Welcome to the land of “Binge-Worthy on a Budget!” 🍿📺 Where your wallet stays plump and your weekends stay packed with cinematic thrillers, rom-coms, and those addictive cooking shows that make you question your microwave meals. Who says you need to mortgage your future to experience 4K resolution, voice-controlled remotes, or even smart capabilities that have your TV doing everything short of making you a cup of coffee (we’re still waiting on that update, tech gods)?
Even big-ticket players in the electronics game have gotten the memo that not all of us are swimming in gold coins like Scrooge McDuck. Yep, renowned manufacturers have been rolling out sleek, feature-packed TVs targeted at the more financially… let’s say, “careful” among us. What a time to be alive—and a savvy shopper!
Here’s the 411: We’ve put a whole range of TVs priced under $250 through the wringer. Remote buttons have been mashed, resolutions have been scrutinized, and smart features have been tested until even Alexa was tired of us. All to bring you the crème de la crème of affordable high-tech TVs that won’t have you resorting to instant ramen for the next few months.
So, buckle up for our top picks that prove cutting costs doesn’t mean cutting corners. Spoiler Alert: Quality and affordability can be BFFs!
Samsung N5300 32″ 1080p Smart LED
3 used from $179.72
1. Why this TV makes our Top 3 list?
Firstly, can we talk about the Full HD 1080P resolution? The clarity is so good, you might just find Waldo in that random crowd scene. For under $250, this is practically a steal. Additionally, it’s a Smart TV, which means you’re not just buying a TV; you’re buying a complete entertainment hub. With built-in Alexa support and an array of supported internet services like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, this TV is truly a millennial’s dream. And let’s not forget, it’s from Samsung, a brand you can usually trust like your grandmother’s cooking.
2. Is there anything to improve?
Well, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The 60Hz refresh rate is serviceable, but don’t expect to catch that hummingbird’s wings flapping during a nature documentary. A higher refresh rate would have been the cherry on top. Also, it’s 2023, and they’re still selling us a 2018 model? Oh well, as long as it works like it’s 2023, we can pretend.
3. What’s our final score?
All things considered, the SAMSUNG 32-inch Smart FHD TV offers a helluva lot for your money. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of budget TVs. For those wanting a reliable, feature-rich television without the side of buyer’s remorse, look no further. Therefore, we’re giving it a 9.1 out of 10.
Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV
1. Why this TV makes our Top 3 list?
Effortless Entertainment: Amazon’s Fire TV 43″ 4-Series brings not just a TV, but a complete entertainment hub into your living room. Voila! It comes equipped with vibrant 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, and Dolby Digital Plus support to give you a cinematic experience that would make Spielberg green with envy. No more juggling multiple remotes or streaming devices; everything’s built-in, including Alexa Voice Remote, which lets you control pretty much everything with just a shout-out. And when it comes to price—chef’s kiss—you could practically pay for it by foregoing a couple of fancy dinner dates. Quality, convenience, and affordability make this a must-have on our Top 3 List.
2. Is there anything to improve?
Room for Tweaks: The only blemish in this otherwise masterpiece of a TV could be its built-in speakers. While serviceable, they don’t match the jaw-dropping visual experience. But hey, there are four HDMI inputs for connecting your top-tier sound system. And let’s be real; you were going to attach that monster soundbar regardless. Also, Alexa, while magical, sometimes has more mood swings than a soap opera character when it comes to voice recognition. A little more consistency there, and we’ve got a TV sent straight from heaven.
3. What’s our final score?
Almost Flawless: The Amazon Fire TV 43″ 4-Series offers a comprehensive and streamlined viewing experience. It’s like having a mini-theater at home that also obeys your every command, except you don’t need to roll out a red carpet every time you want to watch a rerun of Friends. Sure, it has a couple of minor quirks, but they’re so minor they practically enhance its quirky personality. That said, it’s a fantastic buy that we’d highly recommend, especially if you’re a cord-cutter or just someone who enjoys top-notch entertainment without the fuss.
Our Final Score: 9.5/10
There you have it! If you’ve been on the fence about getting a new TV, consider this your sign. Now, go ahead and add it to your cart; your future Netflix binges will thank you!
TCL 32-inch 32S334 Smart TV – 2021 Model
1. Why this TV makes our Top 3 list?
The TCL 32-inch Class 3-Series HD LED Smart Android TV – 32S334 is the Swiss Army knife of budget-friendly smart TVs. Want to throw a Netflix party in your bedroom? Check. Need Google to answer what’s the square root of 256 while you’re catching up on Breaking Bad? Double-check. Looking to cast your favorite cooking tutorial directly from your phone? You got it! And all of this while offering a vibrant 720p resolution on a 32-inch screen. The built-in Google Assistant is like your personal butler—polite, efficient, and doesn’t complain when you ask it to play the same Taylor Swift song for the hundredth time. Google Play Store and YouTube come pre-installed, ensuring you’re not left wanting for entertainment options. It’s compact, smart, and above all, budget-friendly, making it an irresistible package. Talk about a TV that went to an Ivy League school but is cool enough to hang out at community college.
2. Is there anything to improve?
While this TV is akin to that high school overachiever who was good at nearly everything, it’s not valedictorian material just yet. Some users have pointed out slight lag in the user interface, and the fact that the TV lacks physical buttons can be an issue if your remote decides to play hide and seek. A bump up to 1080p would make this a killer deal, and although the built-in sound is decent, it won’t replace your home theater setup. But let’s be real, folks: are these deal-breakers? Hardly. It’s like complaining your Tesla doesn’t have an ashtray; nice to have, but hardly a necessity.
3. What’s our final score?
All things considered, the TCL 32-inch Class 3-Series HD LED Smart Android TV delivers far more bang for your buck than one would expect. It’s like the Baby Yoda of smart TVs: small but mighty. Our gripes are minor when compared to the benefits. For those yearning for an affordable, feature-packed TV that doesn’t require a Wall Street salary, this TCL model is a no-brainer.
Our Score: 9.2 out of 10
So go ahead, add it to your cart. Your future self, binge-watching The Office for the umpteenth time, will thank you.
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