Written By Eric Alt
Updated Dec 8, 2022 8:08 AM
Reading: Best TVs under $300 of 2022
just a few years ago, the best television under $ 300 weren ’ thyroxine much to write home plate about. You could get the bantam plasma television Michael Scott had on the rampart of his condominium in The Office. The television receiver experience has, by and bombastic, gotten more accessible and low-cost in the past few years, with many options available that provide decent upgrades without demanding staggering fiscal commitments. It comes depressed to understanding what kinds of bells and whistles you want ( or are volition to do without ), the size of the outer space you ’ re looking to fill, brands you like, and other keystone factors—each of which will help you narrow your search and ensure you find precisely what you ’ re looking for. here ’ s how to get the best television receiver for under $ 300 .
How we chose the best TVs under $300
We narrowed down our choices for the best television under $ 300 by reviewing product specifications, personal experiences, peer suggestions, professional reviews, and drug user impressions, then we selected our picks by cautiously evaluating each merchandise based on the stick to criteria :
- reputation of the manufacturer : Is the brand well-known and respected in the field of TVs?
- effigy quality : 4K is increasingly attainable at this price point
- versatility : Do these TVs give you options as to how you mount or display them?
- entertainment offerings : Is this just a TV, or is it a smart TV platform capable of accessing various streaming, music, and gaming apps?
- price : Is the price fair?
- customer reviews : How have customers rated the product?
The best TVs under $300: Reviews & Recommendations
Best overall: TCL UHD Smart LED TV
Why it made the cut: TCL has a repute for delivering top-tier picture quality without exorbitant prices, making them a great introduction point for those looking to upgrade without a fortune of hassle .
Specs
- Weight: 16.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 38.2 x 22.4 x3 inches without stand; 38.2 inches x 24.5 inches x 7.6 inches with stand
- Screen size: 43”
Pros
- Full 4K display
- Roku streaming built-in
- Voice-controlled searching
- Lots of I/O: 3 HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 (one with HDMI ARC), 1 USB, Composite, Headphone Jack, Optical Audio Out inputs
- Easy to use, right out of the box
Cons
- Attachable legs can be wobbly and unstable
TCL has a strong reputation for delivering TVs that provide quality imagination upgrades without costing huge amounts of money. The company ’ second Roku fresh TVs will have even a novice set up and streaming right out of the box, with only a Wi-Fi connection needed. Its multiple HDMI and USB inputs, american samoa well as other ports, make it flexible with multiple devices and allow you to make elusive improvements ( such as by adding a soundbar, which is recommended ) .
If you have the ability or choice to mount the TCL, that may be a preferable path to take as the leg ( which easily screw on the bottomland of the unit ) frequently feel a little mentally ill, and could be hazardous on narrow-minded television receiver stands. But with a voice-control distant and endless stream options available through the inner Roku, it ’ s a great choice for the bud cord-cutter and for instantaneous family movie nights .
Best all-in-one: Amazon Fire TV
Why it made the cut: The give voice “ most bang for your dollar ” gets thrown around a batch, but it very does apply to this low-cost 4K television that brings adequate sieve size, dynamic settlement, and elastic entertainment options .
Specs
- Weight: 15 pounds without stand
- Dimensions: 38.1 x 22.3 x 3.5 inches without stand
- Screen size: 43”
Pros
- Supports 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus
- 4 HDMI ports (3 HDMI 2.0 + 1 HDMI eARC 2.1)
- Remote can sync with Amazon Alexa
- Dolby Digital Plus speakers
Cons
- Can lose sharpness in brightly-lit rooms
- Blue “standby” LED light cannot be turned off
The Amazon Fire television is designed to be the focal point of a fresh home. Its HDMI 2.1 port makes it compatible with higher-resolution sources and its ability to sync with Alexa allows for voice-control options, while it can besides wirelessly connect to Echo speakers for a nice audio boost—all of which make it well-suited for movies, gaming, american samoa well as music streaming. It ’ s an all-in-one entertainment option at a great price .
It should be noted, though, that bright rooms can dilute the television receiver ’ mho dark areas, turning what should be sharp blacks into more gray, and users have complained about the omnipresent LED light that never seems to turn off, which can be a concern if you ’ five hundred preferably your class board wasn ’ t constantly bathed in amobarbital sodium. But overall this is a versatile and functional entertainment unit that, for under $ 300, outperforms its monetary value tag .
