processor leverages deep learning to enhance everything you watch.
Self-lit OLED tech generates perfect black levels and infinite contrast alongside LG‘s most advanced picture processing yet. This OLED shines brilliantly in both dark and bright rooms.
For gaming, it ticks all the right boxes with 4K/120Hz VRR inputs, sub 1ms response times and ALLM auto low latency mode. Both AMD Freesync and Nvidia G-Sync keep gameplay silky smooth.
The smart platform runs webOS packed with all leading 4K apps, speedy Wi-Fi 6 and built-in voice assistants. Streaming shows is a cinch.
Given the impeccable OLED visuals, future-ready gaming features and pleasing simplicity as a smart hub, the LG 65" C2 Series enters best TV territory for its reasonable price. This is by far the top model if you can stretch your budget.
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Smart Features: Google Assistant, Chromecast, Works with Alexa
Why We Chose It: Highly affordable 75" 4K Roku TV with quality LED picture
Shoppers seeking a ginormous screen at a bargain will love this 2022 Hisense Class R6 Series. You‘d be challenged to find a brighter, sharper 75-inch 4K television barely over $1,000.
Utilizing DLED technology to boost brightness and motion clarity, the R6 presents striking 4K images even when sunlight is pouring into the living room. Vivid colors and deep contrast spring from the LED-backlit LCD panel and full array local dimming feature.
Built upon the Roku smart platform, you gain access to over 200 free streaming channels and virtually every 4K app imaginable ranging from Netflix to Apple TV+. It‘s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home ecosystems for those already embedded into voice environments.
Setting up and navigating this simplified Roku-powered set is about as easy as it gets. And you can broadcast shows straight from your phone to the mammoth screen.
Considering most 75-inch televisions demand upwards of $1,500+ right now, seize this stellar size and performance combo while supplies last!
3. Samsung QN65Q70AAFXZA 65-inch QLED 4K UHD Quantum HDR Smart TV
Screen Size: 65” 4K QLED
Refresh Rate: 120Hz Motion Rate
Smart Features: Smart Hub with Bixby, Alexa and Google Assistant
Why We Chose It: Loaded 4K quantum dot TV with gaming and entertainment features
For those seeking premium quantum dot visuals in a 65-inch 4K smart television, look no further than the 2022 Samsung Q70A Series. This stunner often outperforms TVs hundreds more.
Samsung‘s Quantum Processor 4K Lite powers the crystal-clear 4K upscaling, enriched colors via quantum dot filters and AI picture/sound adjustments. No matter what you stream, everything looks fantastic thanks to 100% color volume bringing out fine textures and details lost on standard televisions.
Blazing brightness combines with full array local dimming zones to prevent murky dark scenes, maintaining exceptional contrast across over a billion hues. HDR content pops thanks to support for leading HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG formats. And Motion Xcelerator Turbo+ technology guarantees lag-free big-screen gaming using HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Samsung‘s Tizen-based Smart Hub gives you quick access to all major 4K streaming and casting apps while working seamlessly with Bixby, Google Assistant and Alexa devices. At this price, no other 65-inch 4K QLED can match its winning combination of Quantum HDR picture and smart connectivity.
4. Sony X85K 65-inch Smart Google TV
Screen Size: 65" 4K LED
Refresh Rate: 60Hz native (120Hz effective)
Smart Features: Google TV, Apple Airplay, Alexa & Google Assistant compatible
Why We Chose It: Vibrant 65" 4K HDR TV powered by Google TV
As a competitively priced Sony 4K television, the 2022 X85K Series brings substantial quality paired with Google‘s superior smart TV platform.
Unique processor technologies like the 4K HDR Processor X1 and Live Color Technology generate exhilarating, accurately colored images free of noise/artifacts. This 65-inch LED TV supports advanced HDR standards like Dolby Vision for scene-by-scene refinements to brightness, color and contrast.
Its Google TV interface provides the simplest browsing experience yet for streaming apps, live content, digital rentals and speedy Google Cast functionality. Save shows and movies to your watchlist for anytime access. Google Assistant integration even lets you control TV functions completely hands-free.
While it misses some flashy features of step-up Sony models, the X85K television retains core elements like radiant 4K picture, easy smart TV navigation and extensive HDR format support. For hundreds less than the competition, this Google-centric set brings lively 4K streaming to living rooms seeking a 65-inch screen.
