Best tv for 100 dollars

To really find the “best TV for 100 dollars,” you need to set some realistic expectations right from the start. Let’s be honest, walking into a store and snagging a brand-new, feature-packed TV for a crisp Benjamin is almost impossible these days. Most new TVs under $100 are going to be pretty small, often around 24 to 32 inches, and likely only HD 720p rather than Full HD 1080p or 4K. They’re usually very basic, non-smart models, or older, smaller smart TVs during deep sales. Think of them as secondary screens for a kitchen, a kid’s room, or maybe a garage, rather than your main living room entertainment hub.

However, if you’re flexible, know where to look, and are open to a few compromises, you can get some decent screen time for your money. We’re going to talk about stretching that $100, looking at what’s genuinely available, and exploring options that might push your budget just a little bit to get a significantly better experience. This guide will help you understand what’s out there, from finding used gems to spotting incredible deals on entry-level smart TVs that usually hover slightly above the $100 mark. We’ll focus on brands like Insignia, TCL, and Hisense, which are well-known for offering affordable TVs with surprisingly good features.

The $100 TV Reality: What to Expect

Let’s not sugarcoat it: $100 for a new TV is a tight budget in 2025. When you’re looking at this price point, you’re primarily going to find models that are smaller in size, typically between 24 and 32 inches, and often with 720p HD resolution instead of the sharper 1080p Full HD or 4K. For example, you might find an Insignia 32-inch F20 Series HD Fire TV for around $80 during a sale, which is a fantastic deal for a basic smart TV. Or perhaps a 24-inch model from a less-known brand. These TVs are pretty basic, but they get the job done for casual viewing.

You’re probably not going to get cutting-edge features like 4K resolution, HDR High Dynamic Range, or a high refresh rate like 120Hz, which is great for gaming in this range. Most budget TVs, even those a bit above $100, typically have 60Hz native refresh rates. The smart features, if present, might be a bit slower or less polished than on higher-end sets, but for watching popular streaming services like Netflix or YouTube, they’re usually perfectly adequate. The key is to manage your expectations and prioritize what matters most to you in a TV.

Option 1: Hunting for Used or Refurbished TVs

If your budget is strictly $100, and you want a TV larger than 32 inches or with better features, going used or refurbished is likely your best bet. This is where you can often snag a real deal.

• Local Marketplaces: Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local classifieds are goldmines for second-hand electronics. People often upgrade their TVs and sell their perfectly functional older models for a fraction of the original price. You might find a 40-inch or even a 50-inch Full HD smart TV that someone just wants to get rid of quickly. The trick here is to be patient, check listings regularly, and be ready to pick it up. Always test the TV before buying, and ensure all ports work.
• Refurbished Retailers: Many larger retailers and dedicated refurbished electronics stores offer “restored” or “refurbished” TVs. These often come with a warranty, which gives you peace of mind. For example, Walmart sometimes sells refurbished Roku 40″ Select Series 1080p Full HD Smart Roku TVs which could fall into your desired price range or slightly above. Best Buy’s Outlet section also offers discounted prices on open-box items or refurbished units. These aren’t technically “new” but are often indistinguishable from new, having been returned and then thoroughly checked and repaired if needed. You can find “refurbished Smart TVs” on eBay as well, often categorized by price, with options “Under $150.”

When buying used or refurbished, make sure to ask about the TV’s age, how long the seller has had it, and why they’re selling it. If possible, ask for photos of the TV turned on, especially showing different colors, to check for dead pixels or screen uniformity issues.

Option 2: Spotting Sales and Clearance Deals

Sometimes, retailers offer incredible discounts on entry-level models, pushing them surprisingly close to the $100 mark. These typically happen during major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, or end-of-year clearance sales.

• Holiday Sales: Keep an eye out for deals around major holidays. Retailers will often slash prices on smaller, less-popular models to clear inventory. You might find a 32-inch smart TV from a brand like TCL or Hisense for under $150, and sometimes even closer to $100, especially if it’s a 720p model.
• Open-Box Items: As mentioned, Best Buy and other electronics stores often sell open-box TVs at a discount. These are usually customer returns that are fully functional but can’t be sold as “new.” The savings can be significant, bringing a slightly more expensive model within your budget.
• Clearance Sections: Don’t forget to check the clearance sections, both online and in physical stores. Sometimes, older models or units with minor cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect performance are heavily discounted. It’s like finding a hidden treasure! For example, an Insignia 50-inch F50 Series Fire TV was recently spotted at $149.99, a 50% discount. While this is above $100, it shows the kind of aggressive pricing you can find if you’re vigilant and a little flexible.

