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Gone are the days when you had to spend thousands of dollars to get 4K smart TVs.
Cutting-edge technology has trickled down and made it possible to acquire a 55 inch TV smart Tv with impressive 4K resolution at an affordable price range.
What’s more, you can get a high-performing, full HD 55 inch smart Tv under $500!
Not all smart TVs under $500 are the best. You can be sure to find some Tv models that don’t live up to your expectations.
Our article addresses that by reviewing the best models to buy. Smart TVs could transform your home entertainment system as long as you buy the right ones.
Keep reading to find the best 55 inch TV smart TV for under $500.
The Best 55 Inch TV Smart Tvs Under $500 to Consider Buying
| Best 55 Inch Smart Tv under 500 | Product Information | Check Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Insignia 55 inch NS-55F301NA22 F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV | Check Pricing |
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Top | TCL 55S425 55 inch 4K Smart LED Roku TV | Check Price |
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Top | LG 55UN7300PUF Alexa Built-In UHD 73 Series 55-inch 4K Smart UHD TV | Check Price |
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Top | Toshiba 55LF621U21 55-inch Smart 4K UHD | Check Price |
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Top | Hisense 55-Inch Class R8 Series Dolby Vision & Atmos 4K ULED Roku Smart TV | Check Price |
Check out these other great Smart TV Reviews
| Related Articles | Article Description |
|---|---|
| Best 55" Smart TV Under $500 | Reviews and Product information for 55 inch Smart TV's for under $500 |
| Best Smart TV Under $400 | Reviews and Product information for Smart TV's selling for under $400 |
| Best Smart TV Under $200 | Check out our list of Smart TV's you can get for under $200! |
| The Best 50-Inch 4k Smart TV | Great last of 50 inch Smart TV's, with reviews. |
| Best 24-Inch Smart TV with WIFI | They may only be 24 inches, but they have the good stuff. |
| Best 55 Smart TV Under $800 | You can can a real good Smart TV for $800, here is a great list to look at. |
| Best Smart TV on the Market | Here is a great list of real good Smart TV's for a reasonable (not cheap) price. |
Insignia 55 inch NS-55F301NA22 F30 Series LED 4K – 2021 Model
- 4K Ultra HD (2160p resolution) - Enjoy breathtaking 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
- Alexa voice control - Speak commands into the voice remote with Alexa to control your Fire TV verbally—ask it to watch live TV, search for titles, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices and more.
Insignia 55 inch NS-55F301NA22 F30 Series LED 4K
- Voice remote with Alexa: Use your voice to watch live TV, launch apps, search for titles, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices, and more.
- Endless Entertainment: Watch over 500,000 streaming movies and TV episodes with access to tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills.
- Access your favorite content: Fire TV Edition seamlessly integrates live over-the-air TV and streaming channels on a unified home screen.
Insignia 55 inch NS-55F301NA22 F30 Series LED 4K is still new on the market and has already created a reputation among its users.
Since it launched in 2020, the Tv has always displayed crystal clear images, thanks to its 4k resolution. What’s more, it boasts a large, 55 inch TV screen that ensures you get the most out of your viewing experience.
The sound performance is also as impressive as the visuals. The TV has DTS audio technology for a crisp sound. Its excellent speakers and enhanced graphics revolutionize your movie-watching experience.
Parental control is necessary these days with too much information available.
Fortunately, the smart Tv has a V-chip for blocking the content you deem inappropriate for the young souls. You can, therefore, block Tv content based on their age ratings to keep your children safe from inappropriate content.