5. TCL 75" 6-Series with Google TV
Screen Size: 75" 4K Mini-LED QLED
Refresh Rate: 144Hz VRR
Smart Features: Google TV, Hands-Free Voice Control, Chromecast Built-in
Why We Chose It: Feature-packed 75" 4K TV delivering stellar picture and gamingspecs for under $1,350
TCL‘s mighty 2022 6-Series cements its place as a value juggernaut by stuffing premium 75-inch performance into a wallet-friendly package.
This television flaunts TCL‘s glowing mini-LED technology packing thousands of Contrast Control Zones for phenomenally bright and uniform images with resplendent colors. Quantum dot technology boosts the DCI-P3 wide color gamut for true-to-life accuracy. Dolby Vision IQ adjusts picture settings to environmental conditions for optimal viewership day or night.
Blazing fast 144Hz variable refresh rate capability reduces input lag to nearly console-equivalent levels. THX Certified Game Mode, Auto Game Mode and ultra low latency maximize smooth big-screen gaming.
Content playback reaches new heights running on speedy Google TV OS where app content aggregates across platforms into personalized watchlists and tailored recommendations. Voice commands always register on the first try to Google Assistant.
For shoppers desiring the total package of mammoth screen real estate, superior 4K/HDR imaging and ace gaming responsiveness, this dazzling smart TV checks every box while protecting your wallet.
6. Hisense 65" Class U6 Series Quantum ULED 4K UHD Smart Android TV
Screen Size: 65" 4K ULED QLED
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Smart Features: Google Assistant & Alexa compatible, Android Smart TV
Why We Chose It: High-spec 65" 4K QLED television under $900
The picture-perfect yet wallet-friendly Hisense U6 Series earns its place among 4K elite televisions in spite of the budget price.
Hisense renders eye-catching 4K images fueled by ULED Quantum Dot technology pumping out over a billion precise color combinations. 480 local dimming zones prevent muddy shadows amid punchy HDR content. Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10/HDR10+ support helps fine-tune dynamics for any room environment or streaming source.
Under the hood, a speedy quad-core processor handles 4K upscaling while integrated Google Assistant handles voice requests. VIDAA U smart platform runs popular apps from Netflix to Peacock over speedy Wi-Fi 5 wireless connectivity.
Considering most 65-inch 4K QLED televisions demand $1,500+, buyers save a fortune opting for the U6 that refuses to compromise visual splendor or smart TV convenience.
How to Get the Most Out of Your New TV
After investing in a new television, you‘ll want to ensure it looks and performs at its best. Follow these TV setup tips before enjoying hours of stellar entertainment:
Carefully Unpack and Handle the TV — Always carry the television upright using handles rather than laying it down. Remove accessory components and packaging materials before attaching the stand or wall mount.
Position Your Television Properly — Place it on a sturdy, level surface away from direct sunlight to avoid glare. Mount it at eye level and angle it appropriately for comfortable viewing. Leave space behind for airflow.
Calibrate Your Picture Settings — Dive into the picture settings menu and adjust options like brightness, contrast, color warmth, aspect ratio, noise reduction and sharpness based on your room lighting and viewing preferences.
Adjust Audio Settings — Boost volume modes like dialogue enhancement based on typical TV watching. Enable surround formats like Dolby Atmos. Set built-in TV speakers to stereo rather than surround if adding a soundbar.
Optimize Streaming Setup — Ensure the TV is connected to reliable, high-speed home internet via ethernet cable if possible. Tweak settings for fastest response when gaming. Set up profiles for different family members.
Enable Control Functions — Connect devices via HDMI ports and set up HDMI-CEC device control. Configure mobile/tablet remote apps, voice assistants and smart home platforms through the settings to power on/off and change channels via voice commands.
Following these handy tips during initial setup allows your fancy new television to deliver maximum enjoyment for years on end.
Choosing the Best TV Under $1,350 for You
Determining the optimal television for your enjoyment ultimately depends on budget, seating distance, room lighting, smart features needed and intended uses like streaming shows, gaming or using as a primary screen.
As this guide illustrates, you can land an impressively spec‘d 65 to 75-inch 4K smart TV for well under $1,350 if you know what features to target at various price points.
Focus on core elements like display resolution, refresh rate, connectivity ports and voice assistant platform to match functional needs. Then let premium extras like display tech (OLED vs LED/LCD), HDR format support, audio advancements and specialized gaming enhancements push you towards a final option that fits both price and performance wants.
At the end of the day, any of these best-in-class televisions will deliver sublime 4K streaming and multimedia playback for years while making a gorgeous upgrade focal point to your living room. Enjoy whichever high-value television catches your eye the most!
