Best Cheap Smart Tvs – Top 5 Picks & Review

Imagine this: you’re ready for movie night, popcorn popped, cozy blanket ready. But then you look at your old TV, and it just doesn’t cut it. You want that amazing streaming experience, but the price tags on fancy new smart TVs can make your wallet cry! It’s tough to find a good TV that doesn’t cost a fortune, right? You want all the cool features like apps and internet, but you also want to save money.

That’s where this post comes in! We know it’s confusing to sort through all the choices. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ll break down what makes a “cheap” smart TV actually good. You’ll learn what features are most important and how to spot the best deals without getting ripped off. By the end of this, you’ll feel confident picking a smart TV that fits your budget and your living room.

So, get ready to discover how to upgrade your home entertainment without spending all your savings. Let’s dive into the world of affordable smart TVs and find the perfect one for you!

Our Top 5 Cheap Smart Tvs Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Cheap Smart Tvs Detailed Reviews

1. INSIGNIA 32″ Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV

INSIGNIA 32" Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Free & Live TV

Rating: 8.9/10

The INSIGNIA 32″ Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an affordable and feature-rich smart TV. It brings your favorite shows and movies to life with crisp HD resolution and offers endless entertainment options through the Fire TV platform. Plus, controlling your TV is a breeze with the included Alexa Voice Remote.

What We Like:

  • Enjoy your favorite movies and shows in clear 720p high definition.
  • Effortlessly control your TV, search for content, and switch inputs using just your voice with the Alexa Voice Remote.
  • Access a huge library of streaming content from popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
  • Experience immersive, 3D-like sound with DTS Virtual-X technology.
  • Easily connect a soundbar or AV receiver for enhanced audio with HDMI ARC support.
  • Connect all your devices like game consoles and Blu-ray players with multiple HDMI ports and other versatile connections.
  • Keep young viewers safe with easy-to-use parental controls.
  • This TV is designed to be mounted on the wall, saving you space.
  • The packaging is made from sustainably sourced paper, showing a commitment to the environment.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The 720p resolution is standard HD but not 4K Ultra HD, which might matter for some viewers seeking the absolute sharpest picture.
  • While it has many features, the overall user interface might feel a bit basic compared to some higher-end smart TV platforms.

This INSIGNIA Fire TV delivers a great viewing experience and smart features without breaking the bank. It’s a solid option for bedrooms, kitchens, or anyone wanting a versatile and easy-to-use smart TV.

2. INSIGNIA 24” Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV

INSIGNIA 24” Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Free & Live TV

Rating: 8.7/10

The INSIGNIA 24” Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV is a fantastic addition to any room. It’s a smart TV that brings tons of entertainment right to your fingertips. You can watch your favorite shows, movies, and even play games in clear HD. Plus, it comes with a special remote that lets you talk to Alexa to control everything.

What We Like:

  • The 720p resolution offers a good picture for watching shows and movies.
  • Alexa voice control makes it super easy to find what you want to watch or change channels.
  • You get access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes from popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
  • DTS Virtual-X Sound makes the audio sound like it’s all around you, creating an immersive experience.
  • HDMI ARC support means you can easily connect a soundbar for even better sound without extra wires.
  • It has lots of ports to connect all your devices, like game consoles and Blu-ray players.
  • Parental controls help you manage what your kids can watch.
  • You can hang it on the wall with its VESA mount compatibility.
  • The packaging is made from sustainably sourced paper, which is good for the planet.
  • Insignia offers reliable products at a great price, brought to you by Best Buy.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The 720p resolution is HD, but not Full HD (1080p), so very sharp details might be less noticeable on larger screens.

This Insignia Fire TV is a smart and affordable choice for anyone looking for a versatile entertainment hub.

3. VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: X

VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: X, Alexa Compatibility, Google Cast Built-in, Bluetooth Headphone Capable, (VFD40M-08 New)

Rating: 8.8/10

Get ready for a better viewing experience with the VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV. This TV brings you clear pictures and smart features to make watching your favorite shows and movies even more enjoyable. Its sleek design will also look great in any room.

