If you‘re looking for a top-performing television that won‘t break the bank, there are plenty of excellent options available for under $1,800. Today‘s TVs pack impressive displays, smart platforms, and connectivity into sleek, affordable packages capable of serving as the centerpiece of your ideal home entertainment setup.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the key factors in choosing the best TV under $1,800 and provide five tailored recommendations based on usage – whether you‘re a gamer, sports nut, movie buff, or simply want an easy-to-use smart TV for streaming.
TV Display Technology Comparison
The first decision point is which display technology best aligns with your performance needs and budget:
LED TVs utilize LED backlighting paired with an LCD (liquid crystal display). They offer very good picture quality and value. Picture quality continues to vastly improve with mini-LED and Quantum dot enhancements available on certain models.
OLED TVs utilize self-illuminating pixels that can individually turn on and off, delivering stellar contrast with truly dark blacks. They also provide outstanding viewing angles. OLED TVs cost more for smaller sizes but provide phenomenal picture quality especially in dark room environments.
QLED TVs from Samsung utilize quantum dots and LED backlighting for brighter, more vivid images that showcase HDR content well. They can‘t quite match OLED contrast but provide higher peak brightness capability.
Key Specs and Features
Beyond display technology, here are the key factors to evaluate:
Resolution – For TVs 50-inches and larger, you‘ll want to choose 4K resolution, which is 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. This provides stunning clarity and allows you to sit closer to larger TVs without seeing pixelation.
High Dynamic Range – HDR enables a greater range of luminance for revealing subtle visual nuances. Top formats are HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. More premium TVs include HDR optimization features.
Refresh Rate – Standard is 60Hz but fast motion looks smoother at 120Hz or higher, ideal for sports and gaming.
Smart Platform – Most TVs today utilize simple, intuitive smart platforms from Roku TV, Google TV, LG webOS and more for accessing apps efficiently.
Connectivity – For connecting sound bars, consoles and 4K Blu-ray players, look for at least 3-4 HDMI ports with HDMI 2.1 support. eARC enables higher quality audio signals to sound system.
Sound – Sound quality varies widely so factor in adding a sound bar if premium audio is desired. Dolby Atmos support allows for more immersive surround audio effects.
Now let‘s explore some top-rated TVs under $1,800 tailored for different usage scenarios.
Overall Best LED TV – Hisense U7H Series
The Hisense 75U7H provides tremendous 4K LED TV value and performance. Utilizing quantum dot technology for richer color and brightness, Hisense‘s proprietary ULED technology boosts color, clarity and contrast for breathtaking detail – especially in HDR. Its sleek, bezel-less design looks fantastic in any room.
The U7H handles fast motion well thanks to its 120Hz panel. The Google TV interface provides easy access to all top streaming apps. Extensive connectivity like HDMI 2.1 and eARC simplifies hooking up game consoles or a Dolby Atmos sound system. At just $1,486 for a mammoth 75-inches, the U7H brings exceptional home theater value.
Best OLED TV for Movies and Streaming – LG C2 Series
Bring films and shows to life with the brilliant picture quality of the LG 65" C2 OLED. Its self-illuminating pixels produce perfect blacks alongside vibrant color. Combined with Dolby Vision IQ for scene-by-scene optimization, images come alive with incredible realism and detail whether you‘re streaming or watching 4K Blu-rays.
The a9 Gen5 AI Processor delivers better edge definition and noise reduction so you always get the best picture. With the LG webOS platform, thousands of streaming apps are just a click away while built-in Google Assistant and Alexa provide handy voice control. Dolby Atmos decoding lets you add vertical dimensions to sound for fully immersive movie nights via upward-firing, soundbar or speaker system. Priced under $1,400, the C2 brings phenomenal OLED quality to discerning home theater enthusiasts.
Best Gaming TV – Samsung QN90B Neo QLED
Serious console and PC gamers need a TV that can keep up with fast motion and instant reflexes – that‘s where the Samsung QN65QN90B Neo QLED delivers. Its Quantum Matrix technology with mini-LED backlighting optimizes contrast in localized zones for sensational HDR gaming scenes. Combined with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support for buttery smooth variable refresh rates, even the fastest on-screen motion stays buttery smooth without tearing or lag.
A 144Hz panel ensures optimum fluidity and razor sharpness so critical moments are never missed. Ultra-low input lag means buttons and motions translate instantly on-screen. Four HDMI 2.1 inputs easily accommodate PS5/Xbox Series X consoles and gaming PCs. With intense brightness and Samsung‘s stellar smart ecosystem, the QN90B provides the ultimate big screen gaming habitat at under $1,500.
Best Budget Smart TV – TCL 6 Series Google TV
If easy streaming and voice control tops your smart TV wants list, the TCL 55" 6 Series Google TV proves you don‘t need to spend a bundle. Enjoy instant access to 700,000+ movies and shows from streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ alongside integrated Google Assistant for voice commands.
Vibrant quantum dot technology renders over a billion hues for stellar 4K HDR performance. With Dolby Vision and HDR10+, images pop with expanded contrast and color. LED backlighting focused into mini-LED zones boosts definition. Auto Game Mode triggers low latency for optimized gaming while Variable Refresh Rate smooths out frame rates. HDMI 2.1 inputs accommodate next-gen consoles and PCs. Topped off with robust Roku smart features and voice remote, the 6 Series Google TV punches way above its budget-friendly $700 sticker.
Best Small TV – Sony X85J Google TV
Just because a TV is small doesn‘t mean it can‘t deliver big performance. Case in point – the Sony 43" X85J. Its compact form factor still manages to pack in premium technologies for stellar 4K picture and sound. The powerful 4K HDR processor X1 enhances color, clarity and contrast for remarkable depth and realism – especially noticeable on a smaller screen where finer details really pop.
Dolby Vision high dynamic range further optimizes picture quality on a scene-by-scene basis so images dazzle. Integrated Google TV makes finding entertainment effortless with personalized recommendations and voice commands. Acoustic auto calibration tunes audio specifically to your room‘s acoustics and includes virtual 3D surround effects. If you need an affordable yet mighty small TV, the X85J overdelivers with mighty picture quality and smarts for under $800.
Key Takeaways on Picking a Sub $1,800 TV
While there are many great TVs available for under $1,800, narrowing down the right one involves prioritizing core usage – movies, streaming, gaming, screen size, etc. Determine viewing environment – bright or dark room – and optimum seating distance so you choose the appropriate screen size.
Factor in adding a sound bar if you want more impactful built-in audio. Review ports like HDMI 2.1 and eARC to ensure needed connectivity for gaming consoles and peripherals.
Although more expensive TVs add extras like higher contrast, expanded color and brightness capability, the good news is today‘s LED, OLED and QLED 4K TV technologies offer outstanding performance and convenience even at lower price points.
So whether you want the pinpoint precision of quantum dots, perfect blacks of OLED or a content-filled smart TV, there are compelling big screens choices to enhance your entertainment pleasure without breaking the bank.
