Top 3 Best TVs Under $300 in 2025: Best Budget 4K Smart TVs
In 2025, finding a high-quality TV under $300 is more achievable than ever, thanks to advancements in display technology and competitive pricing on Amazon. These budget-friendly TVs offer features like 4K resolution, smart streaming platforms, and reliable performance, making them ideal for students, first-time buyers, or anyone upgrading their home entertainment on a budget. Whether you need a large screen for your living room or a compact TV for a bedroom, our top 3 picks—Hisense 55A7N, TCL 43″ 4-Series, and Insignia 43″ F30 Series—deliver exceptional value. This in-depth guide explores their features, pros, cons, and why they’re the best choices for budget-conscious shoppers. Let’s find the best TV under $300!
Why Choose a TV Under $300?
Budget TVs under $300 provide an affordable way to enjoy modern entertainment without sacrificing key features. These models often include smart platforms like Roku, Fire TV, or Google TV, offering seamless access to streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. They’re perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, or secondary spaces like kitchens or guest rooms. Despite their low price, many of these TVs boast 4K resolution, HDR support, and decent picture quality, making them a smart choice for casual viewers, gamers, and streamers alike.
What to Look for in a Budget TV
When shopping for the best TV under $300, consider these key factors to ensure you get the best value:
- Screen Size: Choose a size that fits your space—larger screens (50-55 inches) for living rooms, smaller ones (32-43 inches) for bedrooms or kitchens.
- Resolution: Opt for 4K UHD for sharper images, especially for streaming high-definition content.
- Smart Features: Look for built-in platforms like Roku, Fire TV, or Google TV for easy access to apps and streaming services.
- Connectivity: Ensure multiple HDMI ports and USB inputs for connecting gaming consoles, soundbars, or other devices.
- Picture Quality: Check for good brightness, contrast, and color accuracy to enhance your viewing experience.
- Audio: Budget TVs often have average speakers, so consider pairing with a soundbar for better sound.
1. Hisense 55A7N – Best Overall for Large Screens
The Hisense 55A7N is a top contender for the best TV under $300, especially when on sale, as noted by RTINGS.com. This 55-inch 4K UHD TV offers a large screen and robust features, making it ideal for living rooms or home theater setups. Its Google TV platform provides a user-friendly interface, and advanced features like Dolby Vision and DTS:X enhance the viewing experience make it our #1 best TV under $300!
Key Features:
- 55-inch 4K UHD LED display with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
- Google TV with Chromecast and Google Assistant built-in
- Game Mode Plus with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and low input lag
- Wide color gamut for vibrant visuals
- Multiple HDMI ports and eARC for advanced audio formats
- Price: Often under $300 on Amazon – Click Here for The Latest Deal on the Hisense 55A7N!
Performance:
The Hisense 55A7N delivers decent picture quality with good SDR brightness and reflection handling, making it suitable for moderately lit rooms. Its contrast ratio ensures deep blacks, ideal for movie nights, though HDR performance is less impactful due to limited brightness. The TV excels in upscaling low-resolution content, ensuring older shows look crisp. Gamers will appreciate the low input lag and VRR support, though it’s limited to 4K at 60Hz, not ideal for next-gen consoles requiring 120Hz.
Pros:
- Large 55-inch screen for immersive viewing
- Excellent value when on sale under $300
- Google TV offers seamless streaming and voice control
- Good color accuracy and contrast for the price
- Suitable for casual gaming with low input lag
Cons:
- HDR brightness is mediocre compared to premium models
- Not ideal for very bright rooms due to limited peak brightness
- Occasional software bugs reported in user reviews
Best For: Movie enthusiasts and families seeking a large, affordable 4K TV with smart features for living room entertainment.
2. TCL 43″ 4-Series – Best for Smart Features
The TCL 43″ 4-Series is a highly rated 4K TV, often priced around $170-$200, making it a fantastic choice for budget shoppers. As highlighted by PC Guide, its Roku TV platform is a standout, offering access to thousands of streaming channels and a user-friendly interface. This 43-inch model is perfect for bedrooms or smaller living spaces and our #2 best TV under $300. This is the same TV in Mr. Mrs. Topper’s bedroom.
Key Features:
- 43-inch 4K UHD LED display with HDR support
- Roku TV with access to Netflix, Hulu, and more
- Voice remote for easy navigation
- Three HDMI ports (including ARC) for device connectivity
- Price: Approximately $170-$200 on Amazon – Click Here for The Latest Deal!
