More and more modern TVs integrate a Smart platform that is quickly accessible from the remote control, so that we can view online streaming services and browse websites as if we were in front of a PC monitor. On these platforms we can find the most famous apps dedicated to streaming: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Infinity, Now TV etc. so you can combine your favorite streaming content with classic TV channels. If we think that to buy a Smart TV you need high figures, we are very wrong: it is now possible to take home a Smart TV at much lower and more competitive prices than a few years ago. In this guide we will show you how to buy a Smart TV at low prices, carefully observing the features that a low-cost TV must have, accompanying everything with a purchase guide to the most interesting models available under 500 Euros .
Buy a Smart TV at low prices
Before buying any cheap TV in the supermarket or in a large electronics chain, we recommend that you take a look at the features to be taken into consideration, so as not to choose models that are too dated or with a poor Smart component . For a comparison we can also view the models available online on Amazon, so as to decide whether to buy in the store or on the most famous e-commerce platform in Italy.Smart TV features
Even if you intend to save money it doesn't mean that you have to throw yourself headlong on the first TV that has the word "Smart"! Before purchasing any model, make sure that the following characteristics are present in the product data sheet:- Resolution : as resolution we only consider televisions that have Full HD resolution (i.e. 1920 x 1080 pixels). Many make the mistake of buying a simple HD TV convinced that they are buying a high definition TV, when in fact they are buying an obsolete TV with HD Ready resolution; to avoid this type of error, we only purchase televisions with the words Full HD, HDTV, 1080p or with the 1920 x 1080 resolution written in the technical data sheet or on the packaging. In this price range we find more and more cheap 4K UHD televisions, but better to check that the following features are present.
- Smart platform : the platform with apps can usually be called up via the remote control (there is a dedicated button) or more rarely by accessing the system menu. The platform of the chosen TV must be equipped with support for the main multimedia apps to watch streaming movies and TV series (Netflix above all), and in addition it must have a Web browser (it will be easier to access streaming sites directly from the TV without using a PC).
- Connections: a self-respecting Smart TV must have at least 2 HDMI inputs, a 3.5mm headphone jack output and RCA connectors to connect old DVD players or peripherals. The presence of one or more USB ports is also very useful, so as to be able to connect a hard disk or a key for playing movies transferred to the supports from the PC or to power multimedia dongles (such as the Chromecast for example).
- Connectivity : to connect the Smart TV to the Internet, make sure that there is a Wi-Fi connection, so that you can connect it to the modem / router without having to use a network cable. If the modem is close enough to the TV, we can use the Ethernet port to obtain a stable connection without interference; if the TV is in another room but we want to use a cable connection, let's focus on Powerline technology .
- Tuner : modern Smart TVs must support by law the new DVB-T2 digital terrestrial TV supported by the new HEVC codec, so as to be ready for the next change of national frequencies. So make sure that these two elements are present on the chosen TV, so as not to run the risk of having to buy a decoder in the future for the channels of the new digital terrestrial.
- CAM Slot : if we want to see Pay TV channels (for example Sky on digital terrestrial) we will have to buy a TV equipped with a CI + port (or Common Interface Plus ), compatible with the latest CAM on the market.
- Audio / video codec : when we play a video file from a stick or from an external disk we must be sure that the chosen TV is able to play it. The most popular codecs and their respective containers are: AVI, MKV, H.264, H.265, MP3, AC-3 and Dolby . At least these codecs must be supported, otherwise downloaded videos and movies cannot be played.
- Operating system : as for smartphones, also for Smart TVs the operating system is important, for its usability and for the applications that can be installed. In this regard, we can read our article on the best Smart TV for app system from Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic .
Buying Guide
After seeing the features that a cheap Smart TV must have, you can take a look at the best offers available online.LG 32LK6200PLA
The cheapest Smart TV we can buy is the 32-inch LG .
This TV has a 32-inch Full HD display, Wi-Fi connection, DVB-T2 / S2 HEVC tuner and webOS 4 operating system, which can support all the most famous apps and also offer control via voice commands (via dedicated remote control sold separately).
If we are interested in this TV, we can view it from here -> LG 32LK6200PLA FullHD (217 €).
HISENSE H40BE5500
An excellent budget smart TV that we can view is the 40-inch HISENSE . Hisense, a Chinese brand, is really expanding with quality products at lower prices than the competition.
This TV has a 40-inch Full HD display, flanked by Wi-Fi connection, quad-core processor, Crystal Clear Sound system, DVB-T2 / S2 HEVC tuner and VIDAA U operating system, which can provide quick access to Netflix, YouTube and other websites.
If we are interested in this TV, we can view it from here -> HISENSE H40BE5500 (€ 269).
Philips 49PUS7503
If we are looking for a cheap 4K UHD TV, with a large screen and full of features, we can view the 49-inch Philips .
The TV has a 49-inch UHD display, ultra slim design, Ambilight system, quad-core processor, 16 GB of internal memory and Android TV operating system, compatible with practically any multimedia app supported by classic Android (Google Play is present Store to install new apps).
If we are interested in this TV, we can view it from here -> Philips 49PUS7503 (€ 399).
Samsung UE49MU6500U
If we want to focus on more prestigious brands without spending a fortune, we can view the 49-inch Samsung .
The TV features a 49-inch UHD display, curved design, quad-core processor, Wi-Fi connectivity and proprietary Tizen OS operating system, with advanced support for all new versions of multimedia apps provided by various streaming services.
If we are interested in this TV, we can view it from here -> Samsung UE49MU6500U (€ 485).
Sony KD-43XG70
The most expensive TV we can buy in this price range is the 43-inch Sony .
This smart TV features a 43-inch UHD display with support for the HDR color gamut, LED technology, dedicated 4K X-Reality PRO processor, amplified audio, Wi-Fi connection and proprietary operating system with dedicated store and Web browser (to open all sites without going through the PC).
If we are interested in this TV, we can view it from here -> Sony KD-43XG70 (€ 499).
Conclusions
As we have seen, it is not necessary to spend 1000 € to have a nice TV with integrated Smart platform, moreover made available by famous manufacturers (no Chinese TV or semi-known brands). With these televisions we will be able to watch any channel or streaming service without any problem for at least the next 3-4 years.In another guide we saw the Best apps for Samsung, LG and Android Smart TVs .
If we want to record digital terrestrial broadcasts, we recommend you read our guide on How to record episodes and films on Smart TV .
If instead we have a home theater system to connect to the new TV, just read our article on How to connect TV speakers and audio systems to Smart TV .