Insignia NS-55DF710NA21 is a decent Tv at an incredible price range. Therefore, it could be worth being on your smart home’s wall.
| Manufacture | Insignia |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NS-55F301NA22 |
| Screen Size | 54.5 inches |
| Dimensions | 10.43 x 48.94 x 30.3 inches |
| Weight | 29.3 pounds |
| Display Type | LED-Backlit LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD |
| Total HDMI Ports | 3 |
| Audio Type | DTS Studio Sound |
| Smart device compatibility | Alexa voice control |
| Smart Fire TV | Yes |
| Text To Speech | Yes |
| Screen Mirroring Technology | Miracast, Apple AirPlay |
| High Dynamic Range (HDR) | Yes |
| Network Compatibility | Built-in Wi-Fi |
| Number of Digital Optical Audio Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Analog Audio Outputs | 1 |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | 12 months |
| Built-In Speakers | Yes |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Ethernet | 0 |
| USB Port | 1 |
| Built in Camera | No |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Voice controls compatibility. | Poor screen contrast. |
| Parental control. | There's input lag when gaming. |
| 4K Ultra HD screen. | |
| Best 55 Inch Smart Tv Reviews |
LG 55UN7300PUF 4K Smart UHD TV – The Best For Budget Gaming
- REAL 4K DISPLAY: Enjoy 4K resolution for your 4K movies and shows. Its clarity in every moment, with pristine color, light and detail.
- QUAD CORE PROCESSOR 4K: Instant and intelligent. Our Quad Core Processor paints images, action, and color in the best possible light from source to screen.
- Included Components: Remote Control, Power Cable, E-Manual.
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth.
LG 55UN7300PUF Alexa Built-In UHD 73 Series 55 inch TV 4K Smart UHD TV
- REAL 4K DISPLAY: Enjoy 4K resolution for your 4K movies and shows. Its clarity in every moment, with pristine color, light, and detail.
- QUAD CORE PROCESSOR 4K: Instant and intelligent. Our Quad Core Processor paints images, action, and color in the best possible light from the source to the screen.
- Included Components: Remote Control, Power Cable, E-Manual.
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth.
The LG 55UN7300PUF is yet another smart Tv that boasts an impressive 55 inch Tv size. When you combine the Tv size with the Tv’s 4K Ultra HD display, you get nothing short of full HD pictures from your smart Tv.
What’s more, the Tv has a built-in Quad-Core Processor that enhances the images to give you impressive picture quality.
Audio performance is also impressive, just as you’d expect from a high-end smart Tv. This LG smart Tv has a 2.0 Channel speaker system.
The 20-Watt powerful speakers fill your living room with a crisp sound that’s also full of bass.
The LG ThinQ® AI chip also comes in handy to let you control your smart Tv by voice.
Your Tv has a built-in Google Assistant with Intelligent Voice Recognition capabilities for instructing your Tv to select your preferred channels.
You can also use other voice assistants such as Alexa to achieve the same results.
You can also browse the web using your LG smart Tv since it wirelessly connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network. Therefore, you can access unlimited content with this smart Tv on your wall.
Besides streaming your favorite content from the internet, you can also use the TV to play video games with your game consoles. Therefore, it’s a versatile smart Tv.
You can stream sounds to Bluetooth speakers via the Tv’s Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Since the Tv has built-in Apple Play 2 and Apple HomeKit, you can cast your apple device’s content on your smart TV.
Therefore, this LG smart Tv has what it takes to smarten your entertainment with its voice control and remote control capabilities. It is worth considering, given its impressive image quality and sound performance.
| Manufacture | LG |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 55UN7300PUF |
| Screen Size | 54.6 inches |
| Dimensions | 49 x 9.3 x 30.8 inches |
| Weight | 31.70 lbs |
| Display Type | Direct LED |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD |
| Total HDMI Ports | 3 |
| Audio Type | Ultra Surround |
| Smart device compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant, Bluetooth |
| Smart Fire TV | No |
| Text To Speech | No |
| Screen Mirroring Technology | Apple Airplay |
| High Dynamic Range (HDR) | Active HDR |
| Network Compatibility | Built-in Wi-Fi |
| Number of Digital Optical Audio Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Analog Audio Outputs | 0 |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | Contact Seller |
| Built-In Speakers | Yes |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Ethernet | 1 |
| USB Port | 1 |
| Built in Camera | No |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quad-Core picture Processor. | Poor screen contrast. |
| Built-in voice assistant. | Poor customer support. |
| Tv browses the web. | |
| Best 55 Inch Smart Tv Reviews |
Toshiba 55LF621U21 55 inch TV Smart TV – Best With Built-in Alexa Smart Features
- Voice remote with Alexa: Use your voice to watch live TV, launch apps, search for titles, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices, and more.
