Today‘s bargain TVs offer great bang for your buck. Large, vibrant screens…robust smart platforms…and rich HD or even 4K resolution now come wrapped in attractive packages at wallet-friendly prices.
But buying a TV for under $300 does require some savvy to extract maximum value. You want the biggest screen possible with solid performance that fits how you actually watch movies and shows day-to-day. This guide will help match you with just that!
Below I break down the key factors to consider when shopping sub-$300 televisions in 2023. I‘ll also showcase this year‘s top-rated models across screen sizes and feature sets to suit different needs – from streaming to gaming to room flexibility.
Let‘s cut through marketing hyperbole to find the perfect TV that doesn‘t cut quality while fitting within a limited budget. I‘ve crunched specs, customer reviews and my own expert testing data to uncover the most compelling displays worth showcasing in your home.
Quick Picks: Best Cheap TVs Under $300 This Year
Overall Best Performer: Insignia 24-inch Smart HD TV
Delivers sharp visuals and Fire TV‘s robust smart platform in a compact, affordable package.
🛒 View Latest Price for Insignia 24" Fire TV
Best Big Screen Value: TCL 40S330 1080p Roku Smart LED TV
40-inch panel wrapped in Roku‘s intuitive streaming software at a reasonable price.
🛒 View TCL 40" Smart Roku TV Pricing
Most Feature-Packed: Amazon Fire TV 50" 4-Series
Vibrant 4K Ultra HD resolution meets Alexa voice controls with this solid smart television.
But before grabbing any television, let‘s explore what capabilities and criteria matter most when Wanting strong performance on a budget…
Key Buying Considerations for Cheap TVs Under $300
While flagship TV models understandably garner lots of acclaim for their cutting-edge display technologies and premium construction, bargain-priced televisions have quietly been beefing up their capabilities as well.
Benefitting from trickle-down improvements, today‘s most affordable TVs manage to squeeze out some pretty impressive specifications. Reviewing general capability targets will help assess models that balance performance and price when shopping under $300.
A Good Screen Size for the Money
Television screen sizes keep expanding over time even as prices decline in general. When looking at cheap TVs costing less than $300 in 2023, ideal display diagonals typically fall into these buckets:
- 24 to 32 inches – Best suited for smaller rooms, tight spaces, kitchens, dorms and offices
- 40 to 43 inches – The sweet spot for most living rooms and common household spaces
- 50+ inches – Maximize big screen real estate for dedicated home theaters
Consider viewing distance and room layout along with personal preference when deciding on display size. Under $300 affords quality 32 inch, 40 inch and 43 inch models quite easily these days.
Display Resolution Options
Screen resolution determines how sharp and detailed television images appear based on pixel density across a fixed display size. As resolutions climb, screen images gain fidelity and clarity.
Here are typical resolutions found on sub-$300 TVs:
- 720p HD – The minimum resolution for HD content, fine for smaller TVs under 30 inches
- 1080p FHD – The new standard resolution even among most affordable TVs today
- 4K UHD – Lower-priced 4K TVs now fall into this budget, benefiting larger screens
While 4K boasts superior crispness compared to 1080p, even budget 1080p screens manage excellent image quality with today‘s video processing. Solid deal hunting can net you HD or even entry-level 4K now under $300.
Refresh Rate for Smooth Motion
A television‘s refresh rate determines how smoothly fast motion like sports and action movies appear. Higher refresh rates reduce motion blur.
Most bargain TVs under $300 have 60Hz refresh rates, which sufficiently handles discerning viewing needs for most people. Serious gamers may want to consider upgrading to 120Hz+ models instead for PC and console gaming.
But 60Hz avoids headaches if your main goal is keeping streaming and TV costs low. Today‘s video processing helps mask any perceptible judder.
Critical Connectivity to Expand Functionality
Even budget-conscious television shoppers need assurance their new TV can interface with external devices. Ensure any television offers at least:
- 2-3 HDMI ports – For set-top boxes, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles
- 1 USB port – To playback personal media files
- WiFi – For smart platform connectivity
- HDMI ARC – Simplifies connecting soundbars for audio boost
Some models even integrate casting technologies like Chromecast for beaming smartphone videos and music to your big screen. Prioritizing models with essential ports prevents upgrade headaches.
assure strong smart platform integration
Smart TV platforms transform even affordable displays into streaming content powerhouses. Ensure your sub-$300 television includes built-in apps for:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Hulu
- Prime Video
- Youtube
Top platforms like Fire TV, LG webOS and Roku TV offer super simplified navigation of core streaming services. Compared to using external devices like tablets or sticks, smart TV integration looks and functions far cleaner.
Weigh any high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities
High Dynamic Range (HDR) refers to enhanced television brightness, contrast and color that boosts picture realism. Most top-tier TVs offer HDR support.
While less common sub-$300, some budget models integrate HDR for amplified vibrance during movies, shows and gaming. Key formats to look for include:
- HDR10 – Most universally supported
- HLG – For HDR-enhanced television broadcasts
- Dolby Vision – Advanced format mastered scene-by-scene
Any sort of HDR boosts cheap LED TV quality. But strong image processing still satisfies without it.
The 6 Best TVs Under $300 for 2023
Equipped with insight on critical considerations when buying a budget TV, let‘s examine prime models that balance performance, features and value this year based on customer experiences and hands-on testing.
For each television, I summarize standout qualities and provide direct links to view latest pricing and versions available. Let‘s unlock big screen enjoyment without big expense!
