Also make sure to check out our list of the best TVs at any price.

While it is true that getting a TV for under a grand isn’t the monumental challenge it once was, finding the best of the best for under $1,000 takes a bit of research. You want to maximize size, performance and features, which can be a little tricky. Luckily, we’ve done the leg work and condensed it down into a list of the top 10 best TVs under $1,000. And, as a bonus, this year’s list includes two gigantic 60-inch models!

We worked with street prices, which means all models listed below were available at press time from reputable online retailers for under $1,000. That said, the Internet has a way of changing quickly, so check these deals out soon. Also, keep in mind that, due to manufacturers’ regulations, published prices are often $100 or more than unadvertised sale prices, so be sure to click through to the merchants for the latest prices. Often, these TVs can be had for even less than you see listed here.

Panasonic TC-P60U50 60-inch 1080p Plasma TV

$898 at ABT

When people ask us what the best performance/value proposition in television is, we point them directly to the U50 plasma series from Panasonic. While this model is light on bells and whistles (no 3D, Wi-Fi or Internet apps), it packs some serious heat where it counts: a gorgeous picture.  You simply won’t find better performance from similarly-sized TVs at this price point. 

VIZIO E601i-A3 60-Inch 1080p Smart TV

$998 at Amazon

 While this razor-thin 60-inch LED from Vizio can’t quite take the Panasonic U50 plasma in an all-out picture performance throw-down, it still looks amazing and bears the distinction of being the only 60-inch Smart TV with built-in WiFi that you can get for under $1000. Also, as an LED TV, this set is a superior choice for those who frequently watch in brightly lit rooms. 

Panasonic VIERA TC-P50ST50 50-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma TV

$998 at Amazon

To get into Panasonic’s ST series plasmas and keep the cost down under $1K, you’ll have to give up some inches. But what you gain over the previously mentioned U50 series is slightly superior picture quality, built-in WiFi, access to Internet apps like Netflix and Hulu, and the added bonus of 3D capability. Not a bad tradeoff if you ask us. Check out our review of the excellent ST50 series here. 

 

Sharp LC-52LE640U 52-inch 1080p LED Smart TV

$825 at ABT

Hop on this one while you can. This 52-inch model from Sharp is going for a pretty sweet price at the aforementioned retailer and is likely to attract enough attention that it may go out of stock shortly. For those looking to get into a big TV set with a thin profile, built-in WiFi, and Internet apps, this is a solid choice. 

Samsung UN50ES6100 50-Inch LED Smart TV

$998 at Amazon

The ES6100 series sits in an interesting spot within Samsung’s LED TV line-up. It hangs just 4 tiers down from the top of the line – a lineup which includes 14 tiers, mind you. It doesn’t offer 3D capability, but it packs in just about everything else, including built-in Wi-Fi, Samsung’s Smart Hub Internet apps, and a super-slim form factor. 

Sony BRAVIA KDL46HX750 46-Inch 3D LED Internet TV

$998 at Amazon

There’s just something about Sony’s picture quality. And if you’re one of those folks that just can’t resist that classic Sony look, then this is your sub-$1k Sony set. The HX750 series sits just two notches below Sony’s top-of-the-line, and sports the company’s local dimming technology for better contrast and black levels. This set also offers 3D capability, Built-in WiFi, and access to Sony’s Entertainment Network.