Technology advancements have made high-quality 4K televisions much more accessible, even at lower price points. With so many options now available under $650, finding the right model for your needs can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll review the most important features to look for and provide recommendations on the top 7 TVs to consider in this budget-friendly category.
What to Consider When Buying a TV Under $650
When evaluating 4K TVs under $650, keep the following features in mind:
Screen Size
Choose an appropriate screen size for your room dimensions and typical viewing distance. As a general rule of thumb, optimal viewing is at 1.5 to 2 times the diagonal screen size. So for a 55” set, ideal placement would be 8-10 feet away.
Display Resolution
Look for a minimum of 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K Ultra HD). This level of resolution provides incredibly sharp, detailed images that really make content come alive. While 1080p HD is still decent, 4K is noticeably crisper.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDR expands a TV‘s color range, contrast, and brightness capabilities. It renders images more realistically with bolder hues and truly black blacks side-by-side with intensely bright highlights.
Refresh Rate
Measured in Hz, the refresh rate determines how many times per second a TV updates onscreen motion. 120Hz or higher provides the smoothest viewing, especially for sports fans and gamers.
Smart TV Capabilities
Most modern TVs can connect to the internet to access popular streaming platforms and apps. Evaluate which smart systems offer the services you’ll use most.
Audio Quality
While TV speakers have improved, buying a sound bar is recommended for impactful audio. Be sure your chosen model has HDMI ARC or optical output for connecting secondary sound systems.
Keeping these specs and features in mind, let’s explore some stellar sub-$650 options across leading brands.
1. Best Overall: TCL 65” Class 4-Series 4K UHD Smart Android TV
With brilliant 4K Ultra HD picture quality and the user-friendly Google TV smart platform, the TCL 65” 4-Series checks off all the right boxes as a top-rated model under $650.
Here’s a snapshot of the key specs:
- Display: 65" 3840 x 2160 4K UHD resolution
- HDR: HDR10 and hybrid log-gamma (HLG)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Smart System: Google TV with built-in Chromecast
- Audio: 24W total speaker power
- Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB
This 2021 TCL model delivers brilliant clarity and vibrant hues thanks to the combination of 4K resolution and HDR support. The integrated Google TV platform makes it seamless to access 700,000+ movies and shows from apps like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube and more.
For under $650, this Android smart TV supplies exceptional performance that outshines the price tag.
2. Best Budget Option: Insignia 55” F30 Series 4K UHD Fire TV
As Amazon’s house brand, Insignia offers streaming-optimized 4K televisions with Fire TV built right in. This 55-inch F30 model presents a stellar value at just $429.99.
Let’s examine some key specs:
- Display: 55” 3840 x 2160 4K resolution
- HDR: HDR10, HLG
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Smart System: Fire TV OS (Alexa voice control)
- Audio: DTS Studio Sound, up to 80W power
- Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB
For the wallet-friendly price, this Insignia overdelivers on display performance with bright, accurate colors in 4K UHD enhanced by HDR technology. The Fire TV platform grants effortless access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and more streaming giants.
If staying under $500 is key, this capable smart TV should make your short list.
3. Best Curved: Samsung 55” TU8300 Series Curved Crystal UHD 4K HDR Smart TV
Featuring an elegantly arced screen, the Samsung TU8300 presents a uniquely immersive viewing experience. Its Crystal Processor transforms content into lifelike 4K detail bursting with color on the HDR-enabled curved display.
Additional high notes:
- Display: 55" curved 3840 x 2160 resolution
- HDR: HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Smart System: Tizen OS
- Audio: 20W speakers with Dolby Digital Plus
- Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB
Beyond its eye-catching design, Samsung enhances the picture with cutting-edge innovations like 4K AI upscaling. Support for multiple HDR formats ensures outstanding contrast and ultra-nuanced tones.
If you want both wraparound immersion and best-in-class display prowess, this curved stunner delivers.
