Best Budget 4K TVs Under $500 in 2025

Direct LED and Edge Lit backlighting technologies determine a TV's contrast capabilities. The TCL Class S4 utilizes Direct LED backlighting, which provides a higher native contrast ratio (≈5000:1 to 8000:1) due to its ability to produce deeper blacks. The Hisense U6N, with its Mini-LED technology, further enhances contrast, achieving an impressive 40,000:1 with local dimming, making it ideal for dark room viewing. In contrast, the Samsung DU8000's Edge Lit design results in a lower contrast ratio (≈4,100:1), affecting its performance in dimly lit environments. The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED stands out with its full-array local dimming, achieving contrast ratios between 50,000:1 to 118,000:1, providing excellent black uniformity. Callouts include: 5000:1 contrast ratio (TCL), 40,000:1 contrast ratio (Hisense), and Edge Lit design (Samsung).

The choice of smart operating system influences user experience and app availability. Google TV, featured in both the TCL Class S4 and Hisense U6N, is known for its fast, intuitive interface and access to a wide range of apps through the Google Play Store. Samsung's DU8000 leverages the Tizen OS, which is smooth and integrates well with Samsung's ecosystem but lacks some app support compared to Google TV. The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED uses Fire TV OS, offering seamless integration with Amazon services and hands-free Alexa, though it is often criticized for ad-heavy interfaces. Each system provides unique advantages, making the choice dependent on user preference for ecosystem and app availability. Callouts include: Google TV (TCL/Hisense), Tizen OS (Samsung), and Fire TV OS (Amazon).

For budget-conscious gamers, understanding refresh rates is crucial. All four TVs in this guide are limited to a 60Hz native refresh rate, which is sufficient for casual gaming but falls short for high-frame-rate gaming experiences. The TCL Class S4 and Hisense U6N offer low input lag (~10-11 ms), enhancing responsiveness during gameplay. The Samsung DU8000's 85-inch model uniquely offers a 120Hz refresh rate, appealing to gamers seeking smoother motion. The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED supports VRR (48-60Hz), reducing screen tearing and providing a more fluid gaming experience. However, the absence of HDMI 2.1 across most models limits compatibility with next-gen consoles. Callouts include: 60Hz refresh rate (all), 10 ms input lag (Hisense), and VRR support (Amazon).

Upscaling is essential for viewing non-4K content on a 4K TV. The TCL Class S4 employs a Quad Core Processor 4K for efficient upscaling, ensuring cable TV and lower-resolution content appear sharper. Hisense's Hi-View Engine, powered by AI, enhances upscaling capabilities, dynamically adjusting settings for improved clarity. Samsung's Crystal Processor 4K in the DU8000 provides reliable upscaling, though its effectiveness varies by content type. The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED uses a standard quad-core MediaTek processor, offering competent upscaling but lacking the advanced AI features found in Hisense. Each processor's effectiveness can influence your viewing experience, particularly if you frequently watch non-4K content. Callouts include: Quad Core Processor 4K (TCL), Hi-View Engine (Hisense), and Crystal Processor 4K (Samsung).