The best budget TVs and streaming devices for students

A TV with Roku or Google TV built in is one of the easiest ways to start streaming content, making them ideal for most students.amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9UQ0wtQ2xhc3MtVUhELVNtYXJ0LUdvb2dsZS9kcC9CMDlKVlM1Mjk1P2xpbmtDb2RlPXNsMSZsaW5rSWQ9YmMwNDNlMGM1ZjQ4Mjc5YWQ0ZDMxNDEwODEzNDhjODgmbGFuZ3VhZ2U9ZW5fVVMmcmVmXz1hc19saV9zc190bCZ0YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby0xY2stMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjUwMDRiNjYwLTJkNTYtNGM3OS1iNGNkLWFlNDRhYjNmYTk0ZCJ9&signature=AQAAAStsMq7dAlJpqFTd_SSrg4n9Pves0pTzZY-OUVud4lsW&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTCL-Class-UHD-Smart-Google%2Fdp%2FB09JVS5295%3FlinkCode%3Dsl1%26linkId%3Dbc043e0c5f48279ad4d3141081348c88%26language%3Den_US%26ref_%3Das_li_ss_tl” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:4-series TCL model;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “> TCL Series 4 Model It has a 4K display (with upscaling from lower-resolution sources) and HDR, for better dynamic range. But best of all, you can usually find it for under $300. It's not the most feature-rich TCL TV (theamazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9UQ0wtQ2xhc3MtRG9sYnktVmlzaW9uLVNtYXJ0L2RwL0IwN1M1R1ZINkQ_bGlua0NvZGU9c2wxJmxpbmtJZD00N2RiMDZlZjFlYTYzZjAyMTRkM2FkY2RiYzAzNzUxNCZsYW5ndWFnZT1lbl9VUyZyZWZfPWFzX2xpX3NzX3RsJnRhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC1vLTFjay0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTAwNGI2NjAtMmQ1Ni00Yzc5LWI0Y2QtYWU0NGFiM2ZhOTRkIn0&signature=AQAAAREFVy8Ky3tVFpClIFmajx3n_lw1Z6cPRaS02LObI0rQ&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTCL-Class-Dolby-Vision-Smart%2Fdp%2FB07S5GVH6D%3FlinkCode%3Dsl1%26linkId%3D47db06ef1ea63f0214d3adcdbc037514%26language%3Den_US%26ref_%3Das_li_ss_tl” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:5-series;cpos:2;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “> Series 5 It costs about $200 more and adds Dolby Vision, but it's one of the best options at that price. And at 43 inches, it's small enough to fit in most dorm rooms while still offering enough screen real estate to immerse yourself in a movie.

Vizio has been cornering the budget TV market for decades, and while Chinese rivals like TCL and Hisense have quickly encroached on its turf, Vizio still manages to deliver excellent TVs that don't cost a lot of money. amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:2″ href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=editorial-text-link&merchantName=amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwOVZEMUtNSDk_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLW8tNW5sLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MDA0YjY2MC0yZDU2LTRjNzktYjRjZC1hZTQ0YWIzZmE5NGQifQ&signature=AQAAAVTFLOa0KieUFK-Hw-yFwUfWv3DSSAxyKy3pzROVR5b9&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB09VD1KMH9″ class=”link rapid-with-clickid etailiffa-link” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:M-Series Quantum Q6;elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:2;itc:0″>M Series Quantum Q6 This set is a case in point: it's a 43-inch system with most of the mid-range features you'd want, including quantum dots for richer colors, Dolby Vision HDR support, and AMD FreeSync so games look silky smooth. Its Wi-Fi 6E connectivity also means you'll be able to enjoy streaming movies (and games!) without too much trouble.

