Looking for a new Vizio 4K TV? The company‘s V Series and M Series are two of their most popular options. But what‘s the difference, and which is better for you?
Don‘t worry, I‘ve compared both lineups in depth. In this guide, I‘ll explain how they stack up on price, design, picture quality, smart features, audio, gaming, and more. My goal is to provide lots of details and recommendations so you can pick the perfect Vizio TV.
Vizio‘s Lineup: V Series vs. M Series Overview
First, let‘s briefly look at how the V Series and M Series fit into Vizio‘s 4K TV lineup:
V Series – Vizio‘s most affordable 4K TV series. Provides essential performance and features for casual streaming and entertainment. Sizes from 43 to 85 inches.
M Series – Vizio‘s step-up mid-range 4K TV offering. Adds more advanced technology for better picture quality and gaming. Sizes from 50 to 85 inches.
P Series – High-end 4K TV lineup with Vizio‘s best picture quality and gaming features. More expensive but includes perks like quantum dot color and thousands of dimming zones.
OLED Series – Vizio‘s premium 4K OLED TV lineup with self-lit pixel technology for stunning image quality. Priced higher but unmatched black levels and contrast.
Both the V Series and M Series use LCD displays with LED backlights, while the P Series and OLED Series upgrade to quantum dots and OLED respectively. All run Vizio‘s SmartCast smart TV software.
Now let‘s dig into how the V Series and M Series differ!
Price and Size Options: M Series Costs More
The V Series and M Series sit at budget and middle price points in Vizio‘s lineup. The M Series costs $100 to $500+ more for any given screen size.
Here‘s a detailed breakdown of Vizio V Series vs. M Series model sizes, prices, and percentiles differences:
| Size | V Series Price | M Series Price | Price Difference | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43" | $339.99 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 50" | $399.99 | $529.99 | $130 | 32% More |
| 55" | $499.99 | $679.99 | $180 | 36% More |
| 58" | $529.99 | $749.99 | $220 | 42% More |
| 65" | $599.99 | $849.99 | $250 | 42% More |
| 70" | $699.99 | $1049.99 | $350 | 50% More |
| 75" | $899.99 | $1349.99 | $450 | 50% More |
| 85" | $1199.99 | $1899.99 | $700 | 58% More |
As you can see, the M Series commands anywhere from 30% to 60% higher prices depending on the screen size. And the price gap widens as you look at larger screen sizes.
It‘s also worth noting that the V Series offers smaller 43", 50", and 58" models not available in the M Series lineup. So the V Series provides more budget options.
But you do get what you pay for in terms of performance and technology…more on that below!
Design and Build: Similar Minimal Styling
The Vizio V Series and M Series share very similar designs and build quality. They both have slim bezels and fairly basic plastic constructions.
V Series models come in a dark graphite plastic casing with widely spaced feet. Bezels are slimmer on the top and sides than on the bottom.
M Series TVs look almost identical, but with metal accents on the feet and back panel ports. Their feet are also spaced closer together compared to V Series models.
Both lineups should hold up fine unless you mount them in risky spots above fireplaces or in direct sunlight. Overall construction seems budget-minded but certainly gets the job done!
In terms of aesthetics, neither lineup aims for a luxury look. But they blend into most rooms well and avoid ostentatious stylings.
Display Technology: M Series Wins on Color, Contrast, and Motion
Now here is where we really start to see differences emerge. The M Series TVs use more advanced display technology for better picture quality.
Key Display Specs:
| V Series | M Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Color Technology | No | Quantum Dot |
| Local Dimming Zones | No | Up to 200 zones |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz effective | Up to 240Hz effective |
Let‘s break this down point by point:
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Resolution – Both lineups offer standard 4K Ultra HD resolution, so no difference here.
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HDR – The M Series adds support for HDR10+ high dynamic range format for scene-by-scene optimization.
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Quantum Dot – M Series TVs feature quantum dot technology for wider color gamuts approaching 100% of DCI-P3. This allows for more accurate and vivid colors.
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Local Dimming – Higher-end M Series models have up to 200 dimming zones that deepen blacks while preventing blooming in bright areas.
