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The Best 55-Inch TVs for 2026

A 55-inch television strikes a good middle ground between size and price. These are the best 55-inch TVs we've tested.

 & Will Greenwald Principal Writer, Consumer Electronics

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Big-screen TVs are becoming increasingly affordable, but that doesn't necessarily mean a 65-inch (or larger) model is right for you. If you have a small space or a tight budget, consider a 55-inch TV. I'm a certified TV calibrator and THX home theater expert, and I've tested every TV line mentioned on this list. I put TVs through a full battery of tests, including in-depth measurements of brightness, contrast, color accuracy, color range, and latency, using specialized equipment. If you're looking to get the most value for your money, the Hisense U65QF is the best budget-friendly TV available in a 55-inch size, while the LG Evo C5 is the best value among OLED models, and the Samsung S95H is the best high-end OLED TV and a PCMag Lab Award winner for lowest input lag. But keep reading, as our list encompasses a range of other options to suit every buyer.

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

  • Hisense 55U65QF
    Credit: Joseph Maldonado
    Best Affordable TV

    Hisense 55U65QF

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Affordable
      • Bright, colorful picture
      • 144Hz with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
      • Apple AirPlay
      • Some light bloom
      • No hands-free voice control

    Why We Picked It

    The Hisense U65QF is one of the best budget-friendly TVs we've seen. It has a brighter picture and wider, more accurate colors than its price would imply. It doesn't have hands-free voice control like some pricier TVs, but it does have Apple AirPlay, Wi-Fi 6, and a 144Hz refresh rate with VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

    Who It's For

    Budget shoppers: If you're looking for a budget-friendly TV that still looks great, the Hisense U65QF is the one to get. Just note that it uses Amazon's Fire TV platform, rather than the Google TV interface typically found on higher-end Hisense TVs, which means it doesn't support Google Cast.

    Privacy-minded Alexa users: The U65QF allows you to access Alexa through the remote with the push of a button, but it doesn't feature always-on far-field microphones like some other TVs. In other words, you can search for content and control your smart home devices by voice without having Alexa constantly listening for a command.

    Specs & Configurations

    AMD FreeSync FreeSync Premium Pro
    HDMI Ports 4
    HDR Dolby Vision
    HDR HDR-10
    Input Lag (1080p120) 4.6
    Input Lag (4K60) 13.1
    Nvidia G-Sync None
    Panel Type LED
    Refresh Rate 144
    Resolution 3,840 by 2,160
    Screen Brightness 1024
    Screen Size 55
    Streaming Services Yes
    Video Inputs Composite
    Video Inputs HDMI
    Video Inputs RF
    Video Inputs USB
    VRR
    Get It Now
  • LG Evo C5 OLED TV
    Best OLED TV Value

    LG Evo C5 OLED TV

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Vivid, accurate colors
      • Excellent contrast and detail
      • Sleek design
      • WebOS with Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and hands-free Alexa
      • Not the brightest OLED
      • No ATSC 3.0

    Why We Picked It

    Simply put, you won't get a better value in an OLED TV. The Evo C5 is LG's current midrange OLED TV, with an accurate, colorful picture and plenty of features, including Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, hands-free Amazon Alexa, and a 120Hz refresh rate with up to 144Hz VRR. The 55-inch model might have an official price of $1,999.99, but we've consistently seen it available for around $1,300 for months, and it can get even cheaper during sales events.

    Who It's For

    Home theater enthusiasts: This is an excellent all-around TV for the centerpiece of a modest home theater. It looks and works great, and while it certainly isn't a budget TV, it won't break the bank.

    OLED newbies: If you want the per-pixel contrast adjustment and slim panel design that OLED technology enables, but have been holding off because of the price of flagship OLED TVs, this is an ideal choice that doesn't compromise on picture quality.

