Best TVs Under £500 in the UK 2026
Finding a quality television under £500 in the UK has never been easier. Today's budget-friendly 4K TVs deliver stunning picture quality, smart features, and excellent value for money. Whether you're upgrading your living room or furnishing a bedroom, our guide covers the best options from trusted brands like Samsung, LG, and Hisense. All models are readily available on Amazon UK and come with UK consumer protections. we've researched and reviewed each TV to ensure they meet British expectations for build quality, energy efficiency, and warranty support. From 43-inch compact screens to spacious 55-inch displays, there's something for every home and budget.
What to Look For
- 1Check the energy rating label before purchasing—A-rated models are most efficient and will save you money on electricity bills over time
- 2Verify the TV supports Freeview HD and Freesat if you use terrestrial or satellite television in your home
- 3Look for models with at least 60Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, or 120Hz if you plan to use it for gaming
- 4Ensure the TV has UK consumer warranty (typically 2 years) and check the manufacturer's repair service locations
- 5Measure your viewing distance and room size—as a rule, sit 1.5–2.5 times the diagonal screen size away for comfortable viewing
Our Top Picks
Samsung UE55BU8000 55" 4K Smart TV
Pros
- Exceptional contrast and colour accuracy with Samsung's quantum dot technology
- Built-in Freeview HD and smart apps (Netflix, Prime Video, Now TV)
- Responsive Tizen platform with seamless app navigation
Cons
- G energy rating means higher running costs than A-rated rivals
- Limited gaming features—no 120Hz mode for PS5/Xbox Series X
Best overall 4K TV under £500 for picture quality and build—ideal for film and TV lovers.
LG 55UP7500 55" 4K Smart TV
Pros
- Bright display with excellent off-angle viewing (IPS panel technology)
- Dolby Vision support for premium streaming content
- Intuitive webOS interface with voice search
Cons
- Contrast not as deep as Samsung's quantum dot rivals
- F energy rating—expect higher electricity costs
Best for bright rooms and streaming lovers—great all-rounder at a competitive price.
Hisense 55E7HQ 55" 4K Smart TV
Pros
- Excellent value for money—£120 cheaper than Samsung equivalent
- E energy rating—more efficient than rival 4K TVs
- Solid contrast with dual-layer backlight dimming
Cons
- Colour accuracy slightly below premium brands in standard mode
- Limited smart apps compared to Samsung/LG (though Netflix and Prime are available)
Best budget 4K option—solid performance and energy efficiency for the price.
TCL 55P638K 55" 4K Smart TV
Pros
- Google TV built-in—access to thousands of apps and native Chromecast support
- Outstanding value—sub-£300 4K TV with smart features
- Works seamlessly with Google Home and Amazon Alexa devices
Cons
- Contrast levels lower than pricier rivals
- Single-zone backlight with no dimming zones for better blacks
Best for Google ecosystem users—affordable 4K with comprehensive streaming access.
Toshiba 43LV2363DB 43" Full HD Smart TV
Pros
- Most affordable option for smaller spaces and bedrooms
- D energy rating—lower electricity usage than larger 4K rivals
- Freeview Play built-in with access to catch-up services
Cons
- Full HD resolution—not 4K, so less future-proof
- Limited smart features and no HDR support
Best for bedrooms and compact spaces—practical Full HD TV at an unbeatable price.
Editor's Note
All TVs reviewed here carry UK Consumer Rights Act 2015 protections and include manufacturer warranties (typically 2 years). Look for the CE marking on the packaging—this confirms compliance with UK electrical safety standards. Choose A–D rated TVs to keep running costs low; an E-rated 55-inch TV costs roughly £35–40 yearly to operate. If you're in a bright conservatory, LG's IPS technology reflects less light than Samsung's VA panels. Check VESA compatibility before purchasing; most 55-inch models use 300×300mm VESA mounts (standard UK wall bracket).