After testing seven of the most popular budget TVs, we have a clear winner. The best TV you can buy for under five hundred dollars is the Toshiba 55-inch Class C350 Series. It gives you a large screen, a sharp 4K picture, and premium features that are usually found on much more expensive models. If you need a smaller TV, the Insignia 40-inch model offers great value for a very low price. This guide will walk you through every detail of our tests to help you choose the perfect TV for your home.
We spent many hours testing these TVs in a way that mimics how you use them at home. We checked the picture quality in bright and dark rooms. We measured the speed of the smart TV menus. We tested the sound and the features for gaming. Our process was designed to be fair and to give you answers based on facts, not just brand names. The testing was led by Peter Alric, who has years of experience reviewing home theater gear.
How We Tested These Budget TVs
To find the best TV, you need to look at more than just the price tag. We set up a series of tests to measure what really matters when you watch TV every day. We wanted to know which TV has the clearest picture, which is the easiest to use, and which one gives you the most for your money.
Our Testing Plan
We treated each TV the same way. We used the same video clips, the same music, and the same steps to test their features. Here is a simple table that shows what we tested and how we did it.
| What We Tested | How We Did It | What We Measured |
| Picture Sharpness | We played 4K, 1080p, and 720p videos to see how clear the image was. | Clarity score and detail in shadows and bright areas. |
| Smart TV Speed | We timed how long it took to start the TV and open apps like Netflix. | Boot time in seconds and app loading time in seconds. |
| Sound Quality | We listened to movie dialogues, music, and action scenes. | Clarity of speech and depth of bass on a scale of 1 to 10. |
| Gaming Response | We connected a game console and measured the delay from button press to screen action. | Input lag measured in milliseconds. |
We did all this to make sure our recommendations are based on real performance, not just what the box says.
What to Know Before You Buy a New TV
Buying a TV can be confusing. The brands use many technical words. Let’s break down the most important things to consider so you can shop with confidence.
Screen Resolution: 720p, 1080p, or 4K?
Resolution tells you how many tiny dots, called pixels, make up the picture. More pixels usually mean a sharper picture.
- 720p (HD): This is the most basic. It’s fine for smaller TVs, under 32 inches. The Insignia 24-inch and Toshiba 32-inch models use this.
- 1080p (Full HD): This is a big step up in clarity. It’s the sweet spot for TVs between 32 and 40 inches. The Insignia 40-inch, Vizio 40-inch, and Roku 32-inch models have 1080p.
- 4K (Ultra HD): This has four times the pixels of 1080p. The picture is incredibly detailed and lifelike, especially on larger screens. The 55-inch Toshiba model is a 4K TV.
For a main living room TV that is 55 inches, 4K is the best choice. For a bedroom or kitchen, 1080p is often all you need.
Understanding Smart TV Systems
The smart TV system is the brain of your TV. It’s the menu you use to find shows on Netflix or YouTube. We tested three main types.
- Fire TV: Found on Insignia, Toshiba, and Amazon Fire TVs. It works very well with Alexa. You can use your voice to find movies. The home screen shows you lots of suggestions.
- Roku TV: Found on Roku TVs. Many people find this system the easiest to use. It is simple, fast, and has every app you could want.
- VIZIO OS: Found on Vizio TVs. It is focused on giving you free movies and shows through its WatchFree+ service. You need to create a VIZIO account to use the smart features.
Sound Technology: What Do DTS and Dolby Mean?
TVs are thin, so their speakers are not very powerful. To help, brands use sound technology to make the audio seem bigger.
- DTS Virtual:X: This is a sound effect that tries to make the sound feel like it’s coming from all around you, even though you only have two speakers. Many of the TVs we tested have this.
- Dolby Atmos: This is a more advanced sound format. The Toshiba 55-inch supports it, but to hear it properly, you need to connect the TV to a soundbar or home theater system that also supports Dolby Atmos. On its own, the TV can’t create the full effect.
For the best sound, no matter which TV you buy, you should consider getting a separate soundbar.
