These are the 5 affordable TVs you should buy for your student heading off to college — and they're all on sale now
When I was in college, I had to lug around a 50-pound, CRT-style TV from dorm to dorm — and it cost a lot. These days, TVs are slim and plenty of budget-friendly models are worth buying.
Whether moving into a dorm, an off-campus apartment or simply refurnishing a bedroom, the ideal TV for the average student is on the smaller side, with a reliable smart platform and a price tag that doesn’t add to the stress of a new semester.
I’ve put together a list of my five top picks that meet this criteria. In addition, I’ve made sure to choose sets that are currently on sale.
1. Samsung Q7F (43 inches)
This affordable Samsung QLED isn't the brightest or most-colorful TV on the block, but for students who want an extra-slim screen in their living space, the Q7F is the one to buy.
Despite its entry-level performance, the Q7F comes in a remarkably sleek package for the price. Setup couldn't be easier (no tools are required), and Samsung's built-in smart platform is reliable enough for everyday use.
The 43-inch version of the Q7F is on sale for around $300 at Best Buy, which is right in line with where this set ought to priced. There are better-performing TVs on this list, but the Q7F is perfect for the type of student who values design over a pricey picture.
2. TCL QM5K (50 inches)
If you want something a bit bigger than the Q7F at a comparable price, the 50-inch TCL QM5K is the TV I'd recommend. It's about $50 more than the Q7F, but the QM5K's original price was $649.
The QM5K's best feature is its Mini-LED backlighting. Most affordable TVs at or around the QM5K's price don't come with Mini-LEDs, so this should satisfy the sort of student who'd like a bit better performance for movies and games.
Additionally, this TV features Google TV, which I prefer to Samsung's built-in software. Google TV offers an easy-to-navigate interface and a vast library of downloadable apps.
3. Roku Plus Series (55 inches)
Once upon a time, if you wanted a TV with Roku built in, you had to settle for one that didn’t offer much in the way of picture quality. But in the last few years, Roku's TVs have greatly improved, and the Plus Series is the one I'd recommend to students who want the most convenient streaming experience.
At 55 inches, this TV is bigger than the rest of the recommendations I've included, but its price is nevertheless quite low for its class.
Roku's bold, clean interface is easy to navigate, while its app support is among the best in the industry. It's perfect for a college student who does more streaming than studying ... not that we endorse that.
4. LG B5 (48 inches)
LG's entry-level B5 OLED is the screen to buy if you're looking for a TV in the 43- to 50-inch size range that offers top-tier performance for gamers and cinephiles.
The 48-inch version is a Best Buy exclusive, and while it's over $600, it's arguably the best picture quality you can get for its price.
Students who splurge on the B5 won't just get OLED-driven performance — they'll also get an exhaustive set of features for streaming and gaming.
5. LG C5 (42 inches)
The 42-inch LG C5 OLED is the smallest screen on my list of recommendations, but it's also the best TV on this list, too. Its performance comes a higher cost than even the aforementioned B5, but if you're willing to spend more, you won't be disappointed.
As a mid-range OLED, the C5 is brighter and more colorful than the entry-level B5. At 42 inches, the C5 also makes for a terrific computer monitor. In fact, many people buy the 42-inch C5 specifically for this purpose.
$900 isn't cheap, but consider this: The 42-inch LG C5 was originally priced at $1,399. Its current price matches what we saw on Prime Day.
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