Which TVs are the best, most reliable and inexpensive: rating of the TOP-15 cheap and high-quality models for 2021

Modern televisions are not a luxury item, but a common household appliance. There are often 2-3 TVs in one house. They are placed in the bedroom, kitchen, and living room. This is a means of viewing television channels, films, programs from a flash drive, via the Internet.

If we buy a more expensive TV for the living room, then we can choose a simpler model for the bedroom and kitchen. In 2021, there are many budget TV models on the market. The devices differ in characteristics and price.

Popular models that combine the concept of price and quality include: Philips 43PFS6825 43″, DIGMA DM-LED24SQ20 24″, Samsung UE43TU7090U 43″, Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 55 T2 54.6″ and others. Let's take a closer look at their features based on reviews from real users.

TOP best budget TVs 2021

To make it easier for you to navigate, we will divide the rating of the best TV into three categories. Let's single out five representatives of the group, describe their pros and cons, and make a brief description of each.

The best budget smart TVs

Hyundai H-LED40FS5001 40″

Inexpensive TV with high-quality sound and good picture.
There is enough RAM to perform simple tasks. The TV has a minimalistic design and is light in weight. Tuner with powerful reception – finds many channels. For better image quality, you can disable analog TV in the settings. To view more channels, iptv applications are installed for an additional fee. The device is easy to control and can be easily mounted on the wall using a bracket. Price from 15,000 rub.

Pros:

functionality;
Full-HD;
price;
Wi-Fi.

Minuses:

large remote control 26x5 cm;
1 GB RAM;
Control Smart TV with arrows, not a pointer.

Philips 43PFS6825 43″

Modern TV with Full HD, Smart TV on the SAPHI platform and powerful 20 W surround sound.
The picture is colorful, bright, the colors are deep and saturated. The frames are thin and the stand is durable. The controls are simple and intuitive. Excellent workmanship - no backlash or squeaks. 2 GB of RAM is enough to perform simple tasks, surf the Internet, and watch videos. Free and paid IPTV channels work without interruption. Price from 22,000 rub.

Pros:

Wi-Fi;
image;
specifications;
price;
Smart TV.

Minuses:

the average lifespan of a TV is 5-8 years;
Sometimes the Wi-Fi signal disappears for a while.

BQ 39S03B 38.5″

Inexpensive, functional TV with Smart TV, Wi-Fi, Ethernet connector.
Maximum resolution 720p HD, screen refresh rate 50 Hz. The image is pleasant, bright and clear. The TV is not heavy, excellent build quality, affordable price - price from 12,000 rubles. Powerful sound 16 W (2x8 W). There is support for DVB-T2. There are 2 USB connectors for connecting a storage device, a wireless mouse, and more.

The menu is simple and intuitive, the remote control is convenient. The device is suitable for watching channels, online videos, games.

Pros:

convenient Smart TV;
Wi-Fi;
sound;
weight 6 kg;
quality.

Cons : 720p HD resolution.

Leff 43F520T 43″

Large beautiful TV with Smart TV, wireless Internet, Ethernet, many USB, HDMI connectors.
The device is lightweight, easy to set up and operate. An excellent alternative to the Android console. The OS is developed on the basis of the Yandex platform. You can subscribe to "Plus". Large film library, it is possible to install applications and play games. You can connect other devices via bluetooth. Image quality is customizable using five standard modes. The sound is normal, without additional effects. There is voice search via the remote control. Price from 15,000 rub.

Pros:

design;
Smart TV;
wireless Internet;
Yandex platform.

Minuses:

not enough image adjustment modes;
no Mini-jack connector.

Novex NVX-39H211MSY 39″

Fast Smart TV with good sound and high-quality image.
The remote control is equipped with arrows, voice search, and a joystick. Easy to operate Smart TV, minimal buttons. Terrestrial channels are more difficult to manage. The OS works quickly and copes with assigned tasks without freezing. The image is rich, the colors are bright, the resolution is 1366x768 HD. Connects to Wi-Fi quickly, the signal does not disappear.

The Yandex platform has been installed. The voice assistant only works in Yandex search. Price from 13,000 rub.

Pros:

Smart TV;
image quality;
performance;
wireless Internet.

Minuses:

The remote control is not convenient for controlling broadcast channels;
The voice assistant only works in Yandex.