If you have room for something a little bigger and want the Google TV experience, amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:3″ href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=editorial-text-link&merchantName=amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwQzFKNVJaRDg_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLW8tNW5sLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MDA0YjY2MC0yZDU2LTRjNzktYjRjZC1hZTQ0YWIzZmE5NGQifQ&signature=AQAAAdp8ZMPuSL8z73hTx3-VP9bi-0x6K_2OQpGxTmtj307w&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0C1J5RZD8″ class=”link rapid-with-clickid etailiffa-link” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:TCL’s latest Q6 Q-Class sets;elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:3;itc:0″>TCL's latest Q6 Q-Class models It's worth checking out. Its QLED display features quantum dots, Dolby Vision, and AMD FreeSync with support for simulated gaming at 120Hz. And since it runs Google software, the Q6 also offers built-in Chromecast support along with tons of apps. Best of all, you can often find the amazon;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:3″ href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=editorial-text-link&merchantName=amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwQzFKNTIyOEw_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLW8tNW5sLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MDA0YjY2MC0yZDU2LTRjNzktYjRjZC1hZTQ0YWIzZmE5NGQifQ&signature=AQAAASMj-8Y-QqptEseledaQVv3AWgA0wyFMj2Mv5db4F2yT&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0C1J5228L” class=”link rapid-with-clickid etailiffa-link” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:65-inch model for under $500;elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:amazon;elmt:;cpos:2;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:3;itc:0″>65-inch model for less than $500If you're looking for a slightly higher-quality display, TCL's Q7 series typically costs a few hundred dollars more, but you'll get a native 120Hz refresh rate, which could be useful for some PC games.

If you are a heavy Google user, there is no better streaming device than theamazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9Hb29nbGUtTmVzdC1HQTAxOTE5LUdBMDE5MTktVVMtQ2hyb21lY2FzdC9kcC9CMDhLUlY3UzIyP2xpbmtDb2RlPXNsMSZsaW5rSWQ9NWUwNzUyMTE2NWUxYmFmNDU4ZGQ0YjQyYTRhMzI4ZWImbGFuZ3VhZ2U9ZW5fVVMmcmVmXz1hc19saV9zc190bCZ0YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby0xY2stMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjUwMDRiNjYwLTJkNTYtNGM3OS1iNGNkLWFlNDRhYjNmYTk0ZCJ9&signature=AQAAATE9yQQwtfg7P0N_6QOssyUVxuYwXa4WBRSolhDNvAcG&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FGoogle-Nest-GA01919-GA01919-US-Chromecast%2Fdp%2FB08KRV7S22%3FlinkCode%3Dsl1%26linkId%3D5e07521165e1baf458dd4b42a4a328eb%26language%3Den_US%26ref_%3Das_li_ss_tl” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:Chromecast with Google TV;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:4;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “> Chromecast with Google TVUnlike previous versions of Google's Puck, this one has its own interface, along with a suite of streaming apps to choose from. And yes, you can still stream videos from Android devices or the Chrome browser. The Chromecast is a great option if you're shopping for a cheaper TV, but be sure to check if your set already has Chromecast streaming built in.

If you have an older TV or just want something a little faster than your computer's built-in apps,amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9Sb2t1LVN0cmVhbWluZy1EZXZpY2UtVmlzaW9uLUNvbnRyb2xzL2RwL0IwOUJLQ0RYWkM_bGlua0NvZGU9c2wxJmxpbmtJZD04MTg1YTVmZDAyMTEyZGFhOWY4YWY1NWJjMTUwOWEwNCZsYW5ndWFnZT1lbl9VUyZyZWZfPWFzX2xpX3NzX3RsJnRhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC1vLTFjay0yMCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNTAwNGI2NjAtMmQ1Ni00Yzc5LWI0Y2QtYWU0NGFiM2ZhOTRkIn0&signature=AQAAAfRpOGpVZaK720KHMsWvqHUKjzGBpdyCGLZRXA_xWl0c&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRoku-Streaming-Device-Vision-Controls%2Fdp%2FB09BKCDXZC%3FlinkCode%3Dsl1%26linkId%3D8185a5fd02112daa9f8af55bc1509a04%26language%3Den_US%26ref_%3Das_li_ss_tl” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:Roku’s Streaming Stick 4K;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:5;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “> Roku 4K streaming device It’s worth the buy. It costs just $40 (and often less), supports 4K (with HDR and Dolby Vision), and gives you access to Roku’s entire app library. But best of all, it’s so small you can easily take it with you when you travel. The Streaming Stick 4K also supports Apple AirPlay, allowing you to stream video from iOS devices and Macs. Roku’s included voice remote also makes it easy to search for things without having to tap through an on-screen keyboard.

Heamazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9Sb2t1LVN0cmVhbWJhci1TdHJlYW1pbmctUHJlbWl1bS1SZWxlYXNlZC9kcC9CMDhHOEpIODM2P2xpbmtDb2RlPXNsMSZsaW5rSWQ9OWY0NzdmZTYzZDhjYTg2ZDg2YmRkODFjMjQ3M2U1ZWUmbGFuZ3VhZ2U9ZW5fVVMmcmVmXz1hc19saV9zc190bCZ0YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby0xY2stMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjUwMDRiNjYwLTJkNTYtNGM3OS1iNGNkLWFlNDRhYjNmYTk0ZCJ9&signature=AQAAAYKbLpOi0QwXnd9bsP7qrRsLs79grkYMvBJbdSEcITCA&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRoku-Streambar-Streaming-Premium-Released%2Fdp%2FB08G8JH836%3FlinkCode%3Dsl1%26linkId%3D9f477fe63d8ca86d86bdd81c2473e5ee%26language%3Den_US%26ref_%3Das_li_ss_tl” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:Streambar;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:6;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “> Transmission bar It's an unusual device. It's also a decent soundbar. and a streaming media set-top box. That's very Roku-like. Honestly, if you're going to buy a TV, you should consider a soundbar of some sort. (We have a whole guide dedicated to that.) But we recommend the Streambar here because it's a relatively simple and inexpensive solution that solves two common problems: getting streaming apps and better sound. It's also nice to have on hand to play some music when you're not watching anything. For even better sound, you might also want to consider the slightly more expensive optionamazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiI2NmVhNTY3YS1jOTg3LTRjMmUtYTJmZi0wMjkwNGVmZGU2ZWEiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYW1hem9uLmNvbS9Sb2t1LVN0cmVhbWJhci1TdHJlYW1pbmctQ2luZW1hdGljLUhlYWRwaG9uZS9kcC9CMDhaSjM4NFBQP2xpbmtDb2RlPXNsMSZsaW5rSWQ9NzBmZGJjMDhjZDIyMjNhZjM5N2ViZDkzNGY2YWM0N2EmbGFuZ3VhZ2U9ZW5fVVMmcmVmXz1hc19saV9zc190bCZ0YWc9Z2RndDBjLXAtby0xY2stMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjUwMDRiNjYwLTJkNTYtNGM3OS1iNGNkLWFlNDRhYjNmYTk0ZCJ9&signature=AQAAAXEnI1LzRq4E7PXQG1zcCB2GygoweR3kBbEDCeRU76ue&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FRoku-Streambar-Streaming-Cinematic-Headphone%2Fdp%2FB08ZJ384PP%3FlinkCode%3Dsl1%26linkId%3D70fdbc08cd2223af397ebd934f6ac47a%26language%3Den_US%26ref_%3Das_li_ss_tl” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:Streambar Pro;cpos:3;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:6;elm:context_link;itc:0″ class=”link “> Pro Stream Bar.

So hear me out: There's a place for the Apple TV 4K in your budget entertainment setup, especially if you're going to save money by going with a cheap TV with slow apps. At $129, the Apple TV 4K It's only slightly more expensive than the Roku Ultra and also works well with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. If your TV doesn't support AirPlay, an Apple TV is also useful for casting content from your phone. There are also plenty of apps on the Apple TV platform that you won't find on TVs, including a large library of games.

A good pair of headphones is essential for studying and watching movies at night. amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:8″ href=”https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=editorial-text-link&merchantName=amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL1NvdW5kY29yZS1DYW5jZWxsaW5nLUhlYWRwaG9uZXMtUmVkdWN0aW9uLUNvbWZvcnRhYmxlL2RwL0IwQzZLS1E3TkQ_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLW8tNW5sLTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiI1MDA0YjY2MC0yZDU2LTRjNzktYjRjZC1hZTQ0YWIzZmE5NGQifQ&signature=AQAAAZKbl79SP5Vuna2j_RgTj1c1ZKPrFswbBl6sATIDBZ4I&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSoundcore-Cancelling-Headphones-Reduction-Comfortable%2Fdp%2FB0C6KKQ7ND” class=”link rapid-with-clickid etailiffa-link” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank” data-ylk=”slk:Soundcore Space One;elm:affiliate_link;sellerN:amazon;elmt:;cpos:1;pos:1;sec:large-product;subsec:commlist;pkgt:square-editorial;pos:3;cpos:8;itc:0″>Soundcore Space One The Space One proves that you don't have to spend a lot to get great sound quality and powerful active noise cancellation (ANC). The $100 headphones offer 40-millimeter dynamic drivers and 40 hours of playback with noise cancellation (or 55 hours without ANC). If you have a compatible Android phone, you can also take advantage of detailed high-resolution audio with the LDAC codec. While the Space One doesn't have the cultural cachet of a pair of premium noise-cancelling headphones from Sony or Bose, you can use the money you're saving to get a better price. Anker Space A40 Noise Cancelling Headphones as a complementary device.