According to Consumer Reports, even the best Vizio TVs aren’t impressive. But can you really ask that much from a brand that offers you a 40-inch screen for less than $150? Yes, the Vizio models are very cheap (a strategic partnership with the manufacturers is one reason), although some still claim that they are quite decent for the money. But does the same description apply to their durability?
To put it bluntly, survivability seems to depend on the times. Older models (2020 and pre-2020) lasted more than five years, according to several owners. For example, one Reddit user reported that their D24f-1 budget model had also reached a similar age, despite the software quirks. Some of these older units managed to stay strong for over a decade. A proud Vizio owner said they have three models with different age ranges: five to 14 years old.
Unfortunately, some owners indicate that the good old days of Vizio durability may be over. A Reddit user named Waggmans specifically said that newer models have a lifespan of two to three years. Others agreed, with one comment saying their Vizio died before the age of two. Elsewhere, the sentiment is much the same, with one consumer revealing that their 2011 Vizio still works, but the newer ones don’t even last three years.
What else do Vizio users say and how valid are the reviews?
It’s difficult to determine the true average lifespan of Vizio TVs according to owners, but there is no shortage of horror stories online. The most concerning are backlight issues that often arise after the warranty has expired, as Consumer Affairs maintains. Users of newer products have complained that Vizio TVs developed dark spots due to the backlight. Redditor HeIsMyPossum even jokingly pointed out that at the time of their comment, several Vizio top 10 threads were complaining about the same black spots.
Keep in mind that Reddit threads with brand horror stories don’t represent the full picture. Happy owners just aren’t as likely to express their frustration online, and Vizio remains one of the most popular budget smart TV brands. However, when shopping for affordable electronics, that low entry price often means you’re taking a gamble. For around $150, you’ll either get an amazing TV for your money or something that will die on you after three years.
