You Don't Need an Expensive Smart TV to Watch 4K Content: This Cheap Device Works Great Too!

Watching crisp 4K movies at home doesn't require an expensive Smart TV  . With just a few smart choices, you can enjoy stunning picture and sound for less, without having to worry about slow built-in software.

Basic 4K display with no extra features

If you want a crisp 4K picture without paying extra, focus on the display and skip the unnecessary extras. The best way to get a good UHD display for less money is to look for a TV with a high-quality panel and a free or subsidized operating system like Fire TV, Roku TV, or Google TV. It's perfectly fine if these TVs have average speakers or modest processing power; you can always improve those later with a streaming device and soundbar.

The Xiaomi A55 Pro costs around $370. This TV is a great example of how far budget 4K models have come. The screen is sharp and colorful, with strong HDR support and good screen uniformity for the price. The built-in software is a little slow at times and the speakers aren't impressive, but the screen delivers a vibrant picture when watching movies, TV shows, and some games. However, like many budget models, it runs an ad-supported operating system.

The Hisense QD6 series is another budget 4K QLED option. You can find it in sizes ranging from 43 to 65 inches, typically priced between $250 and $360. It uses Quantum Dot technology for rich color, supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ , and has a panel that competes with much more expensive TVs. However, like the Xiaomi A55 Pro, its processing power is limited and the software is loaded with ads.

If you want to spend a little more, the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED 4K Series is a good budget option. Prices start around $300 for the 43-inch version and go up to $620 for the 65-inch model. Amazon often has big discounts during its sales events, so you can get them for significantly less. This TV stands out thanks to its mini-LED backlighting on the 50-inch and larger models, which offers improved contrast, deeper blacks, and less light leakage than standard LED panels. The 43-inch version doesn't have mini-LED backlighting, so if you want the best picture quality, start with the 50-inch model or higher. Like the other two, this TV supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for more vibrant images.

Here's a quick comparison between the two TV models:

All three TVs deliver what you'd expect from a budget 4K setup. You get a sharp, colorful panel that elevates your viewing experience for movies and shows. The built-in operating system will show ads and is a bit bloated due to the low-cost processor, but you can avoid those annoyances. If you don't connect the TV to the internet and use a separate streaming device, you can avoid ads and cumbersome menus. This approach lets you use your Smart TV as a simple display.

Streaming stick or box offers more features for less

There are many reasons why people choose to use a streaming stick instead of a Smart TV's built-in processor. These devices outperform most built-in Smart TV platforms, giving you faster performance, more frequent updates, access to more apps, and fewer ads.

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a great budget option thanks to its speed and simple interface. It typically costs between $35 and $50, supports all the major streaming services, and handles 4K HDR content with ease. With the right settings, the Roku Streaming Stick is fast and reliable, so you won't encounter the lag or crashes that are common with budget smart TVs.

For those who want a more powerful and durable option, the Google TV Streamer (4K) is a standout option. This next-generation device costs around $100 and offers significantly improved performance over older streaming devices. It has a 22% faster processor and double the memory of previous models, with 32GB of storage, so you can install more apps without worrying about space. The Google TV Streamer supports 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for top-notch picture and sound quality.

What sets these devices apart is their flexibility. When a new streaming service launches, you can add it immediately. There's no need to wait for the TV manufacturer to update its app store. If your needs change, replacing a streaming device is much cheaper than replacing the entire TV.

They also receive regular updates, continually improving performance and security over time. This is a big step up from most Smart TVs, which often slow down or lose app support as they age.

Budget Soundbars Offer a Big Upgrade at an Affordable Price

With a budget TV and a streaming stick or box, you should focus on the sound. Most budget TVs and many mid-range TVs come with cheap, space-constrained speakers that often have mediocre sound quality. Buying a soundbar is a great way to upgrade your home audio system on a budget. For less than $150, you can add rich, room-filling sound that makes for a completely different movie-watching experience.

The Sony HT-S100F is a solid choice in the budget segment, usually selling for $80 to $100. It delivers much clearer and fuller sound than any built-in TV speaker. While it lacks a dedicated subwoofer, the bass reflex speakers still provide enough bass to make for an immersive experience.

If you want more powerful sound, the Vizio SV210M offers a 2.1 system with a wireless subwoofer for around $150. This system provides deeper bass and a more cinematic feel, especially when watching action movies or listening to music.

Cheap soundbars are easy to set up, often requiring just an HDMI ARC or optical cable. You don't have to mess around with complicated settings or calibrations. Most models have different sound modes, so you can quickly switch between settings for movies, music, or dialogue-heavy content.

This cheap setup will save you money!

With this budget setup, you save money up front but still get better performance and more flexibility than standalone mid-range Smart TV setups.

Comparison between typical budget setup and mid-range Smart TV:

By combining a basic 4K display, a dedicated streaming device, and a cheap soundbar, you get a system that's easy to use, sounds great, and looks great.

Not only will you save money immediately, but it'll be more cost-effective in the long run. When a new streaming device comes out, you can easily replace it. For better sound, add a new soundbar. The monitor will always fit, and you'll never be locked into one company's ecosystem.

You don't have to spend a fortune or settle for a bulky Smart TV to get a great 4K experience. With just a few smart choices, you can build a flexible, future-proof, and cost-effective home theater.

Kareem Winters

Update 21 July 2025