Best 65-Inch Smart TVs Under $250 in May 2025: Top Budget Picks
By Vineet Malhotra, Smart TV Expert | Published May 3, 2025
Dreaming of a massive 65-inch smart TV for under $250? In 2025, this budget is a challenge, but May summer sales at Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy make it possible with steep discounts on brands like TCL, Hisense, and Samsung. This guide uncovers the best 65-inch 4K smart TVs near $250, packed with features like HDR and streaming apps. Backed by expert reviews and market trends, we’ll help you score a big-screen steal without breaking the bank.
Why Buy a 65-Inch Smart TV Under $250 in May 2025?
A 65-inch smart TV is ideal for immersive home entertainment, offering cinematic visuals for movies, gaming, and sports in medium to large living rooms. With summer sales in May 2025, retailers are clearing 2024 inventory, making it a prime time to find deals on budget brands like TCL, Hisense, and Roku. Affordable 2025 TVs like the TCL Q6 or Hisense A7N may hit ~$250. This guide focuses on 4K smart TVs with essential features like HDR, streaming apps, and gaming capabilities, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.
Note: Prices fluctuate, and $250 is a tight budget for a 65-inch TV. We’ve included models slightly above this price that frequently drop to ~$250 during sales, based on recent deals and retailer trends. Always verify prices on Walmart, Amazon, or Best Buy during May 2025 sales.
Top 65-Inch Smart TVs Under or Near $250
Based on expert reviews, retailer listings, and social media buzz, here are the best 65-inch smart TVs you can find under or close to $250 in May 2025.
1. TCL Q6/Q651G QLED 4K Smart TV
Price: ~$350-$400 (drops to ~$250-$300 during sales)
Why It’s Great: The TCL Q6 is a budget QLED TV with vibrant colors and solid performance, often discounted to near $250 at Walmart or Amazon during sales. It’s a top pick for its value and features.
Key Features:
- Display: 4K QLED, ~498 nits HDR brightness, 97.41% Rec709 color coverage.
- Picture Quality: Decent contrast, vibrant colors, but not ideal for bright rooms due to moderate brightness.
- Smart Features: Google TV with Chromecast, supports Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
- Gaming: 1440p @ 120Hz, VRR, low input lag, 3 HDMI ports (1 eARC).
- Audio: Basic 20W speakers; a soundbar (~$50-$100) is recommended.
- Warranty: 1 year.
- Sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”.
Pros:
- Affordable QLED with vibrant colors.
- Smooth Google TV interface.
- Great for gaming with VRR and low lag.
- Frequently discounted to ~$250-$300.
Cons: - Limited brightness (~498 nits) for HDR.
- No Dolby Vision or DTS audio support.
- Moderate reflection handling.
Who It’s For: Budget buyers seeking a large, colorful 65-inch TV for movies and gaming in dimly lit rooms.
Where to Buy: Check Walmart (recently $298 for similar TCL models) or Amazon for sales.
2. Hisense A7N 4K Smart TV
Price: ~$300-$350 (drops to ~$250-$280 during sales)
Why It’s Great: The Hisense A7N offers decent picture quality and a user-friendly Roku TV platform, making it a strong contender for sub-$250 deals at Best Buy or Walmart.
Key Features:
- Display: 4K LED, ~400-450 nits SDR brightness, good contrast ratio.
- Picture Quality: Decent blacks and colors, suitable for moderately lit rooms.
- Smart Features: Roku TV with 500,000+ streaming options, voice remote.
- Gaming: 4K @ 60Hz, low input lag, no VRR.
- Audio: 20W speakers, lacks depth; soundbar recommended.
- Warranty: 1 year.
- Sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”.
Pros:
- Affordable with good contrast for the price.
- Roku TV is intuitive and app-rich.
- Often hits ~$250 during sales.
- Decent for casual gaming.
Cons: - No VRR or Dolby Vision.
- Limited brightness for bright rooms.
- Basic upscaling for low-res content.
Who It’s For: Streaming enthusiasts and casual viewers who want a simple, affordable 65-inch TV.
Where to Buy: Monitor Best Buy or Walmart for flash sales.
3. Samsung DU7200B Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV
Price: ~$498 (drops to ~$250-$299 during major sales)
Why It’s Great: A recent Walmart deal listed the 65-inch Samsung DU7200B at $299, making it a rare branded option near $250 during May 2025 sales. It offers reliable performance and Tizen OS.
Key Features:
- Display: 4K LED, ~400 nits, high color contrast.
- Picture Quality: Crisp 4K with decent upscaling, good for sports and movies.
- Smart Features: Tizen OS with Samsung TV Plus, Netflix, and gaming apps.
- Gaming: 4K @ 60Hz, Motion Xcelerator, low lag, 2 HDMI ports.
- Audio: 20W speakers, needs a soundbar for immersion.
- Warranty: 1 year.
- Sizes: 50”, 65”, 75”.
Pros:
- Trusted Samsung brand with reliable performance.
- Tizen OS is fast and versatile.
- Hit $299 recently, likely again in May sales.
- Good for mixed use (streaming, sports).
Cons: - Limited HDMI ports (2).
- No Dolby Vision or VRR.
- Moderate brightness.
