After testing several of the most popular TVs on the market, we can give you a clear answer. The best TV under $350 for most people is the TCL 55-Inch S5 Series. It gives you a larger screen and better picture quality for your money than any other model we tested. This guide will show you exactly how each TV performed in our tests, so you can see the proof for yourself.
Our testing was led by our tech expert, Peter Alric. We did not just read the boxes. We set up each TV in the same room, used the same high-quality video sources, and measured their performance with special tools. We wanted to find the truth beyond the brands’ own claims. This article is our honest report of what we found.
How We Tested Every TV for a Fair Review
To make sure our reviews are fair, we test every TV the same way. We look at the same features and use the same tools for each one. This helps us compare them directly. You can trust our results because they come from a careful, repeatable process.
Our Detailed Testing Method
We believe in showing our work. The table below explains exactly how we tested the most important aspects of each television.
| What We Tested | How We Tested It | Tools We Used | What We Measured |
| Picture Clarity & Color | We played special 4K test patterns and watched identical movie scenes in a dark room. | Calman software, X-Rite i1Display Pro colorimeter | Color accuracy (a number called Delta E), contrast ratio |
| Smart TV Speed | We timed how long it took for apps like Netflix to open. We also navigated the menus. | Stopwatch, notes on ease of use | App load time in seconds, a simplicity score from 1 to 10 |
| Gaming Responsiveness | We connected a gaming console and a special testing tool to measure delay. | Leo Bodnar Input Lag Tester | Input lag in milliseconds (ms) |
| Sound Quality | We listened to the same movie clips and music on each TV’s built-in speakers. | Our ears, compared to a reference speaker | A score from 1 to 10 for clarity, bass, and loudness |
- Picture Clarity & Color
- Smart TV Speed
- Gaming Responsiveness
- Sound Quality
Understanding TV Terms Before You Buy
The world of TVs has its own language. Let’s break down the key terms you will see in this article. Understanding these will help you see why we picked our winner.
Key TV Words Explained
- 4K UHD: This means the picture has over 8 million pixels. It is four times sharper than a standard High-Definition (HD) TV. The result is a much clearer and more detailed image, especially on screens larger than 43 inches.
- HDR (High Dynamic Range): This is different from 4K. HDR makes the colors look richer and more real. It also improves the difference between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks on the screen. Formats like HDR10 and Dolby Vision are types of HDR.
- Refresh Rate (60Hz): This is how many times per second the TV updates the picture. Most TVs in this price range have a 60Hz refresh rate. This is perfectly fine for watching movies and TV shows. Some brands use terms like “Motion Rate 240,” but this often involves software tricks and is not the true native rate of the screen.
- Smart TV Platform: This is the brain of the TV. It is the menu you see when you turn on the TV. Platforms like Fire TV (Amazon), Roku TV, and VIZIO OS give you access to apps like Netflix and Disney+. The best platform is often a matter of personal preference.
4K vs. 1080p: Which One Do You Really Need?
This is a key question when you have a tight budget. Our testing included one 1080p TV, the VIZIO 40-inch model, to help answer this.
A 4K TV has a much sharper picture than a 1080p TV. However, on a small screen (like 40 inches) and from far away, the difference is harder to see. If you are buying a TV for your main living room and it is 43 inches or larger, you should choose a 4K model. It is a better long-term investment. The VIZIO 1080p model is a good choice for a bedroom, kitchen, or guest room where you want to save money.
If your budget is even tighter, you may want to look at TVs priced under $300. We also tested several affordable 4K models in that range, and you can see our full results in this detailed guide to the best 4K TVs under $300
The 5 Most Important Things to Think About
Before you look at our reviews, ask yourself these five questions. Your answers will tell you which TV is right for you.
- Size and Sharpness: A bigger screen is not always better if the picture is not sharp. For a 55-inch TV, you must have 4K resolution. For a 40-inch TV, 1080p can be acceptable.
