Best TVs Under $500 for 2024

Finding a high-quality TV under $500 can be a challenging task. The market is saturated with options, and it can be challenging to find the right one that fits your needs. However, with the right guidance, you can easily find a TV that offers excellent picture quality, sound, and features without breaking the bank.

When it comes to purchasing a TV under $500, you need to be mindful of the features you’re getting for the price. Some critical factors to consider when purchasing a TV under $500 include screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and smart features. These factors can significantly impact your TV’s overall performance and your viewing experience.

In this article, we spent countless hours researching and testing various TVs under $500 to identify the ones that offer the best value for your money. We considered factors such as picture quality, sound, features, and affordability. Our comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision and find the best TV that fits your needs and budget.

Best TVs Under $500

Looking for a great TV that won’t break the bank? We’ve got you covered. After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the best TVs under $500. These TVs offer excellent picture quality, a range of features, and great value for their price. Whether you’re looking for a smaller TV for your bedroom or a larger one for your living room, we’ve got options for you. Check out our top picks below.

1) Hisense 65-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV

If you’re looking for a high-quality TV at an affordable price, the Hisense 65-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV is definitely worth considering. With its Quantum Dot Color technology, Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, and Full Array Local Dimming Zones, this TV offers over one billion colors and stunning picture quality.

Pros

• The Quantum Dot Wide Color Gamut produces purer, richer, more brilliant, and accurate colors than a regular LED TV, creating over a billion color combinations that bring vibrant images to life in a way non-QLED TVs can’t.
• With Fire TV built-in, you can enjoy a world of entertainment from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney plus, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, stream for free with Freevee, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more. Subscription may be required.
• The HDMI 2.1(eARC) port is the foundation for its 240 motion rate and native 60Hz refresh rate. These technologies work in concert to make fast-action scenes to ensure moving objects have minimal blurring.

Cons

• The TV’s bezel-less design may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some people may prefer a more traditional look.
• While the TV offers up-to-600 nits peak brightness across up to 32 local dimming zones, there are other TVs on the market that offer even better peak brightness and local dimming.
• The TV does not have a midi output, which may be a deal breaker for some users.

We’ve been using the Hisense 65-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV for several weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The picture quality is excellent, and the colors are vibrant and accurate. We’ve also been impressed with the TV’s built-in Fire TV, which makes it easy to access all of our favorite streaming apps. The Alexa Voice Remote is another nice touch, allowing us to manage TV power, volume, navigation, playback, and input switching with ease.

One thing to keep in mind is that the TV’s bezel-less design may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some people may prefer a more traditional look. Additionally, while the TV offers up-to-600 nits peak brightness across up to 32 local dimming zones, there are other TVs on the market that offer even better peak brightness and local dimming. Finally, the TV does not have a midi output, which may be a deal breaker for some users.

Overall, we think the Hisense 65-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality TV at an affordable price.

2) INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote

If you’re looking for an affordable smart TV with a built-in Fire TV experience, the INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote is a great option.

Pros

• The Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to control your entertainment with just your voice
• Built-in Fire TV experience provides access to over 1 million streaming movies and TV episodes
• Supports Apple AirPlay and HDMI ARC for added convenience

Cons

• Only has a 720p resolution, so picture quality may not be as sharp as higher-end models
• Some users may find the screen size to be too small for their liking
• Limited app selection compared to other smart TVs

We recently got our hands on the INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote and were impressed with its overall performance. The Alexa Voice Remote is a great feature that allows you to easily navigate the TV with just your voice. We were also pleased with the built-in Fire TV experience, which gave us access to a wide variety of streaming content.

While the 720p resolution isn’t as high as some other TVs on the market, we found the picture quality to be decent for the price point. However, some users may prefer a larger screen size for a more immersive viewing experience. Additionally, while the app selection is decent, it may not have all the options that some users are looking for.

Overall, we would recommend the INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote to anyone looking for an affordable smart TV with convenient features.

3) Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD TU8300 Series – 4K UHD Curved Smart TV With Alexa Built-in

If you’re looking for a TV under $500, the Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD TU8300 Series is a great option. With its 4K resolution and curved design, it’s sure to impress.

Pros

• The 4K processor transforms everything you watch into stunning 4K with the ultra-fast processor.
• The curved design fills the contours of your space with an immersive viewing experience.
• You can mirror your computer’s display on the TV screen wirelessly and up into your office PC to access files or work on documents using Microsoft Office 365—all from the comfort of your couch.

