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.
Overview
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Best Affordable TVHisense 55U65QF
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Best OLED TV ValueLG Evo C5 OLED TV
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Best OLED TV OverallSamsung S95H OLED TV
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Best Roku TVRoku Pro Series TV (2025)
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Best for Displaying ArtSamsung The Frame QLED TV
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Best Fire TVAmazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED
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Best Outdoor TVSunBriteTV Veranda 3 Series
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Joseph Maldonado
Best Affordable TVHisense 55U65QF
Pros & Cons
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 Learn More Hisense 55U65QF Review -
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Best OLED TV ValueLG Evo C5 OLED TV
Pros & Cons
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 Learn More LG 55-Inch Evo C5 OLED TV Review -
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Credit: Will Greenwald
Best OLED TV OverallSamsung S95H OLED TV
Pros & Cons
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 Learn More Samsung 55-Inch S95H OLED TV Review -
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Credit: Will Greenwald
Best Roku TVRoku Pro Series TV (2025)
Pros & Cons
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 -
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Best for Displaying ArtSamsung The Frame QLED TV
Pros & Cons
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 -
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Best Fire TVAmazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED
Pros & Cons
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 -
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Best Outdoor TVSunBriteTV Veranda 3 Series
Pros & Cons
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 -
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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 | LED | OLED | OLED | LED | LCD | LED | LED | LED | OLED | OLED |
Screen Size | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 | 55 |
Resolution | 3,840 by 2,160 | 3,840 by 2,160 | 3,840 by 2,160 | 3,840 by 2,160 | 3,840 by 2,160 | 3,840 by 2,160 | 3,840 by 2,160 | 3,840 by 2,160 | 3,840 by 2,160 | 3,840 by 2,160 |
Video Inputs | HDMI, Composite, RF, USB | HDMI, RF, USB | HDMI, RF, USB | HDMI, RF, USB | HDMI, USB, RF | HDMI, RF, USB | HDMI, Composite, RF, USB | HDMI, Composite, RF, USB | HDMI, RF, USB | HDMI, RF, USB |
HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR-10 | Dolby Vision, HDR10 | HDR10, HDR10+ | Dolby Vision, HDR-10 | HDR-10 | Dolby Vision, HDR-10 | HDR-10, Dolby Vision | Dolby Vision, HDR-10 | Dolby Vision, HDR10 | HDR10, HDR10+ |
HDMI Ports | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Streaming Services | ||||||||||
Screen Brightness | 1024 | 944 | 1715 | 1941 | 475.65 | 1623 | 722.53 | 1024 | 944 | 1715 |
Black Level | 0.1 | 0.2 | ||||||||
Contrast Ratio | 4,757:1 | 3,631:1 | ||||||||
Refresh Rate | 144 | 120 | 165 | 120 | 60 | 120 | 60 | 144 | 120 | 165 |
VRR | ||||||||||
Input Lag (1080p120) | 4.6 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 9.5 | 6.4 | 8.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 | ||
Input Lag (4K60) | 13.1 | 12.9 | 9.4 | 13.1 | 12.9 | |||||
AMD FreeSync | FreeSync Premium Pro | FreeSync | FreeSync Premium Pro | FreeSync Premium Pro | None | FreeSync Premium Pro | FreeSync | FreeSync Premium Pro | FreeSync | FreeSync Premium Pro |
Nvidia G-Sync | None | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync | None | None | None | None | None | G-Sync Compatible | G-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.









