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Element TVs sit near the very bottom of the TV price ladder. You’ll find them at Walmart, Costco, and other retailers for about half what a name-brand TV costs, sometimes less. That price raises a fair question: what do you give up? This Element TV review looks at the brand as a whole in 2026, including who makes Element TVs, which smart platforms they use, how they perform according to reviewers and owners, how the warranty works, and which budget TVs on Amazon deserve a look before you buy.
Quick verdict: An Element TV can make sense as a cheap second screen for a guest room, garage, or kid’s room, especially when you buy it from a store with an easy return policy. As a main living room TV, it’s hard to recommend: picture quality is basic, quality control is inconsistent, and owners report mixed experiences with support. For a little more money, budget models from Roku, TCL, Hisense, and Insignia usually offer better performance and more dependable support. Check Element TV prices on Amazon.
Element TVs at a glance
| Detail | Element TVs in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Element Electronics, a U.S. brand that sells TVs built with Chinese-made components |
| Smart platforms | Xumo TV, Google TV, and Roku TV, depending on the model (Element also sold Amazon Fire TV Edition sets in the past) |
| Screen sizes | About 24 to 98 inches |
| Resolution | 720p high-definition (HD) on the smallest models; 4K ultra-high-definition (UHD) from 43 inches up |
| Typical specs | 60 hertz (Hz) light-emitting diode (LED) panel, basic high dynamic range (HDR10) support, two to four High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) ports |
| Where to buy | Mainly Walmart and Costco, plus regional retailers such as P.C. Richard & Son; availability on Amazon varies by model |
| Warranty | One year with proof of purchase, or two years if you register the TV within 90 days, according to Element’s responses to customer reviews |
| Typical price | Roughly $100 to $400 for 43- to 55-inch models; the 98-inch model lists near $2,000 at Walmart |
Sources: Walmart’s Element store, Costco’s Element 50-inch listing, ConsumerAffairs, and Tom’s Guide’s Element Roku TV review.
Who makes Element TVs?
Element Electronics is an American TV brand. It designs and sells budget TVs, while factories in China build the panels and most of the components. For several years, Element ran a facility in Winnsboro, South Carolina, and marketed some TVs as “assembled in the USA.” The Alliance for American Manufacturing reported in 2018 that the plant mostly unboxed Chinese-built TVs, installed a circuit board, tested them, and repackaged them. In 2018, Element announced plans to lay off 126 workers and close the plant, blaming tariffs on Chinese parts.
The earlier version of this review said most U.S. Element TVs came from that South Carolina plant and that U.S. assembly guaranteed quick warranty turnaround. That’s no longer a safe assumption. Treat a current Element TV as an imported budget TV, and check the warranty terms on the box rather than counting on local repair.
Element’s 2026 lineup and smart platforms
Element doesn’t stick to one operating system, so the experience depends heavily on which model you pick:
- Xumo TV models: Walmart currently sells Element TVs running Xumo, the streaming platform from Comcast and Charter. Examples include a 43-inch 4K model (E550AC43C) and a 98-inch 4K model (E500AE98C). Xumo puts free live channels front and center and supports the major streaming apps.
- Google TV models: Walmart also lists a frameless 55-inch 4K Google TV (E450AD55G). Google TV offers the widest app selection, Google Assistant voice search, and built-in Chromecast casting.
- Roku TV models: Element still sells Roku-powered TVs, such as a 24-inch HD model (E1AA24R), the 55-inch 400 Series (E4AA55R), and a 50-inch 4K model at Costco (E4SC5018RKU). Roku’s home screen is simple and fast to learn, and Roku’s 4K TVs support Apple AirPlay and Apple Home. You can also control Roku TVs with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant speakers.
Because Element rotates models frequently and sells many of them only at specific retailers, the exact model on the shelf may differ from the ones listed here. Check the model number and platform before you buy.
Picture quality and performance
Few major review sites test Element TVs, so detailed lab data is limited. When Tom’s Guide reviewed Element’s 55-inch Roku TV, it called it a solid, truly affordable 4K TV with acceptable picture quality and basic HDR, but it measured only 96.7% coverage of the standard red, green, and blue (sRGB) color space, which trailed similarly priced rivals. Tom’s Guide also noted uneven backlighting from the edge-lit panel, halos around bright objects, and weak bass from the speakers. That review dates to 2018, but owner reports suggest Element’s formula hasn’t changed much: basic 60Hz LED panels with modest brightness.
