Hisense vs Insignia TV: Which Budget TV Brand Is Better? (2024)
When shopping for an affordable big-screen TV, Hisense and Insignia are two of the most popular options for budget-minded buyers.
Both companies offer large, feature-packed 4K smart TVs at prices far below those of premium brands.
With TV sizes ranging from 40 to over 70 inches costing just a few hundred to a thousand dollars, you can save big over high-end LG, Samsung, or Sony sets.
But when comparing entry-level models head-to-head, Hisense and Insignia TVs have pros and cons.
This comprehensive guide evaluates critical performance criteria like display panel quality, operating systems, sound, connectivity, and reliability to determine if Hisense or Insignia is the superior value pick.
If spending less is your main priority, you’ll want to weigh factors like contrast and black levels versus smart functionality and longevity.
By examining the strengths and limitations of these discount TV heavyweights, our side-by-side assessment aims to assist shoppers in finding the one that best aligns with their viewing needs and budget constraints.
TV Display Technology
When evaluating picture quality, the display panel technology and specifications impact performance most.
Here is an overview of the critical panel features in Hisense versus Insignia TVs:
Display Panel Types
- Depending on the model, Hisense utilizes LED, QLED, and OLED display panels.
- Insignia TVs all use LED panels.
This gives Hisense an advantage in high-end offerings with QLED and OLED, but Insignia competes well on basic LED models.
Contrast and Brightness
- Hisense Dynamic Contrast Ratio: Up to 5000:1 (better blacks)
- Insignia Dynamic Contrast Ratio: Up to 3000:1
- Hisense Peak Brightness: Up to 600 nits (brighter highlights)
- Insignia Peak Brightness: Up to 300 nits
Hisense wins on paper for deeper blacks and brighter picture-capable displays.
Color Performance
- Hisense Wide Color Gamut: Up to 72% NTSC (more rich, vivid colors)
- Insignia Wide Color Gamut: Typically 45-50% NTSC
Again, Hisense specs indicate better color reproduction for richer images.
HDR Support
- Hisense: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log-Gamma
- Insignia: Mainly HDR10
Hisense handles more high dynamic range formats for enhanced picture quality with compatible content.
Refresh Rate
- Hisense: Up to 240Hz effective refresh rate (better motion handling)
- Insignia: 60-120Hz refresh rate
Hisense incorporates additional processing to sharpen fast action video.
Based strictly on display panel specifications and processing capabilities, Hisense televisions are superior in contrast, color, brightness, and motion performance.
Buyers who want the best visuals for their budget should lean towards Hisense.
However, Insignia still competes well on basic HD/4K LED models using 60Hz refresh rates.
Picture Quality
Beyond the panel specs, real-world image processing performance also determines display quality:
- Image Processors: Hisense’s proprietary Hi-View and Ultra Reality engines analyze images to enhance color, contrast, and motion. Insignia TVs rely on basic image processing.
- Backlighting Zones: Hisense high-end models have up to 180 zones for precision light control, boosting contrast versus <10 zones on most Insignia sets.
- Viewing Angles: Most Hisense and Insignia sets have viewing angles of 178°, which is ample for most rooms. However, Hisense’s premium offerings can achieve wider viewing angles.
- Upscaling: According to reviewers, Hisense 4K Upscaler shows improved HD-to-4K conversion over Insignia sets.
- Motion Handling: With higher native refresh rates and additional processing, Hisense scores better for handling fast motion without blurring.
In head-to-head evaluations by trusted sources:
Review Site | Better Picture Quality |
---|---|
RTings.com | Hisense |
DigitalTrends.com | Hisense |
TechRadar.com | Hisense |
The consensus is that Hisense TVs achieve better real-world picture quality through advanced technologies that process and optimize 4K video signals.
While Insignia has improved, fast action shots can demonstrate motion blur issues comparatively.
Sound Quality
The speakers and audio capabilities also contribute to the overall viewing experience:
- Speaker Types: Hisense integrates name-brand speakers like DTS Studio Sound on higher-end models. Most Insignia TVs utilize primary stereo speakers, although some feature Dolby Audio processing.
- Speaker Drivers: Mid-range and above Hisense TVs incorporate dedicated tweeters and woofers ranging from 2 to 15 drivers, depending on the model. Insignia sets typically have 2-4 drivers.
- Sound Modes: Hisense includes optimized presets like Theater and Music plus customizable EQs. Most Insignia models only have basic sound settings.
- Customization: Hisense allows adjusting individual levels and digital surround sound simulation. There is less adjustment capability for Insignia’s built-in audio.
- Connectivity: All models can connect an external soundbar or speaker system via RCA, optical, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth ports.
Reviewers generally give Hisense televisions higher marks for out-of-the-box audio performance thanks to the use of name-brand speaker components.
However, Insignia sets still perform adequately for everyday TV watching.
Using a separate sound system can make a more noticeable difference in audio quality than relying on built-in speakers.