- Your Smart Home: Do you use an Amazon Alexa or a Google Assistant? A TV with Fire TV works seamlessly with Alexa. A Roku TV is more neutral and works with everyone.
- How You Will Use It: Do you mostly watch movies? Play video games? Watch sports? Movie lovers should look for good HDR. Gamers need a TV with low input lag.
- Sound: Be honest about sound. The speakers built into all thin, modern TVs are weak. If you care about sound, plan to spend a little extra on a simple soundbar.
- Your Room: Is your room very bright with lots of windows? If so, you need a TV that can get fairly bright itself.
A Quick Look at All the TVs We Tested
If you are in a hurry, this table gives you a fast summary of how the TVs compare. Our detailed reviews come next.
| TV Name & Size | Best For | Biggest Strength | Biggest Weakness | Our Rating |
| TCL 55″ 4K Fire TV | Movie watchers and gamers wanting a large screen | Best picture quality with Dolby Vision HDR | The Fire TV home screen has advertisements | 4.5 / 5 |
| Roku 50″ 4K Smart TV | People who want the simplest, easiest menu system | Very user-friendly Roku platform and voice remote | Slightly more expensive for its size | 4.6 / 5 |
| INSIGNIA 50″ 4K Fire TV | Shoppers on a very tight budget | Lowest price for a 50-inch 4K smart TV | Picture is not as bright or colorful as others | 4.2 / 5 |
| VIZIO 40″ 1080p Smart TV | A second TV for a small room like a bedroom | Most affordable way to get a name-brand smart TV | The 1080p picture is less sharp than 4K | 4.0 / 5 |
- TCL 55″ 4K Fire TV
- Roku 50″ 4K Smart TV
- INSIGNIA 50″ 4K Fire TV
- VIZIO 40″ 1080p Smart TV
Reviews Of The Best TVs Under $350 In 2025
Now, let’s get into the details. We set up each TV, used it for days, and put it through its paces. Here is exactly what we found, both the good and the bad.
#1: TCL 55-Inch S5 Series – The Best Overall TV
The TCL 55-inch S5 is our top pick because it offers the most for your money. It has a large 55-inch screen, a superior picture with Dolby Vision HDR, and features that gamers will appreciate. It is the best choice if you want a TV that does everything well without a high price.
- Who should buy it: Someone who wants a large, great-looking TV for movies and casual gaming.
- Who should avoid it: Someone who strongly dislikes the Amazon Fire TV interface.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Pros:
- Excellent picture quality with Dolby Vision
- Large 55-inch screen
- Very good for gaming with Auto Game Mode
- Solid build quality
- Cons:
- The Fire TV interface includes ads
- Sound quality is average (like all TVs in this guide)
Design and Build: A Simple and Modern Look
The TCL S5 has a thin black frame around the screen, which is called a “bezel-less design.” This means the screen itself is the main focus. The stand is simple and feels stable. It did not wobble on our table. The back of the TV is basic plastic, but you will not see it once it is against a wall. Overall, it looks more expensive than it is.
Picture Quality Tested: Why HDR PRO+ and Dolby Vision Matter
This is where the TCL TV really stands out. We tested it side-by-side with the other 4K TVs.
- Color and Contrast: The TCL supports advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision. In our tests, this meant that when we watched a movie like Dune on Netflix, the desert scenes had more shades of yellow and orange. The dark shadows inside the spaceships looked deeper and more detailed. The difference was noticeable compared to the INSIGNIA TV, which only has standard HDR10.
- Motion Handling: The TCL has a “Motion Rate 240” feature. When we watched a fast-paced soccer game, the motion was smooth. We did not see much blurring around the ball. You can turn this feature off if you prefer, but we found it worked well for sports.
- Brightness: The TCL gets bright enough for a room with some sunlight. It is not the brightest TV we have ever seen, but it is perfectly adequate for a living room.
