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When looking for a brand new TV, measurement is likely one of the first stuff you’ll must decide on. Fashions can be found throughout a variety of choices, with 55 inches being a well-liked decide for individuals who desire a medium-sized show. Entry-level 55-inch TVs will be discovered for below $300, and lots of manufacturers promote 55-inch variations of their prime TVs with all of the superior options you’d get on a much bigger measurement. The most effective 55-inch TVs present wonderful image high quality whereas nonetheless being giant sufficient to point out off the advantages of 4K decision.Â
Primarily based on a mix of hands-on testing and analysis bolstered by a decade’s expertise protecting the house leisure {industry}, we have picked the 5 finest 55-inch TVs you should purchase. Our prime suggestion is the LG C3, which delivers improbable distinction because of its OLED display screen whereas usually costing lower than comparable 55-inch units from different manufacturers. However if you wish to spend below $500, we suggest the Roku Plus Collection. It produces a variety of colours and delivers strong brightness for the cash.Â
Beneath are all 5 of our picks for one of the best 55-inch TVs, together with a high-end possibility for house theater fans and an inexpensive entry-level mannequin nice for informal patrons.Â
Our prime picks for one of the best 55-inch TVs
Greatest general: LG C3 4K OLED TV – See at Amazon
Greatest below $500: Roku Plus Collection 4K QLED TV – See at Amazon
Greatest premium possibility: Sony A95L 4K OLED TV – See at Amazon
Greatest anti-reflective show: Samsung S95D 4K OLED TV – See at Amazon
Greatest entry-level mannequin: TCL Q5 4K QLED TV – See at Greatest Purchase
Greatest general
LG 55-inch C3 OLED 4K TV
The C3 delivers wonderful distinction because of its OLED Evo panel, and the 55-inch possibility is cheaper than comparable OLEDs from different manufacturers.
Below most circumstances, we suggest Samsung’s S90C because the finest TV you should purchase proper now, however LG’s C3 has an edge should you’re particularly searching for a 55-inch show. The important thing issue at this measurement is worth and availability. The 55-inch C3 is less complicated to search out in inventory and is commonly cheaper than the 55-inch S90C.Â
Whereas the C3’s peak brightness of 800 nits cannot match the S90C’s 1,000 nits, it nonetheless will get vivid sufficient for common dwelling rooms and delivers the identical pixel-level distinction that every one OLEDs are identified for. This implies you get deep black ranges that disappear in a darkish room and intense high-dynamic vary (HDR) highlights with none of the halos that seem round vivid objects on some QLED TVs.Â
And in contrast to even the finest Samsung TVs, the C3 helps Dolby Imaginative and prescient to supply essentially the most correct HDR picture from streaming providers like Disney Plus and Netflix. We do not suppose Dolby Imaginative and prescient is a must have, however it’s a good perk. Try our HDR TV information for extra particulars on the variations between HDR codecs. Viewing angles on the C3 are additionally wonderful, so the image does not noticeably fade or distort if you sit off to the aspect of the TV.
The show can be a fantastic decide for players, because of its low enter lag and quick 120Hz refresh charge for clean gameplay on a PS5 or Xbox Collection X. Although not our favourite interface, LG’s webOS good TV platform is strong as nicely. With the included Magic Distant, you may navigate via the menus by way of bodily buttons or movement controls by pointing the distant on the display screen and transferring a mouse-like cursor.Â
If you will discover it in inventory, the 55-inch Samsung S90C is a robust various that may ship a barely extra vivid picture. Nevertheless, stock for that measurement is scarce and tends to be dearer than the C3. LG additionally sells a 2024 model of the C3 referred to as the C4. The brand new mannequin can get a bit brighter, but it surely prices extra. For now, we nonetheless suggest the C3 as one of the best 55-inch TV you will get.
Greatest below $500
Roku 55-inch Plus Collection 4K QLED TV
The Roku Plus Collection is the model’s budget-friendly QLED show. The TV has native dimming and quantum dots to supply strong distinction, coloration, and brightness capabilities. For below $500, the 55-inch mannequin is a superb worth for anybody who desires a succesful good TV.
The Roku Plus Collection is an reasonably priced QLED show powered by our favourite good TV interface. The Roku working system (OS) is easy and handy, and the TV delivers strong picture high quality for its class. That is simply top-of-the-line 55-inch TVs you may snag for below $500.Â
The show makes use of a QLED panel, which allows it to supply a variety of colours. It additionally has native dimming to brighten and darken particular areas throughout its display screen. This characteristic is uncommon to search out in cheaper 55-inch TVs, and it offers a large enchancment in black-level and brightness efficiency over inexpensive shows, like TCL’s Q5.
