Buying a good quality television doesn‘t have to break the bank. With so many options on the market, you can find excellent TVs packed with great features while sticking to a budget.
When shopping for the best TVs under $600, it‘s important to look for key specifications like 4K resolution, high refresh rates, smart connectivity and ample ports. You‘ll also want to consider the display technology used, with LED, QLED and OLED each having their pros and cons.
Brands like TCL, Hisense and Vizio specialize in budget-friendly models that can compete surprisingly well against pricier options. And buying from a major manufacturer means you get the backing of a warranty and customer service when needed.
To help find your perfect affordable television, we’ve compared top-rated models across various sizes from 43-75 inches based on critical factors like image quality, smart functionality, gaming performance and overall value.
Here are our picks for the best TVs under $600 available this year:
Best 55-Inch: TCL Q7 QLED 4K Smart TV
TCL 55-Inch Q7 QLED 4K Smart TV
- Stunning 4K QLED display
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos
- Game Accelerator up to 240Hz VRR
- Full array local dimming zones
- Integrated Google TV smart platform
TCL is renowned for budget-friendly TVs that rival premium models at a fraction of the price. Case in point – the TCL Q7 Series television delivers a gorgeous QLED 4K display with quantum dot technology for over a billion colors.
With Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos support, every movie, TV show and game springs to life. A 120Hz native panel rate plus Game Accelerator boosts up to 240Hz variable refresh rate, while over 200 local dimming zones prevent blotchy blacks.
Built-in Google TV offers quick access to apps like Netflix and Prime Video. Alexa compatibility rounds out the voice control functionality. For flawless 4K streaming and gaming under $600, the TCL Q7 Series is simply unbeatable.
Best 65-Inch: Hisense U6HF Series 4K Fire TV
Hisense 65-Inch U6HF Series 4K Fire TV
- Vibrant 65-inch 4K Ultra HD
- 600-nit peak brightness
- Dolby Vision & HDR10+ support
- Alexa voice assistant built-in
- Smooth streaming and gaming
Stretch your dollar further with this 65-inch Hisense model that looks great and performs even better. ULED technology and quantum dot color produce over a billion hues for true-to-life images.
600 nits peak brightness combined with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support unleashes incredible dynamic range and contrast. A quad-core CPU keeps everything running smoothly whether you’re streaming 4K movies or gaming.
Built on Amazon’s Fire TV platform, Alexa voice control makes operating the TV a breeze. Auto low latency mode also ensures minimal lag time when playing games from a console. For big-time entertainment on a wallet-friendly budget, this Hisense hits the mark.
Best 75-Inch: TCL S4 Series 4K Smart TV
- Extra-large 75-inch 4K panel
- Dolby Vision and HDR10 support
- Hands-free Alexa and AirPlay 2 built-in
- Smooth streaming and Auto Game Mode
- Affordably priced for the size
When going big with a 75-inch TV that feels luxurious but costs less than competitors, this TCL model is a top contender. It delivers 4K Ultra HD resolution across an expansive LED display that’s practically cinematic for movies and sports.
Dolby Vision high dynamic range paired with HDR10 support makes lighting, shadows and colors look downright stunning. Everything from action films to nature documentaries pop with clarity and depth.
Voice control options abound with Amazon Alexa and Apple AirPlay 2 built right in. Auto Game Mode also kicks in when gaming on consoles, reducing input lag for a responsive experience. For big screen immersion on a budget, TCL’s 75-inch stunner delivers in spades.
Best Small 4K TV: Sony X85K 43-Inch Smart TV
Sony 43-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X85K Series
- Beautiful 43-inch 4K HDR display
- Motionflow XR for smooth action
- Exclusive features for PlayStation
- Google TV platform built-in
- Perfect size smaller spaces
Just because it’s compact doesn’t mean this 43-inch Sony 4K television skimps on features or performance. With the power of the brand’s leading X1 processor, everything you watch is upscaled to near-4K with boosted color and clarity.
The Google TV platform grants easy access and voice control over hundreds of apps. Exclusive features also allow PS5 players to get the most out of gaming in 4K HDR. A 120Hz native panel rate makes action smooth and sharp.
