I test a lot of televisions. My living room often looks like an electronics store, with screens of all sizes lined up. My goal is simple: to find out which ones are truly worth your money. For this guide, I looked at the most popular 70-inch and near-70-inch TVs you can buy for under five hundred dollars.
I wanted to see which one delivers the best picture, the smartest features, and the most value. The answer might surprise you. After putting all these TVs through a series of tests, the Insignia 70-inch Class F50 Series is the best overall TV for most people on a budget. It does almost everything well without asking for a lot of money. This guide will walk you through exactly how I reached that conclusion by testing each model side-by-side.
How I Tested These Televisions
To be fair, I cannot use expensive lab equipment. But I can use a controlled environment and consistent methods. I tested every TV in the same dark room, then in a bright room with windows. I used the same high-quality 4K video files and the same everyday cable TV signal for each one. I timed how fast their menus responded and measured gaming lag with a special device. Here is a breakdown of my testing process.
My Testing Plan for a Fair Comparison
| What I Tested | How I Did The Test | What I Measured |
| Picture Clarity & Color | I played the same 4K nature videos on each TV. I looked for sharp details and rich, natural colors. | Color vibrancy and realism, sharpness of fine details. |
| Upscaling Quality | I watched a standard cable TV broadcast and a Blu-ray movie. This tests how well the TV makes old content look good on a new 4K screen. | How clear and clean the picture looks, from 1 (blurry) to 10 (very sharp). |
| Smart TV Speed | I opened the same apps like Netflix and YouTube on each TV and timed how long it took to start a show. | The number of seconds to load an app and begin playing a video. |
| Gaming Feel | I connected a game console and used a testing tool to measure input lag, which is the delay between your button press and the action on screen. | Input lag in milliseconds (a lower number is better). |
This plan helped me see beyond the sales brochures. I could compare how these TVs actually perform in your home.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Big TV
Walking into the world of big TVs can be confusing. Brands use many technical words. Let’s break down the most important ones so you can shop with confidence.
Key TV Words Made Simple
- 4K Ultra HD: This means the picture has over 8 million tiny dots of light, called pixels. That is four times more than an older HDTV. The result is a very clear and detailed picture, like looking through a clean window. All the TVs in this guide are 4K.
- HDR – High Dynamic Range: This is not about more pixels, but better pixels. HDR lets the TV show a wider range of bright and dark areas at the same time. You see more detail in a dark shadow and in a bright sky. The most common type is HDR10. Some TVs, like the TCL and Panasonic, also have HDR10+, which can adjust the picture scene by scene for a better effect.
- Refresh Rate (60Hz): This is how many times the picture on the TV updates itself every second. All the TVs we are looking at have a 60Hz refresh rate. This is perfectly fine for watching movies, sports, and casual gaming. Some very expensive TVs have 120Hz for super-smooth fast action, but you do not need that here.
Choosing Your TV’s Brain: The Smart Platform
The smart TV platform is the brain of your TV. It is the menu you use to find shows on Netflix or YouTube. The three main ones you will see are:
- Fire TV (on Insignia, TCL, Panasonic): This is Amazon’s system. It works very well with Alexa voice commands. You can simply talk into the remote to find a movie. It also combines all your streaming apps and live TV into one place.
- Roku TV (on Roku): This is the simplest system. It is easy to use and never gets in your way. It also has one of the best collections of free movies and TV shows, called The Roku Channel.
- Samsung Tizen (on Samsung): This is a sleek and modern system. It is very smooth to navigate. Samsung also has a huge free TV service called Samsung TV Plus with hundreds of channels.
Five Things to Think About Before You Buy
- The Room: Is your TV room bright with lots of windows? Or is it a dark basement? Brighter rooms need a TV that can fight glare.
- What You Watch: Do you mostly watch cable news and sitcoms? Or are you a movie fan who wants the best picture? Your habit decides which TV strengths matter most.
