The best 50-inch TVs of 2025: Expert tested
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When you're investing in a new TV, the top three factors you should consider are picture quality, screen size, and color contrast. Depending on your space, you may choose a 50-inch, a 55-inch, a 65-inch, or a 75-inch(or perhaps an even larger) TV to view your favorite shows, movies, and games. If you're looking for a 50-inch TV to fit your apartment or bedroom, these TVs offer a beautiful picture for a decent price point compared to larger sizes. And with holiday sales at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, you can save even more on brands like Samsung, LG, and more.Also:The best Roku TVs of 2025As a gamer who loves a good Netflix show, I care about the quality of my TV. Based on our staff's hands-on testing and research, I rounded up the best 50-inch TVs that I would personally purchase and use in my own home. What is the best 50-inch TV right now? My pick for the best 50-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D for its updated Neo QLED panel, Dolby Atmos support and object tracking sound, dedicated gaming hub with access to cloud gaming services, and base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be pushed to 144Hz for PC and console gaming. Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung QN90D as well as our other expert-testedpicks for the best 50-inch TV. Also:Need something smaller? The best 40-inch TVs you can buy Sort by All The best 50-inch TVs of 2025 Show less The Samsung QN90D is one of the newest additions to the brand's lineup, offering plenty of reasons to upgrade. Along with 4K resolution, you'll get a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be boosted to 144Hz for PC or console gaming and UHD streaming. It also offers virtual 3D surround sound with support for Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound Lite technology for a more immersive experience.You can set up a virtual assistant via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, or Hey Google for hands-free controls over your new TV. And console gamers can take advantage of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin your game. It also supports Samsung's Multi View feature, which lets you watch up to 2 additional video sources simultaneously with your game, movie, or show; which is great for fantasy sports leagues, game walkthroughs, and catching up with the news while streaming music or following along with a workout.Samsung QN90D tech specs: Panel type: Neo QLED |HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ |Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical Pros Up to 144Hz refresh rate AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound Lots of connectivity options Cons A bit pricey No Nvidia G-Sync support No Dolby Vision support The Samsung QN90D is one of the newest additions to the brand's lineup, offering plenty of reasons to upgrade. Along with 4K resolution, you'll get a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be boosted to 144Hz for PC or console gaming and UHD streaming. It also offers virtual 3D surround sound with support for Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound Lite technology for a more immersive experience.You can set up a virtual assistant via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, or Hey Google for hands-free controls over your new TV. And console gamers can take advantage of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin your game. It also supports Samsung's Multi View feature, which lets you watch up to 2 additional video sources simultaneously with your game, movie, or show; which is great for fantasy sports leagues, game walkthroughs, and catching up with the news while streaming music or following along with a workout.Samsung QN90D tech specs: Panel type: Neo QLED |HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ |Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED is the retailer's latest flagship TV, offering an improved display over the QLED model and a host of other quality-of-life upgrades. It supports both Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos for enhanced detailing and virtual surround sound and has a refresh rate of up to 144Hz for smoother action during fast-paced scenes in movies, shows, and video games.Review: Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LEDThe Fire TV platform gives you access to the entire Prime Video library as well as to thousands of other apps and Alexa Skills to turn your new TV into the ultimate entertainment hub. ZDNET editor Chris Bayer got to test out the Fire TV Mini LED for himself and was impressed with how well the picture quality stacked up compared to more premium models from brands like Samsung and Sony. He was also impressed with the enhanced audio thanks to the integrated subwoofer and 2.1CH speakers.Amazon Fire Omni Mini LED tech specs: Panel type: Mini LED |HDR: Dolby Vision IQ |Audio: DolbyAtmos |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, USB, RF, Optical Pros Up to 144Hz refresh rate Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support Improved display Cons No G-Sync support for VRR No Apple HomeKit support The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED is the retailer's latest flagship TV, offering an improved display over the QLED model and a host of other quality-of-life upgrades. It supports both Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos for enhanced detailing and virtual surround sound and has a refresh rate of up to 144Hz for smoother action during fast-paced scenes in movies, shows, and video games.Review: Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LEDThe Fire TV platform gives you access to the entire Prime Video library as well as to thousands of other apps and Alexa Skills to turn your new TV into the ultimate entertainment hub. ZDNET editor Chris Bayer got to test out the Fire TV Mini LED for himself and was impressed with how well the picture quality stacked up compared to more premium models from brands like Samsung and Sony. He was also impressed with the enhanced audio thanks to the integrated subwoofer and 2.1CH speakers.Amazon Fire Omni Mini LED tech specs: Panel type: Mini LED |HDR: Dolby Vision IQ |Audio: DolbyAtmos |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, USB, RF, Optical Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Sony