Top 5 Best 50-Inch TVs Under $500: Reviews & Buying Guide

Remember the days when a 50-inch TV was a luxury? Now, it’s almost the standard! But finding a good one that doesn’t break the bank can still feel like searching for a hidden treasure. Can you really get a decent 50-inch TV for under $500? The answer is a resounding yes!

Choosing a TV can be tricky. You have to think about picture quality, smart features, and of course, the price. The problem is, there are so many TVs to choose from. It can be overwhelming! Plus, cheap TVs can sometimes mean blurry pictures or slow apps. Nobody wants that!

Don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll explore the best 50-inch TVs you can buy for under $500. We’ll look at their features and tell you what’s good and what’s not. You’ll learn how to pick the perfect TV for your needs and budget. Get ready to upgrade your living room without emptying your wallet! Let’s dive into the top picks!

Our Top 5 50-Inch Tv Under $500 Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 50-Inch Tv Under $500 Detailed Reviews

1. INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-50F501NA26)

INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-50F501NA26)

Rating: 8.7/10

The INSIGNIA 50-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (NS-50F501NA26) brings big-screen entertainment to your home. It boasts a sharp 4K Ultra HD picture and comes with a smart Fire TV platform. This allows you to easily access your favorite streaming apps. It also includes a voice remote powered by Alexa, making it easy to control everything with your voice.

What We Like:

  • Stunning 4K picture quality with HDR10 for vibrant colors and contrast.
  • Built-in Fire TV gives you access to tons of apps like Netflix, Disney+, and more.
  • The included Alexa Voice Remote makes navigating the TV simple.
  • You can stream free content from apps like Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV.
  • It works as a smart home hub to control other devices.
  • It has many connections for your other devices.
  • You can use parental controls to manage what your kids watch.
  • It is wall mountable.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Sound quality might not be the best, though it has DTS Virtual-X.

Overall, this INSIGNIA Fire TV is a great value for its features and picture quality. You get a lot of entertainment options in one package.

2. Toshiba 50-inch Class C350 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Voice Remote with Alexa (50C350NU)

Toshiba 50-inch Class C350 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Voice Remote with Alexa (50C350NU)

Rating: 9.4/10

The Toshiba 50-inch Class C350 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV (50C350NU) is a smart TV. It has a voice remote with Alexa. This TV offers a great viewing experience with its 4K Ultra HD resolution. You can enjoy your favorite shows and movies with amazing picture quality. It also has built-in Fire TV. This makes it easy to access all your streaming apps. The TV also has features for gaming and great sound.

What We Like:

  • The 4K Ultra HD resolution is amazing. It makes everything look clear.
  • Fire TV puts your favorite apps on one screen. You can easily find what you want to watch.
  • Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound create a great audio-visual experience. You will feel like you are in the movie!
  • Game mode makes gaming fun. Features like ALLM and VRR make the games look and feel great.
  • The picture contrast is accurate. Colors look real.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users might want more advanced picture settings.
  • The sound quality, while good, may be improved with a sound bar.

This Toshiba TV is a great choice if you want a smart TV with great features. You can enjoy movies, shows, and games with excellent picture and sound. This TV will bring you a lot of fun!

3. TCL 50-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV with Roku TV (50S450R

TCL 50-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV with Roku TV (50S450R, 2023 - Model), Dolby Vision, HDR, Dolby Atmos, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit Compatibility, Streaming UHD Television

Rating: 9.4/10

The TCL 50-Inch Class S4 4K LED Smart TV is a smart choice for your home. This TV offers amazing picture quality with its 4K Ultra HD resolution. It includes HDR PRO and Dolby Vision for better colors. You can enjoy movies and shows with great sound thanks to Dolby Atmos. This TV also has smart features like Roku TV, so you can watch your favorite shows easily.

What We Like:

  • 4K Ultra HD resolution shows lots of detail.
  • HDR PRO (Dolby Vision, HDR10, & HLG) makes colors look better.
  • Motion Rate 120 makes fast action scenes clear.
  • Dolby Atmos provides immersive sound.
  • Auto Game Mode helps gaming with low lag.
  • The bezel-less design looks modern.
  • Roku TV makes it easy to stream.
  • It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
  • Four HDMI inputs let you connect many devices.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users may want even better picture quality.

Overall, the TCL 50-Inch Class S4 is a great TV. It gives you a lot of features for the price and is easy to use.

