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4 Cheap Smart TVs Costco Members Rated Highly (and What You Give Up)

The TCL Q77K, Hisense A45NF, Hisense QD6 and LG UA7700 target very different buyers. Compare Costco ratings, dated prices, gaming features, smart-TV platforms and the compromises before ordering.
From TheFinanceBase Team6 min to read
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Costco’s four standout budget smart TVs are not interchangeable: the TCL 55-inch Q77K is the feature and gaming pick, the Hisense 32-inch A45NF is the lowest-cost small-room set, the Hisense QD6 is the inexpensive 4K QLED compromise, and the LG UA7700 suits shoppers who prefer webOS and AirPlay. The list comes from a December 14, 2025 roundup that defined “cheap” as under $350, excluded out-of-stock models, required at least 30 Costco reviews, and ranked qualifying sets by Costco star rating (BGR). Prices, inventory, sizes and ratings can change by listing, warehouse and promotion.

How these four TVs were selected

The source ranking used Costco U.S. listings priced below $350, removed unavailable products and required a minimum of 30 member reviews. Stars indicate owner satisfaction at Costco; they are not laboratory measurements of brightness, contrast, input lag or long-term reliability. Review counts and scores can also differ between screen sizes in the same series.

Prices below are the amounts reported in the December 2025 article, not guaranteed current prices. A Costco page checked in August 2026 already showed a 65-inch Q77K at a different price and rating, illustrating why you should verify the exact size and model before ordering.

Quick comparison

Model Sizes in original list Observed price (Dec. 2025) Native refresh Platform Costco rating then Best fit
TCL Q77K 55 in. $299.99 144Hz Google TV 4.2/5, 130+ reviews Gaming and features
Hisense A45NF 32 in. $99.99 Not stated Fire TV 3.9/5, 34 reviews Bedroom or dorm
Hisense QD6 43 and 50 in. $179.99 / $199.99 60Hz Fire TV 3.5/5, 34 reviews Low-cost 4K
LG UA7700 50 and 55 in. $259.99 / $279.99 60Hz webOS 3.4/5, 55 reviews LG, AirPlay and webOS users

1. TCL Q77K: the best feature set under the original budget

The Q77K combines a QLED 4K panel with Google TV, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG support. Its 144Hz native panel, variable refresh rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode and Game Accelerator 240 make it the strongest gaming-oriented specification sheet here. Four HDMI 2.1 inputs, including eARC, simplify connecting a console, PC and sound system.

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#1 Best Overall
Sale
INSIGNIA 32" Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Free & Live TV
  • 720p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in high definition.
  • Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
  • Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
  • DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
  • Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.

Why buy it

  • Best on-paper choice for high-frame-rate console or PC gaming.
  • Google TV offers broad app discovery and integrates with Google services.
  • More HDR-format support than the LG UA7700.

Limits to understand

  • A 144Hz panel does not make streaming video or every game run at 144 frames per second; the source device, resolution, cable and game settings must support it.
  • Owner comments cited in the original coverage include concerns that HDR may look insufficiently bright in a brightly lit room (BGR).
  • QLED describes quantum-dot enhancement, not guaranteed superior contrast or brightness. Backlight design, calibration and panel uniformity still matter.

Verdict: Choose the Q77K when gaming features and connectivity matter more than absolute HDR performance. The original 55-inch rating and price should not be applied to other sizes.

2. Hisense A45NF: the practical $100-class small TV

The 32-inch A45NF is a 1080p Fire TV with an Alexa voice remote. The original listing described three HDMI 1.4 ports plus an HDMI/eARC port, one USB connection and a 3.9/5 rating from 34 reviews at $99.99.

Best uses

  • Bedroom, kitchen, dorm, guest room or compact apartment.
  • Basic streaming and casual console play where 4K is unnecessary.

Trade-offs

It is not a living-room 4K television, and the smaller panel is the reason its 1080p resolution is less objectionable at normal seating distances. Reviews cited both strong value feedback and quality complaints. Port descriptions on inexpensive TVs can be confusing, so confirm the current Costco specification sheet; an eARC label alone does not make this a high-performance gaming display.

Rank #2
Sale
Roku 40-Inch Select Series Smart TV 2026-1080p Full HD TV - RokuTV
  • Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 40" flat screen TV with bright 1080p Full HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
  • Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
  • TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
  • A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
  • More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.

Verdict: This is the cheapest practical choice, not the most versatile one.

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3. Hisense QD6: the low-price 4K QLED compromise

The QD6 was listed in 43- and 50-inch sizes with a QLED 4K display, AI upscaling, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG. It runs Fire TV, includes Alexa control, and offers three HDMI 2.0 inputs (one with eARC), optical audio and two USB ports. Original prices were $179.99 for 43 inches and $199.99 for 50 inches, with a 3.5/5 score from 34 reviews (BGR).

Where it fits

It is the logical step up from the A45NF for a small living room or larger bedroom when you want 4K resolution, quantum-dot color and Dolby Vision without approaching midrange pricing. If the original $20 gap remains, the 50-inch version offers more screen for little extra money.

Rank #3
Sale
INSIGNIA 40" Class F40 Series LED Full HD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Free & Live TV
  • 1080p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in full high definition.
  • Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
  • Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
  • DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
  • Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.

Important caveat about motion

The panel is reported as 60Hz native. Hisense’s “Motion Rate 120” is a processing label and is not equivalent to a true 120Hz panel. That makes the QD6 suitable for casual gaming, but not the choice for 4K/120Hz enthusiasts. Some Costco reviewers also disliked the Fire TV interface.

