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7 best TVs under $1,000: Our top picks from Hisense, TCL, and Samsung

Hisense U7N review
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends

As much as we love some of best TVs out there, they do trend more expensive. But we aren't just interested in flagship models and prices — we love value for money more than anything else. That's where this list of the best TVs under $1,000 comes in. These are some of the best bang-for-buck TVs we've ever seen, and some even feature on our list of the best QLED TVs this year. But they all have great brightness, strong contrast, fast response times, and impressive smart features. They're all most people need in a TV, for a much more affordable price.

Whether you’re looking to save a buck on your new TV purchase, or you just blatantly refuse to pay more than $1,000 for a new living room set (more power to you), we've spent hundreds of hours testing and reviewing all the latest TVs that come out each year to put together this roundup of all the best TVs under $1,000 to help you on your quest for a new big screen.

Hisense 55-Inch Class U8 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV (55U8N, 2024 Model) - QLED, Native 144Hz, Full Array Local Dimming, Game Mode Pro, Alexa Compatibility
Hisense U8N ULED
Best overall TV for under $1,000
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Hisense U6N ULED
Hisense U6N
Best budget TV under $1,000
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TCL 65-Inch QM8 4K Mini-LED TV
TCL QM8
Best runner-up TV under $1,000
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TCL 65-Inch QM7 QLED 4K Smart QD-Mini LED TV with Google TV (65QM751G, 2024 Model) Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos, HDR, Game Accelerator up to 240Hz, Voice Remote, Works with Alexa, Streaming Television
TCL QM7 Series (2024)
The second-best TCL TV under $1,000
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Hisense U7N (65-inch)
Hisense U7N ULED
The next-best Hisense TV for under $1,000
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SAMSUNG 70-Inch Class QLED 4K Q60D Series Quantum HDR Smart TV w/Object Tracking Sound Lite, Motion Xcelerator, Slim Design, Gaming Hub, Alexa Built-in (QN70Q60D, 2024 Model)
Samsung Q60D QLED
The best Samsung TV under $1,000
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TCL Q6 65-inch
TCL Q6
Best budget TCL TV under $1,000
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Recommended Product hisense u8n review
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends

Hisense U8N ULED

Pros
  • Intense brightness
  • Deep blacks/contrast
  • Vibrant, accurate color
  • Great sound
Cons
  • Overly bright HDR
  • Poor off-angle viewing
Specification:
Screen sizes available 55, 65, 75, 85 inches
TV type Mini-LED
HDR support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Operating system Google TV
Connectivity 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet

It brings us great joy to be able to call Hisense’s 2024 flagship our best overall pick for a TV that costs less than a grand. We had the opportunity to take the U8N Series for a spin not too long ago, and we were totally blown away by the new heights Hisense has summited. Our editor-at-large, Caleb Denison, was taken aback by the exceptional brightness levels the U8N was able to achieve in our hands-on review, to the point that he felt it wise to proclaim that the illumination is actually a little too intense when viewing HDR content. 

Thanks to its improved chipset, the U8N Series is able to deliver better overall brightness on top of vibrant colors and impressive contrast levels that rival the performance of some the best OLED TVs. And thanks to its top-notch reflection handling, the U8N can hang out in just about any brightly lit room. There’s a bit of trouble with the TV’s off-angle viewing, which is an unfortunate malady of some LED LCDs. That being said, it’s best to watch this set as centered with the screen as possible.

The U8N supports leading HDR formats like Dolby Vision, and thanks to HDMI 2.1 connectivity, game consoles and PCs run at lightning-fast speed when hooked up to Hisense’s flagship. Expect minimal input lag, quick response times, and 4K/144Hz for max resolution/refresh rate performance. The U8N also uses the Google TV OS for smart TV content and other UI elements and has a 50W 2.1.2 speaker configuration that sounds a lot better than most TV speakers.

