The 5 Best TVs Under $1200 You Can Buy Today

Finding a high-quality TV with great features that also fits within a $1200 budget can be tricky. With so many options on the market boasting the latest display technologies and smart capabilities, it‘s tough to know which model offers the best value.

That‘s why I‘ve done the hard work for you – after extensive research comparing numerous 4K and smart TVs under $1200, I‘ve selected the 5 very best options to consider buying today. I‘ll compare their display performance, special features and connectivity to help you find the perfect model to build your home entertainment system around.

Top Factors To Consider When Buying A TV Under $1200

Before jumping into the top picks, let‘s quickly go over the key specifications and features you should keep top of mind while TV shopping with a $1200 budget cap:

Display Technology

• LED – The most common mainstream display tech, LED TVs use an LED backlight to illuminate the screen. They offer good picture quality for the price.
• QLED – This newer technology uses quantum dots and usually achieves better brightness and wider color gamuts than regular LED.
• OLED – Considered the gold standard, OLED displays are self-emissive, meaning each pixel emits its own light for perfect blacks and brilliant highlights.

Within the $1200 bracket, you‘ll mostly find LED TV models, with a couple of QLED options as well. OLED displays tend to be significantly pricier.

Resolution and HDR Support

Look for 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 × 2160 pixels), which offers 4 times more detail than regular Full HD. Also ensure the TV supports HDR formats like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision for an expanded dynamic range with richer colors and contrasts – this is key to experiencing content as the creator intended.

Refresh Rate

Measured in hertz (Hz), the refresh rate determines how smoothly motion renders on screen. Aim for at least a 120Hz native refresh rate for crisp action scenes and sports.

Smart Platform

Almost all modern TVs now feature integrated smart platforms that let you access popular streaming apps like Netflix and Prime Video. Compare their interfaces and app support to choose one that best suits your usage needs.

Ports and Connectivity

Ensure your new TV has sufficient HDMI ports (aim for at least 3 or more) to connect all your devices, while also considering conveniences like Bluetooth and WiFi support.

Okay, now that you know what features to evaluate – here are my picks for the 5 best TVs under $1200:

1. Best Overall: Hisense U8H 65-inch ULED 4K Smart TV

When it comes to the best balance of performance, features and value – the Hisense U8H 65-inch TV stands out from the pack.

It utilizes Hisense‘s proprietary ULED technology enhanced by a quantum dot layer to produce over a billion color shades with striking vibrancy and realism. Combined with a peak brightness topping 1500 nits, images explode with detail and depth.

The U8H is also geared for gaming and movies with a silky smooth native 120Hz panel and Dolby Vision + Atmos support. Add in the user-friendly Google TV platform for extensive entertainment options, and you have an extremely capable 4K smart TV that punches well above its price class.

With 4 HDMI ports and vibrant 65-inch display, it has all the makings of a home theater centerpiece. Considering its premium attributes at this affordable rate, the Hisense U8H is hands-down the best overall TV under $1200 available now.

2. Best OLED TV: LG A2 48-inch 4K Smart OLED TV

If you want the pinnacle of image performance, LG‘s brilliant OLED TVs are primed to deliver. And with the affordably priced A2 series – you can score their unrivaled OLED visuals without breaking budget.

Each self-emissive OLED pixel switches on and off independently, enabling effectively infinite contrast ratios with the deepest, most uniform blacks. Scenes burst with detail as colors seem to pop right off the panel. Whether you‘re watching movies, sports or playing games – the LG A2‘s visual fidelity pulls you right in with true cinematic quality.

It also runs LG‘s acclaimed webOS platform granting quick access to virtually any streaming service. For connectivity, you get 3 full-spec HDMI 2.1 ports enabling 4K 120Hz gaming, alongside ample USB, Ethernet and legacy ports.

Given its compact 48-inch size, the LG A2 works exceptionally well as a desktop monitor replacement or in smaller rooms. Ultimately, if your priority is unmatched visual performance for the price – this OLED TV delivers incredible value under $1200.

