The best TVs under $400 let you do more than just watch a show. Smart TVs connect you to the internet for movie streaming and gameplay. You can also connect smart TVs to other devices, turning your TV into your home’s technology center.
For example, connect Alexa or a similar device and then use your TV to update your grocery shopping list. Or get notifications from your washing machine when your clothes are ready to transfer to the dryer. In addition, smart TVs make it easy to control your home devices from your couch.
Here are our top-ranked TVs under $400 to make your purchasing decision more straightforward:
- Best Overall: SAMSUNG 43-Inch Class Crystal
- Best Runner-Up: Amazon Fire TV 43″ Omni Series
- Best Smart Functionality: Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series
- Best All-in-One System: SAMSUNG 43″ M70B Series
- Best 55-inch TV: VIZIO 55-Inch V-Series
Best Overall: SAMSUNG 43-Inch Class Crystal
- Crystal UHD delivers very clear and crisp picture
- Features Samsung’s motion Xcelerator to display fast-moving actions perfectly
- Comes with voice-assistants built-in
- Ultra-thin sleek design
The ultra-thin design of its AirSlim profile makes this Samsung 43” TV blend in with your furnishings. Add a rotating visual art display, and you’ve got built-in wall art.
But a sleek and slim design isn’t the best part about the best overall TV under $400. The Crystal processor 4K shows you details with fantastic clarity. So, it’s almost like being at the theater but from the comfort of your couch!
The High Dynamic Range (HDR) video format opens a world of vividly bright colors that new films offer. So, you can enjoy movies like Avatar with the brilliance you saw on the big screen. If you’re streaming HDR content, this TV will show it in exciting detail.
In addition, the Motion Xcelerator format lets you watch fast-paced action with minimized blur. Motion clarity gets enhanced too, which gamers and sports lovers appreciate.
Another great feature of the Samsung 43” TV is that you can mirror your phone or tablet to it with just one tap. So, you can keep watching a show you’d like to see on a bigger viewing screen.
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Specs
| Screen Size | 43” |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Smart Features | Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth |
| HDR | Yes |
Best Runner-Up: Amazon Fire TV 43″ Omni Series
- Supports vivid 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus
- Delivers a clearer and more vibrant picture with brighter colors
- Features built-in microphones
Get the 43” version of Amazon’s Fire TV Omni Series for under $400, or pay just a little more and get the 50”. This version supports 4K entertainment content with 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, and HLG. But it won’t support Dolby Digital Plus, so you’ll have to look into the 65” and 75” versions.
The TV is hands-free with Alexa, so there’s no need to worry if you lose the remote. Instead, built-in microphones hear you ask to turn the TV on. Then, speak your content choices aloud to find and launch your favorite shows. No remote, no problem.
Fire TVs regularly add new Alexa skills and smart home functionality, so you’ll get the latest capabilities. At the same time, Amazon knows your privacy is important. So, the TV has privacy controls. You can even electronically disconnect the microphones.
On the other hand, if you’d like to add an Alexa Communications-compatible webcam, you can turn this TV into a two-way video calling system. So, you can talk to family in another state and see them in detail, with no more blurry video calls.
Three HDMI inputs connect you to video game consoles and cable or satellite. And the HDMI eARC makes for enhanced sound when you add your audio equipment. Amazon’s Omni Series TVs are excellent in home theater settings. That’s where they really shine!
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Specs
| Screen Size | 43” |
| Resolution | 4K UHD |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Smart Features | TV Voice Control, Alexa |
| HDR | 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG |
Best Smart Functionality: Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- Dolby Digital Plus with passthrough of Dolby-encoded audio
- 4K UHD display resolution
- Support for HDR 10 and HLG
Amazon’s 4-Series Smart TVs work overtime to make viewing your selected content easy. That’s why you’ll find this 50” model on two of our best TV lists! In fact, it has topped our list of the best TVs under $300 that you can buy today.