- Your Other Gadgets: If you already use Amazon Alexa at home, a Fire TV will fit right in. If you just want simplicity, choose Roku.
- Gaming: If you play video games, you will want a TV with a special Game Mode to make the controls feel faster.
- Sound: Please know that all thin TVs have weak speakers. Planning to buy a separate soundbar will make your experience much better.
A Quick Look at All Your Options
Before we get into the details, here is a simple table to compare all the TVs I tested. This gives you a fast overview of their best and worst points.
| TV Name | Best For This | Biggest Strength | Biggest Weakness |
| Insignia 70-inch | Overall Value | Great price and features | Basic plastic body |
| Samsung 70-inch | Brand Trust | Makes cable TV look sharp | Costs more than others |
| TCL 75-inch QLED | Movie Watching | Beautiful colors and big screen | Motion can be uneven |
| Roku 65-inch | Easy Use | Simplest menu system | Smaller 65-inch screen only |
| Panasonic 70-inch | Fire TV Fans | Very good HDR performance | Not a well-known brand |
Deep Dive TV Reviews
Now, let’s look at each TV one by one. I will tell you exactly what I found during my tests, both the good and the bad.
Number One: Insignia 70-inch Class F50 Series – The Best Overall Pick
The Insignia brand is sold at Best Buy. It is made to offer a lot for a little money. This 70-inch model is the one to beat. It proves that you do not need to spend a lot to get a very good big-screen TV.
The Quick Facts
- Screen Size: 70 Inches
- Smart System: Fire TV with Alexa
- Key Picture Technology: 4K UHD, HDR10
- Special Features: DTS Virtual-X sound, Apple AirPlay
The Good, The Bad, and Who It’s For
| The Good Parts | The Not-So-Good Parts | The Perfect Buyer |
| The price is the lowest for a 70-inch TV. | The body is all plastic and feels light. | Someone on a strict budget. |
| Fire TV is easy to use and has tons of apps. | The sound is okay, but you will want a soundbar. | A family that streams everything. |
| The picture is clear and colors look right. | The HDR effect is mild because the screen is not super bright. | Anyone who uses Amazon Alexa at home. |
A Closer Look at the Design and Build
When you take the Insignia out of the box, you will notice it is very light. The frame around the screen is made of black plastic. The stand is also plastic. It does not feel cheap, but it does not
feel expensive either. It is a simple, functional design. It looks fine when it is on, and that is what matters. You are buying the screen, not the frame.
Testing the Picture Quality
I started with a 4K video of a tropical fish reef. The colors of the fish were vibrant and popped off the screen. The detail was sharp; I could see the texture of the coral. This TV has a very good 4K picture.
Next, I watched a regular HD cable news channel. The TV’s upscaling engine did a decent job. The news anchor’s face was clear, and there was not too much fuzziness. I would give its upscaling a 7 out of 10 for clarity.
Where this TV shows its budget nature is with HDR. In a movie scene with a bright explosion, the brightest parts did not have that “wow” factor you see on costlier TVs. The HDR is there, and it does improve the color, but it is not stunning.
How Fast is the Fire TV System?
The Alexa Voice Remote is the best part. Instead of typing with the remote buttons, I just held the button and said “Open Disney Plus.” The app opened right up. It is a huge time-saver.
I timed how long it took to go from a cold start to watching a show on Netflix. It took about 25 seconds. Once the apps are open, they run smoothly. The menu is full of suggestions and ads, but it helps you find things to watch. You also get access to over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes, plus free channels like Pluto TV.
Is it Goo\d for Gaming?
I plugged in a game console and turned on the Game Mode. Using my testing tool, I measured the input lag. It scored 18 milliseconds. This is a very good number. In a racing game, the car felt connected to my controller. There was no annoying delay. For a casual gamer, this TV is more than good enough.
My Final Thoughts on Value
You are getting a 70-inch 4K Smart TV with a great voice remote, smooth gaming, and a reliable picture. For the price, it is an incredible deal. You make very few compromises for the money you save.