Performance:
The TCL 43″ 4-Series delivers good picture quality for its price, with vibrant colors and decent contrast, though it lacks the advanced processing of premium TVs. The Roku platform is intuitive, allowing quick access to streaming apps and live TV. Its 60Hz refresh rate is sufficient for casual viewing but may not satisfy gamers needing smoother motion. Setup is straightforward, and the TV’s slim design adds a stylish touch to any room.
Pros:
- Roku TV provides a seamless and versatile streaming experience
- Affordable price with frequent discounts
- Good 4K picture quality for small to medium rooms
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface
Cons:
- 60Hz refresh rate limits gaming performance
- Average built-in audio, may benefit from a soundbar
- Viewing angles are narrower than premium models
Best For: Streamers and casual viewers who prioritize smart features and affordability in a mid-sized TV.
3. Insignia 43″ F30 Series – Best Value
The Insignia 43″ F30 Series is a budget-friendly 4K TV with Fire TV integration, often available for as low as $180, as noted in [Amazon reviews]. Its Alexa voice control and compatibility with Amazon’s ecosystem make it a top pick for Prime members and those seeking value. The absolute best TV for the money and our #3 best TV under $300.
Key Features:
- 43-inch 4K UHD LED display with HDR support
- Fire TV with Alexa voice remote for hands-free control
- Multiple HDMI ports and USB for connectivity
- Apple AirPlay and Fire TV app support
- Price: Around $180-$200 on Amazon – Click Here for the Latest Deal!
Performance:
The Insignia 43″ F30 Series offers solid 4K visuals with vibrant colors and decent contrast, though its brightness and viewing angles are not as strong as higher-end models. The Fire TV platform provides access to a wide range of streaming apps, and Alexa integration allows voice commands for navigation and smart home control. Its low price and reliable performance make it a favorite for budget shoppers.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable, often under $200
- Fire TV integration for seamless streaming
- Alexa voice control enhances usability
- Good picture quality for casual viewing
Cons:
- Built-in speakers are average, may need external audio
- Limited advanced features for gaming or premium viewing
- Picture quality not ideal for bright rooms
Best For: Amazon Prime members and budget shoppers looking for a reliable 4K smart TV for streaming.
Comparison Table
| TV Model | Screen Size | Resolution | Smart Platform | Price (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hisense 55A7N | 55 inches | 4K UHD | Google TV | ~$300 (on sale) | Large-screen viewing |
| TCL 43″ 4-Series | 43 inches | 4K UHD | Roku TV | ~$170-$200 | Smart streaming |
| Insignia 43″ F30 Series | 43 inches | 4K UHD | Fire TV | ~$180-$200 | Budget streaming |
How to Choose the Right TV
Room Size and Viewing Distance: For a 55-inch TV like the Hisense 55A7N, a viewing distance of 7-10 feet is ideal. The 43-inch TCL and Insignia models suit smaller spaces, with a 5-7 foot viewing distance.
Streaming Needs: If you prefer Amazon’s ecosystem, the Insignia F30 Series is a great fit. For a broader app selection, the TCL’s Roku platform or Hisense’s Google TV are excellent choices.
Gaming: The Hisense 55A7N’s VRR and low input lag make it the best for casual gaming, while the TCL and Insignia are better for non-gaming use due to their 60Hz limitation.
Budget: All three TVs are frequently discounted on Amazon, especially during events like Prime Day or Black Friday, so check for sales to maximize savings.
Tips for Buying on Amazon
- Check Reviews: Look for TVs with high ratings (4+ stars) and thousands of reviews for reliability.
- Monitor Sales: Prices fluctuate, so use Amazon’s price tracking tools or wait for major sales events.
- Verify Specs: Ensure the TV meets your needs for resolution, smart features, and connectivity.
- Consider Returns: Amazon’s return policy is generous, so check return windows for peace of mind.
Best TV Under $300 Conclusion
The top 3 best TVs under $300 in 2025—Hisense 55A7N, TCL 43″ 4-Series, and Insignia 43″ F30 Series—offer outstanding value for budget shoppers. The Hisense provides a large 55-inch 4K display for immersive viewing, the TCL excels with its Roku-powered smart features, and the Insignia delivers unbeatable affordability with Fire TV integration. Whether you’re streaming movies, gaming, or setting up a secondary TV, these models cater to diverse needs without breaking the bank. Check current prices and deals on Amazon to upgrade your home entertainment today with the best TV under $300!
To Go Along with the Best TVs under $300:
- The Top 3 Best Home Theater Systems Under $200 for 2025!
- The Top 3 Best Streaming Devices Under $50 for 2025: Affordable Entertainment on Amazon
- The Top 3 Best FREE Streaming Services for 2025: Entertainment Without the Cost!
- The Top 3 Best Streaming Services for 2025: Your Ultimate Entertainment Guide!
