I have tested the best big and cheap TVs

I have tested the best big and cheap TVs
The best
The best
Image
Mini RGB AI MRGB87 55 pulgadas 4K 2026
75P8L
TV LED A3 series ALU30075S
H85S80GUX
Brand and model
LG

Mini RGB AI MRGB87 55 inches 4K 2026

TCL

75P8L

Cecotec

TV LED A3 series ALU30075S

Haier

H85S80GUX

Rating
Recommendation8.75Very good
Recommendation8.25Very good
Recommendation8.25Very good
Recommendation8.25Very good
Buy
Buy
Buy
Buy
Buy
Who it is for
For those who prioritize image quality above all, especially for watching movies or series with good lighting and very vivid colors.
A user profile that prioritizes a good overall experience without complicating things too much with advanced settings or configurations.
Those who prioritize size and immersive experience over other more technical factors.
Users looking for a large screen (very large, in this case 85 inches) with good value for money, but who do not necessarily need the latest in premium technology.
Why we recommend it
Image quality, color processing, Smart TV.
Balance of features, Google TV, image quality.
Affordable, Android TV, connectivity.
Large size, Google TV, sound.
Capacity
LG AI processor.
Processor not specified.
Processor: Quad Core Cortex A55
Four-core image processor.
Details
Smart TV: webOS.
Smart TV: Google TV.
Smart TV: Android TV 11..
Smart TV: Google TV.
Price
899€
849€
807,46€
879€
I have tested the best big and cheap TVs

The best big and cheap TV

After weeks of testing, the TV that scored the highest in the comparison is the LG Mini RGB AI MRGB87 55 inches 4K 2026 thanks to its image quality and smooth performance.
Buy for 899€ on Amazon

Upgrading the TV is no longer an easy decision. The proliferation of technologies —LED, QLED, OLED or microLED—, the constant increase in screen sizes, and the incorporation of new solutions to improve image and sound quality have complicated the selection process. In this context, a reasonable strategy is to set a maximum budget and, from there, analyze what each manufacturer offers within that range. That is what I have done in this comparison, where I set a minimum size of 55 inches and a maximum price of 900 euros.

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How we chose and tested the products

To make the selection, I went directly to the brands, asking what is the best they offer with these two criteria. Then, I tested them at home —the tests lasted all summer—, installing them in the living room and attic and using them daily. I watched DTT broadcasts on them, but also streaming content from Amazon Prime Video and from an external hard drive, as well as movies on a Blu-ray player and some games on the console (I have an Xbox 360). Both the assembly and configuration were done by myself (with help to lift the screens).

During the tests, we evaluated different features and functionalities of all of them:

  • Design: generally, these are quite thin models with narrow frames, although there are small differences. Also in their bases.
  • Screen: this is the essential characteristic. There is a difference between the types of panels used, their size, and also each manufacturer applies its own innovations, so the image quality or customization options may differ among them.
  • Sound: usually the most limited aspect in such thin TVs, as there is little space for speakers. Thanks to various technologies, manufacturers improve their performance when viewing all kinds of content.
  • Connectivity: the number of connections they have and that allow viewing content from multiple sources.
  • Interface: as Smart TVs, they have an operating system that determines their menus, apps, and other options.
  • Remote control: they differ both in design and in functionalities and specific buttons.

Why should you trust me?

I am a journalist with almost 20 years of experience in the technology sector and, during this time, I have produced reports, articles, and all kinds of content related to various aspects of technology. Additionally, in recent years I have specialized in product analysis and have had the opportunity to review hundreds for different media, including El País: from the most affordable smartphones to the most advanced models on the market, computers, sound systems, TVs… Also devices related to personal care or home. My commitment to the reader is simple: independence, rigor, and usefulness. Independence, because my opinions are not conditioned by brands or commercial interests. Rigor, because each product is tested in real conditions, for the necessary time to detect both its virtues and limitations. And usefulness, because the ultimate goal is not to impress with specifications, but to help make informed decisions.

