Discovering the ultimate TV under $500, especially for cord-cutting college students seeking quality on a budget. The best TVs in this bracket cater to diverse needs, making them perfect for dorm rooms or small apartments. With screen sizes ranging from 40 to 55 inches, resolutions spanning from Full HD (1080p) to 4K Ultra HD, and leveraging cutting-edge display technologies like LED or LCD, these TVs strike a balance between size, clarity, and visual brilliance. Ideal for those craving quality entertainment without denting their pockets, these TVs cater to the modern demands of streaming, gaming, and immersive viewing experiences.
- Screen Size: TVs ranging from 40 inches to 55 inches. These sizes offer a fantastic viewing experience, whether you’re setting up in a cozy living room or a compact space. For instance, models like the TCL 43-inch or the Hisense 50-inch provide ample screen real estate without compromising quality.
- Resolution: Most TVs under $500 showcase Full HD (1080p) resolution, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals. However, you might also find some gems offering 4K Ultra HD resolution within this range. TVs like the Samsung 43-inch Crystal UHD or the Vizio 55-inch 4K UHD Smart TV bring stunning clarity to your viewing pleasure.
- Display Technology: Within this budget, you’ll encounter LED or LCD TVs with impressive picture quality. LED technology, known for its energy efficiency and bright displays, is commonly found in these TVs. Brands like LG, TCL, and Hisense offer LED TVs that pack a punch without draining your wallet.
In summary, when seeking the “Best TV Under $500,” screen sizes ranging from 40 to 55 inches, resolution options including Full HD (1080p) and even 4K Ultra HD, and the prevalent LED display technology. Models like TCL’s 43-inch, Samsung’s Crystal UHD series, or Vizio’s 55-inch 4K UHD Smart TV are fantastic examples that blend quality, size, and technology within this budget-friendly range. Discover how to maximize your budget with our essential “Buying Guide” for top-notch TVs under $500!
Best TV Under $500 Table
| Best TV Under $500 | Screen Size | Resolution | Display Technology | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INSIGNIA TV Under $500 | 50 Inches | 4K | LED | Check On Amazon |
| Amazon Fire TV Under $500 | 50 Inches | 4K | QLED | Check On Amazon |
| Hisense TV Under $500 | 65 Inches | 4K | QLED | Check On Amazon |
| Toshiba TV Under $500 | 50 Inches | 4K | LED | Check On Amazon |
| SAMSUNG TV Under $500 | 55 Inches | 4K | LED | Check On Amazon |
| VIZIO TV Under $500 | 43 Inches | 4K | QLED | Check On Amazon |
| Westinghouse TV Under $500 | 50 Inches | 4K | LED | Check On Amazon |
Best TV Under $500 Reviews
1. INSIGNIA TV Under $500
Insignia F30 50-inch 4K UHD Smart Fire TV, designed to cater to every movie marathoner, binge-watcher, and gaming enthusiasts out there. This budget-friendly powerhouse redefines value, offering a trove of features that transform your living room into an entertainment oasis. The visuals are breathtaking, thanks to the 4K Ultra HD resolution. With four times the pixels of Full HD, this TV brings a new dimension to every scene, immersing you in a world of vibrant colors and razor-sharp details. Even your older content gets a facelift, upscale to near-4K quality that feels fresh and lifelike.
Welcome to the era of seamless streaming – Fire TV built-in ensures access to an extensive library of over 1 million movies and TV episodes across popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Prime Video. Thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills cater to your every mood and interest, from news and sports to music and games. Voice control takes center stage with Alexa, your all-in-one entertainment assistant. The included voice remote simplifies tasks, from searching for titles to adjusting volume, controlling smart home devices, and beyond. And when paired with your Amazon Echo, enjoy hands-free convenience for a truly immersive experience.
But it’s not just about visuals and streaming. The F30 goes further, delivering immersive audio with DTS Studio Sound. Its sleek, flat design adds a touch of elegance to your space, while diverse connectivity options ensure compatibility with all your devices. For gamers, the F30 opens doors to endless possibilities. Play games directly through Amazon Luna or access a plethora of options from the Appstore, turning your TV into a gaming powerhouse.
Best Features:
- Stunning 4K Ultra HD visuals
- Seamless Fire TV integration for extensive streaming options
- Convenient Alexa voice control
Pros:
- Immersive picture quality with vibrant colors and sharp details
- Access to a vast array of streaming services and apps
- Effortless control through voice commands
Cons:
- Occasional connectivity issues with Wi-Fi
2. Amazon Fire TV Under $500
Amazon Fire TV 50″ Omni QLED Series, where dull displays and lackluster visuals become a thing of the past. This TV harnesses Quantum Dot technology, breathing life into movies, shows, and live sports with vibrant, true-to-life colors that leap off the screen. Quantum Dots create a captivating spectrum of colors, enhancing brightness and richness to unveil nuanced shades, delivering unparalleled detail and realism to every scene. Advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+ Adaptive dynamically adjust brightness and contrast, drawing you deeper into the story with remarkable depth and intricacy.
