The best TVs for under £300

The LG LM637B is one of the best models for picture quality at this price range, with active HDR adapting scene by scene to deliver image mastering with pinpoint picture reproduction. 

You also get decent quality software creating a surround sound effect producing virtual audio channels and four cores of processing power. LG’s webOS smart platform can be used to stream shows from the likes of Netflix, and it's compatible with LG's Magic Remote (but this is sold separately).

As a bonus, however, this TV is Alexa compatible. It doesn't have Alexa built-in, but the TV syncs with an Amazon Echo or other Alexa-controlled devices, allowing you to change channel or adjust volume with voice control.

It's finished with an attractive and sturdy two-pole stand. The minimal bezel frame enhances the viewing experience with a contemporary look. Some of the TVs at this price range look a little clunky, but not this model.  

You’re unlikely to get a 50-inch whopper for less than £300, but some TVs are just made for smaller environments anyway. Meet the RCA Roku TV 32-inch.

OK, it’s smaller — one of its bonuses, in fact: handily slim and lightweight — but it also goes big on smart technology, with built-in streaming apps including Netflix, iPlayer, Disney, TNT Sports, Apple TV, and Prime.

It all comes via the user-friendly Roku operating system, which combines with vivid LED display and eye-popping HDR technology. Dolby-powered sound rounds off an agreeable audio-visual package.

Other nice details include “triple noise reduction”, which removes annoying background noise while simultaneously refining the picture so it’s clear and vibrant. It's HD Ready — not quite Full HD — but you'll always sacrifice picture quality at this price. A near-five star rating from more than 4,000 Amazon reviewers just shows what a great little set this is for a seriously low price.

TCL has become a go-to brand for lower price TVs with higher spec aspirations. Take the TCL S5209K 40-inch, which offers Full HD, a range of smart features, and — arguably best of all — the Android operating system. And that all comes for well under £300. In fact, it could be even cheaper than you think, with regular discounts on the already low RRP.

You’ll get all the great apps that you’d expect from a good smart TV, including Netflix, Disney, Prime, YouTube — most of which are installed straight out of the box. But thanks to Android you get a whole lot more Google-specific features, such as Chromecast, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store.

As for the actual viewing experience, the LED display is bolstered by micro dimming technology and HDR, with visuals optimised frame by frame.

It doesn’t currently support the iPlayer, which might be a problem for some viewers — though streaming from Chromecast offers a workaround.

When you buy cheaper, one thing you sacrifice is the number of HDMI ports. You’ll usually find a max of two HDMI ports on a super budget TV.

But with the Sharp 32EE6K 32-inch — an Amazon exclusive — you get a bonus port, which means less fiddling around when you need to switch between consoles, Blu-ray player, speakers, streaming box, or other add-ons. This is a budget TV that allows you to settle down with your entertainment set-up. And that’s not the only reason to buy it.

The Sharp 32EE6K is small but impressive. It’s HD Ready, with Action Motion 200 technology for smooth images. It also comes with your favourite streaming apps plus Freeview Play.

If you want to go bigger there’s a 42-inch version, though it does often go out of stock. A smaller version — 24 inches — comes with a built-in DVD player.

You won’t find many 4K TVs in this price range, which makes the Toshiba 43UF3D53DB 43-inch all the more impressive. For the price, this really is an excellent option.

It has a 4K UHD resolution plus support for multiple HDR formats, including Dolby Vision. TRU Micro Dimming and TRU Resolution technology also ensure a fluid, sparky picture. The sound is also up to scratch, with Onkyo-built speakers and Dolby Atmos support.

While you may be familiar with Amazon’s Fire Stick TV — which plugs into TVs to offer a range of apps — this TV is actually powered by Fire OS. That means a built-in range of apps and channels. And with all that out-of-the-box Amazon tech, this TV has Alexa too — usually a mark of more expensive sets. Toshiba’s own Smart Portal has stacks for entertainment.

A good selection of ports will make this the centrepiece of your home cinema set-up.