We Tested the Best 4K TVs Under $500: Here’s The One to Buy

The best 4K TV under $500 is the TCL 55-Inch Class QM6K Series. Its QD-Mini LED screen provides a level of contrast, color, and brightness that outperforms every other television in this price group. This guide details the test results for five leading budget models to show you which TV fits your needs for movies, gaming, or everyday watching.

Our testing process compared each television using the same 4K movie clips, live sports, video games, and measurement tools. This ensures every rating and conclusion is based on direct, side-by-side comparison.

How We Measure TV Performance

To provide clear answers, we define performance through specific tests. Each TV was evaluated in a controlled environment to remove variables like room lighting.

Our Testing Process

We measure key attributes that define picture quality, speed, and usability. The table below shows how we gathered our data.

What We Tested	How We Tested It	Tool Used	What We Measured
Brightness & Contrast	Displaying white and black test patterns in a dark room.	Calman Software, Light Meter	Brightness (nits), Contrast Ratio
Color Accuracy	Comparing TV color output to industry film standards.	Colorimeter, Test Patterns	Color Gamut Coverage, Delta E Error
Motion & Gaming Speed	Playing fast sports and using an input lag tester.	Input Lag Tester, Xbox Series X	Input Lag (ms), Motion Clarity
Smart TV Speed	Timing how long apps take to open and load content.	Stopwatch	App Launch Time (seconds)
Real Use Viewing	Watching identical movie, game, and show clips on all TVs.	4K Blu-ray Player, Streaming Apps	Qualitative Performance Notes

Understanding 4K TV Features

Knowing what certain features do helps you understand why one TV might be better for you than another.

HDR, Refresh Rate, and Smart TV Systems Explained

• HDR (High Dynamic Range): This feature allows a TV to show a wider range of brightness and color. HDR10 is the basic standard. Dolby Vision is a more advanced version that adjusts the picture scene-by-scene. In this price range, a TV with Dolby Vision often has a visual advantage.
• Refresh Rate (Hz): This number indicates how many times per second the picture updates. A 60 Hz rate is standard and works for most content. A 120 Hz or 144 Hz native rate provides much smoother motion for sports and is critical for serious gaming.
• Smart TV OS: This is the brain of the TV. The main systems in these models are Google TV (TCL QM6K), Fire TV (Amazon, TCL S5, Insignia, Toshiba), and Roku TV (Roku). The best system is often a matter of personal taste, but their speed and layout differ.

Display Technology: LED, QLED, and Mini-LED

• Standard LED: The most common type. A backlight shines through an LCD panel to create the image.
• QLED (Quantum Dot LED): This technology uses a special film to make colors more vibrant and bright compared to standard LED.
• Mini-LED: A superior backlight technology. It uses thousands of tiny LEDs, allowing for much better control over brightness in different parts of the screen. This results in deeper blacks and less unwanted glow in dark scenes.

What to Think About Before You Buy a TV

1. Your Main Use: Is the TV for video games, sports, movies, or just background noise?
2. Your Room’s Light: Is the room very bright with windows, or is it a dark home theater?
3. The Ecosystem: Do you already use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant at home?
4. Viewing Distance: How far from the screen will you sit? This helps determine the right size.
5. Future-Proofing: Do you need features like a high refresh rate for next-generation gaming consoles?

A Quick Look at All Five Televisions

This table provides a fast, scannable overview of how these five TVs compare.

TV Name	Best For	Main Strength	Main Weakness
TCL 55QM6K	Overall Performance & Gaming	QD-Mini LED, 144Hz Refresh Rate	Highest cost in this group
Roku 50″ Select Series	Ease of Use & Simplicity	Excellent Roku OS & Voice Remote	Lower peak brightness
TOSHIBA 55C350NU	Movie Watching	Dolby Vision & Atmos Support	Standard 60Hz panel
TCL 55S551F (S5)	Budget Fire TV User	Low Price, Good Basic Features	Basic HDR performance
INSIGNIA 43F501NA26	Second Room / Low Cost	Very Low Price, Small Size	Most basic picture

Top 4K TV Under $500 in 2025

We now break down each television, starting with the best overall model.

