Buy the TCL 43S525 Smart TV on Amazon – $ 300
Hisense 43 inch 43H6570G
Will Lipman Photography / Hisense
This 43-inch Hisense game also has 4K with HDR support, but uses the Android operating system instead of Roku. The revamped interface is smooth and easy to use, plus Google Cast is built in, perfect for when your roommate wants to show you the latest YouTube clip or Twitch highlight. If you want to control the applications through the remote control or simply send multimedia content from your phone, it is easy to do, and with the Google Assistant you can even connect with any other smart device in the room. It’s a bit cheaper than the Roku model at $ 230, and if it’s a discard, remember that it already has an app that works for HBO Max.
Buy Hisense 43H6570G at Best Buy – $ 230
Samsung UN43TU8000FXZA 43-inch
Will Lipman Photography / Samsung
Samsung’s Crystal UHD 4K TV is ideal for small bedrooms, where your out-of-angle viewing isn’t a big deal. This TV doesn’t have Dolby Vision HDR, but it does come with a solid list of built-in apps, as well as low input lag that gamers will appreciate when every millisecond counts. It’s a little more expensive than the others, but an elegant design comes at a cost.
Buy Samsung UN43TU8000FXZA on Amazon – $ 348
TCL 32inch 32S325
Will Lipman Photography / TCL
If you don’t have a lot of space in your living room or on your budget, the TCL 3 series suits top-level features in a small package. It has the same built-in Roku operating system as the more expensive models, so it’s ready to use apps for Apple TV +, Netflix, Disney +, and more. Plus, it connects with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. If you want it to double-serve as a monitor, consider upgrading to a 1080p or 4K display, but if all you need is a display for watching TV and light gaming, then it’s the best all-in-one package for the lowest price.
Buy TCL 32S325 at Best Buy – $ 130
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Will Lipman Photography
If you already have an old TV and just need something to stream, get the Fire TV Stick 4K from Amazon. Even if your TV has a lower resolution, the updated processor and the WiFi connection on the Fire Stick can make it worth a couple of extra bucks to ensure your “studio” video continues to come smoothly. Also, Alexa links make it ideal if you already have an Echo or prefer to use Amazon’s voice assistant.
Buy Fire TV Stick 4K on Amazon – $ 50
Roku Premiere
Will Lipman Photography
For just a few dollars less, Roku’s Premiere 4K player has a similar list of premium video apps to Amazon’s Fire TV stick. The Roku operating system and remote control are hard to beat when it comes to convenience, and there is enough free content available on multiple channels to help you procrastinate until the final week. You won’t get Dolby Vision HDR on this one, but on an older TV, it’s not a feature to be missed. In addition, other features such as compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa increase its value, perfect for searching data without having to abandon what is working.
Buy Roku Premiere at Best Buy – $ 40
Google Chromecast Ultra
Will Lipman Photography / Google
If you prefer to use your phone instead of a traditional remote control, Chromecast Ultra is made for you. The Cast function is already integrated in Google’s Chrome browser, as well as in countless applications on iOS and Android. Your video can be on your TV with the press of a button or two, and in 4K or HDR if the TV supports it. Chromecast Ultra can also mirror your phone screen and of course it works with Google Assistant. This purchase could look even better in the future if Google Stadia extends support, giving you a way to relax after a long day with your nose on the books. As things stand, prospective cloud gaming enthusiasts have to choose between just one media streamer or buy the entire Stadia package in advance.
Buy Chromecase Ultra at Best Buy – $ 70
