Finding a high-quality television at an affordable price range can be overwhelming with the sheer number of options available today. Thankfully, there are fantastic models under $650 that provide outstanding picture, robust smart platforms and excellent overall performance without breaking the bank.
In this expert guide, we have researched and reviewed the top 7 TVs currently available under $650 to suit any buyer‘s needs and budget.
How We Chose the Best TVs Under $650
Selecting the top televisions under $650 involved careful evaluation of numerous models across major brands based on the following criteria:
- Display Quality: Resolution, peak brightness, contrast ratio, color accuracy, viewing angles and more
- Smart Features: Platform, app support, voice controls, special features
- Audio Quality: Speaker output power, channel support, sound formats
- Design: Bezel size, stand design, wall mount support
- Features & Connectivity: Ports, gaming-centric features, network support
- Value & Performance: Price to performance ratio, ratings, reviews
We have chosen a diverse range of 4K LED TVs that excel in meeting the entertainment needs of most users – whether streaming movies, viewing sports or even gaming.
Without further ado, here are the 7 best TVs under $650 that provide extraordinary value.
1. Best Overall: TCL 5-Series 55-inch 4K Smart Roku TV
Display: 55-inch (54.6-inch) 4K (3840 x 2160) LED panel w/ full array backlight | Smart Features: Built-in Wi-Fi, Roku TV (smart platform)
Audio: 2x 8W speakers with Dolby Digital support | Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB, Optical Audio, Composite, Headphone Jack, RF Antenna, Ethernet
Rating: 4.7/5 stars on Amazon
TCL is renowned for budget-friendly TVs that punch well above their weight, and the 2023 TCL 5-Series 55-inch 4K Smart Roku TV is no exception.
For well under $650, it packs in premium features like 4K Ultra HD resolution, support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG high dynamic range (HDR) formats paired with Contrast Control Zones for deep blacks. This enables a cinematic viewing experience with vivid colors and crisp details.
The excellent Roku smart platform provides quick access to over 200 streaming channels. Support for Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant allows hands-free voice control. Auto Game Mode further enhances gaming with smoother visuals, low lag and variable refresh rate.
With superior picture quality that outshines models hundreds of dollars more expensive, excellent smart features and a refined, customizable interface, the TCL 55-inch 5-Series 4K TV delivers incredible performance and value.
Price: $529
2. Best Budget Option: Hisense 55-Inch Class R6 4K UHD Smart Roku TV
Display: 55-inch (54.6-inch) 4K (3840 x 2160) LED panel | Smart Features: Built-in Wi-Fi, Roku smart platform
Audio: 2x 10W speakers with DTS Studio Sound support | Ports: 4 HDMI (1 eARC), 2 USB, Ethernet, Composite, Optical Audio
Rating: 4.5/5 stars on Amazon
If you are looking for a solid mid-sized 4K smart TV under a tight $500 budget, look no further than the Hisense 55-Inch R6 Series.
It lacks some premium features found in pricier models, but still delivers sharp 4K resolution paired with HLG and HDR10 high dynamic range support. This enables rich colors and enhanced contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
The user-friendly Roku smart platform offers quick access to top streaming services. Support for Google Assistant provides hands-free voice control. Smooth motion enhances fast action scenes in movies, sports and games.
For shoppers wanting the essential features without breaking bank, the Hisense 55-inch R6 Series 4K Smart Roku TV is the perfect choice.
Price: $398
3. Best for Streaming: Amazon Fire TV Omni Series 55-inch 4K Smart TV
Display: 55-inch (54.6-inch) 4K (3840×2160) LED Panel | Smart Features: Fire TV platform, Alexa hands-free voice control
Audio: 2x 10W Speakers with Dolby Digital Plus support | Ports: 3 HDMI (1 eARC), Ethernet, USB, Digital/Analog Audio Out
Rating: 4.5/5 stars on Amazon
Amazon‘s Fire TV Omni Series brings together the company‘s Fire TV platform with an affordable 55-inch 4K TV filled with smart capabilities.
It delivers a sharp 4K picture supported by HDR10, HLG and Dolby Vision high dynamic range technology for vivid detail and contrast accuracy. The LED display has full array local dimming to prevent black levels from looking grey in darker viewing environments.
Built-in microphones enable Alexa voice control to easily search content, control playback or check weather hands-free. Quick access to Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu and more streamlines binging sessions.
With excellent smart features tailored for streaming fans, the Amazon Fire TV Omni 55-inch 4K television is a superb entertainment portal.
Price: $559
4. Best Under $500: LG 55-inch UP7070 Smart TV
Display: 55-inch (54.6-inch) 4K (3840 x 2160) LED Panel | Smart Features: LG webOS Smart Platform
Audio: 2x 10W speakers with AI Sound | Ports: 3 HDMI, 2 USB, Ethernet, Digital/Analog Audio Out
Rating: 4.6/5 stars on Amazon
LG is renowned for its brilliant display panels, and that pedigree comes through in the stellar picture quality of the 55-inch LG UP7070.
It has a gorgeous 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS LED display capable of delivering a wide range of rich colors at a 178-degree viewing angle with no distortion. Support for Active HDR formats means expanded contrast and depth. A smooth 60Hz refresh rate is great for fast-paced sports & gaming.
LG‘s user-friendly webOS platform makes streaming from apps like Netflix and Disney+ easy. Google Assistant and Alexa support allow hands-free navigation. Gamers will appreciate auto low latency mode for lag-free gameplay paired with AMD FreeSync support.
With outstanding visuals far exceeding its modest price tag, the LG 55-inch UP7070 is perfect for shoppers wanting premium quality on a tighter budget.