The TV intelligently adjusts screen brightness based on ambient light, guaranteeing optimal picture quality regardless of the time of day. Local dimming with 48 independent lighting zones crafts deeper blacks and brighter whites, eliminating halo effects and enhancing the richness of dark scenes and bright details. Transform your space with the Fire TV Ambient Experience, turning the TV into an art display or a smart home hub for an enriched living environment.
Stream over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes from top platforms, navigate effortlessly with Alexa, and expand your audio experience with Echo speakers or a soundbar. Multiple HDMI ports and HDMI eARC ensure seamless connections to gaming consoles, cable boxes, and audio equipment for an immersive audio-visual experience. Built with privacy features and designed for hassle-free use, this TV offers a stress-free, intuitive experience for everyone.
Best Features:
- Quantum Dot technology for vivid, lifelike colors
- Advanced HDR formats for depth and detail
- Adaptive brightness and local dimming for superior picture quality
Pros:
- Exceptional color spectrum and richness
- Immersive depth through HDR technology
- Intelligent adaptive features for optimal viewing
Cons:
- Sound quality may not match visual excellence
3. Hisense TV Under $500
Hisense 65-Inch Class U6HF Series ULED 4K Smart Fire TV, where colors shimmer, images sharpen, and motion flows seamlessly. The ULED technology revolutionizes your viewing experience. It has billion vibrant color combinations, with Quantum Dot technology. The fiery intensity of sunsets and the mesmerizing depths of oceans, where every detail in movies becomes vividly lifelike. Revel in 4K resolution for striking detail, accompanied by a 240 Motion Rate and 60Hz native refresh rate.
Dive deeper into cinematic realms with Dolby Vision HDR, transforming shadows, highlights, and every detail into breathtaking realism within your living room. Access an extensive library of movies, shows, apps, and games without additional devices. Explore Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and more, and stream for free with services like Freevee and Pluto TV. Elevate your gaming experience with Game Mode Plus and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), minimizing lag and screen tearing for fluid, responsive gameplay.
Take charge with voice-controlled Alexa. Manage your TV effortlessly, from finding movies to adjusting volume, all with simple voice commands using the Alexa Voice Remote. The bezel-less design seamlessly fits into your space, while the quad-core processor ensures smooth performance across all your entertainment needs.
Best Features:
- Quantum Dot technology for a billion vibrant colors
- 4K resolution, 240 Motion Rate for sharp visuals
- Dolby Vision HDR for cinematic brilliance
Pros:
- Stunning, lifelike color spectrum
- Crisp, smooth visuals even in fast-paced scenes
- Immersive cinematic experience at home
Cons:
- Limited customization options for some users
4. Toshiba TV Under $500
Toshiba 55-inch Class C350 Series Smart TV. This sleek powerhouse redefines home entertainment, boasting features that cater to movie enthusiasts, gamers, and streaming enthusiasts alike. Experience the epitome of clarity with 4K resolution, delivering sharp, detailed images that bring every scene to life, from the tiniest textures to the most intricate details of your favorite movies. Toshiba’s Regza Engine 4K combines PQ technology and a premium LCD panel, creating stunning contrast, vibrant colors, and razor-sharp details that elevate your viewing experience to new heights.
Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 technology transport you into the deep of every scene, unveiling vivid brightness, deep blacks, and captivating colors that mirror the filmmaker’s vision. Fire TV built-in consolidates your favorite streaming services into a seamless interface. Access Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and more, while discovering free entertainment from platforms like Freevee, Pluto TV, and Tubi. The Alexa Voice Remote puts control at your command. Manage your TV, apps, volume, and even your smart home devices effortlessly with simple voice commands.
Game Mode minimizes input lag, ensuring smoother gameplay and immediate response to your actions, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience without delays. The Toshiba C350’s slim profile seamlessly integrates into any space, offering more than just technological brilliance, it’s an aesthetic addition to your living room.
Best Features:
- 4K resolution for stunning clarity
- Regza Engine 4K for superior picture quality
- Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 for cinematic visuals
Pros:
- Crisp, detailed images with vibrant colors
- Fire TV built-in for diverse streaming options
- Alexa Voice Remote for convenient control
Cons:
- Connectivity issues
5. SAMSUNG TV Under $500
Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD 4K CU8000 Series TV, where dull screens are replaced by a vibrant explosion of color and immersive entertainment. This combines stunning visuals, immersive sound, and a sleek design that seamlessly complements your living room décor. Dynamic Crystal Color technology unveils a billion shades for unparalleled visuals, enhancing every detail with lifelike intensity. From the subtle tones of a sunset to the textured richness of movie scenes, prepare for an immersive visual feast.
