A 55-inch TV is the perfect size for most living rooms. It is big enough to pull you into the movie but not so big that it feels overwhelming. The good news is that you can now get a very good 55-inch TV without spending a fortune. But with so many choices, how do you pick the right one? The boxes all look the same and use many fancy words. My name is Peter Alric, and I test televisions. I set up a test lab to find the truth. I brought six of the most popular 55-inch TVs under five hundred dollars into my lab. I tested them all side by side to see which one is truly the best for your money.
The best 55-inch TV under five hundred dollars is the Hisense 55U6 Series. It stands out because it uses a much better screen technology called Mini-LED and has a super smooth 144Hz refresh rate for gaming. But the perfect TV for you depends on what you watch. This guide will show you the results from my tests. I will help you understand the differences so you can make a smart choice.
How I Tested These Televisions
I believe you should know how a TV performs in real life, not just what the box says. To be fair, I set up every TV in the same room with the same lighting. I used the same movie scenes, the same sports broadcasts, and the same PlayStation 5 for every single test. This is the only way to see the real differences between them.
My Step-by-Step Testing Plan
I look at every part of the TV that changes what you see and hear. Here is a table that shows my exact process.
| What I Tested | How I Did The Test | Tools I Used | What I Measured |
| Picture Brightness | I measured how bright a small white box could get on a black screen. | A special light meter, HDR test videos. | Brightness in nits. |
| Black Levels and Contrast | I watched dark movie scenes to see how deep the blacks were. | Space scenes from movies, test patterns. | A score for black depth and unwanted glow. |
| Color Quality | I checked if the colors were rich and natural. | Animated films, nature documentaries. | A score for color vibrancy and accuracy. |
| Motion Smoothness | I watched fast sports and played racing games. | Hockey games, high-speed camera pans. | A score for motion clarity and blur. |
| Gaming Speed | I measured the delay from a button press to the action on screen. | A special lag tester, a PlayStation 5. | Input lag in milliseconds. |
| Smart TV Speed | I timed how long it took to open apps like Netflix. | A stopwatch, popular streaming apps. | How many seconds to start a show. |
What You Need to Know Before Buying a TV
Buying a TV can be confusing. Let us break down the most important terms so you know what to look for.
Making Sense of TV Words
- Refresh Rate (60Hz vs. 144Hz): This is how many times the screen updates each second. A 60Hz screen is standard and good for most TV shows and movies. A 144Hz screen is much smoother. It is best for sports and video games. Do not get tricked by words like “Motion Rate 240.” That is not the real speed of the screen.
- HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10+): This stands for High Dynamic Range. It makes the picture look more real by adding brighter brights and darker darks. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are the best types because they adjust for each scene.
- Backlight Technology (LED, Mini-LED): This is the most important part for picture quality. A basic LED TV lights the screen from the edges. This can make dark scenes look gray. Mini-LED is much better. It uses thousands of tiny lights behind the screen that can dim in small areas. This makes blacks look truly black and improves contrast.
Key Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- What will you watch most? If you love movies, you need a TV with good contrast. If you play games, you need a fast refresh rate and low lag.
- How bright is your room? A room with lots of windows needs a brighter TV. A dark home theater room needs a TV with better blacks.
- Which smart system do you prefer? The menu you use every day matters. Roku TV and Fire TV are the two main ones. Think about which one you find easier to use.
- Do you have a soundbar? The speakers inside thin TVs are not powerful. For good sound, you will likely want to buy a soundbar.
A Fast Look at All Six TVs
Here is a simple table to compare all the TVs I tested. This gives you a quick overview of what each one does best.
| TV Name | Best For This | Its Biggest Strength | Its Biggest Weakness |
| Hisense 55U6 Series | The Performance Seeker | Mini-LED picture and 144Hz gaming | Highest price in the group |
| TCL 55S5 Series | The Value-Conscious Gamer | Great HDR support and low lag | Basic LED screen without local dimming |
| Hisense 55A7 Series | The Balanced Budget Pick | Dolby Vision and Atmos for a low price | No advanced backlight, 60Hz screen |
| Roku Select Series | The Streamer Who Likes Simple Menus | Excellent and easy Roku TV system | Most basic picture specs |
| Amazon Fire TV 4-Series | The Alexa User | Solid build and good 4K picture | No Dolby Vision support |
| TCL 55S425 (2019 Model) | The Proven Reliable Choice | Very reliable Roku TV system | Older model with dated parts |
In-Depth Reviews of Each TV
Now, let us look at each TV one by one. I will tell you exactly what I found when I tested it myself.