Price: $496
5. Best for Sports Viewing: Samsung 55-Inch Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV
Display: 55-inch (54.6-inch) 4K (3840 x 2160) LED panel | Smart Features: Tizen smart platform, Multi View support
Audio: 2x 10W speakers with Dolby Digital Plus support | Ports: 3 HDMI, 2 USB, Ethernet, Digital Audio Out
Rating: 4.6/5 stars on Amazon
Samsung dominates the premium television space, but also offers excellent mid-range models like the 55-inch Crystal 4K UHD Smart TV that pack great performance at an affordable price.
It has a bright and vibrant LED display powered by a Crystal Processor 4K for lifelike color accuracy and sharp clarity. High dynamic range support takes advantage of HDR content to make onscreen visuals truly pop. A fast 60Hz refresh rate keeps sports and action scenes smooth.
Smart capabilities come courtesy of Samsung‘s polished Tizen platform. Multi View support displays two inputs simultaneously, perfect for keeping track of two live games. Bluetooth headphone connectivity allows late night viewing without disturbing others.
Top-notch picture quality combined with tailored sports features make this Samsung model a superb choice for home theater enthusiasts.
Price: $547
6. Best for Gaming: Hisense U6 Series 55-inch Quantum Dot QLED 4K Smart Google TV
Display: 55-inch (54.6-inch) 4K (3840 x 2160) QLED panel | Smart Features: Google TV smart platform, Stadia Support
Audio: 24W speakers with Dolby Atmos | Ports: 4 HDMI (1 eARC), 2 USB, Ethernet, Digital/Analog Audio Out
Rating: 4.6/5 stars on Amazon
Gamers looking for a big screen 4K gaming TV with premium features will love the action-packed Hisense U6.
It combines a gorgeous 55-inch Quantum Dot QLED flat panel display with support for all key HDR standards like Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive for truly cinematic visuals. With 600 nits peak brightness, over a billion colors and full array local dimming featuring 132 zones, images come alive with depth and realism.
The intelligent Google TV platform features Chromecast built-in for streaming directly from mobile devices. Support for advanced gaming features like 4K 120Hz VRR, ALLM Auto Low Latency Mode and eARC ensure smooth, lag-free gameplay. Integrated Google Stadia capability allows cloud gaming.
For big screen gaming with vivid QLED visuals and cutting-edge gaming features, the Hisense U6 Series 55-inch TV is unmatched value.
Price: $646
7. Best Sound Quality: TCL 6-Series 55-inch Mini LED QLED 4K Smart Roku TV
Display: 55-inch (54.6-inch) 4K (3840 x 2160) QLED panel with Mini LED backlight technology | Smart Features: Roku smart platform with Roku voice remote
Audio: Built-in subwoofer, ONKYO-tuned drivers for immersive sound | Ports: 4 HDMI, 1 USB, Ethernet, Cable/Antenna input, Digital/Analog Audio Out
Rating: 4.8/5 stars on Amazon
TCL is renowned for making advanced TV technologies more affordable, most recently with their brilliant line of mini-LED backlit panels. The 6-Series combines this with QLED quantum dots to create the contrast-rich, color-saturated picture quality once exclusive to pricey OLEDs.
Over 25,000 mini-LED backlights paired with precision dimming technology produce up to 1000 nit peak brightness for dazzling highlights and inky blacks even in bright rooms. Quantum Dot technology renders over a billion colors with extreme accuracy across a wide viewing angle. Support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG translates to an intensely vibrant and detailed image.
A built-in subwoofer and ONKYO-tuned drivers produce room-filling, detailed sound with Dolby Atmos support. As expected from TCL, easy access to streaming services comes courtesy of the simple, customizable Roku smart platform.
With picture quality rivaling OLEDs and sound rivaling dedicated sound systems, the TCL 6-Series 55-inch mini-LED 4K QLED TV is a home theater lover‘s dream.
Price: $650
What To Consider When Buying a Quality TV under $650
Display Technology – Modern TVs utilize either LCD (LED-backlit LCD), OLED or QLED/Quantum Dot panel technologies. LED TVs offer good picture quality at an affordable price while OLED televisions deliver the best contrast and viewing angles. QLED models offer enhanced color volume and brightness. Most sub $650 TVs opt for LED or QLED panels.
Resolution – A minimum resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K UHD) is recommended for the best clarity and future-proofing. Support for high frame rates up to 120Hz provides smoother motion clarity.
High Dynamic Range – HDR technology significantly expands a TV‘s contrast range and color volume capabilities. Top HDR formats to look for are HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ Adaptive.
Refresh Rate – A faster panel refresh rate, measured in Hz or frames per second (fps), reduces motion blur in action scenes and games. Aim for native 60Hz or higher.
Smart TV Platform – The smart TV software interface for accessing streaming services and apps is important. Look for easy to use platforms with support for all top apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and more.
Audio Quality – Basic built-in TV speakers may lack fidelity or volume. Sound system with dedicated speakers, woofer and Dolby Atmos elevate sound quality. External sound system can also be added.
HDMI 2.1 – For gaming or handling 4K/120Hz input signals, having at least one advanced HDMI 2.1 port ensures full bandwidth support. Features like ALLM and VRR improve gaming.
Finding the Perfect TV Under $650 Has Never Been Easier!
Gone are the days when buying a quality television meant shelling out over a thousand bucks. As evident from our top picks spanning various categories, there are fantastic sub $650 TV models delivering impressive performance, features and connectivity.
We hope this detailed guide helps you zero in on your ideal television. Feel free to reach out with any questions in the comments section below. Happy viewing!
