There was a sentence when any flatscreen TV cost more than $ 500 , but that was something like 25 yr ago . Fast - forward to innovative times , and it ’s really not a shock anymore to find even some of thelargest TVsfor less than $ 500 . We ’re talking 55- and65 - inch lot , by the direction . Of course , when you ’re spending that little on a goggle box , it ’s special - important to know what kind of set you ’re getting yourself into . Is this brand - new contribute - LCDa dependable TVthat ’s going to last for geezerhood , or a lackluster holiday outlet that ’s get to die before next Christmas ?
Unfortunately , sometimes you’re able to only judge a book by its cover , which means you wo n’t be able to say how good or badyour new TVis until it ’s sitting in your sustenance room . But on the plus side , your friends at Digital Trends roll in the hay a thing or two about the difference between “ budget - friendly ” and “ brassy . ” To that end , we ’ve put together this lean of all the best goggle box under $ 500 you ’ll be able-bodied to grab in 2025 !
The best 4K TV for under $500
Hisense U6N ULED
Whenever we commence verbalize about TVs with grim price , one noteworthy brandthat inevitably pop up is Hisense . Renowned for its budget - friendly ULED hardening ( the company ’s take on QLED technical school ) that give birth impressive luminousness levels for the price , the 55 - in U6N may not be the premium idiot box you ’ve been looking for the aliveness room ; though it would probably be perfect for a sleeping accommodation , at - home gym , or amateur sphere .
Thanks to Hisense ’s dedication to crystal - vindicated pic quality and powerful 4 kilobyte upscaling , everything from moving-picture show and shows to telecasting games and syndicate photos is going to face good on the U6N projection screen . Do keep in thinker that thing start getting filthy for those not sitting rivet with the goggle box . Considering we ’re not working with any kind of advance LED lighting , the U6N takes a dip in mental picture character when look at from the side .
For those of us who plan on connect a secret plan console table , the U6N does n’t include HDMI 2.1 tech , but the TV is very good at cede sharp gameplay performance . You ’ll be able to punt at 4K/60Hz with VRR , or 1440p/120Hz with VRR handicapped . As for web - connected features , you ’ll be using the intuitive Google TV platform for all things Netflix and Hulu , as well as both Alexa and Google Assistant .
Best TCL for under $500
TCL Q6 Series (2024)
We really like what TCL ’s boob tube division has been up to the last few years . Not only does the fellowship deliver the kind of reasonable pricing most folks can wrap their purses around ( particularly if you need a 65 - column inch or larger ) , but TCL’sQLED lineupis quite the killer when it comes to delineation quality .
As for the Q6 Series , we ’re sitting on the bottom rung of the run , but this does n’t signify you should steer unmortgaged . In fact , if you ’re aPlayStation 5 or personal computer gamer , this TV might be the hidden gem you ’ve been front for . Yes , the refresh rate is cap at 60Hz , but if you ’re willing to sacrifice a piffling pixel power ( dropping from 4 K to 1440p quality ) , TCL ’s Game Accelerator 120 kick in , boosting motion handling to 120Hz with VRR .
The TCL Q6 Series is n’t half bad for watch out HDR and SDR movies and shows , either . Colors are bold and detailed , and the TV is capable to decodeDolby Visionand a few other format . As for smart TV feature , smart home controls , and UI , the Q6 utilize the Google TV OS , which looks and performs as well as ever .
Best Buy
As for sizing choice , the TCL Q6 Series can be purchased as low as 43 inch and as large as 98 inches ( additional sizes include 50 , 55 , 65 , 75 , and 85 inches ) . It ’s not a thoroughgoing TV by any means , but it ’s definitely worth moot if you ’re trying to keep costs low .
Another killer QLED
Roku Class Plus Series QLED
Anyone looking for eye - catch QLED brightness level and colour for under $ 500 will not be disapppointed with the Roku 55 - in Plus Series QLED . It sway one of the good smart TV platform you’re able to regain on a television set and it ’s got unbelievable word-painting to rush .
While QLED display are typically reserved for midtier and flagship TVs , we ’re get wind more and more budget - favorable band hit the marketplace with these extremist - colorful screens — and now Roku is joining the party ! The Roku 55 - inch Plus Series QLED is right at our price cap , and let ’s just say that for the kind of smartness , vividness item , and unbelievable HDR performance ( HDR 10 + , Dolby Vision , and HLG ) you ’ll get to experience , we would n’t clobber an eye even if it cost $ 200 more .
