Best budget Smart TVs in 2025

2025 is a golden year for budget smart TVs—gone are the days when affordable meant dull and dated. Now, you can get features like mini-LED brightness, 120 Hz refresh, gaming-ready HDMI, and even OLED-like visuals, all without breaking the bank. Whether you stream, game, binge movies, or just watch the news, there’s a set tailored to your style and wallet. Expect smoother interfaces, brighter screens that beat glare, and smarter gaming enhancements—even at entry-level prices. Let’s dive into this year’s standout picks that deliver serious bang for your buck.

TCL QM6K (Mini-LED Powerhouse)

This mini-LED TV is a favorite on a budget—bright, colorful, and packed with features. It runs on Google TV, supports all major HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10+), and delivers a 120 Hz (even 144 Hz) refresh rate for smooth action. Gaming features like Game Accelerator 240 take it even higher. Reviewers place it among the best value 4K TVs under $500.

Hisense U6 (Bright and Affordable)

Competing directly with the TCL, the Hisense U6 delivers brighter pictures (around 1,000 nits), Dolby support, and mini-LED brightness—but it leans on Fire OS, which some find slower and ad-heavy. It’s a solid pick for bright rooms and a reliable display.

TCL Q651G (Ultra-Budget Option)

If your budget is super tight, the TCL Q651G is probably the most affordable 4K smart TV we’ve tested. It’s simple, lacks local dimming, and HDR isn’t eye-popping—but it delivers decent color for cents, making it a pragmatic pick for day-to-day use.

Sharp 70GK4245K (Best Budget TV)

What Hi-Fi recently named this Sharp model the best overall budget TV. It’s praised for impressive picture quality, respectable sound, and a smart feature set—without the premium price.

Roku Plus Series QLED (Under $500 Streaming Star)

Wired lists the Roku Plus Series QLED as the best “smart TV” for price-conscious streamers. At around $499 for a 65-inch model, it delivers Dolby Vision and Roku OS—solid streaming, good visuals, and simplicity.

Panasonic W95A Mini-LED (Great Gamer Under $500)

This recent model brings HDMI 2.1 and a 144 Hz refresh rate—all under $500. It delivers bright HDR performance and four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it an excellent choice for gamers needing smooth visuals and solid color.

Sony Bravia 3 LED (Reliable Mid-Budget Performer)

A yearly pick by Tom's Guide for back-to-school deals, the Sony Bravia 3 LED again delivers reliable color accuracy, low input lag, and Google TV—all under $600. It brings Sony polish to a sensible price point.

Sky Glass Air (Subscription-Friendly)

If you’re a Sky subscriber, this might be the simplest streaming TV you’ll find. Starting at around £309, it integrates live and on-demand Sky content in a thin, attractive set with voice control, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth—though image contrast isn’t as deep as premium models.

Which TV Fits Your Needs?

Want mini-LED brightness, smooth gaming, and HDR on a tight budget? TCL QM6K is your star.
Need extra brightness for sunny rooms and still affordable? Choose the Hisense U6.
Ultra-budget, no-frills users—go for TCL Q651G for basics.
Looking for overall excellence at a low price? Sharp 70GK4245K delivers great value.
Want simple, strong streaming and a big screen under $500? Roku Plus QLED fits the bill.
For gamers who need HDMI 2.1 and high refresh, Panasonic W95A is a rare bargain.
Prefer Sony’s trusted name, accurate color, and low lag under $600? Check out Sony Bravia 3 LED.
Already paying for Sky TV? Sky Glass Air gives you seamless integration in a budget-friendly package.