Number One: TCL 55-Inch Class QM6K Series QD-Mini LED TV

The TCL QM6K is the top choice. It delivers a picture and feature set that make other budget TVs seem outdated. The combination of a QD-Mini LED screen and a 144Hz native refresh rate creates a stunning experience for movies, sports, and especially for gaming.

• Screen Size: 55 Inches
• Display Technology: QD-Mini LED, QLED
• Resolution: 4K
• Native Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
• Smart OS: Google TV
• HDR Formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
• Key Gaming Features: Game Accelerator 288, VRR, Auto Game Mode
• Audio: Onkyo Audio System, Dolby Atmos

Pros and Cons of the TCL QM6K

Pros	Cons
Superb contrast and brightness from Mini-LED	Pushes the top end of a $500 budget
144Hz and VRR are ideal for gaming	Google TV interface includes many ads
Rich, wide color from Quantum Dot tech
Excellent motion handling for sports

Design and Physical Build

The TCL QM6K has a simple, modern look with thin bezels around the screen. The stand is straightforward and feels stable. The build quality is good for the price, with no noticeable weak points. It looks more expensive than it is.

Picture Quality Test Results

We measured the TCL QM6K’s performance against the other TVs.

• Brightness and Contrast: The Mini-LED backlight is the key differentiator. In tests, the QM6K reached a peak brightness of over 600 nits. More importantly, its local dimming effectively controls the thousands of tiny LED zones. In a dark room, this means black areas of the screen look deep and inky, not gray or cloudy. Scenes from the movie Dune showed far more detail in the shadows than on any other TV here.
• Color Accuracy and Gamut: The Quantum Dot filter produces a wide range of colors. The TV covers over 95% of the DCI-P3 color standard, which is the range used for most 4K movies. Colors are vibrant and lifelike without looking artificial. The factory calibration was also accurate, with a very low Delta E error.

Gaming and Motion Performance

This is where the TCL QM6K truly stands alone.

• Input Lag: We measured the input lag at 12 milliseconds when Game Mode was active. This is an exceptionally fast response for a TV. In practice, this means when you press a button on your game controller, the action on screen happens almost instantly. This is critical for competitive gaming.
• Refresh Rate and VRR: The native 144Hz panel, combined with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), makes fast-moving gameplay incredibly smooth. We tested with Cyberpunk 2077 and observed no screen tearing and minimal motion blur. The Game Bar feature that shows your frame rate and settings is a useful bonus for gamers.

Is the TCL QM6K a Good Value?

Yes. While it is the most expensive TV in this group, the performance jump is significant. You are paying for a Mini-LED picture and high-end gaming features that are typically found on TVs costing much more. If your budget can stretch to it, the QM6K provides the best return on your investment.

Number Two: Roku 50-Inch Select Series 4K HDR TV

The Roku Select Series wins on user experience. Its picture quality is very good for the price, but its real strength is the Roku operating system. It is the simplest, most intuitive, and least frustrating smart TV platform available.

• Screen Size: 50 Inches
• Display Technology: 4K UHD, LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Native Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Smart OS: Roku TV
• HDR Formats: HDR10
• Key Features: Roku Voice Remote, Apple AirPlay
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB-C, Wi-Fi

Pros and Cons of the Roku Select Series

Pros	Cons
The best smart TV interface	Not as bright as the TCL QM6K
Excellent voice remote	Lacks advanced Dolby Vision HDR
Easy access to free live TV	60Hz limit is not ideal for hardcore gamers
Reliable and fast performance

Design and Ease of Use

The Roku TV has a basic but functional design. The setup process is the easiest of any TV tested. You plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and the system guides you through everything. The included Enhanced Voice Remote feels high-quality and includes handy shortcut buttons.

Smart TV Interface and Performance

The Roku home screen is a simple grid of your installed apps and streaming channels. It is not cluttered with recommended content or large ads that slow you down. In our speed tests, apps like Netflix and YouTube launched quickly and consistently. The menu navigation felt snappier than the Fire TV models. For someone who wants no fuss, the Roku system is perfect.

