10 Best Cheap Smart Tvs 2025 in the United States

The TCL 65-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV offers a large 65-inch screen with crisp 4K resolution, providing sharp and detailed images that are great for movies, shows, and casual gaming. It uses an LED display with HDR PRO+ and supports multiple HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, resulting in vibrant colors and improved contrast for a better viewing experience.

The Fire TV platform is built-in, making streaming popular apps and services straightforward and user-friendly, with added convenience features such as Alexa voice control and Apple AirPlay 2. The refresh rate is a standard 60 Hz, suitable for most TV watching but possibly less smooth for fast-paced gaming or sports compared to higher refresh rate models. Nevertheless, it includes features like Game Accelerator 120 and Auto Low Latency Mode to help reduce lag during gaming sessions.

Connectivity options are comprehensive, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and HDMI ports to cover most typical needs. On the audio front, it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, enhancing audio richness and clarity, although built-in speakers in TVs this size may not match dedicated sound systems. Weighing just under 40 pounds with a sleek bezel-less design, this TV is a strong choice for those seeking a large screen with solid smart features and good picture quality without a premium price. Buyers should consider the 60 Hz refresh rate if ultra-smooth motion is a priority.

The Panasonic Z95 Series (2024 Model) 65-inch OLED 4K Ultra HD Smart Fire TV offers an excellent viewing experience with its advanced OLED panel and HCX Pro AI Processor MKII, providing stunning color accuracy and brightness. The 4K resolution ensures sharp picture quality, while support for multiple HDR formats like HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG enhances visual performance by adjusting to room brightness.

The 144Hz refresh rate and Game Mode Extreme make it a great option for gamers, offering smooth and responsive gameplay with features like VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium, and NVIDIA G-SYNC. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and HDMI2.1, ensuring compatibility with various devices and accessories. The built-in Fire TV functionality allows for easy access to streaming services and voice controls with Alexa, adding to the convenience factor.

On the audio front, the integrated 360 Soundscape Pro tuned by Technics with Dolby Atmos provides an immersive sound experience with front-array, upward, and side-firing speakers. This TV might be heavier and bulkier than some other models, weighing 81.8 pounds, which could be a consideration for wall mounting or moving. It offers premium features and may be on the higher end of the price spectrum for 'cheap' smart TVs. For those prioritizing top-notch visual and audio quality and advanced gaming features, this Panasonic model is a strong contender.

The VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV is a solid choice if you're looking for an affordable smart TV with a decent screen size suitable for bedrooms or smaller living rooms. Its 1080p resolution offers better picture clarity than standard HD, and the Full Array LED backlight combined with HDR10 support helps deliver richer colors and more detail, especially in darker scenes. With a 60 Hz refresh rate, it handles everyday TV watching and casual gaming smoothly, although it might not satisfy those wanting very high frame rates for fast-paced gaming.

The built-in smart platform, VIZIO Home, includes easy access to popular apps and hundreds of free channels via WatchFree+, but you will need to create a VIZIO account to use these smart features fully. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Google Cast, and Bluetooth for headphones add convenience for wireless streaming and private listening. Audio quality is enhanced by DTS Virtual:X, which provides a more immersive sound experience than typical budget TVs. The TV’s slim, modern design fits well in most rooms.

The 40-inch size and 1080p resolution might be less impressive compared to more common 4K TVs today, so it's best for users who prioritize affordability over ultra-high resolution. The smart platform, while functional, is more basic compared to competitors like Roku or Amazon Fire TV. This VIZIO model delivers good value for those seeking a straightforward and reliable smart TV experience without breaking the bank.