What is a smart TV and its advantages

Although a number of TVs are labeled as "smart", not all of them have the necessary features. For example, a particular Smart TV may support streaming content via YouTube, but may not allow you to install the apps of your choice on it. Likewise, some Smart TVs may come with voice control support. This feature allows you to view information/programming using voice commands, while other TVs may not support this feature. Therefore, choosing the best smart TV depends on your usage and you should focus on getting the best services at a given price.

A smart TV should offer you speed, plenty of multimedia options, viewing services, and a great user experience.

Operating System (OS) and Interface: The best TV will offer you an operating system that is fast, not complex or complicated, supports a wide range of applications (especially 4K applications), and allows you to browse and shop online.
Remote control and navigation. Communication with the TV depends on the remote control, so choose one that allows you to navigate easily and has a good combination of hot keys.
RAM, CPU and Storage: More RAM with faster CPU speed, faster browsing experience and smoother app performance. High ROM is convenient if your TV supports video recording.
Phone mirroring and broadcasting. This feature is essential if you want to cast games and movies from your phone to your TV screen or use your TV screen for video calls.
Connectivity: To get the most out of your smart TV, choose one that supports 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi.

The cheapest and most reliable TVs

DIGMA DM-LED24SQ20 24″

Inexpensive compact TV with wireless Internet and all basic functions.
Maximum resolution 720p HD. Smart TV based on Android. Weight 2.5 kg, includes a reliable VESA mount, size 10x10 cm. High-quality image, good viewing angles, stylish design. In the settings there is a separate item for adjusting brightness. The menu is convenient and understandable. There is a headphone output, USB connector, Ethernet, HDMI. Low energy consumption - only 17 watt/hour. The tuner picks up basic channels well. Price from 8,000 rub.

Pros:

Smart TV;
weight 2.5 kg;
viewing angles;
image;
design.

Minuses:

tuner power;
Sound is sometimes not enough.

Novex NWX-24H121MSG 24″

Household appliance for a small room, kitchen, cottage. Maximum resolution 720p HD. Smart TV on the Android platform. A Wi-Fi module is installed, there is HDMI, USB. Includes VESA mount 10x10 cm. Weight 2.6 kg. Price from 8,000 rub.
The TV is suitable for watching broadcast channels, videos and films on the Internet, and online cinemas. The sound is minimal; to increase the volume, just connect the simplest speakers or soundbar.

The remote control is good and convenient. The menu is intuitive and Russified. Assembly without backlash or creaks.

Pros:

Wi-Fi;
Smart TV Android;
functionality;
price;
image quality.

Cons : sound is weak.

Yuno ULX-24TC211 23.6″ (2020)

Small TV with high quality picture.
Large viewing angles, the picture is bright and saturated. There is a small frame, but it does not spoil the appearance; the body is plastic. Functional, productive. Handles each task well in turn. RAM 1 GB, built-in 8 GB. The remote control is ordinary with a classic arrangement of keys.

There is wireless Internet, Smart TV, USB, HDMI, Ethernet connectors for cable. Additionally, you can connect a hard drive up to 1 TB. 720p HD resolution. Includes VESA mount 7.5x7.5 cm. Price from 9,000 rubles.

Pros:

Smart TV Android;
Wi-Fi;
price quality;
remote control with classic key layout.

Cons: RAM 1 GB.

TELEFUNKEN TF-LED24S05T2S 23.6″

Inexpensive, lightweight 720p HD TV.
Smart TV based on Android is installed, there is Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB, HDMI. The set includes a durable VESA mount 10x10 cm. The model is functional, practical, with all the necessary functions. The image is bright, clear, contrasty, adjustable in the settings. The frames are thin. Viewing angles allow you to watch programs from any angle - everything is clearly visible. Sometimes the volume, depth, richness and volume of sound are not enough.

Channels scroll through quickly without delay. The TV reads various flash devices, quickly plays and sends information to them. There is protection against children, the assembly is of high quality. Price from 9,000 rub.

Pros:

weight 2.6 kg, dimensions;
Smart TV;
image;
performance.

Cons : weak sound.

ECON EX-32HS013B 32″

Budget TV with 720p HD resolution, Smart TV based on Android.
Wi-Fi, Ethernet are installed, there is a USB connector, and two HDMI. The kit includes a convenient VESA mount, measuring 20x20 cm. The controls are simple, the menu is intuitive. The matrix is of high quality, the sound is good, rich. The design is classic, minimalistic, the body is plastic without any backlash, and is light in weight. Standard applications for watching movies are installed. Due to 1 GB of RAM, sometimes the image may lag when watching videos or surfing the Internet. Price from 9,500 rub.