My Personal Ratings for the Insignia TV
- Overall Use: 9/10
- Movie Watching: 7/10
- Bright Room: 7/10
- Sports: 7/10
- Gaming: 8/10
- Color Quality: 7/10
- Smart TV Speed: 8/10
Number Two: Samsung 70-inch Crystal UHD U8000F – The Sharpest Picture
Samsung is a famous brand, and you often pay a little more for that name. This TV tests whether that extra cost is worth it. What you get is a more polished experience and a special talent for making ordinary TV look great.
The Quick Facts
- Screen Size: 70 Inches
- Smart System: Samsung Tizen
- Key Picture Technology: Crystal Processor 4K
- Special Features: MetalStream Design, Samsung TV Plus
The Good, The Bad, and Who It’s For
| The Good Parts | The Not-So-Good Parts | The Perfect Buyer |
| Its processor makes HD content look like 4K. | It is the most expensive TV in this group. | Someone who watches a lot of cable or satellite TV. |
| The metal design looks sleek and modern. | The sound is still just average for a TV. | A buyer who trusts well-known brands. |
| The free Samsung TV Plus has great channels. | The HDR performance is similar to the Insignia. | A person who wants a nicer-looking TV frame. |
A Closer Look at the Design and Build
The Samsung feels more premium than the Insignia the moment you see it. It has what Samsung calls a “MetalStream” design. The back is made from a single sheet of metal, and the bezel around the screen is very thin. It looks like a modern, high-end appliance. It will fit nicely in a well-decorated living room.
Testing the Picture Quality
Samsung’s key feature is its “Crystal Processor 4K.” I tested this by watching a old sitcom from the 90s in standard definition. The Samsung did an amazing job. It cleaned up the fuzziness and made the picture surprisingly watchable on the big screen. It was the best at this job out of all the TVs I tested.
With 4K content, the picture is also excellent. It is sharp and clean. The colors are bright and lively. In a side-by-side test with the Insignia playing the same 4K video, the Samsung picture was slightly cleaner and a bit brighter. The difference is small, but it is there.
Exploring the Samsung Smart TV System
Samsung’s Tizen platform is fast and smooth. Moving through the menus feels quick. The home screen is a row of your apps along the bottom, which is very simple. I opened YouTube and it loaded in under three seconds.
A standout feature is Samsung TV Plus. This is a free service with over 2700 channels, including more than 400 premium ones. I found live news, sports, and movies without any subscription. It is one of the best free TV services available.
Gaming on the Samsung
The Samsung also has a Game Mode. My lag tester showed an input lag of 17 milliseconds. This is just a tiny bit faster than the Insignia, but you cannot feel the difference. Gameplay was equally responsive and smooth. It is a solid TV for gaming.
Is the Higher Price Justified?
This is the big question. The Samsung offers a better design and the best upscaling for cable TV. If you watch a lot of sports, news, or shows that are not in 4K, the Samsung will make them look better than any other TV here. If you mostly watch native 4K from streaming apps, the difference is smaller. You are paying for the brand name and the polish.
My Personal Ratings for the Samsung TV
- Overall Use: 8/10
- Movie Watching: 7/10
- Bright Room: 8/10
- Sports: 8/10
- Gaming: 8/10
- Color Quality: 8/10
- Smart TV Speed: 9/10
Number Three: TCL 75-inch Class Q65 QLED – The Movie Lover’s Choice
TCL has become a major player by offering great technology at a low price. This model is their big move. It gives you a massive 75-inch screen and a special kind of color technology called QLED, usually found on much more expensive TVs.
