In my opinion, having a larger screen size is preferable, but the definition of “big” can vary depending on the situation. Even small or medium-sized rooms can benefit from a “big” TV, even if it may not accommodate a 75-inch or 65-inch TV. To provide a big-screen experience for smaller spaces, a 55-inch TV can strike a good balance between size and cost-effectiveness.
Most modern 55-inch televisions are equipped with ample features and are considered smart TVs that enable users to stream their favorite shows and movies on popular platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, and Disney Plus. The high-end options offer advanced features such as full-array local dimming, OLED screens, 120Hz refresh rate, 4K UHD resolution, high dynamic range, multiple HDMI ports, and even cutting-edge gaming features like variable refresh rate that are compatible with PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Below is a list of our recommended 55-inch TVs at present.
Read More: 9 Essential Settings to Enhance Your TV Picture Quality Right Now.
TCL 6-Series Roku TV, rated as the best 55-inch TV by David Katzmaier/CNET, offers sizes ranging from 55 inches to 85 inches with QLED and Mini-LED technology, a smart TV with Roku and 4K resolution, and equipped with 4 HDMI ports.
The TCL 6-Series, also called the R655 series, remains the best value-for-money TV for the past five years. The TV features top-notch mini-LED technology and an efficient full-array local dimming that surpasses most TVs in this price range. The latest iteration outdoes its predecessor, the R635 series, with new gaming features and an elevated center-mount stand that accommodates soundbars. Moreover, the Roku TV operating system is unrivaled and preferred by many.
Please be aware that, besides replacing the R635 TV, there were other versions of the 6-Series introduced a few years ago that are still available for purchase. The R646 series utilizes the Google TV OS with comparable features to the R655 models which were reviewed in this article. The R648 series boasts an 8K resolution and is considerably pricier.
Check out our review of the TCL 6-Series (Roku TV).
You are getting alerts about the pricing of the TCL 6-Series Roku TV which is available at $650 on Amazon and Best Buy.
LG OLED C2
Best high-end 55-inch TV
The C2 is the highest point of picture quality available at a cost that is admittedly expensive, but not exorbitant. It outperforms any non-OLED TV on this list, as well as the Samsung QN90B mentioned below, with its excellent black levels, unparalleled contrast, and exceptional off-angle viewing. It also has excellent gaming capabilities, making it the perfect companion for the Xbox Series X or S, PlayStation 5, or both. Additionally, the C2 is available in a variety of sizes, but the larger models are more expensive.
Enhancements made to the previous year’s C1 model include the implementation of carbon-fiber construction resulting in a weight reduction of up to 47%. In our review of the 65-inch version with its stand, it was found to weigh only 37 pounds compared to its C1 predecessor which weighed 72 pounds. Moreover, modifications were made to the game mode and a new “always ready” feature was added.
Check out our review of the LG C2 series OLED TV, available for purchase at Walmart for $1,197, on Amazon for the same price, and at Best Buy for $1,200.
The Samsung QN90B is the top pick for a 55-inch high-end TV that’s not OLED. Available in sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches, it features QLED technology with Mini-LEDs, smart TV capabilities with Tizen, and has four HDMI ports with 4K resolution. Bobby Oliver/CNET.
If you want a top-of-the-line television with impressive picture quality but prefer not to get an OLED, the Samsung QN90B is the optimal choice. This TV employs QLED TV technology enhanced with mini-LED, producing a brighter image than any OLED TV. While the remarkable contrast of OLED remained superior in our comparative assessments, the QN90B QLED screen nearly matches it like never before.
Check out our review of the Samsung QN90B, available for $1,198 at Walmart, $1,198 at Amazon, and $1,200 at Best Buy.
David Katzmaier recommends the TCL 4-Series as the best option for a budget-friendly 55-inch smart TV. The TV is available in sizes ranging from 43 to 85 inches and features LED technology and a Roku smart TV platform. It also has a 4K resolution and 3 HDMI ports.
In our assessment of budget TVs, the TCL 4-Series Roku TV exhibited slightly inferior picture quality compared to the Vizio V-Series (mentioned below). However, the variances between the two are so minor that it would be difficult to notice them unless they were placed next to each other. Unlike the Vizio, the 4-Series does not provide Dolby Vision, Bluetooth connectivity or AMD FreeSync along with a variable refresh rate.
The 4-Series has an edge over the Vizio due to the inclusion of the outstanding Roku Smart TV platform. This makes it a convenient option for individuals seeking an all-in-one smart TV solution, without the need for an added external streaming device.
You are receiving price alerts for the TCL 4-Series, with a cost of $380 at Walmart and $280 at Best Buy.
The Hisense U8H, with its outstanding brightness, is the top choice for the best 55-inch TV among mid-priced models. While the TCL 6-Series is slightly better based on our side-by-side comparison, the Hisense offers excellent image quality and superior brightness that enhances its performance in brightly lit rooms and adds vibrancy to HDR TV content. Its brightness even surpasses that of the TCL and has better contrast, although the latter edges ahead thanks to its more accurate image. While the Hisense uses Google TV instead of Roku, it includes an ATSC 3.0 tuner, which is not present in the TCL. In conclusion, both models are excellent options.
Check out our review of the Hisense U8H.
$648 on Amazon
$648 at Walmart
$700 at Best Buy
Samsung Q60B
The Samsung Q60B is the top pick for a 55-inch mid-range TV with a modern and chic design. It comes in a range of sizes from 43 to 85 inches and features QLED technology for an incredible viewing experience. The TV also boasts a smart Tizen platform, 4K resolution, and 3 HDMI ports.
