Best TVs under $1000 2024: the top budget-friendly displays

The best TVs under $1000 that you can find today are pretty impressive and certainly give you a bang for your buck. We know you'll be surprised at the amount of top deals in our round-up that give you some of the best quality performance without breaking the bank. 

We see the very best from Samsung, Sony, Hisense and more, giving just as much as some of the top-performing TVs out there, but all for under $1000.

Of course, not all of these TVs may have the latest features and quality, and while most TVs come with 4K as standard these days, if you want to go even better, then we recommend checking out the best OLED TVs and the best 8K TVs too.

Check out our full list with a breakdown of specs to help you make a decision before you invest in one of these TVs under $1000.

There's no time like Black Friday month to buy a TV, either, which means that you're looking for a new display at the perfect time right now. Many of our favorite options, below, might get great reductions. T3 will be collating the best Black Friday deals more widely, too, to help you shop with confidence.

The best TVs under $1,000 (ranked)

The best 43-inch TV under $1000 for image quality

The Samsung QN90A comes with the company's next-gen 'Neo QLED' panel tech, using a 'mini-LED' to create images that are much brighter than a lot of the competition, while at the same being able to create deeper black levels in precise areas of the screen. It's the same screen tech used in the fantastic Samsung QN95A – this smaller model features a few cut-back features, but still delivers the most cinematic images you can currently get from a 43-inch TV.

Samsung's Quantum Processor is excellent at making sure that 4K images look their best, and does a fantastic job of upscaling HD to fill the higher-resolution screen. It also handles motion really well, to ensure that action or sports look clear, but films don't have that artificial effect.

It features an HDMI 2.1 port, plus supports 4K at 120Hz and VRR, so it's ready for gaming on a PS5 or Xbox X. If you want an affordable set that's able to jump between movies and gaming without any problem at all, then the 43-inch Samsung 43QN90A could be the one.

The best Sony TV under $1000 for future-proofing

This is a mid-range blockbuster from Sony, mixing the company's latest and greatest image processing with a really bright and impressive 4K LCD panel. Both the level of detail in 4K and upscaled HD is as good as any TV at any price offers. It's the same story for handling motion, which is made more clear and crisp, but never becomes artificial.

Then there's how color and contrast are expertly handled, resulting in a seriously impressive HDR performance – meaning that everything is super-bright yet balanced and realistic. Dolby Vision support helps with that, and really gets the most from the X90J can handle when it comes to brightness and local dimming.

It's equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports for next-gen gaming, and is actually part of Sony's 'Perfect for PlayStation' brand, which means it not only supports 4K 120Hz gaming, but also offers more precise HDR reproduction from the PS5 than other TVs. Here's our full Sony X90J review.

The best budget QLED TV

Samsung's entry-level QLED of 2021 pushes a real sweet-spot in Samsung’s extensive range of 4K TVs. Pictures from 4K sources are outstanding: vivid-yet-natural colours, strong contrasts, lavish detail levels and smooth motion. Upscaling from lesser resolutions is accomplished too, with super-low picture noise and a fine colour balance. 

Add in a Tizen-based operating system/user interface that’s a match for the best around – responsive, logical and not too in-yer-face – plus an incredibly rapid sub-10ms response time when in ‘Game’ mode and the Q60A starts to look compelling. Then there’s the customary Samsung quality of build and finish – nothing about the way this TV presents itself suggests it’s built to hit a lower price.

Consider everything the Q60T does brilliantly, and you’ll find it easy to overlook its shortcomings, especially since there aren't many of them: the sound this Samsung makes in no way does justice to the pictures it delivers, like all Samsung TVs it goes without Dolby Vision, and though it's great for gaming in terms of its rapid response times, it doesn't support the new 4K/120fps and Variable Refresh Rate features of the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. If you're not a next-gen gaming nut and are happy beefing it up with a soundbar, those aren't even flaws at all…

Best TV under $1000 for gaming

The Samsung Q70A balances the bright images that QLED is known for, with high-end features at an affordable price. The Q70A delivers high levels of peak brightness in HDR, meaning that you get rich colours as well as punchy pictures that cut through bright sunlight, so it looks great no matter when you watch. It uses Samsung's Quantum Processor, which means you get crystal clear 4K images, and upscaling from HD to 4K is seriously impressive. It's the same chip used on Samsung's highest-end 4K sets.

