There is a wide selection of TVs you can find below $1000. Generally, there are two big categories: the TVs with the best possible picture quality for the money, or larger budget TVs with the biggest screen that you can get for the buck.

We've tested 37 TVs available under $1000 and below are our recommendations for the best ones you can buy in 2018.

1. Best TV under $1,000: Vizio P55-F1

   

   Vizio P55-F1

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   ✕

   Test Benches: test

   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2015
   • 0.9: Winter 2014
   • 0.8: Winter 2013

   See changelog and how ratings work

   8.2

   Mixed Usage

   ✕

   What it is General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.

   Score components:

   • 22% TV Shows
   • 22% Sports
   • 16% Movies
   • 16% Video Games
   • 10% HDR Gaming
   • 9% HDR Movies
   • 5% PC Monitor

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.5

   Movies

   ✕

   What it is Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.

   Score components:

   • 20% Contrast
   • 17% Local Dimming
   • 11% 1080p Input
   • 10% Black Uniformity
   • 8% Gray Uniformity
   • 8% 4k Input
   • 6% 24p Judder
   • 5% Motion Interpolation
   • 5% Stutter
   • 3% SDR ABL
   • 3% Pre Calibration
   • 2% Post Calibration
   • 2% 480p Input

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.7

   TV Shows

   ✕

   What it is TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.

   Score components:

   • 29% Reflections
   • 16% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 11% Viewing Angle
   • 9% 1080p Input
   • 7% 720p Input
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% 4k Input
   • 5% Sound Quality
   • 4% Smart Features
   • 3% Motion Interpolation
   • 2% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Temporary Image Retention
   • 1% Post Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.8

   Sports

   ✕

   What it is Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.

   Score components:

   • 25% Reflections
   • 20% Response Time
   • 14% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 11% Viewing Angle
   • 9% Gray Uniformity
   • 8% 720p Input
   • 5% Sound Quality
   • 4% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 2% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 1% Flicker-Free
   • 1% Temporary Image Retention

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.9

   Video Games

   ✕

   What it is Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.

   Score components:

   • 33% Input Lag
   • 22% Response Time
   • 6% 1080p Input
   • 6% 4k Input
   • 4% Contrast
   • 4% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 3% Reflections
   • 3% Gray Uniformity
   • 3% Sound Quality
   • 3% Local Dimming
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 1% Flicker-Free
   • 1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Stutter
   • 1% Variable Refresh Rate
   • 1% 4k @ 60Hz
   • <1% Temporary Image Retention
   • <1% Post Calibration
   • <1% 1440p @ 60Hz

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.4

   HDR Movies

   ✕

   What it is HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.

   Score components:

   • 22% Contrast
   • 13% Local Dimming
   • 12% 4k Input
   • 11% Black Uniformity
   • 6% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 6% Color Gamut
   • 6% Color Volume
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 4% Stutter
   • 4% 24p Judder
   • 2% HDR ABL
   • 2% Motion Interpolation
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 2% Gradient
   • 1% Post Calibration
   • <1% HDR10
   • <1% Dolby Vision

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.6

   HDR Gaming

   ✕

   What it is HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.

   Score components:

   • 25% 4k @ 60Hz + HDR
   • 15% Response Time
   • 8% Contrast
   • 7% Color Gamut
   • 7% Color Volume
   • 5% Local Dimming
   • 4% 1080p Input
   • 4% 4k Input
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 3% HDR ABL
   • 3% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 3% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Gradient
   • 1% Reflections
   • 1% Variable Refresh Rate
   • 1% HDR10
   • 1% Dolby Vision
   • 1% Sound Quality
   • <1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • <1% Flicker-Free
   • <1% Pre Calibration
   • <1% Temporary Image Retention
   • <1% Post Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.4

   PC Monitor

   ✕

   What it is PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.

   Score components:

   • 27% Inputs
   • 14% Viewing Angle
   • 13% Response Time
   • 8% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 6% Reflections
   • 5% Temporary Image Retention
   • 4% 4k Input
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 3% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
   • 3% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 2% Curved
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% 1080p Input
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Black Uniformity
   • <1% Flicker-Free
   • <1% Pre Calibration
   • <1% Post Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : LED
   Sub-Type

   ✕

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA
   Resolution : 4k

   The Vizio P Series 2018 P55-F1 is the best TV under $1000 that we have reviewed. The P Series 2018 is a great TV for most uses. It has an excellent contrast ratio and a great full-array local dimming feature that delivers great dark room performance. It has excellent motion handling, with an extremely fast response time and excellent black frame insertion feature that can further improve motion clarity. It is a great TV for gaming with excellent low input lag.