is no longer the only name in the game when it comes to small-screen OLED TVs. The LG C4 is the latest OLED from the brand, and it offers some pretty compelling reasons to upgrade. Not only will you get signature OLED picture quality, you'll also get some pretty impressive audio with a virtual 9.1.2CH upmix and Dolby Atmos support for creating virtual 3D surround sound. You can also set up custom audio equipment via Bluetooth or HDMI ARC input. And with support for Alexa, Hey Google, and Apple HomeKit, you'll get hands-free voice controls over your TV and downloaded apps.Verified customer reviews from both Amazon and LG's official store site highlight how the smaller screen makes it a great option for bedrooms or even as a high-quality monitor for use with a gaming PC. LG C4 tech specs: Panel type: OLED |HDR: Dolby Vision |Audio: Dolby Atmos |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, 3.5mm AUX Pros Excellent picture quality and sound 9.1.2CH virtual upmix HDMI ARC support Apple HomeKit support Cons No optical input for audio Not Wi-Fi 6E compatible Expensive Sony is no longer the only name in the game when it comes to small-screen OLED TVs. The LG C4 is the latest OLED from the brand, and it offers some pretty compelling reasons to upgrade. Not only will you get signature OLED picture quality, you'll also get some pretty impressive audio with a virtual 9.1.2CH upmix and Dolby Atmos support for creating virtual 3D surround sound. You can also set up custom audio equipment via Bluetooth or HDMI ARC input. And with support for Alexa, Hey Google, and Apple HomeKit, you'll get hands-free voice controls over your TV and downloaded apps.Verified customer reviews from both Amazon and LG's official store site highlight how the smaller screen makes it a great option for bedrooms or even as a high-quality monitor for use with a gaming PC. LG C4 tech specs: Panel type: OLED |HDR: Dolby Vision |Audio: Dolby Atmos |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, 3.5mm AUX Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you've been on the fence about buying a Hisense TV, the U8N should give you plenty of reasons to finally pick one up. Along with an updated Mini LED panel for better color accuracy and contrast, you'll get both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for enhanced detailing and virtual surround sound. Movie buffs and console gamers alike will love the 144Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth motion during fast-paced scenes and gameplay and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.Review: Hisense U8NI got to test the Hisense U8N myself, and I put it through its paces with a marathon of movies and gaming on both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. The Mini LED panel looked great out of the box, but with a little tweaking to suit my space, I was surprised at just how much sharper and brighter the images were compared to its predecessor, the U8K, which I also reviewed. And the 144Hz refresh rate was a nice step up for gaming, but even for just catching up on live news or bingeing terrible reality TV to feel better about my life choices.Hisense U8N tech specs: Panel type:Mini LED |HDR:Dolby Vision IQ |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Refresh rate:144Hz |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google |Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical Pros AMD FreeSync VRR support 144Hz refresh rate Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support Cons Expensive at larger screen sizes No G-Sync VRR support If you've been on the fence about buying a Hisense TV, the U8N should give you plenty of reasons to finally pick one up. Along with an updated Mini LED panel for better color accuracy and contrast, you'll get both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for enhanced detailing and virtual surround sound. Movie buffs and console gamers alike will love the 144Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth motion during fast-paced scenes and gameplay and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.Review: Hisense U8NI got to test the Hisense U8N myself, and I put it through its paces with a marathon of movies and gaming on both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. The Mini LED panel looked great out of the box, but with a little tweaking to suit my space, I was surprised at just how much sharper and brighter the images were compared to its predecessor, the U8K, which I also reviewed. And the 144Hz refresh rate was a nice step up for gaming, but even for just catching up on live news or bingeing terrible reality TV to feel better about my life choices.Hisense U8N tech specs: Panel type:Mini LED |HDR:Dolby Vision IQ |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Refresh rate:144Hz |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google |Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Samsung Q60D is a great 50-inch TV option for anyone who has cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming. The updated QLED panel is Pantone Validated for color accuracy, which means you'll get impressive picture quality without spending a fortune on a high-end OLED model. It also has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be bumped up to 144Hz for smoother motion during fast-paced action scenes in movies, shows, and video games. With support for both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's object-tracking sound technology, you'll get virtual 3D surround sound for a more immersive experience without the need for extra speakers or sound bars. Verified reviews from Amazon and Samsung's official store both praise the picture quality and the 4 HDMI inputs for connecting multiple playback devices, game consoles, or speakers.Samsung QN60D tech specs: Panel type: QLED |HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ |Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF Pros Great picture and sound Object tracking sound Up to 144Hz refresh rate Dolby Atmos Cons No Dolby Vision support No HomeKit support The Samsung Q60D is a great 50-inch TV option for anyone who has cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming. The updated QLED panel is Pantone Validated for color accuracy, which means you'll get impressive picture quality