The very best 55-inch TVs ship top-notch efficiency, helpful options at an agreeable value. They’re good if you wish to maximize your view in a smaller house or when you want one thing that will not utterly dominate a room.
I’ve spent over a decade testing TVs and I’ve seen numerous 55-inch units in my day. They’re one of the crucial fashionable 4K TV sizes proper now. Consequently, nearly all the finest TV fashions — from the reasonably priced to the ultra-premium — can be found in a 55-inch model. This may make it overwhelming to buy one.
Fortuitously, I am right here to assist. This 12 months, I’ve seen the whole lot — from unbelievable, top-of-the-line 55-inch OLEDs to 55-inch QLEDs for lower than $500.
The fast record
The very best 55-inch TVs in 2024: fast record
Greatest 55-inch TV
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If you’d like the perfect 55-inch TV with out over-paying for it, the Hisense U8N is the display screen to go for. It makes use of Mini-LED backlighting for higher distinction and better brightness, and its Google TV sensible platform is great throughout the board.
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Greatest OLED
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If the Hisense U8N wasn’t such an unbelievable worth, the LG G4 OLED can be on the prime of this record. Ff you need a 55-inch OLED TV that can blow you out of the water, the G4 OLED will do exactly that. Its 2024 OLED panel is brighter than previous years, and it comes with a 5-year guarantee.
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Greatest Mini-LED
3. Samsung QN90D Neo QLED
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If you’d like a Samsung-made, 55-inch QLED, look no additional than the QN90D Neo QLED. It is pricier than the Hisense U8N, however delivers high-end efficiency for 4K motion pictures, commonplace TV reveals, gaming and streaming. All 4 of its inputs are HDMI 2.1.
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Greatest Beneath $1,000
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Devoted avid gamers and A/V fanatics in search of an correct image is not going to be dissatisfied by the 55-inch B4, LG’s entry-level OLED TV. Whereas not as brilliant, it presents most of the similar advantages as higher-end OLEDs.
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Greatest Beneath $500
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The TCL Q6 is a good performer with extensive enchantment as a consequence of its easy-to-use, built-in sensible platform and low value. Proper now, a 55-inch model is priced under $500, making it an important possibility for these purchasing for a 55-inch TV at a pleasant value.
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Greatest for Gaming
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On the lookout for a 55-inch TV that is worthy of being referred to as a gaming powerhouse? Take a look at the LG C4, the perfect mid-range OLED of the 12 months. All 4 of its HDMI 2.1 inputs assist 4K gaming as much as 144Hz, with LG’s Sport Optimizer, ALLM, and VRR alongside for the journey, too.
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Greatest QD-OLED
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It would not come low cost, however the Sony A95L is the perfect 55-inch QD-OLED you should buy proper now. Its spectacular brightness, shade quantity and film processing add as much as one unbelievable expertise.
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In regards to the writer
Michael Desjardin
My identify is Michael, and I’ve evaluated properly over 100 TVs in my day. Many of those units have been 55-inch fashions. Beforehand, I lined TVs for Reviewed, a division of USA As we speak.
Nick Pino
My identify’s Nick and, for over a decade, I’ve been evaluating 55-inch TVs for main tech publications. Earlier than I grew to become Tom’s Information’s Managing Editor of TV & AV, I used to be previously the Senior Editor, TV and AV at TechRadar. Earlier than my days in journalism, I helped people similar to you at an area Greatest Purchase working within the TV division.
October 22, 2024
After reviewing the record, all fashions are staying put this month. With Black Friday proper across the nook, we’re anticipating to see some massive offers on these TVs, so you should definitely cease again in a month to see how a lot it can save you on the perfect 55-inch TVs.
Greatest 55-inch TV
For 2 years straight, the Hisense U8 Sequence has held the highest spot on our record. It is our choose for the perfect 55-inch TV for most individuals as a result of it delivers excellent efficiency for its value. Sure, OLED TVs are going to supply higher black ranges, however this Mini-LED will get twice as brilliant whereas nonetheless providing you with lovely colours and a very implausible sensible platform.
