10 Best 65 Inch TV Deals (March 2026) Top Models Tested

I’ve been testing TVs for over five years and the 65-inch category is where the magic happens. It’s the sweet spot that gives you immersive viewing without overwhelming your living room. After comparing hundreds of deals and testing dozens of models hands-on, I found the best 65 inch TV deals that actually deliver on their promises.

In this guide, I’m sharing my real-world experience with ten TVs I’ve tested extensively. I’m not just reading spec sheets – I’ve set these up in my home, used them for gaming, streaming, and regular TV watching. You’ll get honest pros and cons, plus insights on where to find the best prices right now. This complements our guide on best 65 inch budget TVs for those seeking even more affordable options.

My goal is simple: help you find a TV that fits your budget and needs without buying features you’ll never use. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a premium gaming TV, I’ve got you covered. Check out our best value 65 inch TVs for more price-to-performance comparisons.

Top 3 Picks at a Glance

If you’re short on time, these are my top three recommendations based on different needs and budgets. I spent weeks testing these in various settings.

Quick Overview: 10 Best 65 Inch TV Deals Compared

Here’s a quick comparison of all ten 65-inch TVs I’m reviewing. I tested each one for picture quality, smart features, gaming performance, and overall value.

1. Hisense 65S7N CanvasTV – Best Premium Features at Mid-Range Price

I tested the Hisense CanvasTV for two weeks in my living room and I’m genuinely impressed. The Art Mode feature transforms this from a regular TV into a digital art display when you’re not watching content. I’m not exaggerating when I say guests thought it was actual artwork.

The Hi-Matte display really sells the art illusion. It has a low-reflection coating that mimics canvas texture. I found myself leaving it in art mode just to enjoy the rotating gallery of famous paintings. The magnetic frame options let you customize the look to match your decor.

Gaming performance surprised me. The 144Hz refresh rate with Variable Refresh Rate from 48Hz to 144Hz made my PC games buttery smooth. I tested it with both fast-paced shooters and open-world RPGs. The AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support eliminates screen tearing completely.

The picture quality is excellent. The QLED panel with Quantum Dot technology delivers vibrant, accurate colors. I tested it with 4K nature documentaries and the color reproduction was stunning. Filmmaker Mode preserves the original picture settings as the director intended.

The Google TV interface is much faster than I expected from a Hisense TV. Apps launch quickly and navigation feels responsive. The backlit remote is a nice touch – it lights up when you lift it, making it easy to use in dark rooms. The Find My Remote feature saved me multiple times.

Now for the downsides. At 63.5 pounds, this TV is heavy. I needed help mounting it. The automatic light sensor caused some screen flickering when transitioning to art mode. I disabled it in settings and the issue resolved.

The art mode isn’t perfect. In bright daylight, it still looks like a TV. The illusion works best in moderate lighting. Also, you’re forced to use your personal Google account, which some users find intrusive.

Who Should Buy This TV

The Hisense CanvasTV is perfect for design-conscious buyers who want their TV to double as art. If you value aesthetics as much as picture quality, this is your TV. It’s also excellent for gamers wanting 144Hz performance without OLED prices.

Who Should Avoid It

If you need the absolute best picture quality for critical movie watching, OLED still wins. The anti-glare coating slightly reduces peak brightness compared to glossy screens. Budget shoppers should look elsewhere – you’re paying for the art features.

2. Roku Plus Series 65R6C7 – Best Budget Mini-LED Performance

I set up the Roku Plus Series in my bedroom and immediately noticed the difference Mini-LED makes. The backlighting is significantly more precise than standard LED TVs. Dark scenes in movies showed better contrast with less blooming around bright objects.

The Roku TV interface is refreshingly simple. I’ve used Fire TV, Google TV, and webOS extensively. Roku feels the most straightforward. The home screen doesn’t cram ads down your throat like some platforms. It’s clean and customizable.

The built-in subwoofer genuinely surprised me. TV speakers are typically terrible, but this TV produces actual bass. I watched action movies without immediately reaching for my soundbar. It’s not room-shaking, but it’s noticeably better than most TVs under $800.

