The 5 Best 4k TVs Under $1,000 - Spring 2019
Reviews

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 206 TVs and below are our recommendations for the best TVs under $1,000 to purchase in 2019. Check our recommendations for the best cheap TVs and the best TVs under $1,500 for more options.

Note: Prices and availability fluctuate a lot at the beginning of the year as last year's models are gradually replaced by newer ones.

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

   

   Vizio P55-F1

   SEE PRICE

   B&H
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.3

   Test Benches:

   • 1.3: Spring 2019
   • 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

   8.3

   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

   7.8

   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

   7.9

   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

   9.0

   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 @ 60 Hz
   • <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
   • 14% 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% HDR10+
   • <1% Dolby Vision

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.5

   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 @ 60 Hz + 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% Sound Quality
   • <1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • <1% Flicker-Free
   • <1% Pre Calibration
   • <1% Temporary Image Retention
   • <1% Post Calibration
   • <1% HDR10+
   • <1% Dolby Vision

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.5

   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 55 inch TV under $1,000 we've tested. It has a very good picture quality, with deep blacks that look great in a dark room due to the excellent contrast ratio and full-array local dimming support. The Vizio P Series 2018 has a very fast pixel response time, and only a small blur trail is seen in fast-moving content. The TV has an optional black frame insertion feature that can help make the image even crisper. It has a low input lag that makes it very responsive for gaming.

   Unfortunately, the gray uniformity might disappoint sports fans, and the image quality degrades when viewed at an angle, so it is not suitable for wide seating arrangements. Also, this TV may be hard to find in stock.

   Overall, it is the best 55-inch under $1,000 you can get and a great mixed-use TV that will keep most people happy.

   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 great TV for gaming under $1000, check out the Samsung NU8000. The NU8000 supports FreeSync variable refresh rate technology, great for Xbox One S/X owners or if you have an AMD graphics card. It also supports a 120 Hz input with 1080p and 1440p sources, great if you prefer smooth motion over higher resolutions.

   Unfortunately, the NU8000 doesn't perform as well as the P Series in a dark room, as it has a limited edge-lit local dimming feature. It also has a slightly slower response time, so there is a slightly longer blur trail behind fast moving objects.

   See our review

3. Better But Smaller Size Alternative: Sony XBR49X900F

   

   Sony XBR49X900F

   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 the absolute best 4k TV under $1000, and size doesn't matter, check out the Sony XBR49X900F. The Sony X900F is a great 4k TV with outstanding peak brightness, deep blacks, and a great wide color gamut. It has slightly better reflection handling than the P Series, so it is a better choice if you have a bright room. The X900F also has great smart features with a huge selection of apps from the Android Play Store, which is a welcome improvement over the Vizio P Series.

   See our review

4. Best 65-Inch TV Under $1,000: Vizio M65-F0

   

   Vizio M65-F0

   SEE PRICE

   B&H
   Usage Ratings - Version 1.3

   Test Benches:

   • 1.3: Spring 2019
   • 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

   7.8

   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

   7.6

   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

   7.5

   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

   7.7

   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

   8.6

   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 @ 60 Hz
   • <1% Temporary Image Retention
   • <1% Post Calibration
   • <1% 1440p @ 60Hz

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   7.7

   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
   • 14% 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% HDR10+
   • <1% Dolby Vision

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.2

   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 @ 60 Hz + 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% Sound Quality
   • <1% Permanent Burn-In Risk
   • <1% Flicker-Free
   • <1% Pre Calibration
   • <1% Temporary Image Retention
   • <1% Post Calibration
   • <1% HDR10+
   • <1% Dolby Vision

   Score distribution:

   See our best recommendations

   8.3

   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 are looking for the best 65 inch TV under $1,000, get the Vizio M series 2018 M65-F0. It is a very good TV for a wide range of uses. The picture quality is good with blacks that look deep in a dark room thanks to the high native contrast ratio and local dimming support. The M65-F0 can get bright enough to fight the glare of a bright room, and it has a very low input lag that will please most gamers and those who will use it as a PC monitor for presentations. There is only a little motion blur trailing fast-moving content, as the response time is very fast. Its excellent BFI feature gives you the option to make the image even crisper.

   Unfortunately, the TV lacks a motion interpolation feature to please the soap opera effect fans, and the viewing angles are bad, so it's not a good choice for rooms with wide seating arrangements.

   Overall, the Vizio M65-F0 is will perform very well in most uses.

   See our review

5. Cheaper Alternative: TCL 65S517

   

   TCL 65S517

   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 find the Vizio M Series 2018 expensive, then get the TCL 5 Series (S515/S517) 65S517. You will not have the local dimming support or the brightness levels found on the Vizio. On the upside, the TCL S517 is a 65" 4K TV with decent picture quality, a wide color gamut, and deep blacks, due to the very high native contrast ratio. It has a low input lag that makes it very responsive, so you can use it for playing video games or as a PC monitor.

   See our review