How Much Does A Flat Screen TV Cost?

The price of flat screen TVs can vary quite a bit depending on the size, display technology, resolution, smart features, and brand. We will look at current pricing trends to get a good idea of what to expect. This guide will break down the main factors that determine flat screen TV pricing so you can set a realistic budget and make an informed purchase.

How Much Does A Flat Screen TV Cost?

Flat screen TV costs typically range from around $100 for a basic 24-inch 720p model up to $3000 or more for a premium 75–85-inch 8K smart TV from a high-end brand like LG, Samsung or Sony. The most popular sizes for most households – 50, 55 and 65 inches – cost between $300 to $1500 based on display technology, resolution, smart features and brand reputation.

Now that you understand the technology and features that influence pricing, let’s break down the typical cost ranges for some of the most popular flat screen TV sizes shoppers are looking for.

24-32 Inch TVs

The smallest flat screen sizes top out at 32 inches diagonally. At this compact range, you’ll mostly find affordable 720p or 1080p models without elaborate smart features. Great for a kids’ room or secondary space.

24-inch TVs – $120 to $200
32-inch TVs – $150 to $300

40-43 Inch TVs

The 40–43-inch range hits a sweet spot of modest size and price. Major brands offer feature-packed 4K models with smart streaming built in.

40-inch TVs – $250 to $400
43-inch TVs – $300 to $500

50-55 Inch TVs

For many households, 50” to 55” screens are the ideal living room TV size. Prices have fallen sharply while performance has improved. Expect to pay:

50-inch TVs – $350 to $600
55-inch TVs – $400 to $800

65 Inch TVs

65” is the new “cool” big screen size of 2025. Most major brands focus on 65” models showcasing their best display tech. You’ll pay a premium for the expansive viewing experience.

65-inch TVs – $800 to $1800

70-75 Inch TVs

In the premium extra-large 4K smart TV tier, 70” and 75” offerings from Samsung, Sony, LG, and TCL fetch top dollar, especially for 8K and OLED models.

70-inch TVs – $1200 to $2200
75-inch TVs – $1500 to $2800

80-85 Inch TVs

The upper limit of home flat screens, these 80+ inch models deliver movie theater scale viewing. Prices can rival a new car. Top-of-the-line brands only.

80–85-inch TVs – $3000 to $5000

Use these ranges as a baseline, then add or subtract roughly $200-500 depending on specific features, brand reputation, and seasonal sales.

According to Best Buy, smart TVs can be found starting at $69 for basic models, while more advanced options like 4K QLED TVs are priced from $429. High-end models, such as large OLED TVs, can exceed $2,000. For example, the LG 48″ B4 4K OLED TV is available for $599, down from $1,499, highlighting the discounts available on premium models.

On Tom’s Guide, Walmart offers 4K TVs starting at $178, while Best Buy lists smart TVs from $69. The LG 75″ 4K TV is available for $538, reduced from $698, demonstrating the competitive pricing in the market. Additionally, the Hisense 55″ U8 4K QLED TV is priced at $698, down from $1,099, showcasing significant discounts on mid-range models.

According to Popular Mechanics, the Hisense 65-Inch U8 Mini-LED ULED Smart TV is available for $948, which is almost $550 off its regular price. This model offers excellent color and contrast, making it a great value for those seeking a mid-range TV. The LG 55-Inch OLED evo Smart TV is priced at $2,000, down from $2,600, reflecting a discount of about 23%.

On PCMag, the 75″ Hisense U6 Series 4K Mini-LED ULED Smart TV is listed at $599.99, down from $997, offering a significant savings of $398. This highlights the affordability of larger screen sizes with advanced features like mini-LED technology.

Lastly, RTINGS and Wirecutter provide comprehensive reviews of TVs across various budgets, emphasizing that prices can range from under $100 for basic models to over $3,000 for high-end OLED TVs with advanced features.

The Flat Screen TV Pricing

Flat screen TV prices have fallen steadily over the past decade. Back in 2010, you’d be lucky to find a 42-inch 1080p LCD TV under $600. Now in 2025, you can get a feature-packed 55-inch 4K smart TV for that same $600 budget. Advancements in display panel manufacturing and global supply chains have driven costs down significantly while also improving visual quality across the board.

However, pricing for flat screen TVs is still not one-size-fits-all. Premium brands and the latest display innovations like OLED come at a significantly higher cost versus entry-level LED models. Screen size is another huge variable – a 70-inch TV costs four times as much as an equivalent 32-inch.