- Endless Entertainment: Watch over 500,000 streaming movies and TV episodes with access to tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills.
- Access your favorite content: Fire TV Edition seamlessly integrates live over-the-air TV and streaming channels on a unified home screen.
Toshiba 55LF621U21 55 inch TV Smart 4K UHD with Dolby Vision
- Voice remote with Alexa: Use your voice to watch live TV, launch apps, search for titles, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices, and more.
- Endless Entertainment: Watch over 500,000 streaming movies and TV episodes with access to tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills.
- Access your favorite content: Fire TV Edition seamlessly integrates live over-the-air TV and streaming channels on a unified home screen.
With Toshiba 55LF621U21 smart Tv, you can watch your favorite content and have unlimited entertainment.
Whether you’re looking to watch Netflix, HBO, or HULU, among other entertainment platforms, this Toshiba smart Tv has you well covered!
The smart Tv comes with an Amazon Fire TV Edition for streaming live content on the web. What’s more, you get a heightened performance from the Tv’s 55 inch screen.
The display also supports HDR picture quality with its 4K UHD resolution.
Besides, the Tv has streaming apps such as YouTube and Disney for convenient video streaming services.
Users appreciate the voice control feature that ensures they don’t disrupt their comfortable sitting position when changing channels or switching between the streaming apps.
Connect your Toshiba with Alexa and instruct it to turn on/off or change the channel. You can also launch apps or search for live videos online by issuing voice commands.
The sound system lives to its expectation since the Tv uses 10-Watt powerful speakers to give you a crisp, booming sound.
The Dolby Vision technology also doesn’t disappoint, as we’ve already seen. Toshiba 55LF621U21 has proved to be an excellent smart Tv for any smart home despite launching in 2020.
It does too well for a tv that only launched recently. Due to its incredible Fire TV OS operating system, it’s a smart Tv that you can rely on for unlimited entertainment content.
Therefore, it’s one of the best 55 inch smart TVs on the market.
| Manufacture | Toshiba |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 43LF621U21 |
| Screen Size | 42.5 Inches |
| Dimensions | 9.3 x 38.1 x 24.7 inches |
| Weight | 17.6 pounds |
| Display Type | LED |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD |
| Total HDMI Ports | 3 |
| Audio Type | DTS Studio Sound |
| Smart device compatibility | Alexa, Bluetooth |
| Smart Fire TV | yes |
| Text To Speech | No |
| Screen Mirroring Technology | No |
| High Dynamic Range (HDR) | Yes |
| Network Compatibility | Connect to Wi-FI |
| Number of Digital Optical Audio Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Analog Audio Outputs | 0 |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | Contact Seller |
| Built-In Speakers | Yes |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Ethernet | 0 |
| USB Port | 1 |
| Built in Camera | No |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited entertainment. | Fragile screen. |
| Voice assistant compatibility. | Unresponsive customer support. |
| 10-Watt powerful speakers. | |
| Best 55 Inch Smart Tv Reviews |
Hisense 55 Inch TV Class R8 Series – The Best Choice for Users of Fire TV
- Powered by exclusive technologies to amplify color, contrast, brightness, and smooth motion, Hisense r8f series ULED smart TVs combine incredible, ultra-bright 4k detail with the intuitively smart Roku TV to take your TV experience from great to incredible.
- Enjoy all the key moments in fast-paced sports, movies, and games with motion rate 240-image processing, minimizing picture lag to create a clear image without motion blur.
- Roku TVs simplified home screen and streamlined remote provide easy to access your cable box or HDTV antenna, one-touch access to favorite channels and streaming services, and access to over 5,000 streaming channels and 500,000 movies and TV episodes.
Hisense 55 Inch TV Class R8 Series Dolby Vision & Atmos 4K ULED Roku Smart TV
- Powered by exclusive technologies to amplify color, contrast, brightness, and smooth motion, Hisense r8f series ULED smart TVs combine incredible, ultra-bright 4k detail with the intuitively smart Roku TV to take your TV experience from great to extraordinary.