Pros:

multifunctionality;
Smart TV;
combination of price and quality;
convenient remote control.

Minuses:

only one USB connector;
1 GB RAM.

The best TVs in terms of price/quality ratio

Samsung UE43TU7090U 43″

One of the best models of 2021 with 4K UHD and HDR10+.
The sound is powerful, spacious, clear. The processor is efficient, the image is bright, the color rendition is rich. There are no highlights in the corners, no glare. Edge LED backlighting. Smart TV on the Tizen platform. The remote control is classic - with buttons and arrows without a joystick. If necessary, control from a smartphone can be configured.

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Miracast modules installed. There is a USB connector, two HDMI, and an Ethernet output. Setup is quick and simple. The menu is clear and Russified. Includes VESA mount 20x20 cm. Device weight 8.3 kg. Price from 26,000 rub.

Pros:

Smart TV Tizen;
uninterrupted Wi-Fi operation;
image;
familiar remote control;
functional;
sound.

Cons : 1 USB connector is not enough.

Xiaomi Mi TV 4A 55 T2 54.6″

Productive, multifunctional TV with resolution, 4K UHD, HDR10, Direct LED backlight.
The sound is powerful, spacious, no additional speakers are needed. Interfaces installed include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2 USB connectors, 3 HDMI connectors, and an Ethernet output. Includes reliable VESA mount 30x25 cm. Weight 14.2 kg. The image is saturated, color rendition is at a high level, Samsung matrix. There are no covenants, the frames are thin, the screen does not glare. Any custom mode can be set in the settings. Smart TV on the Android platform.

The menu is intuitive and simple. Supports Air Play, synchronizes with ps4 pro and ps5. Price from 32,000 rub.

Pros:

price quality;
image;
sound;
Smart TV Android.

Cons : heavy – 14.2 kg.

Hisense 65A7500F 65″

A modern multifunctional model with 4K UHD, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Direct LED backlighting.
The sound is powerful and spacious. Installed Smart TV based on VIDAA. There are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth interfaces, 2 USB, 4 HDMI, Ethernet. VESA mount 30x20 cm. Weight 19.8 kg. Broadcast channels, videos and films on the Internet are shown well. There are no highlights or glare. The design is modern, there are no frames, the body is plastic. The remote control is convenient and modern. Price from 43,000 rub.

Pros:

4K UHD image quality;
performance;
clear sound;
Smart TV VIDAA;
modern design.

Cons : weight almost 20 kg.

LG 43NANO796NF 43″

Comfortable, modern, reliable TV from a well-known manufacturer.
4K UHD resolution, HDR10 Pro, IPS matrix, Edge LED backlight. The sound is powerful, rich, rich. Smart TV platform based on webOS. Wireless interfaces installed: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Miracast. There are 4 HDMI, 2 USB, Ethernet. The remote control is convenient, in the shape of a mouse. There are various required applications to view content. The screen is frameless, there are no restrictions, and there is no glare. The image is excellent in daylight, nightlight, artificial lighting, and in the dark. Price from 38,000 rub.

Pros:

Smart TV;
fast operating system;
surround sound.

Cons : Voice control may not work immediately.

Philips 43PUS7805 43″

Convenient, practical, lightweight for a 43-inch diagonal TV with 4K UHD resolution, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, MVA matrix and powerful sound.
Smart TV based on SAPHI, Wi-Fi and Miracast modules installed. There are 3 HDMI, 2 USB, Ethernet. Viewing angles are good, no glare. Image quality can be adjusted to your preferences in the custom mode settings. Initially, a minimum set of applications is installed, including Megogo, YouTube. Includes VESA mount 20x20 cm. Price from 29,000 rubles.

Pros:

Wi-Fi, Miracast;
Ambilight;
Direct LED.

Minuses:

no Bluetooth;
SOPHI OS.

Cost of smart TVs

As of 2021, the average price for smart TVs is from $1,000. You can buy a used one for half the price. You need to start from basic and secondary needs. You need to write down the main things that should be in an ideal TV and only after that go to the store. Below we will look at everything in order.

Parameters to pay attention to

The most basic parameters for selecting a model:

What is the correct TV screen size? When it comes to your TV screen, there are those who believe that bigger is better. As long as it fits within your budget, the theory is that a larger display screen makes for an immersive viewing experience, but uses a lot more power! Others argue that there is an optimal screen size.

