The World‘s Cheapest TV – A Buyer‘s Guide
Today‘s TV shoppers face an enormous range of choices, from 75" premium 4K OLEDs priced in the thousands to compact HD models costing well under $100. For cash-strapped consumers seeking a secondary set or basic screen for casual viewing, an ultra-low-cost TV seems appealing. But in the quest for rock-bottom pricing, many tradeoffs arise. This comprehensive guide will examine the cheapest TV options to help identify when saving every last penny makes sense and when it pays to spend just a bit more.
The Driver for Cheap TVs – Basic Viewing Needs
For many households, a secondary TV in a kitchen, bedroom, or kids‘ room doesn‘t need elaborate features or immersive cinema-like picture quality. Watching the morning news, tuning in a sitcom at dinner, or playing video games doesn‘t require 4K resolutions or OLED contrast levels. As long as the picture is reasonably sharp and clear, basic TVs get the job done fine for these casual viewing scenarios. Retirees and others on fixed incomes may also seek cheaper sets as their primary TV. For them, keeping costs low for home entertainment competes with other pressing budget needs. Students furnishing dorms and 20-somethings setting up their first apartment also focus on affordability over audio-visual splendor. With use cases like these in mind,display brands market ultra-low-cost models that meet limited expectations yet still deliver on the promise of television for just a fraction of the price of deluxe sets.
Economies of Scale Drive Down Costs
Prices under $100 for a 19" to 24" LED TV understandably generate consumer skepticism. How can complete television sets with LCD panels, tuners, speakers, and electronics be manufactured and marketed profitably for such sums? The secret lies in leveraging economies of scale inherent in the mature, commoditized TV market along with minimized hardware specs and exotic business models reliant on data gathering.
Many of the cheapest offerings come from Chinese manufacturers producing on an enormous scale. According to ABI Research, the top 10 LCD TV brands in China shipped over 110 million units in 2021, led by market leader TCL with over 25 million shipments. Producing at such high volumes across factories in Shenzhen, Shanghai, and elsewhere allows companies to drive down per-unit costs substantially. Efficiencies arise from bulk sourcing of common commodity components like simple ARM-based processors, DDR RAM chips, and standardized power supplies along with printed circuit boards assembled largely through automated SMT lines. Even the LCD panels themselves see cost reductions from the vast output of Chinese suppliers like BOE and CSOT. These economies of scale combine to enable astoundingly low manufacturing costs.
Sub-$100 TV Specs – 720p Panels Paired With Limited Ports & Processing
To achieve pricing under $100, brands must cut corners extensively in the core hardware and capabilities:
**Display Panel**
Cheapest TVs universally rely on low-grade TN LCD panels, often measuring just 19" to 24". Relatively simple white LED edge-lit designs keep backlight costs minimal. Many models offer just 1366 x 768 resolution, known as 720p. While lagging the Full HD 1920 x 1080 found on pricier sets, 720p remains adequate for smaller screen sizes.
**Ports & Connectivity**
Inputs are stripped to bare minimums. Most ultra-cheap TVs offer just a single HDMI 1.4 and USB 2.0 port along with legacy composite video inputs. Antenna coax connections enable over-the-air broadcasts. WiFi is nonexistent on these TVs, precluding any smart capabilities or casting. Ethernet ports are also absent. Control is limited to simple infrared remotes.
**Video Processing**
Image engineering relies on baseline processing without any advanced hardware acceleration or algorithms. Simple scalar chips upconvert HD content. Panel drivers offer basic calibration and frame rate conversion. Expect mediocre motion handling, color, brightness across varying content.
**Audio System**
Single downward-firing 5-10W speakers represent the entirety of the audio experience. Don‘t expect meaningful volume, bass or stereo separation. Headphone jacks or optical digital outputs are not included.
Clearly every specification is minimized to hit ultra-low costs. But these tradeoffs result in a compromised viewing experience.
Shortfalls of Cheapest Display Options
While $80 or $100 seems like an irresistible price point for a new TV, models reaching such low prices make sacrifices that lead to poor performance:
**Picayune Picture**
Between low-grade TN panels, edge LED lighting, and rudimentary video processors, image quality suffers. Screens look washed out with weak contrast and inaccurate colors. Fast motion blurs significantly. Poor viewing angles introduce color shifting from off-center seats. Upscaling of HD content appears soft and undefined.