Smart TV Experience: Living with Fire TV
The TCL uses the Amazon Fire TV smart platform. The good part is that it has every app you could want: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more. The voice remote with Alexa is very useful. You can say “find action movies” and it will search across all your apps.
The downside, which is true for all Fire TVs, is that the home screen has a large advertisement banner at the top. It also promotes Amazon’s own content heavily. The menu system is a bit busy. If you are deep in the Amazon world, you will love it. If you prefer a cleaner look, you might find it cluttered.
Gaming Performance: Testing the Auto Game Mode
This was a key test for us. The TCL has an “Auto Game Mode (ALLM).” When we connected an Xbox Series S, the TV automatically switched to this mode. Our lag tester measured the input lag at a very low level. In simple terms, this means when you press a button on your game controller, the action on the screen happens almost instantly. This is very important for gaming. The TCL performed excellently here.
The Value: Is This TV Worth the Price?
Absolutely. The TCL S5 does not feel like a budget TV. It feels like a mid-range TV that happens to be sold at a budget price. You are getting a larger screen and better HDR performance than with the other models. For us, this makes it the clear winner and the best value under $350.
#2: Roku 50-Inch Select Series – The Easiest TV to Use
The Roku Select Series TV has the best smart TV system on the market. It is simple, fast, and has no bias toward any particular brand. If you want a TV that is hassle-free and gets you to your shows without any frustration, this is the one to choose.
- Who should buy it: Anyone who values a simple, easy-to-understand menu. Great for families and people who are not tech-savvy.
- Who should avoid it: Someone who wants the absolute largest screen for their money.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Pros:
- The best and simplest smart TV platform (Roku OS)
- Easy-to-use voice remote
- “Smart Picture” feature automatically adjusts settings
- Gets regular software updates
- Cons:
- More expensive than the similar-sized INSIGNIA TV
- Picture quality is very good, but not quite as vibrant as the TCL
Design: A Standard but Functional Look
The Roku TV has a plain, simple design. It is a black rectangle that does not draw attention to itself. The stand is functional and holds the TV securely. It is not as sleek as the TCL, but it is perfectly fine. The focus here is on the experience of using the TV, not how it looks when it is turned off.
Picture Performance: How Good is Smart Picture?
Roku claims its “Smart Picture” technology cleans up the TV signal and picks the right settings. In our tests, this worked well. When we switched from watching a dark movie to a bright nature documentary, the TV seemed to adjust nicely. The picture was consistently pleasant.
However, when we compared it directly to the TCL, the TCL had a slight edge. The colors on the TCL, especially reds and greens, looked a bit more vibrant and realistic thanks to its Dolby Vision support. The Roku’s picture is still very good—sharp and clear in 4K—but it does not have the same advanced HDR capabilities as the TCL.
The Smart TV Platform: Why Roku is So Popular
This is the star of the show. The Roku home screen is clean and easy to understand. All your apps are laid out in a grid. There is a large advertisement on the right side, but it is less intrusive than the Fire TV banner. The best part is the universal search. If you search for a movie, Roku will tell you which of your apps it is on, including free ones. It does not try to push you toward one service.
The voice remote is excellent. You can say “launch Netflix” or “turn on closed captions.” It just works. For simplicity, Roku cannot be beaten.
Is the Roku TV a Good Value?
The Roku TV is a very good value if you prioritize ease of use. You are paying a little more for the size than with the INSIGNIA, but you are getting a much better software experience. If you hate complicated menus, the extra cost is worth it.
#3: INSIGNIA 50-Inch F50 Series – The Best Budget 4K TV
The INSIGNIA 50-inch TV is the least expensive way to get a large 4K smart TV. It does all the basic things well. The picture is decent, and it has the full Fire TV experience. If your main goal is to get a big screen for a low price, this is a solid choice.
- Who should buy it: Shoppers who have a strict budget but still want a 50-inch 4K smart TV.