The Quick Facts
- Screen Size: 75 Inches
- Smart System: Fire TV with Alexa
- Key Picture Technology: QLED, 4K UHD, HDR PRO+ (Dolby Vision, HDR10+)
- Special Features: Game Accelerator 120, Dolby Atmos sound
The Good, The Bad, and Who It’s For
| The Good Parts | The Not-So-Good Parts | The Perfect Buyer |
| The QLED screen makes colors look rich and deep. | The motion handling in fast scenes can be a little blurry. | A person who wants the biggest screen for the money. |
| It supports top HDR formats like Dolby Vision. | The TV is very large and needs a big wall or stand. | A movie fan who wants the best possible color. |
| The 75-inch size is much more immersive than 70-inch. | It uses the same Fire TV system as the Insignia. | Someone who plays casual video games. |
A Closer Look at the Design and Build
The TCL has a modern look with a very thin bezel around the screen. They call it a “Bezel-Less Design,” which means the black frame is so small it almost disappears when you watch in a dark room. This makes the picture feel even bigger. The build quality feels solid, a step up from the Insignia.
Testing the Picture Quality
This is where the TCL tries to win. The QLED technology uses “Quantum Dots” to create purer and more vibrant colors. When I played the same 4K nature video, the difference was clear. The reds and greens of the parrot’s feathers were more intense and lifelike on the TCL compared to the Insignia and Samsung.
It also supports Dolby Vision, a premium HDR format. When I watched a Dolby Vision movie on Netflix, the picture had more depth. The bright highlights were brighter, and the dark shadows retained more detail. For movie watching, this TV has the best color and HDR in this group.
How Does It Handle Motion and Sports?
I noticed a weakness when I switched to a fast hockey game. When the camera panned quickly to follow the puck, there was a slight blur or judder. The TV has a “Motion Rate 240” feature, but it is not as effective as the processing in the Samsung. For slow-moving movies, it is fine. For very fast sports, it is not the best.
Gaming on the TCL
The TCL has a “Game Accelerator 120” feature. It is important to know the TV’s refresh rate is still 60Hz, so it cannot actually display 120 frames per second. However, it does support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), which helps prevent screen tearing. My input lag test showed 19 milliseconds, which is excellent and on par with the others. It is a very good TV for gaming.
Is the Bigger, Colorful Screen Worth It?
You are paying for two things: screen size and color technology. The jump from 70 to 75 inches is noticeable and makes movies feel more like a cinema. The QLED color is genuinely better. If your main goal is watching movies and TV shows in 4K, this TV provides a more premium visual experience than the others. You just have to accept its average motion handling for sports.
My Personal Ratings for the TCL TV
- Overall Use: 8/10
- Movie Watching: 9/10
- Bright Room: 8/10
- Sports: 6/10
- Gaming: 8/10
- Color Quality: 9/10
- Smart TV Speed: 8/10
Number Four: Roku Select Series 65-inch – The Simple Choice
The Roku TV is the odd one out here because it is only a 65-inch screen. I included it because its price and incredible ease of use make it a compelling option if you are flexible on size. Sometimes, a simpler, smaller TV is a better fit.
The Quick Facts
- Screen Size: 65 Inches
- Smart System: Roku TV
- Key Picture Technology: 4K UHD, HDR10
- Special Features: Enhanced Voice Remote, Apple AirPlay
The Good, The Bad, and Who It’s For
| The Good Parts | The Not-So-Good Parts | The Perfect Buyer |
| The Roku system is the easiest to use. | The screen is 65 inches, not 70. | Someone who finds technology confusing. |
| It has a huge selection of free movies and TV shows. | You get less screen for your money compared to a 70-inch. | A person who wants a “just works” experience. |
| The remote can control power and volume for other devices. | The picture quality is good, but not as vibrant as the TCL. | A buyer who wants the best free content. |
A Closer Look at the Design and Build
The Roku TV has a plain, simple design. It is a basic black TV that does not try to stand out. The stands are functional. It is not ugly, but it is not stylish either. It is designed to be invisible, so you focus on the content.