You've also got an HDMI 2.1 port for 4K 120Hz and VRR support from next-gen consoles, and Samsung's smart TV platform, which is one of the best around when it comes to ease of use and comprehensive streaming app options.

The trade-off for the price is that it features and edge-lit LED backlight, instead of direct-lit, like the Sony X90J further up, or the Samsung Q80A. This means that dark scenes aren't quite as deep and nuanced – blacks can look more grey. But it still represents excellent value for the price, especially at this generous screen size. Here's our full Samsung Q70A review.

Best mid-range 4K TV

This mid-range 4K LED model replaces our previous top model, the Sony X900H and features a brand-new processor. Like the X900H, it still has two HDMI 2.1 ports, making it ideal for use with next-gen gaming consoles, like the PS5. Though variable refresh rate is currently not featured. 

The X90J uses the new Google TV platform, rather than the old Android TV used on on the X900H. Thanks to the Cognitive Processor XR and the XR Triluminos Pro engine, it has great color reproduction, with sharp and smooth edge detail. 

While just a few months old, you can pick up this 50-inch model below its $1,099 retail price, edging it into the sub-$1000 list. If you want to go bigger, it also comes in 55, 65 and 75-inch versions. 

Read our full Sony X90J review. 

The best 75-inch TV

The Samsung TU7000 is a great value TV with commendable picture quality. Though this is the entry-level model in Samsung's Crystal UHD TV range, you still get some impressive specifications. And all for roughly an eighth of the price of its new 8K flagship in the same size. 

For your $900 you get a decent selection of connections, including a couple of HDMI inputs (one with eARC), a USB socket, a CI slot, an ethernet socket and a digital optical output. There's also Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2. For gamers, it's worth noting that the HDMI inputs support Auto Low Latency Mode, too. 

Where the TU7000 really shines is in picture quality; it provides impressively deep black tones and equally admirable white tones, with plenty of detail and luster. Detail is respectable throughout and movement is dealt with intelligently. 

The downside is that, despite the 20W of speaker included, the audio performance is somewhat lacking. There's a decent mid-range but dynamics are sparse. We advise investing in a soundbar to do this screen justice. 

The TU7000 comes in a range of sizes from 43in upwards, with this 75in being the largest in the range. Though there are better all-round packages (including the Samsung Q60T above), if you want to go big, this is a great choice for the money. 

Read our full Samsung TU7000 review.

The best all-rounder TV under $1000

After recent price drops, this impressive 55-inch set from Sony is now our overall pick as the best TV under $1,000. Some of the TVs below beat for image quality in certain areas, but nothing gives you this quality of picture at this size with such great technical features to make sure it's future-proof.

This LCD TV gives you bright HDR images that really dazzle with color, but it's also quite capable when it comes to darker scenes, though not as strong as the Philips OLED TV below, of course. But it makes up for that with Sony's excellent processing, which makes motion look natural and smooth, and is fantastic at upscaling from HD to 4K, so everything looks detailed and crisp. Support for Dolby Vision makes the most of its HDR screen, though there's no HDR10+ here (the rival to Dolby Vision used on Amazon Prime Video).

It uses Android TV for its smart TV functionality, which means it's really well-equipped for streaming apps, though the interface isn't quite as tidy and smooth as Samsung or LG TVs. And as a bonus, the built-in sound is better than most mid-range TVs – you won't have to immediately add your own soundbar (though you might still want to).

The Sony X900H features HDMI 2.1 functionality, including support for 4K video at 120fps, which makes it perfect for the PS5 and Xbox Series X. It will also support Variable Refresh Rates and Auto Low Latency Mode via an update coming shortly. eARC HDMI support is here too, for high-resolution audio output to your sound system.

Combine all that, and you get the best overall TV package under $1,000. For more info, read our full Sony X900H review

Best 55-inch TV under $1000

While many probably don't think of Hisense when they think of solid 4K TVs, the brand has been stepping up its game over the past couple of years.

