Best TVs for overall value
Yes, money is an object. With that in mind, here's our favorite TVs that manage to deliver the right level of picture quality for the right price.
Panasonic TC-P50ST60
The ST60 starts at just under a grand for the 50-inch version. It delivers amazing picture quality for that price. So yeah, it's our favorite bang-for-the-buck TV ever. And maybe forever.
Panasonic TC-PS60 series
It can't match the picture quality of the ST60 in brighter rooms, but the S60 is an equally good value thanks to its rock-bottom price. You simply can't get a better TV for the money.
Vizio M series
Vizio has always been the value leader among LED LCD TVs, and its M series reaches new heights of style and solid picture quality. Note that this recommendation only applies directly to the 50- and 55-inch members; we haven't reviewed the other sizes yet, so we can't vouch for their picture quality.
Panasonic TC-LE60 series
Over the last couple of years Panasonic TVs have followed a pattern so simple, a caveman could remember it: Plasma good, LCD bad. The excellent E60 series bucks that trend, offering impressive picture quality especially at this price point.
Vizio E series
On the other hand we have reviewed a bunch of E series TVs, and we've liked them all from a value perspective. The mid-sized E0i models linked below (from 39- to 55-inches) are great examples, with very good picture quality helped by solid local dimming. Meanwhile the 32-inch, 60-inch and 70-inch sizes lack that dimming, but they're still good performers and still current models (as of late October 2013) despite their 2012 review dates.
Sharp LC-LE650 series
They're big at 60- and 70-inches, and they also happen to be deliver big value and an exceedingly decent picture. What's not to like?
Sony KDL-R550/R520A series
Samsung PNF5500 series
Samsung's mid-level plasma still includes a very good picture and the company's excellent Smart TV suite. No, it doesn't perform as well as the Panasonic S60, but it's still a very good deal.
Samsung UNF5000 series
Samsung makes mostly "Smart TVs" these days, but if you don't want to pay extra for apps you don't need -- or that another device already provides -- the F5000 series is a great value.
Samsung UNF6300 series
On the other hand, if you happen to love Samsung's Smart TV suite, the F6300 is also very competitively priced, and available in a larger range of sizes too. LIke the F5000, it also delivers good picture quality for a mid-priced LED LCD. Ho ho ho!