I’m recommending a surprising TV brand in 2026

• Fire TVs are slept on by a lot of people
• It’s not be the best, but it doesn’t have to be

There are a lot of TV brands out there today, and if you’re looking for an upgrade, it can be very overwhelming. I was in the same boat a few years ago before I decided to go for a Sony Bravia. That was years ago, and while I’m not exactly looking for a replacement now, it doesn’t mean I’m not staying up to date with everything new that’s coming out.

What I’ve found out is that the cheaper brands have started to become a lot more appealing. If you’re not in the market for an OLED, and I know many people aren’t, the world is essentially your oyster. While there is still quite a bit out there in terms of cheap TVs, there’s a wide range of options that are not only friendly on your wallet, but they are also options that will look nice in your room.

I recently had the chance to review Amazon’s 2025 Omni QLED TV, and I came away very impressed. I think the price tag for the 65-inch model I reviewed is a tad high, but if you manage to find it on sale or drop the size to 50 or 55 inches, there’s a ton to like. I would go as far as saying that the Fire TV line is one to look out for in 2026.

Fire TVs are slept on by a lot of people

These aren’t bad TVs by any means

You might see the name Fire TV and write it off immediately, but I think that’s wrong to do. There are still many cheap Fire TVs, like the 720p model I picked up, but I’m talking about the higher-end models. The Omni QLED line, for example, boasts Dolby Vision capabilities. If you’re out of the loop, Dolby Vision is an HDR format that enhances the look of what you’re watching, and it’s typically something reserved for expensive TVs. To see it show up on a TV that costs under $500 is nice to see, and it’s representative of a TV market that’s becoming more affordable with every passing year.

If you up the budget a little bit, you can grab a 120hz or Mini-LED TV, so it’s not like the features aren’t there for Fire TV models. Amazon has spent several years building up the brand, and I’ve even picked up a Fire TV Stick 4K Max just to give my non-smart TV some juice. Although I eventually replaced it with a Roku Streaming Stick due to the interface not being my favorite, that doesn’t mean there’s no value there. Something I’ve been interested in with TVs is how many ports they come with, and the Fire TV Omni QLED is packed with them. You have an Ethernet port, several HDMI ports, and a USB port if you need it.

Clearly, Amazon sees a bright future with the Fire TV line, and I see it as well. I wouldn’t say Amazon is competing with the higher-end TVs, but it’s not like the TVs are being priced that way. If you’re looking to spend $500 or so, I don’t see why you shouldn’t consider a Fire TV. It’s certainly what I’ll be pointing people toward in 2026.

It’s not be the best, but it doesn’t have to be

You have to respect the value

My recommendation comes from the sheer value the Fire TV line represents. Going back to the Omni QLED line again, you’re getting a 55-inch 4K smart TV that has support for Dolby Vision for under $600, and I think that’s pretty good. You aren’t going to get the same picture quality as a Mini LED or OLED, but at this price tag, you shouldn’t be expecting that.

If I didn’t already have my Sony Bravia in my living room, I’d have no problem using a 65-inch Fire TV Omni QLED there. Instead, I have the Fire TV in a spare bedroom with a PS5 hooked up to it. I’ve been enjoying Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and I have no issues whatsoever. For anybody looking for a new TV, there’s no reason not to look at the Fire TV line as your next living room addition.