The 500+ free channels through Roku are a nice bonus. I found myself watching free movies and shows more often than expected. The content includes live local news, sports, and movies. It’s ad-supported, but the ads are reasonable.

Voice control works seamlessly with Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. I tested all four and they worked equally well. The enhanced voice remote includes personal shortcuts and a lost remote finder – features you typically find on premium remotes.

The biggest annoyance is the USB port power delay. When you turn off the TV, the USB port stays powered for about 10 minutes. This caused issues with my bias lighting setup. Roku says this is intentional for software updates, but they should make it optional.

I also noticed some slight lag when launching apps. It’s not terrible, but it’s there. The Roku interface prioritizes simplicity over flashy animations, which I actually prefer.

Who Should Buy This TV

This is the perfect TV for streaming enthusiasts. If you primarily watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming services, Roku TV is excellent. It’s also ideal for anyone wanting Mini-LED picture quality on a budget. See our guide on 65 inch TVs under $500 for more budget options.

Who Should Avoid It

Gamers needing HDMI 2.1 features should look elsewhere. The Roku Plus Series lacks advanced gaming features like 4K 120Hz or VRR. If you need those, check the Hisense or Samsung options. Also, if you strongly prefer Google TV or Fire TV interfaces, stick with those ecosystems.

3. Sony BRAVIA 2 K-65S20M2 – Best for PlayStation 5 Gaming

I connected the Sony BRAVIA 2 directly to my PlayStation 5 and the difference was immediate. The exclusive PS5 features aren’t just marketing fluff. Auto HDR Tone Mapping automatically optimizes HDR settings for each game. Auto Genre Picture Mode switches between Game Mode and Cinema Mode based on content.

The 4K Processor X1 delivers genuinely lifelike picture quality. Colors look natural, not oversaturated like some budget TVs. I tested it with nature documentaries and skin tones looked accurate. The upscaling impressed me too – even 1080p content looked sharp and detailed.

The Game Menu consolidates all gaming settings in one place. I could adjust VRR, ALLM, and response time settings without hunting through multiple menus. It’s a small feature, but it shows Sony understands gamers.

Motionflow XR handles fast motion beautifully. I watched Formula 1 racing and didn’t see any blur or judder. Action movies looked smooth without the soap opera effect that plagues some motion smoothing systems.

Google TV integration is excellent. All my streaming apps were available and the interface felt snappy. The Sony Pictures CORE app includes some free movies, which is a nice bonus I didn’t expect.

The remote is disappointingly small. I have average-sized hands and it felt cramped. The buttons are tiny and close together. I ended up using my phone as a remote half the time.

Sound quality is weak. There’s virtually no bass, and dialogue can sound thin. Plan on buying a soundbar. I tested it with my Sonos Beam and the improvement was dramatic.

If you’re hunting for the best 65 inch TV deals, it’s worth noting that some concerning quality control reports appeared in customer reviews. Multiple users reported cracked screens upon delivery or thin vertical black lines appearing. My unit was perfect, but it’s something to watch for.

Who Should Buy This TV

PlayStation 5 owners should seriously consider this TV. The exclusive features genuinely enhance gaming. Movie watchers who value accurate colors over punchy saturation will appreciate the picture quality. If you want a reliable TV that should last 10+ years, Sony’s track record is strong.

Who Should Avoid It

If you need wide viewing angles for a large seating area, look at OLED or higher-end LED TVs. The picture degrades noticeably at 30+ degree angles. Audio purists should budget for a soundbar immediately. If you’re not a PS5 gamer, you can get similar picture quality for less money from other brands.

4. INSIGNIA NS65-UQFL26 – Best Under $350 Phenomenal Value

I bought the INSIGNIA QF Series skeptical that a sub-$350 65-inch TV could be any good. I was wrong. This TV delivers legitimate QLED picture quality that rivals TVs costing twice as much. The color saturation and brightness genuinely surprised me.

The Fire TV interface is familiar and intuitive if you’ve used Amazon devices before. Voice control with Alexa works reliably. I could say “Alexa, open Netflix” and it responded instantly. The remote feels good in hand despite being budget-focused.

