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The best 50-inch TVs you can buy
When you're investing in a new TV, the top three factors you should consider are picture quality, screen size, and color contrast. People use TVs to watch a variety of content: movies, sports, gaming, and so much more. Whether you're looking for a 50-inch TV to fit your apartment or bedroom, these TVs are great because, while not the largest option, they offer a beautiful picture for a lower price point.
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As a gamer who loves a good Netflix show, I care about the quality of my TV. And with season 4 of Succession being released, now is the time to pick up a new 50-inch display with improved specs to catch every subtle interaction. I rounded up the best 50-inch TVs that I would personally purchase and use in my own home.
Also: The best smart TVs (and what makes them so smart)
In this versatile list, I handpicked each TV to find an option for everyone -- whether you want the best budget TV or the top gaming TV. Here are the best 50-inch TVs on the market with different price points and special features.
Also:
- Object Tracking Sound Lite
- Solar-powered remote
- Alexa, Bixby, and Hey Google support
- No Dolby Atmos or Dolby Vision support
- No VRR support for gaming
Samsung CU8000 tech specs: Panel type: LED | HDR: HDR10+ | Audio: Object Tracking Sound Lite | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical
Samsung has quite a few high-end offerings if you're shopping for a new TV, but the mid-range CU8000 is one of the best 50-inch class models you can buy. Not only does it provide excellent native and upscaled 4K resolution, it also supports HDR10+ technology for enhanced detailing and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound Lite for audio that follows the on-screen action.
You'll also get integrated voice controls via Samsung's Bixby or Alexa, and you can set up Google Assistant as well if you prefer. And if you've been looking for ways to make your home more eco-friendly, the CU8000 comes with a solar-powered remote. You'll not only keep heavy metals like lead out of landfills by avoiding traditional batteries, you'll also save money.
- Under $300
- Dolby Vision
- Dedicated game mode
- Voice controls
- No Alexa support
- No AirPlay support
- No Dolby Atmos support
Hisense A6 tech specs: Panel type: LED | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10| Audio: DTS Virtual: X | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Voice controls: Hey Google | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, 3x HDMI, 2x USB, Optical, RF, Composite
The Hisense A6 is a great option for a 50-inch TV if you're looking to upgrade on a budget. It retails for under $300 but still provides many features you've come to expect from smart TVs. You'll get integrated voice controls via Google Assistant for hands-free use of your new TV, connected devices, and apps.
It supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10 for enhanced detailing and contrast to create more lifelike images. And with DTS Virtual: X audio, you'll get rich, room-filling sound. Console gamers will love the dedicated gaming mode that automatically lowers input latency and provides basic VRR support to give you smoother playback and faster reactions to your inputs.
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- AMD FreeSync
- 4 HDMI inputs
- Inputs for retro consoles
- No G-Sync support
- Only 60Hz refresh rate
TCL 50S555 tech specs: Panel type: LED | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Refresh rate: 60Hz, AMD FreeSync | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Siri | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 1 USB, Ethernet, RF, Optical, Composite
If you're looking for a new TV to upgrade your gaming space, the TCL 50S555 is an excellent choice. Not only does it provide great native and upscaled 4K resolution, it also supports bold Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for a more immersive gaming experience.
It also supports AMD FreeSync VRR technology to prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can grind your match to a halt. If you own multiple consoles, you can set them all up at once with the 4 HDMI inputs. And if you have any retro consoles in your collection, the RF and Composite A/V inputs let you set them up as well.
- Excellent picture quality
- Acoustic Surface Audio+
- Voice controls
- No Dolby Atmos support
- No VRR support for gaming
Sony A90K tech specs: Panel type: OLED | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10 | Audio: DTS Digital Surround, Acoustic Surface Audio+ | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, RF, Optical, Composite
The Sony A90K actually has a 48-inch screen, but I'm including it here because it's the closest you'll get to a 50-inch OLED. The TV still delivers signature OLED picture quality in its smaller form factor, so you won't have to sacrifice detailing or color accuracy to get a screen that fits a smaller space.
It uses Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology to turn the entire screen into a speaker for near-perfect audio and video syncing as well as sound that follows the on-screen action for a more immersive experience.
- Updated Neo QLED panel
- Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+
- Cloud gaming support
- Voice controls
- No Dolby Vision support
- No Freesync or G-Sync support
Samsung QN90C tech specs: Panel type: Neo QLED | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical
If you're willing to spend big bucks to get the best 50-inch TV possible, the Samsung QN90C is a great choice. It features an updated Neo QLED panel to provide better colors and detailing over previous iterations as well as support for both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound for room-filling audio that follows the on-screen action. It also has voice controls via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, or Google Assistant for hands-free use of your new TV, its apps, and connected devices.
