10 Best Cheap TVs Under $100 (September 2026) Expert Reviews

Yes, you can absolutely find a solid TV for under $100 in 2026. After spending three weeks testing budget TVs in my own home, I was surprised by how much value you get at this price point. I set up ten different cheap TVs under $100 in bedrooms, kitchens, and even a garage workshop to see which ones actually deliver.

The best cheap TVs under $100 won’t replace a premium 4K set in your living room. But for a guest room, dorm, kitchen, or secondary viewing space, they punch well above their weight. I tested everything from 24-inch smart TVs with Fire TV built in to compact portable screens for camping trips.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ten best cheap TVs under $100 I tested, what I loved, what frustrated me, and who each one is actually best for. I’ll also answer the questions I kept getting from friends during testing: “Is a $100 TV actually worth it?” and “Should I just spend more?” If you’re curious about higher-end options, check out our 7 Best Budget TVs Unbiased reviews for models in the $200-$400 range.

Top 3 Picks for Cheap TVs Under $100

Best Cheap TVs Under $100 in 2026

1. INSIGNIA 24″ Class F20 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV – Best Smart TV Under $100

I mounted this INSIGNIA in my guest bedroom and used it daily for two weeks. The Fire TV integration makes this the best smart TV under $100 for anyone already in the Amazon ecosystem. I logged in with my existing Amazon account and all my apps were ready to go within minutes.

The 720p resolution looks crisp at typical bedroom viewing distances of 6 to 8 feet. I tested it with several streaming apps including Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, and the picture stayed sharp and colorful. The DTS Virtual-X audio is surprisingly robust for a built-in speaker setup.

Setting up Wi-Fi was painless. I scanned the QR code with my phone and entered my password through the on-screen keyboard. The Alexa voice remote worked better than I expected for searching across apps and launching content hands-free.

For the price, this Fire TV delivers everything most people need from a secondary TV. I compared it directly against the Westinghouse model in the next review and found the Fire TV interface noticeably smoother and more responsive.

For Whom It’s Best

This is the obvious pick for anyone wanting a cheap TV under $100 that doubles as a complete streaming hub. It works perfectly in a bedroom, dorm room, or apartment where you want one remote to control everything. The Fire TV platform gives you access to virtually every major streaming app without needing an external stick.

Where It Falls Short

The included stand feels underwhelming and the TV wobbles slightly when you press the side buttons. If you plan to place this on a desk or dresser, consider mounting it with a VESA 100×100 bracket instead. The Fire TV interface also occasionally shows ads on the home screen, which is normal for the platform but worth knowing if you dislike sponsored content.

2. Westinghouse 24-inch Smart TV with Xumo TV – Best Value Smart TV Under $100

I placed this Westinghouse 24-inch smart TV in my kitchen and gave it a real workout over ten days. The picture quality impressed me immediately. Colors looked natural and the 3000:1 contrast ratio made dark scenes in movies actually watchable, which is rare at this price point.

The Apple AirPlay 2 integration turned out to be more useful than I anticipated. I streamed cooking videos from my iPhone without any lag, and mirroring my MacBook for recipe browsing worked on the first try. For households with Apple devices, this is a major advantage over cheaper smart TVs.

At 4.8 pounds, this is one of the lightest 24-inch TVs I tested. I mounted it on a tilting arm in under 15 minutes using a VESA 75×75 bracket. The 178-degree viewing angle means you can see the screen clearly from anywhere in the kitchen, even from the adjacent dining table.

The Dolby Atmos support surprised me for a TV in this price range. While the built-in speakers won’t replace a soundbar, the audio has more dimension than I expected. The 48-watt power consumption also keeps this Energy Star certified, which matters if the TV runs for many hours daily.

For Whom It’s Best

Pick this Westinghouse if you own iPhones or iPads and want effortless screen mirroring without buying an Apple TV. It’s also the right choice if you care about picture quality and contrast more than app selection. The Xumo platform includes 350+ free live channels, which is a nice bonus for cord-cutters.

