Buying Guide: 4K TVs Under $2,000

55- and 65-inch televisions in 4K (for under $2K).

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The screen makes the theater. While a blockbuster sound system and leather reclining seats are nice additions, the television, in all its 4K Ultra HD glory, is always going to be the real deal. Thankfully, it’s 2016, and a great, big screen — say, 55 to 65 inches — is attainable and, arguably, affordable.

55-Inch


The Baseline of the Modern Home Theater


TCL 55US5800

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TCL and Roku teamed up in 2016 to create a number of smart TVs. This 55-inch TV is simple to operate, even for those unfamiliar with Roku. And once users download the accompanying app, any smartphone or tablet can be used as a TV remote.

Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Panasonic TC55CX800U

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The TC55CX800U produces a beautiful 4K ultra HD resolution, with a super-fast 240Hz rate. When watching in either 2D or 3D, the picture is immaculate.

Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 240Hz

LG Electronics 55UH8500

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LG’s 4K ultra HD smart TV has a super-enhanced HDR display, allowing for a phenomenal range of contrast and color (as long as you’re watching HDR content).

Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 240Hz

Samsung UN55KS8500

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Samsung’s 8-Series televisions have built-in wi-fi and crisp, vibrant HDR. That said, the real selling point here is the full-immersion experience of a curved screen.

Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 240 MR (Motion Rate)

Sony X930D

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Sony’s TVs always draw a heavy price tag, but that’s because they’re so damn powerful and beautiful. Their X930D is an Android TV, which supports voice search and Google Cast, all in an extremely thin form factor.

Screen Size: 55 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 60Hz

65-inch


Expanding Horizons


Hisense 65H7B2

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Hinese’s are the most affordable 65-inch 4K TVs you’re likely to find, and you won’t sacrifice features: The 65H7B2 comes with built-in smart technology, no streaming device required.

Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 120Hz

Panasonic TC-65CX420U

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Panasonic’s CX420 Series of 4K ultra HD TVs have a fast refresh rate (120Hz) and come with built-in smart apps for easy streaming.

Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 120Hz

Sharp LC-65UB30U

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Part of Sharp’s AQUOS 4K ultra HD UB30 series, the 65UB30U comes with a Sharp’s proprietary “revelation upscaler,” which helps improve picture quality of lower-resolution programs to near-4K quality.

Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz

Sony XBR-65X850C

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This 2015 release narrowly makes the under-$2,000 bracket. It has a powerful 4K Processor X1 that creates a pristine picture while minimizing blur.

Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 120Hz

Vizio SmartCast P-Series

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Ultra HD display, check. Dolby Vision’s high dynamic range, check. And Vizio’s P-Series also utilizes Google Cast and comes with a six-inch Android tablet that works as a remote (and a full-function tablet).

Screen Size: 65 inches
Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Refresh Rate: 240Hz