What the 58-inch 450 Series shows about Element’s approach
Element’s 58-inch 4K Roku TV from the 450 Series (model E450AC58R) is a good example of the brand’s value pitch. It paired 4K resolution and HDR10 support with four HDMI inputs and a 60Hz panel, and it sold for about $200 during holiday deals in 2022. Like most Element Roku TVs, it skipped Bluetooth, so you can’t pair wireless headphones directly. Roku’s private listening feature works around that: the Roku mobile app streams the TV’s audio to headphones connected to your phone.
Here’s what you can generally expect from a current Element 4K TV, based on reviews and owner feedback:
- Brightness and HDR: HDR10 support is there, but these panels don’t get bright enough to make HDR highlights pop. Most Element models also skip Dolby Vision.
- Color: Colors look fine for everyday TV, but expect a narrower color range than budget quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) TVs from TCL or Hisense.
- Contrast: Without local dimming, dark scenes look grayish, especially in a dark room.
- Viewing angles: Picture quality fades when you sit off to the side, so these TVs work best when you sit straight in front of them.
- Gaming: A 60Hz refresh rate and no variable refresh rate (VRR) make Element TVs a weak match for a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
- Sound: Small built-in speakers sound thin. A budget soundbar helps a lot.
Reliability, warranty, and customer support
Reliability is the biggest question mark with Element. On ConsumerAffairs, owners praise the price, easy setup, and picture quality, but the most common complaints involve customer service, durability, screens that fail, Wi-Fi drops, HDMI problems, and slow warranty claims. Deal-forum buyers on Slickdeals have reported units that arrived dead or with cracked screens, alongside other buyers who were happy with their TVs. That mix points to inconsistent quality control rather than a TV that always fails.
Element’s warranty covers parts and labor for one year with proof of purchase. According to Element’s replies to customers, registering the TV within 90 days extends coverage to two years. Costco’s listing for the 50-inch Element Roku TV also advertises a second-year warranty, free technical support, and a 90-day return window, which makes Costco one of the safest places to buy one.
To get the most life out of any budget TV, follow a few simple habits:
- Plug it into a surge protector to guard against power spikes.
- Leave space around the back panel so heat can escape.
- Keep the vents dust-free.
- Register the TV right away, and keep your receipt.
- Buy from a retailer with a generous return policy, and test the TV thoroughly during the return window.
The original version of this article claimed Element TVs last 4 to 10 years, or 40,000 to 60,000 hours. No independent data backs a specific lifespan for Element sets. Budget TVs often fail because of power supply or main board problems long before the LED backlight wears out, so treat any lifespan estimate with caution.
Element vs. TCL: which budget brand is better?
TCL competes in the same budget space but operates on a much bigger scale. TCL builds its own panels through its sister company, sells TVs from tiny HD models to large Mini-LED sets, and gets regular coverage from major review sites. Element focuses almost entirely on low prices.
- Picture quality: TCL’s budget QLED and Mini-LED TVs, such as the QM6K, offer brighter HDR, local dimming, and wider color. Element doesn’t sell anything in that class.
- HDR support: The earlier version of this review said Element TVs don’t support HDR. That’s outdated; current Element 4K models support HDR10, though they lack the brightness to make it shine.
- Gaming: Many TCL TVs offer 120Hz or 144Hz modes, VRR, and HDMI 2.1 ports. Element TVs stick to 60Hz.
- Price: Element usually costs less, but the gap has shrunk, and TCL often goes on sale for similar money.
If you can stretch your budget, TCL is the better buy for a main TV. Our TCL vs. Hisense comparison explains how those two brands differ, and our TCL Q77K review covers one of TCL’s best values.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Among the cheapest 4K TVs you can buy
- Choice of Roku, Google TV, or Xumo platforms
- Wide range of sizes, from 24 to 98 inches
- Two-year warranty when you register within 90 days
- Fine for casual streaming in secondary rooms
Cons
- Basic picture quality with weak HDR and grayish blacks
- Inconsistent quality control and mixed support reviews
- 60Hz panels with no gaming extras
- No Bluetooth on most Roku models
- Limited professional reviews of current models
- Model availability varies by retailer
Element TV alternatives on Amazon
Amazon is our main affiliate partner, and it carries most of the budget TVs that compete with Element, including Roku’s own TVs, Amazon’s Ember TVs (formerly Fire TV), Insignia, TCL, and Hisense. These alternatives cost a little more in many cases, but they bring better-reviewed picture quality, wider availability, and stronger support networks.
