The best 50-inch TVs of 2025: Expert tested from Samsung, LG, and more

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.

Like most of you, I need my TV to do more than just stream shows and movies. I also use it to play music for parties, play video games, and share media like photos and short videos. Each TV I chose for this list supports a wide range of apps to turn your home theater into the ultimate entertainment hub. 

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-tested picks for the best 50-inch TV.

Also: Need something smaller? The best 40-inch TVs you can buy

The best 50-inch TVs of 2025

Why we like it: The Samsung QN90D is as close to an OLED you can get in a QLED TV. With excellent picture and audio quality boosted by a proprietary VRR algorithm and both Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound and Samsung's object-tracking sound technology. It also features a dedicated game mode with cloud gaming support, support for hundreds of streaming apps, and a 120Hz refresh rate that can be boosted to 144Hz for smoother motion during fast-paced sports broadcasts, movies and shows, and gameplay.

Who it's for: If you're looking for a well-rounded smart TV with great picture and audio, but don't want to spend a fortune on an OLED model, the Samsung QN90D is a smart choice. You still get great 4K resolution, smooth motion, and premium-grade smart features for a more affordable price.

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Who should look elsewhere: While the Samsung QN90D is more affordable than its OLED counterparts, it's still on the pricey side for a smaller screen TV. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option for a dorm or as a second screen, you might want to check out models from brands like Hisense or TCL.

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 

• Up to 144Hz refresh rate
• AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support
• Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound
• Lots of connectivity options

• A bit pricey
• No Nvidia G-Sync support
• No Dolby Vision support

Why we like it: The Samsung QN90D is as close to an OLED you can get in a QLED TV. With excellent picture and audio quality boosted by a proprietary VRR algorithm and both Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound and Samsung's object-tracking sound technology. It also features a dedicated game mode with cloud gaming support, support for hundreds of streaming apps, and a 120Hz refresh rate that can be boosted to 144Hz for smoother motion during fast-paced sports broadcasts, movies and shows, and gameplay.

Who it's for: If you're looking for a well-rounded smart TV with great picture and audio, but don't want to spend a fortune on an OLED model, the Samsung QN90D is a smart choice. You still get great 4K resolution, smooth motion, and premium-grade smart features for a more affordable price.

Also: Best streaming VPNs

Who should look elsewhere: While the Samsung QN90D is more affordable than its OLED counterparts, it's still on the pricey side for a smaller screen TV. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option for a dorm or as a second screen, you might want to check out models from brands like Hisense or TCL.

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 

Why we like it: LG is king of the OLED TV, and for good reason. The 50-inch C4 OLED offers excellent picture quality in a smaller package that's better suited for use as a second screen or in apartments and homes that may be short on dedicated media space. You'll still get signature OLED picture quality with AI-assisted upscaling, 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and dedicated game mode with support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync VRR.

Who it's for: If you're looking to invest in a premium-grade TV for your living room, home theater, or as a high-quality second screen, you'll be hard-pressed to do better than the LG C4 OLED. Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio boost already high-quality picture and audio, and LG guarantees security and firmware updates for at least 5 years to keep your home theater on the cutting edge of entertainment and digital security.

Who should look elsewhere: Since the LG C4 is an OLED model, it comes with a high price tag. So if you're looking for a quality screen that retails less than $1,000, you'll want to check out a QLED option from LG, or perhaps a more budget friendly brand like Hisense or TCL.

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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

• Excellent picture quality and sound
• 9.1.2CH virtual upmix
• HDMI ARC support
• Apple HomeKit support

• No optical input for audio
• Not Wi-Fi 6E compatible
• Expensive

Why we like it: LG is king of the OLED TV, and for good reason. The 50-inch C4 OLED offers excellent picture quality in a smaller package that's better suited for use as a second screen or in apartments and homes that may be short on dedicated media space. You'll still get signature OLED picture quality with AI-assisted upscaling, 4K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and dedicated game mode with support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync VRR.

Who it's for: If you're looking to invest in a premium-grade TV for your living room, home theater, or as a high-quality second screen, you'll be hard-pressed to do better than the LG C4 OLED. Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio boost already high-quality picture and audio, and LG guarantees security and firmware updates for at least 5 years to keep your home theater on the cutting edge of entertainment and digital security.

Who should look elsewhere: Since the LG C4 is an OLED model, it comes with a high price tag. So if you're looking for a quality screen that retails less than $1,000, you'll want to check out a QLED option from LG, or perhaps a more budget friendly brand like Hisense or TCL.

