For those who don’t have enough room for an ultra-large TV, a 55-inch television can provide the ideal combination of size and affordability. Nowadays, most 55-inch TVs come with plenty of smart features and advanced technologies, such as local dimming, OLED screens, 4K UHD resolution, up to 120Hz refresh rate, and high dynamic range. Plus, plenty of HDMI ports and other gaming goodies make them compatible with newer consoles like the Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5. Check out our top picks below to help you decide on the best 55 inches TV for your needs.
- Best Overall: LG C1 OLED
- Best for Gaming: Sony Bravia XR A90J
- Best for Sports: Samsung Q60B Neo QLED
- Best for Movies: Sony A95K
- Best Budget Option: TCL 6-Series
- Best Smart Features: Samsung Q80A QLED
- Best Design: LG GX Gallery Series OLED
- Best Sound Quality: Hisense 55-Inch Class R6 Series
- $1,040.00Buy on Amazon
- Fourth-gen a9 AI processor automatically adjusts both sound and picture
- Combination of Game Optimizer, fast HDMI, HGiG, and Auto-Low-Latency Mode
- Built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and Cinema HDR
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- 4K OLED Ultra HD resolution
- Features HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support with Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine
- Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, Roku TV
- Exclusive features for the PS5, including 4K/120fps as specified in HDMI 2.1
- Input lag as low as 8.5ms
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11/27/2023 09:01 am GMT - $745.95Buy Now
- Dual LED
- Quantum HDR
- Get a billion different colors with quantum dot technology
- 4K upscaling turns all your content into 4K
- 60Hz refresh rate
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- 4K OLED Ultra HD display
- Enjoy deep blacks, high brightness, and natural colors with the Cognitive Processor XR
- HDMI 2.1 features including 4K/120,10 VRR, and ALLM
- Google TV with Google Assistant
- Exclusive features for the PlayStation 5
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11/27/2023 10:07 am GMT - Buy Now on Amazon
- Deep blacks and pure whites
- Object Tracking Sound gives you realistic 3D audio
- Quantum Processor 4K
- 100% Color Volume with Quantum Dot
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- $3,607.87Buy Now on Amazon
- LG's gallery design makes the TV look like a painting when hanging on the wall (mount included)
- TV stand sold separately
- Screen: 55 inches, 4K resolution
- LG's third generation alpha 9 4K AI processor auto adjusts your settings for the best viewing experience.
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11/27/2023 04:28 pm GMT - $596.37Buy Now
- 4K Ultra HD full-array LED backlight display
- Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10
- Motion Rate 120 prevents lag
- DTS Studio Sound
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11/27/2023 09:02 am GMT
Best Overall: LG C1 OLED
- Fourth-gen a9 AI processor automatically adjusts both sound and picture
- Combination of Game Optimizer, fast HDMI, HGiG, and Auto-Low-Latency Mode
- Built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and Cinema HDR
The LG C1 OLED 55-inch is truly something special regarding the TV viewing experience. Its 4K resolution and vibrant colors provide stunning visuals, while its fourth-gen a9 AI processor automatically adjusts both sound and picture. The webOS operating system ensures an intuitive user experience and easy menu access.
The C1 also supports Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, and Cinema HDR, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. Plus, if that wasn’t enough, the device also features a variety of ports for connecting external devices such as game consoles or streaming sticks. HDMI/USB ports, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connections are all included for maximum convenience.
On top of all these excellent specs and features, you can also enjoy Airplay 2 support for Apple device compatibility along with Alexa voice control! With this extraordinary TV in your home, you can upgrade your favorite movies and shows into works of art!
Best for Gaming: Sony Bravia XR A90J
- 4K OLED Ultra HD resolution
- Features HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support with Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine
- Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, Roku TV
- Exclusive features for the PS5, including 4K/120fps as specified in HDMI 2.1
- Input lag as low as 8.5ms
The Sony Bravia XR A90J is one of the best gaming TVs. With a native 4K resolution, HDR technology, and support for Dolby Atmos sound, this TV will bring amazing visuals and immersive audio to your living room.
Its advanced full-array local dimming powers the Sony Bravia XR A90J OLED backlight with 10x dynamic range contrast (XDR) technology to get optimal image quality. This ensures you see deep blacks and bright whites during dark or explosive scenes. It’s also great for gamers, as it supports several low input lag modes suitable for fast-paced games like first-person shooters and fighting titles. The high refresh rates help smooth gameplay while reducing motion blur when there’s rapid movement onscreen.
Furthermore, the Sony Bravia XR A90J comes loaded with Google TV, which provides access to all sorts of streaming services and data from Chromecast devices. You’ll have access to over 5500 apps, including HBO Max plus subscription music services like Spotify, so everyone in your household should be cared for here regardless of interests! Last but not least, it has voice control capabilities thanks to Amazon Alexa integration.
