Best Budget QLED TV 2025: 12 Models Tested Under $900

After spending three months testing 12 budget QLED TVs ranging from $218 to $847, I discovered that you don’t need to spend over $1,000 to get excellent picture quality and gaming performance.

The TCL 55QM6K is the best budget QLED TV for most people, offering Mini-LED technology, 144Hz gaming support, and impressive HDR performance for just $497.

Our team compared brightness levels, gaming features, smart platforms, and real-world performance across all major brands to help you find the perfect TV without breaking your budget.

Whether you’re upgrading from an older HD TV or looking for a gaming-ready display, this guide covers every price point from ultra-budget to premium budget options based on our comprehensive TV testing results.

Our Top 3 Budget QLED TV Picks

These three models deliver the best combination of picture quality, features, and value based on our extensive testing.

The TCL QM6K stands out with its Mini-LED backlight system delivering exceptional contrast and 144Hz refresh rate for gaming.

At just $280, the Hisense QD6QF offers incredible value with full gaming features including VRR and ALLM support.

For those on an ultra-tight budget, the Hisense E6QF brings QLED color technology to the sub-$250 price range.

Complete Budget QLED TV Comparison Table

Compare all 12 tested models side-by-side to find your perfect match based on size, price, and features.

Detailed Budget QLED TV Reviews

1. Hisense 43E6QF – Best Ultra-Budget QLED Under $250

At just $217.99, the Hisense 43E6QF proves that QLED technology doesn’t have to be expensive, delivering quantum dot colors that impressed me during testing.

The AI Light Sensor automatically adjusts brightness based on room conditions, a feature I typically see in TVs costing twice as much.

Gaming performance surprised me with Motion Rate 120 technology reducing motion blur, though serious gamers will want higher refresh rates.

The Fire TV interface provides access to all major streaming services, though I noticed occasional sluggishness during app switching.

For bedrooms or smaller spaces, this delivers remarkable value with Dolby Vision HDR making movies look far better than the price suggests.

2. Insignia 55-inch QF Series – Cheapest 55-Inch QLED Option

The Insignia 55-inch QLED shocked me by offering a large quantum dot display for just $229.99, making it the cheapest 55-inch QLED I’ve tested.

Picture quality exceeded expectations with vibrant colors and decent brightness, though it lacks the local dimming zones of pricier models.

The metal bezel-less design looks premium in person, and customer photos confirm the TV appears much more expensive than its budget price.

Fire TV integration works smoothly for streaming, though the interface occasionally feels sluggish compared to dedicated streaming devices.

While serious gamers need more features, casual users get tremendous screen real estate and QLED colors at an unbeatable price point.

3. TCL 55Q651F – Best TCL Budget Gaming TV

TCL’s Q651F brings legitimate gaming features to the sub-$300 price range with Game Accelerator 120 and VRR support that actually work.

During my PlayStation 5 testing, the Auto Game Mode (ALLM) instantly switched to low-latency settings without manual adjustment.

The QLED panel produces rich colors with good brightness levels, though HDR impact varies depending on content quality.

Motion Rate 240 with MEMC frame insertion helps with sports viewing, though I recommend disabling it for movies to avoid the soap opera effect.

At $269.99, this delivers genuine gaming capabilities that competitors reserve for models costing $100-200 more.

4. Hisense 55QD6QF – Best Hisense Value Pick

The Hisense QD6QF delivers an incredible feature set for $279.99, including gaming capabilities typically found in TVs costing twice as much.

VRR support with Motion Rate 120 provided smooth gameplay during extended testing sessions with both Xbox Series X and PS5.

Picture quality impressed with over a billion color shades from quantum dots, while AI 4K upscaling made older content look surprisingly good.

The combination of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos creates a cinema-like experience that rivals my friend’s $800 TV.

Fire TV integration provides easy access to streaming services, though the interface occasionally feels slower than native apps on gaming consoles.

5. Hisense 65QD6QF – Best 65-Inch Under $400

At $399.99 for a 65-inch QLED with gaming features, the Hisense 65QD6QF offers exceptional value for large room installations.

The bigger screen makes gaming more immersive, with VRR and ALLM ensuring smooth performance across different frame rates.

Quantum dot technology delivers vibrant colors that really pop on the larger display, especially with HDR content.

AI Sports Mode enhances live sports viewing by optimizing motion processing and clarity for fast-moving action.

While the built-in speakers are adequate, I recommend budgeting for a soundbar to match the impressive visual experience.

6. TCL 65Q681G – Best Google TV QLED

The TCL Q681G impressed me with its Full Array Local Dimming featuring 150+ zones, delivering deep blacks rarely seen under $500.

Google TV runs noticeably smoother than Fire TV alternatives, with better app selection and faster response times during daily use.

Peak brightness reaching 600 nits handles bright room viewing better than most budget QLEDs, maintaining color accuracy even in sunlight.

The TCL AIPQ Processor with Deep Learning AI genuinely improves picture quality, especially noticeable with lower-resolution content.

While marketed as 120Hz for gaming, the native 60Hz panel limits true high-refresh gaming, though Game Accelerator still reduces input lag effectively.

7. TCL 55QM6K – Best Mini-LED Gaming Champion

The TCL QM6K revolutionizes budget gaming TVs with genuine 144Hz refresh rate and Mini-LED backlighting for just $497.99.

During competitive gaming sessions, the 144Hz panel with Game Accelerator 288 delivered buttery-smooth gameplay that matched my gaming monitor.

TCL’s Halo Control System minimizes blooming around bright objects, a common Mini-LED issue that frustrated me with other budget models.

The Onkyo 2.1 channel audio system surprised me by eliminating the need for a soundbar, saving an additional $100-200.

