Recently, my family’s decade-old big screen TV broke—the centerpiece of our family time, up in smoke. Because we’re all working from home, this was considered a Big Deal, as we all tended to gather around the big screen to watch shows on our breaks. At night, we’d watch the occasional movie together too.
With many other home repairs already waiting in the wings, we were also worried about affording a new TV but actually found that you can buy a great 4k TV for a reasonable price today.
That’s why I’ve written this article to round up our picks for the best 4K TV under 600 dollars so that others in a similar situation can easily find a TV that works for them.
Truly, we were worried a bit for our sanity when we realized the family TV was finally kaput. But, within a week, we had a new one shipped to our house and that was that. Truly, TV sets are cheaper than ever, especially if you compare them to the rising costs of housing, vehicles, and household appliances. So there’s no reason not to take advantage of these historically great deals and buy yourself a TV that you can truly enjoy.
- 55-inch LED
- Built-in speakers
- Inputs available for HDMI CED/HDMI ARC, USB 2.0
- Earphone/Audio Output
- 3 HDMI Ports
- Internet connectivity: Wi-Fi
- 4K UHD HDR Smart TV
- Alexa Built-in
- 43-inch LED
- Built-in speakers
- Inputs available for Bluetooth, HDMI, USB
- 3 HDMI Ports
- Internet connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi
- Alexa Built-in
- Dolby Cinema
- Magic Remote
- 55-inch LED
- Built-in speakers
- Earphone/Audio Output
- 3 HDMI Ports
- Internet connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Dolby Vision
- HDR 4K UHD
- Roku Smart TV
- Alexa Compatibility
✅ After going through all of the 4k TVs this is the TV that we would buy based on all of its qualities
Best 4k TVs Under $600
Top Choice: Samsung 50-Inch Class Crystal UHD AU8000 Series – 4K UHD HDR Smart TV
- Display size: 50-inch (also available in sizes from 43-85 inches)
- Type of display: LED
- Built-in speakers
- Inputs available for USB, Ethernet, HDMI
- 3 HDMI Ports
- Dimensions: 8.9 x 44 x 27 inches
- Weight: 12.2 pounds
- Internet connectivity: Wi-Fi and Ethernet
The first of our competition for the best tv under 600 dollars, the SAMSUNG 50-Inch Class Crystal UHD, provides an ultra-rich visual experience. UHD stands for 4k ultra HD, which is standard for all the choices in this list.
The SAMSUNG Smart TV uses dynamic crystal color technology, which is brighter and sharper than most other TVs in this price range. It also comes with High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, meaning its lights and shadows have a greater range of colors between them.
This is pretty much standard for 4K TVs today. And as with most TVs, the built-in speakers are only average in quality.
Physically, the Class Crystal UHD is so slim it almost turns invisible when mounted against a wall with the slim fit wall mount. It’s also lightweight and easy to move around. The overall look and feel are just precisely what you want for a modern-day TV.
Both Alexa and Google Assistant come as built-in options, and SAMSUNG’s universal guide home screen is relatively easy to use. Still, generally speaking, I recommend getting a Roku or Amazon Fire to have the best all-in-one streaming experience.
SAMSUNG’s tap view lets you mirror your phone onto the TV with just a simple tap with compatible SAMSUNG Galaxy devices. You can also wirelessly connect to the TV from your computer and use it as an external monitor, which is convenient for working at home.
The SAMSUNG Class Crystal UHD is also available in a smaller 43” size and larger sizes going all the way up to 85”. I find 50” to be a great size for most rooms, but it depends on what you’re looking for. The Smart TV has got a solid overall star rating of 4.4 on Amazon. This puts it into the category of a great all-around Smart TV with 4k ultra HD picture quality.
