Vizio is a curious entry in the TV manufacturer lineup. As a budget-friendly brand – perhaps the most budget-friendly brand – Vizio isn’t particularly prolific. But, it’s been around for quite some time and is fairly popular in the United States, in part because it’s an American company based in California. Its TVs can be spotted around big box stores, namely Walmart, with eye-catching low prices that may be tempting to consumers looking for a deal.
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Vizio hasn’t really gone away, but it also isn’t the most active of the TV brands, even among other budget brands likeHisenseand Amazon’s lineup ofFire TVs. Before you snatch up a big TV for a low price, there are a few things worth knowing about Vizio – including why that upfront cost is so cheap.
1Cheap comes with a cost
Budget-friendly brand, but with hidden costs
Perhaps the most important thing to know about Vizio TVs is that they come at a low cost. You can routinely find average-sized TVs with 4K resolution for $500 or less, and even some of its more recent QLED TVs reach that price point – its cheapest TVs may even fall below $200. Vizio fits in the same category as Hisense and Amazon below more mid-range manufacturers like TCL andRoku, and the price is significantly cheaper than top tier brands such as Samsung, LG, and Sony.
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Vizio’s intention is to provide a massive amount of content and a means to watch it without breaking the bank.
The inexpensive TVs also come with a variety of free content to consume. While you can download your favorite app to its smart platform, Vizio also strongly promotes WatchFree+, a collection of over 260 free channels where you can watch local news, game shows, and endless reruns of shows from decades past. Vizio’s intention is to provide a massive amount of content and a means to watch it without breaking the bank. However, the cheap upfront cost means Vizio needs to make money elsewhere, which highlights everything else you should consider before purchasing.
2SmartCast is bloated and buggy
Interface can be an issue
SmartCast, Vizio’s smart TV platform, can be problematic for a few reasons. Because Vizio doesn’t seem to frequently update its software or send out any patches, many users find the platform can be buggy or slow.
SmartCast supports all the biggest apps, including Amazon Prime, Netflix, Disney+, and Max, but some more niche options – like Crunchyroll – are absent. Users can enjoy Spotify on most Vizio TVs, but it isn’t listed as one of its supported apps and may require some tedious measures to use.
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Perhaps even more annoying is the interface is crowded and filled with ads. It may be suggesting things you like, but it particularly wants to suggest things it wants you to watch. Vizio doesn’t make a lot of money selling TVs, but it does make a significant profitselling ads on its TVs. So, that low cost you’re getting up front comes around in the form of ads and commercials on the TV itself.
Vizio, like other TV brands, has its own so-called streaming platform, which is basically just a collection of free, basic cable-style channels that contribute to Vizio’s profit with their ad-heavy nature.
3Options are limited
Series and names can be confusing
Vizio doesn’t make many TVs, and it doesn’t make them very often. Its lineup includes four main series, starting with the low-end D-Series made up of small, HD TVs. The mid-range V-Series boasts smart TVs from 43-inches up to 75-inches in size, and these include common features found on most TVs, like 4K resolution, HDR10+, and some voice control via virtual assistants. Notably, these TVs utilize full array LED panels, which struggle with contrast and differentiating between shades of black. The ‘V’ supposedly stands for ‘value,’ though I suppose that depends on your definition of the word.
The upper class M-series TVs feature QLED panels for improved brightness and higher refresh rates designed to support gaming. Then there is the P-series, which includes a limited number of TVs with top-end features such as local dimming, a fast processor, and wide-angle viewing. Vizio also makes an OLED TV that doesn’t fit into any particular series and isn’t nearly as budget-friendly as others.
4The technology isn’t new
Vizio lacks innovation
Vizio isn’t especially prolific in its TV options, and it also isn’t the quickest to release new models and adhere to the latest technological trends. Its current lineup includes TVs with 4K resolution, QLED panels, and decent refresh rates, but the company isn’t pushing any boundaries when it comes to dimming, artificial intelligence, processor power, or physical design. Only the top tier group of TVs offers features such as a reduced-glare screen and wide-angle viewing.
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So, if you care about fidelity, or want to enjoy their prestige content to the fullest, Vizio TVs may not be the best option. They don’t deliver the peak brightness you’ll find with other competitors, and the contrast will be poor when watching darker scenes. They might suffice for casual gaming, but even with efforts to reduce lag and response time, they may not be the best TVs for serious online gaming, especially as some don’t have the latest gen Wi-Fi connectivity.
5Walmart plans to acquire Vizio
Changes are likely coming
The move suggests Walmart wants to create some kind ofAmazon Primebusiness model where people can shop and consume content simultaneously, and ads can be tailored to specific users based on not just their viewing profile, but their shopping profile as well.
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It also suggests that some changes could be coming to Vizio’s production, whether that means increasing its lineup or subscribing to newer technologies.
Vizio’s low price dictates how it makes its TVs, and what features they do and do not include. It’s easy to throw them into a guest room or a child’s bedroom, but it’s harder to argue that the money saved buying one of its better TVs might not be best spent as part of a larger investment in a different brand.
