Expert-Tested: The Best 55-Inch 4K TVs for Every Budget

Finding the perfect 55-inch 4K television can transform your living room into a compelling home theater. This screen size hits a sweet spot, offering ample space to showcase the sharp detail of 4K resolution, the dynamic range of advanced HDR, and the fluid motion of modern gaming features without overwhelming most spaces. The 55-inch category provides the widest variety of screen technologies and price points, making it possible to find everything from cutting-edge OLED displays to remarkably affordable LED models. Because it’s such a popular size, manufacturers fiercely compete, which often leads to fantastic discounts and exceptional value throughout the year.

Our selections are based on extensive hands-on testing and comparison, balancing performance against cost. We include some previous-generation models that, after significant price drops, offer outstanding performance for the money. Gamers will be pleased to know that most top-tier gaming televisions are also available in this versatile size.

Our favorite 55-inch TV you can buy today

1. LG C5 This model continues LG’s tradition of delivering superb OLED performance at a more accessible price than its flagship lines. The new Alpha 9 Gen 8 AI processor provides a noticeable brightness boost and smarter picture tuning. You get vibrant, accurate colors, fantastic contrast, and lifelike detail. Motion handling is excellent, and its upscaling adds sharpness to lower-resolution content.

For gamers, it’s a powerhouse. All four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K at 144Hz, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming, alongside FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync support. The webOS 25 smart platform is fast, intuitive, and packed with useful customization and improved AI features.

While the built-in 2.2-channel Dolby Atmos system is clear, adding a soundbar is recommended for a more cinematic audio experience. If you already own the previous C4 model, the upgrades here are relatively minor. However, for anyone seeking a beautifully balanced television with top-tier picture quality, excellent gaming support, and a polished smart interface, the LG C5 is a standout choice.

Our favorite budget TV in the US

2. Hisense U75QG This mini-LED television delivers impressive performance that punches well above its price class. It produces seriously high brightness levels, making it an excellent choice for rooms with a lot of ambient light. Its anti-reflection screen helps control glare effectively. Color accuracy is strong for the price, and overall picture quality competes with more expensive options.

Gamers are well-served with four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting up to 165Hz refresh rates, along with FreeSync Premium Pro and VRR. The built-in 2.1.2-channel audio system is adequate for everyday viewing but lacks excitement; pairing it with a soundbar is advised for a better experience.

While its viewing angles are somewhat limited, making it less ideal for large group watching, its combination of bright, punchy visuals and solid gaming features represents tremendous value. For those seeking a high-performance mini-LED experience without a premium price tag, the Hisense U75QG is a compelling option.

Our favorite budget TV in the UK

3. TCL C805 In the UK, the TCL C805 sets a high bar for value. For a very affordable price, you get a mini-LED backlight for improved contrast, a 120Hz panel, and the comprehensive Google TV smart platform. Its picture quality is impressive, delivering crisp textures, vivid colors, and deeper black levels than expected at this cost.

It also functions as a capable budget gaming television, with two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and Dolby Vision gaming. Input lag is low enough for most gamers. Similar to other sets in this range, the built-in sound is functional but limited; the money saved on the television itself can easily go toward a quality soundbar.

If your priority is getting the most features and picture quality for your pound, and you typically watch from a central seating position, the TCL C805 is very difficult to beat.

Our favorite elite 55-inch TV

4. Samsung S95F Samsung’s latest flagship OLED, the S95F, represents the peak of premium 55-inch television technology. It uses a next-generation QD-OLED panel to achieve stunning brightness levels alongside perfect blacks, creating a picture with incredible depth and realistic detail. The second-generation Glare Free screen technology effectively eliminates reflections, making it perfect for bright rooms.

Gaming features are top-notch, with 4K at 165Hz, VRR, ALLM, and an ultra-low input lag across four HDMI 2.1 ports. The updated Tizen interface is slick, and the inclusion of a One Connect box keeps cables tidy. Built-in audio is punchy and accurate for such a slim design.