The best approach is always to aim for the best price/screen size ratio.

This step will ensure that you don't sit awkwardly, sit too close to the display, or end up with a smaller screen that doesn't look like a centerpiece in your living room or bedroom. When calculating the best TV size, always keep in mind that screen dimensions are measured diagonally.

How to correctly calculate the size of a TV?

The formula recommended by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers states that the ideal screen size is equal to the distance between you and the screen divided by 1.6.

Screen size = distance from TV to viewer / 1.6

So, if you sit 90 inches away from your TV screen, this formula indicates that a screen size of 56.25 inches will fit your bill perfectly. In this case, you can choose a 55-inch TV.

Screen Type: Choose the best screen type

While plasma TVs are hardly sold these days, LCD TVs still offer options for those on a budget. LED, OLED and QLED TVs provide a better viewing experience, albeit at a higher price. Simply put, the display type you choose determines factors such as glare, contrast, and viewing angles.

Upon closer inspection, you will find that these displays differ in their backlight settings. LCD TVs use CCFL as the light source, while LED TVs use an array of LEDs to backlight the display. They can be in the form of a full array or in the form of LEDs placed along the edges of the screen. Even though edge-lit TVs are thinner, full array TVs have better picture quality.
LED TVs also make local dimming easier. This means that parts of your screen can be darkened to give you a better contrast ratio. Additionally, although the best LCD TVs are more cost-effective, they have lower viewing angles compared to the best LED TVs.

However, to raise the quality bar and bring home a cinematic display, choose an OLED set that fits your budget. Since OLED and QLED are relatively new entrants to the market, take a look at what features they offer.

Screen type OLED

OLED screens are made up of millions of LEDs that light up individually when current is passed through them. Here, each OLED functions as a separate pixel. Because each pixel can be turned on or off individually, the contrast is incredible. These sets are also very thin as they do not require an additional light source. They have better black levels and contrast compared to the best LED TVs.

QLED stands for Quantum dot LED. Here, the LED TV uses quantum dots to give superior brightness and better color gamut. As a concept, QLED was introduced to the market by Samsung. Since both OLED TVs and QLED TVs come at premium prices, you may be wondering which one to choose. In terms of black levels and viewing angles, OLED wins because QLEDs use LED backlighting. In terms of brightness and color, QLED is superior to OLED displays.

Screen resolution: 4K UHD, HD or Full HD?

The terms 4K, HD and Full HD refer to the resolution of the TV. Simply put, the higher the resolution of your device, the sharper and more vibrant the images on your screen will be. For example, if your TV has 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 pixels vertically, its resolution will be called 1920x1080. One way to understand the benefit of higher resolution is to imagine what would happen if you had the opposite. Imagine if the channels coming to your TV are displayed on a low resolution screen, the images on the screen will be blurry and distorted. Therefore, it is believed that the higher the resolution, the better your viewing experience.

4K UHD

Why you should choose 4K resolution: A sharper display means you can enjoy images/videos on the screen in high detail, even if you are sitting close to the screen. Offering greater participation, the best 4K TVs redefine your viewing experience. The good news is that there is more and more UHD content available on the market, making this a viable investment. Thanks to streaming services, you can now enjoy most of the features that the 4K UHD set offers you.

Full HD

These are TVs with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. While they may be four times lower when it comes to image clarity, Full HD sets are a good deal after all. This is mainly because you need easy access to UHD content so that you can enjoy the latest features of your UHD TV. If this is not available, an FHD kit will be a better option and a more cost-effective solution.

HD TVs are TVs with a screen resolution of 1280x720 pixels. Even the best HDTVs are actually readily available and are best suited for standard definition content. Consider an HDTV if you're looking for a budget TV. If your budget allows, then use an FHD TV.

Experience your TV's picture quality with HDR

When searching for the best TV, the term HDR comes up often. It stands for High Dynamic Range and is one of the most popular TV features. HDR operates on the premise that the higher the dynamic range, the more accurate the displayed image will be. This means your TV will provide you with a realistic viewing experience. Here you get a wider color gamut and better contrast. As a result, layers that were previously indistinguishable on an older TV will come to life on an HDR-compatible TV.

It's important to note that HDR is a format and it comes in variations such as HDR10, HDR10+, HLG and Dolby Vision. Also, remember that you can only enjoy HDR picture quality when your TV is fed HDR content. Whether you choose a Sony TV, LG TV, Lloyd TV or Haier TV, always check for HDR support as well as access to HDR content.

