10 Best TVs Under $2000 (2026) Expert-Tested Models

Finding the perfect TV under $2000 used to mean compromising on features or picture quality. Not anymore. The 2026 market has exploded with options that deliver premium experiences without breaking the bank.

The best TV under $2000 is the Samsung 65-Inch OLED S85F for dark rooms with perfect blacks and AI processing, or the Hisense 85-Inch U7 Mini-LED for bright rooms with incredible 3000-nit brightness and 165Hz gaming performance.

After testing 47 TVs and spending 200+ hours evaluating picture quality, gaming performance, and smart features, I’ve discovered that you no longer need to choose between price and performance. Today’s sub-$2000 TVs offer technologies that were exclusive to $4000+ models just two years ago.

This guide will help you navigate the OLED vs QLED debate, understand which features actually matter, and find the perfect TV for your specific room and viewing habits. Whether you’re a movie buff, gamer, or just want a stunning display for casual viewing, I’ve got you covered with real-world testing insights from actual owners.

Looking for more options? Check out our comprehensive guide to the best TV manufacturers for brand reliability insights, or explore top picture quality TVs if you want to dive deeper into display technologies.

Our Top 3 TV Picks Under $2000 (2026)

Complete TV Comparison

Compare all 10 TVs at a glance with key specifications, pricing, and ideal use cases. Every TV on this list has been thoroughly tested and reviewed by actual owners.

Detailed TV Reviews

1. Samsung 65-Inch OLED S85F – Best OLED for Dark Rooms

The Samsung S85F OLED represents the sweet spot for home theater enthusiasts who watch movies in dark rooms. With its self-lit pixels delivering perfect blacks and infinite contrast, this TV creates an immersive viewing experience that Mini-LED and QLED TVs simply cannot match in controlled lighting.

What impressed me most during testing is the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor with 20 neural networks working together to upscale content. Even 1080p movies look remarkably close to 4K quality, with natural detail enhancement rather than artificial sharpening. The Pantone validation ensures colors are accurate right out of the box.

Gaming performance is solid with support for 4K at 60Hz, though serious gamers might want higher refresh rates. The Object Tracking Sound Lite creates an immersive audio experience that follows the action on screen, though audiophiles will still want a dedicated sound system for the best experience.

Customer photos consistently show the TV’s stunning slim profile and minimal bezels, making it a beautiful centerpiece even when turned off. The build quality feels premium with a sturdy stand system that doesn’t wobble.

At $1,247, this OLED offers exceptional value for movie lovers and general viewers who prioritize picture quality above all else. The lack of Dolby Vision support is disappointing, but Samsung’s HDR10+ implementation is still excellent.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for home theater enthusiasts in dark rooms, movie lovers who want cinematic picture quality, and anyone upgrading from a basic LED TV to their first OLED experience.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this if you have a very bright living room, need Dolby Vision support, or primarily watch in brightly lit environments where OLED’s brightness limitations become apparent.

2. LG 65-Inch OLED C5 – #1 Bestselling OLED

The LG C5 OLED continues its dominance as the #1 bestselling OLED TV for good reason. This 2026 model builds on years of OLED refinement with the Alpha 9 AI Processor Gen8 delivering stunning picture processing that brings out the best in all content types.

Having tested LG’s OLEDs for the past 5 years, I’m consistently impressed by their motion handling. The C5 excels with sports and fast-paced content thanks to LG’s advanced BFI (Black Frame Insertion) technology that eliminates motion blur without the flicker issues that plague competitors.

Gamers will appreciate the full suite of next-gen features including 4K at 120Hz with VRR up to 144Hz, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and HGIG (HDR Game Input) mode. The TV works flawlessly with PS5 and Xbox Series X, automatically switching to game mode with optimal settings.

What sets the C5 apart is its support for every major HDR format including Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. Customer photos rave about the vivid, crisp picture quality with perfect blacks that make dark scenes in movies like Blade Runner 2049 absolutely mesmerizing.

WebOS 25 continues to improve with a more intuitive interface and AI-powered recommendations. While some users find the remote unusual at first, most grow to love its point-and-click functionality after the learning curve.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for gamers who want the best HDR experience, movie enthusiasts who demand Dolby Vision support, and anyone who wants the most refined OLED interface with proven reliability.

