10 Best 55 Inch TV Under 500 2026 in the United States

The LG 55-Inch OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series TV offers an impressive 4K OLED display with perfect blacks and vivid colors, thanks to its self-lit pixels and Brightness Booster technology. This makes it excellent for watching movies or shows in various lighting conditions, including bright rooms. The 120Hz refresh rate combined with a very fast 0.1ms response time caters well to gamers, supporting features like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync to reduce screen tearing and blurring during fast action.

Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos deliver enhanced picture and immersive sound, which is great for cinematic experiences. The smart TV platform, powered by webOS, is user-friendly and includes popular streaming apps plus over 300 free LG Channels. Connectivity options are solid with multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and Ethernet, allowing easy connection of various devices.

This TV is generally priced above $500 in the market, so it might not fit strict budget shoppers looking for a 55-inch TV under that price. While OLED offers superior picture quality, it can be pricier and sometimes more delicate than LED TVs. Audio is good with Dolby Atmos support but may still benefit from external speakers for the best sound experience. For those seeking top-notch picture quality, smooth gaming, and a smart TV experience with a suitable budget, this LG OLED is a strong choice.

The Samsung 55-Inch QLED Q7F Smart TV offers a sharp 4K resolution with Quantum HDR, making colors vibrant and bright even in well-lit rooms. Thanks to its nano-sized Quantum Dots, it displays over a billion colors, which helps scenes look more lifelike. Its screen size and 16:9 aspect ratio fit well for typical living rooms. The built-in AI processor boosts both picture and sound quality based on what you’re watching, which means clearer visuals and better audio without extra setup.

While the 60 Hz refresh rate is standard and suitable for most TV watching, it might not offer the smoothest experience for fast-paced gaming. The TV includes a Game Mode and a Gaming Hub, adding convenience for casual players. For smart features, it has Alexa built-in, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and multiple ports for connecting USB drives, Ethernet, and HDMI devices. It also provides access to over 2,700 free channels without subscriptions, which is great for variety.

HDR10+ technology enhances contrast for deeper blacks and brighter highlights, improving movie and show quality. Audio is handled by built-in speakers with Object Tracking Sound Lite, offering decent sound that adapts to the on-screen action, though it won’t replace a dedicated sound system. A nice bonus is Samsung Knox security protecting your data and connected devices. If you want a well-rounded 55-inch 4K TV under $500 that balances picture quality, smart features, and connectivity, this Samsung model is a solid choice to consider, keeping in mind the refresh rate if you’re looking for top-tier smoothness in gaming.

The Samsung 55-Inch Crystal UHD U8000F is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable 4K TV around the $500 mark. It delivers sharp 4K resolution that brings out clear details in movies and shows, and its Crystal Processor 4K helps improve even lower-quality videos. The TV has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which works fine for everyday viewing and casual gaming but might feel less smooth with fast-action sports or competitive gaming compared to higher refresh rates. It includes Samsung’s Motion Xcelerator technology to help smooth motion, which is a nice touch at this price.

Smart features are user-friendly, offering built-in apps with over 2,700 free channels and Alexa voice control, so you can easily find and enjoy content without extra subscriptions. Security is a plus here, with Samsung Knox protecting your personal data and connected devices. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, and HDMI ports, so hooking up various devices is straightforward. HDR support is mentioned through improved color mapping, but it’s not a premium HDR experience like you’d find in more expensive models. Audio comes from built-in speakers with no standout features, so consider external speakers if sound quality is very important to you.

The design is sleek and slim, with a minimal bezel that fits nicely into most living spaces. At 25.6 pounds, it’s relatively light for a 55-inch TV, making it easier to set up. This TV suits everyday viewing, streaming, and casual gaming, especially if you want a good picture and smart features without breaking the bank. However, for higher refresh rates that provide smoother motion or top-tier HDR and sound, pricier options might be necessary.