Exploring the world of television technology can often feel like a hefty investment, especially when you start looking at the top-of-the-range OLED TVs. Yet, the quest for excellent visual and audio experiences doesn't have to drain your wallet.

Luckily, the market today offers fantastic TV options for under £500—sometimes significantly less. While these models may not match the pinnacle of TV technology in terms of picture quality or high-end features, they still provide an outstanding array of specs, from 4K HDR capabilities to essential gaming features like ALLM and VRR, and even access to the same smart platforms found in their pricier counterparts, albeit with a bit more patience required during use.

When it comes down to it, performance is key. That's why our dedicated team, boasting decades of TV review experience, evaluates budget-friendly models with the same rigorous standards applied to flagship TVs. Conducted in cutting-edge testing environments and against direct competitors, our review process ensures that only the top performers make the cut. Discover the intricacies of how we test by visiting our TV testing process.

If you're on the hunt for a high-quality TV that won't break the bank, look no further. Though the market has its share of less desirable options, rest assured, our selections focus solely on the best affordable TVs available today.

Fast guide for essential tasks

Explore our expertly curated list of budget-friendly TVs that promise top-notch entertainment without breaking the bank. Each model featured has undergone rigorous testing in our state-of-the-art viewing rooms, ensuring you're getting both quality and value. Dive into our recommendations and find your perfect TV match today!

The Best Affordable TVs of 2023

Looking for top-notch entertainment without breaking the bank? Dive into our handpicked selection of budget-friendly TVs for 2023! We've thoroughly evaluated each model in our state-of-the-art testing facilities, ensuring you get the real scoop on the best viewing experiences for your money.

Top recommendations for Canadians

1. Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED

Discover affordable excellence: a TV offering unparalleled versatility for every Canadian home

specification

• Screen size: 50 inches (also available in 43in, 55in, 65in, 75in)
• Type: QLED
• Backlight: Full-Array LED
• Resolution : 4K
• HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
• Operating system: Fire OS
• HDMI inputs: 4
• Gaming features: VRR, ALLM, Dolby Vision game mode
• ARC/eARC: eARC
• Optical output? : Yes
• Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 66 x 112 x 8.4cm (26" x 44" x 3.3")

reasons to buy

• + Clear, consistent visuals
• + Easy-to-use, app-rich platform
• + Great for gaming

reasons to avoid

• - Blur in fast scenes
• - Not as bright

Discover the vibrant visuals and smart technology blended perfectly in Amazon's Fire TV Omni QLEDs. These TVs don't just boast a name; they offer a stunning QLED experience with built-in Fire OS, providing a seamless smart platform experience. The features don't stop there; thanks to full-array local dimming, VRR, ALLM gaming features, and comprehensive HDR support, these TVs are crafted to enhance your viewing pleasure.

Unlike many budget TVs that fall short despite their promises, the Fire TV Omni QLED stands out by delivering a balanced and consistent performance. It masterfully plays to its strengths, providing an authentic viewing experience that keeps you focused on the essence of your chosen entertainment without being distracted by the TV's performance.

The true mark of excellence is achieving simplicity, and the Omni QLED hits this mark. It avoids complicated enhancements, providing a straightforward yet effective stereo sound system. While it's designed to excel with everyday TV audio, incorporating a soundbar for cinematic experiences is recommended.

Featuring the user-friendly Fire OS, familiar to many from Amazon's Fire TV sticks, this platform is overflowing with apps. It's been refined to focus less on promoting Amazon's content, offering a more balanced and enjoyable user experience.

An important highlight is the exceptional value of the 50-inch Amazon Omni QLED. Priced at an official £650, this gem frequently becomes an irresistible bargain under £500. Although, a word of caution about its 43-inch counterpart, lacking local dimming, it might not live up to expectations. This is something to consider as we plan to explore it further in the future.

Top 55-inch TVs for your home

2. Samsung UE55CU8000

Discover unparalleled clarity and smart features with the 55-inch CU8000, enhancing your viewing experience at an unbeatable value.

specification

• Screen size: 55 inches (also available in 43, 50, 65, 75 and 85 inches)
• Type: LCD with edge LED backlight
• Resolution: 4K
• HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, HDR10+
• Operating system: Tizen
• HDMI inputs: x3
• Gaming features: ALLM, HGiG
• ARC/eARC: eARC
• Optical output?: Yes
• Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 71 x 123 x 2.6cm

reasons to buy

• + Stunning visuals, affordable price
• + Endless entertainment options
• + Outstanding value overall

reasons to avoid

• - Weak, lacking bass
• - Missing Freeview and Dolby Vision
• - Bright spots may lose detail

Looking for a budget-friendly TV that doesn't skimp on quality? Samsung's 55-inch CU8000 might just be what you're after. This model combines affordability with a sleek design and a host of desirable features, making it a standout option in its price range.

At first glance, the CU8000 doesn't come across as a budget TV. Its slim, 3cm-thick chassis exudes a robust and elegant vibe. It runs on Samsung's Tizen operating system, which is brimming with apps and features found in the brand's top-tier models. Plus, it supports various HDR formats including HLG, HDR, and HDR10+, ensuring a vibrant and immersive viewing experience.

While the CU8000 may lack the advanced Quantum Dots found in pricier models, its LCD panel with edge LED backlighting does not disappoint. It manages to produce relatively deep blacks and bright highlights without noticeable clouding. The colors are both punchy and well-balanced, contributing to an engaging viewing experience. Although there are minor limitations like detail clipping in bright areas and limited viewing angles, the overall picture quality is commendable for its price point.