What We Like:

  • Full HD resolution offers a clear picture with bright colors.
  • VIZIO OS gives you easy access to apps and free channels like WatchFree+.
  • HDR10 support makes movies and games look more detailed, especially with Auto Low Latency Mode for gaming.
  • DTS Virtual: X creates an immersive sound experience without extra speakers.
  • It works with Alexa and Google Cast, so you can control it with your voice and easily stream from your phone.
  • You can connect Bluetooth headphones for private listening.
  • The thin frame design looks modern and fits well in any space.

What Could Be Improved:

  • A VIZIO Account is required for smart TV features, which some users might find an extra step.
  • While Full HD is good, some newer TVs offer even higher resolutions like 4K.

This VIZIO Smart TV is a solid choice for anyone looking for a good balance of picture quality, smart features, and a stylish design at a great value. It’s a TV that offers a lot to enjoy for everyday entertainment.

4. INSIGNIA 50″ Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-50F502NA26)

INSIGNIA 50" Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-50F502NA26)

Rating: 9.0/10

Get ready for amazing movie nights with the INSIGNIA 50″ Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV. This TV brings your favorite shows and movies to life with stunning clarity and vibrant colors. It’s like having a mini theater right in your living room!

What We Like:

  • Stunning 4K Picture: Experience incredible detail with 4K Ultra HD resolution. Everything looks super clear, four times better than regular HD.
  • Vivid Colors and Contrast: High Dynamic Range (HDR10) makes colors pop and gives you deep blacks and bright whites for a more realistic image.
  • All Your Entertainment in One Place: Fire TV gives you easy access to popular apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. You can also stream tons of free movies and shows from apps like Pluto TV.
  • Your Smart Home Hub: Control your smart home devices right from your TV. See who’s at the door or adjust your lights easily.
  • Immersive Sound: DTS Studio Sound creates a rich audio experience that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
  • Simple Setup for Soundbars: HDMI ARC and eARC make it easy to connect your soundbar without extra wires.
  • Plenty of Ways to Connect: With 3 HDMI ports, USB, and other connections, you can hook up all your devices like game consoles and Blu-ray players.
  • Easy Parental Controls: Keep an eye on what your kids are watching with simple controls to block content.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Content Availability: While there’s a lot of content, some apps and features might require subscriptions, and availability can change.

This Insignia Fire TV offers a fantastic viewing experience with plenty of entertainment options and smart features.

5. Hisense 32-Inch Class A4 Series FHD 1080p Smart Fire TV (32A4NF

Hisense 32-Inch Class A4 Series FHD 1080p Smart Fire TV (32A4NF, 2025 Model) - DTS Virtual: X, Slim Bezel Design, Alexa Built in

Rating: 8.6/10

The Hisense 32-Inch Class A4 Series FHD 1080p Smart Fire TV (32A4NF, 2025 Model) brings a bright and clear viewing experience to any room. Its Full HD resolution and Full Array LED backlight make pictures sharp and vibrant. Plus, the DTS Virtual:X sound technology makes movies and shows more immersive, with clear dialogue and realistic surround sound. This TV is also great for gamers, thanks to its Game Mode that reduces lag. You can easily control your entertainment and even ask Alexa for help with everyday tasks.

What We Like:

  • The Full HD 1080p resolution with a Full Array LED backlight creates a very sharp and bright picture.
  • DTS Virtual:X sound delivers clear dialogue and a realistic surround sound experience.
  • Game Mode significantly reduces lag, making gaming much more responsive.
  • Natural Color Enhancer makes colors look more true to life.
  • Alexa is built-in, letting you easily control content and ask for information with just your voice.
  • The slim bezel design looks modern and sleek.

What Could Be Improved:

  • For some users, the 32-inch size might be too small for a primary living room TV.
  • While DTS Virtual:X is good, it might not fully replace a dedicated soundbar for audiophiles.

Overall, the Hisense 32A4NF is a fantastic smart TV for its size and price, offering great picture and sound for everyday entertainment.

Your Guide to Snagging a Smart TV Without Breaking the Bank

Finding a great smart TV doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can get a TV that connects to the internet, streams your favorite shows, and looks good doing it, all while staying within your budget. This guide will help you pick the best cheap smart TV for your needs.