Best for sound quality: Insignia NS-42F201NA22
Why it made the cut: typically, lower-priced TVs sacrifice the audio … but not in the case of this low-cost Insignia screen .
Specs
- Weight: 20.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 37.4 x 23.5 x 8.7 inches
- Screen size: 42”
Pros
- Built-in DTS TruSurround audio complements the 1080p LCD display
- Alexa voice-enabled search
- Smart home compatible
- 2 HDMI ports (1 ARC)
Cons
- Fire TV OS can freeze with unstable or weak Wi-Fi connection
Finding a lower-priced television receiver that can provide you with decent enough sound to make the leverage of a soundbar or external speakers a luxury you won ’ t necessarily need international relations and security network ’ thymine easy, which is why Insignia makes the list. Its built-in DTS TruSurround audio won ’ triiodothyronine blow your eardrums out, but it ’ s a batch better than a draw of televisions in the like size and price stove .
The Insignia provides a solid, if not spectacular, 1080p HD viewing feel, while the pre-installed Fire television app makes syncing with other Amazon devices, such as Alexa or Echo speakers, extremely intuitive and user-friendly. however, if you are not an Amazon Prime extremity, you may find the television receiver ’ s insistence that you log in ( and its constant coat of capacity you need to pay extra for ) a fiddling annoyance .
Best for smaller spaces: Samsung UN40N5200AFXZA
Why it made the cut: Samsung is, obviously, a known and trusted name when it comes to TVs, so it ’ s not surprise that they deliver a lower-priced, lower-sized choice that still delivers a sharp painting and fresh television receiver capabilities.
Specs
- Weight: 15.9 pounds
- Dimensions: 36.3 x 20.9 x 2.9 inches without stand
- Screen size: 40”
Pros
- Sharp PurColor 1080p image
- Mico-dimming technology helps enhance shadows and contrasts
- Can work with SmartThings app to sync with other smart home devices
Cons
- Some limitations on streaming app availability
- Image can depend on the strength or stability of the Wi-Fi connection
sometimes you just need upstanding and dependable. fortunately, this Samsung offers both. Although it doesn ’ thymine bring a brassy 4K display and a set of bells and whistles of the brand ’ south QLED flagships, it does have a sharp, dynamic 1080p display with surprisingly crisp colors and details, and its hardware—both leg stands and wall-mounts—ensure it ’ ll fit well into smaller areas like bedrooms or offices .
It may not have every individual stream chopine ( customers have complained that, for exemplar, Hulu is not a compatible chopine at the moment ), it does have a large rate of pre-installed apps a well as about 50 extra apps available for download ranging from barren to subscription-based .
Best for streaming: Hisense 43A6G
Why it made the cut: The Hisense was made with fast-paced sports action in mind, and delivers clear visuals optimized to take full advantage of any survive circulate no topic what plot you ’ re in to .
Specs
- Weight: 19.16 pounds
- Dimensions: 42 x 25 x 5 inches
- Screen size: 43”
Pros
- Motion Rate 120 image processing automatically adjusts the 1080p FHD LCD screen for high-speed broadcasts
- “Game mode” helps cut down on lag during video game play
- Android TV enabled
Cons
- Heavy
The Hisense television receiver is designed with games—both observation and playing—in thinker, and caters to those looking to switch seamlessly between a live sports broadcast on television receiver and an in-game meet in your favorite comfort game. Its Motion Rate 120 image march software promises fluent, high-speed visuals, without imprison or blur, so you never miss a beat. Colors are bright and crisp and true, and the built-in Dolby audio speakers are surprisingly effective .
This is generally a reasonably rock upstanding television, even if you ’ re not the world ’ sulfur biggest sports fan. The only very write out might be that it ’ randomness about 5 pounds heavier than other, exchangeable television in this size and price scope, which could impact where you mount or stand it. differently, this is a solid rival .
Why it made the cut: An all-around solid 32-inch television for the price, featuring Vizio ’ s SmartCast technology that allows for streaming without any extra hardware needed and a undimmed backlit LED display .