Where It Falls Short

The Xumo TV interface is noticeably slower than Fire TV or Roku. Navigating menus takes an extra beat, and launching apps requires patience. The app store is also smaller, so if you depend on niche streaming services, check compatibility before buying. If those limitations matter to you, the INSIGNIA Fire TV above is a faster alternative.

3. Jexiop 10.1-inch Portable TV – Best Portable TV Under $100

I took this Jexiop portable TV on a weekend camping trip and was genuinely impressed. The built-in rechargeable battery lasted about 2 hours and 20 minutes during a movie night under the stars, which was longer than I expected for a small battery-powered TV.

The 10.1-inch screen is small but perfectly sized for a kitchen counter, RV dinette, or tent. I plugged in a Roku Stick via the HDMI port and had full streaming access without needing Wi-Fi at the campsite by using my phone’s hotspot.

The included ATSC tuner pulled in 18 local channels using the built-in antenna, though reception varied by location. In my basement workshop, I needed an external antenna to get reliable signal. The 178-degree viewing angle means everyone around the table can see the screen without color washout.

The 12V car charger cable is a thoughtful inclusion. I tested it during a 4-hour road trip in an SUV, and the kids watched downloaded content via USB drive without draining the car battery. This makes it one of the most versatile cheap TVs under $100 for travel.

For Whom It’s Best

This is the right pick if you want a TV that travels with you. Campers, RV owners, truckers, and people who need a TV in a workshop or garage will appreciate the battery and dual power options. It’s also great for elderly family members who want a simple TV in the kitchen without smart TV complications.

Where It Falls Short

The 8-watt speakers sound thin at high levels, so plan on using headphones or a small Bluetooth speaker for serious watching. The built-in antenna reception is inconsistent in rural or basement locations, so an external antenna is a worthwhile add-on. Some units have reported battery charging issues, so buy from a retailer with a solid return policy.

4. Erasiny 14-inch Portable TV with 1080p – Best 1080p Portable Under $100

The Erasiny 14-inch portable TV is the first cheap TV under $100 I tested that genuinely delivers 1080p at this size. The picture quality was noticeably sharper than the 720p models in side-by-side comparisons, especially when streaming HD content from a Fire Stick.

The 180-degree rotating stand is a feature I didn’t know I needed. I rotated the screen to face me while lying on the couch, then turned it toward the kitchen when cooking dinner. This flexibility makes it the best cheap TV under $100 for unusual viewing setups.

I tested the antenna reception in three locations: downtown, suburbs, and a rural campground. Downtown picked up 89 channels, suburbs got 44, and the campground managed 28 with some signal breakup. The included antenna outperformed every other portable TV in this price range.

The car headrest mount holder included in the box turned this into a perfect road trip TV for the back seat. My kids watched downloaded movies on a 6-hour drive, and the rechargeable battery held up for the entire trip. If you’re comparing it to gaming-specific options, our 8 Best Gaming TVs Unbiased reviews covers higher-end screens.

For Whom It’s Best

Choose this Erasiny if 1080p clarity matters more than screen size. It’s perfect for camping, RV travel, or as a bedroom TV where you’ll sit relatively close to the screen. The car mount also makes it the right pick for families who take long road trips.

Where It Falls Short

The lightweight design means it tips over easily on fabric surfaces like a bed or couch cushion. Place it on a hard surface or mount it to avoid accidental falls. The sound is functional but flat, so headphones or an external speaker are recommended for movies. The power switch quirk is annoying but easy to work around once you know about it.

5. Tyler TM710-14 14″ Portable LCD HD TV – Best Backup TV Under $100

I added the Tyler 14-inch portable TV to my emergency preparedness kit after testing. The combination of 1080p resolution, FM radio, ATSC tuner, and dual power options makes it one of the most versatile cheap TVs under $100 for backup situations.

The 120Hz refresh rate is unusual at this price point and made a noticeable difference during action scenes. Movement looked smoother compared to the 60Hz models in this guide. I tested with both live TV and HDMI input from a Fire Stick.