- Enjoy all the key moments in fast-paced sports, movies, and games with motion rate 240-image processing, minimizing picture lag to create a clear image without motion blur.
- Roku TVs simplified home screen, and streamlined remote provide easy access to your cable box or HDTV antenna, one-touch access to favorite channels and streaming services, and over 5,000 streaming channels and 500,000 movies and TV episodes.
Hisense is another brand that has built a solid reputation over time.
Their smart Tv Hisense Class R8 Series, has smart features that make it earn a spot on a list of the best smart TVs for smart homes.
First, the TV is compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa to give you voice control over it.
With an Amazon Alexa voice assistant, you could change the channels, power the tv on/off, and instruct the TV to play your favorite music videos.
The possibilities could be endless when controlling your smart Tv by voice. You also have the option of controlling the TV with its remote control.
Convenient voice and remote controls aside, this smart Tv also has a 4K ULED display that delivers superb image quality, thanks to its Dolby Vision® and HDR10 technology.
You can also adjust the brightness to match your viewing taste since the display has 60 full-array local dimming zones.
The 55 inch TV screen also heightens your viewing experience, especially when using your iOS or Android device as the Tv’s streaming companion.
It is a smart TV that lets you search for over 500,000 videos by titles, actors, and director. Users also love its streaming services that work efficiently to bring favorite Tv content to life.
The 10-Watt speakers fill your living room with crisp sound for an enhanced movie-watching experience.
This Hisense Tv is still a new kid on the block, having launched in 2020, and has already impressed the whole neighborhood with its impressive picture quality and sound performance.
Given that you can control it by voice, it is a great smart Tv for your smart home.
| Manufacture | Hisense |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 55R8F |
| Screen Size | 54.5 inches |
| Dimensions | 48.4 x 2.8 x 28.1 inches |
| Weight | 29.80 lbs |
| Display Type | ULED |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD |
| Total HDMI Ports | 4 |
| Audio Type | Dolby Atmos |
| Smart device compatibility | Alexa |
| Smart Fire TV | No |
| Text To Speech | No |
| Screen Mirroring Technology | No |
| High Dynamic Range (HDR) | Yes |
| Network Compatibility | Connect to Wi-FI |
| Number of Digital Optical Audio Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Analog Audio Outputs | 0 |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | 1-year manufacturer's warranty |
| Built-In Speakers | Yes |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Ethernet | 1 |
| USB Port | 1 |
| Built in Camera | No |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two 10-Watt powerful speakers. | It only works with wireless Roku speakers. |
| Built-in voice assistant. | Software updates could be problematic. |
| Smooth picture motion. | |
| Best 55 Inch Smart Tv Reviews |
TCL 55S425 55 inch TV 4K Smart LED Roku TV – One Of The Best For Light and Dark Scenes
- Direct lit LED produces great picture quality | Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant | Dual-band Wi-Fi & Ethernet port
- Pairs 4K ultra HD picture clarity with the contrast, color, and detail of high dynamic Range (HDR) for the most lifelike picture
- Smart functionality delivers all your favorite content with over 500,000 movies and TV episodes, accessible through the simple and intuitive Roku TV
TCL 55S425 55 inch 4K Smart LED Roku TV (2019)
- Direct-lit LED produces excellent picture quality | Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant | Dual-band Wi-Fi & Ethernet port
- Pairs 4K ultra HD picture clarity with the contrast, color, and detail of High Dynamic Range (HDR) for the most lifelike picture
- Smart functionality delivers all your favorite content with over 500,000 movies and TV episodes, accessible through the simple and intuitive Roku TV TCL 55S425 has an expansive 55 inch screen that displays large pictures. The screen also displays HDR images with its 4K UHD resolution. The LED screen performs excellently, making TCL 55S425 Smart Tv stand out from the crowd.
TCL 55S425 has a wide 55 inch screen that displays large pictures. The screen also displays HDR images with its 4K UHD resolution.
The LED screen performs excellently, making TCL 55S425 Smart Tv stand out from the crowd.
