Finding a massive screen that doesn’t break the bank can feel like a quest for a mythical creature. You want that immersive, cinematic experience without the premium price tag that usually comes with it. The good news is that the market for large, affordable TVs is better than ever. We’ve spent hours researching and comparing models to find the best 60-inch TVs for a large screen on a budget, focusing on real-world performance and value.
When shopping, it’s crucial to look beyond just the sticker price. Key features like 4K resolution are a given, but you should also pay attention to the type of panel (like QLED or standard LED), the smart TV platform (Roku TV, webOS, etc.), and the number of HDMI ports. Our list includes options that excel in different areas, whether your priority is gaming, movie watching, or just getting the biggest picture for your dollar. We’ve found TVs that prove you don’t have to sacrifice quality to get a fantastic large screen on a budget.
Our Top Picks for the Best 60-Inch TVs for a Large Screen on a Budget
- TCL 65-Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV
- Hisense 65-Inch U6 Series QLED ULED Smart Google TV
- Samsung 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD AU8000 Smart TV
- LG 65-Inch Class UQ7570 Series 4K Smart TV
- Vizio 65-Inch V-Series 4K HDR Smart TV
TCL 65-Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV
I think the TCL 4-Series is the go-to starting point for anyone looking for a budget-friendly large screen. The picture quality is solid for the price, delivering a clean 4K image that makes movies and shows look sharp. Where this TV really stands out, in my experience, is its simplicity. The Roku TV platform is built right in, and it’s arguably the most user-friendly smart TV system available. You get instant access to thousands of streaming channels without needing an external device. The remote is straightforward, and the interface is intuitive, making it a great choice for families or those who don’t want to deal with a complicated setup.
While it’s not going to compete with high-end models on peak brightness or deep black levels, the HDR Pro support does add a bit of extra pop to compatible content. I found the colors to be vibrant and accurate enough for casual viewing. The design is also surprisingly sleek for such an affordable TV, with thin bezels that help maximize the screen real estate. It only has a 60Hz refresh rate, so it’s not ideal for serious gamers who need super smooth motion, but for everyday TV watching and casual gaming, it performs admirably. For the price, you’re getting a reliable, easy-to-use 65-inch TV that just works.
Pros
- Extremely easy-to-use Roku TV platform
- Excellent value for a 65-inch 4K screen
- Simple setup and user-friendly interface
Cons
- 60Hz refresh rate limits gaming performance
- Picture quality is good but not exceptional in darker rooms
Hisense 65-Inch U6 Series QLED ULED Smart Google TV
If you want to step up your picture quality without stepping too far out of the budget category, the Hisense U6 Series is a fantastic option. This TV uses QLED technology, which means it has a quantum dot layer that produces a wider and more vibrant color gamut than standard LED TVs. I was genuinely impressed with the color volume and brightness it can achieve for its price point. It also features Hisense’s ULED enhancements, which improve contrast and motion handling. The result is a picture that feels much more premium than the cost would suggest, with rich colors and decent detail in both bright and dark scenes.
The smart platform here is Google TV, which I find to be a big improvement over the older Android TV. It offers personalized recommendations and integrates all your streaming apps into one cohesive interface. It’s smooth and responsive on this model. The TV also supports Dolby Vision HDR, which is a great feature to have for compatibility with Netflix and other major streaming services. While the sound quality is average (like most flat TVs), and the viewing angles aren’t as wide as on an OLED, these are minor compromises. For the money, the U6 Series delivers a picture that punches well above its weight.
Pros
- QLED technology provides excellent, vibrant colors
- Dolby Vision HDR support for enhanced streaming
- Bright picture that performs well in various lighting
Cons
- Viewing angles are somewhat limited
- Built-in speakers are underwhelming
Samsung 65-Inch Class Crystal UHD AU8000 Smart TV
Samsung is a trusted name in the TV world, and the Crystal UHD AU8000 brings that reliability to the budget segment. This TV boasts a sleek, minimalist design that looks more expensive than it is. The picture quality is driven by Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K, which upscales lower-resolution content effectively and manages the picture dynamically. I found that HD channels and older movies look surprisingly good on this large screen, with minimal noise or artifacts. The colors are typically Samsung—vibrant and punchy right out of the box, which many people prefer for watching sports and animated films.
The smart interface is Samsung’s Tizen OS, which is fast, well-organized, and easy to navigate. It has a full app store and integrates well with other Samsung devices if you’re in that ecosystem. One area where this TV has a slight edge is in its build quality and design consistency; it feels like a solid, well-made product. It lacks the quantum dot color of more expensive QLED models, so the color range isn’t as wide as the Hisense U6, but the overall image is clean and reliable. If brand reputation and a polished user experience are important to you, the Samsung AU8000 is a safe and satisfying bet.
Pros
- Reliable brand with a polished Tizen smart TV system
- Excellent upscaling for non-4K content
- Sleek, modern design that fits any room
Cons
- HDR performance is less impactful than on QLED models
- Limited local dimming affects black levels
LG 65-Inch Class UQ7570 Series 4K Smart TV
LG is famous for its OLED TVs, but its LED models like the UQ7570 offer great value. The standout feature for me is the webOS smart platform. It’s incredibly smooth and features a delightful card-based interface at the bottom of the screen that makes switching between apps and inputs a breeze. The picture quality is dependable, with LG’s α5 Gen5 AI Processor handling 4K upscaling and optimizing the picture based on what you’re watching. I noticed that colors are natural and accurate, which is great for viewers who prefer a more cinematic look over overly saturated vibrancy.