Samsung is the TV brand with the highest sales, and its Q60 series is among its most popular models. The QLED screen of this TV boasts a sleek design that distinguishes it from other models on the list, even though the OLED ultra-thin models are even sleeker. The Q60 offers superior features, image quality, and a wider range of sizes compared to models such as the TCL 4-Series and Sony X80K. While all the TVs in this article provide great value, the Q60 is a fantastic option if you’re seeking a Samsung TV and can’t afford to opt for the QN90B.
Check out our review of the Samsung Q60B.
$698 at Walmart$770 at Walmart$700 at Best Buy
The Roku Plus Series is a new entry in the mid-priced 55-inch TV market in 2023. It is an all-Roku brand with no other brands on board, which sets it apart from other TVs on this list. The Plus Series offers QLED and full-array local dimming which improves its picture quality compared to the TCL 4-Series. However, it falls short of the Vizio MQX as it doesn’t have 120Hz for gaming and its overall picture quality is not as good. If you prioritize these features, it may be worth saving up for the Vizio, but if not, the Roku Plus Series offers great value for money and is a very good choice. In fact, it was named as the runner-up for the best midpriced 55-inch TV in a recent competition.
Check out our review of the Roku Plus Series, currently priced at $400 at Best Buy. You are getting notifications for price drops on this product.
David Katzmaier recommends the Vizio V-Series as the top choice for a budget-friendly 55-inch TV with excellent picture quality. This series is available in a range of sizes, including 43-, 50-, 55-, 58-, 65-, 70-, and 75-inch models, and features LED technology and SmartCast capabilities. It offers a 4K resolution and three HDMI ports.
When comparing the top budget TVs, Vizio’s V-Series stood out as the clear picture quality champion. During our comparisons, the Vizio delivered the most precise and balanced picture and included some valuable features like Dolby Vision support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth connectivity, and variable refresh rate for smoother gaming experience. However, Vizio’s smart TV platform, Vizio SmartCast, remains its primary drawback as it is cluttered, slow, and filled with ads for platforms like Tubi and Kidoodle TV. Despite this, even when considering the cost of purchasing an additional streaming device, the V-Series remains the best entry-level TV we have tested.
Price alerts for Vizio V-Series: You’re receiving price alerts for Vizio V-Series, currently available at B&H Photo-Video for $465.
Other tested TVs:
Sony KD-X80K series: Although Sony is a renowned brand and its top-tier TVs like the X90J have received positive reviews, the budget-friendly TV in its 2022 lineup, the X80K, failed to make it to the list. It comes with a similar price tag as the TCL 6-Series and Samsung Q60 TVs, but performs worse in terms of image quality, with fainter black levels and contrast. Although it has a great smart TV system powered by Google, accurate colors, and good connectivity, there are better options available for your money. Check out our review of the Sony KD-X80K series.
The Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is a typical representative of the many Fire TVs on sale, with mediocre image quality and a smart TV system that is not as advanced as Roku and Google TV. If you are particularly fond of Alexa voice or can get this TV at a significantly discounted price, it may be worth considering. Otherwise, we recommend opting for the TCL 4-Series, which is featured in our roundup of the best budget TVs.
CNET adopts a strict and objective evaluation process for testing TVs, which has been refined over nearly twenty years of reviewing them. The primary TV test laboratory contains specialized equipment such as a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator, and an AVPro Connect 8×8 4K HDR distribution matrix to measure light and color accurately. We employ Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to assess and calibrate every TV being reviewed. In each TV review by CNET, three or more comparable TVs are evaluated in different lighting conditions with diverse content, including movies, TV shows, and games, spanning a range of categories such as color, video processing, gaming, and HDR. Our assessments further consider design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input, gaming compatibility, and other factors.
To learn more, check out: How We Test TVs.
FAQs for 55-inch TVs
Is a 55-inch TV considered large enough?
The answer depends on factors such as the size of your room, seating distance, and personal preference. For a standard master bedroom or smaller living room, a 55-inch TV would suffice. However, for larger rooms, we suggest a bigger TV, such as a 65- or even 75-inch model, if it fits your budget. If you sit closer to the screen, you won’t require a TV as large for the optimal experience. According to THX and SMPTE, to achieve the greatest cinematic effect, you should be between 5.5 and 7 feet from a 55-inch screen, which is comparatively near. Nearly all 55-inch TVs have 4K resolution, and if you possess 20/20 vision, you can sit as close as around 4 feet and still not detect distinct pixels.
What is the width of a 55-inch TV?
Most 55-inch TVs are approximately between 48 and 49 inches wide. Due to the narrow frames around modern TV screens, there is not much variation in the width of 55-inch TVs. 55-inch TVs with slim frames usually measure around 48.1 inches in width, like the 55-inch LG C2. However, slightly thicker-framed models like the 55-inch TCL 4-Series measure around 48.7 inches in width. If you do not intend to mount the TV on the wall, it is recommended that the furniture supporting the TV is at least as wide as the TV, preferably a few inches wider. For specific dimensions of a particular 55-inch TV, please refer to the manufacturer’s website.
What is the weight of a 55-inch TV?
The weight of a 55-inch TV ranges from 25 to 50 pounds with the stand, but this can vary significantly depending on the type of TV. For instance, the TCL 4-Series 55-inch TV weighs 24.9 pounds with its stand, whereas the LG C2 weighs 35.3 pounds with stand. If you remove the stand, which typically consists of a pair of small legs beneath the panel, you can wall-mount the TV and slightly reduce its weight (stands weigh between 1 and 8 pounds). The shipping weight (including the box, accessories, etc.) of 55-inch TVs can range from 35 to 63 pounds. Check the manufacturer’s website for exact weights of the specific 55-inch TV.
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