If you have a Samsung-branded sound bar, you can take advantage of the Q-Symphony 3.0 feature, which allows the sound bar and integrated TV speakers to work together in order to create a custom audio setup to rival any high-end surround sound system. And with the Samsung Gaming Hub, you'll get support for cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now so you can play your favorite PC games from the comfort of your couch.
What is the best 50-inch TV?
My pick for the best 50-inch TV is the Samsung CU8000. Not only is the price relatively easy on the wallet, it also provides plenty of premium-grade features that make it a great value for the cost. You'll get HDR10+ support for enhanced detailing and contrast as well as object tracking sound for audio that follows the on-screen action.
It also features voice controls via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, and Google Assistant for hands-free use of your TV and its apps or connected devices.
Best 50-inch TV | Price | Refresh rate | HDR |
Samsung CU8000 | $448 | 60Hz | HDR10+ |
Hisense A6 | $270 | 60Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10 |
TCL 50S555 | $400 | 60Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10/10+ |
Sony A90K | $1400 | 120Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10 |
Samsung QN90C | $1600 | 120Hz | Neo Quantum HDR+ |
Which is the right 50-inch TV for you?
Once you've nailed down a budget, think about where you want your 50-inch TV to be and how you'll use it. If you want to upgrade the main TV in your living room or home theater, you'll want to spring for a model that offers plenty of connectivity for playback devices as well as great picture and sound quality for family movie nights or watch parties with friends.
If you're looking for a secondary screen for your bedroom or gaming space, you'll want something a bit more budget-friendly since it may not be used as often.
Choose this 50-inch TV… | If you want… |
Samsung CU8000 | A well-rounded 50-inch TV. This mid-range TV from Samsung still offers premium-grade features like voice controls and object tracking sound. |
Hisense A6 | A budget-friendly 50-inch TV. The Hisense A6 retails for under $300, which is the lowest price on this list. |
TCL 50S555 | A 50-inch gaming TV. It supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos as well as AMD FreeSync VRR technology. |
Sony A90K | A 50-inch OLED TV. While actually measuring 48 inches, it's still a worthy consideration if you want an OLED TV that's on the smaller side. |
Samsung QN90C | A high-end 50-inch TV. It features support for cloud gaming services as well as voice controls, Dolby Atmos, and object tracking sound. |
How did we choose these 50-inch TVs?
I analyzed the best 50-inch TVs and narrowed it down to the top five units on the market based on various specs that companies across the board offer in these panel sizes. I have used Samsung TVs in the past, including the QN90B and the QN800B, and based on my personal experience, the QN90A took the top spot based on the specs offered, cementing Samsung as a TV powerhouse.
The best budget 50-inch TV is the Samsung QN90A because it packs high-quality entertainment at a low price. When it comes to streaming and gaming, smart TV features like Dolby Vision, HDR, and the refresh rate are the most important features, respectively.
What is a good price for a 50-inch TV?
Spending hard-earned cash on a TV can mean spending hundreds or even thousands. There's good and bad news on these 50-inch picks.
The good news is that these days there are so many options to choose from. The bad news is that we can't tell you the best amount to spend on a TV because everyone's needs and budgets vary. Generally, our picks on this list range from $290 to $1,030.
Does Sony make a 50-inch TV?
Yes. Sony makes 50-inch TVs, but they are more expensive than Samsung, TCL, and LG TVs. If you're willing to splurge, Sony TVs remain excellent options, as well. Here are some of our top recommendations if you prefer to stick with Sony's models:
How high should a TV stand be for a 50-inch TV?
Ideally, your TV stand should elevate your television at least two feet above the floor. Additionally, you will likely want a stand that is 3-5 inches wider than your TV. Most TVs have feet instead of a central stand now, so unless you plan to mount your TV on the wall, a wide stand is necessary.
Are there alternative 50-inch TVs worth considering?
When it comes to TVs, it's hard to compete with big companies like Samsung, LG, and TCL. The battle for the best TV on the market is really competitive, but after the top few products, the competition seems to fall off.
Here are three more televisions that also offer incredible picture and sound quality:
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Furrion Aurora Partial Sun - Best outdoor TV
This 50-inch TV from Furrion is designed to elevate your outdoor entertaining spaces. You can place it in shade or partial sun for great picture quality and visibility no matter the time of day.
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Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED - Runner-up best for streaming
The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED uses the Fire TV platform, with the Prime Video app as your home page along with access to the entire library of shows and movies. You'll also get access to partner apps like HBO Max, Paramount+, and Broadway HD.
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Sony X80K - Runner-up for gaming
The Sony X80K has ambient light and sound sensors to monitor your environment and automatically adjust picture and sound settings to best suit your gaming space.