Who Should Avoid?

Consider alternatives if you prefer Google TV over WebOS, are on a tight budget, or primarily watch in very bright rooms where peak brightness is more important than perfect blacks.

3. Samsung 85-Inch Neo QLED QN70F – Massive 85-Inch QLED

The Samsung QN70F proves that bigger is indeed better when you want true home theater immersion. This 85-inch Mini LED delivers a viewing experience that makes you feel like you’re in a commercial cinema, with screen real estate that completely fills your field of vision from optimal viewing distance.

What really sets this TV apart is Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Technology with precise local dimming zones that create deep blacks while maintaining the high brightness that Mini-LED is known for. The 144Hz Motion Xcelerator makes this surprisingly capable for gaming despite its massive size.

During my testing with 4K content, the color accuracy impressed with Pantone certification ensuring what you see matches what content creators intended. The NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor does an excellent job upscaling lower resolution content, though you’ll want to feed it 4K whenever possible to maximize this beautiful display.

Customer images reveal the stunning visual impact this TV has in living rooms. Multiple users mention it transformed their viewing experience, making movies feel like theatrical releases and sports feel like you’re at the stadium.

The built-in speakers are better than expected with Object Tracking Sound Lite, but at this size and price point, you’ll definitely want to pair it with a quality sound system for proper scale. Just be prepared for the installation challenge – at nearly 92 pounds, this is definitely a two-person job.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for home theater enthusiasts with spacious rooms, anyone wanting the most immersive viewing experience possible, and families who need a large screen for group viewing.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this if you have a small room, need to mount the TV alone, or prefer perfect blacks over maximum brightness. The weight and size require serious consideration.

4. Hisense 85-Inch U7 Mini-LED – Ultimate Gaming TV

The Hisense U7 Mini-LED is a gaming powerhouse that defies expectations at this price point. With a native 165Hz panel and Game Booster that can push VRR to 288Hz, this is one of the fastest TVs available at any price, let alone under $2000.

What blew me away during testing is the incredible peak brightness reaching up to 3000 nits. HDR content absolutely pops with specular highlights that are painfully bright in the best way – stars in space scenes look genuinely brilliant, and sunlight reflections look completely realistic.

The Google TV interface is a breath of fresh air compared to proprietary smart TV systems. It’s clean, fast, and most importantly, ad-free. The enhanced Game Bar provides real-time performance metrics that serious gamers will appreciate, including input lag, framerate, and HDR status.

Customer photos consistently show this TV handling bright room conditions with ease. Multiple users mention it’s the best TV they’ve ever owned for daytime viewing, with colors remaining vibrant even with direct sunlight hitting the screen.

Gaming performance is where this TV truly shines. The combination of native 165Hz, VRR support, and incredibly low input lag makes it perfect for competitive gaming. Whether you’re playing Valorant on PC or Call of Duty on PS5, the motion handling is absolutely flawless.

At $1,699 for an 85-inch model with these specs, this represents exceptional value. The main concerns are around warranty service based on some user reports, so consider purchasing with a credit card that offers extended warranty protection.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for serious gamers who want the fastest refresh rates, anyone with a very bright living room, and users who prefer Google TV over other smart platforms.

Who Should Avoid?

Look elsewhere if you prioritize perfect blacks over peak brightness, are concerned about warranty service, or need a lighter TV for easy installation.

5. Sony 65-Inch OLED XR8B – PlayStation 5 Perfect Match

Sony’s XR8B OLED is a dream come true for PlayStation 5 owners, featuring exclusive integration that automatically optimizes settings for PS5 games. The Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode work seamlessly to ensure you’re always getting the best possible image for whatever you’re playing.

The standout feature here is Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology which actually uses the screen itself as a speaker. During testing, this created an incredibly immersive experience where sound appears to come directly from characters’ mouths on screen – something traditional speakers can’t replicate.

Sony’s XR Processor continues to impress with real-time enhancement that brings out incredible detail in both dark and bright areas of the image. The studio calibrated picture modes for Netflix and Prime Video ensure streaming content looks exactly as creators intended.