Cons

• The refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be ideal for gamers.
• The TV is on the heavier side, weighing in at 39.9 pounds.
• The TV may be too large for small spaces.

We were impressed with the picture quality of the Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD TU8300 Series. The 4K resolution and HDR make for a crisp, clear picture with stunning detail. The curved design also adds to the viewing experience, making it feel more immersive.

One downside is that the refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be ideal for gamers. However, for everyday use, we didn’t notice any lag or blurring.

Setting up the TV was easy, and we appreciated the option to mirror our computer’s display on the TV screen wirelessly. It made it easy to work on documents or watch videos from the comfort of our couch.

Overall, if you’re looking for a TV under $500 with great picture quality and a unique design, the Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD TU8300 Series is a great option.

4) TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV (32S350G, 2023 Model), Google Assistant Built-in with Voice Remote, Compatible with Alexa, Streaming FHD Television,Black 32 inches

If you’re looking for a small to mid-size TV that doubles as your PC monitor and comes with an affordable price tag, the TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV is a great option.

Pros

• The 1080P Full HD Resolution provides stunning high-definition picture quality for enhanced clarity and detail.
• The HDR (HDR10, & HLG) feature enhances contrast, accurate colors, and fine details utilizing all the most advanced HDR formats.
• The Google TV Smart OS brings your favorite movies, shows, and live shows together, giving you access to thousands of apps.

Cons

• The picture may not be as sharp as the description says, but it still provides a nice, regular picture.
• The print on the remote is tiny, and it has no numbers for selecting channels.
• The setup directions are not very clear and may require some extra effort to figure out.

We found the TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV to be a solid choice for those who want a TV that can also serve as a monitor. The FullView Metal Bezel-less Design gives it an elegant edge-to-edge glass design that blends seamlessly into any home.

The Bluetooth Personal Audio feature allows you to pair your favorite Bluetooth headphones to the TV for a private listening experience. The two high-speed HDMI inputs (one with ARC) provide the best connection to gaming consoles, set-top boxes, AV receiver, and more.

Overall, we highly recommend the TCL 32-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV with Google TV for those who want a small to mid-size TV that delivers a great picture quality and comes with some advanced features at an affordable price.

5) Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV

If you’re looking for an affordable 4K UHD smart TV that delivers a clear and vibrant picture, the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series is a great option.

Pros

• Vivid 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus support for a clearer and more vibrant picture
• Alexa voice remote for easy content discovery and control
• Stream over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, including subscriptions to popular services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+

Cons

• Limited app selection compared to other smart TV platforms
• Some users report occasional glitches or freezing
• Sound quality may not be as robust as higher-end models

We recently had the chance to test out the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series and were impressed with its overall performance. The picture quality is sharp and vibrant, with rich colors and deep blacks that make movies and shows come to life. The TV also supports HDR 10 and HLG, which add even more depth and detail to compatible content.

One of the standout features of the Fire TV 50″ 4-Series is the Alexa voice remote, which makes it easy to find and control your favorite content. Simply press the microphone button and ask Alexa to search for a specific show, launch an app, or even check the weather or sports scores.

In addition to its smart TV capabilities, the Fire TV 50″ 4-Series also includes four HDMI inputs, making it easy to connect all your gaming, cable, and audio equipment. And with support for streaming over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, including subscriptions to popular services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, there’s always something to watch.

While the Fire TV 50″ 4-Series is a great value for its price, there are some downsides to consider. The app selection may not be as extensive as other smart TV platforms, and some users have reported occasional glitches or freezing. Additionally, the sound quality may not be as robust as higher-end models, so you may want to consider investing in a soundbar or external speakers for a more immersive experience.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable 4K UHD smart TV with a clear and vibrant picture and easy-to-use interface, the Amazon Fire TV 50″ 4-Series is a solid choice.

6) Hisense 65-Inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Smart Roku TV

We highly recommend the Hisense 65-Inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Smart Roku TV for anyone looking for an affordable TV with great features.

Pros

• The 4K UltraHD resolution and Dolby Vision HDR technology deliver stunning picture quality with vivid colors and sharp details.
• The Roku TV Operating System allows for easy access to thousands of free and paid channels, including popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu.
• The TV is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa devices, making it easy to control your entertainment with voice commands.

Cons

• The sound quality is decent but lacks depth and low-end. We recommend purchasing a separate soundbar for a better audio experience.
• The refresh rate of 60 Hz may not be sufficient for serious gamers who require higher frame rates.
• The TV stand is not adjustable, so it may not fit on certain entertainment centers or shelves.