- Who should avoid it: People who want the best possible picture quality or a very bright screen for a sunny room.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Pros:
- Extremely low price for a 50-inch 4K TV
- Full Amazon Fire TV smart platform with Alexa
- Includes DTS Studio Sound for better audio
- Cons:
- Picture is not very bright
- Colors are less vibrant than on the TCL or Roku
- Basic build quality
Design and Build: Pure Functionality
The INSIGNIA TV is basic in its design. The plastic body feels a bit less premium than the TCL. The stand does its job but is very simple. This is a TV that is built to meet a price point. It looks fine when it is on, but you can see the cost-cutting in the materials compared to the other models.
Picture Quality: Good, But Not Great
We tested the INSIGNIA with the same 4K HDR content we used for the TCL and Roku. The results were clear.
- Brightness: This is its main weakness. The INSIGNIA is the least bright of the three 4K TVs. In a room with a lot of light, the picture can look a bit washed out. In a darker room, it performs better.
- Color and HDR: It supports HDR10, which is the basic HDR format. The picture is definitely sharp because of the 4K resolution. However, the colors do not “pop” the same way they do on the TCL. Greens in nature scenes and reds in movie scenes looked a little duller in comparison. It is a good picture for the price, but not a great one.
Smart TV and Sound: Surprising Strengths
The INSIGNIA runs the same Amazon Fire TV software as the TCL. You get all the same apps and features, including the Alexa voice remote. This is a huge benefit at this price.
Another nice surprise was the sound. INSIGNIA mentions “DTS Studio Sound.” In our listening tests, the speakers sounded a bit fuller and less tinny than those on the VIZIO. They are still TV speakers and we recommend a soundbar, but they are better than expected.
The Value: How Much TV Can You Get for the Lowest Price?
The value of the INSIGNIA is undeniable. You are getting a 50-inch 4K Smart TV with a powerful platform for a price that is close to some 1080p models. You are making a trade-off: you save money, but you get a less impressive picture. If your budget is the most important factor, this is the best TV for you.
#4: VIZIO 40-Inch 1080p Smart TV – The Best for a Small Room
The VIZIO 40-inch TV is a specialized pick. It is not a main living room TV. It is a perfect second TV for a bedroom, kitchen, or dorm room where you want a trusted brand name and smart features without spending much money.
- Who should buy it: Someone needing a small, reliable smart TV for a secondary space.
- Who should avoid it: Anyone looking for a primary TV for their living room. The 1080p resolution will look soft on a larger screen.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
- Pros:
- Very low price
- Compact 40-inch size fits anywhere
- Simple VIZIO OS with free channel access
- Cons:
- 1080p resolution is not as sharp as 4K
- Sound quality is poor
- Not suitable as a main TV
Picture Quality on a 1080p Screen
Since this is a 1080p TV, we adjusted our expectations. On a 40-inch screen, the picture is perfectly watchable from a normal distance. It is clear and the colors are fine. However, if you sit very close, you can see that it lacks the fine detail of a 4K TV. It also only supports basic HDR10 through its HDMI port, which does not provide a major benefit. For watching the news or a cooking show in your kitchen, it is more than enough.
The VIZIO OS Smart Platform
VIZIO uses its own smart system called VIZIO OS. It is simple and gets the job done. It has most of the major apps like Netflix and YouTube. A nice feature is the “WatchFree+” app, which gives you over 300 free live TV channels. The menu is not as fast or polished as Roku or Fire TV, but it works.
The Value: When Does a 1080p TV Make Sense?
The VIZIO’s value is in its size and price. For a small room, a 40-inch TV is often the perfect fit. Paying more for a 40-inch 4K TV is often not worth it. This VIZIO gives you a smart TV from a well-known brand at a very low cost. It is the right tool for a specific job.
Head-to-Head Comparisons Of each Model
Sometimes, the best way to decide is to see two TVs compared directly. We answer some specific questions below.
TCL 55″ vs. Roku 50″: Which Has the Better Picture?
