Whichever Samsung you can find for that price.

Look at refurbs, too. You might find a great deal on a TV you normally couldn't afford.

Entry level Samsung and LG I could recommend without being worried of quality in most terms, but the cheap brands themselves to risky.

Thinking some of you are right. Might have to go a little outside the comfort zone so looking at this now. Still have to wait til September
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-43-class-un7300-series-led-4k-uhd-smart-webos-tv/6401788.p?skuId=6401788

Usually, budget LG TVs (like the UN7300) come with an IPS panel, those panels are great for use during day and have a google wide angle view, but at the same time they have bad contrast ratio due to its inability to produce good black levels on its images.

However, nowadays most of the TVs (like the the samsung TU8000) have a VA panel with much better contrast but bad viewing angles.

I believe you should first decide what type panel best suits your needs and then decide the model you are going to buy.

My first HDTV from 2006 was Toshiba.  It still works today.  However, I'd say go with a Vizio, or something.  From the sounds of it, you're just looking for a TV to be a TV, and doesn't have to be anything special.  As others have been saying, use rtings to find what works for you.  That's what I did.  Turns out, the TV I wanted was 800 dollars, and I've been more than happy with it for the past 2 years.  Even if I didn't want to spend the money on it initially, it's been everything I wanted.

Under $300? It's possible, but tricky. You might wanna stretch your limit to $400-$450. And maybe go closer to 50 inches while you're at it. Samsung tends to have some decent prices on their TV sets.

Forgot about this thread. Ended up with a Samsung TU8000 43 inch but now may have to return it because on the 14th of October I get to learn if I can stay in my apt or not. Just has to pass some new inspection.