Discover the 5 best TVs under $950 that provide superior viewing experiences without breaking your budget. These high-quality, budget-friendly options boast cutting-edge features, crystal clear displays, and stylish designs at an unbeatable value. Upgrade to premium television viewing with these budget-friendly options now. After conducting a comprehensive evaluation of numerous options, we have determined our rankings for the best TVs priced under $950:
- Best Overall: LG OLED42C2
- Best Picture Quality: Sony XR-55X90K
- Best for Large Rooms: Samsung 75AU8000
- Best Smart Features: Samsung 55Q80B
- Best Value for Money: Hisense 55U8H
$1,076.99Buy Now on Amazon- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels deliver deep blacks and bright colors
- Alpha 9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K automatically adjusts your content to 4K
- Supports Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos
- Game Optimizer mode with NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, and VRR
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12/03/2023 11:15 am GMT
Buy on Amazon- Full array LED contrast with amazing depth and detail
- Intelligent processor delivers intense contrast and natural colors
- Perfect for high-performance PS5 gaming
- HDMI 2.1 with 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM.
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$997.95Buy Now- Crystal processor 4K converts all of your content to 4K
- Motion Xcelerator minimizes blur during fast-moving action
- Supports HDR
- Built-in Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby
- Gaming in 4K at 60Hz
- Black
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12/02/2023 08:56 am GMT
$879.99Buy Now- Mini LED Neo QLED delivers stunning visuals
- 4K upscaling transforms all your content to 4K
- Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Offers four HDMI ports for all of your gaming consoles
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12/02/2023 08:30 am GMT
$1,099.99Buy Now on Amazon- Exclusive ULED technologies
- Quantum dot wide color gamut
- Up to 1500 nits peak brightness
- Dolby Vision HDR picture and Dolby Atmos sound
- Native 120Hz refresh rate
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12/02/2023 09:40 pm GMT
Best Overall: LG OLED42C2
- 8 million self-lit OLED pixels deliver deep blacks and bright colors
- Alpha 9 Gen 5 AI Processor 4K automatically adjusts your content to 4K
- Supports Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos
- Game Optimizer mode with NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium, and VRR
The LG OLED42C2 is an exceptional TV with cutting-edge performance and features. This stunning model has earned its place as one of the best under $950, providing stunning visuals and a fantastic user experience.
The LG OLED42C2’s sleek and contemporary design features ultra-thin bezels and a slim profile to put the screen front and center. This compact 42-inch model offers all of the advantages of its larger 65-inch counterpart at a more budget-friendly price point.
One of the most significant advantages of the LG OLED42C2 is its OLED display, offering superior contrast levels, bright colors, and vibrant hues. This TV can accommodate all kinds of content — from standard-definition shows to Dolby Vision blockbusters — for an immersive and captivating viewing experience no matter what you’re watching.
Another notable improvement of the LG OLED42C2 is its new Alpha a9 Gen 5 processor, which enhances object detail and dynamic tone mapping for even more stunning visuals than before. When combined with LG’s webOS platform version 2.4.18, users enjoy an effortless and intuitive user experience.
The LG OLED42C2 is ideal for gamers, boasting low input lag and quick response times. This guarantees smooth gameplay with minimal lag, keeping you immersed and competitive in your favorite games.
Best Picture Quality: Sony XR-55X90K
- Full array LED contrast with amazing depth and detail
- Intelligent processor delivers intense contrast and natural colors
- Perfect for high-performance PS5 gaming
- HDMI 2.1 with 4K/120, VRR, and ALLM.
The Sony XR-55X90K is an outstanding choice among TVs under $950 due to its advanced technology and performance. Perfect for those seeking an unforgettable home entertainment experience without breaking the bank, this standout model provides excellent value.
Sony’s XR-55X90K stands among the highest tiers of LCD TVs, just below their flagship X95K series. Where these other models boast mini-LED backlighting, this TV boasts a full array of LED backlighting. Furthermore, equipped with features for vibrant HDR images, high contrast images, vibrant color range, and cognitive processing power are just a few of its impressive features.
Even without its flagship counterpart’s X-Wide Angle feature, viewers still experience an excellent viewing experience within a 30-degree viewing angle that easily fits an average sofa’s width – meaning most viewers can appreciate vibrant visuals without issue.
The audio remains clear throughout, while Dolby Atmos soundtracks deliver stunning spatial effects. At the same time, an external soundbar system would likely offer superior audio, its inbuilt speakers more than suffice until that purchase can be made.
