When you're investing in a new TV, the top three factors you should consider are picture quality, screen size, and color contrast. Depending on your space, you may choose a 50-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, or perhaps an even larger TV to view your favorite shows, movies, and games. If you're looking for a 50-inch TV to fit your apartment or bedroom, these TVs offer a beautiful picture for a decent price point compared to larger sizes.
Like most of you, I need my TV to do more than just stream shows and movies. I also use it to play music for parties, play video games, and share media like photos and short videos. Each TV I chose for this list supports a wide range of apps to turn your home theater into the ultimate entertainment hub.
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The Samsung QN90F is the best 50-inch TV you can buy right now, offering a great balance between price, performance, and features. You get a glare-free display with a 120Hz refresh rate, support for Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound as well as Samsung's Object Tracking Sound technology, and a dedicated gaming hub with support for cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass so you can play your favorite titles without a console or PC.
Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung QN90F as well as my other picks for the best 50-inch TVs.
Also: How to turn off HDMI-CEC on your TV
Adam Breeden/ZDNET
Why we like it: With dedicated picture and sound modes for everything from live sports to console gaming, the Samsung QN90F is one of the most well-rounded smart TVs you can buy. You get a 120Hz refresh rate with VRR support to eliminate motion blur and screen tearing while Object Tracking Sound and Dolby Atmos give you a more immersive audio experience. The glare-free display also helps boost visibility in bright rooms and cut reflections.
Who it's for: If you're looking to get some of the best picture you can buy outside of an OLED, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better option than the QN90F. It's perfect for upgrading your main TV as an entertainment hub with support for hundreds of streaming apps, cloud gaming, and screen sharing.
Review: Samsung QN90F
Who should look elsewhere: If you prioritize TV picture quality and have the cash to burn, you'll want to invest in a high-end OLED from LG, Sony, or Samsung. With better color accuracy, detailing, and contrast, you get more true-to-life images to keep your home theater on the cutting edge.
Samsung QN90F tech specs: Panel type: Neo QLED | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite | Refresh rate: | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google
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Adam Breeden/ZDNET
Why we like it: While technically a 48-inch screen, the LG C5 is the best 50-inch class OLED TV you can buy. With signature picture quality, Dolby Vision HDR, and a 120Hz refresh rate, you get the most out of everything news, sports, movies, and console gaming. With over 8.3 million self-lit pixels, the LG C5 OLED can achieve perfect blacks for enhanced contrast and fine details.
Review: LG C5 OLED
Who it's for: If you're looking to invest in the best of the best picture quality, the LG C5 is the perfect option. The OLED panel is capable of recreating ultra-accurate colors, super fine details, and bold contrast for premium-grade picture quality that stands head and shoulders above QLED and Mini LED options.
Who should look elsewhere: While an excellent TV, the LG C5 is also very expensive due to the OLED technology. Often retailing for hundreds more than QLED and Mini LED competitors, the LG C5 may not be the best choice if you're looking to stick to a more modest budget.
LG C5 tech specs: Panel type: OLED | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
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TCL/ZDNet
Why we like it: If you' want to create a dedicated gaming space, the TCL QM5K is a great choice with 4K resolution, HDR10+ support, and dedicated low-latency picture mode. You'll also get VRR support to boost the native 60Hz refresh rate up to 144Hz for smoother playback. It also features Bluetooth connectivity for custom home audio, multiple HDMI inputs for your favorite consoles, and Wi-Fi 5 for fast, reliable wireless internet.
Also: 3 tiny gadgets I trust to block electrical surges, data-stealing software, and more
Who it's for: Budget-conscious console gamers can upgrade dedicated spaces and home theaters on a budget while still getting high-end features like VRR support, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound. And with support for hundreds of apps, you can stream to your heart's content between games.
Who should look elsewhere: While the TCL QM5K is a great 50-inch TV, it lags behind some of its competitors when it comes to picture and audio quality. If you're looking for something a bit more premium, there are OLED options from LG as well as high-end QLED screens from Samsung.
TCL QM5K tech specs: Panel type: QD-Mini LED | HDR: HDR10+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assistant
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Sony/ZDNet
Why we like it: The Sony Bravia 3 was almost tailor-made for streaming. It features support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for enhanced picture and sound, a 60Hz refresh rate, as well as AirPlay and Google Cast compatibility. With a suite of preloaded apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, you can start streaming your favorite content right out of the box. You'll also get a 12-month subscription to Sony Core for streaming movies as filmmakers intended them to be seen.
