Key Points:
- Our #1 Overall TV under $250 is Samsung UN40N5200AFXZA 40-INCH
- While TVs in this price range are affordable, some have stunning features and will meet the expectations of most buyers.
- Important features to look out for when purchasing TVs under $250 include resolution, connectivity, refresh rate, and screen size.
Finding a budget TV today is easier than ever before. The latest TVs under $250 deliver good picture quality, reasonable audio, and even support basic gaming. Whether you’re cash-strapped or want to upgrade an old TV, or just need a TV for a guest room, you have plenty of options.
Most budget TVs have small screens and won’t take up much space. We have done some research on the best budget TVs within this price range, so you don’t need to look far and wide to find your next TV. Here are the best TVs under $250 that you can buy today.
Buy on Amazon- Regza Engine 4K (Toshiba’s high-performance 4K engine)
- PQ technology combined with a high-quality LCD panel
- 4 times the resolution of Full HD
- Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10
- DTS Virtual
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$161.99Buy On Amazon- Full high-definition resolution
- Features Sports Mode for best sporting experience
- Color automatically adjusts
- HD LCD display
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12/07/2023 01:36 pm GMT
$219.95Buy on Amazon- Full-array LED backlight
- 1080 Full HD resolution
- 60Hz for enhanced motion clarity
- Watch the latest movies and TV shows
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12/07/2023 01:01 pm GMT
Buy on Amazon- Samsung Smart TV with Full HD 1080p
- PurColor, Micro Dimming Pro
- Mini Wall Mount / Vesa Wall Mount Compatible
- SmartThings App support
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Buy on Amazon- 1080p High-Definition Smart TV
- Wi-Fi Connectivity and Mobile App
- Compatible Apple Home Kit
- Alexa and Google Assistant
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History Computer’s Top Picks for the Best TVs Under $250
Best Overall: Samsung UN40N5200AFXZA 40-INCH
- Samsung Smart TV with Full HD 1080p
- PurColor, Micro Dimming Pro
- Mini Wall Mount / Vesa Wall Mount Compatible
- SmartThings App support
When you’re looking for crisp and clear images from a budget TV, you can’t go wrong with the Samsung UN40N5200AFXZA. With a resolution of 1080p, this 40-inch TV has double the resolution of HD TVs and would be a good addition to a bedroom, kitchen, or other small room.
The Samsung UN40N5200AFXZA is a highly versatile gadget. Its smart features enable you to connect to a host of other devices. Should you need to access content from your smartphone, you can wirelessly connect this TV to your phone. It also enables you to access a host of streaming services. The TV comes with built-in Wi-Fi, and accessing content from the internet is a breeze.
This TV is also reasonably connectable. It comes with two HDMI ports, one USB port, and a component video input. And where other TVs in the under $250 price range suffer from audio limitations, the Samsung UN40N5200AFXZA has what is known as DTS Premium Sound, which produces immersive sound. The good sound quality ensures you get the bass you crave, and the dialogue on screen is clear.
To further enhance picture quality, the Samsung UN40N5200AFXZA has the Eco Sensor feature. With this feature, the TV automatically adjusts screen brightness relative to the brightness in a room. This doesn’t only improve visual quality but also ensures that your TV consumes as little energy as possible.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The TV’s Eco sensor ensures great picture quality and energy savings | Limited connectivity options. |
| The TV’s resolution and refresh rate (60Hz) makes for smooth on-screen operations | |
| Built-in Wi-Fi and browser enable internet access |
Best for Connectivity: Westinghouse FHD 43-INCH
- 1080p High-Definition Smart TV
- Wi-Fi Connectivity and Mobile App
- Compatible Apple Home Kit
- Alexa and Google Assistant
If you’re not tech-savvy and want to avoid the hassle of setting up your TV when you bring it home, the Westinghouse FHD 43-INCH is the right TV for you. The TV is easy to set up and has a user-friendly interface making it possible to set up and start watching in minutes. With a 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, this budget TV does justice to your picture quality with a brightness that peaks at 500 Nits.
For connectivity, the Westinghouse FHD 43-INCH is much better than other TVs in the under $250 price range. It has three HDMI ports, two USB 2.0 ports, a VGA port, an Ethernet port, an X RF port, and a digital audio port.
