When you’re shopping for a new TV, the top three factors you should consider are picture quality, screen size, and color contrast. People use TVs to watch a variety of content: Movies, their favorite sports team, gaming and so much more. Whether you decided to budget for a 50-inch because of the size, your apartment space, or something else, these TVs are great because while smaller, you get a beautiful picture for a lower price point, especially if you’re pinching pennies.
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As a gamer who loves a good Netflix show, I care about the quality of my TV. Plus, America’s favorite sporting event, Super Bowl Sunday, is coming up in a few short weeks. With that in mind, I rounded up the best 50-inch TVs that I would personally purchase and use in my own home.
Also: Best smart TVs
In this versatile list, I handpicked each TV to find an option for everyone — whether you want the best budget device or the best TV for gaming. Here are the top 50-inch TVs on the market with different price points and special features.
Also:
Pros
- Object Tracking Sound+ technology
- Automatic color and brightness adjustments
- Amazing 120hz refresh rate
Cons
- Only one HDMI inputs
- Dolby Vision not supported
Tech specs: Display Technology: Neo QLED | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Processor: Neo Quantum Processor 4K
| Smart TV: Alexa Built-In | HDMI Inputs: 4
When it comes TVs, Samsung is a leader in picture quality — and this TV is a prime example. With 4K resolution, this TV features a Neo QLED display among other competitive advancements in the television market.
The Neo Quantum processor TV uses AI-based processing to optimize every scene on your screen to the best possible picture. Plus, the Quantum HDR 32x works with the processor to adjust the color and contrast scene-by-scene. Picture isn’t the only thing that matters when you’re shopping for an expensive TV — sound quality is just as important. Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound+ technology emits realistic sound from speakers located around the TV.
Plenty of 50-inch TVs can be priced higher, and while this one is on the more expensive side for a TV brand, you’re getting some great specs for that higher price point — and we declare it the best on the market.
Pros
- Over 300 free LG apps
- Incredibly thin
- Active HDR
Cons
- Only 3 HDMI ports
- Bad glare in some settings
Tech specs: Display Technology: LED | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Processor: A5 Gen5 AI Processor 4K | Smart TV: Alexa Built-In | HDMI Inputs: 3
If you’re a “cable-cutter,” you need a TV capable of handling all your streaming apps. Luckily, this LG UQ9000 Series TV has access to over 300 free apps, so you can stream your favorite shows and movies.
This 50-inch TV is powered by a A5 Gen5 AI processor that enables 4K capability and enhanced sound quality. In addition, this 4K UHD provides breathtaking colors with active HDR and AI Brightness control. You can adjust your screen settings on the fly for an exceptional viewing experience.
This TV isn’t just an excellent option for streaming — it offers unique gaming features, too. A built-in game optimizer allows you to change settings quickly with an easy-to-navigate menu. Lastly, to add on to the list of gaming advancements this TV provides, after working with HGiG, LG was able to design HDR capabilities for increased realism and immersion.
Pros
- Dolby Vision
- Great price point
- Auto low latency
Cons
- Low 60Hz refresh rate
- Google home interface
I tested out a cousin of this TV, the U8H TV, and I appreciate the price and quality of Hisense panels. This A6 Series TV displays 4K UDH picture and can upscale older content, like most panels on this list. What makes this TV unique, however, is Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 built-in to the device.
For gamers, the Game Mode Plus can support Dolby Vision Game to keep games stable, bright, and free of screen-tearing and ghosting. The variable refresh rate is lower at 60Hz, but it will still function well for your gaming needs.
Pros
- Two HDMI 2.1 ports
- Powerful processor
- Different accounts for customized experience
Cons
- Refresh rate may be lower than advertised in 4K
- Struggles to connect automatically to some sound bars
Tech specs: Display Technology: | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Processor: a7 Gen5 AI Processor 4K | Smart TV: Alexa Built-In | HDMI Inputs: 4
With a built-in game optimizer dashboard, this TV offers an elevated gaming experience with easy-to-adjust settings all in one location. Additionally, AMD FreeSync Premium is embedded into LG TVs, so you can enjoy your games with minimal input lag, stuttering, and tearing.