Like an Android Tv, TCL 55S425 has an operating system – Roku – for a user-friendly experience. Roku is a smart platform with plenty of streaming apps to enhance your watching experience.
Aside from the impressive and HD display, this TCL smart Tv also boasts two powerful 8-Watt speakers.
The speakers have Dolby Digital Plus audio passthrough for enhanced sound quality. Connectivity is also exquisite since the TV has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
You can also use the USB and HDMI connectivity to watch your favorite movie from other media.
In case you have an ethernet cable, you can plug it into the Tv’s ethernet port and browse the web like you would over Wi-Fi.
Since you can browse the web, you have access to over 500,000 Tv content. Now, that’s unlimited entertainment on your TCL 55S425 Smart Tv!
Installation is very easy. You can choose to mount your smart Tv on your smart home’s wall. Or you could place it on a furniture piece.
Besides using Amazon Alexa to control the smart Tv by voice, you can also use other voice assistants: Siri, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
TCL 55S425 is an excellent smart Tv that can revolutionize your home entertainment system. With its compatibility with multiple voice assistants, it is a smart Tv for your smart home.
| Manufacture | TCL |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 55S425 |
| Screen Size | 54.6 inches |
| Dimensions | 8 x 49 x 30.6 inches |
| Weight | 27.10 lbs |
| Display Type | LED |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD |
| Total HDMI Ports | 3 |
| Audio Type | Dolby Digital Plus |
| Smart device compatibility | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Smart Fire TV | No |
| Text To Speech | No |
| Screen Mirroring Technology | Yes |
| High Dynamic Range (HDR) | Yes |
| Network Compatibility | Dual Band Wi-Fi |
| Number of Digital Optical Audio Outputs | 1 |
| Number of Analog Audio Outputs | 0 |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | 1-year manufacturer's warranty |
| Built-In Speakers | Yes |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Ethernet | 1 |
| USB Port | 1 |
| Built in Camera | No |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi and ethernet connectivity. | Unsuitable for gaming. |
| It browses the web. | It is incompatible with VESA mounts. |
| LED screen technology. | |
| Best 55 Inch Smart Tv Reviews |
How to Choose the Best 55 Inch TV Smart Tv Under 500
Once you have found a smart Tv with all the features you desire, you can proceed to buy it. Be sure to check for the features below when shopping:
How To Choose The Right Screen Size
When picking any smart TV, a 55″ screen size is a good start. Any 55 inch model will suit most room sizes. While the “above 50-inch model” TV is a great start, it isn’t suitable for all needs.
Your screen size should come from the size of your room.
It is ideal to sit about 1.5 times the distance of your TV’s size. Meaning for a 4K display, you should be about seven feet away from your TV.
If you have a high-definition TV, this number should be three times. This increased distance is because older TVs cause more eye strain.
Select your ideal screen size based on these figures:
| Size of 4K TV | Recommended Viewing Distance |
|---|---|
| 32 inch | 4 feet |
| 40" | 5' |
| 42" | 5 1/4' |
| 50" | 6 1/4' |
| 55" | 6 7/8' |
| 65" | 8 1/8' |
| 75" | 9 3/8' |
Take the measurements above from the end of your couch. Ideally, you’ll have a room that is about 10 feet long to accommodate a 55 inch tv.
Screen Resolution – Which is the Best?
The best current screen resolution is 4K Ultra High Definition at 3840 x 2160.
Your smart TV uses pixels to display images on its screen. The number of pixels on your Tv’s screen affects the image quality. The higher the number of pixels on a TV screen, the better the resolution and image quality.
Your smart TV manufacturer expresses the number of pixels on the Tv screen in terms of screen resolution.
You want to pay attention to the screen resolution when you’re buying a smart TV. A smart TV with a 4k screen resolution displays superb picture quality for a heightened cinematic experience.
