Best budget TV 2022

On the surface, TCL’s Roku-powered TV is essentially the same as Hisense’s version but the RP620K pips it with slightly better brightness and support for Dolby Vision – the HDR standard best for lower brightness panels.

Upscaling from HD could be better but there’s lots to like here aside from the price. The image is crisp and vibrant from a UHD source and there’s decent sound quality, too.

Low input lag makes it good for consoles but it’s the Roku platform with its user-friendly interface and almost endless streaming options that is the star of the show here.

Many of The Frame options are out of budget territory but if you opt for the 32in Full HD model, it’s a very good value purchase.

Of course, you’ll need to be ok with its compact size and lower resolution but the size means it’s still crisp and vibrant with Samsung’s QLED technology. It’s perfect for kitchens, playrooms and bedrooms.

There’s no Dolby Vision and the speakers are nothing to write home about but there are plenty of streaming options via the Tizen OS, the Ambient Mode can display artwork when the TV is not in use and the bezel is customisable with different colours and materials.

This collaboration between JVC and Amazon delivers the latter’s Fire TV operating system direct into a TV, saving you from the need for a separate streaming stick.

Specs are strong for the low price – though watch for the jump in display quality from the 40in model to the 49in and 55in variants – and even the audio’s alright, but the software is what this TV is really about.

With built-in Alexa support, voice search, and easy access to a load of apps this has plenty to offer, making it one of the better budget buys.

The Samsung TU7100 (TU7000 in the US) is a bargain for anyone looking at getting a TV on the cheap, despite being a 2020 model. It’s available in a huge range of sizes starting at 43in and larger options still come in at under £500.

One of the main downsides to consider is the limit of just two HDMI ports, although this can be helped with a splitter or AV box.

What you are getting is decent picture quality with Samsung’s Crystal UHD technology, and budget buyers are unlikely to be affected by the downsides. It’s mainly brightness that’s a little lacking here like most budget TVs.

You’re also getting the fantastic Tizen OS with an easy-to-use interface and one of the best selections of streaming services, meaning you might not need to buy anything to plug in.

Another Hisense and Roku collaboration for 2021 has resulted in another one of the best budget TVs you can buy.

This is still excellent picture quality for under £500 a good sizes even if the lighting is a little inconsistent. The typical lack of brightness means no support for HDR10+ or Dolby Vision doesn’t matter too much either.

While the A7200UK is still undercut by the JVC, it comes highly recommended due to its Roku software making it great for simple plug and play streaming. There’s also low input lag making it a good choice for gamers, too.

TCL’s version just has better brightness and Dolby Vision support.

As is so often the case with Hisense, the U7Q offers you the chance to own an excellent TV without breaking the bank.

Apart from simply getting a stylish set in large sizes for under £500, the U7Q has incredibly good HDR performance normally reserved for much higher-end TVs. Quantum Dot panel technology, Full Array Local Dimming, Ultra Smooth Motion and wide HDR standard support will leave you dazzled.

There’s good gaming performance too, even if it doesn’t support 120fps for next-gen consoles. Sound quality is mediocre but that’s to be expected and the combination of Freeview Play and Vidaa U4 OS gives you plenty to watch – albeit without Disney+, Apple TV and Sky Now TV.

This is one of the best TVs you can get for under £500.

Perhaps targeting those looking for an alternative to Samsung and LG, Panasonic’s mid-range LED JX850 makes for an interesting purchase.

Its bright panel with punchy HDR performance – along with wide HDR standard support – makes it a great option for those watching in bright rooms. The edge light can present visible pools during letterbox content at night, though.

The new HCX Pro AI processor and AI picture mode do a great job of adjusting the image for you.

Furthermore, the My Home smart platform offers a plentiful range of streaming and catch-up opinions. The speakers are loud but basic and input lag is low for gaming but this price range won’t get you 120Hz.

It’s not going to win any beauty competitions and it offers a basic plastic build but the Toshiba has a lot to offer and very reasonable prices.

Much like the U29, it provides a way of getting a large size – up to 65in – without breaking the bank and does it with decent picture quality on the whole thanks to brightness, Dolby Vision HDR and low input lag for gamers.

Upscaling to 4K is good too, and there’s a good range of streaming services and Alexa support to boot. Poor viewing angles and the lack of Disney+ could make you look elsewhere, though.

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.

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.