Sony’s budget-friendly XR-55X90K TV doesn’t skimp on gaming features! Even its top 120Hz 4K counterparts don’t come close in offering 4K/120Hz video support on two of the four HDMI inputs with a variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), and input lag of only 13.8ms measured with their 4K test meter; thus making this set the perfect companion to Sony’s PS5.
Best for Large Rooms: Samsung AU8000 75-Inches
- Crystal processor 4K converts all of your content to 4K
- Motion Xcelerator minimizes blur during fast-moving action
- Supports HDR
- Built-in Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby
- Gaming in 4K at 60Hz
- Black
Experience unparalleled performance, design, and value with the Samsung AU8000, an ultra-slim 75-inch television that’s sure to become the center of attention in any room. At a price well below expectations, this TV provides an unbeatable viewing experience that’s hard to resist.
The Samsung AU8000’s picture quality is truly remarkable. For its budget-friendly price point, the TV delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp details that captivate any viewer. While occasional brightness limitations or upscaling issues may arise, they are quickly overshadowed by the stunning visuals this TV consistently produces.
Navigating the AU8000 is a breeze with Samsung’s user-friendly smart TV interface. Access all your favorite streaming platforms, apps, and smart home devices in just a few clicks with the remote. Even nontechies can benefit from this user-friendly design to easily take advantage of all features.
The Samsung AU8000’s audio performance can sometimes be described as “dull,” but that should be fine with its overall value. For an enhanced listening experience, consider pairing this TV with a compatible soundbar to take your home entertainment setup to another level.
Compared to the Samsung BU8500 65-inches, the AU8000 75-inches offers a more spacious screen at no additional cost. Those seeking large displays without breaking the bank will find this model ideal.
In conclusion, the Samsung AU8000 75-inch is an incredible TV that far exceeds expectations in its price range. Boasting impressive picture quality, user-friendly smart features, and a sleek design, this TV truly stands out from its peers. While not perfect, this large-screen television provides an unbeatable entertainment experience for those seeking high-quality entertainment on a budget.
Best Smart Features: Samsung 55Q80B
- Mini LED Neo QLED delivers stunning visuals
- 4K upscaling transforms all your content to 4K
- Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Offers four HDMI ports for all of your gaming consoles
Samsung 55Q80B is an impressive QLED TV that combines the brightness of LED with the contrast of OLED for an unparalleled viewing experience. This sleek model is ideal for gamers and movie buffs alike and has impressive features to meet all your home entertainment requirements.
The 55Q80B from Samsung’s Mini LED Neo QLED range offers an exceptional yet budget-friendly alternative. While it may not provide the same black-level performance or HDR precision as higher-priced counterparts, the 55Q80B still delivers stunning visuals that will surely capture your attention.
This Samsung TV offers four high frame rate HDMI inputs to support gaming consoles like Xbox or PlayStation. Its Game Bar adds to the experience by providing quick access to settings and options. Combined with Samsung’s intuitive smart home interface, you’ll find it effortless to navigate streaming platforms and easily access a wealth of content.
One surprising aspect of the Samsung 55Q80B is its impressive audio performance. Despite its slim design, this TV produces a deep and immersive sound that may lead you to consider forgoing a separate soundbar. However, should you wish to enhance your setup, the TV seamlessly integrates with external audio solutions.
Smooth transitions and vibrant colors are the hallmarks of this Samsung TV. Boasting outstanding brightness and contrast levels, the 55Q80B brings your favorite movies and shows to life. Whether watching sports or playing an action-packed game, its motion-handling capabilities guarantee a blur-free experience.
Best Value for Money: Hisense 55U8H
- Exclusive ULED technologies
- Quantum dot wide color gamut
- Up to 1500 nits peak brightness
- Dolby Vision HDR picture and Dolby Atmos sound
- Native 120Hz refresh rate
Hisense’s 55U8H 4K TV offers impressive picture quality and performance at a budget-friendly price point. With mini-LED backlighting technology, it rivals even the best 4K TVs regarding brightness levels, showing you that vibrant HDR experience you crave. Furthermore, local dimming processing reproduces deep shadow details reminiscent of top-tier OLED TVs for even deeper blacks.
Moreover, Hisense 55U8H series’ Quantum Dots technology enhances color range beyond traditional LCD models by offering vibrant, true-to-life hues on screen. Furthermore, this gaming machine has features like 4K 120Hz support and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), making it the ideal companion for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X owners.