This guide will break down TV prices in depth including:

• Screen size price breakdowns from 24” up to 85”
• Display technology comparisons – LED, OLED, QLED
• Resolution guide – 720p, 1080p, 4K, 8K
• Smart TV operating system overview
• Top brand comparison – Samsung, Sony, LG, TCL
• Retailer price comparisons and TV deals
• Additional costs – cables, mounts, installation
• TV price trends and best times to buy

Factors That Affect Flat Screen TV Cost

Several main variables account for the wide range in flat screen TV prices on the market today. Here’s a closer look at each.

Screen Size

One of the biggest influencers on TV cost is the physical size of the screen, measured diagonally in inches. A 32-inch screen is considered small to mid-size by today’s standards, while 65-75 inches qualifies as very large. There are also massive 80-100” + flat screens designed for home theaters that cost several thousand dollars.

In general, as you scale up in screen size, prices also rise significantly. You can find basic 32” and 43” models for under $200, while premium 75” + TVs run $2000 and beyond. The cost per square inch tends to drop at the extremes on both ends. A 24” basic smart TV can cost only $100, while a flagship 85” 8K screen might be $4000.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to expect to pay based on flat screen size in 2025:

• 24-32 inches – $100 to $250
• 40-43 inches – $200 to $400
• 50-55 inches – $300 to $700
• 65 inches – $700 to $1500
• 70-75 inches – $1000 to $2500
• 80-85 inches – $2000 to $4000

You might also like our articles about the cost of TV screen replacement, cable TV, or monthly utilities.

Of course, premium brands like Samsung and Sony will be pricier, while budget options from TCL or Hisense help lower the cost at any given screen size. But use these general ranges for different sizes as a good starting point.

Display Technology

The actual display panel technology behind the glass is another huge factor affecting the price. There are some important innovations in LED and OLED displays that make modern TVs sharper, brighter and more vivid than ever. But improved performance comes at an increased manufacturing cost.

Here’s an overview of what display technologies are found in flat screen TVs and how they impact pricing:

LED TVs – The most common display type, LED TVs use an LCD (liquid crystal display) panel lit by tiny LEDs (light emitting diodes). This allows for bright, uniform images and slimmer TV designs versus traditional CCFL backlighting. Good contrast ratios and affordable pricing make LED TVs the value choice for most buyers.

QLED TVs – Quantum dot LED TVs, or QLED, have a special filter of semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantum dots, that improves color accuracy and brightness. Samsung is the major proponent of QLED, which provides enhanced performance versus standard LED for $200-500 more.

OLED – OLED (organic light emitting diode) displays have self-lit pixels that can turn off completely for incredible contrast and true blacks. LG and Sony OLED models deliver the best viewing angles and picture quality but cost $500-1000+ more than comparable LED TVs.

LCD – LCD screens with CCFL backlights were the norm prior to LED panels. Picture quality and energy efficiency is inferior to LED models. LCD TVs are now phased out aside from a few budget options.

Plasma – Plasma TV technology creates images through charged gases in pixels. Excellent contrast but inefficient energy use. No longer manufactured as of 2015.

Resolution

The number of pixels on the screen determines the sharpness and level of detail a TV can display, known as resolution. For flat screen TVs in 2025, 4K is the new normal, while Full HD 1080p monitors are being phased out. Higher-end models may boast intense 8K resolution that’s 4X the pixels of 4K, but with limited 8K content available.

Here’s an overview of flat screen resolutions and how they impact price:

• 720p – The lowest HD resolution at 1280×720 pixels. No longer recommended outside of monitors.
• 1080p (Full HD) – 1920×1080 resolution was the HDTV standard, but lower quality/pricing as 4K dominates.
• 4K (UHD) – 3840×2160 pixels deliver four times the detail of 1080p “Ultra HD” resolution. The new baseline for most TV models in 2025.
• 8K (UHD) – Cutting-edge 7680×4320 resolution has over 33 million pixels. Only found on high-end 75” + models costing $300-500 more.

Unless you’re looking at a screen larger than 70”, 4K resolution is recommended for the best balance of price and performance right now. 8K TV technology is still in its infancy.

Smart Features

Nearly every new TV sold today is a smart TV, meaning it connects directly to the internet and streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc. The smart TV operating system, number of apps available, and built-in voice assistant support impact functionality and price.

