When it comes to home entertainment, size often matters, especially if you’re a fan of larger-than-life viewing experiences. The Vizio 86-inch Smart TV is an enticing option for those who crave a big screen without the hefty price tag that typically accompanies such luxury. At just $1,000, this TV is positioned as an affordable entry into the realm of massive displays, offering 4K resolution and a seamless pairing with Vizio’s 2.1 soundbar for a complete audiovisual experience. But as with most budget-friendly electronics, there are compromises to be made. In this review, we'll explore the highs and lows of Vizio's 86-inch offering, helping you decide whether it’s the right fit for your home.
Check Out Vizio 86-inch Smart TV
The Appeal of Big Size at a Low Price
First and foremost, let’s talk about the size. At 86 inches, this Vizio TV is one of the largest you can find in the budget category. The sheer scale of the screen is undeniably impressive, making it an ideal choice for those who want to create a theater-like experience at home without spending thousands of dollars. Whether you’re watching a blockbuster movie, catching the latest sports event, or simply indulging in a binge-watching session of your favorite TV series, the Vizio 86-inch screen delivers a level of immersion that smaller TVs simply can’t match.
But with that size comes a crucial question: Is the picture quality up to par? For the most part, the answer is yes, considering the price point. The TV offers 4K resolution, which means you’ll get crisp, clear images that make the most of the screen’s expansive real estate. However, it’s essential to set realistic expectations—this isn’t a top-of-the-line OLED or QLED TV. The picture quality, while solid, doesn’t reach the same depths of color accuracy, contrast, or brightness that you’d find in more premium models.
Pairing with the 2.1 Soundbar: An Audio Experience on a Budget
To complement the visual experience, Vizio has bundled this TV with its 2.1 soundbar, which is also designed with budget-conscious consumers in mind. The soundbar itself is a straightforward, easy-to-install piece of equipment. Vizio’s Quickfit system allows you to attach the soundbar to the TV with minimal effort, a feature that will appeal to those who prefer a fuss-free setup. The sound quality is decent, offering a clear and somewhat immersive audio experience, thanks to the included subwoofer. The bass is deep enough to enhance your movie-watching or gaming sessions, but it’s worth noting that this soundbar won’t compete with higher-end models that offer more nuanced and dynamic soundscapes.
Design and Build Quality: Functional but Flawed
When you’re dealing with a TV of this size, the design and build quality become particularly important. The Vizio 86-inch Smart TV is a hefty piece of equipment, and setting it up requires some planning. The feet are positioned at the far ends of the TV, meaning you’ll need a substantial TV stand or will have to consider wall-mounting it. The TV itself is quite thick, measuring nearly 17 inches at its deepest point, which adds to the challenge of mounting it on a wall.
The build quality, while robust, is not without its quirks. For instance, the TV feels stable once set up, but the power cord is inconveniently placed on the opposite side of the HDMI ports. This could lead to some frustration during installation, especially if you have a specific setup in mind. Moreover, the TV’s remote is functional but basic, lacking the more advanced features found on remotes that come with higher-end models.
Port Selection: A Major Limitation
One of the most significant drawbacks of the Vizio 86-inch Smart TV is its port selection. With only three HDMI ports and the absence of an ethernet port, users are left with limited options for connecting multiple devices. The HDMI ports are particularly crucial if you’re someone who likes to switch between gaming consoles, streaming devices, and other peripherals. The limited number of ports means you’ll likely find yourself frequently unplugging and re-plugging devices, which can be a hassle.
The lack of an ethernet port is another major downside. While most people rely on WiFi for streaming and internet connectivity, having the option for a wired connection can significantly improve stability and speed, especially in areas with spotty wireless signals. Unfortunately, with this Vizio model, you’re stuck with WiFi, which could be a dealbreaker for those who prioritize a seamless streaming experience.
