Hisense U6 QLED 65" Class U6 Series Quantum 2023 Review

A budget TV with a killer HDR picture. Its movie performance is fantastic for the price, but the audio is weak and it's not for gamers. At its real ~$450 price, it's an easy recommendation for streamers.

The Hisense U6 is a budget 4K QLED that punches way above its weight class in one key area: picture quality. For the money, you're getting a shockingly good HDR experience thanks to its full-array local dimming and quantum dot color.

It's built on the Fire TV platform, so setup is a breeze and you've got Alexa built right into the remote. Just don't expect this to be a gaming powerhouse or an audiophile's dream. It's a TV built for one thing: delivering a great movie night on a budget.

Where this TV shines is in its picture. The HDR performance is one of the best we've seen in this price range, hitting up to 600 nits of brightness across 32 dimming zones. That means deep blacks and bright highlights in shows like 'Stranger Things' look fantastic. Colors pop thanks to the quantum dot layer. The downside? The native 60Hz panel and HDMI 2.0 ports mean it's not built for high-frame-rate gaming, and the built-in audio is a clear weak spot. You'll want a soundbar.

Here's the deal: prices for this TV swing wildly online, from a sane $449 at major retailers to laughable $17,950 listings from third-party scalpers. At the real-world price of around $450, it's an absolute steal for the picture you get. At any price over $600, you're better off looking at TCL's Q6 or Roku Pro Series. Stick to Best Buy or Amazon for the actual deal.

Compared directly to its main rival, the TCL Q6, the Hisense U6 often has a slight edge in contrast and local dimming control, making HDR movies look a bit more punchy. However, the TCL usually has a better smart platform (Roku vs. Fire TV, a matter of taste) and sometimes hits brighter peaks. Against a Samsung Neo QLED or LG OLED? No contest, those are in a different league, but they also cost three times as much. For under $500, the U6 and TCL Q6 are in a dead heat, with the U6 winning on pure picture drama.

Skip this if you're a serious gamer. The 60Hz refresh rate and lack of HDMI 2.1 features mean you're leaving next-gen console performance on the table. Also, if you hate the Fire TV interface and don't want to buy a separate streaming stick, look at a TCL with Roku instead.

Buy this TV if you want the best possible 4K HDR picture for your dollar and you mostly watch movies and streaming shows. It's a perfect second-room TV or a primary screen for a budget-conscious cinephile who plans to add a soundbar. Just plug in a Roku or Apple TV if you're not a Fire OS fan.