So why did not it rating an ideal 5 out of 5 in our evaluation? Properly, two predominant causes. We love that it presents a 144Hz refresh fee when linked to a gaming PC (120Hz for sports activities and flicks), we measured its enter lag at 13.1ms. That is a couple of milliseconds greater than the LG OLED TVs under. Additionally its shade accuracy does require a little bit of fine-tuning, as some scenes can look a bit oversaturated proper out of the field.
When taking it for a spin at dwelling, I used to be completely impressed by the TV’s distinction and black ranges. The black bars on the highest and backside of the display screen provided almost OLED-levels of black whereas nonetheless sustaining a brilliant and colourful image in the midst of the display screen. Vivid mode was a bit too harsh for my tastes, so I like to recommend going for the Cinema Day or Cinema Night time HDR image modes, as they’re going to steadiness shade saturation with the TV’s 2,000-nit peak brightness.
Sure, a correct OLED TV (like our subsequent choose, the 55-inch LG G4 OLED) goes to look higher if you’re taking a look at them side-by-side, however for the value, that is the perfect TV on the planet, and getting anything shut will price twice as a lot.
Learn the total Hisense U8N evaluation.
Greatest OLED
You might need come into this information anticipating to see a 55-inch OLED TV on the prime of the record — and look, if the Hisense U8N wasn’t such an unbelievable worth, the G4 OLED can be the highest choose. It is just a bit dear to be our total winner.
That stated, when you aren’t postpone by its comparatively excessive price ticket, the LG G4 OLED presents cinema-like efficiency at a living-room measurement. It is one of many brightest OLED TVs in the marketplace because of its 2024 LG Show MLA panel, and it presents some actually spectacular AI options that enhance image and audio high quality. Beneath the hood it is operating LG’s new α11 AI Processor 4K processor that makes upscaled content material look higher and movement look sleeker (when you flip off TruMotion, that’s).
In our lab assessments, the LG G4 OLED put out near 1,500 nits in HDR with a shade accuracy of 1.4 (decrease numbers are higher right here). In comparison with the U8N, the G4 cannot get as brilliant, however the colours are way more correct proper out of the field. Additionally keep in mind that the distinction of the G4 goes to be excellent, as an OLED’s pixels can attain pitch darkness when turned off.
You are paying a premium for the G4 OLED, there is no denying it. For lots of parents trying to spend money on a TV that is going to look nice for years to come back, I feel the G4 OLED is a good possibility. It is only a exhausting promote when you may get round 80% of the identical efficiency for underneath $800.
Learn the total LG G4 OLED evaluation.
Greatest Mini-LED
On the 55-inch display screen measurement, competitors is fierce. The Samsung QN90D would not have as extensive of an enchantment because the reasonably priced, 55-inch U8N, nevertheless it’s top-of-the-line Mini-LED TVs of the 12 months (in addition to one of many prime fashions from Samsung).
Our reviewer, Matthew Murray, heaped reward on this set for its spectacular brightness and distinctive distinction. Just like the Hisense U8N, the QN90D makes use of a mix of Mini-LED backlighting and quantum dots to ship this stage of efficiency. Nonetheless, it additionally makes use of Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor for higher upscaling. Of us who personal a Samsung cellular machine will discover some neat crossover options between it and the TV, and the TV’s build-in sensible platform, Tizen, is an effective different to Google TV (although not fairly pretty much as good, for my part).
Its 4 full-spec HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K/120Hz gaming are an enormous boon for console avid gamers, nonetheless Tizen presents apps like Xbox and GeForce Now that allow you to sport with out ever hooking up additional {hardware}.
Learn our full Samsung QN90D Neo QLED TV evaluation.
Greatest underneath $1,000
When you’re in search of an exceptional 55-inch TV for proper underneath $1,000, take into account the LG B4. It is LG’s entry-level OLED TV for 2024, and proper now, you possibly can land a 55-inch model for proper under $1,000.
The B4’s finest asset is its OLED show, which permits for good black ranges and ultra-accommodating viewing angles. Even at this value level, the B4’s high-contrast image is spectacular; its inky black ranges assist elevate its comparatively dim highlights (which we clocked round 660 nits).
