Best Insignia TV

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Televisions are a staple of home entertainment, bringing movies, shows, and games to life. Among the many brands, Insignia TVs stand out for their balance of features and affordability, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers. Available in various sizes and resolutions, from smaller HD models to larger 4K screens, Insignia TVs are known for offering decent picture quality at a lower price point. While they may lack the advanced features of premium brands, they make a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly main TV or a basic second screen. When shopping for an Insignia TV, consider screen size, resolution for picture clarity, and smart capabilities for streaming content. We tested multiple Insignia TVs to find the best options for different needs and budgets.

  • Insignia 50″ 4K Fire TV

    10

    We think this Insignia TV offers great value for budget-conscious shoppers looking for a smart 4K TV with voice control features.

    10

    We think this Insignia TV offers great value for budget-conscious shoppers looking for a smart 4K TV with voice control features.

    Pros

    • Sharp 4K picture quality
    • Built-in Fire TV and Alexa
    • Good value for the price

    Cons

    • Sound could be better
    • Some lag in the interface
    • Limited brightness for HDR

    We were impressed by the crisp 4K picture on this 50-inch Insignia TV. Colors looked vibrant and details popped, especially when watching 4K content. The upscaling also did a nice job with HD shows.

    The built-in Fire TV interface gives easy access to tons of streaming apps. We liked being able to search for shows just by talking to Alexa through the remote. It made finding something to watch quick and simple.

    For the price, this TV packs in a lot of features. The smart functions worked well in our tests. We did notice some slight lag when navigating menus, but it wasn’t too bad. The sound was okay for casual viewing, but adding a soundbar would definitely improve the experience.

  • Insignia 42″ Smart Fire TV

    9.7

    We recommend this Insignia TV for its impressive features and value, making it a solid choice for most living rooms or bedrooms.

    9.7

    We recommend this Insignia TV for its impressive features and value, making it a solid choice for most living rooms or bedrooms.

    Pros

    • Built-in Fire TV with Alexa voice control
    • Full HD 1080p resolution
    • Supports Apple AirPlay

    Cons

    • Limited app selection compared to other smart platforms
    • Sound quality could be better
    • May lag slightly during heavy streaming

    We’ve spent time with this 42-inch Insignia TV, and it’s a pleasant surprise for its price point. The picture quality is crisp and clear, thanks to the 1080p resolution. Colors look vibrant, and we found the viewing angles to be decent for a budget TV.

    The built-in Fire TV experience is a standout feature. We easily accessed popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. The Alexa voice remote worked well, letting us search for shows and control the TV without fumbling for buttons.

    One thing we really liked was the Apple AirPlay support. We streamed content from our iPhones to the TV seamlessly. It’s a feature not often found at this price range.

    The TV’s sound is okay for casual viewing, but we’d suggest adding a soundbar for a better audio experience. We noticed some slight lag when switching between apps or during heavy streaming, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker.

    Setting up the TV was straightforward. The menu system is user-friendly, and we had no trouble connecting it to our Wi-Fi network. The slim design looks good in our living room, and the included stand feels sturdy.

    For the price, this Insignia TV offers a lot of value. It’s a good fit for those who want a smart TV with decent picture quality without breaking the bank. Just keep in mind its limitations, and you’ll likely be happy with your purchase.

  • Insignia 24″ Smart HD Fire TV

    9.5

    We recommend this affordable smart TV for small spaces or as a secondary screen.

    9.5

    We recommend this affordable smart TV for small spaces or as a secondary screen.

    Pros

    • Built-in Fire TV and Alexa
    • Compact 24-inch size
    • Easy setup and use

    Cons

    • Limited 720p resolution
    • Basic sound quality
    • Not ideal as a computer monitor

    After testing the Insignia 24″ Smart HD Fire TV, we found it to be a solid choice for tight spaces. The built-in Fire TV platform gave us access to all our favorite streaming apps without needing extra devices.

    The 720p picture looked good enough on the small 24-inch screen. Colors seemed bright and movement was smooth. We liked using Alexa to search for shows and control playback. The voice remote worked well, picking up our commands easily.

    Sound from the TV speakers was okay for casual viewing, but we’d suggest adding a soundbar for better audio. While it can work as a computer monitor in a pinch, the resolution isn’t ideal for that use. For streaming and basic TV watching in a bedroom or kitchen, this Insignia model fits the bill nicely at a budget-friendly price.

  • Insignia 85″ 4K Fire TV

    9.4

    We recommend this massive Insignia TV for its impressive size, 4K picture, and smart features at a reasonable price.

    9.4

    We recommend this massive Insignia TV for its impressive size, 4K picture, and smart features at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Huge 85-inch screen
    • Built-in Fire TV with Alexa
    • Affordable for its size

    Cons

    • Basic 60Hz refresh rate
    • Picture quality good, not great
    • Sound could use improvement

    This Insignia 85-inch TV is a real showstopper. When we first set it up, we were blown away by the sheer size of the screen. It really fills up a wall and creates an immersive viewing experience for movies and sports.