The FHD 43-INCH smart TV also gives you access to a host of streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and many more. With dual-band Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, accessing online content with this TV is easy. Available in black, the TV easily blends in with your home’s decor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy setup and user-friendly interface | The TV has limited viewing angles |
| Highly connectable thanks to a generous provision of ports | |
| Allows voice commands via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa | |
| The TV’s Dolby Audio provides surround system sound quality |
Best Budget Option: Toshiba Class C350 43-Inch
- Regza Engine 4K (Toshiba’s high-performance 4K engine)
- PQ technology combined with a high-quality LCD panel
- 4 times the resolution of Full HD
- Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10
- DTS Virtual
(Please note that as of July 19th, 2023, this product is currently unavailable on Amazon. Please check back later.)
The Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 is a popular television that offers impressive features at an affordable price. At 1080p resolution, the screen provides clear and stunning visuals. Its 60Hz refresh rate makes it ideal for watching sports, action movies, and playing video games. The TV also includes a built-in Fire TV, which allows you to access thousands of streaming channels, like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more.
The TV has three HDMI inputs, which makes it easy to connect your cable box, gaming console, or other devices. It also has a USB input, which lets you transfer apps, files, and music from a USB drive. Some of Toshibas main specs include a quad-core processor that makes it fast and responsive. It has a 178-degree viewing angle, which allows you to see pictures from almost any angle. The television also has DTS Virtual:X, which provides immersive virtual surround sound.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Built-in Fire TV with a range of streaming channels | The sound quality, especially the bass, is wanting |
| Sleek, modern design; looks great in any room | |
| Competitively priced for a 43-inch TV |
Best for Sports: HISENSE A4 SERIES 40-INCH
- Full high-definition resolution
- Features Sports Mode for best sporting experience
- Color automatically adjusts
- HD LCD display
The HISENSE A4 SERIES 40-INCH is a mid-range television that comes packed with a range of features, making it an excellent choice for those who want a high-quality viewing experience. The TV’s built-in Wi-Fi enables you to connect to the Internet and stream content from apps such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
This TV comes with a range of ports, including three HDMI, two USB, and an Ethernet port, allowing you to connect other devices like gaming consoles and Blu-ray players. The TV also features a full HD resolution of 1080p, which delivers stunning picture quality and wide viewing.
The TV has a 60Hz refresh rate and a contrast ratio of 4000:1. It also features two 8-watt speakers that deliver crisp and clear audio quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent picture quality and wide viewing angle | Fewer smart features than higher-end models |
| Built-in Wi-Fi and a range of connectivity options | |
| Affordable price for a gaming TV | |
| Slim design and sleek look |
Best Smart TV: VIZIO 40-Inch Class D-Series
- Full-array LED backlight
- 1080 Full HD resolution
- 60Hz for enhanced motion clarity
- Watch the latest movies and TV shows
The VIZIO 40-Inch Class D-Series is a budget-friendly smart TV that offers an impressive array of features and specs. It offers a full high-definition (FHD) resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 60Hz. The TV also supports HDR10 and HLG for enhanced color and contrast and has a built-in smart platform, VIZIO SmartCast, for streaming content. It also includes a DTS Studio Sound for an immersive audio experience and a full-array LED backlight for consistent picture quality.
The TV’s design is sleek and modern, with slim bezels and a stand that can be adjusted for different viewing angles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly TV | VIZIO SmartCast, may not be as user-friendly as other options. |
| Chromecast built-in | |
| Full-array LED backlight |
How to Pick the Best TVs Under $250: Step by Step
There’s no scarcity of TVs under $250 today and perhaps the only downside for you as a shopper is that you might have a tough time choosing one gadget from another. As a discerning buyer, there are special factors that you need to consider before settling on a product. The most crucial considerations are:
- Price
- Size
- Resolution
- Connectivity
- Panel Technology
- Sound Quality
- Smart Features
Now, let’s look at these features closely.
Price
When shopping for TVs under $250, you may notice TVs from different brands have similar prices. This can make it difficult for you to pick a model. If, for example, you saw a TV priced at $190 and another costing $199, how do you decide which one to buy, given the negligible price difference?
While you certainly want to save money, you need to think about a brand’s reputation. Customer reviews are indispensable when you face such a dilemma. Is it possible that the lower-priced product might break down sooner than you expect? Additionally, what kind of customer support do you expect from the manufacturer? Decide whether you want a brand-new TV or a refurbished product. Equally important is the manufacturer’s warranty. Generally, you’re safer in the hands of big brand names as they have proven products and are willing to give extended warranties.
Size
TVs come in a range of sizes. You’ll find 14-inch screens all the way up to 90-inch plus. While a 55-inch TV seems to be the standard today, you need to consider your unique needs. Think about your room size. If you live in a cramped room, the 80-inch TV might dominate the room, and ook out of place. If you’re buying a budget TV for a small guest room that’s rarely used, anything above 32 inches might not be appropriate.
