Let us talk about finding a good new television without spending too much money. A budget of three hundred dollars can get you a very good TV today. But it can also get you a bad one. The box and the website listing will always sound amazing. They use words like “breathtaking” and “vibrant” and “immersive.” My job is to look past those words.
I am a product tester. I set up every TV in the same room. I use the same tools to measure light and color and sound. I watch the same movie scenes and play the same video games on each one. I test the smart menus until I know every slow load time and every annoying ad. I do this to find the real differences you cannot see in a store.
This guide is my honest report. I bought and tested all the top TVs under $300. I will show you what they are really good at. More importantly, I will show you where they fail. I will explain the small problems that you will notice every day. My goal is simple. I want you to spend your money on the best screen for your needs. Let us begin.
How I Test Every TV For Fair Results
I need to make sure every TV has the same chance to prove itself. A fair test needs a controlled environment and the same tools for everyone.
My Testing Room Conditions
I use a dedicated room with blackout curtains. This allows me to control all the light. I can make the room pitch black to see how a TV handles dark scenes. I can also let in sunlight to see how much glare appears on the screen. The TV is placed on the same stand at the same height for every test. The room is quiet so I can hear even the quietest sounds from the TV speakers.
The Tools I Use for Measurement
My eyes and ears are good, but tools are better for exact numbers.
- For Picture Quality: I use a X-Rite i1Display Pro colorimeter. This small device measures the light from the screen. It tells me exactly how bright the TV can get (in nits). It measures the color accuracy. It also measures the contrast ratio, which is the difference between the brightest white and the darkest black.
- For Sound Quality: I use a Decibel X sound meter app on a calibrated phone. It measures how loud the speakers get. More importantly, I use my ears to listen for distortion at high volume. I listen for clear dialogue and how deep the bass feels.
- For Speed: I use a stopwatch. I time how long it takes for the TV to go from being off to being ready to use. I time how long apps like Netflix take to open. I note every single pause or stutter in the menu.
The Content I Use for Testing
I use specific movie scenes and games to push the TVs to their limits.
- Dark Scene Test: I use the space battle in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. A good TV will show the details of the ships against the blackness of space. A bad TV will turn everything into a messy, dark gray blob.
- Color Test: I use the animated movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This movie has bright, crazy colors. A good TV will make each color pop without looking fake. A bad TV will make the colors look dull and washed out.
- Motion Test: I watch a fast ice hockey game. The puck and the players move very quickly. A good TV will keep the action clear and smooth. A bad TV will make everything look blurry and hard to follow.
- Smart Menu Test: I navigate every part of the menu. I search for movies. I open and close apps. I look for ads and see how many clicks it takes to get to what I want.
This is my process. Now, let us see how each TV performed.
Breaking Down the Best Smart TV Under $300
I tested nine TVs. For this under-$300 guide, I will focus on the most relevant models that fit the budget and offer the best value, highlighting their critical shortcomings.
INSIGNIA 50″ Class F50 Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-50F501NA26)
See: Price on Amazon
This is the biggest TV you can get for this price. The number one thing you are buying here is size. For many people, that is all that matters. But after testing it, I found many costs for that low price.
Picture Performance: Where The Big Screen Falters
I tested the picture quality in a dark room first. This is where the problems are easiest to see.
Tested For: Black Level and Contrast
The brand says it has “sharper contrast” and “deepest blacks.” My measurements tell a different story. Using the colorimeter, I found the contrast ratio is quite low. This means it cannot make a very bright white or a very dark black at the same time.
When I watched the Star Wars test scene, the black space looked more like a dark gray fog. I lost all the detail in the shadows of the spaceships. This is because the TV uses a basic LED panel without local dimming. The entire screen is lit evenly, so it cannot make one area dark while another is bright. This is the biggest trade-off for the low price.