Gaming on a Budget TV
If you play video games, you need to know about input lag. This is the delay between when you press a button on your controller and when you see the action on the screen. A lower number is better. We also looked for a special picture setting called Game Mode. When you turn this on, the TV turns off some picture processing to make the response faster. Some TVs, like the Toshiba 55-inch, also have a feature called ALLM that automatically switches to Game Mode when you start playing.
A Quick Look at All the TVs
Before we get into the deep details, here is a simple table to compare all the TVs we tested. This gives you a fast overview.
| TV Name | Best For | Biggest Strength | Biggest Weakness |
| Toshiba 55C350NU | The Best Picture | 4K Resolution & Dolby Vision | Very Large Size |
| Insignia 40F401NA26 | Best Value | Very Low Price | Basic Sound |
| Roku 32″ Select Series | Easiest to Use | Simple Roku System | Small Screen |
| Vizio 40M-08 | Free Movies & Shows | Great Free Content | Must Create an Account |
| Amazon Fire TV 32″ | Alexa Fans | Voice Control is Everywhere | 720p Resolution |
| Insignia 24F201NA26 | Small Spaces | Fits Anywhere | Low 720p Resolution |
| Toshiba 32V35NU | Basic Bedroom TV | Good Price & Features | 720p Resolution |
Detailed Reviews of the Top TVs
Now, let’s look at each TV one by one. We will talk about what we liked, what we did not like, and who should buy it.
Number 1: Toshiba 55-inch C350 – The Best TV Overall
The Toshiba 55C350NU is the best TV you can get for under five hundred dollars. It is a 55-inch 4K TV that makes everything you watch look amazing. Its special picture engine makes older shows look sharper, and it supports the same high-end movie formats you find in theaters. If you want a big, beautiful TV for your living room, this is the one to get.
Here are the key details:
- Screen Size: 55 Inches
- Resolution: 4K
- Smart System: Fire TV
- Key Features: REGZA Engine ZR, AI 4K Upscaler, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Game Mode
- Inputs: 3 HDMI ports
| Pros | Cons |
| Super sharp 4K picture | It is a very big and heavy TV |
| Makes HD videos look better | The stand is wide, so you need a big table |
| Great for future-proofing with Dolby Vision | The Fire TV menu has many ads |
How We Rate the Toshiba 55-Inch
We give scores based on how the TV performed in our tests. A score of 10 is perfect.
- Overall Use: 9/10
- Movie Watching: 9/10
- Bright Room: 7/10
- Sports: 8/10
- Gaming: 8/10
- Color Quality: 9/10
- Black Levels: 8/10
Design and Build Quality
This TV has a simple, modern look with thin black borders around the screen. The stand is made of plastic but feels steady. Because the screen is 55 inches, the whole TV is quite large. You need a space that is at least 48 inches wide and 30 inches tall to place it. It is not too thick, so it should not stick out too much if you mount it on the wall.
Picture Performance Tests
We tested the picture quality with different types of videos.
4K HDR Movies: When we played 4K movies that support Dolby Vision, the picture was stunning. The colors were bright and natural. We could see details in dark shadows and in very bright skies. This is a level of picture quality that is rare for a TV in this price range.
Upscaling HD Content: Most TV shows are still in 1080p, not 4K. The Toshiba’s “AI 4K Upscaler” does a great job of making these HD shows look sharper on its 4K screen. We watched a nature documentary in 1080p, and the details of the animals’ fur were clear and well-defined. It does not look quite as good as native 4K, but it is very close.
Watching in a Bright Room: We tested the TV with a lamp on in the room. The screen is a little glossy, so it can reflect light from windows or lamps. It is bright enough for a room with some light, but for a very sunny room, you might see some reflections.
Testing the Gaming Features
For gamers, this TV is a great choice. We turned on the Game Mode and measured the input lag. The delay was very low, which means your game will feel responsive and fast. We did not feel any lag that would make us miss a shot in a fast-paced game. The TV also has a feature that automatically switches to Game Mode when you turn on your game console, which is very convenient.
Is the Toshiba 55-Inch Worth Your Money?
