The Best Budget Brands for Your Favorite Holiday Movies

BY Jeffrey December 21, 2020

The Holiday Season is loved for many reasons, not the least of which is cozying up on your couch to watch your favorite holiday movie. However, if that well-used TV is starting to show its age, it might be time to look for a new set. While shopping for a new TV can be an overwhelming experience, we’ve got a few pointers to help you get started. Better yet, you don’t need to break the bank for some of the excellent budget options.

Sony, Samsung, and LG might be at the top of the TV food chain, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great (and significantly cheaper)TV from other brands. Budget televisions have seen a rise in popularity over that last few years, bringing solid, quality sets to the public at a fraction of the cost of top-end brands.  While these models don’t come with any premium features, you can still find plenty of television sets that can satisfy all but your most high-tech needs. Here’s a list of the top budget TV brands to help you with your next upgrade.

TCL

One of the world’s fastest growing television companies also produces some of the best budget sets you can buy. Rarely going over $800, TCL is a brand that provides a quality viewing experience that won’t stretch your wallet.

These sets can run as low as $250 for a 50” 4K Smart TV, equipped with Roku integration and features. You’ll also find HDR and Dolby Vision on some of their larger sets, with 65” and even 75” TVs costing well below $1,000, when on sale.

Vizio

Vizio has been a staple TV brand since 2007. Known for being budget friendly, the M Series offers sets from 55” to 70,” with prices ranging from $600 to $1,050. If you’re looking for a big set to fill that space in your living room, Vizio just might have the TV for you.

Vizio also offers Quantum Dot technology with many of their sets. Simliar to LG’s OLED or Samsung’s QLED, Quantum Dot enhances your viewing experience, making images more colorful and crisp.  

LG

One of the few brands to offer both premium and budget lines, LG takes our third spot on most-budget friendly TVs. Sure, some of their OLED sets can run over $10,000 (or $30,000!!), their selection of cheaper sets is nothing to laugh at. These units can run between $500 to $2,000.

LG typically costs the most out of the budget TV lines, but for good reason: they offer some of the best quality picture for their price-range. Additionally, the majority of their units come equipped with AI ThinQ, offering voice-controlled options for all your viewing needs.

Hisence

Hisense might not be as well-known as these other brands, but don’t hold that against them. If you’re looking for a big TV that won’t break your bank, consider Hisense. With many of their largest sets running under $1,000, you can easily find a 70” or 75” TV for the same price as smaller sets from other companies.

They also don’t skimp on features, offering Roku and HDR with many of their units. Equipped with both Alexa and Google Assistant functionality, Hisense offers size, quality, and functionality at a budget-friendly price.

Time to Upgrade?

If you’re looking to purchase a new TV this holiday season, get a head start with our 8 Essential Tips for Buying a New TV.