Quality TVs cost less than they used to, so you can get a great TV at a low price. Can you find the best TV under $300 on this list? Entry-level TVs might not have the same excellent features as their expensive counterparts, but you can find great models at prices that won’t break the bank.
Most entry-level TVs under $300 that you can buy today are very similar. For example, they are generally all smart TVs with built-in streaming to better reflect how consumers use TVs today. For instance, many buyers want to binge-watch favorites on paid services rather than sit through traditional network commercials.
TVs under $300 generally have 60Hz refresh rates in LCD panels. Most offer 4K resolution with HDR playback options. The differences in some entry-level TVs come from gaming functionality and more user-friendly interfaces.
So, after reviewing dozens of options for TVs under $300, here’s our ranking of the top six.
- Best Overall: Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series
- Best Runner-Up: Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 Series
- Best Smart Functionality: SAMSUNG 32-inch Class LED
- Best TV for Watching Sports: Hisense A6 Series
- Best Picture: VIZIO 40-inch D-Series
- Best for a Child’s Room: VIZIO 24-inch D-Series
Best Overall TV Under $300: Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series
- 60 Hz refresh rate
- Dolby Digital Plus with passthrough of Dolby-encoded audio
- 4K UHD display resolution
- Support for HDR 10 and HLG
Our pick for the best overall TV under $300 goes to the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series. You’ll appreciate its excellent picture quality that lets you see fine details, whether your room is bright or dim.
This smart TV supports content in 4K Ultra HD, HLG, and HDR 10, so you’ll get a vibrant image. Beware, though. Some medical shows might have more clarity than you genuinely want! In addition, you can watch live, free TV programs or stream music.
The Fire TV lets you ask Alexa to find and play movies, weather, and sports scores. Just press the button on your remote control and ask her to play the show you want when you want it.
Then its Adaptive Sound helps regulate volume through different scenes. So, if you doze off on a Saturday afternoon, the loud chase scene won’t immediately wake you!
An attractive gaming option with this Fire TV is the access to games. You can play games just as you would stream movies. Prime members can choose from a rotating selection of free games on Amazon Luna.
Of course, there is always something annoying with just about every product made. And one of the most significant downsides to the Fire TV is that it comes with apps and notices that not every user wants. You may need to delete some apps to keep the ones you like running more smoothly.
| Screen Size | 50” |
| Resolution | 4K UHD |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Smart Features | Fire TV, Amazon, Alexa, Amazon Instant Video |
| HDR | HLG and HDR 10 |
Check out the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series on Amazon.
Best Runner-Up: Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 Series
- Regza Engine 4K (Toshiba’s high-performance 4K engine)
- PQ technology combined with a high-quality LCD panel
- 4 times the resolution of Full HD
- Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10
- DTS Virtual
Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 Series brings all your apps together on one home screen. So, choosing live TV or a streaming channel is quick and easy. It also supports HDR 10 and Dolby Vision HDR, so your TV becomes a movie-watching powerhouse.
You’ll get realism from a movie theater right in your own home. Toshiba’s 4K TV gives you four times the resolution. So, you’ll see details that you might miss on lower-resolution televisions.
Viewers find the image quality breathtaking, so be prepared to be blown away by this great TV. It’s incredible how far technology has evolved so you can have this quality at an affordable price.
The voice remote works with Alexa to quickly navigate to the content you want to watch. And, speaking of audio, Toshiba uses DTS Virtual for surround sound technology with bass and dialog enhancement. So, not only does your viewing experience look better, but it sounds better, too.
There isn’t much paper documentation with this model, so if you’re looking for a tech sheet, you’ll find it on Toshiba’s website.
| Screen Size | 43” |
| Resolution | Regza Engine 4K UHD |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Smart Features | Fire TV, Amazon, Alexa, Amazon Instant Video |
| HDR | No |
Check out the Toshiba 43-inch Class C350 Series on Amazon.
Best Smart Functionality: SAMSUNG 32-inch Class LED
- Full HD 1080p 2K resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Quad-core processor
- Two HDMI inputs
Samsung makes a great-quality budget TV under $300. You’ll appreciate that the 32-inch class of Samsung models like SAMSUNG 32-inch Class LED has a super-intuitive user panel. So, navigation is easy and functional.
You can easily use the included smart functionality without navigation frustration. The quad-core processor helps you browse faster when switching between media content. As a result, it lets you quickly go from one streaming app to another without lag time.
The Samsung also has micro-dimming capabilities, which enhance contrast to give you a more authentic viewing experience. In addition, the LED screen has full HD (FHD) resolution, so you’ll get bright colors. Not only can you navigate to Netflix quickly, but your show will look great while you’re watching it.
The only thing to dislike is that this TV is not Bluetooth adaptable, and there’s no audio output, so you have to use the TV’s sound system without an added soundbar.
| Screen Size | 32” |
| Resolution | 1080P |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Smart Features | Web OS, Alexa, Google, Amazon Instant Video, SmartThings App |
| HDR | No |
Check out the SAMSUNG 32-inch Class LED on Amazon.
Best TV Under $300 for Watching Sports: Hisense A6 Series
- 4K ultra high definition
- Google TV
- Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10
- Game Mode Plus (60 Hz panel, variable refresh rate, and auto low latency mode)
This Google TV, Hisense A6 Series, lets you watch your favorite shows across many streaming platforms. So, you’ll never miss a football game. The voice-activated remote helps you quickly find what you want to watch, so there’s no more scrolling to find the right channel.
When you turn on Sports Mode, the motion looks smoother. And in Game Mode, the Hisense A6 Series is very responsive. Watching sports and playing games are both things this TV does well.