It lacks some of the Omni Series bells and whistles, so you can’t access video calling or get TV voice control. But you won’t miss what you’ve never had. This TV is perfect for someone on a budget who desires a responsive and easy-to-use interface.
You get easy access to all your favorite streaming apps from user-friendly screens. Then, you can view HDR-supported content in HLG and HDR10 formats. This TV is impressive for everyday 4K viewing entertainment.
Check out this product on Amazon.
Specs
| Screen Size | 50” |
| Resolution | 4K UHD |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Smart Features | Fire Tv, Amazon, Alexa, Amazon Instant Video |
| HDR | HDR10, HLG |
Best All-in-One System: SAMSUNG 43″ M70B Series
- Features Workmode (lets you remotely access another PC, use Microsoft 365 programs, and connect to Samsung mobile devices with Samsung DeX)
- SlimFit camera
- AirPlay integration
Samsung is taking this Smart Monitor M7 to the next home entertainment level! It does almost everything your PC does without being connected to it. A vast screen to edit documents? Yes, please! Content, video call, and productivity apps are built in, so you’re ready to go.
Watch your favorite streaming content in 4K HDR. Or use Samsung TV Plus for free live TV content. However you like to watch it, this TV does it.
In Workmode, you gain remote access to another PC and can use Microsoft 365 programs. But it gets even better when you connect Samsung mobile devices. Then, you have seamless working across all platforms.
Use the SlimFit camera for quick and easy video calls. Or cover it up if you want. You can even fully detach it if privacy concerns are your thing.
When we say this monitor is an all-in-one resource, we mean it. Because it also acts as your IoT Hub. So, you can turn on lights, raise window shades or set your thermostat with the Smart Monitor. Connect Apple devices to mirror websites, apps, and docs. You have everything you need to work, watch, and video chat.
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Specs
| Screen Size | 43” |
| Resolution | 4K |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Smart Features | Bixby, Alexa, Google Duo, Far Field Voice |
| HDR | Yes |
Best 55-inch TV: VIZIO 55-Inch V-Series
- IQ Active Processor (intelligent 4K upscaling engine)
- 4K Ultra HD
- Active pixel tuning (intelligent pixel-level brightness adjustments)
This full array backlit LED TV offers excellent picture quality in one of the best TVs under $400 you can buy today. You may be surprised by some of the great TVs we’re featuring at such affordable prices. And this Vizio is another great performer with a nice-sized screen.
One feature we found appealing is Bluetooth connectivity. Pair your headphones to watch a funny movie, even when your toddler is sleeping in the other room. Your howls of laughter might wake them, but the TV won’t!
The Voice Remote lets you find your favorite shows without scrolling. Tell the remote to find the latest blockbuster hit, then grab some popcorn and kick up your feet. You’re ready for an evening at the movies right from your comfy couch.
And if you lose the remote, don’t worry. Vizio’s app has you covered, so you can still access screens and selections from your smartphone or tablet. You can also easily mirror or cast from that phone or tablet, too. As a result, you’re in control of what’s on the big screen.
Check out this product on Amazon.
Specs
| Screen Size | 55” |
| Resolution | 4K UHD |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Smart Features | Alexa, Bluetooth, Voice Remote, Apple Home, Google Home |
| HDR | Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 |
How to Pick the Best TV Under $400: Step-by-Step
When choosing the best TV under $400, there are five primary considerations (after price) for most buyers.
- Screen Size
- Image Resolution
- Refresh Rate
- Smart Features
- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Let’s review each feature in more detail.
Screen Size
When buying a TV for under $400, you want to keep your room size in mind. First, the room’s size helps you determine your best viewing distance. Next, consider how many people will watch TV (or be gaming) simultaneously.
Screen sizes range from 24 to 65 inches in the under $400 category. TVs with 50-55 inch screens fit most living rooms well. Of course, a larger space requires a larger screen. But, then, you need to consider the next feature.