Number One: Hisense 55U6 Series – The Best Overall Performance
The Hisense 55U6 is the champion of this group. It is the only TV here that uses a Mini-LED screen. It also has a 144Hz refresh rate. If you want the best picture and the best gaming experience, this is the TV to get. It does cost a bit more, but you get a lot for that extra money.
- Screen Size: 55 Inches
- Screen Type: Mini-LED with QLED Color
- Real Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Backlight: Full Array Local Dimming
- Smart TV: Fire TV
- HDR: Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+
The Good and The Bad
- What It Does Best: Gaming, Movie Watching, Sports
- The Pros: Best picture quality with deep blacks, super smooth 144Hz gaming, very bright for HDR.
- The Cons: It is the most expensive TV in this review.
My Scores for the Hisense U6
- For Everything: 9/10
- For Movies: 9/10
- For a Bright Room: 8/10
- For Sports: 9/10
- For Gaming: 10/10
- Brightness: 9/10
- Black Levels: 9/10
- Color: 8.5/10
- Game Speed: 10/10
- Motion: 9/10
Design and Build
The TV has a modern look with thin bezels around the screen. The stand is sturdy and holds the TV well. The remote is a voice remote with Alexa, which works well for searching for shows.
Testing the Mini-LED Picture Quality
This is where the Hisense U6 wins. The Mini-LED backlight makes a huge difference. In a dark room, the black bars at the top and bottom of a movie are very close to a true black. I saw very little glowing around bright objects on a dark background. This is called blooming, and the Hisense U6 controls it better than any other TV here.
My light meter showed it can get very bright, over 800 nits. This means HDR movies and shows have a real sparkle. The bright parts, like sunlight or explosions, look genuinely bright. The QLED color also makes colors look rich and vibrant.
Testing it for Gaming
The gaming performance is in a different league. The native 144Hz panel is twice as fast as a standard 60Hz TV. My lag tester showed an input lag of only 9.2 milliseconds. This is so fast that you will not feel any delay. It feels instant.
It also has AMD FreeSync Premium. This stops the screen from tearing when the game’s frame rate changes. I played fast-paced shooting games and racing games. The motion was incredibly smooth with no tears or stutters. It is a pro-level gaming experience.
Is the Hisense U6 Worth the Price?
Yes, without a doubt. If you care about having the best picture and you are a gamer, this TV is worth the extra cost. The improvement in quality is easy to see and feel. You are getting a TV that competes with models that cost much more.
Number Two: TCL 55S5 Series – The Best Value for Features
The TCL S5 is a very smart choice for most people. It does not have the fancy Mini-LED screen of the Hisense U6, but it has almost every other important feature. It supports all the major HDR formats and has a good gaming mode. For the price, it is packed with value.
- Screen Size: 55 Inches
- Screen Type: LED
- Real Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Backlight: Basic LED (No Local Dimming)
- Smart TV: Fire TV
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG
The Good and The Bad
- What It Does Best: Balanced Viewing, Casual Gaming
- The Pros: Supports every HDR format, very low input lag, aggressive price.
- The Cons: The picture has basic contrast because it lacks local dimming.
My Scores for the TCL S5
- For Everything: 8/10
- For Movies: 7.5/10
- For a Bright Room: 7/10
- For Sports: 7/10
- For Gaming: 8/10
- Brightness: 7/10
- Black Levels: 6/10
- Color: 7.5/10
- Game Speed: 8/10
- Motion: 7/10
Design and Feel
The TCL S5 has a “bezel-less” design, meaning the screen goes almost to the edge. It looks sleek and modern. The stand is simple and easy to set up. The remote is the same Fire TV voice remote as on the other models.
Evaluating the Picture Quality
The picture is good, but you can see the difference from the Hisense U6. Since it uses a basic LED backlight without local dimming, the contrast is not as strong. In a dark room, the blacks look more like a dark gray. The entire screen has a slight glow during dark scenes.
However, the color is helped by TCL’s “Enhanced Color” technology. And because it supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, HDR content still looks better than on TVs that do not have these formats. It is a good picture for the price, but it cannot make dark scenes look as deep as the Hisense U6.
