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Greater isn’t at all times higher, and that’s actually the case with regards to TVs. Your front room TV is free to be as giant as you’d like, however some rooms name for a smaller TV. And as a bonus, smaller fashions are sometimes extra inexpensive than bigger TVs.
Outfitting a youngsters’ room with a TV, snagging one for the storage, or shopping for a TV for a studio condo are all the explanation why a 55-inch-or-under mannequin would possibly work finest in your area. As is commonplace when shopping for any dimension TV, you’ll be dealing with an amazing variety of choices that decision for some choices, like whether or not you need OLED or QLED and what sort of refresh price you’re in search of. Earlier than you fall right into a Googling frenzy, try what the consultants say.
How to buy a brand new TV
Other than selecting a laptop computer, TVs are in all probability subsequent in line for the quantity of jargon you’ll must decode whereas purchasing. For those who’re not considering changing into a TV knowledgeable, Mashable’s sister web site, PCMag, has a group of consultants who take a look at TVs with fancy tools like a Klein Okay-80 colorimeter, a Murideo SIX-G sign generator, an HDFury Diva 4K HDMI matrix, and Portrait Shows’ Calman software program. Because you don’t have that tech in your storage (you wouldn’t be studying this should you did), PCMag’s residence leisure knowledgeable, Will Greenwald, helped us select the very best 55-inch and underneath TVs.
We’ve deliberately saved this listing slim, understanding the variety of choices is way too prolonged and none of us have that sort of time lately. Be mindful, there are a number of instances all year long which might be finest to get a low cost on a brand new TV, so store throughout these intervals should you’re trying to seize the very best low cost.
Finest general
Why we prefer it
The 55-inch Hisense U8N with its shiny show and QLED display is a superb selection for most individuals. The 2025 mannequin is expensive, with a $1,499.99 MSRP — although we have seen it on sale for underneath $1,000. The 2024 mannequin is a extra budget-friendly selection with a listing value of $998 and a daily sale value of underneath $700. “Budget-priced TVs available in smaller screen sizes like 50 or 43 inches are usually much dimmer than higher-end TVs, and their colors aren’t as wide,” said Greenwald, but the Hisense doesn’t disappoint when it comes to brightness. In fact, CNET, another Mashable sister site, also found the Hisense U8N to be a prime option for a 55-inch TV, mentioning its impressive image quality, which uses mini-LED backlights.
After Greenwald’s testing of the 2024 Hisense U8N, he said, “Hisense once again hits it out of the park with a premium TV that rivals much more expensive competitors.”
Hisense also equipped this model with full-array local dimming, which means your screen will have better picture quality. Some TVs only use LED lighting around the edge, while full-array places LED throughout the back of the screen with locally dimmable areas to provide deeper blacks for a better experience with increased brightness, better contrast, and a crisp image.
We’re also fans of the Google TV integration, which neatly keeps your favorite streaming platforms easily accessible on the home screen with an intuitive design. Google Cast lets you push from an Android device or Chrome tab to the TV, and Apple AirPlay does the same with an iPhone or iPad.
Should you be looking for a 55-inch TV for gaming, the Hisense U8N has a 144Hz Game Mode Pro, keeping up with quick action.
What are the other sizes?
The Hisense U8N also comes in 65, 75, 85, and 100 inches.
Mashable Gentle Pace
Finest high-end TV
Why we prefer it
For those who’re in search of the very best TV potential, the LG Evo G5 OLED TV is probably going the best choice for 55-inch fashions. After testing, Greenwald mentioned, “The LG Evo G5 is the best OLED TV I’ve seen yet,” which says fairly a bit since he’s examined over 170 TVs. That assertion helps justify the $2,499.99 price ticket, however LG packed this mannequin with high-end options that additionally clarify the value.
For starters, the Evo G5 seems trendy and modern because of its nearly non-existent bezel and since it sits as near flush to the wall because it will get. The “G” in Eco G5 stands for “gallery,” and LG intends the TV to look extra like an artwork piece on the wall than a TV. You will not have to fret about discovering a wall mount that may accomplish this as a result of it’s included whenever you purchase the TV.
Greenwald mentioned the show is the very best OLED he’s ever seen. LG mentions this mannequin is the brightest and most vivid within the model’s lineup, and PCMag’s testing confirmed spectacular outcomes from the Evo G5.
As an alternative of a matte end, LG makes use of Good Black know-how, which the model says is good for watching in shiny rooms, providing a glare-free expertise. The brightness of the LG Evo G5 makes this an awesome mannequin for cinephiles and those that take image high quality significantly. Greenwald was wowed by the distinction when watching The Nice Gatsby and in addition beloved its efficiency when testing with BBC’s Planet Earth II, mentioning, “It’s a lifelike picture that makes the nature footage look like you’re viewing it through a window and not a TV.”
For those who’re not thrilled with the value of the Evo G5, Greenwald says it’s sensible to take a look at its predecessor, the LG Evo G4 OLED TV. Whereas it’s not as shiny, it’s typically on sale, doubtlessly saving you a whole bunch in comparison with the usual value of the G5.
What are the opposite sizes?
The LG Evo G5 OLED additionally is available in 65, 77, 83, and 97 inches.
Finest mannequin underneath 55 inches
Why we prefer it
For those who’re considering one thing underneath 50 inches that doesn’t sacrifice on high quality, the LG Evo C4 OLED TV is available in smaller sizes, together with a 48- and 42-inch mannequin. Because it comes with LG’s spectacular display brightness and distinction, these smaller TVs are nicely price a spot in your house. Nonetheless, they are typically expensive, particularly given the dimensions, costing $1,499.99 for the 42-inch mannequin and $1,599.99 for the 48-inch. Nonetheless, it’s potential to seek out these fashions on sale for underneath $1,000, which brings them into the extra inexpensive vary for high quality TVs.
The LG Evo C4 actually exhibits off with regards to display efficiency in a shiny room, not giving in to decrease distinction that always occurs with lower-end TVs. We additionally like the fashionable aesthetic on the LG Evo C4 with a slim design and barely noticeable bezel.
One other noteworthy characteristic of the Evo C4 is the 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs, fascinating should you’ll be utilizing this as a gaming TV.
What are the opposite sizes?
The LG Evo C4 OLED is available in 42, 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83 inches.
Finest budget-friendly TV
For those who’re grabbing a TV for a visitor bed room or one for the children to watch Moana, you may not wish to spend a lot. If that’s the case, we’re proponents of the Amazon Fireplace TV Omni QLED. Proper off the bat, it comes with an inexpensive price ticket of underneath $500 for the 55-inch mannequin (when it’s not on sale), or you may go even cheaper with the 43-inch choice, which is just below $440 at full value. Nonetheless, one other budget-friendly profit is that Amazon usually reductions its personal product line throughout main gross sales intervals like Black Friday and Prime Day, which implies you’re doubtless in for a steep low cost. We’ve seen the 43-inch mannequin go as low as $340.
Other than a gorgeous value, the Fireplace TV Omni 4K QLED comes with spectacular distinction and good coloration that Greenwald famous in his evaluate. One other good thing about hanging out within the Amazon household is the compatibility with different Amazon units like safety cameras, the video doorbell, or smartplugs, all of these being accessible on the TV display. You may as well simply pair the TV with Echo audio system.
The Fireplace TV Omni can change into ambient mode whenever you’re not watching, supplying you with the power to customise the show to indicate your favourite images, customized paintings, or convey up your calendar.
What are the opposite sizes?
The Amazon Fireplace TV Omni 4K QLED TV is available in 43, 50, 55, 65, and 75 inches.