1. Best Overall: Insignia 24-inch Smart HD TV
Screen Size: 24 inches
Resolution: 720p
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Smart Platform: Fire TV
Ports: 2 HDMI, USB
Pros:
- Crisp 720p resolution
- Vibrant image with good contrast
- Fire TV built-in for easy streaming
- Voice remote with Alexa
Cons:
- Limited to 2 HDMI ports
- Smallish 24-inch screen
Summary: With sharp 720p resolution on a compact LED panel, Insignia‘s 24-inch Fire TV Edition provides pleasing images that outperform its tiny price. One-touch access to Netflix, Prime Video and more also impresses courtesy of the Fire TV platform. An HDMI ARC port easily interfaces soundbars to round out your setup. For the money, this little Insignia overdelivers.
🛒 View Latest Price for Insignia 24" Fire TV
2. Best Big Screen Value: TCL 40S330 1080p Roku Smart LED TV
Screen Size: 40 inches
Resolution: 1080p
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Smart Platform: Roku TV
Ports: 3 HDMI, USB
Pros:
- Huge 40" screen for the money
- Built-in Roku smart platform
- Direct LED backlight with uniform brightness
- 3 HDMI inputs for devices
- Extremely affordable
Cons:
- No HDR support
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
Summary: It‘s tough finding this much screen real estate for so little cash. But TCL‘s 40-inch set delivers with strong 1080p picture quality paired with the lush Roku TV ecosystem for endless entertainment options. For times you don‘t stream, the LED panel renders vivid detail and contrast too. If you want an extra-large display without paying extra, TCL has your back.
🛒 View TCL 40" Smart Roku TV Pricing
3. Most Feature-Packed: Amazon Fire TV 50" 4-Series
Screen Size: 50 inches
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Smart Platform: Fire TV
Ports: 3 HDMI, USB
Pros:
- Beautiful 4K resolution
- High Dynamic Range support
- Bright, colorful images
- Built-in Fire TV streaming
- Voice remote with Alexa
Cons:
- Only 3 HDMI ports
- 60Hz refresh rate
Summary: Amazon‘s Fire TV can output true-to-life 4K resolution at a price way under $300 with this 2023 model. Completing the visual feats, HDR support elicits striking colors and rich contrast too. Of course Fire TV integration means your favorite streaming apps are front-and-center. For buyers wanting to upgrade to 4K without upgrading budgets, this capable 43-inch Amazon TV warrants a look.
4. Best 1080p Picture: VIZIO D-Series 40” Smart TV
Screen Size: 40 inches
Resolution: 1080p Full HD
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Smart Platform: SmartCast
Ports: 2 HDMI, USB
Pros:
- Beautiful 1080p resolution
- Vivid colors and deep blacks
- Smooth, clear picture
- SmartCast streaming platform
- Affordably priced
Cons:
- No HDR support
- Only 60hz refresh rate
Summary: It‘s easy to forgive missing bells and whistles when images pop this beautifully. VIZIO‘s D-Series 40-inch set renders crisp, true-to-life 1080p resolution no matter what you watch. The SmartCast platform also streams top apps and supports mobile casting features that cost extra elsewhere. If you desire excellent HD viewing quality for not much green, this VIZIO over delivers.
5. Best Portable Performer: Axess TV1704-32 LED HD TV
Screen Size: 32 inches
Resolution: 720p HD
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Smart Platform: None
Ports: 2 HDMI, 1 USB, 1 AV-in
Pros:
- Amazingly slim and lightweight
- Built-in carry handle
- Sharp 720p HD resolution
- AC and DC power options
- Very affordable
Cons:
- No smart streaming features
- Only 2 HDMI ports
Summary: Road trips, camping in the RV, bedroom binging – this incredibly portable Axess LED TV transforms viewing on the go. Its slim form factor and carry handle allows grabbing entertainment anywhere easily. An AV input expands device connectivity, while the crisp 1366×768 resolution looks great head-on. For just over $100, this lightweight Axess TV excels as a “anywhere” display.
See Axess 32" TV Current Pricing
6. Best Office Display: Proscenic 22” 1080p Monitor
Screen Size: 22 inches
Resolution: 1080p Full HD
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Smart Platform: None
Ports: 2 HDMI, 1 VGA, AV-in, Headphone Out
Pros:
- Space-saving 22” size
- True 1080p resolution
- TV tuner built-in
- Extensive connectivity
- Tailored for desktop use
Cons:
- Small screen limits immersive viewing
- No smart streaming features
Summary: Combining a PC monitor form factor with TV tuning capabilities, this 22-inch Proscenic display serves double duty on your desk. Crisp native 1080p resolution looks amazing up close while letting you catch local broadcasts via the tuner. Extensive inputs like VGA even link old and new devices seamlessly. For office folks wanting a single screen for productivity and viewing for under $130, this Proscenic perfectly fits the bill.
See Proscenic 22" Current Deal
Final Thoughts
Even with limited budgets, television buyers need not sacrifice performance, features or screen size these days. Impressive technological advancements continue permeating even wallet-friendly models under $300.
Focus your search by prioritizing needed screen sizes, critical connectivity ports, picture resolution targets and smart streaming platform support. Top-rated options highlighted here indicate securing solid cheap TVs in 2023 remains viable for virtually any buyer.
Overall I hope this guide helped unwind key decision points when choosing a television under $300 this year. Let me know if you have any other questions when shopping! I‘m happy to offer personal suggestions to make your buying choice smooth and assured.