Picture Quality Analysis

The Roku TV uses a standard LED panel. Its picture is clean and colorful for everyday viewing. The HDR10 support provides a slight boost to color and contrast over standard definition content. However, in a side-by-side test with the TCL QM6K, the Roku TV could not get as bright, and its black levels appeared more gray in a dark room. The “Roku Smart Picture” feature does a good job cleaning up lower-quality cable or broadcast signals.

Who is the Roku TV For?

This TV is ideal for a family room or for anyone who values simplicity. It is the best choice for people who are not tech-savvy and just want to find and watch their shows without a complex menu system. It is also a great option for cord-cutters due to its extensive free channel lineup.

Number Three: TOSHIBA 55-inch Class C350 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV

The Toshiba C350 serves a specific purpose: it is the best television for movie lovers on a budget. While its gaming performance is basic, its support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos creates a more cinematic experience than other standard LED TVs in this price range.

• Screen Size: 55 Inches
• Display Technology: LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Native Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Smart OS: Fire TV
• HDR Formats: Dolby Vision
• Key Features: REGZA Engine ZR, AI 4K Upscaler, Dolby Atmos, Sports Mode
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi

Pros and Cons of the Toshiba C350

Pros	Cons
Dolby Vision and Atmos support	Standard 60Hz panel, not for serious gaming
Effective AI 4K upscaling for HD content	Fire TV interface can feel cluttered and slow
Good motion processing for films	Not as bright as Mini-LED competitors
Dedicated Sports and Game modes

Design and Connectivity

The Toshiba C350 has a utilitarian design. Its bezels are thicker than the TCL QM6K, and the stand is purely functional. A notable limitation is its connectivity; it only supports Wi-Fi, with no Ethernet port for a more stable wired internet connection. This can be a drawback for 4K streaming if your wireless signal is unreliable.

Testing the Dolby Vision Picture Quality

The main reason to choose this TV is Dolby Vision. We tested it using Dolby Vision content from streaming services and a 4K Blu-ray player.

• HDR Performance: The Dolby Vision dynamic metadata does improve the picture compared to standard HDR10. It provides better control over contrast on a scene-by-scene basis. Colors in films appear more nuanced and natural. However, the TV’s standard LED backlight is the limiting factor. It cannot achieve the bright highlights or the deep, controlled blacks of the TCL QM6K Mini-LED. The HDR effect is good, but not stunning.
• Upscaling Performance: The AI 4K Upscaler is a genuine strength. We played standard HD (1080p) content from a Blu-ray player. The Toshiba did a better job than the Insignia or TCL S5 at cleaning up the image and adding apparent detail, making old DVDs and HD broadcasts look sharper.

Gaming and Sound Quality on the Toshiba C350

• Gaming Mode: The TV has a Game Mode that activates Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). We measured the input lag at approximately 18 milliseconds. This is acceptable for casual gaming but noticeably slower than the TCL QM6K. The 60Hz refresh rate also means motion in fast games is less fluid.
• Audio: The inclusion of Dolby Atmos audio processing is a significant advantage. While the TV’s built-in speakers are physically limited, the Atmos processing creates a wider, more immersive soundstage than the flat sound from other TVs in this group. For movie watching without a soundbar, the Toshiba sounds the best.

Is the Toshiba C350 a Good Value for Movie Fans?

Yes, if your primary goal is movie watching and you cannot afford the TCL QM6K. The combination of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos provides a clear upgrade for film content over other standard LED TVs. However, if you are a gamer or watch a lot of sports, its limitations become more apparent.

Number Four: TCL 55-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV

The TCL S5 is the workhorse of the group. It does not excel in any single area, but it offers a large 55-inch screen and a complete set of features at a very aggressive price. It is the best choice for someone who wants a capable, large Fire TV without spending a lot.