Who It’s For: Brand-conscious buyers seeking a 65-inch TV near $250 for general use in moderate lighting.
Where to Buy: Walmart or Samsung’s website for sale prices.
Comparison Table: TCL Q6 vs Hisense A7N vs Samsung DU7200B
| Feature | TCL Q6/Q651G | Hisense A7N | Samsung DU7200B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Regular) | $350-$400 | $300-$350 | $498 |
| Price (Sale) | ~$250-$300 | ~$250-$280 | ~$250-$299 |
| Panel Type | QLED | LED | LED |
| Brightness | ~498 nits (HDR) | ~400-450 nits (SDR) | ~400 nits |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Smart OS | Google TV | Roku TV | Tizen OS |
| Gaming | 1440p @ 120Hz, VRR | 4K @ 60Hz, no VRR | 4K @ 60Hz, no VRR |
| Audio | 20W (basic) | 20W (basic) | 20W (basic) |
| HDMI Ports | 3 (1 eARC) | 3 (1 eARC) | 2 (1 eARC) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
How to Choose the Right 65-Inch Smart TV Under $250
- Picture Quality Needs: Choose the TCL Q6 for vibrant QLED colors if you watch colorful content (e.g., animation, sports). Pick the Hisense A7N for better contrast in darker rooms. The Samsung DU7200B balances both for mixed use.
- Room Lighting: All three have moderate brightness (~400-500 nits), so they’re best for dimly lit or moderately lit rooms. Avoid bright, sunny spaces.
- Streaming vs. Gaming: TCL Q6 is best for gamers with VRR and 120Hz. Hisense A7N and Samsung DU7200B suit streamers with intuitive OS (Roku, Tizen).
- Budget: If $250 is firm, wait for sales on the TCL Q6 or Hisense A7N, which hit this price more often. Samsung DU7200B is a stretch but possible during major sales.
- Audio: All require a soundbar (~$50-$100) for cinematic sound, as built-in speakers are weak.
Pro Tip: Measure your space. A 65-inch TV needs a viewing distance of ~6.5-9.8 feet (1-1.5x screen size) for comfort.
Why Buy During May 2025 Summer Sales?
- Steep Discounts: Retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy offer 20-30% off on budget TVs, bringing 65-inch models like the TCL Q6 and Samsung DU7200B to ~$250-$300.
- Inventory Clearance: 2024 models are discounted to make room for 2025 releases, increasing sub-$250 deals.
- Return Policies: Most retailers offer 30-90 day returns, ensuring flexibility if you find a better deal.
Warning: Prices are volatile. If no 65-inch TVs hit $250 by late May, consider 55-inch models (e.g., TCL S5, ~$230) or save for June sales.
Buying Tips for 65-Inch Smart TVs Under $250
- Track Sales: Use deal trackers like CamelCamelCamel (Amazon) or Slickdeals to monitor price drops. Follow @LordOfDiscounts on X for real-time alerts.
- Check Refurbished: Walmart and Amazon offer renewed TVs (e.g., Samsung DU7200B) at ~$200-$250 with warranties. Inspect condition before buying.
- Verify Specs: Ensure 4K resolution, HDR10, and smart features (Google TV, Roku, Tizen). Avoid 1080p or non-smart TVs at this size.
- Test in Store: Visit Best Buy to check brightness and color in person, especially for TCL Q6’s QLED panel.
- Add a Soundbar: Budget soundbars (~$50-$100) like the Vizio V-Series enhance audio significantly.
- Mounting: A wall mount (~$20-$50) or stand (~$30) ensures proper setup. Professional installation (~$100) is optional.
Yes, during May 2025 sales, models like TCL Q6 and Hisense A7N drop to ~$250-$300 at Walmart or Amazon.
TCL Q6 offers 1440p @ 120Hz, VRR, and low lag, making it the best gamer’s choice near $250.
Yes, both offer good performance and 1-year warranties. TCL Q6’s QLED and Hisense A7N’s contrast shine for budget TVs.
Final Verdict: Which 65-Inch Smart TV Should You Buy?
- TCL Q6/Q651G: Best for vibrant colors and gaming, often ~$250-$300 during sales. Ideal for colorful content and gamers in dim rooms.
- Hisense A7N: Best for streaming fans with Roku TV, hitting ~$250 in sales. Great for casual viewing in moderate lighting.
- Samsung DU7200B: Best branded option at ~$299 during sales, offering reliable performance for mixed use.
Finding a 65-inch smart TV under $250 is challenging, but May 2025 summer sales make it achievable with models like the TCL Q6 and Hisense A7N. For the latest deals, check Walmart, Amazon, or Best Buy, and pair your TV with a budget soundbar for a complete home theater. Act fast, as sub-$250 deals sell out quickly!
Where to Buy: [Walmart | Amazon | Best Buy]
About the Author: Vineet Malhotra is a Smart TV expert with over a decade of experience testing consumer electronics. His hands-on reviews offer reliable, actionable advice for Indian and global buyers. Follow him on YouTube for the latest TV guides.
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate based on retailer listings, expert reviews, and social media as of May 2025. Verify deals before purchasing.
Further Reading: Explore our guides on Best Budget TVs Under $500 and Gaming TVs for PS5/Xbox for more options.