A 43-inch TV used to be a compromise purchase, often limited by weak brightness, basic color performance, and sluggish smart platforms. In early 2026, that’s no longer the case. Thanks to wider adoption of Quantum Dot (QLED / QNED) technology, improved panel tuning, and more mature smart TV systems, it’s now possible to get a genuinely capable everyday TV for under $300 without feeling like you’re settling.
This guide highlights the five best 43-inch TVs under $300, focusing on real-world picture quality, color performance, motion handling, smart TV usability, and overall value. Rather than chasing headline specs, these picks prioritize what actually improves everyday viewing for streaming, casual gaming, sports, and cable TV.
1. Best Overall 43-Inch TV Under $300 — TCL 43Q651G
The TCL 43Q651G, part of the TCL Q6 series, stands out as the most complete and well-rounded option in this price class. It uses a QLED panel with Quantum Dot color, giving it a clear advantage in brightness and color volume compared to standard LED models.
In everyday use, the Q651G delivers punchy colors for streaming, solid contrast for movies, and clean motion for sports and TV shows. While it doesn’t feature local dimming, TCL’s panel tuning and processing help maintain consistent brightness and respectable shadow detail.
The TV runs on Google TV, which remains one of the fastest, most stable, and best-supported smart TV platforms, making content discovery easy and future-proof.
Why it’s great
- QLED panel with strong color and brightness
- Well-balanced picture quality for movies and streaming
- Smooth and reliable Google TV platform
Best for: buyers who want the strongest overall picture quality and smart TV experience under $300
| TCL 43Q651G (43-inch TCL Q651G) Prices | |
| Walmart.com… | Amazon.com… |
2. Best QLED Value Pick — Hisense 43QD6QF
The Hisense 43QD6QF, part of Hisense QD6QF, earns its spot by offering QLED color performance at an aggressive price point. Compared to basic LED TVs, it delivers richer color saturation and better brightness, helping HDR content look more lively.
Hisense’s tuning leans toward vivid, eye-catching colors, which works especially well for Netflix, YouTube, and everyday streaming. Motion handling is solid for sports and TV viewing, even though this remains a standard 60Hz panel.
The TV uses Fire TV, which is responsive, intuitive, and tightly integrated with Alexa, making voice control and content access simple.
Why it’s great
- QLED color at a very competitive price
- Bright, punchy image for streaming content
- Fast and familiar Fire TV interface
Best for: shoppers who want QLED performance at the lowest possible price
| Hisense 43QD6QF (43-inch Hisense QD6QF) Prices | |
| Walmart.com (N/A) | Amazon.com… |
3. Best Budget QLED Alternative — Vizio VQD43M-08
The Vizio VQD43M-08 offers a more straightforward approach to budget QLED TVs. It focuses on delivering strong color performance and reliable everyday usability rather than advanced processing features.
Color reproduction is vibrant and appealing, especially for SDR content, while brightness levels are sufficient for most living rooms. Motion handling is perfectly adequate for sports and casual gaming, making it a dependable all-around option.
Vizio’s SmartCast platform is simple and responsive, offering quick access to major streaming apps without unnecessary clutter.
Why it’s great
- Lively QLED color reproduction
- Straightforward and responsive smart TV system
- Good all-around performance for everyday use
Best for: buyers who want a simple, no-nonsense QLED TV
| Vizio VQD43M-08 (43-inch Vizio VQD) Prices | |
| Walmart.com… | Amazon.com… |
4. Best Balanced LG 43-Inch TV — LG 43QNED70AUA
The LG 43QNED70AUA, part of LG QNED70A, prioritizes balance and comfort over raw brightness or aggressive HDR. Its QNED display technology produces natural-looking colors and stable image quality, making it ideal for long viewing sessions.
While it doesn’t offer Mini-LED or strong contrast enhancements, LG’s processing keeps content looking smooth and consistent across cable TV, streaming, and lower-resolution sources. Viewing angles are also slightly better than many competing budget TVs.
LG’s webOS platform remains one of the most intuitive and user-friendly smart TV systems, with excellent app support and fast navigation.
Why it’s great
- Natural and consistent color reproduction
- Comfortable picture quality for extended viewing
- Excellent webOS smart TV experience
Best for: viewers who value usability, color consistency, and relaxed viewing
| LG 43QNED70AUA (43-inch LG QNED70A) Prices | |
| Walmart.com… | LG.com… |
5. Best Samsung Smart TV Experience Under $300 — Samsung UN43U8000FFXZA
The Samsung UN43U8000FFXZA, part of Samsung U8000F, rounds out the list by focusing on refinement and ease of use rather than advanced panel technology. It doesn’t use QLED, but it delivers clean, consistent picture quality that works well for everyday TV watching.
Samsung’s color tuning is accurate and pleasing, particularly for SDR content, and motion handling is reliable for sports and broadcast TV. HDR performance is modest, but overall image stability is strong.
The Tizen smart platform remains one of Samsung’s biggest strengths, offering fast navigation, excellent app support, and long-term reliability.
Why it’s great
- Clean and consistent picture quality
- Highly refined Tizen smart platform
- Hassle-free everyday performance
Best for: users who prioritize a polished interface and long-term usability
| Samsung UN43U8000FFXZA (43-inch Samsung U8000F) Prices | |
| Walmart.com… | Amazon.com… |
Quick Buying Tips for 43-Inch TVs Under $300 (Early 2026)
- Quantum Dot matters more than raw specs
QLED and QNED panels deliver noticeably better color and brightness than standard LED TVs at this size. - Smart platform quality is critical
Google TV, Fire TV, webOS, and Tizen are all solid — daily usability often matters more than minor picture differences. - Don’t overpay for features you won’t use
At 43 inches, balanced picture quality and ease of use usually matter more than chasing premium HDR features.
Quick Summary
In short: TCL delivers the strongest overall balance, Hisense offers the best QLED value, Vizio provides a simple QLED alternative, LG focuses on comfort and usability, and Samsung excels in smart platform refinement.
| Rank | Model | Display Type | Smart Platform | Best For | Check Price |
| 1 | TCL 43Q651G | QLED | Google TV | Best overall picture quality | Amazon.com… |
| 2 | Hisense 43QD6QF | QLED | Fire TV | Best QLED value | Amazon.com… |
| 3 | Vizio VQD43M-08 | QLED | Vizio SmartCast | Straightforward QLED experience | Amazon.com… |
| 4 | LG 43QNED70AUA | QNED | webOS | Balanced color & usability | LG.com… |
| 5 | Samsung UN43U8000FFXZA | LED | Tizen | Best smart TV experience | Amazon.com… |