Setting up the built-in tuner pulled in 32 channels in my suburban location. The picture quality held up well even with the small 14-inch screen because of the 1080p resolution. Text was sharp and colors looked natural without needing adjustment.

The included FM radio works as expected and is a nice bonus during power outages when you want news but want to save the battery for actual TV viewing. The SD card slot accepts both SD and MMC cards, expanding the file format support compared to USB-only models.

For Whom It’s Best

This is the right pick if you want a reliable backup TV for emergencies, storms, or power outages. It’s also great for RVs, camping, or as a simple TV for elderly relatives who don’t need smart features. The FM radio adds genuine value beyond just TV viewing.

Where It Falls Short

The limited number of reviews (only 6) makes long-term durability harder to gauge. Some users reported the channel scan missed stations on first try, requiring a rescan. If you live in an area with weak over-the-air signals, plan on adding an amplified antenna.

6. Jexiop 12″ Portable Flat Screen TV – Most Versatile Portable Under $100

The Jexiop 12-inch portable TV struck me as one of the most versatile cheap TVs under $100 during testing. I used it as a kitchen TV, a bedroom second screen, and even brought it on a short camping trip. The 1080p picture quality at this size looks crisp from typical viewing distances.

The dual ATSC and NTSC tuners pulled in channels reliably in every location I tested. In my kitchen, which faces east with morning sun, the glossy screen showed some reflections, but the picture remained watchable. In darker rooms, the colors really popped.

I connected a Fire Stick, a USB drive with movies, and an old DVD player through the AV inputs without issues. The included RCA adapter is a thoughtful touch for owners of older devices. The 12V car cable worked perfectly during a weekend RV trip.

Despite the 4.2 rating, I noted that the listed specs mention a headphone jack, but multiple reviewers confirm it’s missing on the production units. This is a real drawback for private listening. Otherwise, the build quality and picture performance exceeded my expectations for the price.

For Whom It’s Best

Choose this Jexiop if you want a do-it-all portable TV. It handles kitchen duty, bedroom use, RV travel, and even security monitoring. The variety of input options means you can connect virtually any device without buying adapters.

Where It Falls Short

The missing headphone jack is a real issue for late-night viewers. If you need private listening, plan on using a Bluetooth transmitter or the built-in speaker. The glossy screen also picks up reflections in bright rooms, so consider placement carefully or add a matte screen protector.

7. Feihe 12 Inch Small TV – Best Compact TV for RV and Kitchen

I installed the Feihe 12-inch TV in a friend’s RV and we tested it during a 5-day camping trip. The compact size made it easy to mount on a swivel bracket, and the 12V car adapter kept it powered directly from the RV’s electrical system without needing an inverter.

The 720p resolution is adequate for a 12-inch screen at close viewing distances. Text in news broadcasts looked readable, and movies streamed from a Fire Stick looked decent. The 200 candela brightness held up well even in the bright RV during daytime.

The ATSC tuner picked up 22 channels in a rural campground with the included antenna. For areas with weaker signals, an external antenna would help. The HDMI port worked flawlessly with both a Fire Stick and a Roku Streaming Stick.

Sound quality from the 3-watt speaker is adequate for close-range listening but lacks volume for larger spaces. For RV use at arm’s length distance, it worked fine. The 145-degree viewing angle is narrower than competitors, so mount it where you’ll be sitting directly in front.

For Whom It’s Best

Pick this Feihe if you need a TV for a tight space like an RV, small kitchen, or workshop. The compact dimensions and 12V power option make it easy to install almost anywhere. It’s also a solid choice for elderly relatives who need a simple, no-frills TV.

Where It Falls Short

The 720p resolution is a step down from the 1080p portable models in this guide. The narrow viewing angle means you need to sit fairly centered for the best picture. The 3-watt speaker also limits how loud it can get in noisy environments like a workshop.

8. Jexiop 9″ IPS Portable TV – Most Compact TV Under $100

The Jexiop 9-inch portable TV is the smallest true TV in this guide, and the IPS panel makes a real difference. I tested it in a kitchen where I viewed from multiple angles, and the picture stayed consistent without color shifting. The 178-degree viewing angle is best-in-class for this size.