Compare similar budget TVs on Amazon
| TV | Smart platform | Panel and resolution | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Element 4K TV | Roku, Google TV, or Xumo | 4K LED, 60Hz | The lowest possible price | Check price |
| Roku Select Series | Roku | HD or 4K LED or QLED, 60Hz | Simple streaming on a budget | Check price |
| Roku Pro Series | Roku | 4K Mini-LED QLED, 120Hz | Gaming and brighter HDR | Check price |
| Insignia F30 or F50 | Fire TV | 4K LED (F30) or QLED (F50) | Alexa households | Check price |
| TCL S5 | Google TV | 4K LED with direct backlight | Google TV on a budget | Check price |
| Hisense A7 | Google TV or Fire TV | 4K LED | Low price from a major brand | Check price |
| Amazon Ember 2-Series or 4-Series | Fire TV | HD (2-Series) or 4K (4-Series) LED | Alexa and Prime Video fans | Check price |
- Roku Select and Pro Series: Roku now builds its own TVs. The Select Series covers 24 to 85 inches for basic streaming, while the Pro Series adds a Mini-LED backlight, a native 120Hz panel, and HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming. See Roku-made TVs on Amazon.
- Insignia F30 and F50: Best Buy’s house brand runs Fire TV with Alexa voice control. The F50 adds a QLED panel for richer color. See Insignia Fire TVs on Amazon.
- TCL S5 and Hisense A7: These entry-level 4K TVs from the two biggest budget brands usually cost only a little more than Element. See the TCL S5 on Amazon.
- Amazon Ember 4-Series: Amazon renamed its Fire TV-branded televisions “Ember” in 2026 without changing the hardware. The 4-Series is a simple 4K TV with hands-free Alexa. See the Amazon Ember 4-Series on Amazon.
Want a step up? Our list of the best 55-inch TVs under $500 includes several TVs that cost only a little more than a large Element set, and our best smart TV for the money guide covers more value picks. If you’re buying for a bedroom, our guide to the best TV size for a bedroom helps you choose the right screen.
Who should buy an Element TV?
Buy an Element TV if you need a basic screen for a guest room, dorm, garage, or kid’s room, you mostly stream shows and the news, and the lowest price matters more than picture quality. Buy it from a store with easy returns, such as Costco or Walmart, and register it for the two-year warranty. Skip Element if you want a main living room TV, care about HDR movies, or plan to play on a modern console. In those cases, a Roku Pro Series, TCL QM6K, or similar budget QLED TV is worth the extra money. Either way, a budget soundbar will make the built-in audio much easier to hear.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes Element TVs?
Element Electronics, a U.S. company, sells Element TVs. Factories in China build the panels and most components. The company once did final assembly in South Carolina but announced in 2018 that it would close that plant.
Are Element TVs any good?
They’re acceptable for casual viewing at a very low price. Expect basic 4K picture quality, weak HDR, and a 60Hz panel. Owner reviews are mixed, with complaints about durability and customer service.
How long do Element TVs last?
No independent data pins down a typical lifespan. Many owners use their Element TVs for years, while others report failures within the first year or two. Registering for the two-year warranty and using a surge protector improve your odds.
Do Element TVs have Bluetooth?
Most Element Roku TVs don’t. You can still use wireless headphones through private listening in the Roku mobile app. Google TV models generally support Bluetooth audio, but check the specific model’s specs.
Final verdict
Element TVs deliver exactly what their price suggests: a big, basic 4K screen with a choice of Roku, Google TV, or Xumo, at a cost few brands can match. The tradeoffs are real, though. Picture quality trails budget QLED TVs, quality control is inconsistent, and support gets mixed reviews. Our Element TV review verdict: buy one only for a secondary room, from a retailer with a strong return policy, and register it for the two-year warranty. For a main TV, spend a little more on a Roku, TCL, Hisense, or Insignia model. Check current Element TV prices on Amazon.