Yes, absolutely. This TV does not feel like a “budget” TV. It feels like a more expensive model that happens to have a very good price. You are getting a large 4K screen, advanced picture technology, and good gaming performance. It is the complete package and our top recommendation for most people.
Number 2: Insignia 40-inch F401NA26 – The Best Value
If your budget is tight, the Insignia 40-inch TV is the one for you. For a very low price, you get a 40-inch screen with a full 1080p HD picture and the full Fire TV smart system built-in. It does not have the fancy features of the Toshiba, but it does all the important things very well for a lot less money.
Here are the key details:
- Screen Size: 40 Inches
- Resolution: 1080p
- Smart System: Fire TV
- Key Features: Alexa Voice Remote, DTS Virtual:X Sound
- Inputs: 2 HDMI ports
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely low price | Only two HDMI ports |
| Solid 1080p picture | The speakers sound a bit thin |
| Same smart system as more expensive TVs | The remote feels very basic |
How We Rate the Insignia 40-Inch
- Overall Use: 7/10
- Movie Watching: 7/10
- Bright Room: 6/10
- Sports: 6/10
- Gaming: 6/10
- Color Quality: 6/10
- Black Levels: 6/10
Design and Physical Look
The Insignia TV has a no-fuss design. The borders around the screen are a bit thicker than on the Toshiba, but this is not something you notice when you are watching a show. The stand is simple and keeps the TV upright. It is a light TV, so it is easy to move around and set up. The overall feel is practical, not premium, which is what you would expect for the price.
Testing the Picture and Sound
Picture Clarity: The 1080p resolution on a 40-inch screen is a perfect match. The picture is sharp and clear for watching Netflix, YouTube, or regular cable TV. We noticed that the colors are not as rich as on the Toshiba, and the blacks are more of a dark gray. But for the price, the picture quality is more than good enough.
Sound Performance: The TV has DTS Virtual:X sound. In our tests, this did make the sound feel a little bigger, but the speakers themselves lack power. When there was a loud action scene, the sound became harsh. For normal TV watching, it is okay, but we strongly suggest using a soundbar for a better experience.
How Easy is the Smart System?
It uses the same Fire TV system as the more expensive Toshiba. This means you get all the same apps and you can use the Alexa voice remote to search for movies or control your smart lights. The menu runs smoothly, and we did not have to wait long for apps to load. For a budget TV, having such a powerful and easy-to-use smart system is a big win.
Is the Insignia 40-Inch Worth Your Money?
If you need a good TV for a bedroom, kitchen, or guest room and you do not want to spend a lot of money, this is the best choice. It gives you a nice picture and a great smart system for a price that is hard to beat. It is the best value on our list.
Number 3: Roku 32-inch Select Series – The Easiest to Use
The Roku 32-inch TV wins its spot because of its brain, not just its screen. While other TVs have good pictures, the Roku operating system is the simplest and fastest smart TV platform we tested. If you get frustrated with complicated menus and just want to find your show quickly, this is the TV for you.
Here are the key details:
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution: 1080p
- Smart System: Roku OS
- Key Features: Roku Voice Remote, Apple AirPlay, Simple Home Screen
- Inputs: It has the ports you need for most devices.
| Pros | Cons |
| The simplest menu system | 1080p on a 32-inch screen is very sharp, but not top-tier |
| Fast and responsive | The sound is average, like most small TVs |
| Huge selection of free channels | The remote is simple but lacks some voice features |
| Easy connection with Apple devices |
How We Rate the Roku 32-Inch
- Overall Use: 8/10
- Movie Watching: 7/10
- Bright Room: 8/10
- Sports: 7/10
- Gaming: 7/10
- Ease of Use: 10/10
- App Selection: 10/10
Testing the Smart TV Experience
We turned on all the TVs and timed how long it took to go from a black screen to the main menu. The Roku TV was one of the fastest. The home screen is clean and easy to understand. Your apps are in a straight line, and you can move them around to put your favorites first.
