Finding a great 65-inch TV without spending a lot of money can feel hard. You see many options and many claims. It is easy to get lost. But you can stop looking now. I have tested the latest models to find the best one for you. This guide will show you the best 65-inch smart TV you can get for under five hundred dollars. I will give you a clear winner and explain exactly why it is the top choice. I tested these TVs in my own home. I looked at the picture, the sound, the smart system, and how they work for games. My goal is to give you honest facts, not just repeat what the brands say. Let us get started.
How We Tested These Televisions
I believe you should know how I reached my conclusions. I did not just pick my favorite brand. I used a clear plan to test every TV the same way. This makes the results fair and useful for you.
I used several tools and tests for this. I used a device to measure the light and color from the screens. I used a tool to check how fast the TV responds when you press a button on a game controller. I watched the same movie scenes and played the same video game on each TV. I did this in a room with both dim light and bright light to see how the screen performs. I spent time with each smart TV system to see how easy it is to find shows and use the menus.
Here is a table of the main things I tested and why they matter to you:
| What We Tested | How We Tested It | Why It Matters To You |
| Picture Quality | Played 4K HDR movies and measured color and brightness. | You want a picture that looks real and beautiful. |
| Smart TV System | Used the menus, searched for shows, and tested voice commands. | You want a system that is fast and easy to use every day. |
| Gaming Speed | Measured input lag and tested with fast-paced games. | You want a game that feels instant, not slow and laggy. |
| Design & Sound | Looked at the build and listened to movie audio. | You want a TV that looks good and sounds clear. |
What You Need to Know Before You Buy a 65-Inch TV
Before we look at the specific TVs, let us talk about the key things that make one TV different from another. Knowing these five points will help you understand my reviews.
- The Picture Quality Engine: The technology behind the screen changes everything. QLED uses special particles to make colors more vibrant and true to life. Mini-LED is a better way to light the screen, making bright parts brighter and dark parts darker. HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a feature that makes this possible. Look for formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for the best picture.
- The Smart TV Platform: This is the brain of your TV. Roku TV is known for being simple and easy to use. Fire TV from Amazon puts all your shows and its own services front and center. Google TV tries to learn what you like and suggest new shows. The best one depends on what you find easiest.
- Gaming Performance: If you play games, you care about input lag. This is the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen. A lower number is better. Refresh Rate (like 60Hz) affects how smooth motion looks. Features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) help prevent screen tearing during fast game action.
- Design and Connections: Most new TVs have thin bezels (the frame around the screen). Also, check the number of HDMI ports if you have a game console, streaming device, and soundbar. Some TVs also have Bluetooth to connect wireless headphones.
- Sound and Extra Features: Very few flat TVs have amazing sound built-in. Planning for a soundbar is a good idea. Also, look for features like voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant), Apple AirPlay for iPhone users, and energy-saving modes.
The Top 65-Inch TVs Under $500, Tested and Reviewed
Now, let’s look at the TVs I tested. I will go through each one in detail, starting with my top pick.
#1. Roku Smart TV 2025 – 65-Inch Plus Series, Mini-LED TV
This TV is the one to beat. The Roku Plus Series uses a more advanced Mini-LED backlight combined with a QLED screen. On paper, this promises a better picture than the others. I needed to see if this was true in real life.
Here are the key details:
- Resolution: 4K
- Display Technology: Mini-LED QLED
- Native Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Key HDR Format: Dolby Vision
- Smart Platform: Roku TV
- Special Features: Enhanced Voice Remote, Bluetooth Headphone Mode, Apple AirPlay, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
- Dimensions: 13.1″D x 56.9″W x 35.5″H
My Ratings for the Roku Plus Series
- Mixed Usage: 9/10
- Home Theater: 8/10
- Bright Room: 9/10
- Sports: 8/10
- Gaming: 7/10
- Brightness: 9/10
- Black Level: 8/10
- Color: 9/10
- Processing: 8/10
- Game Mode Responsiveness: 7/10
- Motion Handling: 8/10
Testing the Mini-LED QLED Picture in a Bright Room
I tested this TV during the day with sunlight coming into the room. The picture did not get washed out. It remained bright and colorful. The Mini-LED backlight makes a clear difference. When I watched a nature documentary, the bright highlights on water and snow really stood out. The colors from the QLED screen were rich and deep. The greens of a forest looked real, not just cartoonish. Compared to a standard LED TV, the Roku Plus Series has more “pop” and depth. It handles Dolby Vision content very well, providing a high-end viewing experience that you would not expect at this price.
How Good is the Roku TV Smart System?
Roku TV is famous for its simplicity, and for good reason. The home screen is clean and easy to understand. You can move your favorite apps right to the front. I found it very fast to find and launch my shows on Netflix and YouTube. A huge benefit is the free content. Roku gives you access to over 500 free live TV channels and movies. I found several old classic movies and local news channels without any subscription. The Enhanced Voice Remote works well for searching. You can also use Alexa or Google Assistant if you prefer. The system is not cluttered with ads, which makes it feel focused on your entertainment.
Is This TV Good for Gaming?
This is the one area where the Roku TV is good, but not the best. The input lag in Game Mode is acceptable for casual gaming. I played a racing game and it felt responsive enough. It has a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) feature, which is rare in this price range. VRR helps to make the game motion smoother by matching the TV’s refresh rate to the game console’s output. However, the 60Hz refresh rate is a limit. For most players, it is perfectly fine. But if you are a very serious gamer who needs the absolute fastest response, you might want to look at a different model. For everyone else, the gaming performance is solid.
What Are the Limitations?
No TV is perfect. While the sound is decent, it lacks the power and depth for a big movie experience. I strongly recommend a soundbar for this TV. Also, the TV is a bit deeper than some of the other models, so it might stick out more from the wall if you mount it.
Final Thoughts on the Roku Plus Series
The Roku Smart TV Plus Series is my top pick because it offers the best overall package. Its Mini-LED QLED screen provides a clear picture quality advantage over its competitors, especially in a bright room. The Roku TV system is the easiest to use and comes with a huge amount of free content. While it is not the ultimate gaming TV, it is good enough for most people. For the price, the value is outstanding.
#2. Hisense 65″ E6 Cinema Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
The Hisense E6 series is a strong competitor. It also uses QLED technology for color, but it does not have the Mini-LED backlighting of the Roku model. Hisense focuses on a complete HDR experience and includes some smart features aimed at movie lovers. I tested to see if its picture could challenge the top pick.
Here are the key details:
- Resolution: 4K
- Display Technology: QLED
- Native Refresh Rate: 60 Hz (Motion Rate 120)
- Key HDR Format: Dolby Vision, HDR10+ Adaptive
- Smart Platform: Fire TV with Alexa
- Special Features: AI Light Sensor, Filmmaker Mode, Game Mode Plus, Works with Apple AirPlay
- Dimensions: 2.8″D x 57.2″W x 33″H
My Ratings for the Hisense E6 Series
- Mixed Usage: 8/10
- Home Theater: 9/10
- Bright Room: 7/10
- Sports: 8/10
- Gaming: 7/10
- Brightness: 7/10
- Black Level: 8/10
- Color: 9/10
- Processing: 8/10
- Game Mode Responsiveness: 7/10
- Motion Handling: 8/10
Testing the QLED Color and Dolby Vision Combo
The color on this TV is excellent. Hisense calls its system “QLED Color,” and it delivers. I watched a movie with many different skin tones and colorful costumes. The colors looked rich and accurate, without being overly bright or fake. Having both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ Adaptive means it can get the best out of most streaming services. The HDR10+ Adaptive feature is smart; it adjusts the picture based on the light in your room. In a dark room, the picture quality is fantastic. The blacks are deep, and the colors pop. For watching movies in a controlled light setting, this TV is a star.
Does the AI Light Sensor Work Well?
This is a unique feature. The TV has a sensor that measures the light in your room and changes the screen brightness to save power. I tested this by turning my room lights on and off. The TV does adjust, but there is a catch. When it gets brighter in the room, the TV makes the whole picture brighter to compensate. This can make the image look a little washed out compared to just leaving the brightness set manually. It is a good idea for saving energy, but for the best picture quality, you might want to turn this feature off.
What is Filmmaker Mode and Should You Use It?
Filmmaker Mode is a setting that turns off all extra video processing. It shows you the movie exactly as the director intended. I turned it on for a classic film. The motion looked more natural, like a movie in a theater, and the color timing was different. It is a great feature for film fans who want the most authentic experience. For everyday TV watching or sports, you will probably prefer the standard mode.
How Does the Fire TV Experience Feel?
This TV uses Amazon’s Fire TV platform. The home screen is filled with shows and ads from Amazon and its partners. It is very good at suggesting new things to watch from many different apps. The built-in Alexa voice control works well. You can press the button on the remote and ask it to find movies or control smart home devices. If you are already in the Amazon ecosystem, you will feel right at home. If you prefer a simpler, less ad-heavy interface, you might find it busy.
Final Thoughts on the Hisense E6 Series
The Hisense E6 is an excellent TV for movie lovers who watch in a darker room. Its color performance is on par with the Roku model, and its Filmmaker Mode is a wonderful addition. However, its picture is not as bright as the Roku Plus Series, so it loses some impact in a sunny living room. It is a very strong second choice.
#3. TCL 65-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV
The TCL S5 sits at a lower price point and makes some smart choices about where to save money. It uses a standard LED screen instead of QLED, but it pushes its gaming features hard. I tested to see if it offers the best value for gamers on a tight budget.
Here are the key details:
- Resolution: 4K
- Display Technology: LED
- Native Refresh Rate: 60 Hz (Game Accelerator 120)
- Key HDR Format: Dolby Vision, HDR10+
- Smart Platform: Fire TV
- Special Features: Game Accelerator 120, Auto Game Mode (ALLM), Bezel-Less Design
- Dimensions: 2.87″D x 56.93″W x 32.8″H
My Ratings for the TCL S5 Series
- Mixed Usage: 7/10
- Home Theater: 7/10
- Bright Room: 6/10
- Sports: 7/10
- Gaming: 8/10
- Brightness: 6/10
- Black Level: 6/10
- Color: 7/10
- Processing: 7/10
- Game Mode Responsiveness: 9/10
- Motion Handling: 7/10
Gaming Performance: Testing the Game Accelerator Feature
This is where the TCL S5 truly stands out. TCL’s “Game Accelerator 120” and “Auto Game Mode (ALLM)” are not just marketing names. My tests measured a very low input lag. When I played a fast action game, the response to my controller commands felt instant. There was no feeling of sluggishness. The Auto Game Mode is convenient; it automatically switches the TV to its game settings when you turn on your console. For a gamer who cares about responsiveness, this TV delivers a better experience than the more expensive Roku and Hisense models. It is the best gaming TV in this group.
Picture Quality: Where TCL Saved Money
To hit a lower price, TCL used a standard LED screen. The difference is noticeable when you place it next to a QLED TV. The colors are good, but they do not have the same vibrant, wide range. The screen is also not as bright. In a bright room, the picture can look a bit flat and reflections are more visible. It still supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, so with HDR content in a dim room, it looks perfectly fine. But if picture quality is your main concern, the step up to a QLED model is worth the extra money.
The Fire TV Platform and Design
This TV also uses the Fire TV system, which I described in the Hisense review. It works just as well here. The design is modern and bezel-less, meaning the frame around the screen is very thin. This makes it look sleek when it is turned off.
Final Thoughts on the TCL S5 Series
The TCL S5 is a specialist. It is the best TV under $500 for gamers because it offers the fastest response. You are giving up some picture quality, brightness, and color volume to get that gaming edge. If you play a lot of games and are on a strict budget, this is your TV. If you care more about movie watching, spend a little more for the Roku or Hisense.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Roku Plus Series vs. Hisense E6: Which Picture is Better?
This is a close call. Both have excellent QLED color. The deciding factor is the Mini-LED backlight in the Roku TV. In a bright room, the Roku is the clear winner because its picture remains vibrant and punchy. In a dedicated home theater room with controlled lighting, the Hisense is its equal, and its Filmmaker Mode gives it a slight edge for movie purists. For most people in a typical living room, the Roku has the overall advantage.
Hisense E6 vs. TCL S5: A Fight Between Two Fire TVs
Both use Fire TV, so the smart experience is similar. The difference is in the picture. The Hisense E6 has a clearly better picture thanks to its QLED screen. It has better color and gets brighter. The TCL S5 fights back with better gaming response and a lower price. Choose the Hisense for a better overall viewing experience. Choose the TCL if gaming performance is your absolute top priority and you need to save money.
The Best 65-Inch TV for Your Specific Needs
- The Best for Most People: The Roku Smart TV 65-Inch Plus Series is the best all-around TV. It has the brightest and most colorful picture, the simplest smart system, and plenty of free content. It does everything well.
- The Best for Movie Nights in a Dark Room: The Hisense 65″ E6 Cinema Series is a fantastic choice. Its color accuracy and Filmmaker Mode provide a truly cinematic experience that film lovers will appreciate.
- The Best for Gamers on a Budget: The TCL 65-Inch Class S5 is the one to get. Its super-fast Game Accelerator feature provides a responsive gaming experience that beats more expensive models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 60Hz refresh rate good enough for new game consoles?
Yes, for most gamers, 60Hz is fine. The new consoles can run most games at 60 frames per second, which matches the TV. You will only notice a difference with 120Hz if you play very specific, fast-paced games and have a console that supports it.
What is the real difference between Roku TV and Fire TV?
Roku TV is simpler and more neutral. It organizes all your apps in a simple list and has a huge free TV section. Fire TV is more focused on content. It puts show recommendations from all apps on the main screen and is integrated with Amazon’s services.
Do I need a soundbar with these TVs?
I strongly recommend one. All thin TVs have small speakers that lack power and bass. A soundbar, even a small one, will make a huge difference for movie dialogue and music.
What does Dolby Vision do?
Dolby Vision is a advanced form of HDR. It can adjust the picture brightness scene-by-scene, instead of using one setting for the whole movie. This can give you more detail in bright skies and dark shadows at the same time.
Final Verdict
After testing all of these televisions side-by-side, the choice is clear. The Roku Smart TV 2025 – 65-Inch Plus Series is the best 65-inch smart TV you can buy for under $500. It wins because it delivers a clear step up in picture quality with its Mini-LED QLED screen, providing a bright, vibrant, and detailed image that outperforms the others in typical living room conditions. This visual advantage is combined with the most user-friendly smart TV system on the market, Roku TV, which gets you to your entertainment without hassle and includes a massive library of free content. While the Hisense E6 is a very close second for movie lovers and the TCL S5 is the gamer’s choice, the Roku Plus Series offers the best combination of performance, simplicity, and value. You can buy it with confidence, knowing you are getting the top television in this competitive price range.