Smart TV Features
Hisense and Insignia TVs both run proprietary innovative platforms that support popular streaming apps:
- Operating Systems: Hisense VIDAA vs Insignia fire TV – both are easy to use with voice control options.
- Apps Available: Popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max are supported on both platforms. Niche apps may only be in one ecosystem.
- Navigation and Search: VIDAA and Fire TV allow voice search, personalized recommendations, and smooth navigation. Fire TV offers slightly more polish and consistency.
- Gaming: For gaming from a console, Hisense sets have dedicated game modes with low lag times of around 15ms for responsive play. Insignia also provides low input lag, but some may experience occasional delays.
- Smart Assistants: Current Hisense and Insignia models have Alexa and Google Assistant integration to control TV functions by voice alongside the included voice remotes.
Both smart TV systems are capable options that make finding entertainment intuitive.
Fire TV offers a more refined experience with a vast app library, while VIDAA delivers excellent flexibility in its own right.
For shoppers wanting the latest voice control and gaming optimizations at a budget price point, Hisense nudges past Insignia.
But Insignia remains highly capable, especially for buyers focused on streaming access.
Related: Toshiba vs Samsung TV: Pick the Right 4K UHD Smart TV For You
Reliability and Warranties
When investing in a new television, you’ll want reasonable assurances it will provide years of use:
- Lifespan: Based on consumer feedback, Hisense TVs generally see marginally higher reported failure rates in the first 2-3 years. Insignia sets tend to have fewer issues early on. With either brand, practicing proper care is critical.
- Durability: Hisense uses higher quality materials and metal-framed bezels on mid-tier and above models for building construction, compared to mainly plastic housing Insignia sets.
- Dead Pixels: Both cover slow pixel defects. Hisense allows up to 4, and Insignia provides up to 6 to qualify as defective.
- Warranties: Each television comes with a:
- 1-Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty covering parts and labor repairs due to defects.
- Additional Protection Plans can extend coverage for 2-4 years via retailer programs.
Regarding lifespan and warranties, Insignia TVs come out ahead based on lower defect rates reported by owners in the first 1-2 years.
However, Hisense model families with metal construction feel more premium.
Opting for a protection plan is recommended with either brand to offset repair costs outside the standard 1-year window.
Hisense vs Insignia TV Prices
Affordability is the main reason shoppers consider value brands, so pricing plays a pivotal role when comparing:
Price Comparison By Size
Analyzing MSRP prices for similarly sized 2024 model Hisense and Insignia televisions:
Size | Hisense Starter Price | Insignia Starter Price |
---|---|---|
55″ | $278 | $249 |
65″ | $378 | $349 |
75″ | $498 | $519 |
Insignia wins out at standard screen sizes purely based on MSRP sticker prices.
However, Hisense TVs routinely see discounts, bringing them equal or lower than comparable Insignia models.
Overall Price Range
- Hisense 40″-75″ models span from $249 to $1,399
- Insignia 32″-75″ TVs range from $99 to $899
Insignia starts cheaper on smaller sizes, while Hisense competes better at the high-end for premium technologies that justify slightly higher costs over basic Insignia equivalents.
When factoring in dollars per feature, Hisense becomes the more intelligent buy for shoppers wanting higher performance, especially with the frequent sale prices.
But on a strict budget, Insignia provides respectable quality for the rock-bottom prices attained.
Carefully comparing specifications to television needs to calculate the actual value either way.
Pros and cons of Hisense vs Insignia TVs
Shoppers should choose Hisense for its superb display technologies, like full-array local dimming, quantum dots, and OLED, which outperform Insignia’s current offerings.
Conclusion and Recommendation
When comparing Hisense and Insignia televisions, Hisense emerges as the preferable brand for budget home theater buyers focused on performance.
At the same time, Insignia Smart TVs better serve those wanting to minimize spend.
Paired with Hisense’s sleek, smart TV platform and gaming-friendly lag times, the overall user experience excels for the price bracket.
For film buffs, sports fans, and casual gamers wanting good visuals, Hisense provides the best quality for the dollar.
However, households needing an affordable living room screen can save a bit upfront with Insignia.
The easy-to-use Fire TV interface grants simple access to leading streaming platforms.
While image quality falls short of Hisense, Insignia still produces pleasing HD and 4K picture quality for most TV viewing scenarios.
Insignia satisfies shoppers indifferent to top-notch video but wants Alexa built-in without breaking budgets.
On average, Hisense TVs retail around 5-15% above Insignia models of the same size.
Making Hisense TVs the most innovative investment for home theater enthusiasts with some wiggle room in their wallets.
Yet for a modest bump in cost, Hisense unlocks substantially better technologies that meaningfully improve entertainment immersion.
Meanwhile, Insignia covers basics for the most cash-conscious buyers.
FAQs:
Insignia TVs tend to be cheaper overall.
Overall, Hisense edges out Insignia in color, contrast, and motion performance.
Yes, current models allow control via Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Both come with a 1-year manufacturer-limited warranty.
Yes, primary audio ports allow connecting a soundbar or speakers.