In 2012, the first 4K TVs were introduced in the United States by LG and Sony. While 4K TVs have four times more pixels than regular HD TVs providing a better and clearer image, not everyone was willing or able to pay over $20,000 for an 84 inches screen. Fortunately, nowadays, every major TV producer makes at least one 4K TV. Those TVs come in a variety of sizes and prices. 

The best 4K TVs have OLED or QLED displays, a technology that shows darker blacks and more vivid colors than any LED TV. Unfortunately, those TVs are still expensive and, it is still not possible to find a 4K OLED/QLED TV for under $1,000. However, we put together a list of excellent 4K TVs you can buy for less than $1,000.

Key Specifics

Resolution: Your TV is a grid made up of columns and rows of pixels. The more pixels it has, the better the resolution of the screen. HD TVs have a grid of 1920 x 1080 pixels, while 4K TVs have 3840 x 2160 pixels, meaning that 4K TVs have four times the details of an HD TV.

Dimming Zones: 4K TVs with OLED technology can light up and dim each pixel. On the other hand, 4K TVs with LED technology can only dim and light up clusters of pixels. The more dimming zones a TV has, the more clusters of pixels it can control, and the better the image quality will be. 

Refresh Rate: This refers to the number of times per second that the screen refreshes itself. The refresh rate reduces motion blur. The higher the refresh rate is, the better overall image quality the TV will have. 

High Dynamic Range: The HDR helps to produce a more realistic image creating more intense blacks and vivid colors, giving the TV a better contrast ratio. However, keep in mind that HDR relies on HDR-compatible content.

Smart TV: All new 4K TVs have some smart TV platform built-in. They usually work with the most popular smart apps, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and HBO Go. 

The Options

TCL 6-Series (2020)

Sizes: 55″— 75″

Refresh Rate: 120 Hz

HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10

Dolby Atmos: Yes

Smart OS: Roku

The TCL 6-Series is one of the best budgets 4K TVs. The 2020 models feature some meaningful upgrades over the 2019 models. Their Quantum Dot (QLED) panels have been upgraded with mini LED backlights producing a brighter picture with more contrast. This 4K TV is ideal for gamers as it has a new THX-certified gaming mode supporting improved graphics on the next generation of gaming consoles. It also has a popular smart operating system: Roku. The 6-Series supports HDR formats, HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos surround sound.

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TCL 5-Series (2020)

Sizes: 50″ — 75″
Backlight Type: LED
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
Dolby Atmos: No
Smart OS: Roku

The TCL 5-Series is a great line of 4K TVs. They are a more affordable version of its 6-Series. The new 5-Series utilize the Quantum Dot (QLED) panels, but as opposite from the 6-Series, this one lacks the mini-LED backlights. It also has fewer dimming zones, does not support Atmos, and does not have a certified gaming mode.  However, it comes in a smaller size, and it is just under $500.

Vizio M-Series Quantum (2020)

Sizes: 50″ — 65″
Display: LED with Quantum dot technology
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
HDR: HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG
Dolby Atmos: Yes
Smart OS: Smartcast

The M-Series Quantum is Vizio’s mid-range line of 4K TVs. The 2020 versions have integrated with Quantum dot technology, so they’re able to deliver a brighter and more vivid picture than previous versions. They support HDR technologies, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision, like Vizio’s higher-end P-Series Quantum. The main disadvantage to Vizio’s P-Series is that the M-Series Quantum has significantly fewer dimming zones and overall brightness. Something that stands out about this series is that it works with Alexa and Google Assistant and supports AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.

Samsung Q60T QLED (2020)

Sizes: 43″ — 85″
Display: LED with Quantum dot technology
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
HDR: HDR10 and HLG
Dolby Atmos: Yes
Interphase: Tizen

The Samsung Q60T is the company’s most affordable series of QLED 4K TVs. This series has a minimal design.  Something interesting about this series is that it automatically adjusts the backlight’s color depending on what you’re watching, providing a better picture contrast than most 4K TVs in its price range. However, the Samsung Q60T doesn’t support Dolby Vision.

We hope this article helped you in case you want to get a 4K TV without  spending four digits on it.