    Specs & Configurations

    AMD FreeSync FreeSync
    HDMI Ports 4
    HDR Dolby Vision
    HDR HDR10
    Input Lag (1080p120) 4.5
    Input Lag (4K60) 12.9
    Nvidia G-Sync G-Sync Compatible
    Panel Type OLED
    Refresh Rate 120
    Resolution 3,840 by 2,160
    Screen Brightness 944
    Screen Size 55
    Streaming Services Yes
    Video Inputs HDMI
    Video Inputs RF
    Video Inputs USB
    VRR
    Get It Now
  • Samsung S95H OLED TV
    Credit: Will Greenwald
    Best OLED TV Overall

    Samsung S95H OLED TV

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Incredibly bright OLED panel
      • Vibrant, lifelike picture with a wide color range
      • Ultra-low input lag is ideal for gaming
      • Built-in 4.2.2-channel speaker system produces a detailed spatial audio sound field
      • Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and hands-free Alexa support
      • Striking metal frame
      • Samsung's smart TV platform still feels clunky
      • No ATSC 3.0 or Dolby Vision

    Why We Picked It

    The S95H isn't just one of the best OLED TVs I've tested; it's also one of the most responsive, earning a PCMag Lab Award for lowest input lag. It looks great, is packed with features, and is available in 55 inches. That last detail might not sound like much, but you'd be surprised how many flagship TVs are coming out that are only available in 65 inches or larger.

    Who It's For

    Home theater enthusiasts: The S95H's OLED picture looks fantastic, its built-in 4.2.2-channel spatial audio system produces a detailed Dolby Atmos sound field, and you can enhance the audio with Samsung's Q-Symphony feature. It lets the S95H combine its own speakers with a compatible Samsung soundbar for even bigger, more immersive sound.

    Gamers: Not only does the S95H have a 165Hz native refresh rate with VRR, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Nvidia G-Sync, it also has the lowest 4K60 input lag I've measured, at a mere 9.2 milliseconds, earning it a PCMag Lab Award.

    Specs & Configurations

    AMD FreeSync FreeSync Premium Pro
    HDMI Ports 4
    HDR HDR10
    HDR HDR10+
    Nvidia G-Sync G-Sync
    Panel Type OLED
    Refresh Rate 165
    Resolution 3,840 by 2,160
    Screen Brightness 1715
    Screen Size 55
    Streaming Services Yes
    Video Inputs HDMI
    Video Inputs RF
    Video Inputs USB
    VRR
  • Roku Pro Series TV (2025)
    Credit: Will Greenwald
    Best Roku TV

    Roku Pro Series TV (2025)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Bright, colorful picture
      • Simple, easy-to-use interface
      • Hands-free voice control
      • Remote finder
      • No full voice assistant
      • Lacks ATSC 3.0

    Why We Picked It

    The 2025 Roku Pro Series features a very bright mini-LED backlight system, along with Apple AirPlay, hands-free voice control, and gamer-friendly features such as 120Hz VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. The picture quality and features already make it a compelling package, but we also appreciate Roku's uncluttered, easy-to-use TV interface. It doesn't have a full voice assistant, but you can use it to control a limited selection of Roku smart home devices.

    Who It's For

    Tech novices: If you prefer a straightforward interface with minimal clutter and complexity, this is the TV to get. Roku's interface is simple and accessible, with large tiles that put you right in whatever streaming service you want, few ads, and minimal extraneous features.

    Specs & Configurations

    AMD FreeSync FreeSync Premium Pro
    HDMI Ports 4
    HDR Dolby Vision
    HDR HDR-10
    Input Lag (1080p120) 5.2
    Input Lag (4K60) 9.4
    Nvidia G-Sync None
    Panel Type LED
    Refresh Rate 120
    Resolution 3,840 by 2,160
    Screen Brightness 1941
    Screen Size 55
    Streaming Services Yes
    Video Inputs HDMI
    Video Inputs RF
    Video Inputs USB
    VRR
    Get It Now
  • Samsung The Frame QLED TV
    unknown
    Best for Displaying Art

    Samsung The Frame QLED TV

    3.0 Average

    Pros & Cons

      • Striking, customizable design that resembles a hanging painting
      • Matte screen reduces glare and adds to the painting effect
      • Strong color performance
      • Poor contrast
      • Very expensive for the picture quality

    Why We Picked It

    The Frame is a Samsung lifestyle TV, designed to resemble a hanging painting, featuring a matte screen and customizable bezels that create the illusion of a picture frame. It doesn't have the brightest or most colorful picture out there, but it can blend in with your home decor, especially with its low-light ambient mode running.