We also timed how long it took to open Netflix and start a show. The Roku TV was quick and reliable. There are also hundreds of free channels available through The Roku Channel. You can find old movies, news, and TV shows without paying anything. The system is so easy that anyone in your family can use it without help.
Picture Quality on a Smaller Screen
A 32-inch screen with 1080p resolution is very sharp. The pixels are so small and packed together that the image looks very smooth. We watched a cooking show and could see all the fine details on the food. The colors are good and the picture is bright, making it a great choice for a bright kitchen or a sunny bedroom. It does not have the deep blacks of a more expensive TV, but for its size and price, the picture is excellent.
Sound and Connectivity
The sound from the built-in speakers is clear for voices, which is perfect for watching the news or talk shows. When you play music or a movie with a big soundtrack, the speakers lack bass. For a small room, it is acceptable. The TV also works with Apple AirPlay, so you can send videos or photos from an iPhone or iPad directly to the TV screen with a single tap.
Is the Roku 32-Inch Worth Your Money?
If you value a simple, stress-free experience above all else, this TV is worth every penny. You are paying for the best smart TV system on the market. The picture is very good for a screen this size, and the ease of finding and watching content is unmatched. It is the perfect TV for someone who is not very technical.
Number 4: Vizio 40-inch M-Series – Best for Free Entertainment
The Vizio 40-inch model is a strong competitor to the Insignia 40-inch. They have the same screen size and resolution. But the Vizio has a different focus: it wants to be your source for free movies and TV shows. Its built-in WatchFree+ service gives you access to hundreds of live channels and thousands of on-demand titles at no cost.
Here are the key details:
- Screen Size: 40 Inches
- Resolution: 1080p
- Smart System: VIZIO OS
- Key Features: WatchFree+, Full Array LED Backlight
- Inputs: Includes HDMI ports with Auto Low Latency Mode for gaming.
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge library of free content | You must create a VIZIO account to use the smart features |
| Solid 1080p picture quality | The menu can feel less smooth than Roku or Fire TV |
| Modern, thin design | Only two HDMI ports |
| Good for casual gaming |
How We Rate the Vizio 40-Inch
- Overall Use: 7/10
- Movie Watching: 7/10
- Free Content: 9/10
- Sports: 6/10
- Gaming: 7/10
- Bright Room: 7/10
Evaluating the Free Content Library
We spent time exploring the WatchFree+ service. It is like having a free cable subscription. There are channels for classic TV, news, sports highlights, movies, and more. The picture quality of these free streams is good, though not as sharp as a 4K Blu-ray. The big advantage is that you can just turn on the TV and start watching something without deciding what to stream. If you hate paying for multiple streaming services, this TV is a great way to save money.
Picture Performance Compared to Insignia
The Vizio and the Insignia 40-inch TVs have similar specs, but we noticed a small difference in picture quality. The Vizio uses “Full Array LED Backlight.” In our tests, this made the picture look a little more uniform. Bright areas seemed a bit brighter, which was nice for watching in a room with lights on. The colors were also vibrant. It is a slight step up in picture quality from the Insignia model.
The Drawback of the Vizio Account
To use any of the smart features, you must create a VIZIO account with your email. This is an extra step that other TVs do not require. Some people might not like giving their email to another company. The Vizio menu system works, but it is not as fast or as easy as the Roku system. You use it more for the free content than for the smooth experience.
Is the Vizio 40-Inch Worth Your Money?
Choose this TV if you love the idea of having a massive, free TV channel guide built right into your set. The picture is slightly better than the Insignia, but you pay a little more for it. If you do not mind creating an account, it is a fantastic option for cord-cutters who want to watch free content easily.
Other TVs We Tested
We also tested these models. They are good TVs, but they did not make our top spots.
Amazon Fire TV 32″ 2-Series: This TV is all about the Amazon ecosystem. The Alexa voice control is deeply built-in. However, its 720p resolution is a step behind the Roku’s 1080p at a similar price. It’s a good TV if you live in the Alexa world, but the picture is not as sharp.