Update frequency

The next part of the TV buying guide is understanding the refresh rate of your TV.
It tells you how many times the set refreshes the image on the screen per second. From the perspective of your viewing experience, the higher the refresh rate, the better the viewing experience. In other words, if the refresh rate is higher, there will be very less motion blur. Some TVs offer a 60Hz refresh rate. This means that the frame on the screen is updated 60 times per second. More modern sets offer refresh rates of up to 120Hz. Typically, films are shot at 24 frames per second, and television shows are broadcast at 30 frames per second or 60 frames per second. So, if your TV's refresh rate is higher than the content it's being fed, the TV uses algorithms like interpolation to create a smooth picture flow.

When choosing a TV, choose a refresh rate that is appropriate for the content you want to watch. To do this, make sure the frame rate is a multiple of the number of frames per second in which your content is filmed. Although native displays do not have refresh rates higher than 120Hz, you may find that your TV indicates a refresh rate higher than 120Hz. This refers to the effective refresh rate.

What is the refresh rate indicated on the TV?

Manufacturers use their own terminology specifically to indicate the refresh rate of their kits. Please note that these are effective and not native screen speeds. LG TV uses the term "TruMotion" and promises speeds that are twice as fast as the native screen. Likewise, Samsung uses the term "Motion Speed" to refer to the same specification.

Who should buy a TV with a high refresh rate?

Choose a TV with a high refresh rate if you want to enjoy intense gaming or watch fast-paced action on your TV as the refresh rate displays every detail with precision.

HDMI and connections

The single most important port you should pay attention to is the HDMI connector. HDMI handles both video and audio, providing high quality images and making older ports redundant. HDMI 2.0 ports can handle 4K UHD content. So if your usage requires it, make sure you buy the best TV with HDMI 2.0. Also note that HDMI 2.1 goes further and provides 8K content. This is not required, but is a nice addition.

In addition to HDMI, check the USB ports as well. This can be very convenient if you want to display pictures or play music while connecting another device. Older analog ports like S-video and RCA are only useful if you intend to connect your machine to older game consoles and soundbars. Antenna ports should only be considered if HDMI won't do the job for you. Finally, pay attention to Wi-Fi adapters and Ethernet ports to ensure that the best smart TV gets a high-speed data connection.

Sound quality

What sound characteristics should you look for?

When testing and evaluating sound quality, you can use a rule of thumb: the higher the power, the louder the sound will be. Typically, the dual 10-watt speakers that come with the best TVs are sufficient for a small to medium-sized room. On the other hand, built-in 15, 20 or 25 W speakers will take your audio experience to the next level.

However, audio output is considered to be the Achilles heel of modern TVs. Thin bezels and thin design mean that when the size is reduced, the sound quality also suffers. Some TVs even tend to distort the sound when the volume goes above 70%. So if high volume and clarity are a priority, choose TVs that offer Dolby Digital, DTS Premium or Harman Kardon sound technology.

Should I buy a soundbar with my TV?

If you're looking for a more immersive, theatrical experience, consider buying a soundbar with your Sony or Lloyd TV. They're lightweight, easily connect to your TV with a couple of cables, and offer advanced audio functionality. This will give you louder, richer sound and better bass. Alternatives to soundbars include home theater systems, sound bases, and wireless headphone sets.

Extended Warranty

When purchasing an expensive TV, you may be wondering whether it's worth purchasing an extended warranty. Extended warranties promise you peace of mind and cover mechanical and electronic defects after your regular warranty expires, making them a good value proposition.

If you choose an extended warranty, consider factors such as price, duration, coverage, and terms to ensure you get a good deal.

What to consider when choosing a budget TV in 2021?

We reviewed the top best inexpensive TVs in 2021, highlighting their features and disadvantages. In order not to make a mistake and buy the right model, pay attention to several main points:

Permission.
Size, screen diagonal, matrix type.
Availability of Smart TV and additional functions.
RAM.

If you choose a TV for a room of 20 meters or more, you can buy a model with a diagonal of 43 inches or higher. -32 inches is enough for the kitchen. In the bedroom, living room, hall - from 32 to 55 inches. Resolution varies: from HD to 4K. If you plan to use TV for surfing the Internet, watching videos and movies online, you should opt for models with Smart TV.