Releasing this budget-friendly wonder, the U6G ULED Smart TV is a solid contender for one of the best TVs under $1000 today. The package itself is a bit simple and plain, but what's on the inside is what truly counts on this budget-friendly display.

For the price, the image quality the Hisense U6G can provide is unmatched. It features full HDR10+ support along with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos as well. For cinephiles and gamers on a tighter budget, the Hisense U6G can provide a great alternative to the comparable and pricier Sony and LG models.

This display also comes with a ton of ports to setup your home theater as you see fit. A total of four HDMI inputs along with two USB inputs, composite and component, as well as digital optical audio, complete this displays roster making it perfect for streaming devices, consoles, PCs and other devices.

Available in sizes ranging from 50 inches to 75 inches, the U6G is a solid budget TV for those who don't need the added luxuries of higher-end models. The 55 inch is probably the best value for the dollar, but sizes up to 65 inch can be nabbed for under $1000.

Best mid-range TV

Complete with quantum dot film and mini-LED backlighting, the TCL 6-series is a solid 4K TV and the smallest, 55-inch model sits nicely under the $1000 mark. It features HDR support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG, and has a 120 Hz refresh rate. Gamers will also benefit from the dedicated THX certified Game Mode, which kills the video processing that often slows gaming performance. 

Picture quality is impressive – if not quite up to high-end OLED and Micro-LED models – with consistent screen uniformity and both accurate color and shadows. This is a solid choice for those wanting 4K on a budget.  

How we chose the best TVs under $1,000

From eye candy UHD visuals and superior sound to drop-dead gorgeous design, these are the TV sets you should be shortlisting right now.

All models benefit from the extra clarity that 4K offers, a fact that will be particularly noticeable when upgrading from a 1080p telly. From Apple TV and the burgeoning UHD Blu-ray catalog, to Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, there’s plenty of stuff to show off your new panel’s prowess.

And of course, gaming is increasingly a source of spectacular 4K, thanks to the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X (and soon the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X).

All these TVs feature HDR onboard. It’s worth noting that not all screens offer a genuine HDR experience, with the brightest spectral highlights, so consider that HDR has 'levels' to its impressiveness. Many lower-cost models are mere 'HDR compatible' (which means they know when they’re receiving HDR content, but they don’t have the wherewithal to do much with it). Naturally, we're looking for the ones that truly make the most of HDR.

The other area where corners are inevitably cut on lesser TVs is sound. You can always add one of the best soundbar or soundbases to rectify this sorry state of affairs.

It's no surprise that features found in the best TVs – even the money-is-no-object ones – are starting to show up in some of these TVs under $1000. While you may not find premium technology like OLED displays or 8K visuals in TVs under $1000 just yet (you can check out our best OLED TVs and best 8K TVs guides for those), new models are due in 202 and beyond that will be cheaper than ever. We may start to see TVs under $1000 include these premium features sooner than we think.

Now, we have TVs under $1000 that feature HDMI 2.1 support – a feature only found on some of the best gaming TVs. Just a year ago, finding HDMI 2.1 support on displays within the price range was unheard of.

This cheaper price range is also key for the growing number of people who want to go bigger without breaking the bank. You can some of the best 55-inch TVs under $1000, but if you're happy to step down in features slightly you may even get some of the best 65-inch and even 75-inch TVs at budget prices.

If you want something even more affordable, we've also got the best TVs under $500. Sometimes more expensive TVs drop under $1000 during sales and special offers as well, so keep your eye on our list of the best TV deals to save even more.

What is the best TV for under $1,000?

Our pick of the current best TV under $1,000 is the Sony X90J. It's an LCD screen with direct array backlight, meaning it's really bright (useful for cutting through the light in bright rooms), but also has good local dimming for rich contrast.

It provides really rich HDR performance, and Sony's processing is second to none, so 4K images look perfectly sharp, HD video is upscaled to 4K expertly, and motion looks smooth with seeming artificial. It's also geared up for gaming, with a really low response rate, support for 4K at 120Hz over HDMI 2.1, and with Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode coming with an update – all of which are perfect for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.