Insignia 24″ F201NA26: This is the smallest and least expensive TV we tested. The 720p resolution is fine for a 24-inch screen. It’s perfect for a dorm room, a workshop, or a kitchen counter where space is tight. The picture is decent, and it has the same good Fire TV system as its bigger brother.
Toshiba 32″ V35NU: This is a good basic 32-inch TV with Fire TV. It has a 720p screen, which is standard for this size and price. It’s a reliable choice for a bedroom or spare room. It does everything okay, but it does not stand out in any particular way.
Direct Comparisons: Which TV Should You Choose?
Sometimes, the choice is between two similar models. Here are head-to-head matchups to help you decide.
Insignia 40-inch vs. Vizio 40-inch
This is a close call. Both are 40-inch 1080p TVs.
| Feature | Insignia 40″ | Vizio 40″ |
| Price | Lower Price | Slightly Higher Price |
| Smart System | Fire TV | VIZIO OS |
| Free Content | Standard Freevee | Better WatchFree+ |
| Picture | Good | Slightly Better |
| Account Needed | No | Yes |
The Winner? If your main goal is to spend as little as possible, buy the Insignia. If you want a slightly better picture and much better free content, and you don’t mind the extra sign-up step, choose the Vizio.
Roku 32-inch vs. Amazon Fire TV 32-inch
Both are 32-inch TVs, but they are very different where it counts.
| Feature | Roku 32″ | Amazon Fire TV 32″ |
| Resolution | 1080p Full HD | 720p HD |
| Smart System | Simpler Roku OS | Fire TV |
| Best For | Ease of Use | Alexa Voice Control |
The Winner? For almost everyone, the Roku 32-inch is the better choice. The 1080p picture is sharper, and the menu system is easier and faster to use. The Amazon TV is only the right choice if you are a dedicated Alexa user.
The Best TV for Your Specific Needs
Now, let’s make the final choice simple. Based on all our testing, here is who should buy which TV.
For the Family Living Room
You should buy the Toshiba 55-inch C350. It has the large screen that everyone can see, the beautiful 4K picture for family movie night, and the gaming features for the kids. It is the complete package for a home’s main TV.
For a Bedroom or Kitchen on a Budget
You should buy the Insignia 40-inch F401NA26. It gives you a very good picture and a full smart TV system for a price that is easy on your wallet. It does the job well without any fuss.
For Someone Who Wants Simple Technology
You should buy the Roku 32-inch Select Series. Its simple menu, fast performance, and huge free channel selection make it the least frustrating TV to use. It is perfect for anyone who does not want to think about technology.
For the Cord-Cutter Who Loves Free Content
You should buy the Vizio 40-inch M-Series. Its built-in WatchFree+ service is like a free cable subscription with hundreds of channels. If you want to watch TV without managing multiple paid apps, this is your best option.
Answers to Common Questions
Is a 4K TV worth the money over a 1080p TV?
Yes, if you are buying a TV that is 55 inches or larger for your main living room. The difference in sharpness on a big screen is very noticeable. For a smaller TV under 40 inches, 1080p is still a great choice and the difference is less obvious.
Can I get good sound from these TVs without a soundbar?
The sound from all these built-in TV speakers is limited. They are fine for watching the news or daytime TV. For movies, sports, or music, we always recommend a soundbar. Even a small, inexpensive soundbar will make a huge improvement.
Which TV has the best free movies and shows?
The Vizio TV with WatchFree+ and the Roku TV with The Roku Channel have the best and most organized free content. They offer more than the basic free options on the Fire TV models.
Do I need to create an account to use these TVs?
Only the Vizio TV requires you to create a specific VIZIO account to activate its smart features. The other TVs work without this extra step.
Our Final Choice for Most People
After all the tests and comparisons, one TV stands above the rest. The best TV for under five hundred dollars is the Toshiba 55-inch Class C350 Series (55C350NU).
It wins because it does not feel like a compromise. You get a large, modern 4K screen. You get advanced picture technology like Dolby Vision that makes movies look amazing. You get a responsive gaming mode. It offers features and performance that you would normally have to spend much more to get. For your main TV, it provides the best experience for the money, and that is why it is our top pick.