For a living room, bedroom or office, the feature-packed Sony X85K Series delivers stunning 4K entertainment and gaming in a space-saving design. The affordable price tag makes this one a total winner.
Best for Gamers: Vizio MQX Series 4K Smart TV
VIZIO 50-inch MQX Series 4K TV
- Gorgeous 4K gaming display
- AMD FreeSync Premium
- Dolby Vision HDR support
- Full array local dimming
- Ultra-low input lag
Smooth visuals and ultra-low lag make all the difference when gaming. That’s why Vizio loaded its MQX Series television with specs to satisfy the most discerning gamers. The 4K display renders stunning graphics, while AMD FreeSync Premium ensures buttery frame rates without tearing or stuttering.
With Dolby Vision HDR support, scenes come alive with expanded contrast and vivid color. Full array local dimming prevents washed-out dark areas too. Auto Game Mode means you can jump right into the action, while Vizio’s IQ processors reduce input delay. For fast and flawless 4K gaming on a budget, it doesn’t get better than this.
What To Look For When Buying a Budget TV
Here are some key factors to evaluate when shopping for the best 4K TVs under $600:
Display Technology – LED TVs are the most affordable, with decent picture quality. QLED models offer better brightness and color at a moderate price point. OLED is top-tier but costs more.
Refresh Rate – Aim for at least 60Hz, but 120Hz provides smoother, more fluid motion for sports, gaming, movies and TV.
Resolution – 4K Ultra HD is the new standard, delivering over 8 million pixels for lifelike clarity and detail. Anything less than 4K isn’t worth buying.
High Dynamic Range – HDR10 and Dolby Vision compatibility dramatically improves contrast, brightness and color. This makes images more true-to-life.
Smart Features – All TVs today offer built-in WiFi and “smart” interfaces. These give you access to apps like Netflix and Prime Video while adding voice control.
When balancing price versus performance on a budget, going with trusted brands like TCL, Vizio, Hisense or Sony ensures you get durable construction, robust features and manufacturer warranties.
Prioritizing screen specifications means you’ll enjoy your TV for years rather than needing an upgrade after just 1 or 2. Finding that sweet spot between size, technology and cost takes some work but yields big rewards down the road.
FAQs About Budget 4K TVs
What is the best TV brand for picture quality?
LG and Sony lead for the best overall picture quality thanks to innovative display technologies like OLED and superior video processing. But TCL and Vizio offer excellent LED TVs with quantum dot QLED panels that rival models costing much more. Hisense also outperforms competitors with comparable specs and often bests big names.
Is a 60 or 120Hz TV better for gaming?
A TV with a 120Hz refresh rate or higher is best for gaming. This allows up to 120 FPS (frames per second) rendering for smoother, lag-free performance with crisp, fluid visuals. It really makes a difference for fast-paced action games.
What resolution is best for a 55-inch TV?
4K Ultra HD (2160p) is the best resolution for a 55-inch television. You’ll be sitting close enough to appreciate the enhanced clarity and detail that 8+ million pixels provide over 1080p HD. Most content is shot in 4K now too, so choosing this resolution future-proofs your investment.
Is it worth buying extended warranty on a budget TV?
Buying extended warranty coverage is a personal decision based on how risk averse you are. Budget TV components typically aren’t as robust as high-end models. But manufacturers usually provide a 1-2 year warranty covering defects. If you can afford to replace a TV after a few years, extended warranties may not offer enough extra value.
Is there a big difference between 60Hz and 120Hz TVs?
For most content like movies and TV shows, 60Hz is sufficient. But fast motion sports and gaming benefit greatly from 120Hz with smoother rendering and lower input lag. Ultimately the difference comes down to your intended usage. Casual viewers don’t gain much moving to 120Hz. Gamers and sports fans see a substantial boost.
When choosing a TV under $600, concentrating on core specs like resolution, refresh rate, HDR support and smart capability gets you the biggest bang for your buck. Brand reputation counts too – companies like TCL and Vizio excel at delivering advanced features at wallet-friendly prices.
Focusing less on extras likes thin bezels or aesthetics and more on performance ensures you’ll enjoy many years of glorious high-definition entertainment.