Is it time to upgrade your TV? Let us answer that one: Yes it is. TV technology moves so fast now, with new TV models hitting shelves at such a rate that it doesn’t take long for TVs to become outdated. Even brand-new TVs are only top of the range for about a year. They’re soon supplanted by even newer, always improving models.
If you havent gone 4K already, nows the time. Almost all TVs above a certain price point have a 4K resolution. Even if you already have 4K, the latest models will feature upgraded smart functions and an even sharper picture than whatever you have right now. Not only that, but streaming apps have 4K content. Without a 4K TV, you’ll get left behind in this rapidly-evolving world of high-definition entertainment.
The issue, as always, is price. 4K TVs tend to be more expensive, which can be a problem when youre browsing on a budget. But there are affordable 4Ks out there. You just need to know where to look and which models dont compromise too much tech for the sake of a lower price. If you’re unsure about how to choose an affordable 4K TV, we’ve put together a guide and a selection of the very best options.
Basically, a 4K TV (sometimes called 4K UHD) is any model with 4K resolution. This means that the TV has 3,840 horizontal pixels and 2,160 vertical pixels, making a total of approximately 8.3 million pixels. Resolution relates to how densely packed the pixels are on the display, so the higher the number of pixels, the higher the resolution.
4K TVs have four times the number of pixels than traditional HD TVs. This results in more vivid and detailed picture quality picture, which is what everyone wants, right? You will tend to find 4K TVs are big-screen models, because to really appreciate the higher picture quality, you do need to watch it on a large TV.
Not all 4K TVs will cost big bucks. Nowadays, all the top brands have large ranges of 4K TVs on offer, with everything from cheap entry-level models to giant cinema-like screens. The massive models are obviously impressive and mega expensive, but you can invest in 4K technology without breaking the bank.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) refers to the contrast between the bright whites and darkest blacks. In simple terms, the higher the dynamic range, the more realistic and nuanced the colours. Examples of HDR formats are HDR 10+ and Dolby Vision. 4K TVs will support different kinds of HDR and other image-enhancing tech.
Yes, indeed — though your subscription with cost a little more for 4K. If your TV is smart enough, it will advise you to upgrade your Netflix account to a 4K subscription. Other streaming platforms that offer 4K programming include Disney Plus and Prime Video. BBC iPlayer offers a limited selection.
To help you find the right model without spending big, we have lined up a selection of cheap 4K TVs from top brands. These are the very best budget-friendly options for streaming marathons, gaming, and everything in between.
These are the best cheap 4K TVs in 2025.
The Hisense E6NT is seriously impressive for the price point, with spec that youd expect to find on more expensive TV sets. Thats because Hisense do this sort of thing very well: Budget TVs that look great.
It has crisp, vivid images — brought to life by Dolby Vision and Precision Colour technology — plus 4K upscaling for subpar images. It also has an adaptive light sensor that adjusts the brightness to suit the ambient light.
The TV runs on the VIDAA smart platform and you have the option of a voice remote (or Alexa, which is also included). Simply tell it to change channel or crank up the volume. All of your channels and streaming apps come courtesy of the Freely platform, while theres a dedicated sports mode that optimises the picture and sound for an immersive stadium-like experience.
Most impressive is the selection of gaming-friendly features, which are rare at this price point. A game mode — plus variable refresh are (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), and HDMI 2.1 — keep the action smooth while minimising lag. That makes it a decent companion for a Playstation or Xbox.
Samsung make arguably the best smart TVs on the market, whether you’re shopping at the premium or budget end of the scale. So, it stands to reason that a Samsung model would make this list — specifically the Samsung Q60D.
Using Samsung’s QuantumDot technology, this TV looks superb. The image is further enhanced by a dual LED backlight, 4K upscaling, and HDR support — though not Dolby Vision, which Samsung still doesn’t use. You get the use, however, of Samsung’s Tizen OS, which is a comprehensive and easy-to-navigate system, giving you access to streaming and catch-up apps, terrestrial TV, and 800+ free channels via Samsung TV Plus.
In terms of audio this TV uses a Samsung feature called Object Tracking Lite, which follows the action on screen and sends the sound to the nearest front speaker. This gives the impression of the sound coming from where the action is happening. The sound itself is a bit lacking though, so it’s best paired with one of Samsung’s Q-Symphony enabled soundbars.
There’s also a Gaming Hub though it doesn’t have any HDMI 2.1 ports, so you won’t get the very best performance from your next gen console. But its excellent for the price. Even the 85-inch version — an absolute whopper TV by anyones standards — is quite reasonably priced.
If you’re looking at the lower end of the 4K TV price range, the Amazon Fire TV Omni is a surprising contender for best all-rounder.
The most obvious bonus for Alexa users is how it seamlessly integrates into your smart home. Indeed, this TV syncs with Alexa-enabled devices and works with Echo speakers to create a surround sound system. (The Echo Dot will give you a respectable sound, but try the Echo Studio for a true home cinema set-up). There are other smart touches. If you have a ring doorbell, for instance, it will show you video from your doorstep as and when someone rings.
But smart assistant and connectivity aside, this is a fantastic TV in its own right. It supports a range of HRD formats — including Dolby Vision IQ, which adapts to ambient light — along with all your favourite streaming apps and channels via the user-friendly Fire TV smart platform and Freeview.
While we’ve included the 43 inch version here — it’s the cheapest, after all — you can get sizes that go all the way up to 65 inches, and each one has a competitive size to price ratio when compared to other brands.
The Philips PUS8309 is a real bright spark on this list. Quite literally: It stands out from the crowd due to Philips’ patented Ambilight technology. It has an LED backlight which reacts to what youre watching and changes colour with the on-screen picture and tone, setting the mood for movies, music, or gaming. Switch off the big light and fire up the TV. Its an experience.
There are plenty of other reasons to recommend this TV, including HDR support and Pixel Precise Ultra HD technology. All of which is a fancy way of saying you get razor-sharp imagery no matter what you watch.
It uses the Linux-based TITAN operating system, which gives you access to all your channels and apps, though you might find it a bit sluggish compared to some of the more widely used OS platforms. That said, it also has Alexa built-in, allowing you to control everything with just your voice (though you can use this TV with Google Assistant if you prefer).
And if next-gen gaming is your thing, it comes equipped with three HDMI 2.1 ports, with further support for VRR and ALLM. Just switch on the console.
If you want to go super cheap, look no further than the Toshiba UV2F53DB. It does pretty much everything you need and want from a basic smart TV, and for less than £220. And rest assured that the Amazon reviews are positive.
Though it runs on VIDAA, the picture comes courtesy of TRU technology, which both upscales content and reduces any juddering or stuttering. That means a smooth viewing experience in 4K, or as close to 4K as the upscaling allows. It also has Dolby Vision support, with apps and channels via Freely.
It’s a great option if you like to use voice control as it integrates with your preferred voice assistant, be it Alexa, Google Assistant, or VIDAA Voice. Its HDMI is surprisingly comprehensive too, with three 2.1 ports and eARC.
Audio is powered by Dolby Atmos, though few TVs in this price range sound anything other than average, so speakers are an absolute must. Obviously it can’t compare overall to higher spec models — there are always compromises within this price range — but it’s well equipped to keep you entertained.
Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashables sister site, AskMen.
Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.