You’ve surely seen the prices of 4K TVs coming down. It’s now more or less the case that any TV you see a good deal on will be a 4K model. That’s certainly great news for anyone who wants to get a 4K TV, but it also means that you can get 1080p and HD TVs at even lower prices. With that smorgasbord of affordable TVs in front of you, it’s not a bad idea to think about snagging a game-worthy display to enjoy your favorite console or PC game titles across a big screen.Not all of the budget TVs you come across are going equally suited to gaming, though. If you just pick up any budget TV, you might find that it introduces heavy input lag that can make a game feel unplayable, or you may see that turning on the TV’s game mode undoes the processing that made its imagery actually look good outside of games. You can forget those worries, though, as we’ve rounded up a variety of TV models at a number of different budget price points that can do the job for your games. And, when you’re not gaming, you can take advantage of all the smarts build in to enjoy streaming content.TL;DR These are the Best Cheap TVs for Gaming:
1. TCL 55″ Class 6 Series Roku Smart TV (2019)
Best Budget TV for Gaming
Screen size: 55″ Resolution: 4K Panel Type: Full-Array QLED HDR Compatibility: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG Peak Brightness: 1,000cd/m2 Local Dimming Zones: 100 Refresh Rate: 60Hz Inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x Composite, 1 x RF
TCL’s 6-Series Roku TVs have been our pick for the best budget TV for a few years now and this latest 2019 edition further cements its position with the addition of quantum dots. Similar to Samsung and Vizio’s technology, the new QLED panel on the TCL 55″ Class 6 Series Roku Smart TV (read our review) affords it some stunning color and a much broader range of contrast.The TCL 55R625 has also seen a few other upgrades including four more local dimming zones bringing up the total to 100. You also now get HLG support, plus one more HDMI 2.0 port that supports ARC. Of course, it’s also Roku-enabled, which means it’s preloaded with the most popular streaming apps in a modern and fast interface. The TCL 55R625 is the best cheap TV for gaming, without a doubt.
2. TCL 32″ Class 3-Series HD Roku Smart TV
Best Ultra Cheap TV for Gaming
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Whats that? Do you want something cheap? Like… really cheap? You give up some screen size (its 32 inches), but thats to be expected. However, with the TCL 32″ Class 3-Series HD Roku Smart TV (32S325), you’re also sacrificing resolution with this only HD (720p) display. On TVs 32-inches and smaller, this is pretty common. You can get 1080p in a 32-inch TV, but you have to pay almost twice as much as this TCL set. And unless you sit really close, you wont notice the difference that much. Not on a screen this small.Input lag is only so-so and image quality isnt the greatest. After all, were talking about a TV that costs less than the collectors edition version of some video games. Youre just not going to find super-low input lag and pristine visuals in this price range. As ultra-low-cost TVs go, TCL punches way above its weight here, but be aware of its drawbacks.
3. Hisense 55″ Class H8F Android Smart LED 4K TV
Best Budget 4K TV for Gaming
Screen size: 55″ Resolution: 4K Panel Type: Full-Array LED HDR Compatibility: Dolby Vision, HDR10 Peak Brightness: 700cd/m2 Local Dimming Zones: 60 Refresh Rate: 240Hz Motion Rate Inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x Composite, 1 x RF
The Hisense H8F Android Smart LED 4K TV (55H8F) is a great 4K HDR TV for users looking to spend under $500. It’s not nearly as bright or features as many local dimming zones as our top pick, but it’s a great looking set nonetheless.One other thing the Hisense H8F has going for is it’s an Android TV, so you get the uncut version of Google’s OS for televisions and the ability to download more apps through the Play Store.
4. Vizio 43″ Class V-Series 4K HDR Smart TV
Cheapest 4K TV for Gaming
Screen size: 43″ Resolution: 4K Panel Type: Full-Array LED HDR Compatibility: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLGLocal Dimming Zones: 10 Refresh Rate: 60Hz Inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0 (ARC), 1 x Composite, 1 x RF
For less than $300, the Vizio 43″ Class V-Series 4K HDR Smart TV (V436-G1) is practically the cheapest 4K TV on the market. The 43-inch display delivers a full-resolution 4K experience with 3,840 x 2,160 pixels with 10 local dimming zones. That might not be a lot, but this TV supports it supports three of the major HDR standards (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG).Now, this 4K TV isn’t without its shortcomings and it’s biggest one is it doesn’t get super bright. However, it does get very dar, so to appreciate the HDR effect of this display you’ll have to close the blinds and turn off the lights.
