Best 55-Inch TV Under $500: Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Viewing

A 55-inch TV is a popular choice for many households as it offers a large screen size without taking up too much space. However, finding the best one that fits your budget can be a daunting task. That’s why we spent hours researching and testing to identify the best 55-inch TV under $500.

When looking for a budget-friendly 55-inch TV, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first is the display technology. While OLED and QLED TVs offer stunning picture quality, they can be expensive. A more affordable option is a LED TV, which still offers good picture quality and is energy-efficient. Another factor to consider is the resolution. While 4K is the standard for most TVs, there are still some 1080p options available that can save you money.

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a budget TV is that you may have to compromise on certain features. For example, you may not get the latest smart TV technology or the most advanced HDR capabilities. However, you can still find a TV that offers a good balance of features and affordability.

After testing and researching various models, we have identified the best 55-inch TV under $500 that offers great picture quality, user-friendly features, and a reasonable price tag.

Best 55-Inch TVs Under $500

Looking for a new TV that won’t break the bank? We’ve scoured the market and tested various models to bring you our top picks for the best 55-inch TVs under $500. These TVs offer impressive picture quality, smart features, and sleek designs, making them a great value for their price. Whether you’re a movie buff or a sports fan, these TVs are sure to enhance your viewing experience without hurting your wallet. Check out our list below to find your perfect match.

Hisense 55-Inch Class A6 Series 4K UHD Smart Google TV

If you’re looking for a high-quality 55-inch TV under $500, the Hisense A6 series is a solid choice.

Pros

• The 4K Ultra High Definition display produces a clear and realistic picture, enhanced by Hisense’s AI UHD Upscaler that enhances non-4K content to near-4K quality.
• Google TV organizes all your favorite shows and movies across your apps and subscriptions, making it easy to find something to watch.
• The Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 technologies deliver a remarkable color range and bright, lifelike images.

Cons

• Some users have reported a shimmering effect when viewing the TV at an angle.
• The standard Google TV OS may not be as customizable as some users would like.
• The TV’s speakers may not be powerful enough for users who want a truly immersive audio experience.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Hisense A6 series, and we were impressed by its picture quality and ease of use. The 4K display is crystal clear, and the AI UHD Upscaler does an excellent job of enhancing non-4K content. We also appreciated the Google TV interface, which made it easy to find something to watch across all our favorite apps and subscriptions.

That being said, we did notice a slight shimmering effect when viewing the TV at an angle, which may be an issue for some users. Additionally, while the Google TV OS is practical and easy to use, it may not be as customizable as some users would like. Finally, while the TV’s speakers are good, they may not be powerful enough for users who want a truly immersive audio experience.

Overall, we think the Hisense A6 series is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality 55-inch TV under $500. Its combination of 4K Ultra High Definition, Dolby Vision HDR, and Google TV make it a standout option in its price range.

TCL S4 55-Inch 4K LED Smart TV

If you’re looking for an affordable 55-inch TV with impressive picture quality and smart features, the TCL S4 is a great option.

Pros

• The 4K Ultra HD resolution and HDR PRO (Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG) technology deliver bright and accurate colors, enhanced contrast, and fine details for a lifelike viewing experience.
• The FullView metal bezel-less design gives the TV a modern and elegant look that blends seamlessly into any home.
• The TV has three high-speed HDMI inputs, including one with eARC, for the best connection to gaming consoles, set-top boxes, AV receiver, and more.

Cons

• The TV has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, which may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes or sports.
• The built-in speakers are decent, but you may want to invest in a soundbar or home theater system for a more immersive audio experience.
• The Display -amp; Sounds menu may sometimes display an empty gray screen with a white bar, which can be a minor inconvenience.

We recently purchased the TCL S4 55-inch TV, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The picture quality is excellent, with vivid and accurate colors, deep blacks, and sharp details. The HDR PRO technology enhances the contrast and brightness, making the images more lifelike and immersive. We also love the FullView metal bezel-less design, which gives the TV a sleek and modern look. The TV is easy to set up and use, with a user-friendly interface and intuitive remote control.

One thing to note is that the TV has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, which may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes or sports. However, we haven’t noticed any significant motion blur or judder during our testing. The built-in speakers are decent, but we recommend using a soundbar or home theater system for a more immersive audio experience. Finally, the Display -amp; Sounds menu may sometimes display an empty gray screen with a white bar, which can be a minor inconvenience, but it doesn’t affect the TV’s performance.

Overall, we think the TCL S4 55-inch TV is an excellent value for the price, offering impressive picture quality, smart features, and a modern design. If you’re looking for an affordable 55-inch TV that delivers great performance, the TCL S4 is definitely worth considering.

SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD DU8000 Series HDR Smart TV w/Object Tracking Sound Lite, Motion Xcelerator, Ultra Slim Design, Gaming Hub, Alexa Built-in (UN55DU8000, 2024 Model)

If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly 55-inch TV, the SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD DU8000 Series HDR Smart TV is worth considering. With a slim design that blends seamlessly into any room, this TV offers a range of features that make it a solid choice for streaming, gaming, and more.

