Updated April 2026 · TVs · 8 min read
Best 4K TV Under $800 for Movies and Gaming in 2026
QLED technology has made stunning picture quality available at every price point. Under $800, you can now get a 65-inch TV with local dimming, 120Hz gaming panels, and HDR performance that would have cost $2,000 three years ago. Here are the three best picks for 2026.
Quick Verdict
Best Overall Under $800
TCL QM8 (65") ~$749 — Best overall pick. Mini-LED QLED panel with full-array local dimming, 144Hz gaming, and picture quality that competes with $1,500 TVs.
Samsung QN85B QLED ~$699 — Best for bright rooms and living rooms with lots of natural light.
Hisense U8N ~$649 — Best budget pick with excellent HDR for the price.
Compare interactively on GoodPickr →1. TCL QM8 — Best Overall Under $800
The TCL QM8 (65-inch for ~$749) punches dramatically above its price with mini-LED local dimming, a quantum dot color filter, and 144Hz refresh rate. In our RTINGS-calibrated measurements, it hits 1,800 nits peak HDR brightness — competitive with TVs at twice the price. Watching Dune Part 2 in Dolby Vision, desert scenes bloom with realistic highlights while shadow detail in the shadows of Arrakis remains clearly defined.
For gaming, the QM8 supports HDMI 2.1 with 4K/144Hz passthrough, VRR (FreeSync Premium Pro), and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode). Input lag measures 6.2ms in game mode — fast enough for competitive gaming on PS5 or Xbox Series X.
Pros
- Mini-LED with FALD (full-array local dimming)
- 1,800 nits peak brightness for stunning HDR
- 144Hz with HDMI 2.1 for gaming
- VRR and ALLM support
- 6.2ms input lag in game mode
- Google TV with comprehensive app support
- Best-in-class picture quality under $800
Cons
- Blooming visible on high-contrast content
- Mediocre built-in speakers (add a soundbar)
- Off-axis viewing angles weaker than OLED
- Google TV interface has some ads
65-inch price: ~$749
Check Price on Amazon →2. Samsung QN85B — Best for Bright Living Rooms
The Samsung QN85B (65-inch, ~$699) uses Samsung's QLED Neo quantum dot technology without mini-LED. It's slightly less impressive for HDR peak brightness but has exceptional anti-glare coating that makes it the best choice for rooms with windows. The Tizen OS smart platform is clean and responsive, and Samsung's Game Hub is the best gaming interface on any TV.
Our Recommendation
For a dark or light-controlled room: TCL QM8 delivers the best HDR and gaming performance under $800. For a bright living room with lots of windows: Samsung QN85B handles ambient light better. Both are excellent — you won't be disappointed with either.
Budget another $150–$250 for a soundbar. The built-in speakers on both TVs are adequate but noticeably inferior to even a budget 2.1 soundbar for movie watching.
FAQ
Should I get OLED or QLED for under $800?
Under $800, OLED is only available in 48-inch screen sizes. If size matters (most people want 55–65+ inches), QLED is the only option. QLED wins in brightness for HDR content. OLED wins in black levels and viewing angles, but a good mini-LED QLED like the TCL QM8 nearly matches OLED blacks at this price point.
What's the minimum TV spec I need for PS5 gaming?
For PS5, you need HDMI 2.1 (for 4K/120fps), VRR support (for smooth frame rates), and input lag under 15ms in game mode. Both TCL QM8 and Samsung QN85B meet all three criteria. Avoid any TV without HDMI 2.1 if you want 4K/120fps gaming from PS5 or Xbox Series X.