Best TVs Under $300 for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Hisense QD7QF	delivers the best balance of size and picture quality
Best value	Hisense QD6QF	offers the most screen for your money
Best for smart features	Toshiba 43-inch Class C350	combines 4K HDR with reliable performance
Best for picture quality	TCL 50 - inch Class S5	Good value for picture-focused buyers
Also recommended	Hisense 50-Inch Class R6 Series	great for roku fans on a budget
Also recommended	Amazon Fire TV 4-Series	seamless alexa and fire tv integration
Also recommended	TCL QM6K	a steal if you catch it on sale

How we chose and tested

We evaluated TVs based on picture quality, smart platform performance, and value within the under-$300 constraint. The focus was on finding models that deliver decent 4K HDR performance without major compromises in brightness or color accuracy. Smart TV functionality, ease of use, and overall build quality were also considered.

The best TVs under $300 right now

Hisense QD7QF - Best overall

This 50-inch TV hits the sweet spot for budget buyers who want decent picture quality without sacrificing screen size. It delivers solid 4K HDR performance with good color reproduction for the price.

Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights

50-inch screen size provides good viewing area
Supports Dolby Vision for enhanced HDR content
Fire TV OS offers comprehensive streaming options
Decent brightness for rooms with ambient light
Good color accuracy for the price range

Pros

Best balance of size and picture quality in this price range
Fire TV interface is user-friendly and feature-rich
Supports modern HDR formats including Dolby Vision
Good value for a 50-inch 4K TV

Cons

Not as bright as more expensive models
Black levels won't match premium TVs
Limited viewing angles compared to higher-end options

Who it is for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a decent-sized TV with good picture quality and modern smart features.

Skip if

You need exceptional brightness for very bright rooms or want the absolute best picture quality available.

Hisense QD6QF - Best value

If you want the largest screen possible under $300, this 55-inch model delivers impressive size for the money. It makes smart compromises to hit that price point while still providing a solid viewing experience.

Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights

55-inch screen offers maximum viewing area
Fire TV OS with voice control capabilities
4K resolution with HDR support
Good value proposition for the screen size
Decent performance for everyday viewing

Pros

Largest screen size available under $300
Good value for money
Includes modern smart TV features
Suitable for larger rooms or group viewing

Cons

Picture quality takes more compromises than smaller models
Less bright than the QD7QF
Basic sound quality typical of budget TVs

Who it is for: Buyers who prioritize screen size above all else and want the biggest TV possible within budget.

Skip if

Picture quality is your top concern or you need excellent brightness.

Toshiba 43 - inch Class C350 - Best for smart features

This 43-inch model combines Toshiba's picture processing with a comprehensive smart TV platform. It offers one of the better viewing experiences in this price range with good color reproduction.

Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights

43-inch screen fits smaller spaces well
Toshiba's Regza Engine for improved picture processing
4K HDR with Dolby Vision support
Comprehensive smart TV platform
Bezel-less design for modern aesthetics

Pros

Good picture processing for the price
Supports multiple HDR formats
User-friendly smart interface
Modern design with minimal bezels

Cons

Smaller screen than some competitors
Sound quality could be better
Setup can be slightly more complex

Who it is for: Those who want reliable smart TV performance with good picture processing in a compact size.

Skip if

You need a larger screen or prioritize absolute maximum brightness.

TCL 50 - inch Class S5 - Best for picture quality

This TCL model focuses on delivering the best possible picture within the budget constraints. It combines 4K Ultra HD with smart compatibility for a seamless viewing experience.

Check Price on Amazon

Key highlights

50-inch 4K Ultra HD display
Good color reproduction for the price
Smart TV compatibility with popular apps
Decent brightness levels
Good value for picture-focused buyers

Pros

Better picture quality than many competitors
Good color accuracy
Comprehensive smart TV platform
Solid build quality

Cons

May stretch slightly above $300 at some retailers
Sound quality is average
Not as bright as more expensive models

Who it is for: Movie lovers and those who prioritize picture quality above all else within this budget.

Skip if

You need the absolute lowest price or maximum screen size.

Also Good

Hisense 50-Inch Class R6 Series - great for roku fans on a budget.
Amazon Fire TV 4-Series - seamless alexa and fire tv integration.
TCL QM6K - a steal if you catch it on sale.

How to Choose

1.Screen size vs. picture quality: Larger screens often mean more compromises in picture quality at this price point. Decide what matters more to you.
2.Smart platform preference: Different TVs come with Fire TV, Roku, or proprietary systems. Choose one that matches your existing ecosystem.
3.HDR support: Look for Dolby Vision or HDR10 support if you watch a lot of streaming content that uses these formats.
4.Room lighting: Consider how bright your room is. Budget TVs struggle in very bright environments.
5.Usage patterns: Secondary bedroom TVs have different requirements than primary living room displays.

FAQ

Can I get a good 55-inch TV under $300?

Yes, but expect significant compromises in picture quality and brightness compared to more expensive models. The Hisense QD6QF offers the best balance of size and performance at this price.

Do budget TVs support 4K and HDR?

Most modern budget TVs support 4K resolution and basic HDR formats. However, the HDR performance won't match more expensive models due to limited brightness and color range.

Which smart TV platform is best?

This depends on your preferences. Fire TV offers deep Alexa integration, Roku provides a simple interface, and Google TV offers good content discovery. All work well for basic streaming.

Are budget TVs good for gaming?

Most budget TVs have higher input lag and limited gaming features compared to gaming-focused models. They work for casual gaming but aren't ideal for competitive play.

How long do budget TVs typically last?

With proper care, budget TVs can last 5-7 years. Build quality has improved significantly, though they may not have the longevity of premium models.