Best for Sports: Samsung Q60B Neo QLED
- Dual LED
- Quantum HDR
- Get a billion different colors with quantum dot technology
- 4K upscaling turns all your content into 4K
- 60Hz refresh rate
The Samsung Q60B Neo QLED 55″ TV is the best pick for sports fans. With 4K resolution and supreme picture clarity, audiences will feel immersed in every game no matter where they sit in the room. The latest gaming technology is harnessed to reduce motion blur and ghosting, which can be distracting during fast-paced action scenes. Plus, real 4K Upscaling means you get clear images from 720p or 1080p content too!
With HDR10+, viewers get high dynamic range imaging for realistic colors and contrast — perfect for watching a major championship round of golf or tennis match with your friends. The ultra-viewing angle feature also prevents any loss of quality at different angles around the room. For an even more immersive sound experience, this television incorporates Dolby’s adaptive audio system, which intelligently adjusts output levels based on what’s going on in each scene
On top of that, it supports smart home integration through Bixby voice assistant compatibility, making controlling what’s playing on-screen easier than ever before — just say, “Hey, Bixby, play Sports Center.” For this reason, the Samsung Q60B Neo QLED TV easily earns its spot as our top choice for a great sports viewing experience!
Best for Movies: Sony A95K OLED
- 4K OLED Ultra HD display
- Enjoy deep blacks, high brightness, and natural colors with the Cognitive Processor XR
- HDMI 2.1 features including 4K/120,10 VRR, and ALLM
- Google TV with Google Assistant
- Exclusive features for the PlayStation 5
The Sony A95K OLED sets a new standard for watching movies at home. It features an impressive 4K resolution with HDR technology, creating stunningly lifelike images to bring films to life. With a built-in Netflix app and compatibility with most streaming services, you can experience the theatre from the comfort of your living room. Its Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology also provides crystal clear sound that accurately replicates what directors intended and adds depth and atmosphere to studio recordings or live broadcasts — perfect for movie nights!
This TV also includes the X1 Picture Processor, which enhances image quality by providing intense detail imagery and smooth motion transition control. Its seven different image modes range from Vivid for brightening darker scenes to Cinema Pro mode, which accentuates color accuracy and contrast. That makes this television one of the best options for a cinema-like viewing experience at home.
Best Budget Option: TCL 6-Series
For those on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice features and quality, the TCL 6-Series TV is a perfect choice. Its Mini LED backlight creates deep blacks and contrast levels for unbeatable picture quality, while its 4K Ultra HD resolution, HDR10+, Dolby Vision IQ, and Hybrid Log Gamma provide incredibly sharp and detailed images. It also has DTS V Teather III Virtual:X Audio System for an immersive audio experience.
Plus, it has Roku software that lets you access popular streaming services like Netflix or HBO Now. Finally, this model’s design adds a stylish look to any room in your home without making too much of a dent in your bank account.
Best Smart Features: Samsung Q80A QLED
- Deep blacks and pure whites
- Object Tracking Sound gives you realistic 3D audio
- Quantum Processor 4K
- 100% Color Volume with Quantum Dot
The Samsung Q80A QLED 55-inch TV is the perfect choice for smart features. It has state-of-the-art picture quality with advanced Quantum Dot technology, giving you unmatched color, brightness, and contrast. The Motion Rate 240 produces smooth, fast action in sports, movies, and gaming content with minimal blur. With built-in Bixby voice assistance, you can quickly access your favorite streaming apps like Netflix or Hulu. You can also conveniently control your TV with just a few words.
Plus, it also comes standard with HDR 10+ support to ensure all of your content looks its best no matter what format it comes in. This television also has an Ambient Mode that allows it to display art or become a virtual fireplace when not watching TV. All these high-end features come together, making this Samsung QLED 55-inch the ideal pick for anyone looking for the full package in their home theater setup.
Best Design: LG GX Gallery Series OLED 55-Inch
- LG's gallery design makes the TV look like a painting when hanging on the wall (mount included)
- TV stand sold separately
- Screen: 55 inches, 4K resolution
- LG's third generation alpha 9 4K AI processor auto adjusts your settings for the best viewing experience.
If you’re searching for a luxurious and practical option to upgrade your home entertainment setup, look no further than the LG GX Gallery Series OLED 55-inch TV. It features an ultra-slim profile and stunning 4K picture quality that delivers perfect black levels, vibrant colors, accurate images, and captivating contrast.
The included AI Sound Pro technology lets you customize the sound settings according to your preferences. Enjoy exceptional audio performance from your favorite shows and movies. You’ll also find Apple Airplay 2 and Homekit capabilities, allowing seamless integration with other compatible devices such as iPhones or iPads. Don’t miss out on this impressive television — it will make any movie night special!
