5 Best Cheap 4K & HDR Gaming TVs For Those on a Budget

This is the third 4K gaming TV article we’ve run here at Twinfinite since 2017. Previously, we’ve tended to focus on the “best” models available, but for 2019 we’re putting a focus on the budget options.

Our thinking is that year-on-year the best TV models really haven’t changed that much, and even the older models of the top tier bracket are still astronomically expensive. Models like Sony’s A1E, and LG’s BP and C series are still top dogs, and they’re still over $1500.

So what if you’re preparing for the next console generation but wanting to keep some money in the bank for the hardware itself? Well, you probably won’t want to be spending too much over $500. So let’s take a look at the cheaper end of the spectrum.

All TVs here feature 4K resolution and high dynamic range mode (HDR). Prices are taken from Amazon.com and accurate at the time of writing. We’re basing performance on tests run at RTings.com.

TCLS517

• Price: $299
• Screen Size: 43 in
• Dimensions: 37.8 x 8.4 x 24 in
• Item Weight: 18.8 lbs
• Refresh Rate: 120 hertz
• Total HDMI Ports: 3

TCL TVs have long been favored by those on a budget looking for the sharpest gaming-specific performance. The quality of the S series’ screen is sharp enough and features a good contrast that makes blacks appear nice and deep, but it’s the low input lag and motion blur that really makes this TV a winner for gamers.

The downsides to the S series is that it lacks brightness compared with more expensive units and the quality of the picture drops off when viewed from an angle. But with the 43inch model as cheap as $300 new, it’s the perfect option if you’re just wanting something inexpensive for a small gaming room.

If you can afford a little more than $500, then we’d suggest stretching for TCL’s P Series, which features equally low input lag with a sharper screen and more brightness.

LG 49UK6300

• Price: $325
• Screen Size: 49 in
• Item Dimensions: 9.3 x 43.7 x 27.8 in
• Item Weight: 24.9 lbs
• Refresh Rate: 60
• Total HDMI Ports: 3

The LG UK series offers truly astonishing value for the size and quality of the screen you’re getting. There’s an even cheaper 43-inch model, too, if you’re not fussed on size.

Of its best traits, the wide angle from which pictures remain sharp is very impressive, as is the low latency and the way it handles motion. It also handles light reflection very well.

Unfortunately, peak brightness in SD and 4K HDR is perhaps the least impressive on this list, and blacks are said to appear quite grey in dark rooms. But again, the latter is at least mitigated somewhat by its good day-time performance handling light reflections.

Elsewhere, the UK series has excellent smart features, with Alexa voice controls that make it ideal as a foundation for your entire entertainment hub.

Importantly for gaming, the LG UK has exceptionally low input lag and handles motion very well.

Vizio E55-F1

• Price: $418
• Screen Size: 55 in
• Dimensions: 49.06 x 10.24 x 30.87 in
• Item Weight: 22.1 lbs
• Refresh Rate: 120 hertz

Arguably the best 4K HDR TV under $500 on the market, the Vizio E55 combines good dark-room performance with low input lag. Like the TCL, it has excellent contrast, producing deep blacks. It’s a sharper screen than TCL’s S series but inferior to the P Series.

Again, the drawback is the poor performance when viewed from a wide angle. It’s a TV suited for a smaller room and probably excels when used as a PC Monitor or in a situation in which you’re sitting reasonably close and straight on to it.

Sony XBR 43 X800E

• Price: $499
• Screen Size: 43 in
• Display Type: LED
• Item Dimensions: 41.5 x 25.98 x 5.98 in
• Item Weight: 30 lbs
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Total HDMI Ports: 4

We’re dropping down to 43 inches to give you an option with a more established brand. Sony’s 4K TVs might not feature the industry-leading tech and quality they used to, but the X800 series is still a good product.

The screen’s ability to produce quality pictures even when viewed at wide angles makes it an excellent option for a bigger room, assuming you’re happy with the size (there is a larger option for $100 more). The issue with its screen is that blacks don’t appear all that deep due to slightly poor contrast. For that reason, it’s not the best performer in a dark room setting.

Judged as an overall package when it debuted, the X800 was perhaps a little overpriced for the performance it offered. But now the price has dropped into the budget range, it’s well worth considering.

Importantly, it’s a great TV for gaming thanks to its fast motion which has little trail and low input lag in both HD and 4K.

Samsung UN49 NU8000

• Price: $599
• Screen Size: 49 in
• Item Weight: 33.1 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 43 x 11.8 x 28 inches
• Refresh Rate: 120 hertz

Pushing the budget a little more, the Samsung NU8000 series is a superb option that straddles the budget/mid-range bracket. Sure, it’s six inches smaller than the Vizio, but what you’re loosing in size you’re gaining in quality. The screen quality is a step above the TV’s we’ve listed above.

It’s able to produce better peak brightness in SD and 4K HDR, far superior black uniformity, and scores higher in a host of other categories. Sony’s X800 is only superior in its ability to produce a better picture at a wider angle.