Here is a breakdown of different screen resolution options:
| Different Screen Resolutions | What Are They Known As? |
|---|---|
| 1280 x 1024 | Super-eXtended Graphics Array (SXGA) |
| 1366 x 768 | High Definition (HD) |
| 1600 x 900 | High Definition Plus (HD+) |
| 1920 x 1080 | Full High Definition (FHD) |
| 1920 x 1200 | Wide Ultra Extended Graphics Array (WUXGA) |
| 2560 x 1440 | Quad High Definition (QHD) |
| 3440 x 1440 | Wide Quad High Definition (WQHD) |
| 3840 x 2160 | 4K or Ultra High Definition (UHD) |
HDR and Screen Quality
HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a screen quality improvement on most Smart TVs that offers more accurate colors and dynamic screen contrast.
Most inexpensive and low-cost smart TVs include this feature, but you’ll want to look for it when maximizing screen quality.
TV HDR comes in five different varieties that include the following:
- HDR10 – It is the most common HDR format known to handle brightness from one to four thousand nits. The Consumer Technology Association made it in 2015
- HDR10+ – The same as HDR10, but with dynamic metadata added by Samsung. It was announced in 2017.
- Dolby Vision – An HDR system by Dolby Laboratories was made in 2014. It requires a minimum of one thousand nits but goes up to 10 thousand.
- HLG10 – A royalty-free HDR system known as HLG format. It is usable for both video and images. It is known for a color depth of 10 bits.
- PQ10 – PQ10 (or PQ Format) is also for videos and still images equal to HDR10 in quality.
- Technicolor Advanced HDR – It is a newer format that is known for backward compatibility. You won’t find it on any inexpensive TV.
- SL-HDR1/HDR2/HDR3 – A jointly made HDR system by STMicroelectronics, Philips International, and Technicolor R&D France.
Note that one nit of brightness is equal to one candle per square meter. However, HDR screens are also known to have deep blacks for improved contrast.
You will most likely not run into anything more advanced than HDR10+ or Dolby Vision. Either of these options is acceptable for all levels of Smart TVs.
The Screen Technology You Need To Know About
When it comes to screen technology, nothing beats OLED and LED TV screens. Both offer the best quality when it comes to TV screens.
But there are more screen types available we will go through below:
OLED Screens
OLED screens, or Organic Light-Emitting Diode, are the best but are very expensive. They display exquisite image quality with remarkable details because they rely on organic molecules for light.
OLED screens are made using organic films between multiple conductors. An electric current running through these films creates a combination of light and color.
The world’s best TV panels are made using OLED screens. You are more likely to find them on the surface of your smartphone.
If you can find a smart TV with an OLED screen at an affordable price range, don’t hesitate to buy it.
LED Screens (Light Emitting Diode)
LED smart TV screens are also great and rival their OLED counterparts, only that they are not as outstanding. But they still show exceptional picture quality.
LED screens use light-emitting diodes for each pixel, making them exceptional for vibrant colors and excellent brightness.
The use of bright colors makes them a perfect addition, but they are old enough to be among budget options.
The good news is you can find plenty of smart TVs with LED screen technology at an incredible price. Getting a smart LED TV is most likely going to be one of the best options.
LCD Screens
Much like OLED screens, LCD screens react to electric currents running through them. Like the others on this list, they are known for being incredibly lightweight and flat.
They are known for the liquid crystals that respond to the electric current inside. So their name is Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
LCD screens are also inexpensive and known to have high refresh rates. However, they are known to have motion blur during slow response times.
Still, among solid screen options, LCDs are excellent and do come in 4k options. If you want a reliable LCD 4k Smart TV, you will find plenty of options.
QLED Screens
Quantum Light Emitting Diode (QLED) screens use quantum dot technology to produce color. The dots are less than 10 nanometers (really small), meaning you can get incredibly detailed colors.
These features include inky blacks and the brightest of HDR features.
Given the technological advancement, you won’t find a cheap price for QLED screens anywhere. However, they are the highest quality available compared to any smart LED TV.
If you don’t mind paying the higher price, Samsung offers the best available 55+ Inch Smart TV options for QLED.
DLP TVs
DLP TVs ended production in 2012 with the production of thinner, more efficient televisions. They have over 1 million mirrors that process digital signals but tend to be bulkier as a result.
You will not find any new DLP screens on the market. DLP technology lives on in our list of the best outdoor projectors.
