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The 8 Best 4K TVs Under $1,000 Offer All the Performance You Need

In fact, the picture quality may surprise you.

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Over the past decade, 4K TVs have transitioned from niche premium products for those with unlimited budgets to mainstream. Today, the market is brimming with high-quality TVs with sub-$1,000 price tags — ranging from compact sets that cost below $250 to big-screen options, all the way to utterly stunning OLED TVs. Best of all, 4K content is more popular than ever across streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and YouTube, so there’s plenty of compatible content to make the most of the resolution.

To determine today's best 4K TVs under $1,000, we spent weeks parsing through products from the likes of LG, Samsung, Hisense, and TCL.

The Best 4K TVs Under $1,000

  • 1
    U8H QLED Series 4K TV (55-Inch)

    Best Overall

    Hisense U8H QLED Series 4K TV (55-Inch)

    $974 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    6-Series 4K Smart TV (55-Inch)

    Runner-Up

    TCL 6-Series 4K Smart TV (55-Inch)

    Read more
  • 3
    5-Series 4K TV (55-Inch)

    Best Value

    TCL 5-Series 4K TV (55-Inch)

    Read more
  • 4
    B2 4K OLED TV (55-Inch)

    Best OLED TV

    LG B2 4K OLED TV (55-Inch)

    Read more
  • 5
    Q80C Series 4K TV (50-Inch)

    Best Samsung TV

    Samsung Q80C Series 4K TV (50-Inch)

    Read more


What to Consider

Screen Size

When shopping for a 4K TV on a budget, you can opt for either a model with the largest screen size you can afford or choose one with a smaller screen, better picture quality, and more available features. We focused on 55-inch TVs that offer a good balance between a big screen and an agreeable price.

Making the right call depends on how you plan to use the TV — a larger living room might benefit from a big screen, while a bedroom or a small apartment setup might be better for a TV with a smaller display.

HDR Compatibility

HDR support is essential for any new TV, as enhanced content is available on all streaming services. We suggest you look for TVs that can display today’s leading HDR standards, like Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. There are tons of products that support them.

You should know that Samsung TVs only support an enhanced version of the HDR10 standard, dubbed HDR10+. Enhanced content will treat you to deeper contrast and more dramatic colors. Thankfully, TVs that support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ are also available for less than $1,000.

Local Dimming

TVs with full-array local dimming are usually the ones to go for, as they offer enhanced backlighting management and superior contrast, especially during darker scenes. When it comes to sheer contrast capabilities, remember that OLED TVs are second to none. Their individually backlit pixels switch off to display black, making other onscreen colors more vibrant.

Connectivity and Platform

Wi-Fi connectivity is a standard feature on 4K TVs under $1,000. If you’re an avid gamer who recently bought a high-powered PlayStation or Xbox gaming console, look for TVs with HDMI 2.1 ports to get the most out of your gaming rig. Just be mindful that TVs with HDMI 2.1 and 120-Hz screens for smooth gameplay cost closer to $1,000.

The same goes for platforms that bring access to all streaming services. Depending on your needs, you can choose between products with Google TV or Roku TV — two of the best. On the other hand, Samsung and LG run proprietary Tizen and webOS platforms that are just as feature-rich.

Today’s affordable 4K TVs can also integrate into connected home setups, allowing you to control them with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice commands. There are smart TV platforms with native support for digital assistants, meaning you won’t need a smart speaker or a hub to access the functionality.

Other Bits

When it comes to sound, the under-$1,000 4K TVs deliver an experience that ranges between adequate and passable. Regardless of your choice and budget, we highly recommend you pair your big-ticket purchase with a good sound bar. You can snag a reliable one for less than $100, and the audio improvement it brings over your TV’s onboard speakers will be worth the additional cost.

Now that you’re armed with that info, see below for the best 4K TVs under $1,000.

1
Best Overall

Hisense U8H QLED Series 4K TV (55-Inch)

U8H QLED Series 4K TV (55-Inch)
1
Best Overall

Hisense U8H QLED Series 4K TV (55-Inch)

$974 at Amazon$648 at Walmart$648 at Walmart
Pros
  • Bright and vibrant display panel
  • Supports all HDR formats
  • Excellent set of connectivity features
Cons
  • Wider viewing angles impact the picture quality

With a sleek design, fantastic picture quality that can compete with pricier products, and a feature-rich Google TV platform, the Hisense U8H Series is the best 4K TV under $1,000 for most consumers. An expert from RTINGS.com rightfully concluded that the product “delivers incredible performance for the price, significantly outperforming any other TV in its price range.”

The mini-LED display panel of the U8H produces outstanding maximum brightness with standard and HDR-enhanced content, making it perfectly suitable for bright spaces.

More than 300 local dimming zones allow the TV to deliver deep contrast that belies its sticker. Remarkably, the product is compatible with all HDR standards. It’s also ideal for bringing the best out of today’s high-powered gaming consoles.