without spending a fortune on a high-end OLED model. It also has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be bumped up to 144Hz for smoother motion during fast-paced action scenes in movies, shows, and video games. With support for both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's object-tracking sound technology, you'll get virtual 3D surround sound for a more immersive experience without the need for extra speakers or sound bars. Verified reviews from Amazon and Samsung's official store both praise the picture quality and the 4 HDMI inputs for connecting multiple playback devices, game consoles, or speakers.Samsung QN60D tech specs: Panel type: QLED |HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ |Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best 50-inch TV? My choice for the best 50-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D. It's been built with an AI-assisted processor for better upscaling of non-4K content and enhanced detailing. Its base refresh rate is 120Hz, which can be bumped up to 144Hz for gaming or smoother motion during fast-paced movies and shows. With Dolby Atmos and object-tracking sound, you'll get virtual surround sound and a more immersive experience without setting up a complicated home audio system.Best 50-inch TVBest priceHDRAudioSamsung QN90D $1,000 Neo Quantum HDR+ Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED$700Dolby Vision IQDolby AtmosLG C4 $1,000Dolby Vision Dolby Atmos, a9 AI Sound Pro Hisense U8N$800Dolby Vision IQDolby AtmosSamsung Q60D $700HDR10+ Object Tracking Sound Lite *Lowest price at time of writing. Please note that retail price may vary depending on retailer and available deals, sales, and discounts. Show more Which is the right 50-inch TV for you? Once you've nailed down a budget, consider where you want your 50-inch TV to be and how you'll use it. If you want to upgrade the main TV in your living room or home theater, you'll want to spring for a model that offers plenty of connectivity for playback devices and great picture and sound quality for family movie nights or watch parties with friends. If you're looking for a secondary screen for your bedroom or gaming space, you'll want something a bit more budget-friendly since it may not be used as often. Buy this best 50-inch TV...If you need...Samsung QN90D A well-rounded 50-inch TV. The QN90D offers Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound along with up to a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and immersive audio. Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LEDA budget 50-inch TV. The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED retails under $1000, making it a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers. LG C4 A 50-inch OLED TV. The LG C4 measures 48 inches but still offers you signature OLED picture quality and enhanced audio for a decent price. Hisense U8NA 50-inch TV for gaming. The Hisense U8N has a dedicated game mode that supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology. Samsung Q60D A 50-inch TV for streaming. The Q60D has a Pantone-validated screen for color accuracy to give you more lifelike images and enhanced picture quality. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a 50-inch TV: When shopping for a new 50-inch TV, whether as your main screen or a second option in your bedroom or kids' playroom, there are a few basic criteria to keep in mind:Price:No two shoppers will have the same budget for a new or upgraded TV. I've included 50-inch TVs at various price points to fit a wide range of budgets.Picture and sound quality:Having a smaller TV doesn't mean you have to sacrifice great picture and sound. Each television featured on this list has been confirmed to support HDR codecs like Dolby Vision or HDR10+ and enhanced audio like Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, or DTS:X.Connectivity:A TV isn't just for watching movies and shows anymore. People expect their TVs to be able to access and download apps, browse the web, play music, share photos, and even make or receive video calls. Each 50-inch TV on this list has been confirmed to have a suite of preloaded apps, multiple HDMI and USB ports for playback devices and game consoles, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, and built-in voice controls. Show more How did we choose these best 50-inch TVs? While researching and testing the 50-inch TVs featured in this list, I and other ZDNET writers kept these criteria in mind:Brand integrity: Each TV that is featured on this list was chosen from a reputable brand with verified customer service options for returns, exchanges, and troubleshooting. They are also ensured to have a manufacturer warranty to cover faulty TVs or units damaged during shipping.Smart features: As smart home networks become more and more mainstream, customers have come to expect certain smart features to come standard in their new TVs. Each model on this list was ensured to support virtual assistants as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and popular streaming apps.Reasons to upgrade: While many brands release updated TVs on an almost-yearly basis, they may not always give you enough new features to make it worth spending money on a new screen. Each model we chose features updated panels, brighter pictures, AI-assisted processors, and even integrated security chips for enhanced online privacy. Show more What is a good price for a 50-inch TV? Spending hard-earned cash on a TV can mean spending hundreds or even thousands. There's good and bad news on these 50-inch picks.The good news is that these days there are so many options to choose from. The bad news is that we can't tell you the best amount to spend on a TV because everyone's needs and budgets vary. Generally, our picks on this list range from $290 to $1,200. Show more How high should a TV stand be for a 50-inch TV? Ideally, your TV stand should elevate your television at least two feet above the floor. Additionally, you will likely want a stand that is 3-5 inches wider than your TV. Most TVs have feet instead of a central stand now, so unless you plan to mount your TV on the wall, a wide stand is necessary. Show more More 50-inch TVs to consider ZDNETs TV Guide TVs Roundups TV Models Reviewed and Compared TVs Explained ZDNET Recommends
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