Our analysis of the 65-inch Hisense TV revealed that it offers excellent value for its price point. While it may not match high-end OLED TVs in peak brightness, it still appears ahead. With such a competitive price and well-rounded feature set, anyone searching for a new television should seriously consider considering the U8H series.
Take advantage of this incredible 55-inch television from Hisense, boasting a robust feature set despite its affordable price point. Experience the Hisense 55U8H, an affordable yet powerful TV that enhances your viewing experience.
How to Pick the Best TVs Under $950: Step-By-Step
With so many TV under $950 options available, knowing what qualities to look for when deciding is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through an organized process so you can pick the ideal television for your requirements.
Determine Your Budget
Before anything else, set a budget. While this guide focuses on TVs under $950, having an amount in mind helps narrow options and smoother the selection process.
Assess Your Viewing Space
Once you decide where to put the TV, could you take into account its space? Measure the distance between it and the seating area to get an ideal screen size; as a general guideline, divide the viewing distance (in inches) by 1.6 for this calculation. Additionally, consider room layout and lighting conditions when making your decision.
Select the Appropriate Screen Size
Select a screen size that meets your requirements based on your calculations from the previous step. Remember that larger is only sometimes better. Selecting an appropriate TV with suitable dimensions will enhance your viewing experience without overwhelming the room.
Select the Display Type
Televisions come in three primary display types: LED, OLED, and QLED. Each has its advantages and drawbacks; find out more below!
- LED: Cost-effective and energy-saving LED TVs boast excellent picture quality in various screen sizes. However, they may struggle with deep black levels and have limited viewing angles.
- OLED: Popular for their deep blacks and wide viewing angles, OLED TVs deliver stunning picture quality. However, they are more expensive and may experience screen burn-in over time.
- QLED: QLED TVs utilize quantum dots for vibrant colors and high brightness levels. Though less prone to burn-in than OLEDs, QLEDs tend to be more expensive than LED televisions.
Check Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels on a television screen, with higher resolutions offering better picture quality. For TVs under $950, 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) is standard and provides crisp, detailed images suitable for most viewing needs.
Check the Refresh Rate
Refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), indicates how many times the screen refreshes per second. A higher refresh rate reduces motion blur and produces smoother on-screen action. Look for a TV with at least a 60Hz refresh rate; 120Hz would be preferable for fast-paced content like sports or video games.
Look for HDR Compatibility
High Dynamic Range (HDR) digitally enhances color and contrast in images for more realistic visuals. Make sure your TV supports HDR formats like HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HLG; these are becoming increasingly common and can significantly enhance your viewing experience.
Consider Smart TV Features
Smart TVs connect to the internet, enabling them to stream content and access apps. While most TVs under $950 include smart features, their capabilities may differ. Look for a TV with an intuitive user interface and compatibility with popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Examine the Connectivity Options
Ensure your TV has enough HDMI ports to accommodate devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and soundbars. Check for other connectivity options like USB ports, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
What to Know Before Buying the Best TVs Under $950
Before purchasing TVs under $950, it’s essential to understand the features that matter most to you. Start by assessing screen size and resolution; 4K UHD TVs offer sharp images with superior detail, while Full HD may suffice for smaller rooms. Next, consider refresh rate; higher rates provide smoother motion when watching fast-paced content like sports or gaming.
Smart TVs provide access to streaming services, so research the platform and app selection before buying. Look into TVs with built-in soundbars or surround sound support for improved audio quality. Likewise, ensure your devices are compatible with various connectivity options like HDMI and USB ports by testing each.
With thorough research, you can find a TV under $950 that meets your needs while offering excellent value. Choose energy-saving models to reduce electricity bills and compare warranties and customer support provided by various brands. Finally, read user reviews to gain insight into real-life performance and potential issues.
Using the Best TVs Under $950: What It’s Like
TVs under $950 offer an appealing balance between affordability and functionality, providing solid picture quality and essential features ideal for casual viewing or streaming. Although they might not have the latest technology like their more expensive counterparts, these budget-friendly choices still deliver a satisfying entertainment experience. As you explore these budget-friendly choices, there’s a wide range of screen sizes and brands to choose from, ensuring one perfect fit for your space and preferences. So if you need reliable yet cost-effective home entertainment solutions, there are a number of TVs under $950 worth considering.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/haizon.