   Unfortunately, it is best suited for a direct viewing position as the image quality degrades when viewed from an angle, and the gray uniformity may be disappointing to sports fans.

   Overall, it is a great mixed-use TV that should please most people.

   See our review

2. Alternative for gaming: Samsung UN55NU8000

   

   Samsung UN55NU8000

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : LED

   Sub-Type

   ✕

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA

   Resolution : 4k

   If you want a TV with great gaming features, check out the Samsung UN55NU8000 instead of the Vizio P Series 2018. The NU8000 supports new gaming technologies, including a variable refresh rate to reduce tearing, and automatic game mode to make sure you are always getting the lowest input lag possible. It doesn't have the full-array backlight of the P55-F1, so dark room performance isn't quite as good, and motion has a bit more blur due to the slower response time, but overall it is an excellent TV for gaming.

   See our review

3. Cheaper Alternative: TCL 55R617

   

   TCL 55R617

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com

   Type : LED

   Sub-Type

   ✕

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA

   Resolution : 4k

   If you're looking for a cheaper alternative, get the TCL 6 Series 55R617 (also known as the 55R613 or 55R615). It delivers great performance for most uses. Although the 55R617 is smaller than the 65S517, it delivers better performance overall. It features a full-array local dimming feature that helps to improve dark room performance. The R617 can also adjust the backlight flicker to improve motion clarity.

   See our review

4. Best Value for Size under $1000: TCL 65S517

   

   TCL 65S517

   SEE PRICE

   Amazon.com
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.2

   ✕

   Test Benches: test

   • 1.2: Winter 2018
   • 1.1: Summer 2017
   • 1.0: Winter 2015
   • 0.9: Winter 2014
   • 0.8: Winter 2013

   See changelog and how ratings work

   7.4

   Mixed Usage

   ✕

   What it is General purpose. The TV will be used for a variety of content and usages. Movies at night, TV shows during the day, video games from time to time, etc.

   Score components:

   • 22% TV Shows
   • 22% Sports
   • 16% Movies
   • 16% Video Games
   • 10% HDR Gaming
   • 9% HDR Movies
   • 5% PC Monitor

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.1

   Movies

   ✕

   What it is Movies in the dark. The TV will be used for watching movies in a controlled environment, directly in front, in a home theater way. Mostly only high quality content, like Blu-rays, UHD Blu-rays, streaming and a little bit of HDR.

   Score components:

   • 20% Contrast
   • 17% Local Dimming
   • 11% 1080p Input
   • 10% Black Uniformity
   • 8% Gray Uniformity
   • 8% 4k Input
   • 6% 24p Judder
   • 5% Motion Interpolation
   • 5% Stutter
   • 3% SDR ABL
   • 3% Pre Calibration
   • 2% Post Calibration
   • 2% 480p Input

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.3

   TV Shows

   ✕

   What it is TV Shows in a bright living room. The TV will be used in to watch TV shows, in a bright room during the day, from multiple viewing positions at different angles. The content watched has an average quality: cable, streaming, SD channels, etc.

   Score components:

   • 29% Reflections
   • 16% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 11% Viewing Angle
   • 9% 1080p Input
   • 7% 720p Input
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 5% 4k Input
   • 5% Sound Quality
   • 4% Smart Features
   • 3% Motion Interpolation
   • 2% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Temporary Image Retention
   • 1% Post Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.0

   Sports

   ✕

   What it is Sports in a living room. The TV will be used to watch sports during the day, like football or hockey. Usually watched with a group, so from multiple viewing position.

   Score components:

   • 25% Reflections
   • 20% Response Time
   • 14% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 11% Viewing Angle
   • 9% Gray Uniformity
   • 8% 720p Input
   • 5% Sound Quality
   • 4% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 2% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 1% Flicker-Free
   • 1% Temporary Image Retention

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.1

   Video Games

   ✕

   What it is Video games. The TV will be used to play video games, directly in front, in a controlled light environment. Usually fast games, like online FPS, where motion blur and input lag is important.