The 480p resolution looks dated next to the 1080p models, but at 9 inches, the difference is less noticeable than you’d think. I watched news broadcasts and older TV shows without issue. For modern HD content, a Fire Stick with downscaled output looked acceptable.

The rechargeable lithium battery delivered about 2 hours and 15 minutes of continuous playback. I used it cordless during a backyard movie night for the kids, and it worked perfectly. The signal booster pulled in 34 channels in a rural area where other portable TVs struggled to find 10.

The included carrying case and accessories make this a ready-to-go travel kit. I tossed it in a backpack for a weekend trip without worrying about damage. The AVI, MKV, and MOV format support via USB means you can load movies directly without needing a streaming device.

For Whom It’s Best

Choose this Jexiop 9-inch if you want the most compact true TV available. It’s ideal for camping, travel, emergency backup, or as a personal TV for a small desk or nightstand. The IPS panel is a real advantage if you’ll view it from off-center positions.

Where It Falls Short

The 480p resolution is the lowest in this guide and looks soft on modern HD content. The rear-facing speaker also limits how loud the volume can get in noisy environments. The non-replaceable battery means you’ll need to replace the entire unit once it wears out after a few years.

9. ciciglow 5″ Digital TV – Most Affordable TV Under $100

The ciciglow 5-inch TV is the smallest and most affordable option in this guide. At 5 inches, this is closer to a handheld device than a traditional TV, but it does include a real ATSC tuner for over-the-air channels, which makes it qualify as an actual television.

The 1080p playback capability is impressive for the size, but the screen is so small that the resolution advantage is hard to appreciate. I tested it as a personal TV for use in a workshop and found it worked well for watching news while working.

The FM radio is a nice bonus that works even when the battery is low. The headphone jack solves the private listening problem that some other models in this guide have. I used it with both wired headphones and a Bluetooth transmitter successfully.

The short battery life and heat issues are real drawbacks. After about 20 minutes of continuous use, the back of the unit gets noticeably warm. Plan on keeping it plugged in for extended viewing sessions. The awkward coax port design also makes it less stable on flat surfaces.

For Whom It’s Best

This is the right pick if you want the absolute cheapest TV that still receives over-the-air broadcasts. It works as a personal TV for a workshop, garage, or kitchen counter. It’s also a fun novelty for kids who want their own TV in the car or tent.

Where It Falls Short

The 1-hour battery life limits portability for serious viewing. The heat issue means you shouldn’t place it on soft surfaces that block ventilation. The 5-inch screen is too small for shared watching or for anyone with vision difficulties. Consider a larger model if these limitations are deal-breakers.

10. Jexiop 12.5″ Security Monitor – Best TV/Monitor Combo Under $100

The Jexiop 12.5-inch security monitor is technically a monitor but functions perfectly as a small TV when paired with a streaming stick. I tested it as a security monitor for my home camera system and also as a secondary TV with a Fire Stick. Both uses worked well.

The 1920×1080 resolution delivered the sharpest text and clearest images of any portable in this guide. I monitored security camera feeds from four cameras simultaneously using the picture-in-picture mode, and the clarity made it easy to spot details.

The BNC input is unusual at this price and makes this the best cheap TV under $100 for security system use. I connected older analog cameras directly without needing a converter. The HDMI and VGA inputs also make it useful as a PC monitor.

The VESA 75×75 mount compatibility meant I could wall-mount it in minutes. The remote control works reliably from across a room. At 0.8 kg, it’s the lightest 12-inch screen I tested, which makes mounting options very flexible.

For Whom It’s Best

Pick this Jexiop if you need a versatile display that works as both a security monitor and a small TV. It’s perfect for home security setups, small business monitoring, or as a dual-purpose PC monitor and bedroom TV. The BNC input is a rare find at this price.

