Now more than ever people are turning to their TVs at home to stream on-demand movies, television and streaming content. From game day to box-office release at home, everyone wants to have a TV that can handle the content they want to watch. But what do you do if you are on a tight budget and still want to invest in a 4K TV?

The idea of buying a 4K TV for less than $1,000 used to be a distant hope. Today, there are plenty of 4K TVs options in the market, to the point where you can find high-quality graphics and resolution for a great price. For less than $500, you can purchase an LG 43-Inch 4K Smart UHD TV and enjoy high-resolution gaming and video to your heart’s content.

What to know before you buy a 4K TV under $500

Value for money

4K TVs have become more affordable over the last few years due to increased availability. Savvy consumers can purchase impressive 4K TVs for less than half the cost of a PC, tablet or laptop. And since most visual media enthusiasts don’t require the capabilities that come with a more expensive TV, it’s easy enough to find a 4K TV with all the modern conveniences you might need.

May become outdated quickly

While it is unlikely that the 8K TV will affect 4K TV sales anytime soon, most professional film, TV and even national broadcasting channels have started shooting and screening for 8K footage. While it may be enticing to get ahead of the curve and purchase an 8K TV right away, these TVs cost around $2,000-$4,000. And it’s safe to say that prices will need to drop considerably before 8K TVs become the norm.

However, some hardcore film-lovers and gamers will want to have an 8K TV eventually. So the real question is if you should purchase an 8K TV now or wait until after the prices drop. Ultimately, unless you have a few thousand dollars burning a hole in your pocket, it’s likely best to wait. That said, you can still get a great 4K TV for less than $500 while you wait.

4K TV under $500 features

HDMI 2.0 vs. 2.1

It’s important to ensure that your TV at least works with HDMI 2.0. The latest HDMI 2.1 has several impressive upgrades in data speed. It offers 48 gigabytes per second (GBPS) which means you could watch footage on your 4K monitor at up to 120 frames per second (FPS). It would be quite a feat to find a 4K TV with HDMI 2.1 for under $500. That said, the HDMI 2.0 will work perfectly well for the average viewer.

Virtual assistant integration

Those who regularly use AI like Google Assistant or Alexa may find extra benefit in a 4K TV. A 4K TV often has pre-installed AI assistant technology and includes voice control technology that allows you to control the content on your screen. You can request simple commands without ever having to get up from the couch.

4K and HDR

Pixel range and HDR are incredibly important when it comes to your 4K TV experience. At 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, 4K HDR TVs have far more pixels than a standard HD TV and offer a more impressive range of color options. It’s important to note that HDR and 4K technology complement one another, so prospective buyers don’t have to choose between the two features.

4K TV under $500 cost

For a decent 4K TV with HDR, you can expect to pay between $250-$500, depending on promotions and availability.

4K TV under $500 FAQ

Should I just buy an 8K TV?

A. If you have the funds available and want to invest in a top-of-the-line TV, you absolutely can. However, 8K TVs will decrease in price over time, so if you can wait, you’ll save yourself a lot of money.

What’s the difference between an LCD, LED and QLED screen?

A. LCD stands for liquid crystal display. This is an older display and does not provide the best visual performance. LEDs are light-emitting diodes and can be found in most modern 4K TVs. QLED are LED displays that also have photosensitive quantum nanoparticles, which react and compensate for any blue light created by the LED.

Which 4K TV under $500 should I get?

Best of the best 4K TV under $500

LG 43UP8000PUA Alexa Built-in 43-inch 4K Smart UHD TV: available at Amazon

Our take: A great all-around model pre-loaded with tons of useful apps and features.

What we like: It comes with Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu and Vudu installed.

What we dislike: Some users received a broken model, however, this was quickly replaced.

Best bang for your buck 4K TV under $500

Samsung 43-Inch TU-7000 Series Class Smart TV | Crystal UHD – 4K HDR – with Alexa Built-in: available at Amazon

Our take: An affordable model that has all the necessities.

What we like: It has Crystal Display, 4K processor and is Energy Star certified. It also has Alexa pre-installed.

What we dislike: Customers reported some picture quality issues.

Honorable mention 4K TV under $500

TCL 50-Inch Class 5-Series 4K UHD QLED Dolby Vision HDR Roku Smart TV: available at Amazon

Our take: If you’re looking for a QLED 4K TV for under $500, this is the one you’ve been searching for.

What we like: Has Roku pre-installed and comes with voice commands for easy integration of Google Assistant and Alexa.

What we dislike: Users reported issues with screen burnout and sound quality.

Daniel Martin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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