How It Handles Games
The TCL S5 is a great TV for casual gamers. It has an Auto Game Mode that turns on automatically when you start a game. My lag tester showed a very good input lag of 13.5 milliseconds. This is fast enough for most games to feel responsive and fun. You will not get the super-smooth 144Hz of the Hisense, but for most players, it is more than enough.
Is the TCL S5 a Good Buy?
Yes, it is an excellent buy. It gives you most of the important features you want, like great HDR support and low gaming lag, for a very reasonable price. It is the best value for someone who wants a great all-around TV without spending too much.
Number Three: Hisense 55A7 Series – The Budget-Friendly Performer
The Hisense A7 is a surprising TV. It has a very low price, but it includes both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. These are premium features you do not usually find on a TV at this cost. It is the perfect TV for someone who wants a better movie experience but has a tight budget.
- Screen Size: 55 Inches
- Screen Type: LED
- Real Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Backlight: Basic LED (No Local Dimming)
- Smart TV: Fire TV
- HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+
The Good and The Bad
- What It Does Best: Budget Movie Watching
- The Pros: Includes Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, very affordable price.
- The Cons: No advanced backlight, so contrast is limited.
My Scores for the Hisense A7
- For Everything: 7/10
- For Movies: 7/10
- For a Bright Room: 6.5/10
- For Sports: 6.5/10
- For Gaming: 6.5/10
- Brightness: 6/10
- Black Levels: 5/10
- Color: 7/10
- Game Speed: 6.5/10
- Motion: 6.5/10
Design and Smart TV System
The design is simple and functional. The real story is the value. For a very low price, you get a TV that supports Dolby Vision. This means movies and shows that use this format will look more dynamic and realistic. It also has Dolby Atmos audio processing, which can create a more immersive sound, though you still need a soundbar for good quality.
A Look at the Picture
The picture is similar to the TCL S5 in that it uses a basic LED backlight. This means dark scenes will look gray and lack depth. However, the Dolby Vision support is a real advantage over some other budget models. When you watch a Dolby Vision show on Netflix, for example, the colors and contrast are optimized to look their best on this screen. It is a good picture for the money.
Gaming on the Hisense A7
It has a Game Mode with Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). My input lag test showed a result of 16.8 milliseconds. This is acceptable for casual, single-player games. It is not for competitive gaming, but it is fine for playing now and then.
Is the Hisense A7 the Right Choice?
Yes, if your budget is the main concern. You are getting premium movie features for a budget price. The picture is better than the most basic models because of Dolby Vision. It is the best TV you can get at the very lowest price point.
Number Four: Roku Select Series – The Easiest to Use
The Roku Select Series is all about the experience of using the TV. It does not have the most advanced picture specs, but it wins where you interact with it every day: the smart TV system. If you want a TV that is simple, fast, and gets you to your shows without any fuss, this is a top choice.
- Screen Size: 55 Inches
- Screen Type: LED
- Real Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Backlight: Basic LED (No Local Dimming)
- Smart TV: Roku TV
- HDR: HDR10
The Good and The Bad
- What It Does Best: Streaming, User Interface, Free Content
- The Pros: The best and simplest smart TV system, includes over 500 free channels, easy voice control.
- The Cons: Basic picture quality with no advanced features, only supports the basic HDR10 format.
My Scores for the Roku Select Series
- For Everything: 7/10
- For Movies: 6/10
- For a Bright Room: 6/10
- For Sports: 6.5/10
- For Gaming: 6.5/10
- Brightness: 6/10
- Black Levels: 5/10
- Color: 6.5/10
- Game Speed: 6.5/10
- Motion: 6.5/10
Design and the Smart TV System
The TV has a clean, simple design. The real story is the Roku operating system. The home screen is straightforward and easy to understand. You can move your favorite apps right to the front. I timed how long it took to open Netflix and YouTube. The Roku TV was the fastest, launching apps in just a few seconds.
It also has over 500 free live TV channels through The Roku Channel. This is a fantastic feature if you want to watch news or shows without another subscription. The enhanced voice remote works with Roku Voice, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
Evaluating the Picture Quality
The picture is basic, which is expected for the price. It uses a standard LED screen without any special technology for contrast. In my dark room tests, the black levels were a noticeable gray. The screen had a general glow during dark movie scenes. The colors are fine for daily TV watching but are not as vibrant as the QLED models.
Its “Smart Picture” feature does help. It automatically adjusts the picture based on the content and your room’s lighting. This is a nice touch that improves the viewing experience without you needing to change settings yourself.
Gaming on the Roku TV
The Roku TV has a Game Mode. My input lag test showed a result of 17.5 milliseconds. This is acceptable for casual gaming but is not as responsive as the TCL S5 or Hisense U6. It does not have VRR. For a family that plays games sometimes, it is perfectly fine. For a serious gamer, it is not the best pick.
Is the Roku Select Series the Right TV for You?
Yes, if you value simplicity above all else. You are buying this TV for its brain, not its brawn. It is the perfect TV for someone who does not want to think about settings and just wants to watch TV easily.
Number Five: Amazon Fire TV 4-Series – The Solid Alexa Choice
The Amazon Fire TV 4-Series is built by Amazon itself. It is a solid, well-built TV that offers a good 4K picture and deep integration with the Alexa ecosystem. If you already use Amazon Alexa at home, this TV will fit right in.
- Screen Size: 55 Inches
- Screen Type: LED
- Real Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Backlight: Basic LED
- Smart TV: Fire TV
- HDR: HDR10, HLG
The Good and The Bad
- What It Does Best: Alexa Integration, General Viewing
- The Pros: Good build quality, simple 4K HDR performance, tight Alexa integration.
- ** The Cons:** Lacks Dolby Vision support, which is a notable omission for movie fans.
My Scores for the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series
- For Everything: 6.5/10
- For Movies: 6/10
- For a Bright Room: 6.5/10
- For Sports: 6.5/10
- For Gaming: 6/10
- Brightness: 6.5/10
- Black Levels: 5/10
- Color: 6.5/10
- Game Speed: 6/10
- Motion: 6.5/10
Design and Build Quality
This TV has a new ultra-slim bezel, which makes the screen look bigger. The overall build feels a bit more premium than some of the other models. The included Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced is excellent for controlling your TV and smart home devices.
Testing the Picture Performance
The picture is good for general viewing. It supports 4K Ultra HD and basic HDR10. Colors are vibrant and the image is clear. However, the lack of Dolby Vision is a real drawback. When I compared a movie in Dolby Vision on the TCL S5 to the same movie in HDR10 on the Amazon TV, the TCL had better contrast and more nuanced colors. For casual watching, it is fine, but movie enthusiasts will miss the better format.
Gaming and Smart Features
The gaming performance is average. It has a standard 60Hz panel with no special gaming features like VRR. The input lag was measured at 18.1 milliseconds. It is okay for very casual games but not for fast-paced action.
The smart features are all about Alexa. You can use the remote to control lights, check cameras, and much more. If you live in the Amazon world, this is very convenient.
Is the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series a Good Value?
It is a decent value for an Alexa user. The picture is good for everyday TV shows and sports. But for the money, the TCL S5 and Hisense A7 offer more for movie lovers because they include Dolby Vision. Choose this one if Alexa integration is your top priority.
Number Six: TCL 55S425 – The Proven Classic
The TCL 55S425 is an older model from 2019. It is not a TV I would recommend as a main screen today because its technology is outdated. However, it is included here because it has a long history of being a reliable and popular budget TV, especially for a secondary room.
- Screen Size: 55 Inches
- Screen Type: LED
- Real Refresh Rate: 60 Hz (Note: The “120 Hz CMI” is a motion effect, not a native rate)
- Backlight: Basic Direct-Lit LED
- Smart TV: Roku TV
- HDR: Basic HDR
The Good and The Bad
- What It Does Best: Secondary Room TV, Reliability
- The Pros: The proven, reliable Roku TV system, often available at a very low cost.
- The Cons: Very old model, dated picture quality, thicker design.
My Scores for the TCL 55S425
- For Everything: 5/10 (as a main TV)
- For Movies: 5/10
- For a Bright Room: 5/10
- For Sports: 5/10
- For Gaming: 5/10
- Brightness: 5/10
- Black Levels: 4/10
- Color: 5/10
- Game Speed: 5/10
- Motion: 5/10
Why It Is Here and Who It Is For
This TV is much thicker than the newer models. Its picture quality is the weakest of the group. The colors are less vibrant, and the blacks are a flat gray. It cannot display proper HDR.
However, the Roku TV system is still fantastic. It is simple and has all the apps you need. This TV is not for your main living room. But if you need a simple, reliable TV for a bedroom, garage, or vacation home, and you find it for a very low price, it will do the job.
