The TV that makes you wonder why anyone spends more.

Hisense has dominated the budget space for years, but the U65QF is their masterpiece. By bringing Mini-LED technology down to the entry-level U6 line, they have effectively killed the competition in the price-to-performance ratio.

• The Picture: In our testing, the U65QF hit peak brightness levels of over 1,000 nits, a figure previously reserved for $1,000+ sets. Combined with Quantum Dot color (QLED), HDR content looks vibrant and alive. The contrast is superb for an LCD, thanks to a high count of local dimming zones.
• The Features: It runs on the Google TV platform, which remains the most content-rich interface available. It also supports Dolby Vision IQ, which automatically adjusts the picture based on the lighting in your room.

Expert Note: “While the brightness is stellar, the viewing angles are limited. This TV looks best when you are sitting directly in front of it.”

Pros:

• Mini-LED technology at an entry-level price.
• Excellent contrast and black uniformity.
• Feature-packed Google TV OS.

Cons:

• Motion processing can be slightly stuttery in 24fps movies.
• Design is functional but a bit bulky.

Esports performance on a budget.

If your primary use for a TV involves a PS5, Xbox Series X, or a gaming PC, the TCL QM7K is your weapon of choice. While Hisense focuses on general brightness, TCL has tuned the QM7K for speed and response.

• The Gaming Edge: This is one of the cheapest ways to get a native 144Hz panel. The “Game Accelerator” feature can even simulate higher refresh rates (up to 240Hz) at lower resolutions, which is a godsend for competitive shooters. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, ensuring tear-free gaming.
• The Tech: The “High-Zone” local dimming is aggressive, keeping blacks inky deep during dark gaming sequences (like Resident Evil or Silent Hill). The colors are saturated and punchy, exactly what you want for gaming graphics.

Pros:

• Native 144Hz refresh rate is incredibly smooth.
• Low input lag (under 6ms).
• Game Bar 3.0 allows quick setting tweaks without leaving the game.

Cons:

• Out-of-the-box color accuracy needs calibration.
• Sound quality is thin; plan for a soundbar.

Zero frustration, great picture.

Roku’s hardware division has hit its stride with the Pro Series. This TV isn’t chasing the highest specs on a spec sheet; it’s chasing the best user experience. And it succeeds.

• The Experience: The interface is snappy, ad-unobtrusive (compared to others), and incredibly simple. The new “Backdrops” feature turns the TV into a piece of digital art when not in use, similar to Samsung’s The Frame but without the premium cost.
• The Remote: It comes with the Roku Voice Remote Pro (2nd Gen), which is rechargeable, has backlit buttons for movie nights, and features a “Lost Remote Finder” that chimes when you say, “Hey Roku, where’s the remote?”
• The Picture: While it has fewer dimming zones than the Hisense, the processing is excellent, offering a natural, clean image that makes streaming content look fantastic.

Pros:

• Best interface for non-techies.
• Rechargeable, lost-remote-proof controller.
• Excellent upscaling of lower-resolution content (cable/HD).

Cons:

• Cannot get as bright as the Hisense or TCL.
• Settings menu is too simple for advanced calibrators.

The best TV under $500.

If you have a strict spending limit, the TCL QM6K is the miracle worker. It replaces the older S5 series as the go-to recommendation for dorms, guest rooms, or tight budgets.

• The Deal: You usually sacrifice Quantum Dots (QLED) at this price, but the QM6K keeps them. This means you get the expanded color volume that makes HDR look “expensive.”
• Compromises: You lose the high refresh rate (it’s a 60Hz panel, though it has gaming enhancements) and the Mini-LED backlight density is lower than the QM7K. However, for streaming Netflix, watching sports, or casual gaming, it looks significantly better than any “store brand” TV you’d find on a shelf.

Pros:

• Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio.
• QLED color at a non-QLED price.
• bright enough to handle a living room with windows.

Cons:

• 60Hz panel limits next-gen gaming potential.
• Black levels are just “okay” compared to the models above.