    Who It's For

    Art lovers and design fans: If you want a TV that isn't an eyesore when it's not in use, this is a top pick. Put it on the wall, and when you aren't watching it, you can enjoy what looks like a painting or a print instead of a big black box.

    Specs & Configurations

    AMD FreeSync None
    Black Level 0.1
    Contrast Ratio 4,757:1
    HDMI Ports 4
    HDR HDR-10
    Input Lag (1080p120) 9.5
    Nvidia G-Sync None
    Panel Type LCD
    Refresh Rate 60
    Resolution 3,840 by 2,160
    Screen Brightness 475.65
    Screen Size 55
    Streaming Services Yes
    Video Inputs HDMI
    Video Inputs RF
    Video Inputs USB
    VRR
    Get It Now
  • Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED
    Best Fire TV

    Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Bright picture with balanced color and strong contrast
      • Hands-free Alexa integration
      • Supports Apple AirPlay 2
      • 120Hz with VRR and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
      • Color gamut isn't as wide as competitors
      • Can suffer from light bloom

    Why We Picked It

    The Fire TV Omni Mini-LED is Amazon's best TV. It's also reasonably priced, at well below $900 for the 55-inch model. It has a bright mini-LED backlight, hands-free Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2, and 144Hz VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

    Who It's For

    Dedicated Alexa users: If you use Alexa to control your smart home, this is the TV to get. Alexa is built into Amazon's Fire TV platform, and you can access it hands-free through the TV's far-field microphones. You can even ask Alexa to bring up your Ring camera and doorbell feeds when you want to check who's at the door.

    Specs & Configurations

    AMD FreeSync FreeSync Premium Pro
    HDMI Ports 4
    HDR Dolby Vision
    HDR HDR-10
    Input Lag (1080p120) 6.4
    Nvidia G-Sync None
    Panel Type LED
    Refresh Rate 120
    Resolution 3,840 by 2,160
    Screen Brightness 1623
    Screen Size 55
    Streaming Services Yes
    Video Inputs HDMI
    Video Inputs RF
    Video Inputs USB
    VRR
    Get It Now
  • SunBriteTV Veranda 3 Series
    Best Outdoor TV

    SunBriteTV Veranda 3 Series

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Ruggedized for outdoor use
      • Wide, accurate colors with Dolby Vision support
      • Android TV provides phone mirroring, streaming media, and voice control
      • Low input lag
      • Expensive
      • Doesn't include a stand
      • High black levels

    Why We Picked It

    You should never mount a regular TV outside, as extreme temperatures or even a small amount of rain can damage it. You need to get a TV designed for outdoor use, and SunBriteTV's Veranda 3 is one of the best options. It's pricey, but that's what you can expect to pay for the necessary weatherproofing and still get a good-looking picture.

    Who It's For

    Backyard enthusiasts and deck owners: Thanks to its ruggedness, this is one of the best TVs to get if you want something to put in your backyard or on your deck. It can stay outside and offer a pretty good picture any time of the year.

    Specs & Configurations

    AMD FreeSync FreeSync
    Black Level 0.2
    Contrast Ratio 3,631:1
    HDMI Ports 4
    HDR Dolby Vision
    HDR HDR-10
    Input Lag (1080p120) 8.6
    Nvidia G-Sync None
    Panel Type LED
    Refresh Rate 60
    Resolution 3,840 by 2,160
    Screen Brightness 722.53
    Screen Size 55
    Streaming Services Yes
    Video Inputs Composite
    Video Inputs HDMI
    Video Inputs RF
    Video Inputs USB
    VRR
The Best 55-Inch TVs for 2026

