The best TVs under $1,000: Expert tested

I chose the 50-inch Samsung Q80D as my pick for the best TV under $1,000 for its object tracking sound support and virtual surround sound via Dolby Atmos. It also supports thousands of popular streaming apps, as well as Apple AirPlay for sharing media from your iOS devices. 

Not all TVs are created equal, and that is especially true for mid-range models. If you want something with incredible picture and audio quality without having to fork over a ton of cash for an OLED, the Samsung Q80D and Q70D are some of the best you can get for around $1,000. If you want a big-screen TV that doesn’t cost a fortune, the 75-inch TCL Q65 is your best bet. 

Console gamers should check out the Hisense U7N with its 144Hz refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. If you’re looking to stick to an even more modest budget, the Roku Select Series offers support for thousands of streaming apps as well as 4K resolution and Dolby Atmos audio for under $500. 

After you’ve hammered out a budget, there are a few more factors to keep in mind while you shop: 

• Picture and audio quality: A TV is only as good as it looks and sounds. As 4K has become the standard, it’s easier to find affordable TVs that offer UHD resolution as well as HDR support like Dolby Vision or HDR 10 for enhanced picture quality. It’s also important that your new TV produces clean, clear audio so you can appreciate complex music and quiet dialogue in movies and shows. 
• Voice controls: Many newer TVs support hands-free voice controls via Alexa, Google Assistant, or even Siri through Apple HomeKit. This allows you to browse media, launch and download apps, and search for something new to watch without having to hunt for a remote. 
• Streaming support: While you’ll be hard-pressed to find a TV that isn’t “smart” nowadays, it’s still important to make sure that the TV you want supports your favorite apps. Many new TVs come with a suite of preloaded, popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video to help you get started right out of the box, but you may need to download less popular apps like Crunchyroll or Twitch.

At ZDNET, we’ve tested TVs from all of these brands. While seeking out the TVs featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:

• HDR and audio support: As more and more people cut the cord and move to streaming their movies, music, and shows, it’s important to have a TV that can support ultra-high resolution HDR processing and high-quality audio.
• Refresh rate and VRR support: While 60Hz is a decent enough refresh rate for most TV buyers, console gamers and movie buffs alike can appreciate a 120Hz or higher rate for smoother motion. With VRR support via AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync, you’ll be less likely to encounter annoying screen tearing and stuttering.
• Connectivity: While multiple HDMI inputs are standard on TVs, many have come to rely on wireless Bluetooth connectivity for sharing media from their mobile devices. Many newer TVs support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as streaming via AirPlay and a Chromecast.

Televisions are one of those things that you can spend as much or as little as you’d like. Having a budget of around $1,000 will land you a pretty impressive TV if you know where to look. While OLED models will continue to be some of the most expensive, you can get QLED and even LED models for around $1,000 (or even less) without sacrificing features like Dolby Vision HDR support, 4K resolution, and Bluetooth connectivity.

To put it in simple terms, if you prioritize picture quality and color accuracy above all else when shopping for a TV, it’s best to spring for an OLED model. With the ability to individually power LEDs combined with a special color-producing panel, OLED TVs are able to achieve truly deep blacks, bright whites, and highly true-to-life color accuracy.

If, however, you’re simply looking for a TV that has a great picture quality but aren’t looking for anything groundbreaking, a QLED model is the better option. They’re more affordable while still offering excellent picture quality. 

If you’d like a more in-depth explanation, read about whether OLED or QLED is the right option for you. 

If you’re not quite sure just how big of a TV you’ll need for your room, there’s a simple math formula you can follow. Measure the distance, in inches, from where your TV will be wall mounted or placed on a stand to where you’ll be sitting. Then divide that number by two.

So, if your couch is 10 feet (120 inches) from your TV, your ideal TV size would be around 60 inches. You can go a bit larger or smaller depending on what is available and what will fit your budget, but a screen that is too large will overwhelm your space and can even cause motion sickness. While a screen that is too small will force you and your family and friends to crowd around to see, which isn’t comfortable or enjoyable.