Who it's for: Whether you're wanting a new primary or second screen, the Sony Bravia 3 is a great option. With tons of support for hundreds of apps and screen sharing, you'll be able to stay on top of moves, news headlines, and the latest reality TV.
Also: Own a Sony TV? Changing these 3 settings will greatly improve its picture quality
Who should look elsewhere: If you're looking for something more premium, you should choose an option with a 120Hz refresh rate or OLED panel for premium-grade picture quality.
Sony Bravia 3 tech specs: Panel type: LED | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant
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Hisense/ZDNET
Why we like it: The Hisense QD6 retails for under $500, making it a great choice for shoppers seeking a high-quality TV that isn't going to break the bank. With features like support for both Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos, dedicated game mode with VRR support, and integrated voice controls, you'll be able to turn any room into the ultimate entertainment hub.
Also: How to turn off standby mode on your TV
Who it's for: The Hisense QD6 uses the Fire TV platform to give you access to thousands of movies, shows, and songs in the Amazon Prime library as well as other streaming apps like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. This makes it an almost perfect option for anyone who has cut the cord with their cable or satellite provider and moved exclusively to streaming.
Who should look elsewhere: This great starter smart TV lacks some premium features like a 120Hz refresh rate, support for the latest versions of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity as well as a 4K passthrough for setting up home audio equipment.
Hisense QD6 tech specs: Panel type: QLED | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF
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I chose the Samsung QN90F as the best 50-inch TV you can buy with its support for object-tracking sound, 120Hz refresh rate, and VRR support for smoother motion while gaming. It also features a matte display to help cut glare and reflections for a better viewing experience.
Best 50-inch TV | Best price | HDR | Audio |
Samsung QN90F | $885 | Quantum HDR+ | Object Tracking Sound Lite |
LG C5 | $1,097 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos |
TCL QM5K | $330 | HDR10+ | Dolby Atmos |
Sony Bravia 3 | $568 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos |
Hisense QD6 | $200 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos |
*Lowest price at time of writing. Please note that retail price may vary depending on retailer and available deals, sales, and discounts.
Once you've nailed down a budget, consider 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 and 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.
Buy this best 50-inch TV... | If you need... |
Samsung QN90F | A well-rounded 50-inch TV with object-tracking sound, a dedicated gaming mode, and 120Hz refresh rate. |
LG C5 | A 50-inch OLED TV that features excellent picture and audio quality as well as a host of smart features for your home theater. |
TCL QM5K | A 50-inch TV for gaming that features automatic low latency, Dolby Atmos sound, and VRR support to boost the refresh rate up to 144Hz. |
Sony Bravia 3 | A 50-inch TV for streaming with built-in screen sharing and a preloaded suite of popular apps. |
Hisense QD6 | An ultra budget-friendly smart TV that features Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support. |
When shopping for a new 50-inch TV, whether as your main screen or a second option in your bedroom or kids' playroom, there are a few basic criteria to keep in mind:
While many manufacturers have reached a consensus on standardizing screen size classes, there are still a few outliers—even at big brands like Sony and LG. Some brands choose to produce 83-inch models, and I have considered many and even included one (the Sony A80L), as they are quite similar in viewing area to an 85-inch model.
I've also considered many other factors when testing and researching the 85-inch TVs on this list:
Find out more about how we test TVs at ZDNET.
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 $1,200.
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.
TCL/ZDNet
The TCL S4 is another excellent, budget-friendly 50-inch TV. It supports both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos as well as Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. While it doesn't offer 4K resolution, it does support both HDR10 and Dolby Vision for enhanced contrast and detailing. And with Dolby Atmos, you'll get virtual surround sound for a more immersive experience while streaming shows, movies, and music.
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Sylvox/ZDNET
My spouse's best friend and her husband recently moved into a home with a pool and snapped up the 55-inch Sylvox Pool Pro 2.0 on sale. I got to see it for myself during a recent visit and was pleasantly surprised how good the picture looked, even in the bright Central Florida sun.
The QLED panel was bright with vibrant colors and crisp contrast, and the matte display helped cut glare from the pool water and overhead sunlight. My only complaint is that the built-in speakers sounded a bit flat compared to brands like Samsung, but Sylvox offers a companion sound bar to help boost audio quality.
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For more on getting the most out of your TV, check out how to clear your TV cache (and why you should), and six TV settings you should change right now.
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