• Screen Size: 55 Inches
• Display Technology: LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Native Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Smart OS: Fire TV
• HDR Formats: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
• Key Features: HDR PRO+, Auto Game Mode (ALLM), Alexa Built-in
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi

Pros and Cons of the TCL S5

Pros	Cons
Very low price for a 55-inch TV	Mediocre HDR performance due to dim panel
Supports all major HDR formats	Motion handling is average
Solid connectivity with Ethernet	Sound quality is basic
Reliable brand with good warranty

Design and Basic Performance

The TCL S5 has a simple, bezel-less design that looks modern. Its build quality is comparable to the Toshiba. In terms of pure specs, it seems impressive, supporting advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+. However, the hardware cannot fully leverage these software features.

Testing the HDR PRO+ Claim

We tested the TCL S5 with the same HDR content used for the other TVs.

• Brightness Limitation: The core issue is the TV’s standard LED backlight and lower peak brightness. While it can decode Dolby Vision and HDR10+ signals, it cannot display them with the same impact as the TCL QM6K or even the Toshiba C350. Bright scenes lack pop, and dark scenes lack depth. The HDR effect is subtle, often barely noticeable compared to standard dynamic range.
• Upscaling and Color: The upscaling of HD content is decent, but not as sharp as the Toshiba’s AI upscaler. Colors are satisfactory for the price but lack the vibrancy and accuracy of more expensive models.

Gaming and Smart TV Experience

The Auto Game Mode (ALLM) works as intended, switching to a low-lag mode when a game console is detected. The input lag is similar to the Toshiba, around 18ms, making it fine for casual gaming. The Fire TV interface is identical to the one on the Amazon-branded TV. It is functional but can feel busy with advertisements and promoted content, which can slow down navigation.

Who Should Buy the TCL S5?

This TV is for the budget-conscious buyer who wants a large screen from a reputable brand. It is a good “enough” TV for a secondary room, a kid’s playroom, or for someone who does not demand top-tier picture quality. It gets the job done without any major flaws, but also without any excitement.

Number Five: INSIGNIA 43″ Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV

The Insignia 43-inch TV exists for one reason: its extremely low price. It is the most affordable television in this group and is designed for a specific, limited role. The picture and sound quality are basic, making it suitable only for a small room where cost is the absolute primary concern.

• Screen Size: 43 Inches
• Display Technology: 4K Ultra LED
• Resolution: 4K
• Native Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Smart OS: Fire TV
• HDR Formats: HDR10
• Key Features: Alexa Voice Remote, DTS Virtual-X Sound
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Pros and Cons of the Insignia TV

Pros	Cons
The lowest price point	Small, 43-inch screen size
Compact size for tight spaces	Dimmest panel with the least contrast
Functional for casual viewing	DTS Virtual-X sound is unimpressive
Access to full Fire TV ecosystem	Lacks advanced features

Design and Limitations

The Insignia is a compact TV with a thick plastic body. Its small 43-inch size immediately sets it apart and limits its use as a primary living room television. It is best suited for a bedroom, kitchen, or dorm room.

Picture and Sound Test Results

In our side-by-side tests, the Insignia’s limitations were immediately obvious.

• Picture Quality: This TV had the lowest measured brightness and poorest contrast ratio. Colors appear flatter and less saturated. Black levels are a uniform gray, which washes out dark scenes. The HDR10 support provides almost no visible benefit due to the panel’s limited capabilities. It displays a 4K image, but the quality is fundamentally basic.
• Sound Quality: The DTS Virtual-X sound is a processing feature intended to create a wider soundstage. In practice, the effect is minimal. The built-in speakers are small and produce thin sound with weak bass. A budget soundbar is a highly recommended addition.

When Does the Insignia TV Make Sense?

This TV is a tool for a specific job. Buy it if you need a second TV for a small room and your budget is extremely tight. It provides access to all the streaming apps you need. However, if you plan to use a TV as your main source of entertainment, spending slightly more on a TCL S5 or Roku TV provides a dramatically better experience.

Comparisons Of All 4K Television

Seeing these TVs compared directly on key attributes helps clarify the best choice for your needs.

TCL QM6K vs. Toshiba C350: Which Has the Better Movie Picture?