This model also includes support for both HDR10 and HLG formats, ensuring broad compatibility with HDR content. While it doesn’t have Dolby Vision like the Hisense, the HDR performance is still competent for the price. The design is clean with a slim profile, and the TV includes essential gaming features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) to reduce input lag when you connect a game console. The sound quality is adequate for everyday viewing, but as with most TVs in this range, a soundbar is a worthwhile addition. If you prioritize a best-in-class smart TV experience and natural color reproduction, the LG UQ7570 is a strong contender.
Pros
- Excellent webOS smart platform is fast and intuitive
- Accurate and natural color reproduction
- Includes gaming features like ALLM
Cons
- Lacks Dolby Vision HDR support
- Peak brightness is lower than some competitors
Vizio 65-Inch V-Series 4K HDR Smart TV
The Vizio V-Series is another heavyweight in the budget TV arena, known for packing in features that are often missing from similarly priced competitors. One of its biggest strengths is its support for both Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+, which are the two leading HDR formats. This means you’re guaranteed the best possible HDR experience no matter which streaming service or Blu-ray you’re watching. In my testing, this resulted in a picture with better highlight detail and a wider dynamic range than other TVs at this price. The IQ Active Processor also does a good job with upscaling and color enhancement.
The smart system is Vizio’s SmartCast, which I find functional but a bit less refined than Roku or webOS. It relies heavily on casting from your phone, though it does have a built-in app store for popular services like Netflix and YouTube. Where this TV really shines is as a foundation for a home theater. It has a low input lag that gamers will appreciate, and the picture settings are extensive, allowing you to calibrate the image to your liking. If you’re the type of viewer who loves to tweak settings to get the perfect picture and you want full HDR format support, the Vizio V-Series offers incredible value.
Pros
- Supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for maximum compatibility
- Low input lag is great for gaming
- Excellent value with high-end HDR features
Cons
- SmartCast platform is not as user-friendly as competitors
- Design and build feel a bit more basic
Buying Guide: 5 Best 60 Inch TVs for a Large Screen on a Budget
Getting a big screen for your living room doesn’t have to mean spending a huge amount of money. I’ve been looking at the market for 60-inch TVs, and there are some really solid options that give you a lot of screen for your cash. The key is knowing what features matter most when you’re on a budget.
First, let’s talk about display technology. Most budget-friendly 60-inch TVs use LED panels. Within that, you’ll see terms like QLED and standard LED. QLED TVs use a quantum dot filter to improve color and brightness, and they’re often a great middle-ground option. For the absolute best picture quality with deep blacks, you’d want an OLED TV, but those are rarely found in the 60-inch size and are definitely not budget-friendly.
Next up is resolution. Pretty much every TV this size will be 4K Ultra HD, which is what you want. It offers four times the detail of Full HD. The real difference maker is the TV’s smart platform. This is the interface you use to stream Netflix, Hulu, and other apps. I prefer models with Google TV, webOS, or Roku TV because they are generally fast and easy to use. Slower smart interfaces can really slow down your viewing experience.
Also, pay attention to the refresh rate. For most movies and TV shows, a standard 60Hz refresh rate is just fine. But if you’re a gamer or watch a lot of fast-paced sports, a 120Hz refresh rate can make motion look much smoother. However, 120Hz panels are more expensive, so you’ll have to decide if that’s a priority for your budget.
Finally, think about the connections. Make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports for your game consoles, soundbar, and streaming devices. Having at least three HDMI ports is a good idea. With these points in mind, you’re ready to find a great TV that fits your space and your wallet.
FAQ
Is a 60-inch TV too big for a small living room?
It depends on your seating distance. A good rule of thumb is to sit about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size away from the TV. For a 60-inch TV, that’s roughly 7.5 to 12.5 feet. If your room can accommodate that, a 60-inch screen can give you a very engaging experience without feeling overwhelming. I always suggest measuring your space and maybe even marking out the dimensions on your wall with tape to visualize it.
What is the main difference between a budget 60-inch TV and a more expensive one?
The biggest differences usually come down to picture quality features. Expensive models often have better local dimming for improved contrast, higher peak brightness for HDR content, faster refresh rates for gaming, and more premium build materials. A budget 60-inch TV will still give you a great 4K picture, but it might not get as bright or handle dark scenes with as much detail.
Can I get a good 60-inch TV for under $500?
Yes, absolutely. The market for 60-inch TVs on a budget is very competitive, and you can frequently find sales, especially around major holidays. Brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio often offer feature-packed models in this price range that include 4K resolution and robust smart platforms. You might be giving up on some high-end features, but for everyday viewing, these TVs are a fantastic value.
Do I need to buy a separate soundbar with a new budget TV?
In my experience, yes, it’s a good idea. To keep costs and profiles low, most modern flat-screen TVs have very small, downward or rear-firing speakers. They can get loud enough for casual watching, but the sound quality often lacks depth and clarity. A relatively inexpensive soundbar can make a huge difference in your overall enjoyment, making dialogue clearer and adding some much-needed bass.
What should I look for in the HDR performance?
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is meant to give you brighter brights and darker darks. On a budget TV, look for support for the main HDR formats like HDR10 and HLG. Dolby Vision is a premium format that is also common on many budget sets and is a nice bonus. However, the most important factor is the TV’s peak brightness. A TV needs to be able to get reasonably bright to actually show the benefits of HDR. Don’t just look for the HDR logo; read reviews to see how the TV actually performs with HDR content.
Are off-brand 60-inch TVs a safe purchase?
I tend to be cautious with unknown off-brands. While the initial price might be tempting, you might run into issues with long-term reliability, software updates for the smart features, and customer support if something goes wrong. Established brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio have proven track records of offering reliable 60-inch TVs for a large screen on a budget. Sticking with them usually gives you better peace of mind for your investment.