You really have to be quick when these deals pop up, as they tend to sell out fast. Subscribing to deal alerts from your favorite retailers can give you an edge.

Option 3: Entry-Level Smart TVs Slightly Above $100, Better Value

If you can stretch your budget to $150-$200, a whole new world of “best inexpensive TVs” opens up. In this range, you can find new, small to medium-sized smart TVs that offer a much better experience than anything strictly at $100. These are often the “best cheap TVs to buy” for general use.

Brands like TCL, Hisense, Insignia Best Buy’s house brand, and Onn Walmart’s house brand dominate this segment. They offer compelling features for their price points, making them excellent choices for those seeking “the best affordable TV.”

Here are a few common examples of what you might find and what to look for:

• 32-inch Full HD Smart TVs: Many brands offer 32-inch models with 1080p Full HD resolution and built-in smart platforms like Roku TV or Amazon Fire TV. These are fantastic for bedrooms, dorms, or smaller living spaces where you want clear picture quality and easy access to streaming apps. A TCL 32″ Class S3 S-Class LED Full HD Smart TV with Google TV is a popular option in this category. Similarly, a Hisense 32-inch Class A4 Series LED Full HD 1080P Smart Fire TV 2025 is also frequently available under $200.
• 40-inch to 43-inch 1080p Smart TVs: If you can push closer to $180-$200, you might even find 40-inch or 43-inch models with Full HD resolution. A Roku 40-inch full HD TV was recently available for $180. A Vizio 40-inch HD TV also hit $138 during a sale. These sizes provide a much more immersive viewing experience than a 32-inch, making them great as secondary living room TVs or primary bedroom TVs.
• Smaller 4K Options Rare, but possible: While rare in this specific price bracket, some sales might bring a very small 4K TV e.g., 43-inch down to the $200 range. For example, some Hisense and TCL 43-inch 4K models have been seen around the $200 mark during aggressive sales. However, at these smaller sizes, the jump from 1080p to 4K isn’t as dramatically noticeable as it is on larger screens, so don’t necessarily make 4K your absolute priority unless you plan to sit very close.

When comparing “what is the best inexpensive smart TV to buy,” look for models with well-regarded smart TV platforms like Roku TV, Google TV, or Amazon Fire TV. These platforms are generally user-friendly, offer a wide range of apps, and receive regular updates.

Key Features to Prioritize on a Budget TV

Even when you’re on a tight budget, there are certain features that you should definitely keep an eye out for to ensure you’re getting the “best value affordable TV.”

• Resolution: Aim for at least 1080p Full HD if your budget allows, especially for TVs 32 inches and larger. While 720p is common for the cheapest, smallest TVs, 1080p provides a noticeably sharper image for most content. If you’re looking at a TV 43 inches or larger, 4K is ideal, but that will definitely push you beyond the $100-$200 range unless it’s a stellar deal.
• Smart TV Platform: A built-in smart platform is incredibly convenient, saving you from buying a separate streaming stick. Look for TVs with Roku TV, Google TV, or Amazon Fire TV. These systems offer intuitive interfaces and access to a vast library of streaming apps. Roku is praised for its simplicity, while Google TV offers personalized recommendations and robust Google Assistant integration.
• Connectivity Ports: Don’t overlook the number and type of ports. At a minimum, you’ll want at least two, preferably three, HDMI ports for connecting gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or additional streaming devices. An HDMI ARC Audio Return Channel port is a nice bonus if you plan to connect a soundbar. USB ports are handy for playing media from a flash drive or powering streaming sticks.
• Brand Reputation: Stick with established budget-friendly brands that have a track record of decent quality and customer support, even if they aren’t the premium names like Samsung or LG. As mentioned, TCL and Hisense are often recommended as the “best brands for budget TVs” because they offer surprisingly good picture quality for the price. Insignia and Onn can also be good options for basic use.
• Sound Quality: Let’s be real, built-in TV speakers on budget models are rarely fantastic. Many sources agree they can “ruin the whole experience.” Don’t expect booming bass or crystal-clear dialogue. If sound is important to you, consider allocating a small portion of your budget to an inexpensive soundbar or a pair of external speakers. Even a very basic soundbar can significantly improve your audio experience.

What to Avoid When Buying a Cheap TV

While the goal is to save money, there are a few red flags to watch out for to ensure you don’t end up with a TV that’s more frustrating than fun.

• Unrealistic Expectations: If you’re hoping for a massive, 65-inch 4K OLED TV for $100, you’re going to be disappointed. Be realistic about what a budget TV can deliver in terms of size, resolution, and advanced features.
• No-Name Brands with Zero Reviews: While smaller brands can sometimes offer good value, be very wary of completely unknown brands with no reviews or customer feedback. These might have poor build quality, unreliable software, or nonexistent customer support. Stick to brands that at least have some presence and reviews, even if they’re budget-oriented.
• Going Below 720p HD for anything larger than a tiny screen: For anything above, say, 20 inches, a resolution lower than 720p HD will look noticeably fuzzy. Even at 32 inches, 720p can be a bit soft, so if you see a truly ancient TV that’s only 480p, it’s best to pass.
• Avoiding Reputable Sellers for Used TVs: If you go the used route, try to buy from individuals directly or from reputable refurbished stores. Be cautious of vague online listings or sellers who refuse to let you test the TV before purchase.

Ultimately, finding the “best TV for 100 dollars” is about being a smart shopper. It means being patient for sales, open to used or refurbished options, and knowing what compromises are acceptable for your needs. If you can stretch your budget slightly to $150-$200, you’ll open yourself up to a much wider array of new, entry-level smart TVs that offer excellent value for the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of TV can I realistically get for $100?

For a brand-new TV at strictly $100, you’ll typically be looking at very small models, usually 24 to 32 inches, with 720p HD resolution. These are often basic, non-smart TVs, or entry-level smart TVs during aggressive sales. They are best suited for secondary viewing spaces like a small kitchen, a child’s bedroom, or a garage. If you are open to buying a used TV or a refurbished TV, you might find larger sizes or better features for your $100.

Are there any smart TVs available for under $100?

Finding a new smart TV under $100 is quite challenging in 2025. While some very small 24-inch smart TVs might occasionally dip below this price during extreme sales, and a 32-inch 720p Insignia Fire TV was recently spotted at $80, it’s generally more realistic to find a decent smart TV in the $150-$200 range. If your budget is flexible, consider models from brands like TCL, Hisense, Insignia, or Onn, which frequently offer 32-inch to 40-inch Full HD smart TVs for under $200.

What is the best inexpensive TV to buy if I can spend a little more, say $150-$200?

If you can stretch your budget to $150-$200, you’ll unlock significantly better options. You can often find new 32-inch Full HD 1080p smart TVs, and even 40-inch or 43-inch 1080p smart TVs from brands like TCL, Hisense, Roku, Vizio, Insignia, and Onn. These TVs usually come with popular smart platforms like Roku TV, Google TV, or Amazon Fire TV, offering a much better overall viewing experience and access to all your favorite streaming services.

Should I buy a used or refurbished TV to stay within a $100 budget?

Yes, buying used or refurbished is an excellent strategy if you have a strict $100 budget and want a larger screen or better features than what new TVs at that price point offer. Look on local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, and check out reputable refurbished retailers like Best Buy Outlet or Walmart. Always ask about warranties for refurbished units and thoroughly test any used TV before purchasing. Top 10 Turntables Under $500: Your Guide to Amazing Vinyl Sound on a Budget

What specifications should I prioritize when buying a very cheap TV?

When buying an inexpensive TV, prioritize the following:

1. Resolution: Aim for 1080p Full HD if possible, especially for TVs 32 inches and larger, but 720p HD is common and acceptable for smaller, very budget-friendly screens.
2. Smart Features: Look for a TV with a built-in smart platform like Roku TV, Google TV, or Amazon Fire TV to access streaming apps easily.
3. Connectivity: Ensure it has enough HDMI ports at least two, preferably three for your devices.
4. Brand: Stick to known budget brands like TCL, Hisense, Insignia, or Onn, which offer better reliability and value than generic, no-name brands.

What size TV can I get for around $100?

For $100, new TVs are generally in the 24-inch to 32-inch range. For example, a 32-inch model from Insignia or TCL might be found for under $100 during a sale. If you opt for a used or refurbished TV, you might be able to find larger sizes, potentially up to 40 or 43 inches, but that would depend heavily on local deals and availability.

Is it worth waiting for sales events to buy an inexpensive TV?

Absolutely! Waiting for major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Day, or end-of-year clearance can lead to significant savings on budget TVs. Retailers often offer aggressive discounts during these periods, which can bring slightly more expensive entry-level smart TVs within or very close to your $100-$200 budget. Keeping an eye on deal sites and store flyers during these times can help you snag the “best cheap TV” deal.

Where Your US Dollar Can Make You Feel Like Royalty Across the Globe