3. Best Budget Option: TCL 55-inch 4-Series 4K Smart Android TV

If you want big 4K screen real estate without the premium price tags, TCL‘s 55-inch 4-Series model more than fits the bill at just $379.

It ticks off all the essential specs – you get a sharp 4K resolution powered by TCL‘s responsive LED panel technology. The brand‘s Contrast Control Zone tech also optimizes brightness across individual zones for punchier highlights.

Smart functionality comes via Android TV and built-in Google Assistant. Stream shows from Netflix and Prime Video seamlessly while controlling your smart home devices completely hands-free.

In terms of connectivity, you get 3 full-bandwidth HDMI ports for gaming consoles and set-top boxes. There‘s also composite input for older devices along with a LAN port.

While image processing and HDR capabilities aren‘t as advanced compared to pricier models, the TCL 4-Series delivers excellent 4K viewing quality and smart features at this ultra-affordable price point. It brings outstanding value, especially for casual TV viewers on a tight budget.

4. Best For Sports Fans: Sony X85K 65-inch 4K LED Smart Google TV

Sony hits a sweet spot with its X85K 4K LED TV – blending Sony‘s renowned image processing with Google smarts at an enticing mid-range price point.

It starts with the X1 4K processor that unleashes the panel‘s native 4K clarity while enhancing HD/SD content close to 4K perfection. Photos and videos retain fantastic clarity with accurate, nuanced colors.

For sports and movies, Sony‘s XR Triluminos Pro and XR Motion Clarity technologies kick in – ensuring buttery smooth motion flow so you never miss a second of action. Its 120Hz refresh rate also eliminates judder and lag during high-speed sequences. Football, F1, basketball – you name it, the X85K keeps up effortlessly.

Google TV provides a versatile smart platform to access your favorite sports streaming services hands-free. With vibrant colors and flawless action reproduction, the X85K seriously delivers for live sports enthusiasts. And at just under 65 inches, it has the scale to feel like you‘re right in the stadium.

5. Best for Bright Rooms: Hisense U6H 65-inch Quantum 4K Smart Google TV

Rounding off the list, if you tend to watch TV in sunlit rooms, the Hisense U6H Quantum Dot TV pumps out ample brightness to overcome glares and reflections.

It utilizes an advanced quantum dot filter layer sandwiched between the backlight and LED screen. This expands the color volume for over a billion accurate shades with boosted luminosity up to 600 nits.

So even if you place it opposite a bright window, visuals retain their color and punch. The ultra-bright display also makes HDR content really shine through for incredible dynamism.

Besides excellent daylight visibility, you also have Hisense‘s customizable ULED settings to tweak color, motion and contrast to your liking. And Google TV provides a polished gateway to endless entertainment.

For the price, you‘ll struggle to find another big-screen 65-inch 4K QLED TV capable of combating bright room conditions as effectively as the U6H. It promises an enjoyable viewing experience regardless of lighting conditions.

Finding The Best TV Under $1200 – What I Recommend

So there you have it – the 5 best TVs under $1200 spanning different display technologies, feature sets and screen sizes to match varying usage needs and room setups.

Based on performance for price, the Hisense U8H bags the crown for best overall TV with its gorgeous Quantum Dot 4K display, Dolby Vision/Atmos support and the customizable ULED platform.

For purists focused purely on unmatched image quality, LG‘s OLED A2 TV brings true next-level visuals at this price point.

If budget is critical, the TCL 4-Series keeps costs low without sacrificing essential smart features and crisp 4K quality.

Sony‘s X85K strikes an ideal value balance of visual brilliance and buttery smooth 120Hz motion handling for sports enthusiasts.

And the Hisense U6H Quantum conquers bright rooms like a boss while still serving up vibrant quantum dot 4K views.

I hope these TV comparisons help guide you to the perfect model fitting your preferences, room dynamics and budget. Let me know if you have any other questions – happy TV shopping!