I test TVs for a living — here's what I'd buy for $500, $1,000 and $2,000 in 2026

(Image credit: Sony)

When readers, acquaintances and friends ask me to put over a decade of TV knowledge to good use and to help them shop for a new screen, I'm often given one of three budgets: $500, $1,000 and $2,000.Yes, there are plenty of TVs cheaper than $500. There's also an entire classification of ultra-premium sets — including many of the best OLED TVs — above $2,000. However, setting aside the super-cheap sets and the luxurious, top-tier TVs, you can still find most of the best TVs within the $500 to $2,000 mark.With this in mind, let's run through a little thought experiment: You come to me and ask me for help buying a TV within these three budgets, and I lay down some hip, up-to-date advice about which models I think make the most sense as a living room upgrade.$500: Hisense U6SF Pro (55 inches)

(Image credit: Hisense)$500 is one of the most popular price points for shoppers embarking on a budget-oriented search for a new TV. It's just above the ultra-affordable, $300 benchmark while not tipping into the lower end of the mid-range tier.As such, I'm looking for a TV whose performance is also just above the ultra-affordable class. While $200 or $300 will net you a perfectly cromulent screen, I've found that folks shopping with a $500 expect a bit more when it comes to picture quality and features — and rightfully so.If someone cut me a check for five hundred bucks and told me to come back with the best deal right now, I'd pick the Hisense U6SF Pro. We're still in the process of evaluating this set, but having seen the test results and the TV itself in action, I'm confident that it's among the best options at this price point.As the "Pro" designation suggests, this TV is built around Mini-LED backlighting, which is great to have on hand for $500. With Mini-LEDs in tow, the U6SF Pro offers a peak brightness between 1,200 and 1,400 nits (depending on content and picture mode). That means it’s plenty bright enough for both daytime viewing and movie nights.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Unlike most super-affordable, entry-level sets, the U6SF Pro comes with a couple of HDMI 2.1 inputs (out of four total) and supports 4K gaming at 120Hz (and up to 144Hz with VRR). Just note: You'll have to settle for 55 inches to get under the $500 mark.$1,000: TCL QM7L (55 inches)