Also: Best VPNs for smart TVs

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

Why we like it: The Hisense U8N is a great TV for anyone looking to set up a dedicated gaming space. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, you'll get great visibility in almost any lighting environment. It also features automatic HDR tone mapping for better color accuracy as well as AI-assisted upscaling for non-4K content so even retro titles look their best.

Who it's for: Console and PC gamers alike will love the 144Hz refresh rate and dedicated game mode that features support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. And with both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, you'll get clean, crisp details, enhanced contrast, and a more immersive listening experience without a headset or home theater system.

Review: Hisense U8N

Who should look elsewhere: If you're not big into console gaming, you might not be able to take full advantage of the U8N's high refresh rate or VRR capabilities. It's also on the pricier side for a smaller screen without premium tech like an OLED panel or object-tracking sound to justify the higher cost.

Also: Best outdoor TVs & best indoor TV antennas of 2025

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

• AMD FreeSync VRR support
• 144Hz refresh rate
• Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support

• Expensive at larger screen sizes
• No G-Sync VRR support

Why we like it: The Hisense U8N is a great TV for anyone looking to set up a dedicated gaming space. With a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, you'll get great visibility in almost any lighting environment. It also features automatic HDR tone mapping for better color accuracy as well as AI-assisted upscaling for non-4K content so even retro titles look their best.

Who it's for: Console and PC gamers alike will love the 144Hz refresh rate and dedicated game mode that features support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. And with both Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, you'll get clean, crisp details, enhanced contrast, and a more immersive listening experience without a headset or home theater system.

Review: Hisense U8N

Who should look elsewhere: If you're not big into console gaming, you might not be able to take full advantage of the U8N's high refresh rate or VRR capabilities. It's also on the pricier side for a smaller screen without premium tech like an OLED panel or object-tracking sound to justify the higher cost.

Also: Best outdoor TVs & best indoor TV antennas of 2025

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

Why we like it: The Samsung Q60D is a great TV for anyone who has moved exclusively to streaming. With support for hundreds of popular apps like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+, you'll be able to turn your home theater or living room into the popular hang-out spot. With a refresh rate of 144Hz, you'll get extra smooth motion during fast-paced sports broadcasts as well as movies, shows, and gameplay. And object tracking sound gives you a more immersive listening experience without having to set up a lot of extra equipment.

Who it's for: If you've moved exclusively to streaming, the Samsung Q60D is a great option. Not only for it's robust support for streaming services, but its dedicated game mode with cloud gaming support, integrated voice controls for hands-free use of your new TV and connected devices, as well as support for AirPlay so you can share media from your iOS or MacOS devices.

Who should look elsewhere: The Q60D is one of Samsung's more entry-level options for smart TVs. And while it does have some great premium-grade features, if picture quality is your top priority, you may want to consider springing for one of Samsung's OLED models. 

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

• Great picture and sound
• Object tracking sound
• Up to 144Hz refresh rate
• Dolby Atmos

• No Dolby Vision support
• No HomeKit support

Why we like it: The Samsung Q60D is a great TV for anyone who has moved exclusively to streaming. With support for hundreds of popular apps like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+, you'll be able to turn your home theater or living room into the popular hang-out spot. With a refresh rate of 144Hz, you'll get extra smooth motion during fast-paced sports broadcasts as well as movies, shows, and gameplay. And object tracking sound gives you a more immersive listening experience without having to set up a lot of extra equipment.

Who it's for: If you've moved exclusively to streaming, the Samsung Q60D is a great option. Not only for it's robust support for streaming services, but its dedicated game mode with cloud gaming support, integrated voice controls for hands-free use of your new TV and connected devices, as well as support for AirPlay so you can share media from your iOS or MacOS devices.

Who should look elsewhere: The Q60D is one of Samsung's more entry-level options for smart TVs. And while it does have some great premium-grade features, if picture quality is your top priority, you may want to consider springing for one of Samsung's OLED models. 

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

Why we like it: The Hisense QD6 retails for under $500, making it a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers who want a high-quality TV that isn't going to break the bank. With features like support for both Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos, dedicated game mode with VRR support, and integrated voice controls, you'll be able to turn any room into the ultimate entertainment hub.

Who it's for: The Hisense QD6 uses the Fire TV platform to give you access to thousands of movies, shows, and songs in the Amazon Prime library as well as other streaming apps like Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. This makes it an almost perfect option for anyone who has cut the cord with their cable or satellite provider and moved exclusively to streaming.

Who should look elsewhere: The Hisense QD6 is a great starter smart TV, but it does lack some premium features like a 120Hz refresh rate, support for the latest versions of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity as well as a 4K passthrough for setting up home audio equipment. 

Hisense QD6 tech specs: Panel type: QLED | HDR: Dolby Vision |