**Unsharp Lower Resolutions**
The 720p resolution fails to render fine details cleanly, looking noticeably fuzzy, especially on larger screen sizes. With most streaming and disc media in 1080p, lower-res panels can‘t display sources at their native clarity. Small text and HUDs in games become illegible.
**No Smart Features**
Without integrated WiFi or smart platforms, cheap TVs lack any of the streaming capabilities, apps, or casting functions found on virtually all mainstream models. External streaming boxes become mandatory for accessing popular services like Netflix and Disney+. Voice controls through assistants like Alexa are also absent.
**Constrained Connectivity**
The lone HDMI port limits hooking up external devices like Blu-ray players and game consoles. USB is only useful for basic media playback. The TVs can‘t interface directly with home network storage and lack Plex integration or media server software support. No Bluetooth either for audio accessories or peripherals.
**Unreliable Construction**
Cutting every corner leaves little engineering margin.these TVs generally carry 90-day warranties at best, with reliability complaints common. Backlight failures, power supply issues, and busted peripherals plague bargain models. Replacement parts are often unavailable. Don‘t expect long lifespans.
Clearly major compromises arise when TVs dip under $100. Even minor price increases open the door for exponentially better performance and usability.
Sweet Spot for Cheap TVs – $150 to $250
While impulse pricing below $100 attracts bargain hunters, just slightly higher price points deliver enormously improved quality and utility. Stepping up to $150 or more allows:
– Larger 32" to 43" screen sizes – Better viewing from typical distances
– 1080p resolution – Sharpness to distinguish fine details
– Smart platforms – Like Fire TV and Roku for apps and casting
– 2 to 3 HDMI inputs – Connect more devices with less swapping
– WiFi + Ethernet – Use wireless or wired home networking
– USB media playback – View files from drives and mobile devices
– Advanced video processing – Improves motion, color, and upscaling
– Bluetooth support – Pair wireless audio accessories and controllers
– 1-year warranties – Increased coverage for product defects
Well-known brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio offer models with these enhanced features and performance at affordable pricing. While not matching premium 4K TVs, this tier still enables excellent casual viewing. Longer lifespans also better amortize costs over 5+ years of regular use.
Best Budget TVs of 2024
Here are some recommended new TVs between $150 and $250 delivering strong overall value:
**Insignia 24" Class F20 Fire TV** – $99.99
Solid 720p starter TV with Fire TV interface. Alexa support.
**TCL 32" Class 3-Series HD** – $148
Highly rated. Roku TV offers apps and casting. Nice size for small rooms.
**Hisense 32" Class A4 Series** – $178
Roku smarts. 720p acceptable at this screen size. 2-year warranty.
**TCL 40" Class S330 Full HD Smart Android TV** – $228
Name brand. Full HD 1080p resolution. Google TV interface. Good value.
These options prove spending just a bit more can net you a far better feature set and viewing experience over ultra-cheap models.
Alternate Ways to Get TVs Inexpensively
If new budget TV pricing still strains your budget, consider these money-saving options:
**Certified Refurbished Units**
Major brands like LG, Sony, and Samsung sell factory reconditioned used models with warranties via their websites. Units discounted 30% or more off original retail with minimal wear.
**Used TVs via Craigslist, Facebook**
Former high-end units are listed routinely from owners upgrading to newer tech. Vintage 1080p sets still deliver decent performance. Negotiate condition exceptions into price.
**Thrift Store and Estate Sale Finds**
Shopping secondhand outlets can turn up cast-off gems in good working order at big discounts to original pricing. Units may need basic cleaning or minor repairs.
**Computer Monitors as TVs**
PC monitors often have better panel quality than TVs at a given price. Adaptors allow hooking up external devices. Look for HDMI input and built-in speakers.
**Cheap Streaming Devices**
Adding a Roku, Fire or Chromecast stick for $30-50 brings apps andcasting to non-smart TVs purchased very cheaply. Easy plug-and-play upgrade path.
**HD Antenna for Free OTA Content**
Cut the cord! Antennas pull in dozens of local broadcast stations in full 1080p quality. Best way to watch networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS for free.