Hisense 55-Inch Class U8 Series Mini-LED ULED 4K UHD Google Smart TV (55U8N, 2024 Model) - QLED, Native 144Hz, Full Array Local Dimming, Game Mode Pro, Alexa Compatibility
Hisense U8N ULED
Best overall TV for under $1,000
The Hisense U6N ULED TV.
Best Buy

Hisense U6N

Pros
  • Bright and punchy picture
  • Supports all HDR standards
  • Fast response time for gaming
Cons
  • Poor viewing angles
  • Limited to 60Hz
Specification:
Screen sizes available 55, 65, 75, 85 inches
TV type Mini-LED
HDR support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Operating system Google TV
Connectivity 4 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet

The Hisense U6N mini-LED isn't just a great TV under $1,000, it's almost an amazing TV under $500. It's a value-oriented TV that brings many high-end features down into the affordable range. It has a punchy and bright picture, with vibrant colors and impressive HDR support for all four major formats — HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG. With local dimming zones, it can offer nuanced HDR, too, without much blooming, even in high-contrast scenes. In darker rooms, the high contrast on this TV really shines, too, offering impressive blacks that make moodier movies and TV shows look especially good.

Although it does lack a high refresh rate, its fast response time and low input lag make this a great TV for fast-paced gaming. You won't feel like it's holding you back in competitive play, and even the fastest of action looks clear (just make sure to turn off motion blur to get the best effect).

There is some image degradation at extreme angles, so this is a TV that it's best to sit directly in front of. If you can do that, though, you'll get a really solid TV at a very affordable price. With its wide HDR support, range of size options, and well-implemented Google TV OS, this is a TV that really helps you maximize your budget.

Hisense U6N ULED
Hisense U6N
Best budget TV under $1,000
Editors' Choice tcl qm8 mini led tv review
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends

TCL QM8

Pros
  • Stunning HDR performance
  • Class-leading brightness
  • Excellent black levels
  • Virtually no detectable blooming
  • Very good color saturation/brightness
Cons
  • Some motion artifacts
Specification:
Screen sizes available 65, 75, 85, 98 inches
TV type Mini-LED
HDR support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Operating system Google TV
Connectivity 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet

The TCL QM8 is a TV that could easily take the top spot in this roundup. It has many of the same strengths as our favorite, the Hisense U8N: sky-high brightness, great HDR support, and array of local dimming zones. This is one of the best TVs for watching HDR movies, period. Blooming is almost non-existent, and its blend of high brightness and strong contrast give this TV a real OLED-feel to it, even though it's still using an LCD panel.

"If you watch a lot of content like this where there’s bright, colorful stuff on dark backgrounds, you’ll swear this TV is practically as good as OLED," noted our own Caleb Denison in his review. He also praised its smooth integration of Google TV, with its snappy and responsive interface, and just how good it looks in general. When a TV reviewer says they'll use a model as their daily driver, it's worth taking notice.

For what you get, the price on this TV is supremely affordable, and it comes in under our $1,000 budget even at 65 inches. You can save a bit more with 55, but the 75-inch model isn't much more than the 65, so if you want a really big TV, this may be the best one to get.

TCL 65-Inch QM8 4K Mini-LED TV
TCL QM8
Best runner-up TV under $1,000
2024 TCL QM7 4K mini-LED TV.
TCL

TCL QM7 Series (2024)

Pros
  • Excellent colors and contrast
  • Impressive brightness
  • Solid gaming optimizations
  • Google TV is fast and intuitive
Cons
  • Not the best off-angle viewing
  • Default picture settings need some tweaking
Specification:
Screen sizes available 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 inches
TV type QLED
HDR support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Operating system Google TV
Connectivity 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet

TCL is one of our favorite budget-friendly TV brands because the company puts just as much focus on picture and performance as it does value. New for 2024, the TCL QM7 Series sits one rung below the top TCL TV of the year, the QM8. And while both models are often on sale, you’ll likely have an easier time finding the QM7 for under $1,000 for larger screen options.

Capable of dishing out up to 2,400 nits at peak brightness, the QM7 also delivers a wide color gamut and terrific black levels, thanks to TCL’s AIPQ Pro processor and up to 1,500 dimming zones for specific sizes. The QM7 gets top marks for HDR support, as it is compatible with everything from Dolby Vision to HDR10+ and even comes with an IMAX Enhanced Certification. Considering how bright this QLED gets, it also does a fantastic job at performing in a brightly lit room. 