The Crystal Processor effortlessly upscales content to striking 4K resolution, enhancing colors, contrast, and motion for unparalleled clarity. Experience seamless motion with Motion Xcelerator technology, ensuring smooth, blur-free action scenes and gaming thrills that keep you on the edge. Object Tracking Sound Lite envelops you in 3D surround sound, syncing audio with on-screen action, delivering an immersive soundscape that amplifies the viewing experience.
The AirSlim design epitomizes minimalist aesthetics, seamlessly integrating the TV into your space, putting the spotlight solely on the stunning picture quality. Q-Symphony synchronizes the TV speakers with compatible soundbars, creating a multi-channel soundscape that elevates your entertainment. The SolarCell Remote charges sustainably, eliminating disposable batteries, and offers voice control for easy navigation. Access popular streaming services and gaming consoles for limitless entertainment possibilities.
Best Features:
- Dynamic Crystal Color for a billion shades
- Crystal Processor for 4K upscaling
- Motion Xcelerator for smooth action scenes
Pros:
- Immersive, lifelike visuals
- Enhanced sound with Object Tracking
- Slim, sleek design integrates seamlessly
Cons:
- Sound quality issues
6. VIZIO TV Under $500
VIZIO M-Series Quantum Smart TV, a powerhouse designed to redefine entertainment at home. This sleek marvel becomes your gateway to immersive movie marathons, gaming thrills, and streaming indulgences. Quantum Color QLED technology unveils over a billion shades, breathing life into scenes with unprecedented vibrancy and detail. From the soft hues of nature documentaries to the rich intricacies of period dramas, every moment bursts with captivating reality. Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ redefine picture quality, expanding boundaries in brightness, contrast, and color, transforming your living room into a cinema-like experience.
Access millions of movies, shows, sports, and more with apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. Enjoy over 250 free channels via WatchFree+ without subscriptions or logins, bid farewell to channel surfing, and welcome instant entertainment. The IQ Active Processor ensures seamless 4K picture processing and rapid downloads, ensuring lag-free streaming. Tri-band WiFi 6E takes connectivity to new heights, enabling uninterrupted streaming amidst multiple connected devices. WiFi 6E’s enhanced bandwidth doubles 5G capabilities, ensuring smooth streaming, even with numerous devices on your home network.
AMD FreeSync support eliminates lag and screen tearing, offering an ultra-responsive gaming adventure, whether in epic RPGs or intense online battles. With its ThinFrame design seamlessly blending into any space, the VIZIO M-Series integrates with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home for convenient voice control and smart home integration.
Best Features:
- Quantum Color QLED for over a billion shades
- Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10+ for cinematic visuals
- Tri-band WiFi 6E for enhanced streaming
Pros:
- Vibrant, detailed colors for immersive viewing
- Extensive streaming options with instant access
- Powerful performance with lag-free streaming
Cons:
- Limited app availability for some users
7. Westinghouse TV Under $500
Westinghouse Roku TV, a 50-inch powerhouse that redefines your living room experience. Dive into stunning 4K visuals that elevate every detail, from the subtle textures of nature documentaries to the intricate costumes in period dramas, all displayed with breathtaking clarity. HDR technology expands contrasts, delivering brighter whites and deeper blacks, creating a cinematic experience right in your home. With over 350 free live TV channels and a vast array of streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ via the built-in Roku platform, enjoy endless entertainment without juggling devices or subscriptions.
This smart TV integrates seamlessly with your smart home ecosystem, supporting voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Control content, adjust volume, and power the TV effortlessly with simple voice commands. Connectivity options abound with multiple HDMI ports, optical audio input, and composite video, ensuring compatibility with all your favorite devices, from game consoles to streaming sticks. Its sleek flat-screen design complements any space, seamlessly blending in while offering a mobile app for casting content directly from your phone or tablet.
More than a screen, the Westinghouse Roku TV is a hub of convenience and possibilities, offering stunning visuals, diverse streaming, and smart features.
Best Features:
- 4K resolution for stunning clarity
- Built-in Roku platform with diverse streaming options
- Smart home integration with voice control
Pros:
- Breathtaking visuals with HDR technology
- Wide range of streaming services available
- Versatile connectivity for various devices
Cons:
- Remote sensitivity issues
Buying Guide For The Best TV Under $500
1. Screen Size
Screen size refers to the diagonal measurement of a TV screen. TVs under $500 come in various sizes, commonly ranging from 32 inches to 65 inches or more. Larger sizes like 55 inches or 65 inches offer more immersive viewing experiences, ideal for spacious rooms or movie enthusiasts. Smaller sizes like 32 inches or 43 inches are suitable for smaller spaces or as secondary TVs. Examples include 50-inch, 55-inch, and 65-inch screens available within this price range.
