What's the difference between 4K and QLED?

4K refers to resolution (3840×2160 pixels — 4× more than 1080p). QLED is a panel technology that adds a quantum dot layer to the LED backlight, improving color saturation and brightness. A QLED TV is still 4K — QLED is about color quality, not resolution. Standard LED 4K TVs exist without quantum dots, delivering adequate but less vibrant color.

Is Mini-LED worth paying extra for?

Yes, meaningfully so at this price tier. Mini-LED uses thousands of tiny LED zones for local dimming — the TV darkens specific areas of the picture independently. This dramatically improves contrast: a star in a dark sky scene is bright while the rest remains dark. Standard budget TVs with full-array local dimming have fewer zones. For dark-room movie watching, Mini-LED is a significant upgrade.

What's the best screen size for a budget TV?

55 inches is the sweet spot for most living rooms. Sitting distance recommendation is 1.5× screen width: for a 55-inch TV, sit 6-7 feet away. 65 inches is compelling if you sit 8+ feet from the screen. For bedrooms, 43-50 inches is appropriate. 75+ inches requires a large dedicated room to avoid being too close.

Do I need a gaming-specific TV?

Budget 4K TVs often have Game Mode with <15ms input lag — adequate for casual gaming. For competitive gaming, a dedicated gaming monitor (covered in our gaming monitors guide) is better than any TV at this price. If you primarily play story-driven single-player games and want a large screen, a budget TV in Game Mode works well.

How long will a budget 4K TV last?

Budget LED/QLED TVs typically last 7-10 years for the panel. The software may feel outdated before the hardware fails — smart TV platforms receive updates for 4-5 years typically. Budget TVs use lower-end panel components that may develop backlight uniformity issues over time. For a bedroom secondary TV, a budget model is perfectly reasonable. For a main living room TV, the mid-range ($500-800) offers meaningfully better panel quality.

Best Budget 4K TVs 2026

Q: How long will a budget 4K TV last?

Budget LED/QLED TVs typically last 7-10 years for the panel. The software may feel outdated before the hardware fails — smart TV platforms receive updates for 4-5 years typically. Budget TVs use lower-end panel components that may develop backlight uniformity issues over time. For a bedroom secondary TV, a budget model is perfectly reasonable. For a main living room TV, the mid-range ($500-800) offers meaningfully better panel quality.