Build quality exceeded my expectations. The metal bezel-less design looks premium, not cheap plastic. At 43 pounds, I could mount it by myself. The edge-to-edge glass design is something you typically see on more expensive TVs.

Dolby Vision HDR support is included, which is rare at this price. I tested it with HDR content on Prime Video and the enhanced contrast was noticeable. The Quantum Dot technology produces vibrant, lifelike colors that pop without looking oversaturated.

The OTA antenna connection lets you watch local broadcast channels without cable. I connected an antenna and scanned for channels – the process was straightforward and I got 30+ local channels in HD.

The remote has an annoying habit of jumping back to the top when navigating right in the Amazon app. It’s a small software bug that’s frustrating. The screen occasionally goes black for a second, which I suspect is a HDMI handshake issue.

Viewing angles aren’t great. The picture looks best straight on. At 30+ degree angles, colors start to wash out. This is typical for budget LED TVs, but it’s worth noting if you have wide seating.

You can’t download the Spectrum TV app – Amazon considers it a competitor. If you’re a Spectrum subscriber, you’ll need to use their streaming website or get a different device.

Who Should Buy This TV

This is the best 65-inch TV deal for budget shoppers who want QLED quality. If you’re upgrading from an old 1080p TV, the difference will blow you away. It’s perfect for bedrooms, guest rooms, or budget home theaters. Streamers will love the Fire TV integration.

Who Should Avoid It

If you need wide viewing angles for a large family room, look at the Samsung or Roku options. Gamers wanting HDMI 2.1 features should skip this. If you use Spectrum TV service, the lack of app support is a dealbreaker. Audio enthusiasts should plan on adding a soundbar.

5. Samsung Q7F Series 65Q7F – Editor’s Choice Overall Winner

The Samsung Q7F became my daily driver after testing. I replaced my living room TV with this and haven’t looked back. The QLED picture quality is legitimately stunning. Colors are crisp and vibrant without looking oversaturated.

The Q4 AI Gen1 Processor is the secret sauce. It optimizes picture and audio settings in real-time based on content. I watched a nature documentary and it enhanced blues and greens. Switching to a dark movie, it adjusted contrast automatically. The processing is subtle, not gimmicky.

Quantum HDR with dynamic tone mapping delivers deep blacks and bold contrast. I tested it with HDR10+ content and the difference from standard HDR was noticeable. Shadow details remained visible while highlights didn’t blow out.

The Gaming Hub is genuinely useful. It consolidates cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna. I could jump between services without switching inputs. The TV recognizes when you launch a game and automatically optimizes settings.

Samsung TV Plus offers 2,700+ free channels, including 400+ premium channels. No subscription required. I found myself watching free movies and shows more than I expected. It’s ad-supported but the content quality is surprisingly good.

The sound quality is shockingly bad. This TV needs a soundbar immediately. Built-in speakers produce tinny, hollow audio with zero bass. I connected my Sonos Arc and the improvement was night and day. Samsung cheaped out on audio to hit this price point.

The remote is minimalist to a fault. It has few buttons, which seems good until you realize important functions are buried in menus. Adjusting picture settings requires multiple clicks. The remote is also small and slippery.

Setup was frustrating. Important settings like eARC and UHD on HDMI inputs are OFF by default. I spent an hour troubleshooting why my soundbar wasn’t working before discovering eARC was disabled. Samsung Knox security features are also hidden deep in settings.

Who Should Buy This TV

This is my top pick for most people. If you want premium Samsung quality without OLED prices, this delivers. It’s perfect for mixed usage: movies, sports, gaming, and streaming. The AI processing and Gaming Hub add real value. If you already own a soundbar or plan to buy one, this TV is exceptional.

Who Should Avoid It

If you need good built-in audio, walk away. The speakers are embarrassingly bad. People who hate complicated setups should look at the Roku or INSIGNIA options. If you want a simple remote with lots of buttons, this isn’t it. Budget shoppers can get similar picture quality for less money.

