5 Best Smart TVs Under $150: The Ultimate Budget Guide For Late 2024

Jan 10, 2026 • minute read

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Finding a high-quality smart TV for under $150 might seem impossible, but as of late 2024, the market is surprisingly competitive, offering excellent options for secondary rooms, dorms, or budget-conscious buyers. The key to hitting this ultra-low price point is focusing on 32-inch models, which typically feature 720p or 1080p resolution, and keeping an eye on limited-time sales from major retailers. This price range is dominated by two primary smart TV operating systems: Roku TV and Amazon Fire TV, both of which provide a seamless, app-centric streaming experience right out of the box, making them true "smart" devices without the need for an extra streaming stick.

The current landscape for smart TVs under $150 is defined by value, not cutting-edge technology. You won't find 4K resolution, QLED panels, or high refresh rates here, but you will find reliable performance from trusted brands like TCL, Insignia, and Roku. These budget-friendly sets are perfect for casual viewing, streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, and even light gaming due to surprisingly low input lag on some models. We've researched the most current deals and model reviews to bring you the top picks that consistently fall within this strict budget.

The Top Smart TV Models Consistently Under $150 (Late 2024)

The market for deeply discounted smart televisions is dynamic, with prices fluctuating based on seasonal sales and inventory. However, a few specific model series consistently offer a 32-inch or 40-inch version that drops to or below the $150 threshold, making them the most reliable choices for a strict budget.

1. TCL 3-Series (Roku TV)

The TCL 3-Series is arguably the gold standard for budget smart TVs, known for its reliable performance and the intuitive Roku TV operating system. The 32-inch models are the ones most likely to be found under $150, often available in both 720p and 1080p (Full HD) variants, such as the 32S357 model.

Operating System: Roku TV. This system is beloved for its simple interface, massive library of streaming channels, and frequent software updates, even on older models.
Resolution: 720p HD or 1080p Full HD. Opting for the 1080p version is a significant upgrade for picture clarity and is worth the few extra dollars if the deal is available.
Performance: Reviews frequently praise the TCL 3-Series for its low input lag, making it a surprisingly good option for casual console gaming or as a dedicated gaming monitor for a secondary setup.
Ideal Use: Master bedroom, small apartment living room, or a college dorm.

2. Insignia F20 Series (Fire TV Edition)

Insignia, a Best Buy house brand, offers a strong contender with its F20 Series, which runs on Amazon's Fire TV platform. This is the go-to choice for users already integrated into the Amazon ecosystem, utilizing services like Prime Video and Alexa voice control.

Operating System: Amazon Fire TV. This system provides direct access to a vast array of apps and features the Alexa voice remote, allowing you to control the TV, search for content, and manage smart home devices with voice commands.
Resolution & Size: The 32-inch models (e.g., NS-32F201NA26) are the most common at this price point, offering decent overall picture quality for a budget TV.
Connectivity: Look for models with multiple HDMI ports (usually 3), which is crucial for connecting a gaming console, a Blu-ray player, and a soundbar simultaneously.
Trade-off: While the picture quality is decent, some professional reviews note that it can be inferior to competitors, particularly the 720p versions, so managing expectations is key.

3. Roku Select Series (32-inch & 40-inch)

Roku, the company behind the popular streaming platform, now manufactures its own line of televisions, the Select Series. This move has created incredibly competitive pricing, with the 32-inch and even the 40-inch models frequently dropping to $150 or less, especially during holiday sales.

Key Advantage: Direct manufacturer control over the hardware and software ensures an optimized and speedy Roku TV experience.
Size and Price Point: The 40-inch Select Series 1080p Full HD model has been spotted on sale for $149.99, offering the absolute largest screen size you can realistically get at this budget.
Features: These models include the standard Roku interface, a simple remote, and an easy setup process. They are straightforward, reliable smart TVs designed purely for streaming.
Consideration: The picture quality is basic but perfectly acceptable for a larger screen at this price.

4. Hisense A45NF Series

Hisense is a brand that consistently pushes the boundaries of value, and their smaller A-Series models are often found at the lowest end of the price spectrum. The 32-inch Hisense A45NF has been highlighted as an extremely cheap option, sometimes available for as low as $99.99, making it an excellent choice for the absolute tightest budget.

5. VIZIO D-Series or Philips Roku Smart TV

While less consistently available under $150, VIZIO and Philips often feature in the budget category. The VIZIO 32-inch D-Series 1080p Smart TV and the Philips 32-inch Roku Smart TV are two other common entities to look for when hunting for deals. The Philips model, for example, often includes Dolby Audio, a minor but appreciated enhancement in the sound department for a budget set.

What to Expect from a Smart TV Under $150

When you are shopping in the sub-$150 category, it is essential to adjust your expectations. This is not a purchase for a primary home theater, but rather a functional, feature-rich screen for smaller spaces. Understanding the common specifications will help you make the best choice.

Resolution: 720p vs. 1080p (Full HD)

The biggest technical difference you will encounter is the resolution. Most 32-inch TVs at this price are 720p HD. While 720p is perfectly fine for a TV of this size, especially when viewed from a distance, 1080p Full HD offers noticeably crisper detail. Always prioritize the 1080p option if the price difference is negligible, as it is a better investment for future-proofing and overall viewing experience. The 40-inch models at this price point are almost always 1080p, which is the minimum resolution recommended for that screen size.

Smart Platform: Roku TV vs. Fire TV

Your choice of operating system (OS) is a personal preference and a key factor in the user experience:

Roku TV: Known for its simplicity, speed, and neutrality. It offers a clean, tile-based interface and the largest selection of streaming apps and services. It’s the best choice for users who want a straightforward, reliable streaming machine.
Fire TV: Best for Amazon Prime members and heavy Alexa users. The interface is more content-forward, heavily promoting Amazon's own content. The voice control via the Alexa remote is a major convenience feature.

Connectivity and Audio

Budget TVs often skimp on high-end audio components. Expect basic sound quality that is adequate for dialogue but lacks depth. Many users choose to enhance their audio experience with an affordable soundbar connected via one of the available HDMI or optical audio ports. Ensure the model you choose has at least two HDMI inputs—one for a streaming box (if you choose not to use the built-in smart OS) or a gaming console, and another for a soundbar or other external device.

Entities to Look For in Your Search

To maximize your value, keep an eye out for these specific entities and features as you browse current deals. These are the hallmarks of a great budget smart TV:

Brand Entities: TCL, Insignia, Hisense, Roku, VIZIO, Philips.
Resolution Entities: 720p HD, 1080p Full HD.
Smart OS Entities: Roku TV, Fire TV, Alexa Voice Remote.
Feature Entities: Low Input Lag, Dolby Audio, LED Backlighting, HDMI ARC (for easy soundbar connection), USB Port.

By focusing on the 32-inch and 40-inch models from these established budget brands, and prioritizing 1080p resolution and a preferred smart OS (Roku or Fire), you can confidently secure a fully functional, modern smart television for less than $150 in late 2024.

5 Best Smart TVs Under $150: The Ultimate Budget Guide for Late 2024

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