A TV is the centrepiece of most living areas — not only a source of constant entertainment, but the thing that all your furniture is pointed towards — so it’s vital that you get it right. Even when you’re shopping on a budget.
The great thing about modern tech is that when you are shopping on a budget, there’s a surprising number of features that you can get for your money. 21st Century TVs can do much more than just tune into a couple of channels.
If you need some help choosing a TV, we’ve trawled the internet to find a selection of the best models. We have information on the best 4K TVs, TVs for gaming, and TVs for under £500. We wouldn’t want budget shoppers to feel left out though, so here’s a quick guide to buying a cheap TV, along with some of the very best models.
How much do budget TVs cost?
As you can see, we’ve kept it to £300 or below. Indeed, there’s lots of talk about huge, mega-resolution smart TVs — eye-popping 4K sets and eye-watering prices — but it’s perfectly possible to get a good television set for a few hundred pounds. In some cases around the £150 mark. It’s worth remembering that if you’re not fussy about having the very latest model, you’ll find that more expensive models from the last few years are now marked down to a more agreeable price.
Do budget TVs offer smart features?
Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean lacking in quality. Because some of these models even offer impressive features like Ultra HD image resolution and HDR support. Enormous QLED TVs are obviously not going to make this list but you can still find real quality, if you know where to look. All the TVs featured in this roundup have smart platforms that offer a selection of streaming apps as well access to free-to-view channels. You’ll also find features such as Alexa compatibility, gaming modes, and audio technology.
What is HDR?
This is a common selling point in modern TVs, so it’s worth knowing about — especially if you’re particular about having the best quality image. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. This essentially means a wider gamut of colours and shades of light and dark. It produces more vivid, nuanced colours — deeper, richer, and more detailed. There are different HDR formats — notably Dolby Vision and HDR10 — and you’ll find that certain TVs support certain formats (or both).
Can you get 4K for under £300?
In years gone by, most TVs at this price range were either HD Ready (720p) or Full HD (1080p), but that seems to be changing. It’s relatively easy to find 4K in the budget price range now, as you can see from the selection below.
Can you watch streaming apps on a cheap TV?
Streaming apps are a feature of smart platforms, which you’ll find on all of the TVs we’ve selected. You’ll be able to watch the likes of Netflix, Disney, and iPlayer — though you need a subscription in some cases and an internet connection, of course. You can watch live digital channels through platforms such as Freeview Play and Freely, which may also be included on budget TVs.
What is the best TV for under £300?
We have painstakingly checked out everything on offer at this price range to bring you a selection of your best options. Whether you want something for your spare room, university halls, or home office, there will be something for you in this list. We’ve done the hard work so you can focus on the more important details, like where the TV is going to live in your room and what you’re going to sit on. You know, all the fun stuff.
These are the best TVs for under £300 in 2025.