Gamers will love the QM7 for its VRR (variable refresh rate) support, HDMI 2.1 certification, 4K/144Hz performance, and the built-in Game Mode that optimizes picture settings for consoles and PCs. As for smart TV features, the TCL QM7 uses Google TV for all streaming functions, smart controls, and UI navigation. This version of the OS is zippier than ever and can be controlled via Google Assistant, Alexa, and even Apple HomeKit. 

TCL 65-Inch QM7 QLED 4K Smart QD-Mini LED TV with Google TV (65QM751G, 2024 Model) Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Atmos, HDR, Game Accelerator up to 240Hz, Voice Remote, Works with Alexa, Streaming Television
TCL QM7 Series (2024)
The second-best TCL TV under $1,000
Recommended Product Hisense U7N review
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends

Hisense U7N ULED

Pros
  • High brightness
  • Great contrast
  • Vivid color
  • Surprising accuracy
  • Great for gaming
Cons
  • Poor off-angle viewing
  • Risk of dirty screen effect
Specification:
Screen sizes available 55, 65, 75, 85 inches
TV type Mini-LED
HDR support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Operating system Google TV
Connectivity 2 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x HDMI 2.0, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet

Our resident TV reviewer Caleb Denison tested the Hisense U7N, and he walked away from the experience a pleased viewer. 

Illuminated by mini-LEDs and enhanced by quantum dots, the U7N manages to put out some chart-topping brightness. With brightness scoring in the 2,000-nit range for HDR highlights, the U7N should have no issues looking great in a brightly lit room. Well, save for the fact it doesn’t have the greatest off-angle viewing. Unfortunately, this is the kind of LED-LCD malady we run into when spending less than $1,000.

Hisense’s Hi-View Engine PRO chipset brings the kind of picture processing to the table that other manufacturers should be taking notes from. From one frame to the next, the U7N keeps things sharp, colorful, and motion-optimized. Thanks to HDMI 2.1, VRR support, and 4K/144Hz, the U7N is an excellent TV for watching fast-action movies and playing video games. There’s even a PC/Game Mode for maximizing response times and reducing input lag for consoles and gaming PCs. 

Hisense U7N size options include 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch models, and the Google TV OS handles all streaming features and smart TV controls. We’d also like to mention that the 40-watt speaker system isn’t too shabby. While most folks will prefer a soundbar or surround sound configuration, the 2.1-channel audio of the U7N really does hold its own, especially in small to medium-sized viewing spaces.

Hisense U7N (65-inch)
Hisense U7N ULED
The next-best Hisense TV for under $1,000
The Samsung 70-inch Q60D QLED 4K TV against a white background.
Samsung

Samsung Q60D QLED

Pros
  • Delivers a bright and colorful picture
  • Very low input lag
  • Comes in eight sizes
Cons
  • Only a 60Hz refresh rate
  • No local dimming capabilities
  • Picture processing could be better
Specification:
Screen sizes available 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 inches
TV type QLED
HDR support HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
Operating system Tizen OS
Connectivity 4 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet

We get it: Sometimes, you just want to stick with a big, noteworthy brand when it comes to big-ticket tech items like TVs. This is why we’ve decided to include the Samsung Q60D on our list. 

At this point, the company has built up significant fanfare in the TV marketplace, and for a couple of reasons. Samsung TVs, including the Q60D, are known for their brightness, making them a great fit for various room lighting conditions. The Q60D, in particular, excels in brightly lit rooms, making it a versatile choice that accommodates different viewing environments. 

Unfortunately, the Q60D doesn’t have local dimming, though, so it’s not uncommon for black levels to fade in brighter scenes during movies, shows, and video games. The Q60D is capped at 60Hz for its native refresh rate as well, which means it can display up to 60 frames per second. While this may not be the best choice for a die-hard gamer or sports fanatic who may prefer a higher refresh rate for smoother motion, the Q60D does manage to deliver low input lag and includes a built-in Game Mode. 