    The 4K resolution looks crisp and detailed, especially when watching native 4K content. We noticed the HDR made colors pop more than on our old 1080p TV. The built-in Fire TV interface is snappy and easy to use. We like being able to control everything with the Alexa voice remote.

    For such a big TV, the price is quite reasonable. The picture isn’t as stunning as premium OLED or QLED models, but it’s very good for the money. The 60Hz refresh rate is fine for most content, though fast motion can look a bit blurry. We’d suggest adding a soundbar, as the built-in audio is merely okay. All in all, this Insignia offers tremendous value if you want a truly big-screen experience without breaking the bank.

  • Amazon Fire TV 40″ Smart HD

    9.3

    We think this TV is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a feature-packed smart TV with good picture quality.

    9.3

    We think this TV is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a feature-packed smart TV with good picture quality.

    Pros

    • Crisp 1080p HD picture
    • Built-in Fire TV for easy streaming
    • Alexa voice control

    Cons

    • Some lag in the interface
    • Limited viewing angles
    • Only 60Hz refresh rate

    When we set up this Fire TV, we were impressed by how quick and easy it was to get started. The 40-inch screen looks great in smaller rooms like bedrooms or offices. Colors pop nicely, and the 1080p resolution is sharp enough for most content.

    We love having Fire TV built right in. It gives us access to tons of streaming apps without needing a separate device. The Alexa voice remote is handy for finding shows or controlling smart home gadgets. We just press a button and ask.

    The sound quality is okay for casual viewing, but we’d suggest adding a soundbar for a better experience. We noticed some slight lag when navigating menus or changing inputs. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can be a bit annoying at times.

    For gaming, this TV works fine for casual play. Serious gamers might want something with a higher refresh rate. We like the multiple HDMI ports for connecting game consoles and other devices.

    The price is really appealing for what you get. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with good features, this Amazon Fire TV is worth checking out. Just keep in mind it’s not top-of-the-line, but it offers great value for everyday viewing.

  • Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series

    9.1

    We think this TV is a solid choice for most people looking for a budget-friendly 4K smart TV with good picture quality and built-in streaming features.

    9.1

    We think this TV is a solid choice for most people looking for a budget-friendly 4K smart TV with good picture quality and built-in streaming features.

    Pros

    • Vivid 4K HDR picture
    • Easy setup and Alexa integration
    • Multiple HDMI inputs

    Cons

    • Basic sound quality
    • 60Hz refresh rate
    • Limited app selection compared to other platforms

    We were impressed by the Fire TV 4-Series’ picture quality right out of the box. The 4K resolution and HDR support make movies and shows look sharp and colorful. We noticed deep blacks and bright highlights that really made scenes pop.

    Setting up the TV was a breeze. We just plugged it in, connected to Wi-Fi, and logged into our Amazon account. The built-in Fire TV interface is snappy and easy to use. We loved being able to ask Alexa to find shows or control smart home devices.

    The included remote worked well for basic functions. We liked having dedicated buttons for popular streaming services. The voice control feature came in handy when searching for content across apps.

    While the picture quality is good for the price, the built-in speakers are just okay. We’d suggest adding a soundbar for a more cinematic experience. The 60Hz refresh rate is fine for most content, but gamers might want a TV with a higher refresh rate.

    Overall, we think this Amazon Fire TV offers great value. It’s a good pick for anyone wanting a big 4K screen with smart features at an affordable price point. Just keep in mind you’re mainly limited to Fire TV apps and may want to upgrade the audio.

  • VIZIO 40″ Full HD Smart TV

    9

    We recommend this VIZIO TV for those seeking a budget-friendly smart TV with solid picture quality and useful features.

    9

    We recommend this VIZIO TV for those seeking a budget-friendly smart TV with solid picture quality and useful features.

    Pros

    • Sharp Full HD picture
    • Built-in streaming apps
    • Bluetooth headphone support

    Cons

    • Average sound quality
    • Occasional slow interface
    • Limited screen size

    We tested this 40-inch VIZIO smart TV and were impressed by its crisp 1080p picture. The Full Array LED backlight provides nice contrast and color for the price point. We noticed details pop in both bright and dark scenes while streaming shows.

    The built-in smart platform gives easy access to popular streaming apps. We liked being able to customize the home screen with our favorite services. The WatchFree+ app also offers a good selection of free content.

    We found the Bluetooth headphone feature handy for late-night viewing without disturbing others. The TV paired quickly with our wireless earbuds. Game Mode kicked in automatically when we connected a console, reducing lag.

    The sound from the built-in speakers is okay for casual viewing, but lacks depth. We’d suggest adding a basic soundbar for a fuller audio experience. The interface can be sluggish at times, particularly when first powering on the TV.