What to Look for in a Cheap Smart TV

When you’re shopping for an affordable smart TV, focus on these important features:

Key Features to Look For
  • Screen Size: Think about the room where the TV will go. A bigger room needs a bigger TV. For smaller spaces, a 32-inch or 43-inch TV is usually a good fit.
  • Resolution: Most budget smart TVs offer Full HD (1080p). Some might even have 4K Ultra HD, which gives you a sharper, clearer picture. Look for 4K if you can, but Full HD is still great for most viewers.
  • Smart Platform: This is what makes your TV “smart.” Popular platforms include Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and Samsung’s Tizen. They all let you download apps for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Roku and Fire TV are known for being easy to use.
  • Connectivity: Make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports to connect your game consoles, Blu-ray players, or soundbars. Wi-Fi is a must for streaming.
  • Refresh Rate: This tells you how smoothly the picture moves. A higher refresh rate (like 60Hz) is better for fast-action scenes in sports or video games. Budget TVs usually have a 60Hz refresh rate.
Important Materials and Build Quality

While you won’t find premium materials in cheap smart TVs, the build quality still matters.

  • Frame: Most budget TVs have plastic frames. Look for a frame that feels sturdy and doesn’t creak.
  • Stand: The TV stand should be stable. Some TVs come with two small feet, while others have a single central stand. Make sure it won’t wobble easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

A few things can make a big difference in your viewing experience, even on a budget.

  • Picture Quality: Colors might not be as vibrant or blacks as deep on cheaper TVs. However, many budget TVs still offer a decent picture for casual viewing.
  • Sound Quality: Built-in TV speakers are often weak. You might want to consider a soundbar later if you want better audio.
  • Smart TV Speed: Some smart platforms can be slow or laggy on cheaper models. Read reviews to see how responsive the smart features are.
  • Remote Control: A simple, easy-to-use remote makes navigating your TV much nicer.
User Experience and Use Cases

Who is a cheap smart TV for? It’s perfect for many people!

  • Casual Viewers: If you mainly watch TV shows, news, and movies, a budget smart TV is a great choice.
  • Second TV: It’s ideal for a bedroom, kitchen, or guest room where you don’t need the absolute best picture.
  • Kids’ Rooms: A more affordable TV is less of a worry if kids are using it.
  • Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Of course, if you want to save money, a cheap smart TV is the way to go.

Buying a smart TV on a budget is smart shopping. By focusing on these key features and understanding what to expect, you can find a TV that brings entertainment into your home without emptying your wallet.


Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Smart TVs

Q: What is the most important thing to look for in a cheap smart TV?

A: The most important thing is the smart platform. Make sure it’s easy to use and has the apps you need for streaming.

Q: Can I watch Netflix on a cheap smart TV?

A: Yes! Most smart TVs, even budget ones, can download apps for popular streaming services like Netflix.

Q: Are cheap smart TVs good for gaming?

A: They can be, but they might not be ideal for serious gamers. Look for a TV with a good refresh rate (60Hz is usually okay) and low input lag if possible.

Q: What does “resolution” mean for a TV?

A: Resolution tells you how many tiny dots (pixels) make up the picture. More pixels mean a sharper, clearer image. Full HD has about 2 million pixels, while 4K has about 8 million.

Q: Do cheap smart TVs have good sound?

A: Usually, the built-in speakers are not very powerful. You might want to get a separate soundbar for better sound.

Q: How do I know if a smart TV’s smart platform is good?

A: Read reviews! People often talk about how fast and easy the smart interface is to use.

Q: What’s the difference between a smart TV and a regular TV?

A: A smart TV connects to the internet and lets you download apps for streaming movies, shows, and music. A regular TV just shows channels from an antenna or cable box.

Q: Should I worry about the materials of a cheap TV?

A: Not too much. Most budget TVs use plastic, which is fine. Just make sure it feels solid and won’t fall over easily.

Q: Can I connect my game console to a cheap smart TV?

A: Yes. Most cheap smart TVs have HDMI ports, which you need to connect game consoles like PlayStation or Xbox.

Q: Is it worth buying a cheap smart TV instead of a more expensive one?

A: It depends on your needs. If you want basic streaming and casual viewing, a cheap smart TV is a great value. If you need the absolute best picture and features, you’ll need to spend more.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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