   Score components:

   • 33% Input Lag
   • 22% Response Time
   • 6% 1080p Input
   • 6% 4k Input
   • 4% Contrast
   • 4% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 3% Reflections
   • 3% Gray Uniformity
   • 3% Sound Quality
   • 3% Local Dimming
   • 2% Black Uniformity
   • 2% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 1% Flicker-Free
   • 1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 1% Pre Calibration
   • 1% Stutter
   • 1% Variable Refresh Rate
   • 1% 4k @ 60Hz
   • <1% Temporary Image Retention
   • <1% Post Calibration
   • <1% 1440p @ 60Hz

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.2

   HDR Movies

   ✕

   What it is HDR Movies and TV shows. The TV will be used to watch 4k UHD HDR content, with a wide color gamut and a high peak brightness. Either via UHD Blu-rays or HDR streaming.

   Score components:

   • 22% Contrast
   • 13% Local Dimming
   • 12% 4k Input
   • 11% Black Uniformity
   • 6% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 6% Color Gamut
   • 6% Color Volume
   • 5% Gray Uniformity
   • 4% Stutter
   • 4% 24p Judder
   • 2% HDR ABL
   • 2% Motion Interpolation
   • 2% Pre Calibration
   • 2% Gradient
   • 1% Post Calibration
   • <1% HDR10
   • <1% Dolby Vision

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.8

   HDR Gaming

   ✕

   What it is HDR Gaming. The TV will be used to play HDR video games using consoles that support it or on current generation gaming PCs. Xbox One S, PS4 Pro, GTX 10 series and AMD RX series graphics cards.

   Score components:

   • 25% 4k @ 60Hz + HDR
   • 15% Response Time
   • 8% Contrast
   • 7% Color Gamut
   • 7% Color Volume
   • 5% Local Dimming
   • 4% 1080p Input
   • 4% 4k Input
   • 4% Black Uniformity
   • 3% HDR ABL
   • 3% HDR Peak Brightness
   • 3% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% Gradient
   • 1% Reflections
   • 1% Variable Refresh Rate
   • 1% HDR10
   • 1% Dolby Vision
   • 1% Sound Quality
   • <1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • <1% Flicker-Free
   • <1% Pre Calibration
   • <1% Temporary Image Retention
   • <1% Post Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.8

   PC Monitor

   ✕

   What it is PC Monitor. The TV will be used as a PC monitor, from 2-3 feet away, either for productivity purposes or gaming. Sharp text is important, as well as a high resolution.

   Score components:

   • 27% Inputs
   • 14% Viewing Angle
   • 13% Response Time
   • 8% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • 6% Reflections
   • 5% Temporary Image Retention
   • 4% 4k Input
   • 3% SDR Peak Brightness
   • 3% 1080p @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
   • 3% 4k @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4
   • 2% Contrast
   • 2% Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
   • 2% Curved
   • 2% Gray Uniformity
   • 2% 1080p Input
   • 1% Local Dimming
   • 1% Black Uniformity
   • <1% Flicker-Free
   • <1% Pre Calibration
   • <1% Post Calibration

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations
   Type : LED
   Sub-Type

   ✕

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA
   Resolution : 4k

   If you want to get the most for your money, the TCL 65S517 offers the best value for size, for under $1000. This 65" model is larger and cheaper than the Vizio P Series 2018. It delivers decent performance for most people, with an excellent native contrast ratio, great wide color gamut and better gradient handling than the P55-F1.

   It isn't without compromise though, as the 65S517 lacks a local dimming feature, it can't adjust the backlight flicker to improve motion clarity, and it isn't as bright as the Vizio P Series.

   Overall, it is a decent TV for most uses and it should please most people.

   See our review

5. Larger Alternative: Vizio D70-F3

   

   Vizio D70-F3

   SEE PRICE

   B&H

   Type : LED

   Sub-Type

   ✕

   What it is: Type of display technology used by the TV.

   When it matters: Different technologies have different performance and are suited to different uses

   Good value: IPS maintains good color accuracy at an angle, but has a poor contrast ratio from in front. VA has great picture quality in front, but loses saturation at an angle. OLED maintains good color accuracy at an angle without any of the other issues seen with IPS and VA, as they keep good brightness and contrast at an angle.

   : VA

   Resolution : 4k

   If you want an even larger TV than the TCL S517 for under $1000, get the Vizio D Series D70-F3. The extra 5" diagonal translates to nearly 16% greater screen area on the Vizio D Series. It delivers a very similar overall performance to the S517, but it lacks motion interpolation. The Vizio has a faster response time, great for gaming, and the backlight flickers at a higher rate, which should be less noticeable to most people.

   See our review