Hisense 55-Inch Class R6 Series Dolby Vision HDR 4K UHD Roku Smart TV with Alexa Compatibility
Features
- Display size: 55-inch (also available in a 65-inch model)
- Type of display: LED
- Built-in speakers
- Inputs available for HDMI CED/HDMI ARC, Ethernet, 1 USB 2.0, 1 RF Antenna, 1 RCA Composite Video Input, 1 L/R Audio Input for Composite, 1 Optical Digital Audio Output, 1 Earphone/Audio Output
- 3 HDMI Ports
- Dimensions: 57.2 x 32.8 x 2.9 inches
- Weight: 36.40 pounds
- Internet connectivity: Wi-Fi
The Hisense is the best 55-inch Smart TV under 600 available on the market today. The trade-off with the Hisense 65-Inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD is that you get the larger size with a bit fewer features than other Smart TVs at this price point. For example, it’s not as thin or light as some other models, and you can’t connect through Bluetooth.
It has a brilliant 4k resolution Dolby vision display, HDR, and a decent quality sound system. It’s a Roku TV, so it uses Roku as its default home system.
I like Roku as a home screen but slightly prefer Fire TV. It’s really up to you to try the two out if you can and get a feel for their differences. It also has both Alexa and Google assistant as voice control options.
Related: How Wide is a 55-inch TV
The 55-inch screen size is clearly the big selling point here and makes it one of the contenders for the best tv under 600. It has a decent refresh rate at 60 hertz, but many a TV under 600 have a refresh rate of 120 hertz, so that brings its rating down slightly.
The only other size available is the 65-inch, and it scored a 4.6-star rating on Amazon. So, if you are looking for a huge 4k TV that works for a reasonable price, the Hisense should be your go-to choice.
INSIGNIA NS-50DF710NA21 50-inch Smart 4K UHD – Fire TV
Features
- Display size: 50-inch
- Type of display: LED
- Built-in speakers
- Inputs available for USB, HDMI
- 3 HDMI Ports
- Dimensions: 27.8 x 44.4 x 10.4 inches
- Weight: 25.40 lbs
- Internet connectivity: Wi-Fi
The INSIGNIA 50-inch Smart 4k UHD Fire TV is a fantastic 50-inch 4k ultra HD Smart TV for those on a tight budget. It has all the basics you need, with HDR and 3 HDMI ports for connectivity. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have Bluetooth, but you can use it as a monitor through the HDMI ports.
The picture quality is excellent for the screen size, which is always stunning at 4k resolution. However, the colors and dynamic range aren’t as strong as some of the other options here, even though we’re talking about very high picture quality.
On the other hand, a 4K ultra HD screen is already quite an upgrade for most folks, so it should be just fine. It also only goes up to a 60-hertz refresh rate, but that should also be fine for most programming.
Related: Who Makes Insignia TVs?
The Alexa voice remote is nicely designed and easy to use – you don’t have the option to use Google Assistant with the INSIGNIA if that matters to you.
However, some of the wires it comes with are a little short, so that you might need an extension cord. However, it’s also a Fire TV, which is one of the easiest and best ways to experience all your favorite streaming services in one place. Personally, I prefer it over Roku.
Overall, this Smart TV is all about the exceptional deal you’re getting. INSIGNIA sells a few smaller versions of this TV for even cheaper at 43 and 32-inches if that’s something you’re looking for.
It rightly has a score of 4.6 stars on Amazon. It might not be the best tv under 600, all things considered, but for the value, you are getting, it’s worth it.
LG 43UP8000PUA Alexa Built-in 43″ 4K Smart UHD TV
Features
- Display size: 43-inch (50, 55, 65-inch)
- Type of display: LED
- Built-in speakers
- Inputs available for Bluetooth, HDMI, USB
- 3 HDMI Ports
- Dimensions: 38.1 x 8.5 x 24.5 inches
- Weight: 19.20 lbs
- Internet connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi
While a smaller Smart TV than others on this list, the LG 43” 4K Smart UHD TV has all the features, you could want for a modern 4k ultra HD LED TV. Both Alexa and Google Assistant voice remote enabled, the LG Smart UHD sports a vibrant screen and a great sound system that you can connect to a Bluetooth surround sound system if you so choose.