We had been impressed by the B4’s image processing, notably its movement dealing with. Quick-paced motion motion pictures and sports activities appeared particularly good in our lab. It is also value noting that, in LG’s Filmmaker mode, the B4 presents implausible out-of-the-box shade accuracy. Film fanatics and residential theater aficionados will love this.
I am keen to wager that the majority devoted avid gamers will love the B4, too, because it presents a lot of the gaming enhancements discovered on higher-end LG OLEDs (assist for 4K gaming throughout all 4 HDMI 2.1 inputs, as an illustration).
When you’re in search of a bit of extra brightness however nonetheless want an OLED, the 55-inch LG C4 will be discovered for round $1,100 to $1,300 proper now. It presents a brighter image than the B4 and assist for 4K gaming at 144Hz.
For most individuals, although, the B4 is a good compromise. It presents a powerful image at an affordable value.
Learn our full LG B4 evaluation.
Greatest underneath $500
When you’re purchasing for a 55-inch 4K TV on a price range, you should look into the TCL Q6. It is an reasonably priced sensible TV with extensive enchantment, because of its Google TV sensible platform and engaging value. Proper now, the 55-inch model is between $300 and $450.
The 55-inch Q6 will not flip heads the best way a brighter, higher-end TV would possibly, however its show leverages quantum dots for higher total brightness and shade quantity. This is among the predominant causes I would suggest the Q6 over a extra reasonably priced 55-inch TV. It is not fairly lower out for daytime viewing in a closely sun-soaked room, nevertheless it most dwelling areas must be pretty accommodating for its modest backlight. No matter what you are watching — be it cable TV, Netflix, or an over-the-air broadcast — the Q6 appears to be like nice, particularly in its most correct image mode.
The 55-inch Q6 arrives with the Google TV sensible platform baked proper into the software program — a straightforward resolution for folk who simply need to arrange their subsequent TV for streaming and overlook about it. Google TV is considered one of our most well-liked sensible platform as a consequence of its ease of use and extensive choice of downloadable apps (although it generally slows down on the Q6 as a consequence of {hardware} limitations).
There are many better-performing 55-inch TVs, however proper now, most of them will price considerably greater than the Q6. This TV is for folk who do not need to spend an excessive amount of on a brand new 4K TV, however who nonetheless search a good image.
Learn our full TCL Q6 QLED TV evaluation.
Greatest for gaming
Whereas film lovers will definitely benefit from the 55-inch LG C4, it is avid gamers who will get essentially the most bang for his or her buck with this display screen because it packs all the finest gaming options from the flagship G4 OLED right into a extra reasonably priced TV.
Along with its unbelievable image, the C4 helps almost each sought-after gaming function: assist for 4K gaming as much as 144Hz, a full suite of HDMI 2.1 inputs, Nvidia G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync assist. You are additionally getting assist for Dolby Imaginative and prescient gaming and LG’s Sport Optimizer mode.
The 55-inch LG C4 is not only top-of-the-line gaming TVs in the marketplace, it is top-of-the-line all-around TVs, too.
Learn our full LG C4 OLED evaluation
Greatest QD-OLED
If you’d like the very best 55-inch TV with out worrying about sticker value, the Sony Bravia A95L OLED goes to utterly blow you away. It is considered one of Sony’s first QD-OLED TVs (the A95K from 2023 was technically the primary), and its panel makes it each brighter than most OLED TVs (and extra colourful, too).
Because it’s constructed on OLED know-how, the A95L has good black ranges, ultra-wide viewing angles and intense colours. Its image processing tech is second to none. When you watch SD/HDR content material lots, the A95L makes use of its Cognitive Processor XR to intelligently and precisely upscale the picture, and its movement processing is the perfect within the business.
By way of extras, it additionally comes with the polarizing (however non-compulsory) Sony Bravia Cam that can be utilized for at-home video conferencing, and a few credit to Sony’s BRAVIA CORE streaming service that streams content material at as much as 80Mbps.
Learn our full Sony Bravia A95L OLED evaluation.
