As a gamer who loves a good Netflix show, I care about the quality of my TV. With March Madness in full swing, now is the time to pick up a new 50-inch display with improved specs to catch every game. 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:
The best 55-inch TVsThe best 65-inch TVsThe best 75-inch TVs
When it comes TVs, Samsung is a leader in picture quality – and this TV is a prime example. With 4K resolution, this TV features a Neo QLED display among other competitive advancements in the television market. The Neo Quantum processor TV uses AI-based processing to optimize every scene on your screen to the best possible picture. Plus, the Quantum HDR 32x works with the processor to adjust the color and contrast scene-by-scene. Picture isn’t the only thing that matters when you’re shopping for an expensive TV – sound quality is just as important. Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound+ technology emits realistic sound from speakers located around the TV. Plenty of 50-inch TVs can be priced higher, and while this one is on the more expensive side for a TV brand, you’re getting some great specs for that higher price point – and we declare it the best on the market. If you’re a “cable-cutter,” you need a TV capable of handling all your streaming apps. Luckily, this LG UQ9000 Series TV has access to over 300 free apps, so you can stream your favorite shows and movies. This 50-inch TV is powered by an A5 Gen5 AI processor that enables 4K capability and enhanced sound quality. In addition, this 4K UHD provides breathtaking colors with active HDR and AI Brightness control. You can adjust your screen settings on the fly for an exceptional viewing experience. This TV isn’t just an excellent option for streaming – it offers unique gaming features, too. A built-in game optimizer allows you to change settings quickly with an easy-to-navigate menu. Lastly, to add to the list of gaming advancements this TV provides, after working with HGiG, LG was able to design HDR capabilities for increased realism and immersion. I tested out a cousin of this TV, the U8H TV, and I appreciate the price and quality of Hisense panels. This A6 Series TV displays 4K UDH picture and can upscale older content, like most panels on this list. What makes this TV unique, however, is Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 built-in to the device for the low price. For gamers, the Game Mode Plus can support Dolby Vision Game to keep games stable, bright, and free of screen-tearing and ghosting. The variable refresh rate is lower at 60Hz, but it will still function well for your gaming needs. All of this is for an affordable $260 price tag, and for that price, this panel makes it one of our top billings. With a built-in game optimizer dashboard, this TV offers an elevated gaming experience with easy-to-adjust settings all in one location. Additionally, AMD FreeSync Premium is embedded into LG TVs, so you can enjoy your games with minimal input lag, stuttering, and tearing. Want to use this beautiful QNED 4K TV for more than just gaming? LG has you covered with Alexa, Google, and Apple AirPlay compatibility, so you can connect it to your smart home system. On top of that, advanced technology with HDR10 Pro and local dimming allows your TV to actively respond to ambient lighting, keeping your picture crystal clear at all times. You won’t miss a detail on this TV with the advanced a7 Processor, which creates stunning contrast and rich color. Plus, the processor automatically adjusts picture and sound quality based on what you’re watching. You don’t need to sacrifice quality to get a TV that fits your budget. The Samsung TU7000 provides excellent picture quality and Smart TV technology at a fraction of the price of other TVs on this list. The Crystal Display ensures viewers are immersed in a wide range of vivid colors. Some TVs have large borders that partially block the screen, but that’s not the case with this Samsung unit. The 3-side boundless design creates a minimalistic appearance. Plus, the Samsung stand allows you to easily hide cables without causing clutter. As someone who has used Samsung TVs in the past, I highly recommend the Samsung TU7000. But before you decide which TV to purchase, consider the following price points and features that could affect your viewing experience. 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. The bad news is that we can’t tell you the best amount to spend on a TV because everyone’s needs are varied, especially if you’re just catching up on The Simpsons or powering through your latest The Last of Usgame run. Generally, our picks on this list range from $290 to $1,030.
Sony 50-inch BRAVIA XR X90J LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV for $800Sony 50-inch Class X85K 4K HDR LED Google TV for $650
Here are three more televisions that also offer incredible picture and sound quality:
