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Best TVs Under $300

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

Looking for a quality television, but don’t want to break the bank? We’re comparing the best and most popular TVs for under $300 on the market below. Here we go!

Best All-Around

moderncastle-fs-table__image

TCL 50S425

This 50″ TCL TV respresents the best of both worlds (price and performance) if you’re looking for a good smart TV. It offers 4K resolution, LED backlighting, and 120 hz refresh rate, twice that of any other tv featured in this comparison. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant and comes with a Roku remote control. Check Price

Table of Contents

In previous years, purchasing a new television would have undoubtedly been one of the most expensive items in the room. In 2012, a simple 40″ LED TV would run close to $1,000.

Luckily for us, 2020 paints a different picture. Today, you can get a pretty good picture at a fraction of the cost, without sacrificing much in terms of picture quality.

We’re going to explore four good options for smart TVs under $300 to see what exactly your money will get you. Let’s get started.

Budget TV Comparison Chart

Below, we have our high-level budget TV comparisons chart for a quick side-by-side.

PRODUCT DETAILS
moderncastle-table-__imageTCL 50S425
  • Size: 50″
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Smart TV: Yes; Roku TV
Check Price
moderncastle-table-__imageInsignia NS-50DF711SE21
  • Size: 50″
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Smart TV: Yes; Amazon Fire TV
Check Price
moderncastle-table-__imageToshiba 43LF421U21
  • Size: 43″
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Smart TV: Yes; Amazon Fire TV
Check Price
moderncastle-table-__imageSamsung UN43TU8000FXZA
  • Size: 43″
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Smart TV: Yes; Built-in Alexa
Check Price

Need even more spec comparisons? We have listed our complete comparison table below with as many specs as we could find for each of the models covered here.

TCL vs. Insignia vs. Samsung vs. Toshiba

TCL 50"Insignia 50"Toshiba 43"Samsung 43"
ManufacturerTCL InsigniaToshibaSamsung
Model50S425 NS-50DF711SE21 43LF421U21UN43TU8000FXZA
Size50"50"43"43"
Actual Dimensions44.10 x 8 x 28"10.43 x 44.41 x 27.8"8 x 38.10 x 24.30"37.90 x 7.60 x 24.70"
Resolution4K4K1080p4K
ConnectionsWi-FiWi-FiWi-FiWi-Fi
Smart TVRoku TVFire TVFire TVBuilt-in Alexa
ColorBlackBlackBlackBlack
Refresh Rate120 hz60 hz60 hz60 hz
Weight23.6 pounds25.4 pounds17.0 pounds25.9 pounds
HDMI Ports3332
USB Ports1 111
Headphone Jack1111
Ethernet Port1111
Compatible with Amazon AlexaYesYesYesYes
Compatible with Google AssistantYes---
Compatible with Bixby---Yes
Display TypeLEDLEDLEDLCD
Model Year2018202020202020

TCL 50S425

The TCL 50S425 TV is a 50″ TV and the only smart Roku TV listed in this comparison.

It has 4K resolution and a 120hz refresh rate, twice the refresh rate of any other TV listed in this comparison. The Roku remote control allows easy access to apps like Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, Prime Video, etc.

TCL 50S425 budget TV review

There are also quick access icons for cable tv, local antenna tv, or a gaming console.

Here’s the specs:

  • Size: 50″ diagonal; 44.10 x 8.00 x 28.00″
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Smart TV: Yes; Roku TV
  • Refresh Rate: 120 hz
  • Weight: 23.6 lbs
  • HDMI ports: 3
TCL remote control
TCL – remote control

Insignia NS-50DF711SE21

The Insignia NS-50DF711SE21 is a 50″ Smart TV with 4K resolution and built-in Amazon Alexa.

This TV is a “Fire TC Edition” which works similarly to the TLC listed above, in terms of in-app usability and quick access to thousands of movies, TV shows, apps, and Alexa skills.

Insignia NS-50DF711SE21 budget TV review

Simply plug it in, connect the wifi, and it’s ready to go.

Here’s the specs:

  • Size: 50″ diagonal; 10.43 x 44.41 x 27.80″ actual
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Smart TV: Yes; Amazon Fire TV
  • Refresh Rate: 60 hz
  • Weight: 25.35 lbs
  • HDMI ports: 3
insignia remote control
insignia remote control

Toshiba 43LF421U21

The Toshiba 43LF421U21 smart TV is slightly smaller than the TCL and Insignia listed above and with reduced resolution—43″ diagonal dimensions and a max resolution of 1080p HD.

Toshiba 43LF421U21 budget TV review

The refresh rate (60 hz) is also a bit slower than the TCL, but still a solid option, as it falls well within the budget.

Here’s the specs:

  • Size: 43″ diagonal; 8.00 x 38.10 x 24.30″ actual
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Smart TV: Yes; Amazon Fire TV
  • Refresh Rate: 60 hz
  • Weight: 17 lbs.
  • HDMI ports: 3
Toshiba - remote control
Toshiba – remote control

Samsung UN43TU8000FXZA

The Samsung UN43TU8000FXZA TV does slightly beyond the budget range, but still felt like it was worth mentioning. This TV has 4K resolution and a 43″ diagonal size.

It comes with built-in Amazon Alexa and a 60 hz refresh rate.

Samsung UN43TU8000FXZA budget TV review

Similar to the televisions above, this Samsung also comes with a single remote that controls everything on the TV, giving you access to movies, shows, apps, etc.

Here’s the specs:

  • Size: 43″ diagonal; 37.90 x 7.60 x 24.70″ actual
  • Resolution: 4K
  • Smart TV: Yes; built-in Amazon Alexa
  • Refresh Rate: Unknown
  • Weight: 25.9 lbs
  • HDMI ports: 2
Samsung smart TV remote control
Samsung – remote control

The Final Word

Still not sure what budget TV is best for you? Ask us your questions in the comments down below. We’d be happy to help!

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.