Vivid colors: LG Mini RGB AI MRGB87 55 inches 4K 2026

The color treatment in this model is reminiscent of high-end TVs.
The color treatment in this model is reminiscent of high-end TVs.Escaparate El País
I have tested the best big and cheap TVs

Who it is for: for those who prioritize image quality above all, especially for watching movies or series with good lighting and very vivid colors.

Why we recommend it: there are several reasons why this LG stands out compared to other models I have tested recently. The main one is its color treatment. From day one I noticed that the tones were more vivid without being artificial: watching movies like The Lord of the Rings is a delight, you get the feeling that the greens and blues have a different depth, closer to what one expects on a high-end screen.

The image processing with artificial intelligence is also noticeable in daily use in how it adapts brightness and contrast according to the content. For example, watching a series with many dark scenes at night, you don’t have to manually adjust parameters to see something: the TV took care of maintaining comfortable visibility without burning the blacks.

Another strong point is the Smart TV system. I used it daily and found it smooth and quite intuitive. Switching between apps, resuming content, or searching for something specific requires no effort. Finally, regarding its design, it is a TV that fits well in the living room without drawing too much attention. The stand is stable and the whole conveys a sense of a well-built product.

Its weak points: although the image is generally smooth, in some football matches I noticed slight loss of sharpness in very fast movements of the ball or camera. It is not constant nor especially annoying, but noticeable if you pay attention.

Buy for 899€ on Amazon

Balanced TV: TCL 75P8L

The features of this model are very balanced in all aspects.
The features of this model are very balanced in all aspects.Escaparate El País
I have tested the best big and cheap TVs

Who it is for: a user profile that prioritizes a good overall experience without complicating things too much with advanced settings or configurations.

Why we recommend it: if I had to summarize it with one characteristic, I would say I recommend it for its balance. There is no feature that makes me say “it is the best TV at this,” but it also does not fail spectacularly in almost anything important and I say this considering its price. Also, from the first power on, the whole process is quite intuitive. In less than 15 minutes I was already watching content.

One of the aspects I valued most these weeks is the Google TV operating system: I was able to install all the usual apps without problems and navigation is generally smooth. Even when quickly switching between apps —for example, leaving YouTube to open Netflix—, the response is quite agile. Regarding image quality, it offers solid performance in 4K content.

It performs best in well-lit content: series, shows, or sports. In fact, I watched several football matches and the smoothness is correct. The same goes for video games; I used it with the console several times and, although it is not the most advanced model on the market in this regard, the experience is more than acceptable. The sound is functional for everyday use. It is true that in more demanding content —like action movies— it falls a bit short.

Its weak points: in very bright scenes or when watching content during the day with a lot of light entering the living room, it does not look as good as I would like and I had to partially lower the blind at times to improve the experience.

Buy for 849€ on MediaMarkt
Buy for 880€ on PcComponentes

Wide connectivity: Cecotec TV LED A3 series ALU30075S

One of the aspects we took most advantage of is its compatibility with Dolby Vision and HDR10.
One of the aspects we took most advantage of is its compatibility with Dolby Vision and HDR10.Escaparate El País
I have tested the best big and cheap TVs

Who it is for: those who prioritize size and immersive experience over other more technical factors.

Why we recommend it: it runs Android TV 11, so I could quickly install the apps I usually use (Amazon Prime Video, YouTube…). Also, it has built-in Chromecast (my kids like to watch their videos and photos on the big screen) and supports voice control; it works well, although it is a feature I honestly use little.

One of the aspects I took most advantage of is its compatibility with Dolby Vision and HDR10. In compatible content, especially on streaming platforms, the image gains quite a bit in contrast and color. I clearly noticed it in movies or series with dark scenes where, without being spectacular, it offered a correct level of detail.

Another interesting point is connectivity. During the tests I connected the console and took advantage of the HDMI 2.1 ports along with features like VRR. It is not a gaming TV per se, but the experience is smooth and I did not notice latency. Regarding overall performance, menu and app navigation is generally smooth. In daily use —switching between apps, opening content, adjusting settings— it does not cause problems.

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Its weak points: the panel frequency is 60 Hz and it does not have advanced motion compensation systems. I noticed it when watching football matches, where in some fast plays I perceived some lack of smoothness compared to higher-end models.