That ’s not to remark you ’ll be form with Roku ’s amazing saucy TV platform to gain access to your favorite motion picture and shows from services like Netflix , Hulu , and Disney+ . DT ’s idiot box referee Caleb Denison think that Roku ’s Plus television set will tolerate up well to similarly price LG and Samsung TVs , but its cock-a-hoop rivalry will be against the likes of TCL and Hisense in this desired price range .
Zeke Jones/Digital Trends
There ’s one thing to keep in mind , though : the Plus Series tops out at 60Hz . That wo n’t be a liberal softwood for some , but gamers may want something a small on the loyal side . Then again , we suppose the inclusion of Roku ’s awing Voice Remote Pro might sweeten the deal enough . Not only can you program the restrainer to store crosscut for your favorite apps , but the lost distant finder is a godsend for the black hollow that lives beneath the couch cushions .
Best Samsung for less than $500
Samsung DU7200 4K LED
Samsung is one of the biggest names in the television set business , but it ’s also one of the more expensive names in town . That does n’t apply to all framework though , which lead us to this choice : the Samsung 55 - inch DU7200 . Is this a agio TV ? Nope . How about a midrange hardening ? Sorry , it ’s not that either . The reason we decided to include this rather canonic Samsung UHD adjust is because sometimes folk just want or need the basics , and nothing else .
In the case of the DU7200 Series , these debut - level specs let in 4 K resolution at up to 60Hz . You ’ll also get to savour must - have pic features like HDR10 + support , Filmmaker Mode , and VRR support , on top of Samsung ’s Motion Xcelerator tech , which helps to advance the refresh rate closer to 120Hz . Whether you plan on using it for movies or gaming , the DU7200 does a nice business at upscaling all sources , even though this modeling ca n’t touch the advanced upscaling of higher - price band .
You ’ll also want to verify you ’re viewing the screenland from as head - on of an angle as possible — as this is another set that struggle the further toward the sides of the TV you sit . So , at the closing of the daylight , the Samsung 55 - inch DU7200 may not be the good TV Samsung has ever made , but it ’s a decent 4 potassium LED that be less than $ 500 .
An amazing deal on a 75-inch TV
Toshiba Class C350 Series (2023)
Normally this star Toshiba 75 - inch C350 Series ( 2023 model ) would n’t be on this list because it ’s usually priced above our $ 500 threshold , but for the time being it can be had for $ 480 . Yes , that justbarelyqualifies this TV as suitable of going on our inclination , and we ’ll also be certain to pull the entry once the sale disappear — but come on ! It ’s a Fire TV - powered 4 KB LED for less than $ 500 .
We have other nice things to say about the latest C350 Series , too . Out of the box , the picture lineament of this unfit son is n’t half uncollectible . Actually , we ’d say it ’s better than the pre - calibration SDR delivery that some thousand - dollar - plus Hisense and TCL models recognize you with . And because of its large LCD board , the C350 Series hold up up well when viewed from an slant . The Fire television receiver group O also run fast and is load down with apps and lineament .
So what ’s not so good ? For one , the C350 does n’t get very bright , so HDR operation is pretty underwhelming ( even though the television supports Dolby Vision ) . There ’s no local dimming organisation either , so the black levels and overall direct contrast of the C350 go away much to be desired . None of the HDMI ports are 2.1 attest either , so gamers may want to look elsewhere .
Sometimes , though , it really is the size of the TV concealment that matters most for folks . That ’s why the Toshiba 75 - inch C350 is on our list , and it will be whenever it ’s on sale .
Amazon’s brightest TV
Amazon Omni QLED
A few days back , Amazon started make its own TVs , and get ’s be honest : They were n’t just amazing . But the party ’s chief demographic is n’t flagship TV diehards — it ’s budget - minded folk who need a solid TV for a friendly price . That being said , Amazon ’s latest addition to its first - party batting order , the Fire TV Omni QLED , bridge the spread between sale - price and mid - range QLED sets .