Bluetooth also means you can connect other devices to it more efficiently, including your laptop, to use the TV as an external monitor.
The magic remote it comes with is easy to use, and LG’s home screen is also pretty user-friendly. As usual, I’d still recommend a Roku or Fire in this case, but it’s up to you.
The slim design of the physical TV is great and mounts nicely to a wall for a very thin profile. It’s pretty lightweight too.
With a 120-hertz refresh rate and generally just having excellent picture quality akin to Dolby vision, the main reason to go for the LG Smart TV is its overall quality. It just does everything you could want. But, of course, your major trade-off is that you could get a 55 inch 4k TV or similar for around the same price, so you have to weigh your options.
Other size options include 50, 55, and 65-inches, and the 4k ultra HD Smart TV gets a 4.3 star average on Amazon.
TCL 55″ Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV
Features
- Display size: 55-inch (also available from 43 to 85 inch versions)
- Type of display: LED
- Built-in speakers
- Inputs available for HDMI, USB
- 4 HDMI Ports
- Dimensions: 48.7 x 11.8 x 30.4 inches
- Weight: 24.90 lbs
- Internet connectivity: Wi Fi
As a 55-inch 4k ultra HD Smart TV, the TCL Class 4-Series 4k UHD HDR Smart TV is a little bigger than most of the other TVs on this list. Roku is a nice service to have pre-installed, as it collects together all your streaming programming in a convenient way. The home screen and search on this 55-inch 4k TV is probably the best designed overall on this list.
The picture quality is great, with a solid 60-hertz refresh rate, and the sound quality is decent. A severe viewing angle can cause a little bit of saturation, though. There’s HDR support, as with all the other Smart TVs on our list.
The profile of this 55-inch Smart TV is nice and slim, and the picture is beautiful. The 4 HDMI ports are also a nice touch if you need them. But be warned, none are 2.1 compatible, which means some gaming systems such as the Xbox Series X won’t connect.
All in all, the TCL 55-inch 4k Smart TV gives you a little extra size compared to others on this list at the expense of a few minor issues.
It gets an excellent star rating of 4.7 on Amazon and is available in almost any size imaginable, from 43 to 85 inches.
4K TV Under $600 Buyers Guide:
4k Ultra HD TVs today have many different specs; it can be hard to know what’s important. For example, do I need Dolby vision, LED or ULED, 4k resolution, HDR support, etc.? This guide will help clear up some of these details and provide guidance on what to look for when shopping for a Smart TV today.
These are most of the major features you’ll have to look out for when shopping for your Smart TV. Other important features include considering which home service you want (Roku, Fire, or the default home screen included on the Smart TV), what kind of stand or mount you want, and ensuring it has all the wiring hook-ups you need for the devices you want to use.
Screen Size
This is probably the easiest to understand but also one of the most important. The screen size is measured by the diagonal from one corner of the TV to the opposite corner. Therefore, when measuring what length of TV stand you’ll need to support the TV, just the length is needed. The length will be shorter than the diagonal screen size.
Screen Resolution
Screen resolutions have gotten better and better over the years. All the screens in this guide are 4K ultra HD, or 2160p, double that of the 1080 HD resolution common in the last decade.
Refresh Rate
You want to look for a 120 Hertz refresh rate on a Smart TV today. TV broadcast standard is 60Hz, and for the most part, this will be all you’ll need most of the time. Actually, your TV will often have to smooth out your experience when they do have a higher refresh rate because looking that smooth can actually appear strange to our eyes.
HDR
HDR or High Dynamic Range refers to the great range of color the TV can display. This can make the picture more vivid with contrast as the darkest darks, and brightest brights have more range of color between them.
Smart TV
Smart TVs are smart because they are connected to the internet. But nowadays, they have other features that allow them to integrate various streaming and gaming services. They usually do this through a built-in home screen. Roku and Fire devices can turn any TV into a Smart TV by connecting them to the internet and providing their own home screen.