Buy for 807,46€ on Amazon
Currently unavailable at Cecotec

Giant screen: Haier H85S80GUX

This model is the largest in the comparison.
This model is the largest in the comparison.Escaparate El País
I have tested the best big and cheap TVs

Who it is for: users looking for a large screen (very large, in this case 85 inches) with good value for money, but who do not necessarily need the latest in premium technology.

Why we recommend it: it offers a very competent experience in a large format without shooting the price. In fact, for the price limit set you can get a screen of no less than 85 inches. It is so big that I had to try the 75 –otherwise, it would not fit in the furniture–. The initial setup is quite simple: select language, connect to Wi-Fi, and link accounts. The Smart TV system (Google TV) responds correctly; it is not the fastest I have tested, but it is not frustrating either. Opening apps like streaming platforms or moving through menus is smooth in most situations.

The image quality is more than correct. The colors are vivid without being excessively saturated in balanced modes, and the level of detail in 4K content is good. Watching nature documentaries, for example, you can appreciate texture and definition level well. I used it mostly on streaming platforms, and it performs well. It is not a TV designed for cinema purists, but for most users the experience is satisfactory. The sound is another aspect that pleasantly surprised me, being sufficient for everyday use.

Its weak points: one of the points where it is most noticeable that this is not an advanced model is in dark scenes. Watching a movie with many night sequences, the blacks are not as deep as in high-end TVs, and some detail is lost. Also, the shape of its base, with a thin bar at the front, means you cannot place a soundbar underneath.

Buy for 879€ on Amazon

Other interesting big and cheap TV models

If you are looking for a model with AI

The Samsung TU55M80HAUXXC stands out for its clear commitment to artificial intelligence applied to image and sound. With a 55-inch screen, it integrates the NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, capable of upscaling content to 4K and automatically optimizing each scene, something that is especially noticeable on streaming platforms.

Its Mini LED technology improves contrast and allows greater precision in light and shadow areas, with deeper blacks than a conventional LED.

TV Samsung TU55M80HAUXXC 4K 55″.Escaparate El País
Buy for 599€ at El Corte Inglés

If you are looking for a TV for gaming

The Sony BRAVIA 3 II is a model designed to enjoy movies, series, sports, and video games with a sharper and more immersive visual experience. Its X1 processor analyzes and optimizes each image to offer near-4K quality, even improving classic content thanks to 4K X-Reality PRO technology.

In audio, it also incorporates Dolby Atmos and DTS, with Clear Phase technology, adjusting sound in real time to maintain balance between voices and effects. For gamers, it includes a game menu with quick settings and functions designed for PlayStation, with direct access to PS Remote Play. It also includes Sony Pictures Core, with five movies and 12 months of streaming at no additional cost.

This model is capable of offering a sharper and more immersive visual experience.
This model is capable of offering a sharper and more immersive visual experience.Courtesy of Amazon
Buy for 1,299€ on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What minimum size is worth it nowadays?

From 55 inches you can already talk about a truly immersive experience in the living room. It is also the most common entry point in the mid-range, where prices have dropped a lot in recent years.

Can you get good image quality for less than 900 euros?

Yes, but with nuances. In this price range, LED and QLED panels predominate, which offer good brightness and correct colors, although they do not reach the contrast level of an OLED. Still, some affordable models stand out for their value for money.

Which brands dominate cheap large TVs?

In this segment, there are two clear groups. On one hand, traditional brands like LG or Samsung, with basic but reliable models. On the other hand, manufacturers like TCL or Hisense, which stand out for offering better specifications at a lower price.

Is it worth prioritizing the operating system?

Yes, more than it seems. The user experience depends a lot on the system: Google TV is more flexible and compatible with apps; webOS (LG) and Tizen (Samsung) are more stable, but somewhat more closed.

Are they good for gaming?

It depends on the model. Many cheap TVs are limited to 60 Hz, enough for casual use, but not ideal for new generation consoles. Still, some affordable models already include better refresh rates and HDMI 2.1 ports, making them more versatile.

*All purchase prices included in this article are updated as of August 3, 2026.

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