The audio quality is clear and crisp yet somewhat lacking in depth. For an enhanced audio experience, pairing the TV with a soundbar is a wise choice—a common recommendation for even the most expensive models. Ultimately, the CU8000 stands out as an excellent value-for-money television, offering a satisfying entertainment experience without breaking the bank.

Top budget-friendly buys for Canadians

3. Hisense 43A6KTUK

Experience unparalleled clarity and cost-effectiveness with our top-rated TV, designed to enhance your viewing experience without breaking the bank.

specification

• Screen size: 43 inches (also available in 50, 55, 58, 65, 70, 75 and 85 inches)
• Type: LCD
• Resolution: 4K
• HDR formats supported: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Operating system: VIDAA
• HDMI inputs: 3
• Gaming features: ALLM
• ARC/eARC: eARC
• Optical output: Yes
• Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 56 x 96 x 7.4cm

reasons to buy

• + Affordable pricing
• + Deep, rich blacks
• + Vibrant, natural colors

reasons to avoid

• - Appears less sharp
• - Narrow view
• - Dim display

Discover the surprisingly affordable excellence of the 43-inch Hisense A6KTUK— a television that convincingly demonstrates that superb viewing doesn't need to cost a small fortune. Indeed, it's available for less than half of what you'd typically expect to shell out for quality entertainment.

Far from the sleek allure of OLED technology, the Hisense A6KTUK nonetheless stands out, refusing to betray its budget-friendly price with its appearance. It boasts an impressive list of features including direct LED backlighting and support for a variety of HDR formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. Additionally, it's equipped with the comprehensive VIDAA smart platform, ensuring a user-friendly experience brimming with your favorite apps.

One common pitfall of more affordably priced LCD TVs is uneven backlighting, which can lead to unsightly visual defects. However, the Hisense A6KTUK rises above these issues, providing a consistent viewing experience that remains robust when the screen is viewed directly. While it may not dazzle with ultra-high brightness levels, especially when transitioning from SDR to HDR content, it compensates with noteworthy contrast—thanks in part to its ability to produce deep blacks. The colors it displays are both balanced and realistic, revealing an impressive amount of detail in darker scenes.

While it's not without its flaws—such as a softening of the image during fast-paced scenes and a noticeable decrease in picture quality at wider viewing angles—the A6KTUK still delivers a commendable visual performance considering its price point.

Moreover, the sound quality is decent, providing a clear and expansive audio experience, albeit without achieving the heights of loudness and depth you might find elsewhere. Nonetheless, when taking into account the overall value offered, the Hisense A6KTUK stands as a testament to the possibility of acquiring a quality television experience at an exceedingly reasonable price.

Our selection process explained

Embarking on the adventure of purchasing a new TV comes with its share of considerations, primarily budget and space. Size plays a pivotal role in your decision-making process. While you might not encounter the colossal screens in this price range, a 55-inch gem is still within reach. However, the key lies in striking the perfect balance between size, performance, and features.

As you delve into your research, you'll notice OLED and QLED technologies are gradually approaching more affordable price brackets, though LCD screens with LED backlights dominate this segment. The choice between IPS and VA panels presents itself – with IPS panels offering wider viewing angles and VA panels shining with deeper blacks and superior contrast. For an in-depth understanding, don't miss our comprehensive IPS vs VA comparison.

In today's market, 4K resolution is not just a luxury; it's a standard expectation, even in more modestly priced models. HDR support, including HDR10 and HLG, enhances the viewing experience, though advancements like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision are less common. The quest for exceptional sound quality often necessitates an external soundbar. Thankfully, you can find high-quality, budget-friendly options on our best cheap soundbars list, ensuring you don't compromise on sound for a great visual experience.

Gamers might have to temper their expectations regarding cutting-edge connections like HDMI 2.1 or features such as 4K/120Hz and VRR. However, the presence of ALLM is a boon for seamless gaming sessions. This rich tapestry of characteristics means that selecting the right TV requires a careful balance of features, ensuring that your final choice enhances your viewing and gaming experiences without straining your budget.

Our methodology for product testing

Delving into the world of modern TVs reveals a gadget that's a true jack-of-all-trades. Today's televisions are not just about displaying pictures; they're multimedia powerhouses capable of showcasing everything from nostalgic standard-definition clips to breathtaking 4K and 8K visuals, alongside an array of dynamic range formats. It's this versatility that makes reviewing them a comprehensive task.

Our evaluation process is meticulous, ensuring every major streaming app - from Netflix to All 4, Prime Video to Spotify - functions flawlessly, offering the optimal audio and visual experience. The presence of a Disney+ app, for example, doesn't guarantee superior Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos quality; it's our job to verify these features.

Gaming capabilities get a thorough inspection too, courtesy of cutting-edge consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. We assess everything from 4K 120Hz support to VRR compatibility, hunting for any dedicated gaming modes and testing for input lag to ensure your games look smooth and responsive.

Our review process also dives deep into image quality, comparing TVs with leading models to benchmark them across a range of content, from classic DVDs to the latest streaming shows and 4K Blu-rays. We're not satisfied with factory settings; our experts invest hours fine-tuning each television using a blend of patterns and real-world content to extract peak performance.

Although we advocate for pairing your TV with a quality sound system, like a soundbar or AV amplifier, we understand many opt for the built-in speakers. Our tests cover these too, exploring the breadth of audio content and settings to evaluate how well they perform.

Located in Bath and Reading, our top-notch testing labs are where our expert team puts every TV through its paces. This controlled environment ensures our reviews are consistent and reliable, reflecting a collective decision rather than individual opinions.

In summary, our comprehensive testing process and years of expertise guide you towards the best viewing experiences, recommending products that are not just good, but exceptional.