Want to use this beautiful QNED 4K TV for more than just gaming? LG has you covered with Alexa, Google, and Apple AirPlay compatibility, so you can connect it to your smart home system. On top of that, advanced technology with HDR10 Pro and local dimming allows your TV to actively respond to ambient lighting, keeping your picture crystal clear at all times.
You won’t miss a detail on this TV with the advanced a7 Processor, which creates stunning contrast and rich color. Plus, the processor automatically adjusts picture and sound quality based on what you’re watching.
Pros
- Pristine picture quality
- 3-side boundless design
- Compatible with many home electronics
Cons
- Only 2 HDMI inputs
- Basic remote design without many options
Tech specs: Display Technology: UHD | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Processor: Crystal Processor 4K | Smart TV: Tizen | HDMI Inputs: 2
You don’t need to sacrifice quality to get a TV that fits your budget. The Samsung TU7000 provides excellent picture quality and Smart TV technology at a fraction of the price of other TVs on this list.
The Crystal Display ensures viewers are immersed in a wide range of vivid color. Some TVs have large borders that partially block the screen, but that’s not the case with this Samsung unit. The 3-side boundless design creates a minimalistic appearance. Plus, the Samsung stand allows you to easily hide cables without causing clutter.
As someone who has used Samsung TVs in the past, I highly recommend the Samsung TU7000.
In my opinion, Samsung is the industry leader when it comes to mid-size and large TVs — and the QN90A TV is a perfect example. Whether you need a device to enjoy sports, movies, shows, or video games, this TV has all the options to enhance your experience.
But before you decide which TV to purchase, consider the following price points and features that could affect your viewing experience.
|
50-inch TV |
Price |
Refresh Rate |
HDMI 2.1 Inputs |
|
Samsung QN90A |
$1,029 |
120Hz |
1 |
|
LG UQ9000 |
$397 |
60Hz |
|
|
Hisense A6 Series LED |
$290 |
60Hz |
|
|
LG QNED80 |
$597 |
120Hz |
2 |
|
Samsung TU7000 |
$378 |
60Hz |
It ultimately depends on personal preference and what you need your TV for. Before you click “Add to Cart,” check out this table — it could simplify your search for the perfect TV.
|
Choose this 50-inch TV… |
If you want… |
|
Samsung QN90A |
An excellent 50-inch TV with all the bells and whistles |
|
LG UQ900 |
A TV built to handle all your streaming apps |
|
Hisense A6 Series LED |
A TV with Dolby Vision support |
|
LG QNED80 |
A TV with a high refresh rate for gaming |
|
Samsung TU7000 |
A budget-friendly option with excellent picture and sound quality |
I analyzed the best 50-inch TVs and narrowed it down to the top five units on the market based on various specs that companies across the board offer in these panel sizes. I have used Samsung TVs in the past, including the QN90B and the QN800B, and based on my personal experience, the QN90A took the top spot based on the specs offered, cementing Samsung as a TV powerhouse.
The best budget 50-inch TV is the Samsung QN90A because it packs high-quality entertainment into a low price. When it comes to streaming and gaming, smart TV features like Dolby Vision, HDR, and the refresh rate are the most important features, respectively.
Spending hard-earned cash on a TV can mean spending hundreds or even thousands. There’s good and bad news on these 50-inch picks. The good news is that you can find one that matches your needs for your home because these days, there are so many options to choose from. The TVs on our list are our recommendations.
The bad news is that we can’t tell you the best amount to spend on a TV because everyone’s needs are varied, especially if you’re just catching up on The Simpsons or powering through your latest The Last of Us
game run. Generally, our picks on this list range from $290 to $1,030.
Ideally, your TV stand should elevate your television at least two feet above the floor. Additionally, you will likely want a stand that is 3-5 inches wider than your TV. Most TVs have feet instead of a central stand now, so unless you plan to mount your TV on the wall, a wide stand is necessary.
When it comes to TVs, it’s hard to compete with big companies like Samsung, LG, and TCL. The battle for the best TV on the market is really competitive, but after the top few products, the competition seems to fall off.
Here are three more televisions that also offer incredible picture and sound quality:
