With top-shelf features like 4K Ultra HD, HDR, advanced gaming modes, voice assistant compatibility, and gorgeous images, these TVs do a lot for under $1,000.
When new TVs arrive online and to brick-and-mortar retailers, many of us are conditioned to expect highway robbery-type prices, and in many cases, we get just that. Premium and flagship models are always going to be expensive, and other than waiting for the prices to drop when next year’s models start hitting shelves, there’s not much we can do. But did you know that you don’t actually have to spend a ton of moolah to drive home with an amazing TV? In fact, some of the best TVs of 2023 are available for $1,000 or less!
We’re not kidding, and we’ve done the tough job of vetting and testing the best TVs under $1,000 that you can buy right now. And guess what? One of the models is the amazing Hisense U8K, one of our favorite QLED TVs for 2023.
Hisense 55-inch U8K ULEDThe best TV for under $1,000
Our favorite TV for under $1,000 is the incredible 55-inch Hisense U8K, and this wasn’t a tough call in the slightest. Our own editor-at-large, Caleb Denison, was totally blown away by a number of the U8K’s impressive features, but a true standout was its peak brightness capabilities. For those nit nerds who have a vested interest in those kinds of specs, we captured max brightness output at 2,000 nits (although it promises only 1,500), which is pretty darn good in our book! The U8K also scores big in the color accuracy and motion clarity departments (with the former being slightly better than the latter).
HDR connoisseurs will also be pleased to know that the U8K supports HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. And as far as streaming content goes, we can never stop singing the praises of Google TV, which just so happens to be Hisense’s operating system of choice. Stream movies and TV shows from services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Max, while Google builds personalized recommendations for you based on your viewing history.
In terms of sound quality, the U8K isn’t too shabby either. In fact, Hisense is really the last of a dying breed when it comes to TV companies that care about giving you decent speakers. No, it’s not a surround-sound replacement, but if you’re stuck without Dolby Atmos or even a soundbar, the U8K’s onboard audio will do just fine.
Hisense 65-inch U7KThe runner-up
The Hisense U7K is extremely close to being a carbon copy of the company’s U8K flagship, but there are a few picture and sound features that hold this model back just a tiny bit. But if you’re looking to score one of the best deals you can get on one of the best 65-inch TVs in 2023, these little demerits may work in your favor. On paper, the U8K has less local dimming zones (384 compared to 1,008 on the 65-inch U8K), a lower peak brightness (1,000 nits compared to the U8K’s 1,500), and two missing audio channels (the U7K is billed as a 2.1 system, while the U8K rocks a 2.1.2 array). Otherwise, the U7K shares the same mini-LED and quantum-dot tech for incredible color and contrast (with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG).
Differences aside though, the U7K is still a phenomenal TV with next-gen gaming features, including its Game Mode Pro. which utilizes HDMI 2.1 that automatically adjusts to gaming with auto low latency mode (ALLM), and has a 144Hz variable refresh rate (VRR) for lag-free PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S gaming. Dolby Atmos support also means excellent immersive surround sound from your capable receiver and speaker system or compatible Atmos soundbar, which we have several suggestions for, should you need one.
The Hisense U7K, like all of Hisense’s latest TVs, runs Google TV’s smart interface for all things Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more. It’s also Google Assistant-capable for searching for TV shows and movies, as well as controlling smart home devices with your voice.
TCL 65-inch Q7 QLEDAn awesome TCL
TCL has been featured in this roundup for quite some time and, quite frankly, if some of TCL’s 2022, 2021, and even 2020 models were still readily available, they’d still have a home on this list because they hold up so well.
