Many of the best TVs under $1,000 are great choices for most people because they give you the best of both worlds. You’ll get affordable prices that won’t break the bank, especially when compared to the most expensive TVs on the market today, and they’ll also give you solid performance. Of course, you won’t get all the features of a premium monitor, and you may have to make compromises when evaluating a model with the latest tech features, but the current sub-$1,000 offering should cover just about every need and will satisfy serious gaming Gamers and movie buffs.
1. TCL 6-Series Roku TV (2022)
TCL’s 6-Series TVs are known for their combination of stunning picture quality and great value, and the latest iteration of the company’s flagship not only continues that tradition, but improves upon it. The new Series 6, due out in late 2022, offers movie buffs and gamers on a budget a great big-screen option.
In the 6-Series, mini-LED technology enables high brightness, while a layer of quantum dots enhances color rendering, and local dimming across the array produces deep, detailed shadows. The set features Dolby Vision IQ, which ensures high dynamic range images look good in both dark and well-lit environments, and HDR support extends to HDR10+ and HLG.
Gaming capabilities on the 6-Series TV are enabled via a pair of HDMI 2.1 inputs, with built-in support for 120Hz, variable refresh rates (up to 144Hz) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). FreeSync Premium Pro is also supported, making TCL’s flagship an obvious choice for gaming.
A new design (55, 65 and 75-inch models only) with a solid center stand improves the look of the TCL 6-Series, with extremely thin bezels creating a “full frame” effect. Sound quality was a bit disappointing: Dialogue was clear, but there was very little bass, and the overall audio balance was poor. Meanwhile, the TV’s Roku Smart TV interface (also available with Google TV) is one of the cleanest and easy-to-navigate options on the market.
2. Hisense U8H (65 inches)
The main highlight of the U8H series is its mini-LED backlighting, a feature first implemented in rival TCL’s LCD TVs and quickly adopted by Samsung, LG and Sony in their own sets. A major advantage of mini-LEDs is high brightness – something the U8H series easily provides.
But it’s not just the high brightness that impresses the U8H. It uses quantum dot filters to enhance colors, while the 65-inch model’s 504 zones of local dimming deliver deep, detailed blacks. Some backlighting – a typical artifact on LED-backlit TVs with local dimming – can be observed on demanding materials, but this is the exception rather than the norm.
With support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG, the U8H series is ready for any HDR format you stream or feed, and it also features a Filmmaker mode for accurate color in most situations. Another impressive aspect of the U8H is its broad support for next-gen gaming consoles: in addition to a 120Hz display, it also offers Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and FreeSync Premium Pro.
3. Vizio M-Series QX (65-inch)
Vizio’s M-Series QX TVs are the most advanced devices the company has released so far in 2022. A clear focus of the series is gaming performance, with features like 4K/120Hz support, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Freesync Premium Pro onboard.
In addition to gaming, the M-Series QX TVs feature LCD panels with a quantum dot layer for enhanced color, and full-array LED backlighting with local dimming. While they’re not the brightest TVs in Vizio’s lineup — for which you’ll have to step up to the pricier P-series models — the brightness, contrast, and color performance are impressive for a budget TV.
Overall, the M-Series QX strikes a good balance between performance and price. If you’re looking for an affordable, nearly complete package, this M-Series QX model won’t disappoint.
4. LG A2 OLED (55 inches)
LG’s A2 series may be one of the company’s entry-level OLED devices, but that doesn’t mean you’re missing out on a lot. The overall picture quality of the A2 is excellent and will give OLED lovers what they’re looking for.
Gamer-friendly features like a 120Hz display are missing at this price point, and the screen brightness leaves a lot to be desired compared to LG’s boosted OLED. But if you’re looking for affordable, quality equipment for movies and other entertainment, the A2 is a very solid choice.
5. Sony Bravia X90J (55 inches)
For anyone looking for a TV under $1,000, the Sony X90J is one of the best options. Inventory may be low, but there are still 55-inch X90J kits for sale if you act fast.
It has excellent picture quality, thanks in part to the new Cognitive XR processor coming to Sony’s top-of-the-line TVs in 2021, which ensures excellent upscaling and contrast control. The X90J also features the new Google TV Smart platform, with easy setup and extensive app support, plus the benefits of Google Cast from Android devices. There’s also Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio.
Conclusion
At this price point, 4K resolution is a given, but you should also look out for dynamic HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+. You can rest easy knowing that you’re getting direct full-array backlighting, not the cheaper edge-lighting found on budget screens – by and large – and a Smart TV platform that won’t let you throw the remote at the screen in frustration Screen