Picture Quality: Decent but with Notable Caveats
Let’s dive deeper into the picture quality. As mentioned earlier, this TV offers 4K resolution, which is a significant plus. You’ll get sharp, detailed images that make the most of the large screen size. However, this is a direct LED (DLED) TV, which means it doesn’t have the same level of contrast or color depth as you’d find in a mini-LED, OLED, or QLED display. The blacks aren’t as deep, and the colors, while vibrant, don’t have the same richness and accuracy you’d expect from a more expensive model.
One area where the Vizio 86-inch TV struggles is with its viewing angles. The picture quality is best when viewed straight on, but as you move to the sides, the colors start to wash out, and the image loses its vibrancy. This limitation makes it less ideal for large gatherings where people might be watching from different angles.
Despite these limitations, the TV performs well in specific settings. For instance, during a week and a half of watching the 2024 Paris Olympics, the massive screen size allowed for an immersive viewing experience that kept everyone in the office entertained. Even though the TV was positioned on the floor (because it was too large for the table), the size alone was enough to create a compelling viewing experience. However, it’s worth noting that the WiFi connectivity issues during this period led to some frustrating interruptions, particularly when trying to stream multiple events at once.
Gaming on the Vizio 86-inch: A Mixed Bag
For gamers, the Vizio 86-inch Smart TV offers a mixed experience. On the one hand, the large screen size and 4K resolution make for an immersive gaming environment. Games like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor look vibrant and engaging, and the TV’s Game Mode helps optimize the settings for smoother gameplay on consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.
However, the TV’s limitations become more apparent during extended gaming sessions. The restricted viewing angles can detract from the experience if you’re not positioned directly in front of the screen. Additionally, while the TV handles fast-paced action well, it lacks some of the advanced gaming features found in more premium models, such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and enhanced HDR settings. These features can make a significant difference in gaming, particularly for those who are used to higher-end displays.
User Interface: Improved but Basic
One of the highlights of this Vizio model is its updated user interface. The redesigned UI is more intuitive and easier to navigate compared to previous versions. Vizio has streamlined the experience, making it simple to find your favorite apps and services without getting lost in convoluted menus. The main page loads quickly (depending on your internet connection), and the settings are straightforward, allowing you to adjust picture and sound settings with minimal hassle.
However, the UI is still relatively basic compared to what you might find on more expensive TVs. For instance, it lacks the advanced gaming bars seen on some Sony and Samsung models, which allow for quick adjustments to VRR, HDR settings, and resolution without navigating through multiple menus. While the Vizio UI gets the job done, it doesn’t offer the same level of convenience or customization as higher-end interfaces.
Sound Quality: Decent but Not Mind-Blowing
The sound quality from the included 2.1 soundbar is decent, especially considering the price. The soundbar adds a layer of depth to the audio that you wouldn’t get from the TV’s built-in speakers alone. The inclusion of a subwoofer helps enhance the bass, making action scenes and music sound more immersive. However, it’s important to keep expectations in check. The 2.1 soundbar doesn’t quite match the scale of the 86-inch screen. For those seeking a truly cinematic audio experience, upgrading to a more powerful sound system, such as Vizio’s 5.1 soundbar, might be worth considering.
The Setup Process: Simple but Space-Intensive
Setting up the Vizio 86-inch TV is relatively straightforward, but it does require some planning. The size of the TV means you’ll need a large enough space to accommodate it, whether you’re placing it on a stand or mounting it on a wall. The feet, positioned far apart, require a substantial stand, and if you opt for wall mounting, you’ll need to ensure the wall can support the TV’s weight.
The Quickfit system for the soundbar makes installation easy, but it’s not the most secure setup. The soundbar is designed to slide onto screws, making it easy to attach and remove, but it doesn’t lock into place. This design is convenient for cleaning but might not provide the most stable setup if you’re frequently moving the TV or adjusting its position.
Final Verdict: A Solid Option with Specific Use Cases
In conclusion, the Vizio 86-inch Smart TV is a compelling option for those who prioritize size and affordability. It offers a large, immersive viewing experience
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