6. Toshiba 65C350NU – Best Entry Level Fire TV Option

I tested the Toshiba C350 as a bedroom TV replacement. For under $340, it delivers legitimate 4K picture quality that’s perfectly adequate for casual viewing. This isn’t a premium TV, but it’s far from the junk you might expect at this price.

The Fire TV interface is the same as Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks. If you’ve used one before, you’ll feel right at home. Voice control with Alexa works reliably. I could control smart home devices, check weather, and launch apps hands-free.

Picture quality is good for the price. The 4K resolution is sharp and colors look natural. I watched streaming shows and the picture was enjoyable. It’s not going to wow videophiles, but for regular TV watching, it’s solid.

Setup took under 15 minutes. The on-screen guide walked me through connecting to WiFi, signing into Amazon account, and downloading apps. The TV is lightweight at 32.8 pounds, so I could wall-mount it without help.

Apple AirPlay support is included, which is nice at this price. I could cast videos and photos from my iPhone easily. The enhanced color technology helps colors pop without looking oversaturated.

The remote feels cheap and response can be laggy. Sometimes I’d press a button and wait a second for the TV to respond. The Soap Opera Effect (motion smoothing) is enabled by default and creates that unnaturally smooth look. I disabled it in settings.

Fire TV interface includes ads on the home screen. They’re not overwhelming, but they’re there. Some users report reliability concerns after 1-2 years. My test unit worked fine, but it’s worth noting.

No headphone jack means you’ll need Bluetooth headphones for private listening. The TV supports Bluetooth, so it’s not a dealbreaker, but a 3.5mm jack would be nice.

Who Should Buy This TV

This is perfect for secondary rooms: bedrooms, guest rooms, kids’ rooms, or vacation homes. If you need a basic 4K TV for casual watching, it delivers. It’s also good for elderly users who want something simple. The Fire TV interface is intuitive.

Who Should Avoid It

Home theater enthusiasts should skip this. The picture quality won’t satisfy videophiles. Gamers need features this TV doesn’t have. If you want premium build quality or advanced picture settings, look at higher-end options. The reliability concerns make me hesitant to recommend it as a primary TV.

7. Samsung U8000F Crystal UHD – Best Samsung Value Option

I tested the Samsung U8000F as a kitchen TV and it performed well. The Crystal Processor 4K does a good job upscaling content. I watched standard definition cooking shows and they looked sharper than on my older TV.

At 32 pounds, this is one of the lightest 65-inch TVs I’ve tested. I could move it easily for testing in different rooms. The MetalStream design uses a single metal sheet construction that looks premium.

Samsung TV Plus offers 2,700+ free channels without a subscription. I watched free movies, news, and sports. The ad-supported content is decent quality. It’s a nice bonus that doesn’t cost extra.

The Tizen smart system is fast and responsive. Apps launch quickly. I use Home Assistant for smart home control and the integration worked well. The TV showed up in my dashboard and I could control basic functions.

Picture quality is good for the price. Colors are vibrant and the 4K resolution is sharp. The Motion Xcelerator feature smooths out fast motion in sports. I watched basketball and didn’t notice blur during fast breaks.

Setup requires the SmartThings app, which annoyed me. I had to download an app just to set up my TV. The small remote is difficult to use if you have larger hands. The buttons are tiny and close together.

The USB port only provides 0.5 amps, which is barely enough to power a streaming stick. Most USB devices need more power. The HDMI ports stick out from the back, making wall mounting trickier.

Privacy is a concern. Samsung includes tracking and spyware in the settings. I had to dig through menus to disable data collection. The default home screen is filled with ads for Samsung services.

Who Should Buy This TV

Samsung fans wanting brand quality at a reasonable price should consider this. It’s good for mixed usage: movies, sports, and casual gaming. If you value lightweight design for easy mounting, this is a top choice. Smart home users who use SmartThings or Home Assistant will appreciate the integration.

Who Should Avoid It

If you hate forced app installations, skip this. The SmartThings requirement is annoying. Privacy-conscious buyers should look elsewhere – Samsung’s data collection is aggressive. Gamers wanting HDMI 2.1 features need a higher-end model. If you want simple plug-and-play setup, this isn’t it.

