In this in-depth review, I’ll delve into the reliability and performance of RCA TVs, offering insights into their build quality, sound, picture, and more.
Read on to get an honest perspective on RCA TVs.
Are RCA TVs reliable?
Let’s define what we mean by “reliable”. I define “reliable” as a TV brand that offers high-quality products, long lifespans, and above-average customer service.
So, are RCA TVs reliable?
RCA TVs are not the most reliable products. Although the build quality is acceptable, their service, especially the warranty service, leaves a lot to be desired.
RCA TVs used to be among the best, especially when many were made in Indiana. RCA TVs today are not as reliable as they were 30 years ago.
1. RCA TV build quality is acceptable
Overall, I think the build quality is satisfying considering the price. RCA TVs have low prices, but they still offer good quality for the cost.
Most RCA TVs look as “cheap” as their price tag when you first unpack them. The bezels are surprisingly thin on all sides except the bottom, where it’s only slightly thicker.
I think the smaller RCA TVs are better than the bigger ones. On smaller screens, pixels are closer together. This makes RCA TVs look as good as pricier brands.
For example, this 32” Roku TV is great. Not only does it come included with Roku, but it’s also easy to set up. It also has a good picture quality compared to other TVs of similar price.
If you don’t need a smart TV, this 32” RCA TV is one of the cheapest options. It has decent picture quality and sound quality, but the best part is it’s less than $200.
2. RCA customer service could be better
However, what I think RCA can improve on is its customer service. I think a big part of being a reliable brand is being able to make customers happy, and RCA is not doing a good job.
I also don’t think their warranty service is the best. It was a hassle. It took several weeks and many emails to process my RCA TV’s replacement due to a cracked screen.
My friend, however, did not have the same luck.
A woman I know bought a 70” RCA TV, but some buttons on the remote didn’t work. When she contacted product support, she was redirected to Curtis’ company.
After two months of back-and-forth (sending pictures of remotes and model numbers), she was merely told to buy a new remote control at a normal price to watch TV.
My friend said RCA’s customer service was slow to respond.
I hope they improve their customer service in the future, but as things stand, I wouldn’t want to deal with their customer service. My only hope is that my RCA TV continues to work.
Some customers have reported that RCA’s warranty department ignored the details they provided during a claim. I don’t know if this is true or not.
How long do RCA TVs last?
RCA TVs last between 6 months to 3 years before something goes wrong with the TV, based on thousands of customer reviews. Don’t expect RCA TVs to last over 5 years.
My RCA TV lasted over 2 years, but my Panasonic and LG TVs have lasted even longer. Granted, both the Panasonic and LG TVs cost more.
Are RCA TVs good?
RCA TVs are among the most affordable options available. If you’re considering buying one, here are some important aspects of the TV you should keep in mind.
1. The sound quality could be better
The sound quality of RCA TVs is acceptable but could be better. The speakers are on the TV’s bottom and point downward, causing the muffled sound.
Using a simple sound system, such as a soundbar, can solve this problem. I think TV makers design poor speakers to make you buy extra sound systems.
Given the low price of RCA TVs, spending a little extra to enhance the sound is worthwhile.
However, I think this goes against the idea of buying cheap TVs. Most people buy affordable options like RCA TVs to avoid spending money on soundbars.
2. You may see lines running across the screen
One thing I’ve noticed among RCA TV buyers is that they complain about lines running across the TV. Sometimes, these lines are vertical, and at other times, they’re horizontal.
After unboxing my 65” Smart Roku TV and turning it on, I saw a line on the top right of the screen, likely a defect. I got a replacement, but the same line problem returned in less than a year.
When these lines appear on RCA TVs, the screen is so full of lines that no one can see what is actually on the screen. Worse, these lines appear even when the TV is less than a year old.
“Less than a year after purchasing, it started showing lines across the bottom half of the TV.”
– Meadow (Walmart buyer)
You could always troubleshoot these issues, but it’s not a good thing to see your TV with lines running across the screen. Poor TV build quality might cause this.
3. The picture quality is acceptable
To be honest, the picture quality of the 55” Roku TV I bought is not great. I’ve seen 1080p displays that looked better. I noticed that the black colors look gray and the contrast is poor.
I don’t like the color replication on RCA TVs. However, most casual viewers can’t see the difference between low-end and high-end sets. If you want a cheap TV, RCA is an option.
RCA TVs work for basic needs like watching Netflix and movies. However, a 0.5-second delay in HDMI input makes hardcore gaming very difficult.
Final verdict
RCA TVs are decent, but they’re not the most reliable. There are better options for the price. If you want an inexpensive TV, I suggest checking out TCL or Vizio.
More specifically, if you have space for a 40” or 43” TV, consider the TCL 4 series or the Vizio V series as both offer good performance. Both are priced under $300.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider the 32” TCL 3 series or Vizio D series.
I love both brands and personally own a 40” Vizio TV that’s almost 10 years old. It’s one of my main TV sets and is used daily. It works great with zero issues.