When choosing screen size, consider the distance from which you’ll be viewing the TV. Check the TV for the recommended viewing distances. For example, a 40-inch TV is best viewed from six to seven feet away. The ideal distance increases with screen size.
Resolution
A screen’s resolution also matters when buying a TV. You can choose from Full HD, Ultra HD (4K), and 8K resolution. Each of these has a different number of pixels. The higher the pixels, the sharper and clear the pictures.
High-resolution TVs aren’t that cheap. For TVs in the under $250 range, the highest resolution you could hope for is 4K. You can get an okay TV for this price. If you intend to stream content from sites such as Netflix, you may not enjoy a great viewing experience with a non-4K TV. 4K content is growing, so a 4K TV will serve you well in the future. The bottom line? If you can get a 4K budget TV, go for it.
Connectivity
Gone are the days when a TV was just a gadget for watching the news. Modern TV serves many purposes. The latest models are a complete entertainment and learning center and connect to multiple devices. If you have media stored in USBs, you want a TV that allows you to access such media. Ideally, your TV under $250 should have at least two HDMI ports and several USB ports.
If you’ll want to access media from the Internet, you should look for a TV that has in-built Ethernet and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Such a TV lets you’ll connect your gadget to a host of external devices.
Panel Technology
For the non-tech-savvy person, the terminology used to describe TV panels can get a bit confusing. However, the only real differentiation you need to make today is between LCD and OLED panels. The difference in panel technology determines how a TV is lit, and this influences contrast and, overall, picture quality.
While LCD TVs deliver great picture quality, but they are bulkier and consume more electricity than the slimmer OLEDs. They also have narrow viewing angles, something you should consider when shopping for your next TV.
Sound Quality
One of the negatives of modern smart TVs is their weak sound system. Owing to their thin construction, most TVs hardly have room for quality speakers. Ironically, their great picture quality never has quality audio to match. TV manufacturers often indicate the audio power of their TV in watts. However, this is hardly a true indication of the sound output to expect from your TV. Some TVs can produce good-quality audio, which is good. You can invest in a soundbar to ensure your TV produces the sound quality you want.
Smart Features
A major selling point of modern TVs is they have smart features. If you live in a smart home, buying a smart TV would be a good move. While you might desire to buy a TV with a host of apps, a good number of them may prove worthless. Ideally, you want to get a smart TV that can access content from other devices and allows you to control it remotely. Still, on smart features, you should buy a TV with a simple learning curve.
What to Know Before Buying TVs Under $250
When shopping for a TV under $250, you have the option to buy a brand-new TV or a refurbished one. Many people are skeptical about buying refurbished products, and for good reasons too. With a refurbished TV, you have little or no information on the product’s history. So, you risk saddling yourself with a gadget that could start acting up almost immediately.
Surprisingly, some refurbished TVs could serve you well for a long time. These TVs are generally cheaper than brand-new ones. If you have a tight budget, buying a refurbished TV might be the way to go. It’s possible to find used TVs that are almost as good as new ones. You should specifically look for manufacturer-certified refurbished TVs. Such TVs are likely to be of high quality and in good condition.
We all want to save money when buying a new TV. To get a good product at a reasonable price, avoid buying a newly launched TV. New TVs typically cost more at launch than much later. If you can wait, the TV that costs $400 at launch might cost $250 or less one year later.
You can save money further by buying an older-fashioned TV. TV manufacturers often replace their older products every other year. And the difference between the new model and the preceding version can be minimal. In other words, you can get an older TV that has near-identical features with a new one at a fraction of the price of the new one.
Using TVs under $250: What It’s Like
$250 is enough to get you a decent TV. Some TVs in this price range have good features but are nowhere near the premium models. What you must appreciate, however, is that budget TVs suffer limitations. Most TVs in this price range have smaller screens and are best suited for small rooms. Budget TVs also have lower resolutions. So with a TV under $250, you can expect 1080p or 720p resolution.
If picture quality is crucial for you, you might not get the kind of quality you want with a budget TV. Most people buy the best TVs under $250 as secondary gadgets. Maybe they want a TV to watch in the kitchen or a guestroom. This TV will work fine. However, when it comes to gaming, don’t expect a cheap TV to perform as smoothly as a high-end model. Since most TVs in this range have a refresh rate of 60Hz, you can expect your images to load slowly. Not to mention, some blurring is inevitable. With a TV under $250, you get just enough features for the price.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com.