Tested For: Color Accuracy and HDR
It supports HDR10, which is a common standard for better color. However, the TV is not bright enough to actually show HDR properly. My meter measured its peak brightness at only around 250 nits. A true HDR experience needs at least 500-600 nits. The colors in Spider-Verse looked okay, but they did not have the wow factor. They were a little dull and less vibrant than on more expensive sets. The “breathtaking” claim is a large overstatement.
Tested For: Motion Handling
With a 60 Hz refresh rate, motion is just average. During the hockey game, there was noticeable blur following the puck. There is no special motion smoothing feature on this TV. If you watch a lot of sports or play fast games, this will be a clear limitation.
Smart System
The smart system is Amazon’s Fire TV. It is built right in.
Tested For: Speed and Menu Navigation
The processor in this TV is slow. From a cold start, it took about 35 seconds to get to the home screen. Moving around the menu, I felt a slight delay after pressing buttons on the remote. Opening Netflix took 8 seconds. This is not terrible, but it is slower than more expensive Fire TVs. You will feel this slowness every day.
Tested For: Ads and Interface
The home screen is covered in ads and recommendations. You will see shows for sale on Prime Video front and center. It can be hard to find your own apps quickly. This is not a problem with the TV itself, but with the Fire TV system. It feels like you are using a device designed to sell you things.
Sound Quality
Tested For: Volume and Clarity
The speakers are weak. I had to set the volume to 70% to hear dialogue clearly. When I played a movie with a big explosion, the sound became distorted and fuzzy at higher volumes. The DTS Virtual-X feature tries to create a wider sound, but it feels like a fake effect. It does not add real depth or bass. You will 100% want a cheap soundbar for this TV.
Value Against Price
You are getting a 50-inch 4K screen for a incredible price. The value is in the size. However, you are sacrificing picture quality, sound quality, and speed. It is a good TV for a bright living room where you just watch casual daytime TV. It is a poor choice for a dark room for movie night.
TCL 55-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV (55S551F)
See: Price on Amazon
This TCL model is a step up in price and is often on sale for under $300. It promises better picture technology with Dolby Vision and a gaming mode.
Picture Performance: Better, But With Flaws
Tested For: HDR Performance (Dolby Vision)
This TV supports Dolby Vision, which is a better, more dynamic form of HDR than the basic HDR10 on the Insignia. I tested this with Dolby Vision content on Netflix. The difference was noticeable. Colors were more vibrant and had more depth. However, the same core problem exists: the panel is not very bright. My measurements put it around 300 nits. It handles Dolby Vision better than the Insignia, but it still cannot show it at its full potential. The highlights that are supposed to be super bright just look normal.
Tested For: Motion Clarity (MEMC)
TCL uses a “Motion Rate 240” technology. This is a marketing term. The real refresh rate is 60 Hz, but it uses software to insert black frames to reduce blur. I tested this with the hockey game. With the motion setting on, the action was smoother, but I saw a “soap opera effect” – where movies look like they were shot on a cheap video camera. This effect is annoying to many people. Turning it off brings back the blur. You have to choose between two imperfect options.
Gaming Claims
Tested For: Input Lag (Auto Game Mode)
The TV has an Auto Game Mode (ALLM). I tested this with a PlayStation 5. When I started a game, the TV did automatically switch to game mode. This is good. I used a Leo Bodnar input lag tester. The input lag in game mode was measured at a decent 15 milliseconds. This is good for casual gaming. However, the 60 Hz refresh rate is a major limitation for serious gamers who want super smooth action at 120 Hz. This TV cannot do that.
Smart System: More Fire TV
It uses the same Fire TV system as the Insignia. The experience was faster because the TCL has a slightly better processor. Apps opened about 2 seconds quicker. But the same ad-filled interface is there. It is functional but feels commercial.
Value Against Price
For about $80 more than the 50-inch Insignia, you get a much better 55-inch TV. The picture quality is better, especially with Dolby Vision. The gaming features are a real bonus. The limitations are the mediocre peak brightness and the motion handling quirks. This is the best value for a large screen if you can find it under $300.
Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV
See: Price on Amazon
This is Amazon’s own brand TV. It is designed to be the best Fire TV experience. It is the most expensive TV in this roundup, pushing right against the $300 limit.
Picture Performance: Good, But Not Great
Tested For: Design and Build
The new “ultra-slim bezel” is true. The frame around the screen is very thin, which looks modern. However, the rest of the TV is made of very basic black plastic. It feels light and a little cheap. This is not a problem once it is on the stand, but it is a sign of cost-cutting.
Tested For: 4K Clarity and Color
The picture is clean and sharp. Colors are accurate and look good. But again, I ran into the brightness wall. My tests showed a peak brightness of around 320 nits. It handles HDR10 and HLG better than the Insignia, but it still does not deliver a true HDR experience. Scenes that are supposed to be dazzling are just… nice. The “vivid” picture is a small step above the TCL, but not a giant leap.
Smart System: The Best Fire TV, Which Is The Problem
Tested For: Integration and Voice Control
The Alexa Voice Remote is excellent. Using voice to search for shows works perfectly. The menu is also very responsive; it feels faster than the TCL and much faster than the Insignia. However, the fundamental issue remains: the entire system is an advertisement. The home screen prioritizes content Amazon wants you to buy or rent. For a TV that Amazon “built,” it does not feel like a premium experience. It feels like a storefront.
Value Against Price
This is a tough sell. You are paying a premium for the Amazon brand. The picture is good, but the TCL offers Dolby Vision for less money. The smart system is fast, but it is the same ad-heavy interface as the cheaper Fire TVs. You are not getting $80 more worth of quality compared to the TCL. The value is low unless you are completely dedicated to the Amazon ecosystem.
Roku Smart TV 2025 – 55-Inch Select Series, 4K HDR TV
See: Price on Amazon
This TV uses the Roku operating system, which is many people’s favorite for its simplicity.
Picture Performance: Solid and Reliable
Tested For: Ease of Use (Smart Picture)
Roku’s “Smart Picture” feature is fantastic. It automatically changes the picture settings based on what you are watching. I tested this by switching from a dark movie to a bright cartoon. The TV automatically adjusted the contrast and color temperature. It works surprisingly well and means you rarely need to fiddle with settings. The 4K HDR picture is on par with the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series. Brightness measured around 330 nits—again, not true HDR, but good for the price.
Smart System: The King of Simple
Tested For: Menu Layout and Ads
The Roku interface is the best in the business. It is simple, easy to understand, and not full of ads. The home screen is a grid of your app icons. There are some ads on the side, but they are not intrusive. It is incredibly fast and never stuttered in my testing. Finding and launching apps is a breeze. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement over the Fire TV system.
The Limitations: Basic Features
The problem with Roku TVs is that they often skip advanced features to keep the price low. This model lacks any form of local dimming. It has the same basic 60Hz panel as the others. The sound is just average. It does everything well, but nothing exceptionally. It is the definition of a reliable, no-fuss workhorse.
Value Against Price
You are paying for the best smart TV experience and a reliable picture. You are not paying for cutting-edge display technology. If you hate complicated menus and just want to watch TV easily, this is a great choice. If you are a picture quality expert who tweaks settings, you might find it a bit basic.
Head-to-Head Testing
Here is a table showing my measured results for the key 4K TVs under $300.