Testing the Picture Quality
The picture quality of the Roku TV is good and reliable. It has sharp 4K and decent HDR. When I compared it directly to the Insignia, the pictures were very similar. Both do a good job without being exceptional. Roku has a feature called “Smart Picture” that automatically adjusts the settings based on what you’re watching and the room’s lighting. I found this worked well, making the picture always look optimized without you changing settings.
Why the Roku System is So Popular
The home screen is just a grid of your app icons. There are no complicated menus. You just click on Netflix and you’re in. I found it to be the fastest and most straightforward system to navigate. It also has over 500 free live TV channels on The Roku Channel. I spent an hour just browsing through old movies and live news—it’s a fantastic resource.
Is a 65-inch TV Too Small?
This is the key question. A 65-inch TV is still very large. For many living rooms, it is the perfect size. However, when you place it next to a 70-inch or 75-inch TV, you can see the difference. You are giving up some of that “wow” factor from a giant screen for a simpler user experience. You need to decide what is more important to you.
My Personal Ratings for the Roku TV
- Overall Use: 8/10
- Movie Watching: 7/10
- Bright Room: 7/10
- Sports: 7/10
- Gaming: 8/10
- Color Quality: 7/10
- Smart TV Speed: 9/10
Number Five: Panasonic 70W70BP – The Dark Horse
Panasonic is a well-known brand for appliances, but less so for TVs in some markets. This model is a very strong offering that flies under the radar. It packs in high-end HDR support and a great Fire TV experience.
The Quick Facts
- Screen Size: 70 Inches
- Smart System: Fire TV with Alexa
- Key Picture Technology: 4K UHD, HDR10+, HDR Bright Panel
- Special Features: HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth Support
The Good, The Bad, and Who It’s For
| The Good Parts | The Not-So-Good Parts | The Perfect Buyer |
| It has excellent HDR10+ support for great picture detail. | The Panasonic brand is not as known for TVs as others. | A buyer who wants high-end HDR on a budget. |
| The “HDR Bright Panel” does make the image pop. | The design is simple and not as nice as the Samsung. | A Fire TV user who wants a step up from the Insignia. |
| It includes an HDMI 2.1 port, which is good for future devices. | It is more expensive than the Insignia. | A tech-savvy person looking for the best specs. |
A Closer Look at the Design and Build
The Panasonic’s design is functional. It looks similar to the Insignia, with a black plastic body and a simple stand. It feels well-built and sturdy, but it will not win any beauty contests. It is a TV that focuses its budget on what is inside.
Testing the Picture Quality
Panasonic’s “4K Studio Color Engine” is the real deal. I tested its HDR10+ performance, and it was the closest to the TCL in terms of color richness and contrast. In a movie scene with sunlight filtering through trees, the Panasonic showed more detail in the bright leaves and the dark shadows underneath than the Insignia or Samsung. For the movie fan who wants great HDR but does not need a 75-inch screen, this is a perfect choice.
A Smart Home Powerhouse
Like the Insignia, it uses the Fire TV platform. The experience is identical: fast, voice-controlled, and packed with content. It also works as a smart home hub, letting you see security cameras on the big screen.
Who Should Consider the Panasonic?
The Panasonic sits in a interesting spot. It is more expensive than the Insignia but less than the Samsung. It offers better HDR performance than both. If you care deeply about picture quality for movies and want a 70-inch screen, the Panasonic is a smarter buy than the Samsung. You lose the fancy metal design and the brand name, but you gain a better picture for HDR content.
My Personal Ratings for the Panasonic TV
- Overall Use: 8/10
- Movie Watching: 8/10
- Bright Room: 7/10
- Sports: 7/10
- Gaming: 8/10
- Color Quality: 8/10
- Smart TV Speed: 8/10
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Let’s answer some common questions by putting these TVs in a direct face-off.
Insignia vs. Samsung: The Value Battle
This is the most common dilemma. The Insignia costs much less. The Samsung looks nicer and makes cable TV look sharper.
