In today’s market, looking for a smart TV that balances quality and affordability can be a challenging task. Compared to a few years ago, getting the best TVs under $500 was almost impossible. However, with many features such as 4K resolution, HDR support, and smart capabilities becoming standard, it’s easier than ever to get a high-performance TV without spending a lot of money. For those on a budget, spending under $500 no longer means compromising on essential features or picture quality. If you are looking for a budget TV under $500, this guide will help you navigate through the best options available. We will highlight our top picks that offer excellent value, vibrant displays, and smart technology, ensuring you make a well-informed decision for your home entertainment setup.
TCL 5-Series
This is our 1st Choice Pick for the Best TV under $500
55 inch – see price on amazon.com
50 inch – see price on amazon.com
43 inch – see price on amazon.com
Pros:
- QLED Technology: Probably the cheapest QLED display TV.
- Full-Array Local Dimming: Provides better contrast and deeper blacks.
- Dolby Atmos passthrough: Sound quality is good.
- Roku TV: User-friendly interface with a wide range of streaming apps.
Cons:
- Viewing angles: When viewed from the sides, the colors may shift
- Motion handling: The motion processing is not as good as the high-end models; it is noticeable especially in fast moving scenes.
The TCL 5-Series is a standout budget-friendly TV, utilizing QLED technology for vibrant, lifelike colors. Specifically, the quantum dots enhance color saturation. Additionally, its 4K UHD resolution and Dolby Vision HDR ensure crisp, detailed images with enhanced brightness and contrast. Furthermore, the full-array local dimming feature improves black levels and contrast, enhancing dark scenes. Moreover, running on the user-friendly Roku TV platform, it offers a vast library of streaming apps and supports voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant. The TCL 5-Series has a modern and sleek design with a minimal bezel. The TCL 5-Series tops our list of the Best TVs under $500.
Vizio M-Series Quantum
65 inch – see price on amazon.com
55 inch – see price on amazon.com
50 inch – see price on amazon.com
Pros
- Quantum Color technology: Offers excellent color performance.
- Full-Array LED backlighting: Improves picture quality with better uniformity.
- Fast Response Time: Fast-moving images will look much sharper
- Excellent 4K HDR: Enhances viewing experience with better detail and contrast.
- SmartCast: Integrates well with smart home systems.
Cons
- SmartCast interface: Can be less intuitive compared to other smart platforms.
- Remote control: Basic and lacks advanced features.
- Sound quality: Sound quality can be improved; it lacks a dedicated subwoofer.
With its Quantum Color technology, The Vizio M-Series Quantum (M55Q7-H1) delivers an impressive color spectrum for a more realistic and vibrant picture. The 4K UHD resolution coupled with Dolby Vision HDR ensures detailed and high-contrast images, making your viewing experience more immersive. However, it doesn’t really get bright enough to make highlights pop. This TV features full-array LED backlighting, which enhances picture uniformity and overall visual performance. The SmartCast platform integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa, offering a connected and convenient user experience. For gaming, the M-Series Quantum has a fast response time and low input lag that makes for an excellent gaming experience. It can be used as a monitor for a gaming PC. Overall, this is one of the best tvs under $500.
Hisense U6G
50 inch – see price on amazon.com
Pros
- Quantum Dot technology: Provides better color accuracy and vibrancy.
- Full-Array Local Dimming: Improves contrast and black levels.
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+: Offers enhanced HDR performance.
- Android TV: Versatile platform with access to a wide range of apps.
Cons
- Build quality: Not as premium as some other brands.
- Motion handling: Can be less smooth in fast-moving scenes.
- Viewing angle: degradation of image when viewed at an angle
- Ads: The Android TV Platform shows adds in the smart interface.
The Hisense U6G is a standout option in the budget TV category, offering Quantum Dot technology that enhances color accuracy and vibrancy. Although it competes with some expensive models, it lacks some extra features. Nevertheless, the 4K UHD resolution, combined with Dolby Vision and HDR10+, ensures a detailed and high-contrast viewing experience. Additionally, the full-array local dimming feature significantly boosts contrast, providing deeper blacks and brighter highlights. Furthermore, running on the Android TV platform, the U6G provides access to a vast array of apps and services, with Google Assistant built-in for easy voice control and smart home integration. However, the U6G is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.0, so it is not suitable for high frame-rate gaming. Compared to its price, the U6G is a great choice for most uses.
Samsung TU7000
50 inch – see price on amazon.com
50 inch – see price on amazon.com
43 inch – see price on amazon.com
Pros
- PurColor technology: Delivers better color accuracy.
- HDR support: Enhances picture quality.
- Tizen platform: Easy to use with a wide selection of apps.
- Voice assistant compatibility: Supports Alexa and Google Assistant.
Cons
- No local dimming: Results in less impressive black levels.