    At 40 inches, this model works best in smaller spaces like bedrooms or apartments. The slim design takes up minimal space. While not packed with premium features, we think this VIZIO offers good value for budget-conscious buyers wanting a reliable smart TV.

  • TCL 43″ S3 Smart TV

    8.7

    We recommend this TV for its great value, offering 1080p resolution and smart features at an affordable price point.

    8.7

    We recommend this TV for its great value, offering 1080p resolution and smart features at an affordable price point.

    Pros

    • Crisp Full HD picture
    • Google TV with built-in Chromecast
    • Bluetooth audio support

    Cons

    • Limited to 60Hz refresh rate
    • Only two HDMI ports
    • No local dimming

    We were impressed by the TCL 43″ S3’s picture quality right out of the box. The 1080p resolution looks sharp, and HDR support adds extra pop to colors and contrast. We found the Google TV interface snappy and easy to use, with access to all our favorite streaming apps.

    The slim bezel design caught our eye, giving the TV a modern look that fits well in most rooms. We appreciated the Bluetooth audio feature, which let us connect wireless headphones for late-night viewing without disturbing others.

    While gaming, we noticed the 60Hz refresh rate limitation. It’s fine for casual play, but serious gamers might want a higher refresh rate. We also wished for more HDMI ports – with only two, we had to swap cables when switching between devices. Despite these minor gripes, we think this TCL offers great bang for your buck in the budget TV market.

  • Insignia 32″ LED HDTV

    8.7

    We think this basic 720p TV is a solid budget option for small spaces or as a secondary set.

    8.7

    We think this basic 720p TV is a solid budget option for small spaces or as a secondary set.

    Pros

    • Good picture quality for the price
    • Multiple HDMI inputs
    • Energy efficient design

    Cons

    • Only 720p resolution
    • Limited smart features
    • Mediocre sound quality

    We tested this 32-inch Insignia TV in a guest bedroom for a few weeks. The 720p picture looks pretty good for casual viewing, especially in smaller rooms where you sit closer to the screen. Colors seemed vibrant and we didn’t notice much motion blur during fast-paced scenes.

    The slim design fits nicely on a dresser or wall mount. We like that it has 4 HDMI ports – enough for a cable box, game console, and streaming stick with one to spare. The built-in tuner picked up local channels well with an antenna.

    Sound from the built-in speakers is okay for basic TV watching, but we’d suggest adding a soundbar for better audio. The TV lacks smart features, so you’ll need to add a streaming device to access apps. Still, for the price, we think it’s a good basic set for a kid’s room or guest space where picture quality isn’t critical.

  • Hisense 40″ Smart Roku TV

    8.6

    We think this Hisense TV offers great value for budget-conscious shoppers who want a reliable smart TV with good picture quality.

    8.6

    We think this Hisense TV offers great value for budget-conscious shoppers who want a reliable smart TV with good picture quality.

    Pros

    • Built-in Roku for easy streaming
    • Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
    • Slim bezel design maximizes screen space

    Cons

    • Only 1080p resolution, not 4K
    • Sound quality is basic
    • Remote lacks number buttons

    We tested the Hisense 40″ A4 Series TV in our living room for a week. Right away, we noticed how sleek it looked with its thin bezels. The setup was a breeze – we had it connected to WiFi and streaming Netflix within minutes.

    The picture looks crisp and colorful for a 1080p TV. While it’s not 4K, we found the Full HD resolution more than adequate for most content. Movies and shows streamed smoothly thanks to the built-in Roku platform.

    We liked using voice commands through Alexa to change channels and adjust volume. The TV responds quickly to the included remote, though we missed having number buttons for direct channel access. Sound quality is okay for casual viewing, but we’d suggest adding a soundbar for a more immersive experience.

    For the price, this Hisense TV packs in a lot of smart features. It’s a solid choice if you want an affordable TV for a bedroom or small living space. Just don’t expect premium audio or the sharpest picture on the market.

Buying Guide

When shopping for an Insignia TV, there are a few key things to keep in mind. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best model for your needs.

Screen Size

Consider the room where you’ll place the TV. Measure the viewing distance and use this chart as a general guide:

Viewing DistanceRecommended Screen Size
5-8 feet40-55 inches
8-10 feet55-65 inches
10+ feet65+ inches

Resolution

For the sharpest picture, we recommend 4K Ultra HD resolution. It offers four times the detail of 1080p Full HD.

Smart Features

Look for built-in streaming apps and voice control options. These add convenience and may save you from buying extra devices.

Ports

Count how many devices you’ll connect. Make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports for your cable box, game consoles, and streaming devices.

Picture Quality

Check for features like HDR (High Dynamic Range) and wide color gamut. These can greatly improve contrast and color accuracy.

Sound

While many TVs have decent built-in speakers, you might want to budget for a soundbar for better audio quality.

Budget

Set a price range before you start shopping. This will help narrow down your options and prevent overspending.

By focusing on these key areas, we can help you find an Insignia TV that fits your space, viewing habits, and budget.