Best TVs Under £300 UK 2026
Finding a quality TV under £300 in the UK has become genuinely achievable. This year, budget models from Hisense, TCL, and Bush offer 4K resolution, smart streaming apps, and modern connectivity on 43-inch screens—up from 32-inch only two years ago. However, at this price point, you're trading away premium features like mini-LED backlighting, 144Hz gaming modes, and AI upscaling. These sets are ideal for everyday viewing, streaming, and light gaming, but not for serious cinephiles. Our research focused on UK-available models with verified pricing from major retailers (Currys, John Lewis, Argos, Amazon UK) and real-world user feedback.
What to Look For
- 1Screen size matters most: 43" under £300 is now standard; smaller 32" models drop to £129–£159. Larger 50" options exist but are rare under £300 and often lack smart features.
- 2Check refresh rate and input lag if you game: 60Hz is the norm; some budget 4K sets support 120Hz input but won't improve PS5/Xbox gameplay significantly unless you have a 120Hz-capable console.
- 3Verify HDMI 2.1 ports: essential for modern gaming consoles and future-proofing, though rare under £300—most budget sets still use HDMI 2.0.
- 4Smart TV platform matters: Roku, Tizen, Google TV, and Android TV are standard; avoid no-name proprietary OS as app updates dry up after 3–4 years.
- 5Panel type (VA vs IPS): VA panels are standard in this price range and offer deeper blacks; IPS panels (rare under £300) give better viewing angles but washed-out contrast.
Our Top Picks
Hisense 43AE6000
Pros
- 4K 43-inch for under £250—excellent value for home cinema
- Google TV preloaded with Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, All 4
- Dolby Vision support brings cinematic tone mapping to streaming content
Cons
- No 120Hz refresh rate—not ideal for competitive gaming
- HDMI 2.0 only (not HDMI 2.1); limits PS5/Xbox Series X to 1080p 120fps
- Modest brightness; not ideal for very bright rooms
Best all-rounder for UK living rooms. Unbeatable 43-inch 4K value with seamless streaming integration.
TCL 43S5200A
Pros
- Rock-solid budget 43-inch—available at Currys and Amazon UK
- Android TV 11 with Google Assistant voice control built-in
- Lightweight and thin design fits modern living spaces
Cons
- Full HD only, not 4K—noticeable step down from 4K at close viewing
- Weaker contrast and colour depth vs 4K models at similar price
- Limited gaming features; no variable refresh rate support
Best value for casual TV watching. Full HD 43-inch hits £199–£229 frequently; skip 4K if budget is tight.
Bush 32BFF170
Pros
- UK's cheapest smart TV under £200 (often £129–£149 at Argos/Currys)
- Roku interface is snappy and ad-free compared to Android/Google TV
- IPS panel offers wider viewing angles than competitors at this price
Cons
- Only 32 inches—noticeably smaller than 43-inch alternatives
- Full HD, not 4K; soft image at typical UK 2–3m sofa distances
- Older HDMI 1.4 spec; no modern gaming features
Bedroom or kitchen TV. Excellent for secondary spaces; not recommended for main living room if budget allows stepping up to 43-inch 4K.
Editor's Note
Under £300, you're choosing between Full HD 43" or 4K 32–43". Most UK shoppers should pick the 43" 4K option (Hisense AE6000 or similar) because streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+) benefit from 4K resolution and the extra screen real estate justifies the modest premium. Full HD at 32" or larger starts to show pixelation. Skip gaming-focused features under this budget—even with a PS5, HDMI 2.0 is the limiting factor. Prioritise a model with preloaded Google TV, Roku, or Tizen to avoid slow OS updates after year two. Check return policies at major UK retailers (John Lewis 2 years, Currys 1 year) as quality variance exists.