- Limited viewing angles: Colors and brightness can diminish when viewed from the side.
- No VRR: It does not support Variable Refresh Rate.
The Samsung TU7000 offers a solid performance with its 4K UHD resolution and PurColor technology, which enhances color accuracy for a more realistic picture. Although it lacks local dimming, the TU7000 still provides HDR support, improving overall picture quality with better contrast. Additionally, this TV is okay for most uses and is generally good for watching movies in the dark. However, the viewing angle is not that good, leading to image degradation when watching from an angle. On the positive side, the Tizen smart TV platform is user-friendly and offers a wide selection of streaming apps. Furthermore, this TV is also compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for convenient hands-free control. The TU7000 is surely one of the best TVs under $500.
LG UP8000
Pros:
- Active HDR: Improves the picture quality with better detail.
- Filmmaker Mode: Offers a cinema-like viewing experience.
- Good Viewing angles: Better for watching in a group.
- webOS platform: Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Cons:
- Brightness: Not as high as some competitors.
- Low contrast: Not good for watching in dark rooms
- Motion handling: Can be less smooth, noticeable in fast-action scenes.
The LG UP8000 is another contender in the best TVs under $500. It delivers solid 4K UHD performance with Active HDR for better detail and contrast. Additionally, the Filmmaker Mode provides an authentic cinema-like experience, while AI Sound technology enhances audio quality. Furthermore, it is ideal for group viewing in well-lit rooms, as it has a wide viewing angle and low contrast. Moreover, running on the intuitive webOS platform, it offers access to numerous streaming apps and services. The included Magic Remote also supports voice control for added convenience. Overall, the UP8000 is okay for watching TV shows and serves well as a PC monitor.
Sony X750H
Pros
- 4K X-Reality PRO: Enhances clarity and detail.
- HDR support: Improves picture quality with better contrast.
- Good Response time: Good for playing games.
- Android TV: Versatile and offers access to a wide range of apps.
- Google Assistant: Built-in for voice control.
Cons
- Brightness: Not as high, affecting HDR performance.
- Viewing angle: Narrow viewing angles not good for group watching.
- Design: Basic design and build quality.
The Sony X750H offers a reliable 4K UHD performance with its 4K X-Reality PRO technology, which enhances clarity and detail for a more refined picture. Additionally, it supports HDR, improving the overall picture quality and providing vibrant colors. Furthermore, the X750H has a high contrast ratio and outstanding black uniformity, making the TV good for watching movies and gaming in the dark. Also, running on the Android TV platform, the X750H provides access to a vast selection of apps and services, with Google Assistant built-in for seamless voice control and smart home integration. Additionally, this model is also compatible with Alexa, expanding its voice control capabilities.
Insignia F30 Series
75 inch – see price on amazon.com
70 inch – see price on amazon.com
65 – inch – see price on amazon.com
55 inch – see price on amazon.com
Pros
- Better viewing angle: Good for watching in a group setting.
- Fire TV platform: Easy to use with a wide selection of streaming apps.
- Voice Remote with Alexa: Convenient for voice commands and smart home integration.
- DTS Studio Sound: Offers decent audio quality.
Cons
- Build quality: Basic and less durable.
- Picture quality: Not as high-end as more expensive models, bad contrast ratio.
- Limited features: Lacks advanced picture settings and motion handling options
The Insignia F30 Series is a simple and budget-friendly entry into 4K UHD TV ownership. Although it has HDR10 support, it has limited picture quality and image processing options. Nonetheless, the F30 Series TV has a good viewing angle, ensuring the picture is not distorted even when viewed from the sides of the TV. Additionally, it runs on the Fire TV platform, providing an easy-to-use interface with access to a wide selection of streaming apps. Furthermore, the included Voice Remote with Alexa allows for convenient voice commands and smart home integration. The DTS Studio Sound feature offers decent audio quality. Overall, this TV is ideal for budget-conscious buyers because, while it does not offer many premium features. Even though the Insignia F30 does not rank well on of the best TVs under $500, it is still a good choice for its price.
Conclusion
The choice for the best TVs under $500 doesn’t have to be daunting. There are many budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on quality or features. From the vibrant QLED display of the TCL 5-Series, which is our top pick, to the excellent color performance of the Vizio M-Series Quantum, each model brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re looking for a TV with seamless smart home integration, like the Hisense U6G, or a user-friendly interface, like the Samsung TU7000, there is a budget TV to meet your needs. The LG UP8000 impresses with its wide viewing angles and cinema-like experience, while the Sony X750H offers reliable performance with Android TV. For those prioritizing simplicity and smart features, the Insignia F30 Series delivers. With these many options, getting the best TV will mainly depend on the features that are best suited for your needs.
Check out our related categories on video and televisions.
Add a Comment