With the Q60D, you're not limited to a single size. In fact, you’ll have numerous size options to choose from, ranging from a compact 32 inches to a whopping 85 inches. This variety allows you to select the size that best fits your viewing space and preferences. 

SAMSUNG 70-Inch Class QLED 4K Q60D Series Quantum HDR Smart TV w/Object Tracking Sound Lite, Motion Xcelerator, Slim Design, Gaming Hub, Alexa Built-in (QN70Q60D, 2024 Model)
Samsung Q60D QLED
The best Samsung TV under $1,000
2024 TCL Q6 4K QLED TV.
TCL

TCL Q6

Pros
  • Low response time and input lag for gaming
  • Vibrant, saturated picture with vivid colors
  • Supports all HDR standards
Cons
  • Lacks the peak brightness of higher-end models
  • Image degrades at steep viewing angles
Specification:
Screen sizes available 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, 85, 98 inches
TV type QLED
HDR support HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
Operating system Google TV
Connectivity 4 x HDMI 2.0, USB-A, optical, 3.5mm, Ethernet

The TCL Q6 is a great alternative to our favorite budget offering, the Hisense U6N. While it doesn't have the local dimming zones of that alternative, the Q6 is still a stellar TV and very affordable at around $450 for the 65-inch version, and under $300 for the 55-inch in some discount periods. That's a lot of TV for comparatively little money. If you are sticking to a strict budget when upgrading your TV, you can get a great deal with the TCL Q6.

It has a vibrant picture, with great color saturation that makes color-rich content look particularly good, especially in darker rooms. It doesn't have the high brightness of some of the more higher-end TVs on this list, but it gets bright enough to make HDR movies and TV shows look good. It has support for all major HDR standards, too, which is something you won't get on a Samsung or LG TV.

If you're looking for a gaming TV, this one's pretty good too. It doesn't have a high refresh rate, but its low input lag makes sure you aren't held back in competitive games, and the fast response time means high-paced games won't leave ghosting across the screen. That's also useful for sports and other fast action, too.

TCL Q6 65-inch
TCL Q6
Best budget TCL TV under $1,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What size TV can I afford for $1,000?

You'll be able to find a TV as large as 75 inches for under $1,000.

Can I get an OLED TV for less than $1,000?

Yes, but very rarely with deals. OLED TV technology still is primarily available on high-end models that soar beyond the $1,000 mark. But we're starting to see some models dip below a grand.

Do TVs under $1,000 work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri?

Using either Google Home, Fire TV, or an Amazon Echo, you can pair many modern TVs with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Many newer TVs have these options built-in, so you can use them without buying a separate appliance. Unfortunately, no current models of TVs have Siri built-in, so you’ll have to try a workaround. For example, TVs that support AirPlay 2 and HomeKit let you control them by using Siri on an iOS device, such as an iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Mac.

What outputs should TVs under $1,000 have?

The No. 1 thing to consider is HDMI in terms of outputs and inputs. We recommend purchasing a TV with HDMI ARC or eARC, which means your TV audio can stream to an AV receiver or a soundbar. Every TV we’ve included on this list has at least one HDMI ARC port, and most have three total HDMI ports. This means you’ll have plenty of image and audio channels available to connect gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and set-top streaming devices to your system. Getting the latest generation of HDMI is also important for enabling the most recent visual/audio options.

What is the best month to buy a TV?

There are several times in the year that are good for buying a TV. Let's get the obvious out of the way — Black Friday and the surrounding holidays tend to have the best deals for things like TVs, so November and December are clear choices. But if you missed a deal or it ran out of stock, these can also be annoying months to buy. We suggest also looking for deals in January when brands discount in preparation for the Super Bowl, and in April and May, when many TVs go on sale.

Which TV brands last the longest?

With proper care, TVs can last for many years. But Samsung and LG have particularly good reputations for durable TVs that can handle long-term use without developing annoying issues like damaged pixels, while still offering top-notch quality. Check out our excellent post on the best TV brands for more details.

Jon Martindale

Jon Martindale is a freelance evergreen writer and occasional section coordinator, covering how to guides, best-of lists, and explainers to help everyone understand the hottest new hardware and software in desktops, laptops, and on the web. He's also written articles on how to make your PC more efficient for the summer, and how he fixed his backpain with an annoying pop-up app.

