Best HDTV in $500's Budget

By SaveDelete August 23, 2015 Updated: December 29, 2025

Best TVs Under $500 in 2025: Complete Buying Guide

The television market in 2025 has become incredibly competitive, offering consumers exceptional value in the budget segment. With technological advances and fierce competition between manufacturers, you can now find feature-rich 4K TVs with smart capabilities, HDR support, and gaming-optimized features for under $500. This comprehensive guide explores the best budget TVs available in 2025, helping you make an informed decision for your home entertainment setup.

Whether you're looking for your first 4K TV, upgrading from an older model, or need a secondary display for a bedroom or office, the sub-$500 category offers remarkable options that would have cost twice as much just a few years ago. Let's explore what makes these TVs stand out and which models deliver the best bang for your buck.

What to Expect in the $500 TV Range in 2025

The budget TV landscape has transformed dramatically in 2025. At this price point, you can expect:

You might also be interested in Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500 : Immersive Gaming.

4K Ultra HD Resolution: Standard across all models, with some offering upscaling technology
HDR Support: HDR10 and HDR10+ compatibility for enhanced color and contrast
Smart TV Platforms: Built-in streaming capabilities with popular apps pre-installed
Gaming Features: Low input lag and some models with 120Hz refresh rates
Multiple Connectivity Options: 3-4 HDMI ports, USB inputs, and wireless connectivity
Screen Sizes: Ranging from 43 inches to 65 inches in this budget category

Top Budget TV Picks for 2025

TCL 55S455 55-inch 4K Google TV - Best Overall Value

The TCL 55S455 stands out as the best overall choice in the budget category, typically priced around $480. This 55-inch 4K TV features Google TV platform, providing access to over 700,000 movies and TV episodes. The display supports HDR10 and HLG formats, delivering vibrant colors and improved contrast ratios that rival more expensive models.

Key features include three HDMI ports with one supporting eARC for enhanced audio, built-in Chromecast, and voice remote with Google Assistant. The TV's game mode reduces input lag to under 20ms, making it suitable for casual gaming. With its sleek design and minimal bezels, it fits well in any living space.

Roku 65R4A5R 65-inch 4K Roku TV - Best Large Screen Value

For those seeking maximum screen real estate, the Roku 65R4A5R delivers exceptional value at approximately $450. This 65-inch 4K TV runs on the intuitive Roku TV platform, offering access to over 500,000 movies and TV episodes across thousands of streaming channels.

The TV features HDR10 support, four HDMI ports, and Roku's signature simple remote. While it may not have the most premium build quality, the picture quality and smart features make it an excellent choice for large rooms or families wanting a cinematic experience without breaking the bank.

Hisense 50A6H 50-inch 4K VIDAA Smart TV - Best Gaming Features

Priced around $420, the Hisense 50A6H caters to gamers with its 60Hz native refresh rate and Game Mode Pro that reduces input lag significantly. The TV supports HDR10 and HDR10+ formats, providing excellent color accuracy and brightness levels that enhance gaming and movie experiences.

The VIDAA smart platform offers popular streaming apps, though not as extensive as Google TV or Roku. However, the TV compensates with superior build quality, better motion handling, and more robust connectivity options including three HDMI ports and two USB inputs.

Amazon Fire TV Omni 50-inch 4K - Best Smart Features

Amazon's Fire TV Omni series, priced at $460 for the 50-inch model, integrates seamlessly with the Amazon ecosystem. The TV features hands-free Alexa control, allowing voice commands without the remote. The Fire TV platform provides access to all major streaming services with personalized recommendations.

Picture quality is solid with 4K resolution and HDR10 support. The TV includes four HDMI ports, with one supporting eARC. While not the brightest display in this category, it offers excellent smart features and regular software updates that keep the TV current with new streaming services and features.

Insignia 43-inch F30 4K Fire TV - Best Compact Option

For smaller spaces or secondary rooms, the Insignia F30 series offers excellent value at around $380 for the 43-inch model. Despite its budget-friendly price, it includes 4K resolution, HDR10 support, and the full Fire TV experience with Alexa voice remote.

The TV features three HDMI ports, decent build quality, and surprisingly good color accuracy for its price point. While it lacks some premium features like local dimming or advanced motion processing, it delivers reliable performance for everyday viewing.

Technology Comparison: LED vs QLED in Budget TVs

In the budget TV segment, you'll primarily encounter LED TVs with some entry-level QLED options. Understanding the differences helps in making an informed decision:

Standard LED TVs use traditional LED backlighting with LCD panels. They offer good picture quality, energy efficiency, and affordability. Most budget TVs in 2025 fall into this category, providing excellent value for everyday viewing.

Budget QLED TVs use quantum dot technology for enhanced color reproduction and brightness. While more expensive than standard LED TVs, some entry-level QLED models from brands like TCL and Hisense now approach the $500 mark, offering superior color accuracy and HDR performance.

Gaming Performance in Budget TVs

Gaming capabilities have significantly improved in budget TVs for 2025. Key gaming features to look for include:

Input Lag: Most budget TVs now achieve under 30ms input lag in game mode
Refresh Rates: While 120Hz is rare in this price range, 60Hz with good motion processing is standard
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Limited availability but increasingly found in higher-end budget models
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM): Automatically switches to game mode when gaming consoles are detected

Smart TV Platforms Comparison

Platform	Apps Available	User Interface	Voice Control	Updates
Google TV	700,000+ titles	Personalized recommendations	Google Assistant	Regular
Roku TV	500,000+ titles	Simple, intuitive	Voice Remote Pro	Frequent
Fire TV	Amazon-centric	Content-focused	Alexa built-in	Regular
VIDAA	Major apps covered	Basic but functional	Limited	Moderate

Picture Quality Features to Consider

When evaluating budget TVs, several picture quality features can significantly impact your viewing experience:

HDR Support: High Dynamic Range enhances contrast and color reproduction. Look for TVs supporting HDR10 at minimum, with HDR10+ being a bonus in this price range.