4. LG UA7700: the webOS and AirPlay choice

LG’s 2025 UA7700 is an entry-level 4K LED series with a 60Hz panel, AI Super Upscaling 4K, HDR10 and HLG, Dolby Atmos support, webOS, AirPlay and Google Cast. The original coverage reported VRR, ALLM, four HDMI 2.1 ports and a voice-and-gesture Magic Remote. Prices were $259.99 for 50 inches and $279.99 for 55 inches; the Costco score was 3.4/5 from 55 reviews (BGR).

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Reasons to choose it

  • Natural fit for households already using LG products.
  • AirPlay and Google Cast are useful for Apple and Android households.
  • VRR and ALLM help casual gaming, even though the panel remains 60Hz.

Reasons to skip it

  • The original specifications did not list Dolby Vision.
  • webOS app availability and navigation differ from Google TV and Fire TV; LG does not support installing apps outside its store.
  • Magic Remote gestures and voice controls are helpful to some owners and irritating to others.

Verdict: Pick the UA7700 for the interface and device compatibility, not for the highest refresh rate or widest HDR format support.

Rank #4
Roku 24-Inch Select Series Smart TV 2026-720p HD TV - RokuTV
  • Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 24" flat screen TV with bright 720p HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
  • Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
  • TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
  • A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
  • More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
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Which one is best for your room and use?

For gaming

  1. TCL Q77K: 144Hz native refresh, VRR, ALLM and HDMI 2.1 features.
  2. LG UA7700: VRR and ALLM, but 60Hz native.
  3. Hisense QD6: 60Hz native; adequate for casual play.
  4. Hisense A45NF: basic gaming only.

This is a specification-based order, not a hands-on input-lag or image-quality test. HDMI 2.1 printed on a port does not by itself prove full bandwidth or 4K/120Hz operation at every resolution.

For streaming platforms

  • Google TV: broad discovery and Google ecosystem integration.
  • Fire TV: convenient Alexa control and Amazon integration, though its interface can feel Amazon-centered.
  • webOS: strong fit for LG and AirPlay users, with a different app catalog and navigation model.

Check that your essential services are available on the specific platform before buying; app catalogs and support can change.

For size and viewing distance

The 32-inch A45NF is for close, small-room viewing. The 43- and 50-inch QD6 models suit bedrooms and compact living rooms, while 50- and 55-inch sets are more natural for a main seating area. A larger screen is not automatically better if it overwhelms the room, cannot fit the stand or cannot be delivered through your entryway.

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Best Value
Sale
INSIGNIA 50" Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Stream Live TV Without Cable
  • 4k Ultra HD (2160p resolution): Enjoy breathtaking HDR10 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
  • High Dynamic Range: Provides a wide range of color details and sharper contrast, from the brightest whites to the deepest blacks.
  • All-in-one: Get right to your good stuff. With Fire TV, you can enjoy a world of entertainment from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, stream for free with Fire TV Channels, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more. Access over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
  • Smart Home: Your smart home hub. Pair Fire TV with compatible smart home devices to see live camera feeds, use AirPlay, control your lighting and thermostat, and more.
  • Free Content: Stream for free. Access over 1 million free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.

What Costco membership may add

Benefits are listing-specific. Costco pages surfaced in August 2026 showed some televisions with free shipping, free technical support and five years of total coverage through an included three-year Allstate protection plan; some also displayed possible Executive-member rewards and optional $30 basic setup that excludes wall mounting (Costco listing). Do not assume those terms apply to every TV.

A protection-plan bundle and Costco’s return policy are separate. Read the current product page and Costco terms, save your receipt and record the exact model number. Warehouse inventory, online inventory and promotional end dates can differ.

Current alternatives worth checking

Inventory changes quickly, so compare these picks with live Costco listings rather than treating the December 2025 snapshot as a promise.

  • TCL 70-inch S470G: surfaced at $299.97 with a 4.2/5 score from 1,862 reviews. It offers 4K Google TV and a 60Hz native panel—an attractive size-and-review-volume option, but not a substitute for the Q77K’s gaming hardware.
  • Hisense 65-inch U6 Series: surfaced at $549.99 with Mini-LED, 144Hz and Fire TV. It is a credible upgrade, but it is outside the original under-$350 definition.
  • Costco’s television category: use it to check current Samsung, Hisense, Sony, LG and TCL stock when one of the four is unavailable.

Checklist before you click Buy

  • Confirm the exact screen size, suffix and model number.
  • Record the current price, promotion end date and whether the item is online-only.
  • Compare the rating and review count for that exact size.
  • Verify native refresh rate, HDMI capabilities, VRR and the apps you need.
  • Measure stand width, VESA mounting pattern, doorway access and delivery space.
  • Read the listing’s warranty, protection-plan and return terms.
  • Expect acceptable dialogue from budget speakers but limited bass; treat a soundbar as an optional upgrade.

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: The TCL Q77K is the best overall feature value, the Hisense A45NF is the cheapest sensible small-room TV, the Hisense QD6 is the best inexpensive 4K compromise, and the LG UA7700 is the ecosystem pick. Verify today’s Costco listing before paying: a different size, rating or promotion can change the value calculation.

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Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
INSIGNIA 32' Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Free & Live TV
INSIGNIA 32" Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Free & Live TV
720p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in high definition.; Wall mountable
$69.98
SaleBestseller No. 3
INSIGNIA 40' Class F40 Series LED Full HD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Free & Live TV
INSIGNIA 40" Class F40 Series LED Full HD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Free & Live TV
1080p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in full high definition.; Wall mountable
$99.00
SaleBestseller No. 5
INSIGNIA 50' Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Stream Live TV Without Cable
INSIGNIA 50" Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Stream Live TV Without Cable
Wall mountable: Compatible with VESA pattern 200 × 200 for simple and safe wall mounting.
$159.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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