Pros

• The slim design of this TV makes it easy to integrate into any room without being too obtrusive.
• The 4K upscaling feature offers a clearer picture for all of your favorite shows and videos.
• The Motion Xcelerator technology reduces lag and blur, providing a seamless viewing experience.

Cons

• The TV’s Mega Contrast feature may not be suitable for those who prefer more natural-looking colors.
• The Object Tracking Sound Lite feature may not be as immersive as a full surround sound system.
• The TV’s HDR feature may not be as impressive as some higher-end models.

Overall, we think the SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD DU8000 Series HDR Smart TV is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly TV that still offers a range of features. The slim design is a great feature, as it allows the TV to blend seamlessly into any room, and the 4K upscaling and Motion Xcelerator technologies offer a clear, smooth viewing experience. However, the Mega Contrast feature may not be suitable for everyone, and the Object Tracking Sound Lite feature may not be as immersive as some users would like. Ultimately, we think this TV is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers a range of features.

Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV

If you’re looking for a 55-inch TV under $500, the Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV is definitely worth considering. With its support for vivid 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus, you’ll enjoy a clearer and more vibrant picture with brighter colors compared to 1080p Full HD.

Pros

• The picture quality is fantastic and the colors are bright and vivid.
• Alexa voice control makes it easy to find and control your content.
• With access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, you’ll never run out of things to watch.

Cons

• The sound quality is not great. You may want to consider purchasing a soundbar or external speakers.
• The TV legs are quite wide, so make sure you have enough space on your TV stand.
• Some users have reported issues with the TV freezing or crashing.

We’ve been using the Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV for a few weeks now and we’re really impressed with the picture quality. The colors are bright and vivid, and the 4K Ultra HD resolution makes everything look incredibly sharp. We also love the Alexa voice control feature. It’s so easy to find and control our content, and we can even check the weather and sports scores without having to pick up the remote.

The only downside we’ve found is that the sound quality is not great. It’s fine for watching TV shows, but if you’re watching a movie or playing a video game, you may want to consider purchasing a soundbar or external speakers. We also had to rearrange our TV stand to accommodate the wide TV legs, so make sure you have enough space before purchasing.

Overall, we think the Amazon Fire TV 55″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV is a great option for anyone looking for a 55-inch TV under $500. With access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, you’ll never run out of things to watch, and the picture quality is fantastic.

Amazon Fire TV 55″ Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV, Hands-Free with Alexa 55-inch TV only

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 55-inch TV that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Amazon Fire TV 55″ Omni Series is a great choice. With its 4K Ultra HD display, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus support, this TV delivers stunning picture quality that’s sure to impress. Plus, it comes with built-in microphones and Alexa voice control, making it easy to find and launch your favorite content without ever having to pick up the remote.

Pros

• The 4K Ultra HD display, HDR 10, and HLG deliver a clearer and more vibrant picture with brighter colors compared to 1080p Full HD.
• With built-in microphones and Alexa voice control, you can easily find and launch your favorite content without ever having to pick up the remote.
• The Fire TV adds new Alexa skills, features, smart home capabilities, and voice functionality all the time.

Cons

• The TV does not work properly with surround sound, causing an unusual echoing sound.
• Certain functions may not be available on some IR-enabled devices.
• Captions and audio descriptions are not available for all content.

In our experience, the Amazon Fire TV 55″ Omni Series is a great TV for anyone on a budget who wants a quality viewing experience. The 4K Ultra HD display, HDR 10, and HLG deliver a stunning picture with bright colors and clear details that make movies and TV shows come to life. Plus, with built-in microphones and Alexa voice control, you can easily find and launch your favorite content without ever having to pick up the remote.

One thing to note is that the TV does not work properly with surround sound, causing an unusual echoing sound. Additionally, certain functions may not be available on some IR-enabled devices, and captions and audio descriptions are not available for all content. However, these issues are minor compared to the overall quality of the TV.

Overall, we highly recommend the Amazon Fire TV 55″ Omni Series for anyone looking for a budget-friendly 55-inch TV that delivers quality picture and sound.

SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series PurColor, Object Tracking Sound Lite, Q-Symphony, Motion Xcelerator, Ultra Slim, Solar Remote, Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (UN55CU8000, 2023 Model) 55-Inch TV Only

If you’re looking for a high-quality 55-inch TV that won’t break the bank, the SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series is a great option to consider. With several features that enhance the viewing experience, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows like never before.

Pros

• The Dynamic Crystal Color technology displays a billion shades of color that pop into view, making every subtle variation clear.
• The Crystal Processor with 4K upscaling technology ensures that the content you love is upgraded to dazzling 4K resolution.
• The Motion Xcelerator technology allows you to experience smooth motion and improved clarity, which is perfect for high-intensity sports, movies, and games.

Cons

• The RAM may not be large enough for streaming movies on various tube sites.
• The visuals may need some adjustments to get the best viewing experience.
• The sound quality may not be as good without pairing the TV with a soundbar.

The SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series is an ultra-slim TV that features several technologies that enhance the viewing experience. The Dynamic Crystal Color technology displays a billion shades of color that pop into view, making every subtle variation clear. The Crystal Processor with 4K upscaling technology ensures that the content you love is upgraded to dazzling 4K resolution. The Motion Xcelerator technology allows you to experience smooth motion and improved clarity, which is perfect for high-intensity sports, movies, and games.

One of the standout features of this TV is the Object Tracking Sound Lite technology that delivers 3D surround sound that moves with the action. This technology is perfect for immersive viewing experiences, and it’s sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles. Additionally, the SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series has an ultra-slim design that blends seamlessly into any room.

While this TV is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality TV on a budget, there are a few downsides to consider. The RAM may not be large enough for streaming movies on various tube sites, and the visuals may need some adjustments to get the best viewing experience. Additionally, the sound quality may not be as good without pairing the TV with a soundbar.

Overall, the SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series is an excellent option for anyone looking for a high-quality TV on a budget. With several features that enhance the viewing experience, this TV is sure to impress even the most discerning viewers.

VIZIO V-Series 55-Inch 4K UHD LED Smart TV

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 55-inch TV with great picture quality and smart features, the VIZIO V-Series is an excellent option.

Pros

• The 4K Ultra HD resolution provides stunning picture quality with over 8 million pixels for incredible detail.
• Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 technologies enhance the viewing experience with vivid brightness, contrast, and color.
• The V-Gaming engine provides a smooth gaming experience with sub-10ms input lag, 4K 60fps Variable Refresh Rate, and Auto Game Mode.

Cons

• The TV’s built-in speakers lack bass and may require a soundbar for a better audio experience.
• The SmartCast platform may not be as user-friendly as other smart TV interfaces.
• The TV’s legs are a bit flimsy and may not provide the most stable base.

Overall, the VIZIO V-Series 55-inch TV delivers impressive picture quality and smart features at an unbeatable price. The TV’s Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 technologies provide lifelike colors and contrasts, while the V-Gaming engine ensures a smooth gaming experience. However, the TV’s built-in speakers may not provide the best audio quality, and the SmartCast platform may require some getting used to. Despite these minor drawbacks, the VIZIO V-Series is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly 55-inch TV with great features.

LG 55-Inch Class UR9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV

If you’re in the market for a 55-inch TV under $500, the LG 55-Inch Class UR9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Enjoy movies and TV shows upscaled to 4K for a sharper image and more lifelike details with FILMMAKER MODE.
• The a5 AI Processor Gen6 upscales content to 4K and detects room lighting to adjust color and picture contrast to optimal settings.
• Less searching, more streaming, thanks to the next generation of AI technology from LG webOS 23.

Cons

• Some users have reported difficulty with the Bluetooth remote setup.
• The TV lacks color and brightness compared to higher-end models.
• The wand remote control can be annoying to activate.

We recently purchased the LG 55-Inch Class UR9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV and have been impressed with its performance. The FILMMAKER MODE provides a great home cinema experience, with movies and TV shows upscaled to 4K for a sharper image and more lifelike details. The a5 AI Processor Gen6 enhances picture detail and improves sound, while detecting room lighting to adjust color and picture contrast to optimal settings. We’ve also appreciated the less searching and more streaming capabilities, thanks to the next generation of AI technology from LG webOS 23.

However, some users have reported difficulty with the Bluetooth remote setup, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the TV lacks color and brightness compared to higher-end models, which may be noticeable to some viewers. Finally, the wand remote control can be annoying to activate, requiring users to point and click rather than simply clicking to make a selection.

Overall, we recommend the LG 55-Inch Class UR9000 Series Alexa Built-in 4K Smart TV for those looking for a budget-friendly option with great picture and sound quality, as well as advanced AI capabilities.

SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD TU8300 Series – 4K UHD Curved Smart TV With Alexa Built-in (UN55TU8300FXZA) 55-Inch TV Only

If you’re looking for a high-quality TV that won’t break the bank, the SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD TU8300 Series is a great option. With its stunning 4K resolution, immersive curved design, and user-friendly smart guide, this TV is sure to impress.

Pros

• The transformative 4K processor provides stunning picture quality, even with non-4K content.
• The sleek curved design creates an immersive viewing experience, making you feel like you’re part of the action.
• The smart guide makes it easy to find your favorite shows and movies, and even allows you to mirror your computer’s display wirelessly.

Cons

• The TV’s 60Hz refresh rate may not be sufficient for serious gamers or sports enthusiasts.
• The TV’s built-in speakers are adequate, but not particularly powerful or high-quality.
• The TV’s remote control lacks some of the advanced features found on more expensive models.

Overall, we highly recommend the SAMSUNG 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD TU8300 Series for anyone looking for a high-quality TV at an affordable price. With its stunning 4K resolution, immersive curved design, and user-friendly smart guide, this TV is sure to provide hours of entertainment.