A new TV is a great tech upgrade for your home but they are often one of the most expensive you can make, potentially more than your car. If you have a limited budget there’s good news, as 4K smart TVs are readily available for under $500/£500 and we’ve tested a wide range of cheap options.
Technology in this market can be confusing – there’s a lot more to TV specs than the resolution and screen size.
What you will be getting here is a 4K (Ultra HD) resolution and likely HDR support in one form or another. There will inevitably be sacrifices to make but often only things tech-savvy users will notice. Read our in-depth buying advice below the chart if you need more information on what to look for.
What you consider to be ‘cheap’ depends on various things, but we’re aiming for the best TVs under $500/£500 here – although we may include some that go slightly over that cap if they are particularly good. Also bear in mind that larger sizes cost more so it may only be smaller options that typically come in under the threshold – often 50in will be the biggest.
We have a chart of the best smart TVs if you do have a little more to spend. Find the best Samsung TV or LG TV or Sony TV for you in our buying guide. The budget TV market has never been so good so you’ll be sure to find a cheap set that’s right for you from the selection below, all tested by our experts.
Best Budget TVs 2023
1. Toshiba UF3D – Best Overall
![Toshiba UF3D - Best Overall](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Toshiba-UF3D-review.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Irresistible price tag
- Content-rich Fire TV smart platform
- Freeview Play
- Dolby Vision
Cons
- Generic design
- A bit slow in use
Price When Reviewed:
Unavailable in the US
If bang for your buck is what you’re after then the Toshiba UF3D is hard to beat with its eye-catching price, even if the design isn’t also eye-catching.
It’s cheaper than Amazon’s own 4-Series model and yet comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos which you won’t find on Amazon’s. Both are welcome and mean you can get an Atmos-enabled soundbar to use with the TV for spacious audio.
The UF3D comes with Fire TV and Freeview Play giving you plenty of options for entertainment and it does this via a reassuringly sharp image. Just don’t expect the most dynamic HDR performance or the deepest blacks but that’s fine at this price, it’s still a budget winner.
Read our full
Toshiba UF3D review
2. TCL RC630K – Best Cheap QLED TV
![TCL RC630K - Best Cheap QLED TV](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TCL-RC630K-03.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Bright, impressive 4K QLED display
- Smooth Roku software
- Excellent HDR support
- Fantastic value
Cons
- ITV and Channel 4 apps lack live TV
- No voice controls in the remote
Price When Reviewed:
Not available in the US
TCL has once again provided us with another budget corker.
The RC630K offers much better specs than you’d reasonably expect at this price point, especially on sizes 50in and larger. The headline combination of a QLED screen and built-in Roku software make it a winner.
There’s also Freeview Play, no less than four HDMI ports and solid HDR support to boot. About the only thing missing, and understandably, is 120Hz for next-gen consoles.
Read our full
TCL RC630K review
3. Sharp FN2 Series – Best Value Android TV
![Sharp FN2 Series - Best Value Android TV](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Sharp-FN2-Series-TV-review.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Great value
- Android TV built-in
- Dolby Vision HDR
- Harman Kardon sound system
Cons
- Lackluster input lag
- Limited HDR brightness
- No 120Hz support
Price When Reviewed:
Price TBC
Those looking for an Android powered TV in large sizes without straying into costly sums of money should consider this model from Sharp.
Even the largest 65in panel size comes in at just over our typical budget price cap of £500 with smaller models incredibly affordable. Either way, it’s a plain yet stylish set.
It’s not a good choice for gaming but you get a lot for your money with a razor-sharp 4K image and a subjectively high average picture level. There’s plenty of streaming options and a cinematic experience with Dolby Vision despite a limited peak HDR brightness.
There’s also above average sound thanks to the Harman Kardon designed system with Dolby Atmos support.
Read our full
Sharp FN2 Series review
4. Samsung The Frame (2023) – Best Lifestyle Design
![Samsung The Frame (2023) - Best Lifestyle Design](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The-Frame-2023-living-room.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Customisable art frame bezel
- Bright QLED picture with matt finish
- Tizen smart platform
- Large range of sizes
Cons
- One Connect box won’t suit everyone
- No Dolby Vision
Price When Reviewed:
From $599 | Model reviewed $1,499
It might be very similar to last year’s model and, in fact, identical in various ways, but The Frame is once again a hugely desirable lifestyle TV from Samsung.
Of course, we are recommending the smallest model here to fit with the budget nature of this chart so you’ll be getting a 32in model with a Full HD resolution.