For those unaware , the Omni QLED use quantum dots to heighten the TV ’s colors . When you add in ultra - bright backlighting , you get a brilliant blend of brawny brightness , rich color tones , and fantabulous contrast levels . Even though in our our critique we think the Omni QLED picture did n’t achieve the sort of brightness we ’re used to see from higher - final stage QLEDs , specially when it comes to HDR performance , for the price the Fire TV Omni QLED does just ticket for most multitude . If you ’re going to be doing a majority of your television take in at night or in a basement TV room , for example ( when windowpane ignition is n’t as much of an issue ) , the Omni QLED is a good choice .
On the O side of things , we do love the Fire TV UI , and controlling your fresh home devices using manus - gratuitous Alexa ( the voice assistant is built into the video ) is quite the boot .
We ’re also big fan of Amazon’sAmbient Experience , which lets you expose beautiful artwork on your TV screen , on top of notice , sticky musical note , news headlines , and more .
A Hisense QLED for only $500
Hisense 65-inch Class QD5 Series 4K LED
Hisense has made a big stir in the world ofbudget - friendly TVs , and one of the best examples of a cheap TV done right wing is the Hisense 65 - inch QD5 Series 4 one thousand QLED . The QD5 checks a great deal of box that normally detain unnoted for a boob tube with a $ 500 MSRP . The QD5 is actually one of the in force choice on this list for cabinet and PC gamers , as once a system is connected , the boob tube automatically switches over to Game Mode for the best frame pace performance and reduced input signal lag .
We ’re also glad to report that the Hisense QD5 gets plenty lustrous despite the absence of local dimming . This bodes well for folk who plan on watching TV during the daylight when that wretched thing called the Sun is busiest . Anti - glare technical school goes a long room , and the QD5 ’s IPS gore is another aid in overcoming whatever ambient light is troublesome to your viewing place .
It ’s always a crap shooting as to whether Hisense is going to partner with Roku , Amazon , or Google for smart boob tube feature article and basic UI . For the QD5 Series , users will be make for with the Google TV OS , an visceral hub for all things Netflix , screen mirroring , and sassy home - associate ( should you need to use Google Assistant to keep in line your saucy lights and other Google Home - compatible twist ) .
Also consider
LG 65-inch UT70 Series
While LG is best know for its award - winning lineup ofOLED goggle box , the brand also makes several light-emitting diode - LCDs that are worth debate , especially if you ’re trying to save a few bucks . One of these models is the LG 65 - inch UT70 Series , a bright and colorful 4 jet QLED that punches well above its weight class . Running LG ’s a5 AI Processor Gen 7 processor , the UT70 is capable to optimize every frame of the moving-picture show or show you ’re watching for brightness , people of color , and demarcation . And even though we ’re stuck with a 60Hz aboriginal refresh rate , LG ’s built - in Game Optimizer pay console gamers access to the tools and place setting you ’ll need to advance frame rate performance and boil down input signal meantime .
The UT70 Series also includes aFilmmaker Modepreset , which allows you to watch films and episodic programming without a bunch of digital picture enhancements feed in the backcloth . The approximation is that you ’ll be watching the moving picture or show exactly as its creatives specify for it to be see . The UT70 admit HDR10 support , too , should any mental object you take in or play be available in this HDR format .
At this point , LG ’s Magic Motion remote is a traditional out - of - the - loge supplement for most LG smart tv set , and the UT70 is no elision . LG ’s webOS 24 is your gateway to streaming platform like Netflix and Disney+ , and once plug into to Wi - Fi , you ’ll even be capable to apply AirPlay to beam your iPhone screen to your LG TV wirelessly .
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes , but deposit to thebrands that have a good runway recordfor quality intersection . We ’re very confident that our picks above will meet your desire for a good TV .
The solution to that depends on the mark , but you ’ll be looking at around 60 inches or less . As cost have increased , the screen sizes you’re able to get for $ 500 have been getting smaller .
Yes , though itsHDR performance(often a function of peak brightness ) may not be quite as striking as that of more expensive screens – so set your expectations accordingly .
In short : No . OLED tv are still very expensive to produce , and at the present moment , one of the proficient prices you could arrest an OLED set for is $ 700 . This is for the 48 - inch version of theLG B4 OLED , which may go back up in price without admonish .
That ’s contingent on the television , but if you find something with minimum comment lag and sophisticated biz modes you should be impressed .
Yes , so long as your computer has an HDMI output . adaptor can be used for other output types but frequently do not pass along sound recording .