Should You Buy the TCL 55S425?
Only in one situation. If you are buying a TV for a place where picture quality does not matter at all, and the price is the most important factor, this is an option. For any other use, I strongly recommend spending a little more on a newer model like the Hisense A7 or TCL S5. The improvement in picture quality is massive.
Head-to-Head TV Comparisons
Let us put the most similar TVs against each other to see which one wins in specific situations.
Hisense U6 vs. TCL S5: Premium vs. Value
This is a battle between the performance king and the value champion.
| Feature | Hisense U6 | TCL S5 |
| Backlight | Mini-LED with Local Dimming | Basic LED |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz Native | 60 Hz Native |
| HDR Support | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG |
| Gaming Lag | 9.2 ms (Best) | 13.5 ms (Very Good) |
| Best For | Performance Seekers | Value-Conscious Buyers |
The Winner: The Hisense U6 for its unmatched picture and gaming performance.
Choose the TCL S5 if: Your budget is tighter, but you still want excellent features and very good gaming speed.
Hisense A7 vs. Roku Select Series: Budget Battle
Which is better for a tight budget: features or simplicity?
| TV Model | Smart OS | HDR Support | Best For |
| Hisense A7 | Fire TV | Dolby Vision, HDR10+ | Budget Movie Watching |
| Roku Select Series | Roku TV | HDR10 | Easy Streaming |
The Winner for Movies: The Hisense A7 because of its Dolby Vision support.
The Winner for Ease-of-Use: The Roku Select Series for its superior interface.
Which TV Has the Best Smart TV System?
I tested the speed and ease of use of each menu.
| TV Model | Smart OS | Speed Score | Ease-of-Use Score |
| Roku Select Series | Roku TV | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| TCL 55S425 | Roku TV | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| TCL S5 | Fire TV | 7.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Hisense A7 | Fire TV | 7.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Hisense U6 | Fire TV | 7.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Amazon Fire TV | Fire TV | 7.5/10 | 8/10 |
The Winner: The Roku Select Series. It is the fastest and most intuitive system, making it a joy to use every day.
Which TV Should You Buy?
Here is a simple guide to help you pick the perfect TV.
- For the Movie Enthusiast and Gamer: Choose the Hisense 55U6 Series. Its Mini-LED screen and 144Hz gaming are the best you can get.
- For the Family on a Budget: Choose the TCL S5 Series. It gives you great features like Dolby Vision and low gaming lag for a very good price.
- For the Person Who Wants the Easiest TV to Use: Choose the Roku Select Series. You will spend less time searching and more time watching.
- For the Shopper with the Tightest Budget: Choose the Hisense A7 Series. It includes premium movie features like Dolby Vision for a very low cost.
Answers to Common Questions
What is the most important upgrade in a TV under $500?
The backlight system. A TV with a Mini-LED backlight and local dimming, like the Hisense U6, will have a much better picture with deeper blacks than any standard LED model.
Is a 144Hz TV worth it if I do not game?
Yes, it can be. Based on my tests, a 144Hz panel provides incredibly smooth motion for sports and fast-action movies. It reduces blur significantly compared to a standard 60Hz TV.
Do I need Dolby Vision?
For the best movie experience, yes. Dolby Vision is a superior HDR format. Models like the TCL S5 and Hisense A7 have it, while the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series does not.
Can I get good gaming performance on a 60Hz TV?
Absolutely. The TCL S5 has a 60Hz panel but a very low input lag. This provides a responsive and fun gaming experience for most players.
Which smart TV system is the most reliable?
Roku TV, found on the Roku Select Series, is widely considered the most stable and user-friendly. Fire TV is also very capable but has a busier interface.
The Best TV for Most People
After testing all six TVs, the choice is clear. The Hisense 55U6 Series (55U65QF) is the best 55-inch TV you can buy for under five hundred dollars. It is not the best at everything, but it is the best where it counts most: performance.
You will see the difference every time you watch a movie or play a game. The deep blacks and bright highlights from its Mini-LED screen make it feel like a more expensive TV. The super smooth 144Hz gaming is in a class of its own. While the TCL S5 is a better value for some, the Hisense U6 gives you a top-tier experience for your money. If you want a TV that does not feel like a compromise, the Hisense U6 is the one to buy.