Even without 4K, it’s an excellent QLED TV and perfect for places like the kitchen or bedroom. The wall-mountable design is gorgeous with the interchangeable bezel, matt screen and Art Mode for when the TV isn’t in use.
There’s plenty of streaming options, two great remotes – one of which is solar powered – and the 2023 model improves on energy consumption keeping your bills down and being more environmentally friendly.
Just keep an eye out for deals on The Frame (2022) since it is so similar and you should be able to find it with tempting discounts.
Read our full
Samsung The Frame (2023) review
5. Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED – Best for Alexa Users
![Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED - Best for Alexa Users](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Amazon-omni-qled-Abient-Experience.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Good HDR picture quality
- Hands-free Alexa
- Fire TV interface
Cons
- Short warranty as standard
- Only one HDMI 2.1 port
- Only 60Hz panel
Price When Reviewed:
From $449.99 | Model reviewed $799.99
It’s better value in the US thanks to high UK pricing but the Fire TV Omni series is worth a look if you can afford it and 43in is a large enough panel size.
There are plenty of affordable QLED rivals from the likes of Hisense and TCL, but the cheaper models don’t have features such as ambient light sensors for HDR10+ Adaptive, and you normally don’t get the luxury of four HDMI inputs.
Only one of those ports is HDMI 2.1 but that’s something of a moot point since the Omni doesn’t offer a 120Hz for silky smooth next-gen gaming. Still, it offers up solid HDR picture quality which can’t be said of many budget sets.
The choice of cheaper QLED TVs that come with Amazon’s Fire TV operating system are much thinner on the ground and don’t have hands-free Alexa or Ambient Experience. That means the Omni QLED is the premium choice for die-hard Alexa fans, but if you can live with Roku or another interface, your choice opens up greatly.
Read our full
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED review
6. Amazon Fire TV 4-Series – Affordable Fire TV with Alexa
![Amazon Fire TV 4-Series - Affordable Fire TV with Alexa](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Amazon-2-series-4-series-omni-qled-launch-uk.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Fire TV interface with Alexa
- Four HDMI inputs
- AirPlay support
Cons
- Limited viewing angles
- Not very bright
- Short warranty
Price When Reviewed:
From $369.99 | Model reviewed $519.99
If you can’t afford Amazon’s QLED Omni model, the 4-Series of Fire TV will still make for a solid budget buy with sizes up to 55in.
Prices in the UK aren’t particularly competitive but Amazon will regularly discount these TVs and that’s when you can get good value.
Amazon’s popular Fire TV operating system is baked in so you don’t need to get a Stick or Cube making it very convenient. There’s also plenty of HDMI ports and Alexa as well, as long as you don’t mind the digital assistant not being hands-free.
Where the Fire TV 4-Series won’t do well is in brightly lit rooms with its mediocre peak brightness and lack of ambient light sensor found on the Omni model.
Read our full
Amazon Fire TV 4-Series review
7. Philips The One 2023 – Best 120Hz Budget TV
![Philips The One 2023 - Best 120Hz Budget TV](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/puff-1.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Great picture quality
- Smart swivel stand
- Powerful speakers
- Ambilight
Cons
- Colours could be better
- Changing settings is cumbersome
Available at the upper-end of the price range for a cheap TV, if you’re ok with a 43in model, The One from Philips pretty much does what is says on the tin. That is, provide everything you need in one purchase without breaking the bank.
You get about the best quality picture you can expect without paying more money with a 4K Ultra HD resolution, IPS LED panel and even a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming.
The design is much prettier than most budget TVs and the swivel stand could be a real boon to some users. Sound isn’t forgotten about either, as it normally is for cheap sets, with more power than previous generations.
Capping things off nicely is the Android TV OS, bringing you a range of streaming options and other useful features. And let’s not forget Philips’ ace up the sleeve, three-sided Ambilight LEDs on the back for an immersive viewing experience.
Read our full
Philips The One 2023 (PUS8808/12) review
8. JVC Roku TV (CR330) – Super Budget Streamer
![JVC Roku TV (CR330) - Super Budget Streamer](https://b2c-contenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/JVC-Roku-TV-Review-FRONT.jpg?quality=50&strip=all)
Pros
- Good price
- Roku TV OS built-in
- Good selection of ports
- Thin bezel
Cons
- Terrible sound
- Poor viewing angles
Price When Reviewed:
Unavailable in the US
If you’re looking for just about the cheapest smart TV around then the JVC CR330 is one to consider.