It’s worth noting that a sub-$1,000 budget will get you 55- and 65-inch versions of the TV. Bigger-screen options with a 75-inch panel cost above $1,000, though it's still an amazing value. The 55-inch U7H TV is a solid and cheaper Hisense alternative with lower maximum screen brightness.

More: A Guide to the Best OLED TVs

Key Specs

Maximum Refresh Rate120 Hz
HDRDolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+
Local Dimming Yes
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.0, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB ports
OtherGoogle TV platform, 2-year warranty
2
Runner-Up

TCL 6-Series 4K Smart TV (55-Inch)

6-Series 4K Smart TV (55-Inch)
2
Runner-Up

TCL 6-Series 4K Smart TV (55-Inch)

Pros
  • Excellent picture quality
  • Superb gaming performance
  • Excellent set of connectivity features
Cons
  • Wider viewing angles impact the picture quality

The TCL 6-Series 4K TV is the most formidable alternative to the Hisense above. It trades a lower maximum brightness for a sleeker design with a sturdy metal base in the middle, a more minimalist remote, and a higher maximum screen refresh rate. That refresh rate makes the TV a stronger option for gamers looking to eke the best performance out of their high-powered consoles.

The Roku TV product is also compatible with Apple HomeKit and AirPlay streaming. The features make the product a better option for smart home users relying on Apple HomeKit to control their devices. Unlike its Hisense rival, the product also allows you to ditch its remote control for your phone, thanks to a Roku TV mobile app.

Like its Hisense rival, the TCL 6-Series has hundreds of local dimming zones, which allow it to deliver an immersive viewing experience with deep contrast and lifelike colors.

You can order 55- and 65-inch versions of the TCL 6-Series for less than $1,000. A 75-inch variant is also available for $1,500.

Key Specs

Maximum Refresh Rate144 Hz
HDRDolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+
Local DimmingYes
ConnectivityWi-Fi 5, two HDMI 2.1 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB port
OtherRoku TV platform
3
Best Value

TCL 5-Series 4K TV (55-Inch)

5-Series 4K TV (55-Inch)
3
Best Value

TCL 5-Series 4K TV (55-Inch)

Pros
  • Impressive picture quality and HDR performance
  • Intuitive Roku TV platform
  • Bigger screen options still cost below $1,000
Cons
  • Could use a 120-Hz screen

For less than $500, the 55-inch TCL 5-Series 4K TV has a sleek design and picture quality formerly reserved to more expensive sets. Better yet, 65- and 75-inch versions also cost below $1,000, so you can jump to big-screen entertainment without breaking the bank.

TCL’s quantum dot display panel delivers solid brightness and deep contrast via 40 local dimming zones, vibrant colors, and excellent HDR performance. The product’s gaming performance is stellar, but the maximum refresh rate tops out at 60 Hz.

With a rich set of connectivity features and the Roku TV platform on board, the 5-Series offers easy access to all streaming services. Its smart home integration is also on point, thanks to support for Amazon, Apple, and Google voice assistants. The TV ships with Roku’s easy-to-use remote, but you can also control it through the smartphone app if you prefer.

Key Specs

Maximum Refresh Rate60 Hz
HDRDolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+
Local DimmingYes
ConnectivityWi-Fi 5, four HDMI 2.1 ports, USB port
OtherRoku TV platform
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4
Best OLED TV

LG B2 4K OLED TV (55-Inch)

B2 4K OLED TV (55-Inch)
4
Best OLED TV

LG B2 4K OLED TV (55-Inch)

Pros
  • Best-in-class picture quality and contrast
  • Outstanding gaming performance
  • Feature-rich platform
Cons
  • Screen could be brighter

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you can snag the B2 Series 4K OLED TVs from LG — the leading brand in this product category — for less than $1,000.

With millions of individually backlit pixels, it has superior picture quality with deeper contrast and more vibrant colors than any other TV here. LG also delivered outstanding compatibility for gameplay with a console, a computer, or a cloud-based platform.

The pricier B2 Series has a significantly lower maximum brightness than the Hisense U8H. Translation? The cheaper rival might be a more reliable option for spaces with very bright lighting. Still, I’d max out my $1,000 budget on the OLED TV.

Consider the LG A2 series if you’re looking for an OLED TV on a tighter budget. It has a lower maximum refresh rate, but its infinite contrast will make viewing any content feel like a special occasion.

Key Specs

Maximum Refresh Rate120 Hz
HDRDolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
Local DimmingN/A
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, four HDMI 2.1 ports, three USB ports
OtherwebOS platform
5
Best Samsung TV

Samsung Q80C Series 4K TV (50-Inch)

Q80C Series 4K TV (50-Inch)
5
Best Samsung TV

Samsung Q80C Series 4K TV (50-Inch)

Now 20% Off
Pros
  • Bright screen with immersive colors
  • Best-in-class remote control
  • Feature-rich platform
Cons
  • No Dolby Vision support

Samsung’s Q80C Series 4K TV has a minimalist design with a neat cable management setup and an ambient mode for blending into any decor. The product’s remote control is a rock-solid contender for the best in the business. It is sleek, intuitive, and rechargeable via a solar panel or a USB-C port.