Greatest 55-inch TV check outcomes
TV | HDR peak brightness (examined) | Delta-E (examined) | Rec. 2020 gamut protection | Enter lag (examined) |
Hisense U8N | 3,296 nits | 3.2 | 82.07% | 13.1ms |
LG G4 | 1,487 nits | 1.7 | 72.91% | 9.2ms |
Samsung QN90D | 2,024 nits | 2.6 | 72.52% | 9.6ms |
LG B4 | 659 nits | 0.8 | 74.92% | 9.7ms |
TCL Q6 | 498 nits | 2.1 | 68.92% | 8.9ms |
LG C4 | 1,049 nits | 1.8 | 72.27% | 9.2ms |
Sony A95L | 1,215 nits | 2.8 | 89.41% | 16.1ms |
Different 55-inch TVs we examined
Not all 55-inch TVs find yourself on our record of the perfect, however loads of them are nice choices nonetheless. If not one of the units above sound interesting, check out the next just lately reviewed picks.
How to decide on the perfect 55-inch TV for you
How to decide on the perfect 55-inch TVs for you
Our TV shopping for information breaks down the important thing elements that ought to go into buying a brand new set, as getting a TV is an funding. It’s a bit of tech you’re prone to personal for a number of years, which is why you need to ensure you’re choosing the perfect 55-inch TV for you.
Dimension: First determine whether or not you’re locked right into a 55-inch set. Simply because it’s the largest measurement that matches in your wall or TV stand doesn’t imply that it’s proper for the room. Equally, take into account if a 65-inch TV would higher fit your house.
Value: Anticipate to pay about $500 for 55-inch 4K TV. The Insignia 55-inch 4K Hearth TV Version above is absolutely the least expensive we’d suggest based mostly on our catalog of TV testing. However in case you have a tighter price range, try our finest TV offers for some options. Take into account efficiency will take a success in cheaper price ranges, although.
HDR: If you’d like essentially the most colours, get one of many HDR units with Dolby Imaginative and prescient compatibility above. This know-how is ready to ship extra colours, extra distinction ranges and elevated brightness. It might make a set a bit extra pricey, nevertheless it ensures you’ll nonetheless be glad with TV because the Dolby Imaginative and prescient format appears to be gaining momentum.
Ports: One other factor to think about is port choices. Among the units above sport 3 HDMI ports, whereas some have 4. Typically, extra ports is best, particularly in case you have a set of enter units like soundbars or sport consoles.
What are we in search of in our testing?
Peak Brightness: The very best stage of brightness (measured in nits) {that a} TV can sustainably put out in a ten% window.
Delta E: A measurement of how correct colours are proper out the field in its Calibrated or ISF Modes. The decrease the quantity, the extra correct the colours are.
DCI-P3 Shade Quantity: This metric measures the whole protection space of a TV’s shade output. A better proportion means higher shade expression. We additionally measure a TV’s shade output in opposition to the Rec2020 shade house as properly.
Enter lag: An necessary metric for avid gamers, enter lag measures the whole time it takes for a sign that passes by means of the HDMI port to look on the display screen.
How we check the perfect 55-inch TVs
How we check the perfect 55-inch TVs
Testing the perfect 55-inch TVs is an intensive course of. We put each TV by means of our customized lab check, measuring shade gamut, shade accuracy and brightness to objectively see which units are the perfect for these key indicators. We additionally check for lag time, measuring to the millisecond how lengthy it takes for content material to journey from the unique supply to the display screen. We use these outcomes to make numbers-based comparisons about shade and show high quality.
To do that, we run all of those TVs by means of a collection of technical assessments designed to find out their efficiency on a quantitative stage. We carry out these with an X-Ceremony i1 Professional spectrophotometer, a SpectraCal VideoForge Professional sample generator, and Portrait Shows’ Calman calibration software program that measure and charts the TVs’ performances.
As well as, we spend hours with every set to see how our lab outcomes translate into anecdotal efficiency. We additionally evaluate competing units utilizing a variety of content material throughout a number of sources. With that info, we are able to inform you which TVs look finest, sound finest and provide the perfect viewing expertise.
In fact, we additionally take into account the sensible TV features and apps for every TV, taking a look at the whole lot from the distant management design to the voice interplay.