Inputs
You’ll want at least 3 HDMI ports for inputs, which comes standard on most smart TVs today. Other cables depend on what you’d like to use your Smart TV for.
Contrast-ratio
The contrast ratio is similar to HDR. It expresses the range between the darkest darks and the lightest lights. It’s beneficial in dark rooms to have a good contrast ratio, as this allows you to better make out the shapes and colors of the figures on the screen.
Curved TVs
Curved TVs seek to replicate the experience of an IMAX theatre for a panoramic feel but are not recommended for most people. This is because they require you to sit within a certain range for the best quality and are distorted outside that range. Thus, a curved monitor is great for gaming as it provides increased immersion but doesn’t work as well for TVs where you aren’t as close to the screen.
4K TV Under $600 FAQ
What is the best smart TV under $600?
I would choose the Samsung 50-Inch Class Crystal UHD for the best mix of overall features and quality.
Its 4k ultra HD screen looks and feels amazing, its great picture quality complimented nicely by decent quality sound, and is otherwise packed with good features.
The slim mount setup is perfect for a sleek design in your living room. Samsung has been making quality electronics for a long time now, so you know it’s a quality build that will last.
What is the best and cheapest 4K TV?
The best budget 4K TV has got to be the INSIGNIA 50-inch Smart 4k UHD Fire TV.
Fire TV is an excellent service, and while the TV doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other Smart TVs, it’s pretty functional for most people’s uses. The big selling point is that it’s quite a bit less expensive than most other 50-inch 4k TVs, even ones in the budget range. So if that’s what you’re looking for, it’s a solid pick.
What is the best 4K TV to buy in 2021?
We’ve already highlighted above that the SAMSUNG 50-Inch Class Crystal UHD is a great overall choice. However, if you’d like to go for an even larger device, the 65-inch Hisense Class R6 Series Dolby Vision HDR 4K UHD Roku Smart TV is excellent while still being under $600.
Yes, it lacks some of the features of some other 50-inch 4k TVs in this price range, and it’s physically bulkier, but that being said, you’re getting 15 extra inches out of the deal. That seems like a pretty good trade-off to me.
What’s the best 4K TV under 500?
For under $500, the INSIGNIA 50-inch Smart 4k UHD Fire TV is the best choice out of our selection. It just really hits the best value proposition, having a solid selection of features for such a low price.
Coming with Fire TV is also a great selling point, as this is probably the best all-in-one streaming package out there.
Best 4k tv under $500?
A similar answer to the above, the INSIGNIA 50-inch Smart 4k UHD Fire TV is a solid choice for under $500. However, the LG 43” 4K Smart UHD TV is a feature-packed choice if you’re looking for a solid alternative whose only trade-off is slightly smaller screen size.
I love the quality design and slim look of the LG, and I trust the brand to be quality-made.
Are there 8k TVs under $600?
No. A 4k TV in this price range is already a budget model, so unsurprisingly, there are no 8k TVs under $600. That being said, most streaming services and programming don’t have 8k content yet, so you’ll probably be ok with a 4k TV for most applications.
Final Thoughts on 4k TVs Under 600
Each of the five Smart TVs we looked at had its own benefits and deficits, meaning there are slightly different reasons to pick up each one. The 55-inch Hisense Class R6 Series gets you the largest TV you can get in this budget range. The INSIGNIA 50-inch Smart 4k UHD Fire TV is the best budget 4k TV, providing the same features as the others for even less cost.
But overall, the SAMSUNG 50-Inch Class Crystal UHD is my pick for best overall 4k TV under $600.
The Class Crystal has all the features you could need on a physically slim and sleek device. It has brilliant picture quality and a solid sound system. You also know you’re getting a well-built machine when it comes to SAMSUNG.
Finally, it should be said that any TV on this list would be great as they are all highly reviewed on Amazon, after all. So it’s really just up to you what little differences matter for you and your household and what services you like, such as Fire TV vs. a Roku device.
✅ After going through all of the 4k TVs this is the TV that we would buy based on all of its qualities.
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