Specs
- Weight: 8.99 pounds
- Dimensions: 28.59 x 4.66 x 19.02 inches
- Screen size: 32”
Pros
- Full 1080p display
- Built-in Smart TV technology
- “V-Gaming Engine,” which means that the monitor optimizes picture mode for gaming automatically
Cons
- Built-in speaker quality is weak
- Image can be choppy with weak or unreliable Wifi connections
Featuring a lightweight construction and sharp image even at 32 inches, the Vizio is a properly all-around option if you ’ rhenium looking for an low-cost smart television. With just an internet connection, you can get a lot of the experience, including moment access to channels such as Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu ( with subscriptions, of course ). The sound quality is a little subpar and could benefit from a promote courtesy of external speakers or a soundbar .
The automatic rifle adaptation to gaming mood is a sell detail for those who anticipate flipping between television view and consoles repeatedly, or for those looking for a elementary bet on hub. lag can be an exit, though, so ensure you have the Vizio connected to a strong, authentic Wi-Fi connection .
What to consider before buying one of the best TVs under $300
Let ’ s start off with one very important world : In the under- $ 300 price range, you ’ re not going to have unlimited options. That said, you will distillery have some choices among the best television receiver under $ 300 when it comes to size and solution, which are the two biggest considerations when investing in a new television receiver .
Resolution
There are very lone two options you need to consider when looking for an HD television in this price compass : HD/1080p or 4K. HD/1080p TVs are ideal if you ’ rhenium looking for a television that is 32 inches or smaller. At that size, you ’ ll get a crisp, clear 1920×1080 pixel image and won ’ t need for the extra hike you ’ five hundred get from 4K. When you get into the 50-inches to 55-inches scope, however, this is where you ’ ll want to opt for 4K to get the best video possible, with its 3840×2160 pixel double. No, you won ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate find OLED technology at this price point, but that doesn ’ thyroxine mean you won ’ t get a compel photograph from one of the best television under $ 300 .
Size and space
Size consideration extends beyond just wall quad and the desire to have the most dazzling display possible. You need to consider, in tandem, the space of the room where the television receiver will live, in order to judge the proper induct distance from it to ensure optimum ( and healthy ) watch .
- For a 32-inch television, you’ll want to sit about 2 ½ to 4 feet away at 4K (2 ½ feet at 1080p)
- For a 40-inch television receiver, you’ll want to sit about 3 to 3 ½ feet away at 4K (5 feet at 1080p)
- For a 50-inch television receiver, you’ll want to sit about 4 to 6 1/2 feet away at 4K (6 1/2 feet at 1080p)
- For a 60-inch television receiver, you’ll want to sit about 5 to 7 1/2 feet away at 4K (7 1/2 feet at 1080p)
Use
Your television normally has to pull double- and triple-duty these days, so you ’ ll besides need to consider whether you ’ ll be streaming vs. watching via cable television hook-up ( which may necessitate purchasing an accessory cyclosis device, like an Apple television receiver 4K, if you select a non-smart television receiver ), whether you ’ ll be gaming, and how many devices you expect to have plugged in at one clock .
FAQs
Q: Do I need a smart TV in order to stream?
No, you don ’ metric ton. While smart TVs make things easier by having the pour capability built in, you can stream through a number of attachable devices ( about all via USB, which most monitors and TVs should have ), such as a Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, or even your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X game cabinet.
Q: How long do TVs usually last?
There is a broad range here, by and large because a bunch of it comes down to variables such as how much it ’ s used, how hanker it ’ randomness typically left on, and how well it ’ randomness maintained, but the median life of a television varies between 4 and 10 years, or approximately 40,000-100,000 hours.
Q: Are there disadvantages to owning a smart TV?
surely. For one, they are largely dependent on your internet connection, so a weak sign or a busy network can result in reduced image timbre or lack of access to channels and streaming platforms. They can besides “ crash ” like a computer, which can necessitate either annoying reboots and restarts or, at worst, repairs. besides, like any network-connected device, “ smart TVs ” have more security risks implicit in than a standard television receiver.
Final thoughts on the best TVs under $300
A great viewing experience can be had for a relatively low price, with the price of HD engineering having come down to more accessible levels in recent years. Knowing precisely what you want besides goes a long way toward pinpointing the best television receiver under $ 300 and the one that ’ s right for you .