Google TV provides a clean, intuitive interface that’s a significant improvement over Sony’s previous Android TV implementations. The included remote is well-designed with proper backlighting and dedicated service buttons that can actually be remapped.

While there are some concerning reports about units failing after one day, these appear to be isolated incidents. The vast majority of users report exceptional performance, particularly praising the TV’s gaming capabilities and picture quality.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for PlayStation 5 owners who want automatic optimization, movie enthusiasts who value studio accuracy, and anyone who wants the most immersive audio-visual experience.

Who Should Avoid?

Consider alternatives if you’re an Xbox gamer (fewer exclusive features), are concerned about early reliability reports, or prefer a more established model with a longer track record.

6. TCL 75-Inch QM7K Mini-LED – Best Value Mini-LED

The TCL QM7K combines QLED color accuracy with OLED-like contrast through its innovative QD-Mini LED technology. With up to 2500 local dimming zones, this TV achieves deep blacks while maintaining the high brightness that makes it suitable for any room condition.

What impressed me most is the Bang & Olufsen audio system with built-in subwoofers that actually delivers respectable sound quality without external speakers. The 40-watt output creates a surprisingly full soundstage that’s adequate for casual viewing.

Gaming performance is excellent with 144Hz native refresh and Game Accelerator technology that can push to 288Hz with VRR. Input lag is impressively low, making this a solid choice for competitive gaming despite being primarily focused on movie performance.

Customer photos reveal the TV’s exceptional color reproduction with multiple users noting it rivals OLED displays in dark room performance. The anti-reflective screen technology works as advertised, significantly reducing glare in bright rooms.

The Google TV interface runs smoothly with TCL’s AIPQ Processor PRO handling picture processing duties. Colors are vibrant but natural thanks to Pantone validation, and the upscaling engine does a commendable job with lower resolution content.

At $1,297 for a 75-inch Mini-LED with these features, this represents outstanding value. While there are some concerns about long-term reliability, the performance you get for the money is hard to beat.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for movie lovers who want cinema-like picture quality, gamers who need high refresh rates, and anyone wanting premium features without the premium price tag.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this if you prioritize long-term reliability above all, prefer established brands with proven track records, or need extensive customer support.

7. Hisense 65-Inch U7 Mini-LED – Gaming Champion Under $900

The 65-inch version of Hisense’s U7 delivers the same incredible gaming performance as its larger sibling but at a much more accessible price point. At just $899, you’re getting native 165Hz refresh rates with VRR up to 288Hz – specs that typically cost twice as much.

What makes this TV exceptional for gaming is the combination of high refresh rate, incredibly low input lag, and HDR performance with up to 3000 nits peak brightness. Games look absolutely stunning with bright explosions that actually feel bright and dark shadows that retain detail.

The Google TV interface provides a smooth, ad-free experience that’s rare in today’s smart TV market. The enhanced Game Bar gives you real-time performance metrics including current refresh rate, input lag, and HDR status – features even some premium TVs lack.

Customer photos consistently show this TV excelling in both gaming and movie content. Multiple users mention they upgraded from more expensive TVs and actually prefer the picture quality, particularly praising the color accuracy and motion handling.

While the built-in speakers are merely adequate, the money you save on the TV can go toward a quality sound system. The main concern remains Hisense’s warranty service based on user reports, so consider extended protection.

For gamers on a budget, this is without question the best TV under $900. The combination of cutting-edge gaming features, excellent brightness, and Google TV makes it an incredible value proposition.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for budget-conscious gamers who don’t want to compromise on performance, anyone upgrading from a basic 60Hz TV, and users who want Google TV without paying premium prices.

Who Should Avoid?

Look elsewhere if you prioritize customer service, need premium built-in audio, or prefer established brands with proven long-term reliability.

8. TCL 55-Inch QM7K Mini-LED – Compact Gaming Powerhouse

The 55-inch QM7K packs the same Mini LED technology as its larger siblings but with an incredible 240Hz Variable Refresh Rate capability that makes it one of the fastest gaming TVs available. At just 32 pounds, it’s also one of the most portable premium TVs you can buy.

What impressed me most during testing is the motion clarity at high refresh rates. Fast-paced games feel buttery smooth with no ghosting or motion blur. The combination of Mini LED contrast and 240Hz refresh creates an immersive gaming experience that’s hard to beat.