Other types of displays include direct displays, which are a homage to the classic tube TVs. As you might imagine, there is no 4K direct display television.
Audio Performance – What Should I Look For?
Powerful speakers don’t just produce crisp sound since they also last longer. A 20-Watt speaker is powerful enough to fill most living rooms. You could also buy a smart TV with two-channel speakers for a balanced sound performance.
You can also select smart TVs with proprietary audio processing chips if you want exceptional performance from your smart TV.
If you combine excellent imaging with improved audio performance, you get a heightened cinematic experience.
Here is a detailed list of what you need to look for in good sound quality:
- Frequency Response – Frequency Response controls the high and low frequencies it can handle. The lower the first number and the higher the second number indicate its tonal range. Ideally, your frequency response should be 20 Hz to 20 kHz (Hertz and Kilohertz)
- Multichannel Sound – Many modern TVs have multichannel sound, referring to the main speaker and a secondary speaker (typically a subwoofer). Outside of surround sound, 2.1 channels generally are the best option for budget televisions.
- Noise Levels – Ideally, your notice capacity (sometimes called “sensitivity”) should depend on the size of your room. With the average human conversation being 60 dB, you should look for TVs that vary in the 70 to 100 dB range. This sound makes it comparable to the noise levels of movie theaters.
- Wattage – Wattage does result in louder speakers, but that doesn’t translate to sound quality. If you want to buy a separate soundbar, try and stick around 20 watts. For Smart TV speakers, do not worry about the wattage levels.
Most TV speakers are solid, but you can choose to supplement your audio quality with the best smart speakers for your TV.
Connectivity – How Should My TV Connect To My Network?
Your smart TV should connect to the internet to allow you to stream unlimited entertainment content. You can find some models with built-in Wi-Fi, while others have ethernet ports.
They all connect to the internet are ideal options. But smart TVs with Wi-Fi capabilities are the best since they connect wirelessly to the internet, thereby eliminating the need for ethernet cables.
Standard Connection Inputs For Smart TVs
- Optical Audio Input – The optical audio input refers to a fiber optic audio connection from your television. This input is excellent if you have older audio gear you want to keep in service at a solid audio quality.
- Coaxial Input – A coaxial input is specific for old TVs sets. These inputs are not in use as often given the more modern HDMI options.
- Composite Input – Composite Inputs are another outdated connection method known for the “three-color” jacks.
Ignoring double-checking, you’ll find that most Smart TVs do not include these older inputs. Mainly because they lack the excellent image quality, we’ve come to expect from new televisions.
The Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is the number of times your TV screen will refresh the pictures per second. A low refresh rate could be your worst nightmare if you play a fast-paced game.
With movies, you’ll find that no film or television show goes over 60 Hz. So if you are worried about a high refresh rate to see a clear film, don’t be.
Even expensive models like the Vizio M-Series Quantum aren’t likely to reach 120Hz with normal viewing.
So, for the most part, TVs that talk about high refresh rates are hoping you lap up the buzzwords. If you are a gamer, you should be concerned about higher refresh rates.
The X Box Series X allows for 4k gaming at 120 Hz. Any new games console is more likely to support higher refresh rates.
Unless you want to throw away the budget, avoid TVs that mention 240 Hz.
These differ from the hertz mentioned in our audio section.
The Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio refers to maximum and minimum brightness levels a smart TV screen can display.
More dynamic ratios can display vibrant colors and deep blacks on the same screen. OLED screens are typically the best at performing this miracle.
Liquid Crystal Displays spend the most time worrying about this. They have a technology known as “Dynamic Contrast” and “Advanced Contrast Ratio.” Still, QLED and OLED screens offer the most range of colors.
There is no standardized method of measuring contrast ratios. Still, most TVs offer a solid amount of contrast. LG typically tops the charts on contrast comparison.
Different Smart TV Operating Systems Worth Mentioning
Your smart TV has an operating system, much like a computer. But its operating system differs from your computer’s OS. Your TV’s operating system could be different from your friend’s TV OS.