That mentioned, the Plus Collection’ black ranges cannot match the pixel-level precision of an OLED, just like the LG C3. And in contrast to pricier QLED fashions, the Plus Collection makes use of regular-sized LEDs in its backlight quite than Mini LEDs. This results in much less management over the panel’s distinction. Throughout our overview, we discovered the TV’s dimming to be somewhat clunky, with barely delayed shifts in brightness.
The show additionally has poor viewing angles, which suggests colours and distinction fade if you sit to the aspect of the TV. And the panel is restricted to 60Hz, so you may’t get 4K/120Hz help on consoles or gaming PCs. There isn’t any motion-smoothing characteristic, both. Although we usually choose to maintain settings like that off, movement smoothing can profit sure sports activities broadcasts.Â
However for essentially the most half, the above shortcomings are par for the course on QLEDs on this worth vary. The TV additionally makes up for a few of its flaws with its intuitive Roku OS, which offers straightforward and snappy entry to each well-liked app. There are some usability perks right here as nicely that you just will not discover on many different good TV methods, like the flexibility to pause stay TV from a digital antenna when you will have a USB stick plugged in. The distant can be nice, with hands-free voice search, a chargeable battery, and an audio chime you may activate should you misplace it.
Patrons on the hunt for one of the best 55-inch TV on a price range also needs to think about the brand new Hisense U6N QLED. The 55-inch U6N has an inventory worth of $600, but it surely’s often on sale for slightly below $500. The U6N is much like the Roku Plus Collection, but it surely has a Mini LED backlight, which ought to translate to raised dimming efficiency. Nevertheless, it makes use of the Google TV OS quite than Roku OS.Â
Learn our Roku Plus Collection 4K TV overview.
Greatest premium possibility
Sony 55-inch A95L OLED 4K TV
Sony’s A95L is one of the best high-end TV you should purchase. Although expensive, its QD-OLED panel affords essentially the most spectacular image high quality we have seen.
The Sony A95L is one of the best 55-inch TV for high-end efficiency. Competing shows from LG and Samsung get shut, however the A95L has a slight edge should you’re keen to spend prime greenback.Â
The TV makes use of a QD-OLED panel to supply pixel-level distinction and industry-leading coloration efficiency. The A95L can be one of many brightest OLEDs we have examined. We measured a peak of round 1,500 nits in our brightness take a look at sample, a whopping 500 nits greater than its predecessor, the A95K. The A95L can solely hit that quantity when displaying small vivid parts on the display screen, however that is nonetheless a formidable feat for an OLED show.Â
This excessive brightness permits the A95L to ship distinctive HDR photos. Black ranges disappear right into a darkish room, whereas specular highlights shine with pinpoint accuracy and no blooming. If you happen to watch TV in a house theater setting, the A95L merely dazzles.Â
Samsung’s new S95D OLED can get even brighter with a peak of round 1,700 nits, however Sony’s proprietary image processing allows picture accuracy that edges out rival manufacturers. This processing additionally affords spectacular upscaling that minimizes flaws in lower-quality sources, like HD feeds from streaming providers, cable, and indoor TV antennas. Viewing angles are additionally top-notch, so you do not have to fret about colours distorting when sitting off-center.Â
The A95L’s Google TV working system works nicely, too. The included Google Assistant voice distant has a premium really feel and a useful backlight that robotically activates if you decide it up. A webcam can be included, which helps video calls and gesture controls. The TV’s stand may even be configured in a high- or low-profile mode relying on whether or not you wish to put a soundbar in entrance of it.Â
The one notable characteristic lacking is 144Hz help, which Samsung, Hisense, and TCL provide on a few of their higher-end TVs when paired with a gaming PC. However should you’re utilizing a console, like a PS5 or Xbox Collection X, you may relaxation straightforward understanding you may nonetheless get full 120Hz help.Â
Given its worth, the A95L is geared towards large house theater fans keen to pay a premium for prime efficiency. Most patrons will probably be happy with any of the inexpensive 55-inch TVs we suggest, but when cash isn’t any object, the A95L is the TV to get.