This television commands a premium price, and out-of-the-box settings may require minor tweaking in bright conditions. However, for those who want the absolute best in picture performance, particularly in challenging lighting environments, the Samsung S95F is an outstanding choice.

The top 55-inch TV for sports

5. Samsung QN90F This mini-LED television is a superb choice for sports enthusiasts. Its exceptional full-screen brightness and effective anti-glare screen allow it to perform brilliantly in bright living rooms, even during daytime viewing. The new AI Motion Enhancer Pro significantly reduces blur in fast-paced content, keeping action crisp and clear.

It’s also an excellent gaming television, featuring four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 165Hz support, FreeSync Premium Pro, and a very low input lag. The audio system is clear and well-defined, ensuring commentary and crowd noise remain intelligible.

It does not support the Dolby Vision HDR format, which may be a consideration for some movie fans. However, for its primary purpose, delivering a vibrant, sharp, and fluid picture for sports in any lighting, the Samsung QN90F is exceptionally capable.

A cheap but stunning 55-inch OLED TV

6. LG B5 The LG B5 is one of the most affordable ways to experience OLED picture quality. It delivers crisp, contrast-rich images with vibrant colors and realistic textures that feel premium. It comes well-stocked for gamers, with four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 4K 120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision gaming, and it runs on the latest webOS 25 platform.

Its main limitation is brightness. In a bright room, its reflective screen can cause darker scenes to lose impact, so it performs best in dimmer or controlled lighting. The built-in audio is adequate but doesn’t match the quality of the picture, making a soundbar a wise addition.

If you want the inky blacks and superb contrast of OLED technology and typically watch in darker conditions, the LG B5 offers a fantastic entry point without sacrificing key gaming features.

A great mid-range gaming 55-inch TV

7. Samsung Q80D This QLED television delivers a performance that suggests a much higher price tag. Its picture quality is brilliant, with bold, vibrant colors, razor-sharp detail, and impressively deep black levels thanks to effective local dimming. We found it to be one of the best-sounding televisions in its class, with a wide soundstage and clear dialogue.

For gamers, it offers four HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM support, coupled with low input lag. Like other Samsung models, it does not support Dolby Vision HDR. Some picture presets may require slight adjustment to achieve the most accurate color.

For a mid-range television that excels in picture quality, sound, and gaming features, the Samsung Q80D represents a very strong all-around package.

The elite 55-inch TV designed for wall-mounting

8. LG G5 LG’s flagship G5 OLED pushes brightness to new heights, rivaling some mini-LED models. This is achieved through a new Primary RGB Tandem structure panel, which also improves color detail and glare reduction. A unique Filmmaker Ambient Light Mode automatically adjusts the picture based on ambient light sensors.

It includes a specially designed wall-mount in the box, complementing its ultra-slim, wall-hugging design. Gaming features are comprehensive, with 4K 165Hz support across four HDMI 2.1 ports. The 4.2-channel speaker system is good, though bass is limited.

This is a premium television with a price to match. If your priority is the brightest possible OLED picture with superb performance in bright rooms and a seamless wall-mounted installation, the LG G5 is in a class of its own.

How to choose the best 55-inch TV When selecting a 55-inch television, consider your viewing environment and key uses. For the best picture quality, OLED technology is generally superior, offering perfect black levels and incredible contrast, though traditionally at a lower peak brightness than LED. Modern QD-OLED and MLA models have narrowed this gap significantly. Mini-LED TVs offer a compelling alternative, often reaching higher brightness levels which are beneficial for bright rooms and HDR impact, though they cannot match OLED’s per-pixel lighting control.

For gamers, prioritize a television with HDMI 2.1 ports, support for a 120Hz (or higher) refresh rate, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features ensure smooth, responsive gameplay. Always consider the sound system; while many built-in speakers are adequate, a dedicated soundbar will dramatically improve audio immersion for movies and games.

Finally, let your budget guide you. The 55-inch market offers fantastic value at every price point, from budget-friendly models that include surprising performance to flagship sets that represent the cutting edge of display technology. Identify the features most important to you and find the set that best balances those with cost.

(Source: TechRadar)