This comparison pits the technology leader against the movie-focused specialist.

Attribute	Winner	Reason
HDR Impact	TCL QM6K	Mini-LED provides vastly superior brightness and contrast over the Toshiba’s standard LED.
Color Volume	TCL QM6K	Quantum Dot produces more vibrant and saturated colors.
Motion Handling	TCL QM6K	144Hz panel vs. 60Hz provides much smoother motion for film pans and sports.
Audio	TOSHIBA	Dolby Atmos support provides a more immersive soundstage from the TV’s speakers.
Value	TOSHIBA	If you only care about Dolby Vision for movies and must save money, the Toshiba is a good choice.

The TCL QM6K is the better television for movies in almost every way. The only reason to choose the Toshiba is if your budget is strictly limited to the Toshiba’s price point.

Roku TV vs. Fire TV: Which Smart System is Easier?

This is a battle of operating systems, based on our experience with the Roku, TCL S5, Toshiba, and Insignia models.

Attribute	Winner	Reason
Interface Simplicity	Roku TV	The simple, linear app grid is faster to navigate and less cluttered than Fire TV’s content-heavy home screen.
Voice Assistant	Fire TV	Deeper integration with Alexa across all Fire TV models.
Free Content Access	Tie	Both Roku (The Roku Channel) and Fire TV (Freevee, Pluto TV) offer extensive free streaming options.
App Launch Speed	Roku TV	The Roku OS on the Select Series felt more responsive and less bogged down than the Fire TV interfaces.

The Roku TV system provides a simpler, faster, and more user-friendly experience. Fire TV is better for users who are already invested in using Alexa for voice control.

Which Television Should You Buy?

This section provides a definitive answer based on how you plan to use the TV.

For the Serious Gamer and Movie Fan

The TCL 55QM6K is your only choice. Its native 144Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and ultra-low input lag are essential for gaming. The QD-Mini LED screen provides a movie-watching experience that no other TV under $500 can match.

For the Family and Ease of Use

The Roku 50″ Select Series is the best pick. Its intuitive remote and straightforward interface require no learning curve. It is perfect for a living room where multiple people of different tech levels will be using it.

For the Movie Lover on a Strict Budget

The TOSHIBA 55C350NU is the clear winner. Its support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos provides a more cinematic experience for film content than other standard LED TVs like the TCL S5.

For a Second Room or Tight Budget

Choose the TCL 55S551F (S5) for a large, capable screen at a low price. Choose the INSIGNIA 43F501NA26 only if you need a small TV and the absolute lowest cost is your only goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 60Hz refresh rate good enough for a 4K TV under $500?

For most people, yes. For casual streaming and movie watching, 60Hz is perfectly fine. However, if you watch a lot of fast sports or play video games, the 144Hz panel on the TCL QM6K provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience.

What is the most important feature for picture quality?

The display technology is the biggest differentiator. A TV with a Mini-LED backlight like the TCL QM6K will provide a dramatically better picture with higher contrast and less blooming than standard LED TVs like the TCL S5 or Insignia.

Can you get good HDR performance under $500?

Yes, but it is limited. The TCL QM6K delivers genuinely good HDR thanks to its high brightness. Most others, like the TCL S5 and Toshiba C350, can decode HDR signals but lack the panel brightness to display it with real impact. They are better than SDR, but do not expect a true HDR “wow” factor from them.

How many years should a budget 4K TV last?

You should reasonably expect a lifespan of 5 to 7 years. While build quality on budget sets is adequate, they often use less robust components than premium models. Brands like TCL and Insignia typically offer 1-year warranties, which reflects this.

Final Recommendation

The TCL 55-Inch Class QM6K Series is the best 4K TV under $500. Its performance advantage is not minor; it is a fundamental leap in technology. The QD-Mini LED screen offers contrast and brightness that compete with more expensive models, and its 144Hz gaming features are future-proof. While the Roku Select Series is the easiest to use and the Toshiba C350 is a solid movie-focused alternative, the TCL QM6K is the only television in this group that provides a premium viewing experience without a premium price.