Equipped with Samsung’s signature QLED display panels, the Q80C Series TV has excellent picture quality with superb brightness and true-to-life colors. Direct full-array local dimming tech allows the screen to deliver good contrast and a solid HDR experience, except with Dolby Vision-enhanced content. The gaming performance of the TV is also excellent, especially with Xbox consoles.

The Q80C also delivers a good audio experience for a standalone TV, thanks to Dolby Atmos support and object-tracking tech. We still recommend a soundbar to enjoy its great picture quality to the fullest.

A sub-$1,000 budget will get you a 50-inch Samsung Q80C Series. Consider the Q60C Series if you are looking for a lower-priced Samsung TV for larger spaces. You can get up to a 65-inch version for less than $1,000.

Key Specs

Maximum Refresh Rate120 Hz
HDRHDR10+
Local DimmingYes
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, four HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB ports
OtherSamsung Tizen platform
6
Best for Wall Mounting

Samsung The Frame 4K Smart TV (43-Inch)

The Frame 4K Smart TV (43-Inch)
6
Best for Wall Mounting

Samsung The Frame 4K Smart TV (43-Inch)

Pros
  • Beautiful and versatile design
  • Anti-reflective display
  • Showcases photos and art when you’re not watching TV
  • Feature-rich platform
Cons
  • 43-inch version has 60-Hz refresh rate

The Frame by Samsung is a fantastic 4K TV that doubles as a work of art when not in use. With a 43-inch screen (a smaller 32-inch version is also available) and a design that’s ideal for mounting (there will be no wall gap), The Frame is a fantastic option for small spaces. You can even choose its frame finish to match your home decor.

When in Art Mode, The Frame displays photos and iconic art pieces of your choosing. You can shop modern and contemporary works in Samsung’s art store. The TV’s built-in motion and brightness sensors will ensure that the art always looks terrific.

Equipped with a quantum dot display, The Frame 4K delivers excellent picture quality with vibrant colors. Samsung’s Tizen platform will offer access to all streaming services. You can navigate the intuitive interface via a best-in-class solar remote.

Key Specs

Maximum Refresh Rate60 Hz (120 Hz for 55-inch and up)
HDRHDR10+
Local DimmingYes
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI 2.1 port, three HDMI 2.0 ports, two USB ports
OtherSamsung Tizen platform
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7
Most Affordable

Hisense R6 Series 4K TV (43-Inch)

R6 Series 4K TV (43-Inch)
7
Most Affordable

Hisense R6 Series 4K TV (43-Inch)

Pros
  • Intuitive Roku TV platform
  • Good picture quality for the money
Cons
  • No local dimming

The Hisense R6 Series is the most affordable 4K TV worth your attention today. A 43-inch version costs below $250, making the product an impulse buy by 4K TV standards. The 50-inch R6 Series TV costs less than $300, so ditching your big ol’ TV for a UHD-capable one is cheaper than ever.

Despite its low price tag, the R6 Series has Wi-Fi connectivity and the Roku TV platform. In addition to an intuitive interface with easy access to high-quality content, the latter brings smart home integration that’s on par with more expensive 4K TVs.

The 4K LCD panel of the Hisense R6 Series is HDR-compatible, so you can enjoy improved contrast and color reproduction with enhanced content. The display has a modest peak brightness and a 60-Hz maximum refresh rate, but the shortcomings are acceptable given the incredibly affordable price.

Key Specs

Maximum Refresh Rate60 Hz
HDRDolby Vision, HDR10
Local DimmingNo
ConnectivityWi-Fi, three HDMI 2.0 ports, USB port
OtherRoku TV platform
8
Best Amazon Fire TV

Hisense ULED U6 Series 4K Smart TV (50-Inch)

ULED U6 Series 4K Smart TV (50-Inch)
8
Best Amazon Fire TV

Hisense ULED U6 Series 4K Smart TV (50-Inch)

Now 32% Off
Pros
  • Stellar picture quality
  • Intuitive Fire TV platform
  • Supports all HDR formats
Cons
  • Screen refresh rate tops out at 60 Hz

The 50-inch ULED U6 Series by Hisense comes with Amazon’s excellent Fire TV platform. You can operate the TV, search and find content, and control connected home appliances with Amazon Alexa voice commands. Its remote control is the same as the Alexa voice remote that comes with Amazon Fire TV streaming players.

The picture quality and gaming performance of the ULED U6 Series are excellent, especially considering its price range. The TV has a bright display panel with local dimming for immersive colors. Like pricier Hisense TVs, the U6 Series is compatible with all standards for HDR content.

We like the TV’s design, with ultra-slim screen bezels and a cable organizer.

Key Specs

Maximum Refresh Rate60 Hz
HDRDolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+
Local DimmingYes
ConnectivityWi-Fi, Bluetooth, four HDMI 2.0 ports, USB port
OtherAmazon Fire TV platform, 2-year warranty
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