An additional built-in Chromecast lets you watch content from your phone, laptop, or tablet on your TV. So, gather your friends for a TikTok watch party! It’s easy to share from your phone to your TV in seconds.
| Screen Size | 50” |
| Resolution | 4K UHD |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Smart Features | Google TV, Chromecast, Sports Mode, Game Mode |
| HDR | Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 |
Check out the Hisense A6 Series on Amazon.
Best Picture: VIZIO 40-inch D-Series
- 1080p high definition
- Full Array LED backlight
- IQ Picture Processor
- V-Gaming Engine
- SmartCast (intuitive navigation)
You’ll find two Vizio models on this list of best TVs under $300. And that’s because they’re great TVs at affordable prices. This larger VIZIO 40-inch D-Series is best suited for a living room, while the smaller version is perfect for a child’s room or office.
The color and brightness on Vizio’s screens make them great for live-action sports shows and movies. In addition, we love the picture on this TV. It’s clear, crisp, and precisely what you want from an entry-level television option.
The Vizio is a great smart TV for casting from another device. Use built-in Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast for easy access to popular streaming services and apps, making it perfect for any home entertainment setup.
Overall, the Vizio D-series TV offers a high-quality viewing experience at an affordable price point. The only thing you don’t get is a voice-activated remote control.
| Screen Size | 40” |
| Resolution | Full HD |
| Refresh Rate | Variable 40 – 60 Hz |
| Smart Features | Apple Airplay 2, Chromecast |
| HDR | No |
Check out the VIZIO 40-inch D-Series on Amazon.
Best for a Child’s Room: VIZIO 24-inch D-Series
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Faster navigation and quicker load times
- Automatically optimizes picture mode for gaming
- Supports Wi-Fi
VIZIO 24-inch D-Series is virtually the same as its big brother. You’ll find the same connectivity options and Full Array LED backlight design. So, viewers experience uniform light across the screen with superior picture performance.
Your child will love having this television, and parents appreciate reserving the big screen for adult movies and shows. The easy-to-navigate screens make this a suitable choice for young children. They’ll easily find the cartoons they love without asking for help.
The smaller screen is still easily viewable from across the room, so if your child uses this TV for gaming, they won’t strain their eyes.
| Screen Size | 24” |
| Resolution | Full HD |
| Refresh Rate | Variable 40 – 60 Hz |
| Smart Features | Apple Airplay 2, Chromecast |
| HDR | No |
Check out the VIZIO 24-inch D-Series on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best TVs Under $300: Step by Step
When choosing the best TV under $300, there are five main considerations (after price) for most buyers.
- Screen Size
- Image Resolution
- Refresh Rate
- Smart Features
- High Dynamic Range (HDR)
Let’s review each feature in more detail.
Screen Size
The size of a TV screen is an essential factor to consider when purchasing because it affects the viewing experience. Larger screen sizes can enhance your immersive experience, making watching movies and TV shows more enjoyable.
In addition, a larger screen size can make it easier to see small details in the image, such as text or fine landscape details. However, some TVs may lose resolution on larger screens. So, the best screen size ultimately depends on the viewing distance and room size.
Image Resolution
The image resolution of a TV is another important factor as it affects the overall picture quality. Higher resolution TVs, such as 4K, offer more detail and clarity in the image, making your viewing more lifelike.
TVs with lower resolutions, such as 720p or 1080p, may have a less sharp image and less detail. But that doesn’t mean they’re a terrible choice. The resolution alone does not determine the overall picture quality, as factors such as the TV’s panel type, color accuracy, and contrast ratio also play a role.
Refresh Rate
The TV’s refresh rate makes a difference for viewers who plan to watch sports or play games. A higher refresh rate gives a smoother and more fluid image, reducing motion blur and making fast-paced action easier to follow.
For sports fans, a higher refresh rate can provide a more lifelike experience, making it feel like they are there. Maybe not in the front row, but at least close to the field!
Gamers may also benefit from a higher refresh rate as it can provide a more responsive playing experience, allowing them to react quickly to on-screen actions.
Smart Features
One important smart feature to look for is the TV’s operating system, which will determine what apps and streaming services are available. Voice control is another useful feature if you want to control your TV using voice commands.
Additionally, a TV with built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity can make connecting to other devices like smartphones or speakers easier. Finally, a TV with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-navigate menus can make finding and accessing your desired viewing content simpler.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a feature in modern TVs that enhances picture quality by providing a fuller range of brightness and color.
With HDR, darker areas of the image appear deeper and more detailed, while brighter regions appear more vibrant and vivid. This feature allows TVs to display a broader range of colors, from bright highlights to deep shadows, resulting in a realistic-looking image.
HDR content is becoming increasingly available from streaming services, and many newer TVs support multiple HDR formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG, even in TVs under $300.
What to Know Before Buying TVs Under $300
When considering TVs under $300, some essential specs include screen size, resolution, and connectivity options. For example, a 32-inch screen size is a common choice in this price range, though many models offer larger screens.
Likewise, a 1080p resolution is standard for some TVs under $300, though others provide 720p or even 4K at smaller screen sizes. Connectivity options may include HDMI ports, USB ports, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Lastly, it is vital to consider the brand and user reviews to ensure good build quality and reliability.
Using TVs Under $300: What it’s Like
Using TVs under $300 can provide a decent viewing experience, but there may be some limitations to consider. These TVs often have smaller screen sizes and lower resolution than more expensive models. This can affect the image quality, with less detail and a less immersive viewing experience.
However, many TVs in this price range still offer good color accuracy and decent contrast, perfectly suitable for movie viewing and show-bingeing. It is also worth noting that many newer models in this price range offer smart features such as streaming apps and voice control, which can add value to the viewing experience.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com.