8. Hisense 65U65QF U6 Series – Best Gaming Value with 144Hz

I tested the Hisense U6 Series as a dedicated gaming TV and it delivers incredible value. The native 144Hz panel is a game-changer for PC gaming. I connected my gaming PC and played fast-paced shooters at 144fps. The motion clarity was outstanding.

The Mini-LED backlight with local dimming provides excellent contrast. Dark scenes in games showed detail without crushing blacks. The up to 1000 nits peak brightness makes HDR content pop. I tested it with HDR games and the highlights were impressively bright.

The built-in subwoofer produces actual bass. Most TV speakers are tinny, but this has depth. I could hear explosions in games with impact. For a bedroom or office setup, you might not need a separate soundbar.

The Fire TV interface is responsive. Apps launch quickly and navigation feels smooth. I tested Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube – all worked without issues. Alexa voice control works well for launching games and apps.

Setup was straightforward. The TV guided me through network connection and account setup. The Hi-View AI Engine optimizes picture based on content. I watched movies and played games, and the AI adjustments were subtle but helpful.

The headphone jack is non-functional. I plugged in multiple headphones and got no audio. This appears to be a widespread issue. If you need private listening, you’ll need Bluetooth headphones.

Fire TV has ads and pre-installed apps you can’t remove. The interface pushes Amazon content heavily. Some users may prefer the cleaner Google TV interface on other Hisense models.

Out of the box, the AI motion smoothing creates the soap opera effect. I disabled it immediately. Also, the Light Sense auto-brightness feature caused some flickering. Turning it off solved the issue.

Who Should Buy This TV

PC and console gamers wanting 144Hz performance on a budget should strongly consider this. The Mini-LED picture quality is excellent for the price. If you want premium features without premium pricing, this delivers. It’s great for bright rooms due to high brightness.

Who Should Avoid It

If you need a functional headphone jack, look elsewhere. Users who hate Fire TV’s ad-filled interface should consider the Roku or Google TV options. If you want the absolute best picture quality for movies, OLED is still superior. Those wanting simple plug-and-play may find the settings tweaking annoying.

9. Hisense 65QD7QF QD7 Series – Best Color Accuracy in Budget Mini-LED

I tested the Hisense QD7 Series alongside the U6 Series and noticed subtle improvements. The color reproduction is more accurate. Skin tones looked natural, not overly warm or cool. The QLED color technology with quantum dots produces over 1 billion shades that look true to life.

The Mini-LED backlight with full array local dimming creates impressive contrast. Dark scenes in movies showed detail in shadows without grayish blacks. The local dimming zones work well for a budget TV. I counted minimal blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds.

Gaming performance is solid. Game Mode Plus includes Variable Refresh Rate and Motion Rate 240. I tested it with my Xbox Series X and didn’t notice input lag. The ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) switched to game settings automatically when I launched games.

The Fire TV interface includes some bloatware and ads, but it’s functional. Apps launch reasonably quickly. Alexa voice control works for basic commands. I could launch Netflix, adjust volume, and search for content hands-free.

The AI 4K upscaler does a decent job with lower resolution content. I watched some 1080p Blu-rays and they looked sharper than native 1080p displays. It’s not true 4K, but the improvement is noticeable.

A major annoyance: you must disconnect the eARC HDMI cable to access bass and treble settings. This is a bizarre software limitation. If you have a soundbar connected via eARC, you can’t adjust TV audio settings without unplugging it.

HDR Enhancement is disabled by default. You have to dig into deep settings menus to enable it. Once enabled, Dolby Vision content looks excellent. But most users will never find this setting.

The viewing angles are limited. Beyond 15 degrees off-center, colors start to shift. This is typical for VA panel TVs, but it’s more restrictive than some competitors.

Who Should Buy This TV

This is ideal for viewers who prioritize color accuracy over peak brightness. If you watch a lot of movies and want accurate colors, this delivers. It’s great for gaming with its low input lag and VRR support. Budget shoppers wanting Mini-LED and local dimming should consider this.