Some of the platforms smart 55 inch TVs use as their operating systems include the following:
- WebOS – WebOS is LG’s Smart TV Operating System. LG also applies the OS across other smart devices like smart fridges. It is a clean interface that is known for being Bluetooth compatible.
- Android TV – Android TV is Google’s popular platform known for its integration with Google Chromecast. Its support from Android gives you a significant selection of apps to work with.
- Roku – Much like Google, Roku has its platform under the Roku Stick or Roku Box. However, many Roku Smart TVs are being released, given the ease of use of this operating system.
- Fire TV – Fire TV (or Fire OS) is Amazon’s answer to Android. It is most known for its integration with Fire TV Sticks, making them direct competitors with Roku and Google in this field.
- Tizen OS – Tizen OS is only found on Samsung devices, so you won’t find it on Vizio or LG. It is similar to WebOS in design and made by The Linux Foundation.
Most budget-friendly smart televisions will have Roku support. However, you’ll find a wide range of potential options.
What is a Good Warranty For Smart TVs?
The warranty protects you from incurring a loss if your smart TV malfunctions due to the manufacturer’s error.
If there’s a fault with your smart TV because of a poor manufacturing finish, you can apply for a replacement. Warranties typically only last within the first year of creation.
Therefore, a warranty is yet another essential consideration when shopping for a smart TV. But you need to understand that the warranty lasts for a given period. Therefore, select a smart TV with an extended warranty period.
FAQs
Which screen technology is better: QLED or OLED?
Both screen technologies have strengths that make them stand out. They also vary in price. OLED screen technology is more expensive.
Also, these screens have a better picture quality. On the other hand, QLED acts as a middle ground between OLED and LED screen technology.
They also show impressive picture quality. OLED screen technology is, therefore, better.
What are the screen resolutions to choose when shopping?
There are three main screen resolutions that you will come across when shopping for a smart TV: HD, 4K, and 8K. 8K screen resolution is the best resolution you could find on any smart TV.
But smart TVs with this kind of resolution cost more. 4K resolution is also great and will amaze you with excellent picture quality. Therefore, you can choose a 4K smart TV (or 8K if you can find one).
Does a smart TV have an operating system?
Your smart TV has an operating system, much like a computer. But its operating system differs from your computer’s OS. Your TV’s operating system could be different from your friend’s TV OS.
Some of the platforms smart 55 inch TVs use as their operating systems include webOS, Boxee, MeeGo, Google, Android, and Roku. Therefore, a smart Tv has an operating system.
Can I control my smart Tv by voice?
Smart TVs are compatible with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit. You can control them by issuing voice commands, besides using a remote controller to control them.
With your Amazon Alexa, you can instruct your smart TV to turn on/off or select your favorite channel. Besides, some smart TVs have built-in voice assistants.
Therefore, you can control your smart TV by voice.
What is Fire TV Edition?
Fire TV Edition is an interface that enables you to stream unlimited entertainment content to your smart TV.
You can be sure to stream over 500,000 videos and movies from your smart TV’s Fire TV Edition. Therefore, it’s a streaming service for your smart TV.
What Is A Dedicated Game Mode On A Smart TV?
A dedicated game mode focuses on refresh rate, causing the TV to become more efficient for gaming. Given that many require a high refresh rate, so limiting game modes to modern consoles is best.
Reduced input lag is crucial for those who are competitive gamers. Casual gamers need not worry about the higher refresh rates unless they really care about screen quality.
Wrap Up
You can find an excellent 55 inch smart TV at a price range that’s below $500. What’s more, your smart TV will put you in total control over it by remote controller or a voice assistant.
Once you have paired your smart Tv with an Amazon Alexa or a compatible voice assistant, you can turn it on/off or select a favorite channel by voice.
This article has presented you with some of the best smart TVs below 500 dollars. The TVs on the list have 55 inch screens and powerful speakers.
They also have 4K resolution and are compatible with voice assistants. Therefore, they can help you transform your home entertainment into a smart one.
We hope that this article has provided real value, especially with our well-written buyer’s guide. Take the time to buy the best 55 inch smart TV that’s compatible with voice assistants to smarten your home.
Use our buyer’s guide to find the best deal on the market.