Local Dimming: Rare in budget TVs but occasionally found in larger models. This feature improves contrast by dimming specific areas of the backlight.

Color Gamut: Budget TVs typically cover 85-95% of the Rec. 709 color space, which is adequate for most content.

Peak Brightness: Most budget TVs achieve 250-400 nits peak brightness, sufficient for normal viewing conditions but limited in bright rooms.

Connectivity and Port Selection

Modern budget TVs offer comprehensive connectivity options:

You might also be interested in Explaining Power Play in Cricket: What It Means and How It Affects the Match.

HDMI Ports: Typically 3-4 ports, with at least one supporting ARC/eARC for soundbar connectivity
USB Inputs: 1-2 USB ports for media playback and device charging
Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 for streaming and smart features
Ethernet Port: Wired internet connection for stable streaming
Audio Output: 3.5mm headphone jack and optical audio output

Size Considerations for Your Space

Choosing the right TV size depends on your room dimensions and viewing distance:

43-inch TVs work well for bedrooms, kitchens, or offices with viewing distances of 5-7 feet. They're also ideal for apartments or smaller living spaces.

50-55 inch TVs suit most living rooms with viewing distances of 7-10 feet. They provide an immersive experience without overwhelming the space.

65-inch TVs are perfect for large living rooms or home theaters with viewing distances of 10+ feet. They offer the most cinematic experience in the budget category.

Brand Reliability and Warranty

Budget TV reliability has improved significantly in 2025. Major brands offer:

TCL: Strong build quality with 1-year warranty and responsive customer service
Hisense: Reliable performance with improving software support
Roku/Amazon: Excellent software support with regular updates
Insignia: Basic but dependable with Best Buy's Geek Squad support

Money-Saving Tips for TV Shopping

Maximize your budget with these shopping strategies:

Shop During Sales Events: Black Friday, Prime Day, and back-to-school sales offer significant discounts
Consider Previous Year Models: 2024 models often provide 90% of current features at lower prices
Bundle Deals: Some retailers offer discounts when purchasing TVs with soundbars or streaming devices
Extended Warranties: Evaluate whether extended warranties are worth the cost based on your usage patterns
Price Matching: Many retailers offer price matching policies to compete with online deals

Setting Up Your New Budget TV

Optimize your new TV's performance with proper setup:

Learn more in our article about 15 Best VLC Media Player Keyboard Shortcuts.

Picture Settings: Switch from "Vivid" or "Dynamic" mode to "Movie" or "Cinema" mode for more accurate colors. Adjust brightness and contrast based on your room's lighting conditions.

Network Configuration: Use wired ethernet when possible for the most stable streaming experience. If using Wi-Fi, ensure your router is nearby and updated.

App Organization: Customize your smart TV interface by organizing frequently used apps for easy access and removing unused applications to improve performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best TV size for a $500 budget?

The sweet spot is typically 50-55 inches, offering the best balance of screen size, picture quality, and features. However, if you prioritize maximum screen size, 65-inch options are available, though with fewer premium features.

Are budget TVs good for gaming?

Yes, modern budget TVs offer decent gaming performance with input lag under 30ms in game mode. While they may lack advanced features like 120Hz or VRR, they're perfectly suitable for casual to moderate gaming on consoles and PCs.

How long do budget TVs typically last?

Quality budget TVs from reputable brands typically last 5-7 years with normal usage. The lifespan depends on usage patterns, environmental conditions, and build quality. LED backlights are rated for 50,000+ hours of use.

Do I need a soundbar with a budget TV?

While budget TVs have improved built-in speakers, a soundbar significantly enhances the audio experience. Consider allocating $50-100 of your budget for a basic soundbar if audio quality is important to you.

Can budget TVs handle 4K streaming well?

Yes, all recommended budget TVs support 4K streaming from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and other services. Ensure you have adequate internet bandwidth (25+ Mbps) for smooth 4K streaming.

What's the difference between HDR10 and HDR10+?

HDR10+ offers dynamic metadata that adjusts brightness and color scene-by-scene, while HDR10 uses static metadata. Both enhance picture quality over standard content, with HDR10+ providing slightly better optimization.

Should I buy from online retailers or physical stores?

Both have advantages. Online retailers often offer better prices and selection, while physical stores allow you to see the TV in person and may offer local delivery and setup services. Compare prices and consider your preferences for support and returns.

How important is the smart TV platform?

The smart TV platform significantly impacts user experience. Google TV and Roku TV offer the most comprehensive app selection and regular updates. However, you can always add a streaming device if the built-in platform doesn't meet your needs.

Are there any hidden costs with budget TVs?

Consider potential additional costs like wall mounting hardware ($20-50), HDMI cables if not included ($10-30), and streaming service subscriptions. Some smart TV features may also require creating accounts with various services.

When is the best time to buy a budget TV?

The best deals typically occur during Black Friday, Super Bowl season (January-February), and back-to-school periods (August-September). End-of-model-year clearances in fall also offer excellent savings on previous year models.