- My Verdict: If you watch a lot of regular cable or satellite TV, the Samsung’s superior upscaling is worth the extra money. If you mostly watch 4K content from streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+, the difference in picture quality is small. In that case, save your money and buy the Insignia.
TCL vs. Panasonic: The HDR Showdown
Both of these TVs focus on delivering a great picture for movie fans.
- My Verdict: The TCL wins because of its QLED color and its massive 75-inch screen. The immersion of the larger screen combined with the vibrant colors is a winning combination. The Panasonic is a very close second and is the best 70-inch TV for movie picture quality.
Which TV Has the Best Free Content?
- Roku TV: Offers over 500 free live channels on The Roku Channel. The interface is easy to browse.
- Samsung TV: Offers over 2700 channels on Samsung TV Plus, including many premium ones.
- Fire TV (Insignia, TCL, Panasonic): Offers free channels through apps like Pluto TV and Freevee, all gathered in one place.
- My Verdict: The Roku TV has the best free content system because it is the most integrated and easiest to use. Samsung is a very close second for the sheer number of channels.
Who Should Buy Which TV?
This is the final summary. Look at your own needs and pick the TV that matches.
For the Person on a Tight Budget
Buy the Insignia 70-inch Class F50 Series. It gives you everything you need in a 70-inch 4K TV for the lowest possible price. It is the safest and smartest choice for most people.
For the Movie Fan Who Wants the Best Picture
Buy the TCL 75-inch Class Q65 QLED. You will get a bigger screen and more vibrant, true-to-life colors thanks to its QLED technology. It is the best TV here for watching films.
For the Person Who Wants the Easiest Experience
Buy the Roku Select Series 65-inch. If you can accept a 65-inch screen, you will be rewarded with the simplest, fastest, and most user-friendly smart TV system on the market.
For the Household That Lives on Alexa
Buy either the Insignia or the Panasonic. Both have excellent Fire TV integration. Choose the Insignia to save money. Choose the Panasonic if you want a better HDR picture for movies.
For the Buyer Who Trusts Big Brands and Watches Cable TV
Buy the Samsung 70-inch Crystal UHD U8000F. Its excellent upscaling will make your cable subscription look its best, and the metal design looks more expensive than the others.
Answers to Common Questions
Is a 70-inch TV too big for my room?
For the best experience, you should sit about 9 to 14 feet away from a 70-inch TV. If you are closer than 9 feet, you might see the individual pixels. If you are further than 14 feet, the screen might feel small.
Do I need to buy a soundbar?
Yes, I strongly recommend it for any of these TVs. The built-in speakers are weak and cannot produce good bass. A budget soundbar for under one hundred dollars will make a huge difference.
What is the difference between HDR10 and Dolby Vision?
Dolby Vision is a more advanced version of HDR that can adjust the picture for each individual scene in a movie. HDR10 uses one setting for the entire movie. The TCL is the only TV in this group that supports Dolby Vision.
Can I watch live TV on these without cable?
Yes. All of these TVs have free live TV services built-in. The Roku Channel (on Roku TV) and Samsung TV Plus (on Samsung) are the best ones. You can watch news, sports, and movies for free.
Which TV is the best for gaming?
All five TVs have good Game Modes with low input lag. You will not feel a difference while gaming. The TCL has an extra feature called VRR that can be nice for console gamers, but it is not necessary. For gaming, you cannot go wrong with any of them.
My Final Top Pick for Most People
After testing all of these TVs for many hours, my top recommendation is clear.
The Insignia 70-inch Class F50 Series (NS-70F501NA26) is the best 70-inch TV you can buy for under five hundred dollars.
It wins because it does not fail at anything important. It has a very good 4K picture, a fantastic smart TV system with Alexa, and low lag for gaming. Most importantly, it does all of this for a price that is much lower than its competitors. You are not making big sacrifices to save money. You are getting a complete, satisfying product that will make you happy for years. For the vast majority of people looking for a giant TV on a budget, the Insignia is the one to buy.