The Best 55 Inch Smart TVs

  • Dani Rosewater

When it's time to kick back and relax, we like to do it with a big screen. That's why 55-inch televisions hit the perfect balance between size and affordability. And because we live in the 21st century, there are tons of awesome options with smart technology and brilliant resolutions. Here, we review our top picks for these 55-inch beauties, so kick up your feet and read on.

What to Look For

We take our entertainment seriously, so we wanted to find the best 55-inch smart TVs on the market. That’s why we kept three main questions in mind during our search: Does it have high-quality resolution and color? Is the price fair? Is it easy to set up and use? Our top pick came from Amazon Fire since it offered everything we look for at an affordable price. But if you really can’t squeeze the price point, we recommend checking out TCL’s budget-friendly option, which brings 4K resolution to the masses. For more of our in-depth reviews, read on.

Amazon Fire TV 55-Inch 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV

The gold standard

With the perfect balance of price and function, this option is a clear winner for first place.
Best Overall

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When it comes to smart tech, Amazon Fire is a champion. This gorgeous display is easy to set up thanks to the included stand and VESA wall-mount compatibility. Better yet, it installs and updates the software within minutes, so you can dive right in to your favorite shows without a long wait. At this price range, it’s hard to find something that contends with the powerful Amazon Fire TV.

Pros:

  • The 4K picture quality is vivid and beautiful, with colors that pop and a refresh rate of 60Hz.
  • Used in conjunction with Alexa, navigating the apps and user interface is easy.
  • It also supports Dolby Digital Plus audio hardware, so it’s perfect for family rooms and home entertainment centers.

Cons:

  • The built-in speakers are acceptable, but you may want to upgrade your audio with external speakers to get more immersive sound.

TCL 55-Inch Class 4K Smart Google TV

Don't sell the farm

This pick proves that there's no need to spend an arm and a leg to score an awesome television.
Best Value

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In the past, 4K resolution and jumbo screens were largely unaffordable for most people. TCL evidently aimed to change that. This smart tv boasts a shockingly low price tag. That’s why we were surprised by the quality of the hardware, which boasts a 4K screen, sturdy legs for standing, and a brightness and color contrast that brings movies to life. The software steps up to the plate as well since the Google TV user interface is fast and responsive.

Pros:

  • It has Bluetooth, so you can connect a pair of wireless headphones to watch late-night tv without disturbing other members of the house.
  • The software gives you access to thousands of different apps, letting you stream and access a massive range of content.

Cons:

  • The color depth isn’t the best, but this is usually only noticeable during dark scenes.

Hisense ULED 4K 55U6H 55-Inch Smart Google TV

Wireless at its finest

If you want to pop in some Bluetooth headphones and enjoy your shows in comfort, this is the perfect choice.
Best With Bluetooth

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This option may not be the cheapest, but, boy, is it one of the best in the game. The ULED screen delivers brilliant images that pop, making the most of the 4K resolution. We especially like the Bluetooth compatibility, which connects quickly to audio devices for the most immersive experience possible. And not only does the Google TV software let you use a massive range of streaming apps, but this option is also compatible with Alexa for those that have a preference.

Pros:

  • The bright screen excels at handling well-lit rooms, so you don’t need to worry about excessive glare ruining your experience.
  • This is a great option for console gamers since the 60Hz keeps response times sharp.

Cons:

  • The screen itself is on the delicate side, so be wary to avoid bumping or touching it.

SAMSUNG 55-Inch QLED 4K Smart TV with Alexa

Can't beat that quality

For those with a little extra budget, this premium pick is sure to satisfy.
Best 4K Resolution

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Samsung is one of the biggest names in the biz, so it’s no wonder that they should make the list. This 4K television is a premium piece of technology, with wicked-fast response times and a jaw-dropping display. Indeed, the QLED screen brings vivid images and a billion different shades of colors, so it looks good at night and day. And although the price isn’t the lowest, it’s one we’re willing to pay for a TV that features all the latest and greatest tech.

Pros:

  • It’s built with a powerful processor, so navigating menus and displaying high-res images is a responsive and smooth process.
  • The colors look realistic thanks to the dual LED backlights. And if you want to boost the contrast even higher, you can take advantage of the Quantum HDR mode.

Cons:

  • It’s pretty heavy, so you may need a second pair of helping hands if you choose to mount it to the wall.

TCL 55-Inch Class 4-Series 4K Smart Roku TV

Navigate with ease

If you want a hassle-free browsing experience, this affordable TV has a lot to offer.
Easiest To Use

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TCL is another great option in the realm of smart TVs since their software is at the forefront of user-friendliness. Even the setup is a no-brainer. Simply connect to the internet and start signing in to your favorite streaming apps. It also has something called the “Live TV Channel Guide,” which lets you surf live shows across over 250 channels. With this pick from TCL, there’s plenty of free content just waiting to be watched, and navigating to it is a breeze.

Pros:

  • It’s one of the most affordable 55-inch TVs on the market, and it’s built to last.
  • Setting up your preferred image and audio modes is easy thanks to the intuitive user interface.

Cons:

  • The LED screen isn’t the brightest, so it’s best placed in areas without direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between LED and QLED?

Many of the latest TV models use QLED technology to project the image. While LED TVs have been around for a long time, QLEDs are often considered superior since they can display “true” whites and blacks. They may also be brighter and have greater contrast.

What does HDR mean, and should I use it?

HDR stands for “High Dynamic Range.” This setting is prominent in many modern televisions, as it can vastly improve a displayed image. Essentially, it increases the contrast of the colors and brightness, so it can eliminate the “washed out” look that plagued flatscreens for years. We recommend experimenting with the image mode of your TV to find your preferred settings.

About the Author

If you're a console gamer, Dani won't hold that against you. Although he plays on the PC, he grew up with an Xbox controller in his hand. He's also a filmmaker and musician, so he's figured out the importance of quality gear. He hopes to use his expertise to help people make informed decisions in their search for tech that works.

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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.