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Refresh Rate – M Series screens reach up to 240Hz effective refresh rates (through 120Hz native panels) for smoother motion clarity. V Series tops out at 60Hz effective refresh.
In real-world viewing, the M Series‘ quantum dot color and local dimming make a noticeable difference in picture quality. Scenes look more dynamic with deep contrast and accurate cinematic tones. Fast moving sports and action also stay smooth and clear thanks to the faster refresh rates.
So while both lineups handle basic 4K streaming and entertainment, the M Series better unlocks the full potential of high quality 4K sources. It ultimately provides a superior viewing experience.
Smart Features: Same Vizio SmartCast Platform
When it comes to smart features, the V Series and M Series are on even footing. Both TV lineups run Vizio‘s SmartCast platform.
SmartCast provides access to all popular streaming apps. There are also dedicated hot keys on the remote control for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and other services.
The interface is relatively intuitive and easy to navigate. Content is organized by app and recommendations tailored to your viewing habits. Voice search and built-in Chromecast make it easy to find and play content.
Syncing with other Vizio devices is also a nice perk of SmartCast. For example, you can pair it with Vizio sound bars or smart displays to stream music or transfer playback between rooms.
Overall, SmartCast covers core smart TV needs without going overboard on unnecessary bells and whistles. And since it‘s the same here, smart features don‘t differentiate the V Series and M Series much.
Gaming Performance: M Series Leads with HDMI 2.1 and High Refresh Rates
Gamers should look closely at the gaming capabilities of the V Series versus the M Series. When it comes to gaming, the pricier M Series pulls ahead.
Key Gaming Specs:
| V Series | M Series | |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI 2.1 | No | Yes |
| Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) | No | Yes |
| Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) | No | Yes |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | Up to 240Hz |
The V Series provides a very playable gaming experience. Input lag measures around 10ms, which is fast enough for casual gaming. There‘s also a dedicated game mode to lower latency and optimize settings when detecting a console input.
However, the M Series includes full HDMI 2.1 support for 4K 120Hz gaming, VRR, and ALLM. And with higher refresh rates up to 240Hz at lower resolutions, the M Series displays motion and frames more smoothly.
For next-gen console and PC gamers who want to maximize graphics potential, the M Series is easily the better choice. More casual gamers can still enjoy the V Series though.
Audio Quality: M Series Includes Dedicated Bass Speaker
Let‘s move on to built-in audio. Here the M Series also upgrades the sound experience:
Audio Specs:
| V Series | M Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Speakers | 2 x 10W | 2 x 15W + Bass Speaker |
| Channels | 2.0 | 2.1 |
V Series TVs have a basic 2-channel system with two 10-watt speakers. Sound output is decent but lacks bass and sounds narrow.
M Series models include an additional dedicated bass speaker and more powerful main speakers at 15-watts each. The resulting 2.1-channel system provides louder, fuller audio with stronger low end.
Of course, we still recommend pairing either lineup with a good sound system or sound bar. But if relying on built-in speakers, the M Series gives your movies, games, and music more immersive sound.
Expert Recommendations: Who Should Buy Each Series?
Hopefully by now you have a good sense of how the Vizio V Series and M Series differ. But which one is better for you? Here are my recommendations:
Buy the V Series if:
- You want an affordable entry-level 4K TV with basic streaming features
- Don‘t need top-tier picture quality – the V Series still looks great!
- Prefer smaller 43" to 58" screen sizes not offered in M Series
- Mostly watching cable TV, streaming shows, casual gaming
Buy the M Series if:
- You can spend more for better color, contrast, and motion clarity
- Want a premium viewing experience for movies and immersive gaming
- Care about gaming features like HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM
- Want bigger screen sizes – M Series goes up to 85 inches
- Sound quality matters since it has better built-in audio
In my opinion, the extra cost of the M Series is justified by the improved picture quality and audio. But more budget-focused users are still well served by the solid performance and value of the V Series.
Hope this detailed comparison helps you pick out the perfect Vizio 4K TV. Let me know if you have any other questions!