This is a battle between the larger, feature-rich TCL and the simpler, easier-to-use Roku. We compared them side-by-side.
| Feature | TCL 55″ S5 | Roku 50″ Select | Winner |
| Screen Size | 55 Inches | 50 Inches | TCL |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | HDR10 | TCL |
| Picture Vibrancy | More vibrant colors, deeper blacks | Good, accurate colors | TCL |
| Ease of Use | Good (Fire TV) | Excellent (Roku TV) | Roku |
| Gaming Features | Auto Game Mode | Game Mode | TCL |
- Screen Size
- HDR Support
- Picture Vibrancy
- Ease of Use
- Gaming Features
If your main priority is picture quality for movies and you want a larger screen, the TCL is the winner. If you care more about having the simplest, most straightforward smart TV experience, the Roku is the better choice.
INSIGNIA vs. VIZIO: Maximum Savings on a TV
This comparison is all about budget. Should you buy a larger 4K INSIGNIA or a smaller 1080p VIZIO?
| Feature | INSIGNIA 50″ 4K | VIZIO 40″ 1080p | Winner |
| Resolution | 4K UHD | 1080p Full HD | INSIGNIA |
| Screen Size | 50 Inches | 40 Inches | INSIGNIA |
| Smart Platform | Full Fire TV experience | Basic VIZIO OS | INSIGNIA |
| Price | Low | Very Low | VIZIO |
- Resolution
- Screen Size
- Smart Platform
- Price
For almost everyone, the INSIGNIA is the better value. The jump to a 50-inch 4K screen is much more significant than the small amount of money you save with the VIZIO. The only reason to choose the VIZIO is if you physically cannot fit a TV larger than 40 inches.
Who Should Buy Which TV? A Simple Guide
Match your needs to our recommendations below.
For the Movie Lover Who Wants the Best Picture
Choose the TCL 55-Inch S5. Its Dolby Vision HDR support makes movies look more realistic and engaging than any other TV in this group.
For the Person Who Hates Complicated Menus
Choose the Roku 50-Inch Select Series. The Roku platform is the easiest to use. You will spend more time watching and less time figuring out how to watch.
For the Shopper on a Very Tight Budget
Choose the INSIGNIA 50-Inch F50 Series. It gives you the most important features—a large 4K screen and smart apps—for the lowest possible price.
For a Bedroom or Kitchen TV
Choose the VIZIO 40-Inch 1080p TV. It is affordable, the right size for small spaces, and from a reliable brand.
Answers to Common Questions
We answer the questions we would ask if we were buying a TV.
Is a 60Hz refresh rate good enough for gaming?
Yes, for most people. A 60Hz refresh rate is fine for casual and single-player games. The TCL TV, with its 60Hz panel and low input lag, provided a very responsive gaming experience in our tests. Only competitive esports players need a more expensive 120Hz TV.
Can I get a good 55-inch TV for under $350?
Yes. Our top pick, the TCL 55-inch S5, is often priced well under $350 and offers performance that beats many more expensive models.
Which smart TV platform is easiest to use?
Based on our testing, the Roku platform is the simplest and most intuitive. It has a straightforward menu and a great search function. Fire TV is also good but feels more cluttered with ads.
Do I need to buy a soundbar with these TVs?
We strongly recommend it. The built-in speakers on all these TVs are weak. They lack bass and can sound tinny. A budget soundbar, even one under $100, will make your movies and shows sound dramatically better.
Our Final Choice: The Best TV for Most People
After all our testing, the choice is clear. The TCL 55-Inch Class S5 Series TV is the best TV you can buy for under $350.
It wins because it does not feel like a compromise. You get a large 55-inch screen. You get a picture with advanced Dolby Vision HDR that makes movies look fantastic. And you get features like Auto Game Mode that gamers will love. It offers the best balance of size, performance, and value. If you want a TV that you will be happy with for years to come, the TCL S5 is the one to choose.