Although Jon covers a wide range of topics at DigitalTrends, his particular focus is on PC components and peripherals, keeping our lists of best power supplies and best ergonomic mice up to date, as well as breaking down how to install the latest graphics cards to boost your gaming performance. He's also written gaming performance guides, and made sure that the crypto traders out there are using the best wallets for their digital tokens.

Alongside DigitalTrends, Jon also writers for Forbes, Lifewire, and Microcenter, has authored two novels, and provided back story and dialogue for a handful of games. He's an amateur game developer, and has made a few game prototypes in his spare time -- with a little help from ChatGPT. Jon's also an avid board gamer, getting in regular games of epic tabletop fare like Twilight Imperium and War of the Ring where he can. He's a father to two kids who recently discovered the joys of Pokémon, and keeps his aging French Bulldog cross busy on regular walks.

 

Michael Bizzaco

Michael Bizzaco has been selling, installing, and talking about TVs, soundbars, streaming devices, and all things smart home for the better part of 15 years. He even knows a thing or two about how to fix this stuff when it starts misbehaving (because no tech is perfect!).

Mike has been writing for Digital Trends and several other publications since 2020. Fortunately, he’s still able to write after he got his index finger stuck in a vending machine at the Ramada Inn the summer before fourth grade! From hands-on reviews to best-of roundups, Mike does his best to share his expertise in a friendly and informative way with all readers, and loves staying on top of the latest AV and smart home trends.

When he’s not thanking his father for dislodging his finger from that vile vending machine in New Jersey, Mike enjoys playing guitar, reading, and indulging in horror films with his girlfriend.

The best Google TVs of 2025: Expert picks from Hisense, TCL, and Sony
Hisense U8K vs TCL QM8

Google TV has been around for a minute, and because the platform isn’t exclusive to one TV brand, this means you’ll have plenty of options. Google TV also works similarly and consistently from one TV brand to the next, with features like recommended content, Chromecast, and Google Assistant being mainstays. Where models do tend to differ though is with elements such as picture quality, motion capabilities, and overall performance. Not to worry, though: We’re here to help you dive through the haystack!

All the TVs on our list are backboned by the Google TV operating system, and there's a reason people love it. The stable and robust OS connects you to all your favorite TV shows and movies through the best streaming services from Netflix and Hulu to Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. Google TV also pays attention to your viewing habits, and will curate a home screen packed with content that aligns with the kinds of genres you love most. Let's get started.

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The best Cyber Monday TV deals under $500 from a TV expert
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I've been testing and evaluating TVs for over 12 years, and over that time I've learned that the best advice I can give to anyone shopping for Cyber Monday TV deals is this: Don't buy the biggest, cheapest TV you can find.

Unless the new TV you're about to buy on Cyber Monday is headed to the garage, an R.V., or some other place where the picture quality and longevity of the TV aren't big concerns, you are better off buying a TV you will love for a long time at a great price than simply buying the biggest TV you can find at the lowest price possible. Don't lose sleep over the idea that you're only saving $300 instead of the $400 you could save if you just bought this one admittedly not-so-great TV.

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Huge 4K TVs are up to $1,000 off at Best Buy today
A 65-inch Sony 4K TV with a nature scene on the screen.

It's always a good time to upgrade your home theater, especially when you can take advantage of 4K TV deals. There are a daunting number of options from different manufacturers and retailers, so it's highly recommended that you start with Best Buy TV deals, particularly the brand's Sony TV deals, for high-quality but affordable 4K TVs that you can supplement with soundbar deals for an immersive cinematic experience.

Best Buy is currently selling a pair of Sony 4K TVs with significant price cuts, allowing you to get more and stay within your budget. The 65-inch Sony X80J 4K TV is $150 off, bringing its price down to $1,000 from its original price of $1,150, while the 77-inch Sony Bravia XR A90J OLED 4K TV is available with a $1,000 discount, lowering its price to $3,500 from its original price of $4,500.
65-inch Sony X80J 4K TV – $1,000, was $1,150

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