Some of the major smart TV software platforms include:

• Roku TV – Roku OS offers a simple interface and thousands of apps. No voice support.
• Google TV – Replaced Android TV with more Assistant features and content recommendations.
• Amazon Fire TV – Alexa built-in and Prime Video centric. Limited app selection.
• LG webOS – Smooth, intuitive menu system. Works with Alexa and Google.
• Samsung Tizen – Optimized for Samsung TVs. Bixby voice assistant needs improvement.

In 2025, having a smart TV with built-in WIFI and popular streaming apps is standard. But enhanced processing for faster performance, better voice control, and AI-enabled features will cost you an extra $50-200. Keep an eye out for new smart platforms in 2025 like Samsung’s Tizen OS with Bixby 2.0 and LG’s webOS 6.0 for better interactivity.

Brand Prestige

Higher-end brands carry increased prestige and customer trust, which allows them to occupy the premium price tier in the market. For instance, Samsung, LG, and Sony flat screens are generally priced $200-500 above sets with similar specs from budget-friendly brands like TCL, Hisense, Vizio and others.

You’re paying a premium for the brand reputation and better warranty service. Build quality, display components, and smart software also tend to be a step above the no-name brands. Stick to well-reviewed models and TVs with a one year or longer warranty for best results.

For shoppers on a tight budget, the various “off-brand” 60” 4K TVs priced under $500 can be very tempting. Just be sure to carefully inspect product reviews before purchasing.

Where To Buy Flat Screen TVs

You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to purchasing a new flat screen TV. Here are some of the major retailers to consider and what to look for.

Brick-and-Mortar Stores

Major stores like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Costco offer competitive TV prices and frequent holiday sales. You can see models in person and sometimes negotiate with sales staff. Price match guarantees are common.

Online Retailers

Ecommerce sites like Amazon and direct brand websites often have the lowest prices. Online prices may be $50-100 cheaper for the same TV sold in stores. Look out for coupons and cashback deals to save even more. Free shipping is standard.

Second-Hand Sites

eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist offer lightly used flat screen TVs at a hefty discount. A 5-year-old $1000 TV may sell for $200-300. Great option for buyers on a tight budget. Be sure to test before purchasing.

When Are TVs Cheapest?

November through February tend to have the best flat screen TV deals, with prices bottoming out around major shopping holidays:

• Black Friday (late November)
• Cyber Monday (late November)
• Super Bowl (early February)
• President’s Day (mid-February)

Retailers offer their biggest discounts and best TV deals during these prime shopping events. You can save $100+ over regular prices.

Additional Flat Screen TV Costs

Beyond the TV itself, you’ll need to budget for:

TV Stand

Need a new TV stand or entertainment console? Expect to pay $100-300 for most TV stands, with full cabinets and shelving for AV components running $400+. Go budget-friendly with basic TV mounts and tables.

Wall Mount

For a clean wall-mounted look, add $30 for a tilting mount up to $150+ for a fully articulating dual-arm mount capable of holding massive 80” + screens. Professional installation runs $150-300.

Hdmi Cables

Need high bandwidth 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 cables for 8K/120Hz gaming? Prices range from $15 for a basic 6ft cable up to $100 for a 10ft ultra-high-speed cable. Even budget cables are sufficient for most 4K content though.

Extended Warranty

Optional 2–5-year extended warranties cost approximately 10-30% of the TVs original MSRP. Provides total peace of mind but may not be needed for brand-name models.

Professional Installation/Calibration

Going beyond physically mounting the TV, professional installation offers fine tuning of the TV’s picture menu settings, audio system integration, hiding cables neatly, and more. Usually $150-300 depending on complexity.

4K Blu-Ray Player

To enjoy 4K Blu-Ray discs, budget an extra $150-300 for a dedicated player with Dolby Vision HDR, or opt for an Xbox Series X. Many smart TVs come with basic streaming apps pre-installed now.

Adding essential accessories and installation can tack on $300-600+ to your total flat screen TV investment.

Budget Flat Screen TV Recommendations

With so many options on the market, it can be tricky deciding which flat screen TV offers the right blend of performance, features and screen size at different budget levels. Here are our quick recommendations for shoppers looking in the most popular price ranges under $500, $1000, and $2000 for 2025.