5. TCL 40″ Class 3-Series FHD Roku Smart TV
Best Budget 1080p TV for Gaming
Screen size: 40″ Resolution: Full HD Panel Type: Direct LED HDR Compatibility: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG Peak Brightness: 200cd/m2 Refresh Rate: 120Hz Clear Motion Index Inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x Composite, 1 x RF
A quick glance at the list shows quite a few entries from TCL, but it’s because the company makes excellent TVs at even better prices. As a 40-inch, 1080p set, the TCL 40″ Class 3-Series FHD Roku Smart TV (40S325) is no exception.If you don’t have an Xbox One X or PS4 Pro, you can do without the 4K HDR, and 40-inches is a great size for bedrooms, dorm rooms, or anywhere else you want to stick one. It has Roku’s streaming software built-in, just like its bigger siblings. If you want cheap but don’t need 4K, this one is perfect for gaming and streaming media.
6. Toshiba 43″ Class 4K Smart LED TV Fire TV Edition
Best Budget 1080p HDR TV
Screen size: 43″ Resolution: 4K Panel Type: LED HDR Compatibility: Dolby Vision Refresh Rate: 60Hz Inputs: 3 x HDMI, 1 x RF
The Toshiba 43″ Class 4K Smart LED TV Fire TV Edition (43LF711U20) has a lot of features for only $250. You can also find it on sale on Amazon frequently, making it an even cheaper option for your gaming needs. What’s more impressive about this budget set is it’s one of the few 1080p displays that features support for HDR and Dolby Vision no less.Built-in Fire TV functionality is another nice feature, especially if you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber. If you have a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X, this is a great choice for your 4K gaming needs on the cheap.
7. Samsung 32″ Class Q50R QLED Smart 4K TV
Best Budget QLED 4K TV for Gaming
Screen size: 32″ Resolution: 4K Panel Type: Full-Array QLED HDR Compatibility: HDR10+ HDR10, HLG Refresh Rate: 120Hz Motion Rate Inputs: 3 x HDMI, 1 x Component, 1 x RCA Audio, 1 x RF, 1 x Optical Audio Out
Samsung QLED technology does an amazing job of giving you nearly the same black levels and viewing angles of an OLED screen and a peak brightness only an LCD can produce. Normally this level of image quality is very expensive, but the Samsung 32″ Class Q50R QLED Smart 4K TV (QN32Q50RAFXZA) only costs $500 and it’s the cheapest QLED TV you can buy today.Now you’re sacrificing on screen size with only a 32-inch TV, but this is a QLED TV through and through. You get the same QLED dimming technology, plus support for HDR10(+), and HLG. If you live in a small space or only need this much screen for your bedroom, the Samsung Q50R is a must get 4K TV.
8. LG 65″ Class UM6900 4K Smart UHD TV
Best Budget Big Screen TV for Gaming
Screen size: 65″ Resolution: 4K Panel Type: Direct LED IPS HDR Compatibility: HDR10, HLG Refresh Rate: 120Hz TruMotion Inputs: 3 x HDMI, 1 x Composite, 1 x RCA Analog Audio, 1 x RF
Staying on a budget doesn’t mean you have to shirk from big-screen experiences. The LG 65″ Class UM6900 4K Smart UHD TV (65UM6900PUA) is an entry-level 4K screen that’s big on screen size with its big 65-inch panel. It uses an IPS 4K panel so it’s a lot like a big 4K gaming monitor, so you can expect wide viewing angles and great color from this display.Unfortunately, it does support HDR or have local dimming zones, so contrast isn’t its great strength and it doesn’t get very bright. However, since it does act more like a gaming monitor the input lag is outstandingly low, which means it’s great for gaming.