2. Resolution
Resolution refers to a TV’s picture quality measured in pixels. TVs under $500 commonly offer Full HD (1920×1080) or 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) resolutions. Full HD delivers sharp images suitable for regular viewing, while 4K Ultra HD presents four times the pixels, showcasing incredibly detailed pictures, ideal for larger screens or avid movie watchers. Some affordable TVs might offer HD (1280×720) or 4K UHD resolutions, ensuring varying levels of picture clarity within the budget range.
3. Display Technology
Display technology refers to the method used to create images on a TV screen. TVs under $500 commonly use LED (Light Emitting Diode) or QLED (Quantum Dot LED) technology. LED TVs offer good picture quality with energy efficiency. QLED, an advanced version, enhances colors and brightness using quantum dots, offering more vibrant and lifelike visuals. Other technologies include OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) for superior contrast and NanoCell, refining color accuracy. These technologies ensure varying levels of picture quality within the budget range.
4. Connectivity Technology
Connectivity technology in TVs under $500 includes HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and WiFi. HDMI ports allow connections to gaming consoles, soundbars, and streaming devices. Some TVs feature multiple HDMI ports, ensuring compatibility. WiFi connectivity enables internet access for streaming services without cables. Newer models might offer Bluetooth for connecting wireless devices like headphones or speakers. These technologies facilitate seamless integration of various devices, enhancing the overall entertainment experience within this price range.
5. Refresh Rate
Refresh rate measures how many times per second a TV updates the image on the screen. TVs under $500 commonly offer a standard 60Hz refresh rate, suitable for regular viewing. Some might feature a higher 120Hz rate, ideal for smoother motion in fast-paced content like sports or gaming. Higher refresh rates reduce motion blur, enhancing the viewing experience. However, within this budget, 60Hz is more prevalent, ensuring decent picture quality for most everyday needs.
6. Supported Internet Services
Supported internet services on TVs under $500 encompass popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, free services such as YouTube, Pluto TV, and Tubi might be available. Some TVs offer access to live TV streaming options like Sling TV or Peacock. These diverse services cater to various entertainment preferences, providing access to a wide array of movies, shows, live TV, and original content, enhancing the viewing experience within the budget range.
TV Under $500 – FAQs
Ans: You can find TVs ranging from 32 inches to around 55 inches in this price bracket, with variations in features and quality based on size and brand.
Ans: Yes, many TVs in this range offer smart capabilities, allowing access to popular streaming services and apps. However, the extent and smoothness of the smart features might vary among different brands/models.
Ans: Look for the features most important to you, such as resolution, screen size, smart capabilities, and specific ports. Reading reviews and comparing models can help make an informed decision within your budget.
Ans: Some models do cater to gamers with features like low input lag, which is crucial for gaming. However, advanced gaming features like variable refresh rates might be limited in this price range.
Ans: Some models do offer compatibility with voice assistants, allowing control through separate devices or remotes. However, not all TVs in this range may have this feature, so it’s worth checking the specifications.
Conclusion
In the realm of TVs under $500, an array of options awaits. These affordable choices bring decent picture quality, versatile connectivity, and a range of streaming services to your living room. While not the pinnacle of high-end technology, these TVs strike a balance, offering value without breaking the bank. Despite limitations in premium features, they cater to everyday entertainment needs, whether it’s enjoying movies, streaming shows, or gaming. Finding the ideal fit among these budget-friendly options involves considering factors like screen size, resolution, connectivity, and supported streaming services, ensuring a satisfactory viewing experience within this price range.
- The Insignia 50-inch TV offers stunning 4K resolution, Alexa voice control, and access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. With DTS Studio Sound and hands-free control, it’s a solid overall recommendation for a budget-friendly TV under $500.
- The Hisense 65-inch Smart Fire TV, with QLED technology and Dolby Vision HDR, offers big-screen brilliance. With its 600-nit peak brightness, local dimming, and Alexa compatibility, it’s a strong recommendation for big screen size TV under $500, boasting a stunning, immersive experience.
- The VIZIO 43-inch Smart TV dazzles with its QLED display technology, boasting over 1 billion colors and Dolby Vision HDR. With WiFi 6E for lightning-fast streaming, WatchFree+ for free content, and powerful processing, it’s a recommended choice for Qled display technology TV under $500, offering top-notch visuals and connectivity.