It’s available at rock-bottom prices and has a sleeker design than you might expect for this kind of money as well as an above-average selection of ports including three HDMI ports with one supporting ARC (audio return channel). That may well be needed due to the poor built-in speakers.
Available in 40- and 43-inch sizes, the CR330 is suited to smaller spaces. The limited viewing angles mean it’s best placed somewhere like a bedroom where you’ll be looking at it directly.
If the downsides don’t matter too much for your requirements then the TV is excellent value and built-in Roku software provides endless streaming possibilities.
Read our full
JVC Roku TV (CR330) review
9. TCL C715K – QLED on a Budget
![TCL C715K - QLED on a Budget](https://images.techadvisor.com/cmsdata/slideshow/3798580/tcl_c715k_4k_hdr_tv_review.jpg)
Pros
- QLED panel
- Wide HDR support
- Android TV & Freeview Play
Cons
- Sluggish interface
- Three HDMI ports
Price When Reviewed:
Unavailable
This is the best set we’ve seen from TCL to date, largely thanks to its inclusion of QLED tech for such an affordable price.
There are plenty of other good things going on, too, such as wide HDR support, the inclusion of Freeview Play and the excellent Android TV operating system. It’s pretty stylish to boot.
The C715K isn’t flawless though and the price means something had to give. In this case, it’s namely being limited to three HDMI ports and sluggish performance when using the interface.
There’s tough competition at this price point so rivals from the likes of Hisense and JVC can offer a more well-rounded experience.
Read our full
TCL C715K review
10. Toshiba WK3C – Best for Small Sizes
![Toshiba WK3C - Best for Small Sizes](https://images.techadvisor.com/cmsdata/slideshow/3798580/toshiba_wk3c_review.jpg)
Pros
- Very cheap
- Small sizes
- Freeview Play & apps
Cons
- Only 720p
- Poor sound
- Low brightness
Price When Reviewed:
Unavailable in the US
It might be limited to 720p resolution, but the WK3D isn’t vying for a spot in the main living room.
Instead, this telly is a great option for those looking for a screen in the kitchen, bedroom or somewhere like a kid’s playroom – albeit without built-in Disney+ support for the little ones. It’s extremely affordable and comes in sizes as 24in.
Limited brightness means the inclusion of HDR is somewhat undermined but there’s a reasonable amount of streaming apps along with Freeview Play and the TV can even function as a Bluetooth speaker.
Read our full
Toshiba WK3C review
How to choose a budget TV
As mentioned at the top, cheap TVs are better than ever but you will still be missing out on some features and quality compared to more expensive models. Even if the manufacturer or retailer can make it appear not to be the case.
4K and HDR
All the TVs tested here are 4K (aka Ultra HD or UHD) that’s four times the resolution of Full HD and if you’re looking at buying a TV with the latter then something has gone wrong.
Getting a cheap TV with this resolution is the norm but not all 4K TVs are created equal.
They tend to offer lower brightness and typically don’t have local dimming (this means the TV can dim small areas of the panel to make blacks darker). Or if they do, there are not as many zones as high-end models.
Lower brightness means HDR performance is limited as a good backlight is needed. Also, be careful about HDR standards as there a quite a few: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision and HGL are the most common.
Dolby Vision is favoured by Netflix while HDR10+ is supported by Amazon Prime Video. So check the specs if there’s a particular
streaming service you use more than others.
HDMI
It’s easy to forget about boring ports when being dazzled by HDR standards, but it’s worth checking simple things like how many HDMI ports a TV has.
To cut costs, TV makers might only offer two or three – not ideal if you want to plug in lots of devices.
Also, be aware of HDMI versions as you might be limited to older ones, or typically, only one port is a more recent version.
![TV streaming](https://images.techadvisor.com/cmsdata/slideshow/3798580/children_gameing_streaming_21_thumb.jpg)
Ideally, you want HDMI 2.0 for 4K at 60fps (frames per second). If you want full support for next-gen consoles like the
PS5 and
Xbox Series X for gaming at 4K at 120fps, you need HDMI 2.1 but that’s out of reach for budget TVs at the moment. Read more about
console TV compatibility.
OS and apps
Things are certainly a lot better than they used to be and all TVs here are ‘smart’ in one way or another.
In basic terms, they all have internet access via Wi-Fi and operating systems (OS) providing you with a user interface and apps to watch content like BBC iPlayer and Netflix.
While some might come with Android TV, others will have a custom OS. Make sure to read our full reviews to find out what they are like and if any major services are missing.
If it is basic, you can always plug in a
streaming stick or box to improve things without spending much extra.