The Vizio brand has been around for about 10 years, and it is extremely popular today. It rises to the top of television set manufacturers in the U.S., and even though its low prices may be initially attractive, it can be difficult to find accurate information on what to expect from a Vizio TV.

Why are Vizio Televisions So Cheap?

In short, because their TVs are cheaply made and don't last as long as other brands' televisions. Since Vizio is nearly exclusively an LCD TV manufacturer, their reviews are directly comparable with the likes of Sony and Samsung. 
Consumer reports consistently rate Vizio last among these brands, citing issues such as short lifespan and cheap build quality.

What Are The Differences Between Vizio Models? How Do I Determine Which One To Buy? 

All TVs have certain features and specs, but different models may offer different extra features. Think about what you want in your TV before buying one. What's important is knowing how much it costs, its size, its screen resolution, whether or not it has High Definition (HD) capability and/or built-in wifi capability.

Things You Need To Know About Vizio TV

Quality Control Issues: Dead Pixels And Bleeding Backlights

These problems are not unique to Vizio alone - nearly every brand of LCD TV has reported at least one case of pixel failure. This might lead to your Vizio flickering constantly. 
However, this defect is important enough that most manufacturers cover it under warranty (albeit for a small fee). 
Additionally, consumers who buy plasma TVs typically do so with the expectation that they will last much longer than an LCD; Vizio's report that their average lifespan is closer to 27 months suggests that their televisions may not offer the longevity buyers expect from other brands like Panasonic and Pioneer Plasma corporation. 

Inexpensive Production Cost

Vizio is one of the only television manufacturers in the United States. Most are manufactured in Mexico, Taiwan, or China which brings their prices down considerably. Vizio has also been able to grow at a remarkable pace since its initial launch. 
In 10 years, Vizio has grown from selling mostly computer monitors and other audio-visual equipment to selling LCD TVs and DVD players. They seem to be willing to sell high volumes and at low margins (read: cheap) because it allows them to get a foot in the door with major retailers like Walmart.

Vizio TV’s Are Well-Reviewed, But That Doesn't Mean They're The Best 

Vizio makes some of the most affordable HDTVs around - but just because they're cheap doesn't mean their quality isn't up to snuff. 
As a matter of fact, many reviews have found that Vizio HDTVs are actually better than much more expensive models when it comes to color accuracy and black levels.

But Not All HD TVs Are Created Equal

While it's true that Vizio is one of the best when it comes to value for your money, this does not negate the fact that not all 1080p TVs are made equal. You should look at brands in addition to Vizio when trying to find the best TV for your money.

You Can Get A Great Deal On Vizio TVs At Costco And Sam's Club

Do you know how you see those signs that say "The lowest prices of the season!" outside big-box retail stores? 
Well, if you're in the market for a new HDTV, this is absolutely true when it comes to Vizio TVs - particularly at Costco and Sam's Club. They sell them at much lower prices than other retailers due to their large volume purchasing.

Smart Functionality Is Baked Into All Vizio HD TVs, But It Isn't Equal Across The Board

All modern-day HDTVs come with WiFi connectivity built-in, allowing you to browse apps like Netflix straight from your TV. But not all WiFi is created equal - some TVs offer more functionality than others, like built-in browsers, support for third-party video apps (like Vudu), and access to other media services like Pandora and Flickr. 
You'll find that Vizio TVs are typically fairly limited when it comes to smart features - but there are plenty of external devices out there that can help you do whatever it is you need your TV to do.
Lastly, remember that this brand is among those that offer an extended warranty on their televisions - typically 3 years after purchase for about $100 (which may be worth it with their reported lifespan of only 27 months).
If you're on a budget and want to pick a better LCD TV, then Vizio is not only the most affordable, but also the least risky option. 

WRITTEN BY

Siarra K