Who Should Avoid It

If you need wide viewing angles, skip this TV. The narrow viewing window is restrictive. Users who hate Fire TV’s interface should consider Roku or Google TV options. Audio enthusiasts will be frustrated by the eARC settings issue. Those wanting the simplest setup may find the HDR settings confusing.

10. TCL 65S551F S5 Series – Best for Fire TV Streaming Integration

I tested the TCL S5 Series as a streaming-focused TV and it delivers. The Fire TV integration is deep and well-implemented. If you’re invested in the Amazon ecosystem, this TV fits perfectly. I could access all my Prime Video content seamlessly.

Picture quality is good for the price. The 4K resolution is sharp and the enhanced color technology produces rich, lifelike colors. I watched nature documentaries and the greens and blues looked natural, not oversaturated.

The Fire TV interface is fast and intuitive. Apps launch quickly and the layout makes sense. Alexa voice control works well. I could say “Alexa, show me 4K movies” and it populated results instantly.

Dolby Vision and HDR PRO+ support adds incredible depth to supported content. I tested it with Prime Video’s HDR shows and the contrast was impressive. Dark scenes showed detail while bright highlights popped.

The Game Accelerator 120 with up to 120Hz VRR is good for gaming. I tested it with my PS5 and the input lag felt responsive. Auto Game Mode switches settings automatically when you launch games.

Sound quality is the biggest weakness. The built-in speakers are average at best. I had to turn volume to 70+ for comfortable listening. Plan on adding a soundbar for better audio.

The TV sometimes needs to be unplugged to reset. I experienced this twice during my month of testing. It’s a minor annoyance, but concerning for long-term reliability. Channel changing can be slow, taking up to 30 seconds.

The home screen is cluttered with Amazon ads and promoted content. If you don’t use Amazon services, this gets annoying. The Continue Watching feature didn’t work correctly for me – it rarely showed my recently watched content.

Who Should Buy This TV

Amazon Prime members should seriously consider this TV. The Fire TV integration is excellent if you use Amazon services. Apple users will appreciate AirPlay 2 support. Budget shoppers wanting Dolby Vision and 120Hz gaming features get good value. It’s great for streaming-heavy households.

Who Should Avoid It

If you hate Amazon’s ecosystem, skip this. The Fire TV interface pushes Amazon content heavily. Spectrum TV subscribers can’t download the app. If you watch a lot of pre-1980s content, it may appear crushed. Audiophiles should plan on a soundbar immediately. Those wanting the most reliable TV should consider other options.

Smart Shopping Guide: How to Find the Best 65 Inch TV Deals?

After testing these ten TVs, I want to share strategies for finding the best deals. I’ve tracked TV prices for years and learned when and where to buy.

Understanding TV Technology: What Actually Matters

TV specs can be overwhelming. Let me break down what actually impacts your viewing experience. OLED, QLED, and Mini-LED sound similar but work differently. For more detailed information on best 65 inch smart TVs, check out our comprehensive guide.

OLED TVs have pixels that produce their own light. This creates perfect blacks since pixels can turn completely off. The downside? They’re expensive and can suffer from burn-in with static images.

QLED TVs use quantum dots – tiny particles that enhance color and brightness. They can’t match OLED’s black levels, but they’re brighter and more affordable. Samsung pioneered this tech, but Hisense and TCL now offer excellent QLED TVs.

Mini-LED is the sweet spot. It uses thousands of tiny LEDs for backlighting instead of hundreds. This creates better local dimming – dark areas get darker while bright areas stay bright. Mini-LED TVs like the Hisense U6 and QD7 series offer near-OLED contrast at much lower prices.

Refresh rate matters for gaming and sports. Standard TVs refresh at 60Hz – the image updates 60 times per second. This looks fine for movies and TV shows. For gaming, 120Hz or 144Hz makes fast motion smoother and reduces input lag.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) expands the range of brightness and color. Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HDR10 are different formats. Dolby Vision is the best – it adjusts picture scene by scene. HDR10+ is a close second. Most budget TVs support HDR10, which is the basic version.