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Our Pick
Rating
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
3.0 Average
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
Best For
Best Affordable TV
Best OLED TV Value
Best OLED TV Overall
Best Roku TV
Best for Displaying Art
Best Fire TV
Best Outdoor TV
Best Affordable TV
Best OLED TV Value
Best OLED TV Overall
Panel Type
LEDOLEDOLEDLEDLCDLEDLEDLEDOLEDOLED
Screen Size
55555555555555555555
Resolution
3,840 by 2,1603,840 by 2,1603,840 by 2,1603,840 by 2,1603,840 by 2,1603,840 by 2,1603,840 by 2,1603,840 by 2,1603,840 by 2,1603,840 by 2,160
Video Inputs
HDMI, Composite, RF, USBHDMI, RF, USBHDMI, RF, USBHDMI, RF, USBHDMI, USB, RFHDMI, RF, USBHDMI, Composite, RF, USBHDMI, Composite, RF, USBHDMI, RF, USBHDMI, RF, USB
HDR
Dolby Vision, HDR-10Dolby Vision, HDR10HDR10, HDR10+Dolby Vision, HDR-10HDR-10Dolby Vision, HDR-10HDR-10, Dolby VisionDolby Vision, HDR-10Dolby Vision, HDR10HDR10, HDR10+
HDMI Ports
4444444444
Streaming Services
Screen Brightness
102494417151941475.651623722.5310249441715
Black Level
0.10.2
Contrast Ratio
4,757:13,631:1
Refresh Rate
1441201651206012060144120165
VRR
Input Lag (1080p120)
4.64.55.29.56.48.64.64.5
Input Lag (4K60)
13.112.99.413.112.9
AMD FreeSync
FreeSync Premium ProFreeSyncFreeSync Premium ProFreeSync Premium ProNoneFreeSync Premium ProFreeSyncFreeSync Premium ProFreeSyncFreeSync Premium Pro
Nvidia G-Sync
NoneG-Sync CompatibleG-SyncNoneNoneNoneNoneNoneG-Sync CompatibleG-Sync

Buying Guide: The Best 55-Inch TVs for 2026


A note on the individual TV models above: We generally test one screen size for each TV line and extrapolate its performance to other screen sizes, unless there are significant differences in specifications. We expect similar performance between screen sizes, and for reference, we note which specific model is tested in the linked review. If there isn't an italicized statement below the first paragraph clarifying this, then the 55-inch screen size was the one tested.

Finally, if you're unsure about which screen size is right for you, our guide can help you determine the best option. While you're at it, be sure to read up on the best cheap TVs, the best TVs for gaming, and the best TVs overall.

About Our Expert

Will Greenwald

Will Greenwald

Principal Writer, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I’m PCMag’s home theater and AR/VR expert, and your go-to source of information and recommendations for game consoles and accessories, smart displays, smart glasses, smart speakers, soundbars, TVs, and VR headsets. I’m an ISF-certified TV calibrator and THX-certified home theater technician, I've served as a CES Innovation Awards judge, and while Bandai hasn’t officially certified me, I’m also proficient at building Gundam plastic models up to MG-class. I also enjoy genre fiction writing, and my urban fantasy novel, Alex Norton, Paranormal Technical Support, is currently available on Amazon.

The Technology I Use

Where to start? I have a standard IT-issued Lenovo Thinkpad for writing and editing, supplemented with an iPad Air and an 8Bitdo Retro Keyboard when I want to write on the go. I also have a Lenovo Legion Go as a platform for running Portrait Displays’ Calman software and controlling the Klein K-10A colorimeter, Murideo SIX-G signal generator, and Leo Bodnar 4K Video Signal Lag Tester I use for testing TVs. 

For gaming, I use a Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X, and a GeForce 5080-equipped MSI gaming laptop. I like collecting retro games as well, and have an Analogue Pocket and a ton of classic consoles and portables. Photography is another interest, and I use a Sony A7 IV when I’m shooting products and events, and a Fujifilm X-Pro3 for my own attempts at visual creativity. And for reading and writing, I’ve become partial to the Kobo Sage for books and the ReMarkable 2 with Type Folio.

When it comes to phones and tablets, I’m pretty platform-agnostic. I use a Google Pixel 8 for my phone and an iPad Air for a tablet. Android, iOS, and iPadOS are all totally fine, but I need a Windows PC. MacOS just isn’t for me.

Read full bio