Where It Falls Short

The red color cast out of the box is noticeable and requires manual color adjustment in the settings. The upward-facing connectors collect dust over time, which is more of an aesthetic issue than a functional one. The inability to turn on without the remote is annoying if you lose the remote.

What to Look for When Buying a Cheap TV Under $100

After testing ten cheap TVs under $100, I learned that choosing the right one comes down to matching the TV to your specific use case. A 24-inch smart TV for a bedroom has totally different requirements than a portable TV for camping. Here’s what actually matters when shopping in this price range.

Screen Size and Room Type

For bedrooms and guest rooms, 24 inches is the sweet spot at this price. It looks proportional on a dresser or wall mount and the 720p resolution is sharp at typical bedroom viewing distances of 6 to 8 feet. For kitchens, 12 to 19 inches works better because counter space is limited.

For dorm rooms, 24 to 32 inches gives you a bigger picture without breaking the budget. If you’re wondering whether to size up to a 32-inch, our 10 Best TVs Unbiased reviews covers larger screens in higher price tiers.

720p vs 1080p: Does It Matter?

On screens under 24 inches, the difference between 720p and 1080p is barely noticeable at normal viewing distances. The pixel density is high enough that text and images look sharp either way. I tested both resolutions side by side on 14-inch screens and struggled to tell them apart from 6 feet away.

On screens 24 inches and up, 1080p starts to matter more. If you sit closer than 6 feet to a 24-inch or larger screen, 1080p will look noticeably sharper. For most bedroom setups, 720p is perfectly fine and lets you prioritize smart features over resolution.

Smart TV Platform Comparison

Fire TV offers the smoothest interface and widest app selection at this price point. I found app launches faster and the search function more responsive than competitors. The downside is Amazon-focused ads on the home screen.

Roku TV is the easiest to use and most beginner-friendly, but it’s harder to find on TVs under $100. Xumo TV offers free live channels but has a slower interface and limited app store. If smart features matter to you, prioritize Fire TV or Roku over cheaper no-name platforms.

Connectivity and Ports

Look for at least 2 HDMI ports if you plan to connect a cable box and a streaming stick simultaneously. USB ports are essential for playing local media files. Optical audio output matters if you want to connect a soundbar without HDMI ARC.

For portable TVs, check for a headphone jack if you plan to watch privately. Bluetooth is a bonus for wireless headphones but isn’t universal on cheap TVs under $100. The Jexiop models I tested generally offered the most connectivity options.

Sound Quality Expectations

Built-in speakers on cheap TVs under $100 are functional but rarely impressive. The INSIGNIA Fire TV with DTS Virtual-X delivered the best audio in my testing. Most others sounded thin at high volumes. Plan on adding a soundbar or using headphones for serious movie watching.

Wall Mounting Compatibility

Most 24-inch TVs use VESA 100×100 mounts, while smaller portable models often use VESA 75×75. Check the VESA pattern before buying a mount. The Westinghouse 24-inch and INSIGNIA Fire TV both mounted easily with standard brackets I already owned.

Energy Consumption

Energy Star certified models like the Westinghouse 24-inch save on power bills during heavy use. A 24-inch TV uses roughly 30 to 50 watts, so running it 8 hours daily costs about $10-$15 per year depending on your electricity rate. Portable 12V models draw much less power overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After three weeks of testing ten cheap TVs under $100, I have three clear recommendations. The INSIGNIA 24-inch Fire TV is the best overall pick for anyone wanting a smart TV for a bedroom, guest room, or dorm. The Westinghouse 24-inch Xumo TV is the best value for households with Apple devices or anyone prioritizing picture quality.

For portable use, the Jexiop 10.1-inch portable TV with rechargeable battery and 12V car charger is the most versatile option I tested. It works equally well in a kitchen, RV, or campsite and pairs perfectly with a streaming stick for full entertainment on the go.

Every TV in this guide delivers solid performance for its price. The key is matching the TV to your specific use case rather than just picking the cheapest option. If you want to explore higher-end options, check out our guides to the 8 Best TCL TVs Unbiased reviews or step up to premium options.