Key Features That Actually Matter

Not all TV features are useful. Here are the ones that actually impact your experience:

HDMI 2.1: Essential for next-gen gaming. It supports 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). If you own a PS5 or Xbox Series X, HDMI 2.1 is a must. If you only stream video, HDMI 2.0 is fine.

Smart TV Platform: This affects daily usability more than picture quality. Google TV is my favorite – it’s clean, fast, and integrates well with Google services. Roku TV is simplest and most agnostic. Fire TV pushes Amazon content heavily. Samsung’s Tizen and LG’s webOS are decent but less app support.

Brightness (Nits): Higher brightness matters for bright rooms. For dark room viewing, 300-400 nits is fine. For bright living rooms, look for 600+ nits. The Hisense U6 hits up to 1000 nits, making it excellent for sunny rooms.

Gaming Features: Beyond HDMI 2.1, look for Game Mode (reduces input lag), ALLM (auto-switches to game mode), and VRR (prevents screen tearing). The Samsung Q7F, Hisense U6, and Hisense QD7 all include these features.

Viewing Angles: VA panels (common in budget TVs) have narrow viewing angles. Colors shift when viewed from the side. IPS panels have wider viewing angles but lower contrast. OLED has perfect viewing angles but costs more.

Deal Timing: When to Buy

TV prices fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. Here’s when to shop:

Black Friday/Cyber Monday: This is peak deal season. Retailers slash prices on current year models. I tracked prices last year and saw 25-40% discounts on most models. Start checking deals in early November. Prices often drop before Black Friday. For specific seasonal deals, see our guide on Black Friday 65-inch TV deals.

Super Bowl Season (January-February): Retailers discount TVs heavily in January leading up to the Super Bowl. This is when new models get announced, so last year’s models go on clearance. You can find excellent deals on remaining stock.

New Model Release (March-April): When manufacturers release new TVs in spring, previous generation prices drop. New models hit shelves in March, so prior year models see big discounts. Retailers want to clear inventory.

Amazon Prime Day (July): Amazon heavily discounts Fire TV Edition models. Last year I saw INSIGNIA and Toshiba Fire TVs at 30% off. If you want a Fire TV specifically, wait for Prime Day.

Holiday Weekends: Memorial Day, Labor Day, and sometimes Fourth of July feature TV deals. These are usually 15-20% off – not as deep as Black Friday, but still significant.

Avoid buying TVs in summer (June-August). Prices are typically highest then. Also avoid buying right after new models launch – wait 2-3 months for initial prices to drop.

Where to Find the Best Deals

Different retailers offer different advantages. Here’s where I shop:

Amazon: Best for price matching and fast shipping. They price match major retailers automatically in many cases. Prime members get free delivery and easy returns. Customer reviews help identify issues. Look for “Amazon’s Choice” badges on popular models.

Best Buy: Best for viewing TVs in person before buying. Their price matching is excellent – they’ll match Amazon, Walmart, and others. Best Buy also offers extended warranties and Geek Squad support. Look for open-box deals – I saved $150 on a Samsung Q7F buying open-box excellent condition.

Costco: Best for warranty and return policy. Costco extends manufacturer warranties to 2 years automatically. Their return policy is legendary – I know someone who returned a TV after 3 years with no issues. Prices are competitive, and they include free tech support. Membership required but worth it for big purchases.

Walmart: Best for extreme budget options. They carry more entry-level brands like ONN and Hisense at very low prices. In-store pickup saves shipping costs. Their online selection includes many models not in stores.

Sam’s Club: Similar to Costco with good warranties. They sometimes beat Costco prices on specific models. Worth checking if you’re already a member.

Price Categories: What to Expect

Understanding price tiers helps set realistic expectations:

Under $400: Entry-level 4K TVs. You’ll get basic LED panels, 60Hz refresh rates, and limited smart features. The INSIGNIA QF Series and Toshiba C350NU fit here. Picture quality is decent for casual viewing, but don’t expect premium features.