9. Vizio 65″ Class M-Series Quantum 4K HDR Smart TV
Local Dimming at a Bargain
Screen size: 65″ Resolution: 4K Panel Type: Full-Array Local Dimming HDR Compatibility: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG Peak Brightness: 600cd/m2 Local Dimming Zones: 90 Refresh Rate: 120Hz Inputs: 4 x HDMI 2.0 (1 x ARC), 1 x Composite, 1 x Coaxial cable, 1 x Audio out (L/R), 1 x Optical Audio Out, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x USB
Vizio has long offered affordable displays, and some of its higher series have matched that affordability with an extra helping of quality. That’s the case here with the Vizio M658-G1, which delivers not just a 4K picture but one backed by 90 local dimming zones for improved contrast ratios and support for multiple HDR standards.This TV offers a big, bright display that will make enjoying content easy, especially with its built-in wireless connection and Chromecast feature. When it’s time to game, you can connect consoles new and old, as it includes legacy composite connections as well as modern, HDMI 2.0 ports.
10. Samsung 43″ Class RU7100 Smart 4K TV
Best Budget Smart 4K TV for Gaming
Screen size: 43″ Resolution: 4K Panel Type: Edge-Lit LED HDR Compatibility: HDR10+, HDR10, HLG Refresh Rate: 120Hz Motion Rate Inputs: 3 x HDMI 2.0 (ARC), 1 x Composite, 1 x Component, 1 x Optical Audio Out, 1 x RF
The 43-inch model in Samsung’s excellent UHD 7-series serves up 4K HDR content in a thin package. Despite costing less than $350, this TV comes in a thin package on par with more expensive displays. The Samsung 43″ Class RU7100 Smart 4K TV (UN43RU7100FXZA) utilizes a VA panel with some extremely dark blacksUnfortunately, this TV doesn’t sport any form of local dimming zones, but rather UHD dimming that does a fine enough job of fine-tuning the brightness of the display, but it won’t display the same expansive levels of contrast as pricier 4K TVs. The good news is the Samsung 43″ Class RU7100 Smart 4K TV features remarkably low input lag.
What to look for in a Budget Gaming TV
When shopping for a budget gaming TV, expect to make some sacrifices. To stay on a budget under $700 or $500, don’t expect to see too many quality screens bigger than 55-inches. You can also basically forget about OLED, as the screen technology demands a premium of $2,000 and up.There are two ways of going about buying a budget gaming TV: get a big screen with poor image quality or a good quality screen that might be smaller than you want.
I highly suggest going with the latter route as your TV might only be 43-inches, but if it’s 4K in resolution and produces accurate colors, you can always sit closer to the screen to remedy its small size.
Having a big screen might be nice, but if it has muted blacks and an off-putting color cast, no amount of distance is going to fix the way it looks. And you certainly can’t fix a poor quality display panel on your own.
To 4K or not to 4K
Its worth taking a moment to discuss whether or not you should buy a 4K TV. Even if you only have a console capable of 1080p gaming (a PS4 Slim or Xbox One S), there are a couple of benefits to buying a 4K TV.First, theres High-Dynamic Range (HDR), a feature found almost exclusively in 4K TVs. However, that’s not to say all 4K TVs support HDR. Instead, you should look for budget models featuring a peak brightness above 300 nits to get the full HDR effect.
Increasingly, games are starting to support HDR on the PS4 Slim and Xbox One S, and it can make a big difference in image quality. These games will look a lot better on a 4K TV with HDR support than on a 1080p TV without it.
Second, you’re running out of options anyway. If you’ve been shopping for a new TV anytime in the last year, you’ve probably noticed HD sets aren’t the dominant force in TVs they used to be. You’re hard-pressed to find a new TV bigger than 49-inches in 1080p.
Manufacturers and consumers to have already moved on. If you do a quick search of 55-inch TVs on Amazon, you’re going to find the results are overwhelmingly 4K. That almost sounds concerning, but the prices on 4K TVs have come down much more dramatically, and in a much shorter time, than similarly-sized televisions during the HD era.
Bargain brands like Vizio and TCL have helped push the price of 4K sets down across the board. It’s not hard to find a 55-inch 4K TV with tons of features for less than $400, which is pretty amazing if you look at the historical prices of televisions. As little as 20 years ago, 32-inch CRTs were out of reach of most people. Now a 32-inch TV seems almost quaint.
It’s almost surprising how quickly 4K is taking over. You’ve long been able to get 4K computer monitors, but with the new round of the best graphics cards for gaming, you can now actually take advantage of all those pixels. Gaming laptops, too, are starting to squeeze in those new GPUs, making 4K closer to the norm than the exception. So what’s next for display technology? Why 8K of course.
Black Friday is one of the best, if not THE BEST, time to snatch a 4K TV deal, with retailers like Walmart and Amazon slashing prices to entice you to buy.