Greatest anti-reflective show
Samsung 55-inch S95D OLED 4K TV
The S95D is Samsung’s flagship 4K TV for 2024. It is the brightest OLED we’ve ever measured and it has a novel anti-glare display screen that almost eliminates reflections. Nevertheless, the matte show provides black ranges a barely elevated look in a vivid room.
Samsung’s high-end S95D has a novel matte display screen that units it aside from almost each different 55-inch TV you should purchase. Most competing shows use a shiny or semi-glossy panel, however the S95D’s matte show allows it to cut back glare and reflections considerably.Â
Actually, the S95D is one of the best anti-glare TV we have seen. You probably have a room the place reflections are a giant downside, this set might be the answer you are searching for. Nevertheless, there’s a notable disadvantage. Whereas the S95D’s matte display screen combats glare, it provides black ranges a barely elevated look in vivid rooms. This can provide darkish scenes a hazy and flat high quality if you watch TV with the lights on. So, there is a clear tradeoff, and whether or not you prioritize decreasing reflections or preserving black ranges comes down to non-public desire.Â
Fortunately, in a darkish room, the S95D’s black ranges look simply as spectacular as any OLED’s. The TV delivers distinctive image efficiency that holds its personal in opposition to prime opponents from Sony and LG. It is also the brightest OLED we have measured, with a peak of 1,700 nits. Sony’s A95L nonetheless has an edge in terms of general picture high quality and accuracy, however the S95D is definitely one of many prime high-end TVs there’s.
The TV’s design can be premium, with a uniformly skinny profile and a One Join Field to deal with its inputs as a substitute of constructing them into the panel. Players get cool perks like a 144Hz mode when paired with a PC, and entry to the Xbox Sport Go app to stream video games. Â
Samsung’s cheaper Body TV makes use of an analogous matte display screen, however that mannequin cannot match the S95D’s picture high quality. The model additionally nonetheless sells the 2023 model of this show, referred to as the S95C. The S95C affords comparable efficiency for much less cash, but it surely does not have the S95D’s new glare-free panel. Although expensive, the S95D is one of the best 55-inch TV you should purchase if you would like the best anti-reflective display screen available on the market. Â
Learn our Samsung S95D 4K TV overview.
Try our S95D vs. S95C comparability.
Greatest entry-level
TCL Q5 55-inch Google TV
This 55-inch TCL TV makes use of a QLED panel, which affords nice coloration efficiency. It lacks native dimming and native 120Hz help however in any other case has all the trimmings wanted for contemporary gaming and residential cinemas. This is a superb deal worth for a 55-inch set on this class.
Although we beforehand really helpful TCL’s step-down S4 mannequin on this spot, a worth drop has made the Q5 a significantly better worth on this class. At below $300 for the 55-inch measurement, the Q5 is a superb entry-level TV for patrons who favor affordability.
And regardless of its low worth, the Q5 makes use of a QLED panel with quantum dots to supply a large coloration gamut, identical to the pricier picks on this information. Nevertheless, the Q5 does not have native dimming to regulate distinction throughout particular areas. As a substitute, it has a regular direct-lit backlight. In consequence, the TV’s distinction is decrease, and its black ranges aren’t as deep as the opposite shows we suggest. This implies darkish scenes may look washed out should you watch TV with the lights off. Colours and distinction additionally distort should you sit to the aspect of the display screen, however that is widespread for any TV this cheap.
Peak brightness is restricted to round 400 nits, which is okay for traditional dynamic vary (SDR) content material however on the low aspect for HDR playback. We suggest you pay extra for the Roku Plus Collection if you would like a budget-friendly TV with HDR in thoughts. Gaming efficiency can be a blended bag. The panel can help 120Hz when displaying 1440p or 1080p decision, but it surely’s restricted to 60Hz with 4K.