The Bang & Olufsen audio system with Dolby Atmos support delivers surprisingly rich sound from such a slim cabinet. While it won’t replace a dedicated home theater system, it’s more than adequate for bedroom or office use.

Customer photos reveal the TV’s excellent color reproduction with multiple users noting it rivals more expensive models. The anti-reflective coating works particularly well on the smaller screen, making it suitable for various lighting conditions.

Google TV runs smoothly with TCL’s AIPQ Processor PRO handling all picture processing. The 55-inch size makes it perfect for gaming setups where you’re sitting closer to the screen, or for bedrooms where a larger TV would be overwhelming.

At $699, this offers exceptional value for competitive gamers who prioritize refresh rate above all else. The main limitation is screen size, but for many gaming scenarios, 55 inches is actually the sweet spot.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for competitive gamers, bedroom gaming setups, and anyone who wants the fastest refresh rates in a compact form factor.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this if you need a large screen for living room viewing, prioritize built-in audio quality, or prefer larger displays for cinematic movie experiences.

9. Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q7F – Budget QLED Leader

The Samsung Q7F proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get QLED technology. At just $397, this 55-inch model delivers Samsung’s signature Quantum Dot color performance with over a billion colors and 100% color volume.

What makes this TV remarkable is the inclusion of Samsung’s Gaming Hub with cloud gaming support. You can play Xbox games directly through the TV without a console, making this an excellent entry point for casual gaming.

The Crystal Processor 4K does a decent job upscaling content, though it’s not as sophisticated as the AI processors in Samsung’s premium models. Still, HD content looks sharp and clean, and 4K content pops with vibrant colors that QLED is known for.

Customer photos consistently show vibrant, colorful images that make content look engaging. Multiple users mention this is their first 4K TV and they’re amazed by the picture quality compared to their old HD displays.

While the built-in speakers are disappointingly thin, that’s expected at this price point. The smart TV interface can be sluggish with apps, so you might want to use a dedicated streaming device for better performance.

Despite its limitations, at under $400 this represents incredible value. You’re getting Samsung’s QLED technology and smart features at a price that was unimaginable just a few years ago.

Who Should Buy?

Perfect for budget-conscious buyers, first-time 4K TV owners, bedroom or secondary TV setups, and casual gamers interested in cloud gaming.

Who Should Avoid?

Look elsewhere if you need premium sound quality, demand the best upscaling performance, or plan to use many smart TV apps regularly.

10. Samsung 85-Inch Crystal UHD U8000F – Massive 85-Inch Budget

The Samsung U8000F makes 85-inch 4K accessible to everyone at just $897. While it uses standard LED technology rather than QLED or OLED, the Crystal Processor 4K does an admirable job delivering sharp, colorful images that look great from normal viewing distances.

The standout feature here is the sheer screen size for the price. At 85 inches, this TV creates an immersive viewing experience that smaller displays simply can’t match, making it perfect for sports fans and movie lovers who want that theater-like feeling.

Customer photos show the TV’s impressive scale in living rooms. Multiple users mention it transformed their viewing experience, with one noting it’s like having a commercial cinema in their home. The MetalStream design adds a premium touch with a sleek metal finish.

The Crystal 4K processor includes 3D color mapping that helps deliver surprisingly vibrant colors for a non-QLED display. HDR content shows improved brightness and contrast, though it can’t match the performance of more expensive technologies.

While some users report receiving damaged units (a common issue with large TVs shipped from online retailers), Amazon’s return policy typically covers these incidents. Just be sure to inspect the TV carefully before the delivery driver leaves.

For anyone wanting the biggest screen possible on a tight budget, this TV delivers exactly that. You’re sacrificing some picture quality and features, but you’re gaining massive screen real estate that creates an impressive viewing experience.

Who Should Buy?

Ideal for budget-focused buyers who prioritize size over picture quality, sports fans who want an immersive viewing experience, and anyone upgrading from a much smaller TV.

Who Should Avoid?

Skip this if you need the best picture quality, want premium gaming features, or have a small room that can’t accommodate an 85-inch screen.

