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
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 PriceTable of Contents
- Budget TV Comparison Chart
- TCL 50S425
- Insignia NS-50DF711SE21
- Toshiba 43LF421U21
- Samsung UN43TU8000FXZA
- The Final Word
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| TCL 50S425 |
| Check Price |
 | Insignia NS-50DF711SE21 |
| Check Price |
 | Toshiba 43LF421U21 |
| Check Price |
 | Samsung UN43TU8000FXZA |
| 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" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | TCL | Insignia | Toshiba | Samsung |
| Model | 50S425 | NS-50DF711SE21 | 43LF421U21 | UN43TU8000FXZA |
| Size | 50" | 50" | 43" | 43" |
| Actual Dimensions | 44.10 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" |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K | 1080p | 4K |
| Connections | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Smart TV | Roku TV | Fire TV | Fire TV | Built-in Alexa |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black |
| Refresh Rate | 120 hz | 60 hz | 60 hz | 60 hz |
| Weight | 23.6 pounds | 25.4 pounds | 17.0 pounds | 25.9 pounds |
| HDMI Ports | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| USB Ports | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Headphone Jack | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Ethernet Port | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Compatible with Amazon Alexa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with Google Assistant | Yes | - | - | - |
| Compatible with Bixby | - | - | - | Yes |
| Display Type | LED | LED | LED | LCD |
| Model Year | 2018 | 2020 | 2020 | 2020 |
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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!