Nevertheless, the Q5 is a strong possibility should you simply need primary 4K playback. Its coloration efficiency is noticeably higher than most competing TVs on this worth vary. Built-in help for the Google TV platform and a voice distant spherical out the package deal, providing dependable playback from all of the finest streaming providers. Â
How we take a look at 55-inch TVs
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To pick out one of the best 55-inch TVs, our group depends on a mix of hands-on testing and analysis knowledgeable by greater than 10 years of expertise reviewing house leisure merchandise.Â
After we overview TVs, we deal with 65-inch items since that measurement is taken into account the {industry}’s flagship providing. Nevertheless, a TV mannequin’s general efficiency often stays comparable throughout sizes 55 inches and above. As an illustration, a 65-inch Sony A95L OLED and a 55-inch A95L have the identical primary specs and capabilities. The one notable distinction is the dimensions of the display screen.Â
Nevertheless, some TVs that use native dimming, just like the Roku Plus Collection, make use of fewer zones in smaller display screen sizes versus bigger ones. This will result in variations in distinction efficiency when evaluating a 55-inch mannequin to a different measurement, however not sufficient to change our common impressions of that mannequin. Sometimes, there are larger variations throughout sizes, and we observe these particulars when relevant. Â
To check TVs, we have a look at image readability, distinction, peak brightness, coloration efficiency, viewing angles, gaming capabilities, good TV navigation, and general worth. We measure HDR brightness with an X-Ceremony iDisplay Plus colorimeter and use take a look at patterns on the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to guage different goal show parameters.Â
However take a look at patterns can solely reveal a lot, so we watch loads of precise films and exhibits to see how a TV performs with real-world content material on a day-to-day foundation in each darkish and vivid rooms. We revisit varied scenes on every TV we take a look at that we have particularly chosen to look at black ranges, shadow particulars, HDR highlights, and upscaling. Our demo content material consists of 4K, 1080p excessive definition (HD), and customary definition (SD) materials from varied sources like Blu-ray discs, streaming providers, and cable TV.
55-inch TV FAQs
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Is 55 inches measurement for a TV?
A 55-inch display screen is a strong selection for varied rooms. This measurement continues to be large enough to really feel immersive in smaller dwelling rooms whereas providing a extra compact various to 65-inch fashions that is perhaps too large for some areas.Â
A 55-inch TV can be match for a bed room the place you may want one thing smaller than what you’ve got received in your lounge however not so compact that you should sacrifice image high quality options. Most manufacturers’ finest 4K TVs can be found in 55-inch choices, however many prime shows usually are not bought in sizes beneath that. As an illustration, if you would like considered one of Samsung or Sony’s finest OLED TVs, 55 inches is the smallest measurement obtainable.Â
How a lot ought to a 55-inch TV price?
The most effective 55-inch TVs fluctuate in worth, with entry-level choices beginning at below $300 and high-end choices costing $2,000 or extra.Â
If you would like a midrange 55-inch TV, you must plan to spend about $400-$700. A number of nice 55-inch QLED fashions in that worth vary have quantum dots, native dimming, and Mini LED backlights to ship good distinction and peak brightness ranges as excessive as 1,000 nits.
Buyers who desire a 55-inch OLED TV quite than a QLED must pay extra, with costs beginning at round $1,000. Although notably dearer than their QLED counterparts, OLED TVs provide pixel-level brightness management for superior distinction and black ranges.Â
How far must you sit from a 55-inch 4K TV?
The smaller a 4K display screen is, the nearer you may want to sit down to the show to see the total advantages of its decision. To see the additional element that 4K affords over 1080p Full HD, you may wish to sit at a distance of about one to 1.5 instances the dimensions of your show. For a 55-inch 4K TV, the really helpful viewing distance is between 4.6 and 6.9 ft out of your TV.   Â
After all, you may nonetheless sit farther away out of your TV and luxuriate in its picture high quality, however the really helpful distance will mean you can see one of the best stage of element.
If you could sit even nearer to your TV or simply have a small room to work with, try our information to the finest 50-inch TVs.
And for rooms the place you’d want to sit down farther out of your show, we suggest opting for a bigger display screen measurement to get the total advantages of 4K. Try our guides to the finest 65-inch TVs, finest 75-inch TVs, and finest 85-inch TVs for our prime suggestions.
Must you purchase a soundbar to pair with a 55-inch TV?
Even one of the best 55-inch TVs are likely to have mediocre built-in audio system. Audio drivers built-in into most TVs are small and infrequently positioned in areas that may result in a muddy sound that lacks vary and deep bass. Because of this, we suggest pairing your TV with a soundbar or full encompass sound system to get one of the best audio high quality for films, TV exhibits, and video video games.
For essentially the most immersive expertise, we recommend discovering a system that helps Dolby Atmos, which might allow sound results from all instructions, even above your head. Efficiency varies relying on the mannequin you get, however there are entry-level Atmos methods that may nonetheless present a pleasant improve over your TV’s built-in audio system.
Try our varied soundbar guides to see our prime suggestions for various wants:
