Best TVs Under $500 in 2026 have improved dramatically. Just a few years ago, spending $500 on a television meant making compromises—limited HDR support, average sound quality, slow smart platforms, and mediocre 4K performance. In 2026, budget TVs offer far more value.
Today’s budget 4K TVs under $500 feature ultra HD resolution, responsive smart systems like Roku, Fire TV, and Google TV, and support for advanced formats such as Dolby Vision HDR. Many models are also optimized for gaming, with low input lag and fast refresh rates, making them ideal for PS5 or Xbox Series X users.
Whether you’re looking for a 55-inch smart TV under $500, a 65-inch large screen option, or the best 43- and 50-inch TVs, top brands such as Samsung, LG, Sony, and Hisense have multiple choices that combine performance, smart features, and picture quality.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best TVs under $500 , highlighting key options across popular screen sizes—including 43, 50, 55, and 65-inch models—so you can find the perfect TV for your living room or gaming setup.
Why the Best TVs Under $500 Are Better Than Ever
Budget televisions used to be basic flat screen tv’s with minimal features. In 2026, manufacturers are competing heavily in the sub $500 segment, which means consumers now get more value for their bucks.
Here’s what you can typically expect when you buy a tv under $500 today:
- 4k UHD resolution (3840 x 2160)
- Built-in smart tv platforms
- Multiple hdmi 2.1 / hdmi 2.0 ports
- HDR support including HDR10 and Dolby Vision
- Best streaming apps for Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video
- Decent gaming performance for ps5 and xbox
- Large screen sizes up to 65 inch or even 70 inch deals
Even major review platforms such as RTINGS, CNET, and Consumer Reports consistently show that many modern budget televisions under $500 now offer performance that would have been mid-range only a few years ago.
If you’re wondering what are the best budget tvs under $500 with decent hdr performance, you’ll be surprised how good the latest models look.
Best TVs Under $500 : Top Picks
Below are the top rated tvs under 500 dollars across multiple screen sizes and use cases.
1. TCL Q6 Series – Best Budget 4K TV Under 500 Dollars
One of the best rated tvs under 500 right now is the TCL Q6 Series. It’s widely recommended in reviews, including many reddit discussions about the best tv under 500 reddit users recommend.
Key specs
- Screen sizes: 50, 55, 65 inch
- Panel type: QLED
- Resolution: 4K UHD
- Refresh rate: 60hz
- Smart platform: Google TV
- HDR formats: HDR10+, Dolby Vision
Why it stands out:
- Excellent color volume
- Very brightest budget qled panel
- Smooth smart interface
- Good value around $500
For many buyers, this is the best television under 500 dollars overall. See details of oled vs qled tv comparison here.
2. Hisense U6K – Best Budget Dolby Vision TV
The hisense u6k series is one of the best budget smart tvs under 500 if picture quality is your priority.
Highlights
- Mini-LED backlight
- Excellent contrast
- Strong hdr performance
- Built-in google tv
This model frequently appears in best tvs under $500 consumer reports style lists and independent tests.
If you’re looking for the best 4k smart tv under 500 dollars, the Hisense U6K is a strong candidate.
3. Samsung CU7000 – Reliable Brand Option
When people ask about the best smart tv under 500 dollars, samsung is often mentioned because of its reliable build quality and long software support.
Key features
- Crystal UHD 4K
- HDR10 support
- Clean Tizen smart interface
- Good motion handling for sports
This TV works well for watching:
- sports
- live television
- streaming content
It’s not the brightest qled, but it’s a very good tv around $500 from a trusted brand.
4. LG UR8000 – Best for WebOS Fans
If you prefer the lg ecosystem, the LG UR8000 series is a strong option.
Key advantages:
- Smooth WebOS smart platform
- Reliable lg build quality
- Good upscaling
- Nice thin flat design
While it doesn’t reach oled level contrast, it still delivers strong hdr performance for a budget tv under $500.
5. TCL 5-Series (Older Generation) – Best 65 Inch TV Under $500
Finding the best 65 inch tv under $500isn’t always easy, but during major deals events it becomes possible.
The TCL 5-Series often drops below $500 dollars during sales.
Why it’s popular
- Large 65in screen
- qled panel
- Good hdr brightness
- Ideal for sports and movies
If you’re searching for the best 65 inch tv under 500 dollars, this is one of the most common picks.
Popular TV Sizes Under $500
One of the biggest advantages of modern budget tvs under 500 dollars sizes is the variety of screen options.
Best 43 Inch TV Under 500
A 43 inch smart tv under $500 works well for:
- bedrooms
- apartments
- outdoor tv setups
- secondary televisions
Common sizes include 40, 42, 43 inch.
Best 50 Inch TV Under $500
The best 50 inch tv under $500 is often the sweet spot for price vs size.
Popular sizes include:
- 47 inch
- 48 inch
- 50 inch
- 55in displays
These are excellent for living rooms where space is limited.
Best 55 Inch TVs Under $500 2026
The best 55 inch tv under $500is usually the most recommended size.
Why 55 inch is so popular:
- Large screen immersion
- Fits most living rooms
- Best balance between price and performance
Many best 55 in tv under 500 lists include models from tcl, samsung, hisense, and lg.
Best 65 Inch TV Under $500 2026
A 65in television creates a much more immersive viewing experience.
Typical viewing distance:
- 8 to 10 feet
Popular picks include:
- TCL QLED models
- Hisense ULED series
- Samsung entry-level UHD models
Can You Get OLED TVs Under $500?
Many shoppers search for an oled tv under 500, but this is still rare.
Premium oled televisions from lg and sony usually cost $800–$1500+.
However, during black friday tv deals under $500, smaller 48 inch oled clearance deals occasionally appear.
Most buyers choosing best tvs under $500 instead get:
- LED
- QLED
- Mini-LED
Gaming Performance: Best Gaming TV Under $500
If you plan to play on ps5 or xbox, you’ll want a TV with solid gaming specs.
Key features to look for:
- Low input lag
- Game mode
- HDMI 2.1 or HDMI 2.0
- 60hz or 120hz support
While true 120hz panels are rare under $500, many models still provide smooth gameplay.
The best gaming tv under $500typically includes:
- TCL Q6
- Hisense U6K
- Samsung CU7000
These TVs handle console gaming surprisingly well.
Smart Platforms: Smart TVs That Are Easy to Use Under $500
Modern smart tv systems have become extremely easy to use.
Popular operating systems include:
Roku TV
Roku is known for simplicity. It’s often recommended when buyers ask for smart tvs that are easy to use under $500.
Advantages:
- clean interface
- fast menus
- huge app library
Google TV
Many best budget smart tvs under 500 use Google TV.
Benefits include:
- personalized recommendations
- voice control
- excellent app compatibility
Fire TV
Amazon’s fire tv platform is also common in budget televisions.
Advantages:
- Alexa integration
- fast search
- good streaming support
What to Expect From the Best Budget TVs Under $500 With Decent HDR Performance
HDR is one of the most confusing marketing terms in TVs.
Most best tvs under $500 support:
- HDR10
- HDR10+
- Dolby Vision
However, true cinema-level hdr brightness requires expensive hardware.
Still, modern budget tvs provide noticeable improvements in:
- highlights
- color depth
- contrast
For more technical explanations about HDR standards, the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers publishes official HDR specifications.
Should You Wait for Black Friday TV Deals Under $500?
If you’re not in a hurry to buy, waiting for black friday deals can be worth it.
Major tv deals under $500 appear during:
- Black Friday
- Prime Day
- Super Bowl season
- Spring model clearance
During these events you might even see:
- 65 inch tv under $500
- rare 70 inch deals
- occasionally 75 inch tv under $500
Prices can drop $100–$200 dollars.
External Reference: https://www.nab.org/
What are the best TVs under $500 2026?
The best TVs under $500 include models from TCL, Hisense, Samsung, and LG offering 4K resolution, HDR support, and modern smart TV platforms.Is a 55 inch TV the best value under $500?
Yes, a 55 inch TV is often the best value under $500 because it provides a large screen size, excellent viewing immersion, and strong performance at an affordable price.Can I get a good gaming TV under $500?
Yes, several TVs under $500 support gaming features such as low input lag, HDR support, and game mode making them suitable for PS5 and Xbox consoles.Are OLED TVs available under $500?
OLED TVs under $500 are extremely rare. Most OLED models from LG or Sony cost significantly more, so buyers usually choose LED or QLED TVs in this price range.What size TV can I buy under $500?
You can typically find 43 inch, 50 inch, and 55 inch TVs under $500, while some 65 inch models may also be available during major sales events.Choosing a high-quality TV under $500 is easier than ever in. Modern 4K UHD televisions now come with robust smart platforms, sharp picture quality, and features that were once only available in higher-end models, offering excellent value for the price.
Whether you’re looking for a 43-inch bedroom TV, a 55-inch living room display, or a 65-inch large screen for sports and gaming, there are plenty of top-performing TVs under $500 that deliver impressive performance without breaking your budget.
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