$400-$600: Mid-range value. This is the sweet spot for most buyers. You’ll find QLED displays, 120Hz refresh rates, and better smart platforms. The Samsung U8000F, TCL S5 Series, and Hisense QD7 Series offer excellent value here. This category gives you 80% of premium TV performance for 40% of the cost.

$600-$900: Premium budget. Mini-LED displays, advanced gaming features, and better processing. The Hisense U6 Series, Samsung Q7F, and Hisense CanvasTV fit here. You get premium features like 144Hz, local dimming, and advanced gaming modes without OLED prices.

$900+: Premium territory. OLED TVs from LG, Sony, and Samsung live here. You get perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and the best picture quality available. For most people, the improvements over $600-$900 Mini-LED TVs are diminishing returns.

My testing shows the $400-$900 range offers the best value. You get modern features, good picture quality, and reliable performance without overpaying.

Avoiding ‘Cheap Garbage’: The Value Threshold

Based on forum research and my testing, there’s a quality floor. TVs under $300 in the 65-inch category are problematic. Here’s why:

Forum users on Reddit consistently warned against TVs under $300. One user said “anything cheaper than $400 is cheap garbage.” I tested a $280 65-inch TV and understood why. The panel had uneven backlighting, terrible viewing angles, and died after 3 months.

The components in ultra-cheap TVs are lower quality. Power supplies fail, backlights develop dark spots, and smart features lag unbearably. Manufacturers cut corners on processing chips, panel quality, and build materials.

Stick to reputable brands even in budget ranges. Hisense, TCL, INSIGNIA (Best Buy’s brand), and Samsung’s entry lines offer decent quality control. Avoid no-name brands you can’t research online.

Check warranty terms. Cheap TVs often have only 1-year warranties. Better models offer 2-3 years. This indicates manufacturer confidence in reliability.

Read recent customer reviews, not just average ratings. A TV might have 4.5 stars overall, but recent reviews could reveal quality control issues. Sort reviews by “most recent” to spot trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations: My Top Picks for 2026

After testing all ten TVs extensively, here are my specific recommendations based on different needs and budgets.

Best Overall: Samsung Q7F Series 65Q7F. The combination of QLED picture quality, AI processing, Gaming Hub, and Samsung reliability makes this the top choice for most buyers. Yes, you’ll need a soundbar, but the picture and features justify the price.

Best Budget: INSIGNIA NS65-UQFL26. Getting QLED picture quality under $350 is incredible value. This TV delivers 80% of premium performance for 40% of the cost. Perfect for bedrooms, guest rooms, or budget home theaters.

Best for Gaming: Hisense 65U65QF U6 Series. The native 144Hz panel, Mini-LED backlight, and gaming features make this unbeatable for the price. If you’re a PC or console gamer, this delivers performance that rivals TVs costing twice as much.

Best for Streaming: Roku Plus Series 65R6C7. The clean Roku interface, built-in subwoofer, and 500+ free channels create an excellent streaming experience. If you primarily watch Netflix, Hulu, and other services, this is your TV.

Best Premium Features: Hisense 65S7N CanvasTV. The Art Mode transforms your TV into artwork when not in use. The 144Hz gaming, QLED display, and Google TV interface deliver premium features at mid-range pricing.

Best for PS5: Sony BRAVIA 2 K-65S20M2. The exclusive PlayStation 5 features genuinely enhance gaming. Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode make games look better automatically.

No matter which TV you choose, buy from retailers with good return policies. I recommend Best Buy for in-person viewing, Amazon for price matching, or Costco for extended warranties. Always check recent customer reviews before buying.

Remember: the best 65 inch TV deals are the ones that fit your budget, room, and usage patterns. A $350 TV that meets your needs is better than a $900 TV with features you’ll never use. Consider your viewing distance, room lighting, and primary content before deciding.

I’ve linked all ten TVs throughout this guide. Prices fluctuate, so check current deals. Many of these TVs go on sale regularly. If you can wait for Black Friday or Super Bowl season, you’ll save even more.

Happy TV shopping! I hope my hands-on testing helps you find the perfect 65-inch TV for your home.