TCL · 2025 · Mini LED
QM6K QD-Mini LED
55 · 65 · 75 · 85 · 98″
55-inch
$479.99
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By budget
Best TVs under $500
The best picture you can get without crossing the line, ranked by calculated overall score.
A modest budget buys a TV that does the basics well: a sharp 4K picture, a decent smart platform and enough brightness for a lit room. Where budget sets give ground is in contrast, HDR punch and the number of HDMI ports with gaming features. Read each entry for what it trades away, and check the date on the price.
- 01
Why it is here
Calculated overall score of 5.9 out of 10: Mini LED, 650 nits HDR peak measured by TechRadar & Tom's Guide, $479.99 for the 55-inch on 2026-11-09.
- Size shown
- 55″
- Checked Nov 9, 2026 at TCL
- $479.99
- Exact model
- 55QM6K
7 independent measurements on record. - 02
Samsung · 2026 · LED-LCD
Crystal UHD U8000H
43 · 50 · 55 · 58 · 65 · 70 · 75 · 85″
65-inch
$299.99
MOVBRTGMEWhy it is here
Calculated overall score of 4.8 out of 10: LED-LCD, $299.99 for the 65-inch on 2026-11-09.
- Size shown
- 65″
- Checked Nov 9, 2026 at Samsung
- $299.99
- Exact model
- UN65U8000HFXZA
No independent measurements on record yet, so scores lean on published specs.
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Good to know
Questions people ask
What do I give up at this price?
Usually the strongest HDR, sophisticated local dimming and extra gaming ports. A budget TV can still look good in a lit room, so decide which of those you would really miss.
Is a bigger cheap TV better than a smaller good one?
It depends on the room. A larger screen is more immersive from the sofa, but a smaller model with better contrast can look nicer in a dark room. Use the size guidance on each product page.
Do prices on this page change?
Yes. Every price shows the date it was last checked, and street prices move often. Treat the list as a guide and confirm the current price with the retailer.