The Hisense 65-Inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Smart Roku TV is a great choice for anyone who wants a large, high-quality TV without breaking the bank. The picture quality is impressive, with vibrant colors and deep blacks that make movies and TV shows look more immersive than ever. The Roku TV Operating System is also a major plus, offering easy access to a wide range of streaming services and channels.

One of the downsides of this TV is the sound quality, which is decent but lacks depth and low-end. We recommend purchasing a separate soundbar if you want a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, the refresh rate of 60 Hz may not be sufficient for serious gamers who require higher frame rates.

Overall, the Hisense 65-Inch Class R6 Series 4K UHD Smart Roku TV is a great choice for anyone who wants a large, high-quality TV at an affordable price. If you’re in the market for a new TV, we highly recommend checking this one out.

7) SAMSUNG 40-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P

If you’re in the market for a TV under $500, the SAMSUNG 40-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The Full HD 1080p resolution delivers clear and sharp images.
• The Samsung Smart TV feature allows you to access a variety of streaming services.
• The wireless connectivity options make it easy to connect to your home network.

Cons

• The sound quality is mediocre and may require additional speakers for an optimal experience.
• The remote control is not user-friendly and may take some time to get used to.
• The TV’s refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes.

We recently purchased this TV and have been impressed with its overall performance. The Full HD 1080p resolution delivers clear and sharp images, making it perfect for watching movies and TV shows. The Samsung Smart TV feature allows us to access a variety of streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu, without the need for an additional device.

However, the sound quality is mediocre and may require additional speakers for an optimal experience. The remote control is not user-friendly and may take some time to get used to. Additionally, the TV’s refresh rate is only 60 Hz, which may not be ideal for fast-paced action scenes.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly TV with a variety of features, the SAMSUNG 40-inch Class LED Smart FHD TV 1080P is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When looking for a TV under $500, there are several key features to consider to ensure that you get the best value for your money. Below, we outline the most important factors to keep in mind when making your purchase.

Screen Size

The first thing to consider when buying a TV is the screen size. The size of the screen will determine how immersive your viewing experience is, so it’s important to choose a size that suits your needs. A larger screen is generally better for movies and sports, while a smaller screen is ideal for a bedroom or kitchen.

Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels on the screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer the picture will be. For a TV under $500, we recommend choosing a 1080p or 4K resolution for the best picture quality.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate is the number of times the screen refreshes per second. A higher refresh rate means that fast-moving images will be smoother and less blurry. For a TV under $500, we recommend choosing a refresh rate of at least 60Hz.

Smart TV Features

Many modern TVs come with built-in smart features, such as streaming apps and voice control. If you plan on streaming content from services like Netflix or Hulu, a smart TV is a great option. However, if you already have a streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV, you may not need these features.

Inputs and Outputs

Make sure to check the number and type of inputs and outputs on the TV. HDMI ports are essential for connecting devices like gaming consoles and Blu-ray players, while USB ports can be used to play media files from a flash drive. If you plan on using external speakers or a soundbar, make sure the TV has an audio output that is compatible with your setup.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a high-quality TV under $500 that meets your needs and provides a great viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated TVs for gaming within a $500 budget?

If you’re looking for a TV that can handle gaming without breaking the bank, there are several great options available in the under $500 price range. Some of the top-rated models for gaming include the TCL 55S405, the Vizio D55-F2, and the Samsung UN55NU7100.

Which 55-inch TVs offer the best value for under $500?

For those specifically looking for a 55-inch TV under $500, there are a few models that stand out for their value. The TCL 55S405 and the Vizio D55-F2 both offer excellent picture quality and smart TV capabilities at an affordable price point.

Can you recommend a reliable TV brand with models less than $500?

There are several reliable TV brands that offer models under $500, including TCL, Vizio, Samsung, and Hisense. These brands are known for producing high-quality TVs at affordable prices, making them a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

What features should I look for in a TV under $500 to ensure quality?

When shopping for a TV under $500, it’s important to look for features that will ensure quality and a good viewing experience. Some key features to consider include 4K resolution, HDR support, smart TV capabilities, and a high refresh rate.

How do the best TVs under $500 compare to those slightly above the price range?

While there may be some trade-offs when it comes to features and picture quality, the best TVs under $500 can hold their own against those slightly above the price range. In fact, many budget-friendly models offer similar features and picture quality to more expensive models.

What are the best performing TVs under $500 according to Consumer Reports?

According to Consumer Reports, some of the best performing TVs under $500 include the TCL 55S405, the Vizio D55-F2, and the Samsung UN55NU7100. These models all received high ratings for picture quality, ease of use, and overall performance.