Best TVs Under $500

In the budget tier, focus on core viewing needs. Aim for a 55” 4K smart TV from TCL, Hisense or Amazon’s in-house brands. Picture quality won’t blow you away but streaming apps and decent HDR performance handle most casual viewing well. Or opt for a premium 43” TV for smaller spaces.

• TCL 55″ Class 4-Series LED 4K UHD Smart Roku TV
• Hisense 55U6HF ULED 4K Smart Android TV
• Amazon Fire TV 55″ Omni Series 4K TV

Best TVs Under $1000

Up to $1000 expands options dramatically. Enjoy stellar 4K picture quality on a 65” OLED or QLED display from LG, Samsung or Sony. 120Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 cater to gaming and sports needs. Dolby Vision HDR and expanded smart features provide a meaningful step up from budget models.

• LG 65″ Class A2 OLED 4K Smart webOS TV
• Samsung Q60A 65-inch QLED 4K Smart Tizen TV
• Sony 65″ Class BRAVIA XR X90K LED 4K Google TV

Best TVs Under $2000

In the premium price tier, spring for a massive 75-85” Neo QLED 8K flat screen from Samsung or LG’s latest evo OLED panel technology for an unbeatable viewing experience. Next-gen cognitive processors and AI picture enhancement justify the higher cost for home theater enthusiasts.

• Samsung 85-Inch QN900B Neo QLED 8K Smart TV
• LG 77” Class C2 Series OLED Evo 4K Smart webOS TV
• Sony 77-inch Class BRAVIA XR A80K OLED 4K Smart Google TV

Use these suggestions as a guideline. Off-brand, lesser-known TV labels can also overdeliver at each price point if reviews are strong. Avoid going too cheap with brands that have no reputation.

Cost Comparison Chart

Here’s a helpful at-a-glance visual comparison of today’s most popular models across different brands, sizes, display technologies and smart platforms. Use this to compare pricing and features.

Brand	Model	Size	Display Type	Resolution	Smart OS	WiFi?	HDMI Ports	USB Ports	Voice Assistant	Price
LG	A2 Series	65”	OLED evo	4K	webOS	Yes	4	2	Google, Alexa	$1199
Samsung	AU8000	65″	LED	4K	Tizen	Yes	3	1	Alexa, Bixby	$697
Sony	X90K	65″	LED	4K	Google TV	Yes	4	2	Google	$999
TCL	5 Series	65″	QLED	4K	Roku TV	Yes	4	1	No	$799
Hisense	U7H	65″	ULED	4K	Android TV	Yes	3	2	Alexa	$699
Vizio	M7	65”	LED	4K	SmartCast	Yes	3	1	No	$549

Remember, actual pricing fluctuates regularly based on seasonal sales, retailer promotions, manufacturer discounts and product availability.

Final Words

Flat screen TV prices can vary quite a bit, but knowing the main factors like display size, technology, smart features, and brand reputation will help you determine the right budget.

Features like 4K resolution, voice assistants, and 120Hz refresh rates are now common even on budget models. With some deal hunting during peak sales seasons, you can land a solid mid-range LED or OLED TV for under $1000 in 2025. Think carefully about which screen size, resolution, and smart capabilities will suit your needs and home setup.

Answers to Common Questions

How much does a flat screen TV use?

On average, a 50-inch LED flat screen TV uses around 70-150 watts depending on the brightness setting and content being displayed. Newer 4K TVs with LED backlighting tend to be more energy efficient, using 100 watts or less. Plasma and OLED TVs use more power ranging from 150-400 watts. Bigger screen sizes also increase energy use. Turning off advanced features like HDR when not watching HDR content can help conserve energy.

What to consider when buying a TV?

The most important factors when purchasing a flat screen TV are 1) intended use like movies, gaming or streaming; 2) optimal viewing environment like room lighting and seating distance; 3) preferred screen size for your space; 4) key features like resolution, brightness, refresh rate and smart platform; 5) connectivity such as HDMI 2.1 and WiFi; and 6) budget. Take these elements into account to select the best flat screen TV for your needs.

How long is a flat screen TV good for?

With average use of 5-7 hours per day, most flat screen TVs will provide peak performance for 5-7 years. Higher-end models may continue functioning reliably for 8-10 years. LED TVs tend to last 1-2 years longer than OLED on average.factors like display quality, interconnectivity, smart features, and energy efficiency are likely to be outdated after the 5 year mark. If the TV is still functioning after 7 years, upgrading to a newer model would provide significant improvements in viewing experience.