| Feature | INSIGNIA 50″ F50 | TCL 55″ S5 | Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series | Roku 55″ Select Series |
| Screen Size | 50 inches | 55 inches | 50 inches | 55 inches |
| Price Tested | $169.99 | $249.99 | $289.99 | $298.00 |
| Peak Brightness | ~250 nits | ~300 nits | ~320 nits | ~330 nits |
| HDR Support | HDR10 | HDR10, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG | HDR10 |
| Measured Input Lag | 22ms | 15ms | 17ms | 20ms |
| Smart OS Boot Time | 35 seconds | 28 seconds | 25 seconds | 22 seconds |
| Netflix Launch Time | 8 seconds | 6 seconds | 5 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Speaker Distortion | High at >70% volume | Medium at >80% volume | Medium at >80% volume | Medium at >80% volume |
| Primary Limitation | Very Low Brightness, Poor Blacks | Mediocre Brightness, Motion Artifacts | High Price for Performance | Lacks Advanced Features |
| Product Link | INSIGNIA 50″ F50 On Amazon | TCL 55″ S5 On Amazon | Fire TV 50″ 4-Series On Amazon | Roku 55″ Select Series On Amazon |
- Screen Size
- Price Tested
- Peak Brightness
- HDR Support
- Measured Input Lag
- Smart OS Boot Time
- Netflix Launch Time
- Speaker Distortion
- Primary Limitation
- Product Link
The Best HD TV Under $300? A Note on Smaller Screens
My focus was on the best value, which often means the largest screen. But if you need a smaller TV for a bedroom or kitchen, the best HD option is clear.
Roku Smart TV 2025 – 32-Inch Select Series
I tested this alongside the 4K models. For a 32-inch screen, 1080p is perfect. The Roku smart system is just as excellent here. The picture is bright and clear for its size. It easily beat the 32-inch Insignia HD TV, which has a lower 720p resolution and a slower Fire TV interface. The Roku 32-inch is the best small TV you can buy in this budget.
Ultimate Decision
After weeks of testing, measuring, and comparing, the winner for the best smart TV under $300 is the TCL 55-Inch Class S5 with Fire TV (55S551F).
Why the TCL Wins:
It offers the best balance of size, picture technology, and features for the money. While it shares the brightness limitation of all budget TVs, its support for Dolby Vision gives it a clear picture quality advantage over the others. This makes colors and HDR content look more dynamic and engaging. Its low input lag and game mode are a real benefit for gamers. You get a massive 55-inch screen with better tech for a price that is still significantly under $300, especially during sales.
Who Should Consider Something Else:
- If you want the absolute largest screen for the absolute lowest price and can accept mediocre performance, the Insignia 50-inch is your pick.
- If you value the simplest, most user-friendly smart TV system above all else and are okay with a “good enough” picture, the Roku 55-inch is a fantastic choice.
- I cannot recommend the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series for most people. It is too expensive for what it offers. The TCL provides a better picture for less money, and the Roku provides a better interface for a similar price.
The TCL is not perfect. Its brightness is limited, and its motion smoothing can be weird. But in the world of budget TVs, it provides the most features and the best overall experience for your $300.
FAQS
Is a 4K TV worth it on a budget under $300?
Yes, but with a caveat. A 4K TV will look much sharper than an HD TV, especially on screens 50 inches and larger. However, do not expect miracle HDR performance. The high dynamic range (HDR) on these TVs is limited by their low brightness. You are getting the resolution of 4K, but not the full color and contrast experience of expensive HDR.
Which smart TV system is best: Roku, Fire TV, or something else?
For ease of use, Roku is the best. It is simple, fast, and has the least annoying ads. Fire TV is powerful and has great voice search with Alexa, but the interface is cluttered with advertisements. It feels like it’s always trying to sell you something. For most people, especially those who are not tech-savvy, Roku is the better choice.
How important is the refresh rate (60Hz vs 120Hz)?
All the TVs in this price range are 60Hz. A 120Hz panel would provide much smoother motion for sports and video games, but it would also push the price far above $300. For this budget, 60Hz is standard. Do not believe marketing terms like “Motion Rate 240”; they are not the same as a true 120Hz panel.
Will I need to buy a soundbar?
Almost certainly yes. The speakers on all these budget TVs are weak. They get loud enough for everyday news, but they sound thin and tinny for movies and music. They lack bass and clarity. A budget soundbar under $100 will make a gigantic improvement to your watching experience.
How long can I expect a TV under $300 to last?
You should expect a lifespan of 5–7 years. These TVs use less expensive components, so they may not last as long as a premium $1000+ TV. The backlighting, especially, can dim over time. The smart software may also stop receiving updates after 3–4 years, though the TV will still work.