Image Resolution
A TV’s image resolution makes a big difference in your viewing enjoyment. More pixels equate to more image detail. So, you’ll get a sharper and clearer picture. TVs under $400 have three configurations for screen resolution:
- 720P (High Definition — HD)
- ~One million pixels
- Older TVs
- New TVs with 32-inch screens and smaller
- 1080 (Full High Definition — FHD)
- ~Two million pixels
- 32 to 49-inch screens
- 4K (Ultra High Definition — UHD)
- ~8 million pixels: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels
- 50-inch screens and larger (sometimes smaller screens, too)
You’ll get a better viewing experience on larger screen sizes when you also have a higher resolution. So, 4K is an excellent choice for screens over 43 inches. In fact, most TVs over 50 inches are 4K these days. Lower resolution works perfectly fine for smaller screen sizes.
Refresh Rate
The number of times per second a smart TV creates (or refreshes) a new screen image is called the refresh rate. You’ll find refresh rates defined in Hertz (Hz).
A 60Hz refresh rate means the screen image is created 60 times per second. And a 120Hz refresh rate is double that at 120 times per second.
You’ll get a better picture the more images a TV can show per second. As a result, images appear smoother without flickering or stuttering, as in old-time black-and-white movies.
Smart Features
Smart TVs under $400 are solid investments for app access like Netflix and Hulu without relying on cable services. Your compatibility requirements may differ from your neighbor’s, so select the TV based on the services you currently use.
- Alexa
- Google Assistant
- Apple AirPlay
- Chromecast
- Bixby
- Apple HomeKit
- Fire TV
High Dynamic Range (HDR) on TVs Under $400
High Dynamic Range (HDR) video formats are one of TV technology’s best advances. Viewers experience enhanced image and screen quality from the more comprehensive color range with brighter highlights and more contrast.
Remember that you won’t see any benefits unless you watch HDR content. Many streaming services have HDR content, and so do Xbox and PlayStation games.
But you’ll notice deeper and richer colors when the content you’re watching supports HDR. But, of course, TVs under $400 will look different than ones you’d spend thousands of dollars on, so don’t expect the heavens to open on a smaller budget.
Your eyes notice better contrast ratios and accurate colors on your TV screen more than they notice higher resolution. As a result, greater contrasts look more natural and authentic to many viewers.
What to Know Before Buying TVs Under $400
Before buying a TV for under $400, ensure you have the correct screen size for your room. No one wants the tiny 14-inch plasma TV like Michael from The Office. No bragging rights exist in something that small, no matter how good a picture it gets.
The TV size and the resolution, color, and contrast are essential. Your TV’s contrast ratio comes from the luminance of the brightest white and darkest black levels. So, the higher your TV’s contrast ratio, the better it will display deep black tones. And that means you can watch movies in a dark room and still have a quality viewing image.
Contrast is a primary component of your TV screen’s quality. It makes dark scenes easier to see and enjoy. And it makes your viewing experience in a darkened room better, too.
Think about your room size and the sound quality. Will you add a soundbar? Or does the TV have an adequate sound system? We’ve included excellent choices in our list of the best TVs under $400 you can buy today, so we’ve essentially done the homework for you.
Using TVs Under $400: What it’s Like
There’s nothing quite like watching your favorite movie from your couch. You can pop up a bowl of corn AND enjoy a pint of Ben & Jerry’s with no one to judge you for having two movie treats.
Affordable TVs under $400 let you enjoy shows at home without breaking the budget. So, that’s a win for everyone. In addition, with the Smart features available, you can stream shows and movies. Or, cast vacation videos from your smartphone. It’s the new and improved family slide show night!
So, choose one of these excellent TV models and make some new viewing memories. Or, if you’re still checking out different sizes and price ranges, check out the guide to the best 50-inch TVs you can buy today.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©VasiliyBudarin/Shutterstock.com.