Understanding TV Technology

Modern TV technology can be confusing with all the acronyms and marketing terms. OLED uses self-lit pixels that turn on and off individually, creating perfect blacks but with lower brightness. QLED and Mini-LED use backlighting systems that can achieve much higher brightness levels but can’t produce perfect blacks.

The technology you choose should depend on your viewing conditions. OLED excels in dark rooms where its perfect blacks create stunning contrast. Mini-LED and QLED perform better in bright rooms where their higher brightness can overcome ambient light.

For gaming, refresh rate matters more than display technology. Look for TVs with at least 120Hz native refresh, with 144Hz or 165Hz being ideal for serious gamers. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support eliminates screen tearing and ensures smooth gameplay.

Smart TV platforms have matured significantly. Google TV offers the cleanest interface with no ads, while WebOS and Tizen provide robust app selections. Consider which ecosystem you prefer before making your final decision.

Buying Guide for Best TVs Under $2000

Choosing the right TV involves balancing several factors beyond just price and screen size. Your room conditions, viewing habits, and primary content types all play crucial roles in determining which TV will deliver the best experience for your specific needs.

Start by measuring your room and determining optimal viewing distance. For 4K TVs, you can sit closer than you might think – about 1.5 times the screen diagonal. This means a 65-inch TV works well from about 8 feet away, while an 85-inch TV needs at least 10-11 feet for comfortable viewing.

Solving for Bright Room Viewing: Look for Mini-LED Technology

If your living room has lots of windows or you primarily watch during the day, Mini-LED technology is your best friend. TVs like the Hisense U7 series with up to 3000 nits brightness can overcome even direct sunlight, maintaining vibrant colors and deep contrast where OLEDs would appear washed out.

Anti-reflective coatings are equally important. Look for TVs specifically marketed with anti-glare technology, as these treatments can significantly reduce distracting reflections without compromising brightness.

Solving for Dark Room Movie Watching: Choose OLED

For home theater enthusiasts who watch movies in controlled lighting, OLED remains the king. The perfect black levels create incredible depth and dimensionality that backlight-based technologies simply cannot match.

Consider OLED models with AI processors like Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen2 or LG’s Alpha 9 Gen8, as these significantly improve upscaling performance for HD content. Pantone validation ensures color accuracy right out of the box.

Solving for Gaming Performance: Prioritize Refresh Rate

Gamers should focus on refresh rate above all else. Native 165Hz panels like those in the Hisense U7 series provide a competitive advantage with buttery-smooth motion. Look for VRR support, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), and input lag under 10ms for the best gaming experience.

HDMI 2.1 is essential for next-gen gaming. Ensure your chosen TV has at least one HDMI 2.1 port with 48Gbps bandwidth to support 4K at 120Hz with full color depth and HDR.

Solving for Smart TV Experience: Consider Google TV

The smart TV platform significantly impacts your day-to-day experience. Google TV offers the cleanest interface with comprehensive voice control and no ads. It integrates content from all your streaming services into a single, customizable row.

For those invested in ecosystems, WebOS (LG) works well with Alexa and Google Assistant, while Tizen (Samsung) offers robust app selection and exclusive features like Samsung Gaming Hub.

For more specific size recommendations, check out our guide to the best 65-inch smart TVs or explore 75-inch 4K TVs if you need a larger screen. Understanding picture quality assessment will help you make an informed decision based on your specific viewing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After extensive testing and research, the Hisense 85-Inch U7 Mini-LED stands out as the best overall TV under $2000 for its incredible combination of size, brightness, and gaming performance. At $1,699, you’re getting features typically found in $3000+ TVs.

For dark room viewing, the Samsung 65-Inch OLED S85F delivers the cinematic experience movie lovers crave with perfect blacks and AI-powered processing that makes every movie look its best.

Budget-conscious gamers should absolutely consider the Hisense 65-Inch U7 at just $899 – you’re getting native 165Hz gaming performance that competes with TVs twice the price.

The TV market in 2026 offers incredible value at every price point under $2000. Whether you prioritize size, picture quality, or gaming performance, there’s a perfect option waiting for you. Check out our complete guide to the best TVs overall for more options, or explore top-rated TVs to see what other buyers recommend.