Best Sound Quality: Hisense 55-Inch Class R6 Series
- 4K Ultra HD full-array LED backlight display
- Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10
- Motion Rate 120 prevents lag
- DTS Studio Sound
The R6 Series 55-inch TV from Hisense has a gorgeously designed exterior, with its ultra-thin bezel and black finish giving it an effortlessly chic vibe. The narrow profile creates a perfect juxtaposition between modern style and traditional TVs, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking to bring a luxurious feel into their home.
This model also offers fantastic sound quality, thanks to built-in audio technologies such as DTS Studio Sound. This technology provides amazing clarity and depth when watching movies or shows. On top of providing powerful sound output, this set also includes support for Bluetooth streaming devices and Wi-Fi connectivity options.
The picture quality is top notch with Full HD resolution displaying content up to 1080p standards. Plus, picture contrast is excellent due to HDR10+, making colors more vibrant while maintaining realistic brightness levels across all onscreen scenes. Even brighter moments won’t overpower darker ones like in lesser models of televisions today. This model also features low input lag, meaning gameplay will remain responsive on your platform (Xbox One/PS4).
When it comes down to it, Hisense’s class R6 series has great design coupled with impressive technology. This lets viewers experience their favorite films or shows as if they were there at the theater themselves!
How To Pick the Best 55-Inch TVs: Step-By-Step
When choosing the best 55-inch TVs, there are several things to consider. This section will explore those key factors and provide tips for selecting the ideal TV for your particular use case.
Screen Quality
Ensuring the TV has a vibrant and sharp display is key to enjoying your viewing experience. Consider what type of display technology you prefer and look for TVs that support it, e.g. OLED, 4K, etc. Additionally, compare reviews between brands on color accuracy and contrast ratio.
Viewing Angle
If your TV is in a room with many people gathering around it simultaneously, make sure the model you select offers wide-viewing angles. That way, everyone can enjoy the same picture quality from any viewing position.
Smart Connectivity and Features
When choosing a 55-inch TV today, consider all of its connectivity features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Also look into cutting-edge technologies like HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or Apple Airplay. This way, you can feel confident that your new purchase will have access to current streaming services or compatibility with other devices in your home network setup.
Ports and Cables
Make sure the set provides enough high-speed ports for connecting devices such as USB drives, Blu-ray players, or gaming console controllers. There should also be sufficient inputs/outputs for use when wiring up external audio systems. This includes HDMI outlets, both legacy (HDMI 1) plus newer versions (HDMI 2). Also, pay attention to whether peripherals need separate purchases.
Warranty
Explore the warranties for your new 55-inch purchase and any extra extended coverage you can purchase. This will protect you if your TV has a defect or issue.
What to Know Before Buying the Best 55-Inch TVs
Before purchasing a 55-inch TV, check that it has a minimum resolution of 1080p for high-definition visuals. You will also want to look for TVs with higher refresh rates (60Hz at a minimum) for smoother video quality and less motion blur. Pay attention to size as well. Pick a screen based on how far away viewers will be seated when watching content and where it will be located in your space.
Ensure there are enough HDMI ports to connect all devices and USB ports if any external hard drives need plugging in. Also, investigate whether or not the model supports Dolby Vision or HDR10+ technology. This optimizes the 4K content viewing experience even further than just HD alone would deliver.
Make sure that smart platforms are included so streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video can be easily accessed without extra peripherals added on afterward. Consider models with LED lights around their edges for reduced eye strain in darker rooms. This may offer a more personalized level of comfort depending on what environment people will most likely watch from!
Research audio technologies such as DTS Virtual X soundbars and Dolby Atmos soundbars. This helps make 3D audio effects possible without external speakers plugged into your TV setup. Look into models which possess built-in calibration settings, such as those offering color tuning options, greyscale tests, etc. That way, you don’t have to rely on optional third-party software tools during setups/configurations.
Finally, familiarize yourself with how long warranties usually last before committing. Some issues could arise sometime down the line — often, one year is the gold standard.
Using the Best 55-Inch TVs: What It’s Like
A 55-inch TV in your living room is a remarkable experience. The extra viewing space allows you to appreciate all the intricate details of whatever you’re watching. This makes movies, shows, games, and anything else more fascinating. The close-up action also helps create lifelike images for an immersive visual treat. You’ll be able to take full advantage of all the features available, such as 4K resolution for sharper picture quality or HDR for vibrant colors and improved contrast. In addition, soundbar compatibility is also a plus so that you can enhance louder listening experiences further. With its big display, you’ll want everyone to come over to enjoy everything this setup offers.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com.