Purchasing refurbished or pre-owned allow those on strict budgets to still enjoy good flatscreen performance at affordable pricing.
Watch Out for "Junk TV" Brands
When evaluating budget TV options, steer clear of brands with zero reputation selling poorly-built sets. Models like the Sinotec STV-24 24" TV sold on Amazon for $69.99 may tempt with crazy-low pricing, but a host of 1-star reviews confirm dismal quality. Unknown manufacturers and importers pushing TVs direct from factories in China and India with minimal QC lead to highly inconsistent experiences and unlikely any long-term support. While the major brands cut some corners on lower-end units, their quality standards remain far higher.
Ideal Screen Size Depends on Room and Seating
When selecting a TV sized under 43" suitable for smaller spaces and budgets, factor in intended viewing distance. THX home cinema standards suggest the ideal viewing angle spans 30 degrees total. This translates to a screen width roughly 1/3 the total distance from viewers to screen.
Some recommended pairings:
– Bedrooms: 24" – 32" models with 5‘ – 7‘ viewing range
– Kitchens: 24" – 43" works best for countertop/table viewing
– Dorm rooms: 24" – 32" sized appropriately for desktop use
– Small living rooms: 43" – 50" for 7‘ – 9‘ seating distance
Measuring your space and seating layout helps determine what screen size looks best without overpowering or underwhelming the room.
Set TV at Proper Height to Avoid Neck Strain
Positioning compact TVs on shelves, credenzas, and desktops often places screens lower than optimal. Excessive downward viewing angles strain neck muscles leading to fatigue and discomfort over time. For best ergonomics, center the screen at eye level. Recommended TV heights:
– Seated viewing: 30" – 36" off floor
– Standing viewing: 48" – 60" from floor
Tilting the screen down slightly also improves ergonomics. Don‘t overlook your seating and positioning to maximize comfort.
The Best of the Rest – More Budget Brands Reviewed
Beyond the mainstream value leaders like TCL and Vizio, some lesser-known names also produce decent performers affordable prices:
**Hisense 32" Class H4 Series LED Roku Smart TV** – $178
Solid brand rapidly gaining US market share. Roku TV platform. 700 nits brightness.
**JVC 24" Class LT-24MAW595 LED TV** – $148
Legendary Japanese AV name. 720p native resolution. Direct-lit LED backlight.
**Sharp 32" Class LE421M Series Full HD Smart TV** – $189
Easy Miracast casting. Full HD 1080p. Google Assistant support. Known for quality.
**Westinghouse WR24UX4019 24" Class HD Smart Roku TV** – $169
Compact 720p model. Roku smart platform. Reputable value TV maker.
With modestly higher pricing, these options deliver better build quality and ownership experiences than ultra-cheap displays.
The Best Times to Buy for Maximum Savings
Timing your TV purchase right allows leveraging seasonal promotions for the lowest pricing:
**Early February** – Post-Super Bowl sales offer substantial discounts on previous year models.
**March/April** – Retailers promote TV deals leading up to NCAA March Madness tournament.
**May-June** – Memorial Day and graduation sales push TV pricing down before summer.
**November** – Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark the peak season for budget TV deals from major retailers.
**Holiday Season** – Discounts hit again in December, along with easy financing promos.
Using slickdeals.net and cnet.com deal aggregators helps identify upcoming sales opportunities.
Cheap TVs – Prices Continue Falling While Quality Rises
The value end of the television market remains intensely competitive, with brands striving to attract budget-focused consumers. Even as costs for components like low-end LCD panels decline, higher-performing features including Full HD 1080p resolution, smart platforms, and wireless connectivity make their way into entry-level models. Major names like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio now offer 32" to 43" FHD Roku and Android TVs between $150 to $250 delivering solid quality and usability, adequate for many households‘ secondary viewing needs. With some diligence locating deals, even large 40" – 50" 1080p sets now fall regularly within this pricing range. Going below the $100 mark certainly brings substantial compromises in quality and longevity however. By setting reasonable expectations for screen sizes and display specs, even cash-strapped shoppers can enjoy quality television without necessarily settling for the absolute cheapest options.