Picture quality rivals TVs costing $800-1000, with quantum dots providing incredible color accuracy and Mini-LEDs delivering impressive contrast.

Google TV with hands-free voice control works flawlessly, and the Art Mode transforms the TV into a digital canvas when not in use.

8. Samsung QN50Q60D – Best Samsung Budget Option

Samsung’s Q60D brings the brand’s renowned quality to the budget segment, including a 2-year extended protection plan for $527.99.

The Quantum Processor Lite with 4K upscaling impressed me by making cable TV and older content look noticeably sharper.

Dual LED backlighting adjusts color temperature for better contrast, though it can’t match the local dimming of Mini-LED competitors.

Samsung’s Tizen OS remains one of the best smart TV platforms, with faster app loading than Fire TV or Roku alternatives.

While gaming features are basic, the included extended warranty provides peace of mind that cheaper brands can’t match.

9. Samsung 65Q7F – Best Large Samsung QLED Deal

Samsung’s 65Q7F offers a large premium brand display for $547.99, featuring the company’s latest Vision AI processing technology.

The Q4 AI Gen1 Processor dramatically improves picture quality, with 20 neural networks optimizing every frame in real-time.

Access to 2,700+ free channels through Samsung TV Plus means you can cut cable without losing content variety.

Samsung Knox Security provides triple-layer protection for personal data, addressing smart TV privacy concerns many users share.

While missing some gaming features of TCL models, Samsung’s reputation for longevity makes this a solid long-term investment.

10. Hisense 55U75QG – Best Premium Budget Pick

The Hisense U75QG pushes budget boundaries at $629.99 but delivers features typically found in $1,500+ TVs.

With up to 3000 nits peak brightness and 3000 local dimming zones, this Mini-LED display rivals premium OLED contrast.

Native 165Hz refresh rate with Game Booster 288 provides the smoothest gaming experience I’ve tested under $1,000.

The built-in 2.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos system creates impressive spatial audio, though audiophiles still benefit from external speakers.

IMAX Enhanced certification ensures cinema-quality presentation for compatible content, a feature absent from most budget TVs.

11. Hisense 85QD6QF – Best 85-Inch Budget Giant

At $796.99 for an 85-inch QLED display, the Hisense 85QD6QF delivers home theater impact that seemed impossible at this price two years ago.

The massive screen transforms movie nights and sports viewing, with quantum dots ensuring colors remain vibrant across the expansive display.

Gaming on an 85-inch screen feels incredibly immersive, with VRR and ALLM maintaining smooth performance despite the size.

Installation requires planning due to the 80-pound weight and 74.5-inch width, so measure doorways and have help ready.

While Fire TV occasionally struggles with the processing demands, the sheer visual impact justifies minor interface compromises.

12. Samsung Neo QLED QN70F – Best Neo QLED Under $900

Samsung’s Neo QLED technology brings Mini-LED precision to the budget segment at $847.99, delivering near-flagship picture quality.

The Quantum Matrix Technology with precision-controlled Mini-LEDs eliminates the blooming that plagued earlier budget Mini-LED TVs.

Motion Xcelerator 144Hz provides excellent gaming performance, with the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor optimizing every frame automatically.

Picture quality rivals TVs costing $1,200+, with 20 neural networks enhancing clarity, color, and contrast in real-time.

While pushing budget limits, this delivers premium Samsung technology that typically costs significantly more.

How to Choose the Best Budget QLED TV?

A budget QLED TV is a quantum dot-enhanced LED television priced under $1,000 that offers improved color reproduction and brightness compared to standard LED TVs while remaining affordable for most consumers.

After testing dozens of models, I’ve identified the key factors that matter most when shopping for budget smart TV options.

Screen Size vs Price Sweet Spots

The best value exists in the 55-inch category around $400-500, where you get premium features without the size premium.

43-inch models under $250 work perfectly for bedrooms but lack the gaming features and brightness of larger options.

65-inch TVs offer incredible value around $450-600, though 75-inch and larger models quickly exceed budget constraints.

Gaming Features That Actually Matter

VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) eliminates screen tearing and is essential for modern console gaming.

ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) automatically switches to game mode, saving you from manual adjustments.

True 120Hz or higher refresh rates matter for competitive gaming, while 60Hz suffices for casual play.

Brightness and Room Considerations

Bright rooms need at least 500 nits peak brightness, with 600+ nits ideal for rooms with large windows.

Local dimming zones dramatically improve contrast but add $100-200 to the price.

Mini-LED backlighting offers the best brightness and contrast in the budget segment.

Smart Platform Reliability

Google TV offers the smoothest performance and best app selection based on my testing.

Fire TV works well but can become sluggish after 18-24 months according to user reports.

Consider using external streaming devices if smart platform performance degrades over time.

Brand Reliability and Support

TCL offers the best gaming features per dollar but has mixed long-term reliability reports.

Hisense provides excellent brightness and features with improving quality control.

Samsung costs more but includes better warranty coverage and proven longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After three months of testing and comparing 12 budget QLED TVs, clear winners emerged for different needs and budgets.

The TCL 55QM6K at $497 delivers the best overall package with Mini-LED technology, true 144Hz gaming, and impressive built-in audio.

For extreme value, the Hisense 55QD6QF at $279 provides gaming features and Dolby Vision that compete with TVs costing twice as much.

Those wanting maximum size should grab the Hisense 85QD6QF at $796 for an 85-inch display that transforms any room into a home theater.

Remember that even the best budget QLED TV represents a significant upgrade from older LED models, delivering picture quality that seemed impossible at these prices just two years ago. For further TV recommendations across all categories, check our best TV overall rankings.