4. Best for Gaming: Hisense 55" U6 Series Quantum 4K UHD Smart Google TV
Serious console gamers need a TV with specs to keep up with intense action games. The Hisense U6 Series brings its A-game with dedicated gaming features sure to thrill.
Here‘s what gives this TV an edge:
- Display: 55” 3840 x 2160 120Hz Variable Refresh Rate panel
- HDR: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Smart System: Google TV
- Audio: 24W speakers
- Ports: 4 HDMI, 2 USB
This Google TV model pushes 120 frames per second for ultra smooth visuals in 4K clarity. With Dolby Vision IQ adjusting HDR output based on ambient room lighting, graphics stay punchy regardless of conditions.
For responsive, stutter-free gameplay, the Hisense U6 should be on your radar under $650.
5. Most Energy Efficient: Vizio 55” V-Series 4K UHD LED HDR Smart TV
When reducing your energy footprint is key, this ENERGY STAR certified Vizio V-Series television makes an eco-friendly choice. Despite more efficient components, picture quality does not get sacrificed.
Here are the vitals:
- Display: 55” 3840 x 2160 120Hz panel
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz native (120Hz effective)
- Smart System: SmartCast TMZ streaming
- Audio: 20W DTS Virtual:X sound
- Ports: 2 HDMI, 1 USB
Utilizing advanced display techniques like full array backlighting with up to 15 zones of local dimming control, this Vizio achieves remarkable black levels and dazzling peak brightness. Support for Dolby Vision translates to a high dynamic range spectacle.
When world-class 4K Ultra HD and energy savings get equal priority, this Vizio LED Smart TV is specially designed to satisfy both demands.
6. Best Roku TV: TCL 55” 5-Series 4K QLED Dolby Vision HDR Roku Smart TV
If Roku’s acclaimed smart TV platform is your streaming ecosystem of choice, this TCL 5-Series model exhilarates with QLED Quantum Dot display technology and Dolby Vision HDR.
Let‘s explore the specs:
- Display: 55” 3840 x 2160 QLED panel
- HDR: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HLG
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Smart System: Roku TV
- Audio: 15W speakers
- Ports: 3 HDMI, 1 USB
Powered by TCL’s AiPQ Engine driving pixel-level video and audio optimization, this QLED Roku TV renders expanded high dynamic range content with incredible precision. Skin tones appear richer, textures more natural and scenes astonishingly realistic thanks to Quantum Dot technology concentrating brightness.
Streaming aficionados seeking the Roku advantage paired with superb Quantum Color display prowess should move this model to the top of their rankings.
7. Best Picture Performance: Sony 43” X80K LED 4K Ultra HD Smart Google TV
Renowned for supremely accurate color reproduction straight from the source and best-in-industry video processing, Sony TVs excel across use cases from cinematic streaming to console gaming and sports. This 43-inch entry from the 2022 X80K lineup continues that tradition of excellence.
Let‘s analyze the vitals:
- Display: 43" 3840 x 2160 60Hz panel
- HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz native
- Smart System: Google TV
- Audio: 10W speakers
- Ports: 3 HDMI, 2 USB
Sony’s phenomenal X1 4K HDR image processor leverages advanced algorithms to enhance color, contrast and clarity of whatever content gets displayed onscreen. This Google TV integrates seamlessly with other devices and makes personalizing your entertainment a cinch.
For pure picture performance that punches far above its price, this Sony LED Smart TV consistently amazes.
Get the Best Bang for Your Buck
Scoring a top-tier television under $650 has never been more realistic thanks to intense market competition driving rapid innovation. This guide outlines key considerations for choosing a 4K smart TV in your budget that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Focus your search on display size, resolution, HDR competency, smooth motion handling, smart connectivity and audio needs when identifying models that fulfill your wish list.
With any of these stellar 2022 TVs from leading brands, enjoying your favorite movies, shows, sports and video games in mesmerizing 4K Ultra HD gets remarkably affordable.
