There's nothing wrong with splurging on a TV—that's part of being an adult. But when you have a small budget, you'll want to keep your eyes open for deals that won't break the bank. Whether you're buying a TV for yourself or for a gift, these best TVs under $500 are a great place to start.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Hisense 55U6H
Best Value: INSIGNIA NS-50F301NA22
Best 4K: TCL 55S535
Best Performance: Vizio V555-J01
- Best Budget: TCL 50S435
Detail Reviews Of Top 4 Best TVs under $500
1. Hisense 55U6H
Specification
Screen Size: 55 Inches
Brand: Hisense
Supported Internet Services: Google TV
Display Technology: QLED
Resolution: 4K
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Special Feature: Flat
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Reason to buy
The color gamut is impressively broad and realistic
Google TV interface with voice-activated Google Assistant
Apple AirPlay compatibility
Reason to avoid
Average contrast
Gameplay is a little sluggish.
Product Summary
The Hisense 55U6H is a great option for those who want a big screen with the convenience of an integrated smart TV. It has a sleek, modern design, high-quality components, and a ton of features that make it a good choice for your entertainment needs.
It comes in a 55-inch size, so it will fit into most living rooms. It also has the largest number of local dimming zones of any TV we tested, and it has some great features for those who watch a lot of movies.
2. INSIGNIA NS-50F301NA22
Specification
Screen Size: 50 Inches
Brand: INSIGNIA
Supported Internet Services: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney
Display Technology: LCD, LED
Resolution: 4K
Special Feature: Flat
Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
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Reason to buy
Responsive Fire TV OS
Alexa provides a plethora of features and smart home connectivity
Broad sound
Reason to avoid
The default settings looked awful
Poor contrast
Product Summary
Amazon's Insignia TV is one of the best TVs available for under $500. It comes with a pretty decent set of features, a lot of streaming options, and a solid soundbar. If you're looking for a great TV for under $500, this is it.
The Insignia has excellent picture quality, especially when watching 4K content. It's got an 8-core processor, which makes sure it runs smoothly and is lag-free.
It also has a large, 5.2-inch LED display, which is ideal for watching movies and other videos. The screen has a wide viewing angle, making it great for multiple viewers.
3. TCL 55S535
Specification
Screen Size: 50 Inches
Brand: TCL
Supported Internet Services: Netflix, Skype, Hulu, Youtube, Spotify, Amazon Instant Video
Display Technology: QLED
Resolution: 4K
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
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Reason to buy
Backlight with full-array local dimming
Levels of solid black
Excellent control over the backlight
The color range has been broadened
Input lag is minimal
Reason to avoid
It does not get particularly light
HDR isn't that amazing
Involved in the setup process
Product Summary
With the TCL 55S535, you can access over 3,000 streaming channels, including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Sling TV. There are also hundreds of movies and shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, and Showtime.
For those who want to play games, you can connect an Xbox One, PS4, or Switch with the TCL 55S535. There's also an eARC feature, so you can plug in your phone and use it as a second screen.
4. Vizio V555-J01
Specification
Screen Size: 55
Brand: VIZIO
Supported Internet Services: Netflix, YouTube
Display Technology: LED
Resolution: 1080p
Special Feature: DTS Virtual:X
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Reason to buy
Excellent on-screen interface and a simple voice remote
Very low cost
Reason to avoid
Image quality is mediocre
Product Summary
The Vizio V555 is a 55-inch 4K Ultra HD smart LED TV with Dolby Vision HDR, SmartCast, and 4K Upscaling. It has a 4K resolution of 3840×2160 with a refresh rate of 120Hz, which means it’s capable of displaying more detailed, smooth-moving images.
This TV has a lot to offer. It has a fast processor and an all-new 4K Upscaling Engine, which helps to display more details in the image. It also has a powerful Dolby Vision HDR feature, which makes the colors, contrast, and black levels pop.
This TV also has the SmartCast feature, which allows you to access your favorite apps and services directly from the TV.
Best TVs under $500 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a TV and a monitor?
A TV is basically a large screen, while a monitor is just a smaller screen. Both can be used to watch videos or play games, but a TV is bigger, has better sound, and supports a larger range of content.
2. What's the best way to store a TV?
You can store a TV in any of the following ways:
Store a TV in a box or cabinet
Use a VHS player as a portable TV
Use a television antenna and a radio
Put the TV on top of a bookshelf
Store a TV on a wall with a metal bracket
3. What are the benefits of buying a flat-screen TV?
A flat-screen TV is usually much more affordable and can offer the same quality of the image as a high-definition television. However, the image quality of flat screens is not as crisp as HD TVs. In terms of contrast and brightness, they fall short compared to their HD counterparts.
Final Thought
If you don’t have the right budget, don’t worry about it, because we have some of the most affordable TV deals you’ve ever seen.
From 32-inch 4K UHD LED TVs to 65-inch HD TVs, there are plenty of options. And we only list the top-rated TVs that are actually worth buying at those prices. We’ve got all the info you need to find the best TV deal for you!