4. TCL 50-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV (50S551F

TCL 50-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV (50S551F, 2024 Model), Dolby Vision, HDR PRO+, Dolby Atmos, Alexa Built-in with Voice Remote, Apple AirPlay 2 Compatibility, Streaming Television

Rating: 8.6/10

The TCL 50-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV brings your entertainment to life. This smart TV has a big screen and sharp picture quality. It uses Fire TV, so you can watch movies and TV shows easily. It also has cool features like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. These features make the picture and sound amazing. This TV is a great pick for anyone who wants a better viewing experience.

What We Like:

  • 4K UltraHD resolution shows great detail.
  • The High Brightness LED Backlight makes the picture bright.
  • Enhanced color makes the picture look vibrant.
  • Motion Rate 240 with MEMC Frame Insertion makes fast action scenes smooth.
  • Fire TV is easy to use and has many apps.
  • HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision makes colors and contrast better.
  • Auto Game Mode (ALLM) is perfect for gamers.
  • Dolby Atmos makes the sound immersive.
  • Enhanced Dialogue Mode helps you hear voices clearly.
  • DTS Virtual:X creates 3D sound.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The built-in speakers could be better for some users.
  • Some advanced settings might be tricky for new users.

The TCL 50-Inch Class S5 is a great TV. It has many features for a good price. This TV is a solid choice for any home.

5. Roku Smart TV 2025 – 50-Inch Select Series

Roku Smart TV 2025 – 50-Inch Select Series, 4K HDR TV – RokuTV with Enhanced Voice Remote – Flat Screen LED Television with Wi-Fi for Streaming Live Local News, Sports, Family Entertainment

Rating: 8.7/10

Get ready for a great viewing experience with the Roku Smart TV 2025! This 50-inch, 4K HDR TV is designed to make your entertainment easy. It has a flat screen and uses LED technology. The TV also has Wi-Fi so you can stream your favorite shows and movies. The enhanced voice remote makes it super simple to find what you want to watch. You can watch live news, sports, and family entertainment. It is perfect for any home.

What We Like:

  • Sharp 4K picture quality makes everything look amazing. Colors are bright with HDR10.
  • You can easily explore a lot of entertainment options. Find your favorite shows and movies.
  • Enjoy tons of free entertainment. Roku offers over 500 free TV channels, including live shows and movies.
  • Customize your home screen. Move apps around to make it your own.
  • The TV automatically updates with new features.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users might want more advanced picture settings.
  • The sound quality could be better.

This Roku Smart TV is a good choice for anyone who wants a simple and affordable TV. It is easy to use and has a lot of great features. You will love it!

Get Your Big Screen On: 50-Inch TVs Under $500

Want a bigger TV without breaking the bank? This guide will help you find a great 50-inch TV for under $500! You can enjoy movies, shows, and games on a larger screen. Let’s explore what to look for.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a 50-inch TV, certain features matter. These make a big difference in your viewing experience.

  • Resolution: Look for a TV with 4K resolution. This means the picture is super sharp! You’ll see lots of detail.
  • HDR (High Dynamic Range): HDR makes colors brighter and richer. It gives you a better picture.
  • Smart TV Capabilities: A smart TV lets you stream shows from apps like Netflix and Hulu. Make sure it has the apps you like.
  • Ports: Check how many HDMI ports the TV has. You’ll need these to connect devices like a game console or Blu-ray player. Also, see if it has USB ports.
  • Refresh Rate: The refresh rate shows how fast the picture updates. A higher refresh rate (like 60Hz or 120Hz) is better for fast-moving scenes, like sports or action movies. However, for this price, 60Hz is common.

Important Materials

The materials used in a TV affect its quality and how long it will last.

  • The Screen: Most TVs in this price range have LED screens. These are good and affordable. Some TVs use different LED types, like Direct LED or Edge-lit LED.
  • The Frame: The frame around the screen is often made of plastic or metal. Metal frames can be stronger.
  • The Stand: The stand holds the TV up. Make sure it’s sturdy and fits your TV stand.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Several things affect how good a TV looks and how well it works.

  • Picture Quality: The resolution, HDR, and panel type all impact picture quality. A higher resolution and HDR give you a better picture.
  • Sound Quality: The built-in speakers in TVs can be so-so. If sound is important, consider adding a soundbar.
  • Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable TVs. Do some research to see what people say about different brands.
  • Warranty: Check the warranty. A longer warranty means the manufacturer is confident in their product.
  • Viewing Angle: Some TVs look great only if you sit directly in front of them. Others have wider viewing angles, so the picture looks good from different spots in the room.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you’ll use your TV. This will help you choose the right one.

  • Movies and Shows: A 4K TV with HDR is great for watching movies and shows. Streaming services will look amazing.
  • Gaming: If you play video games, look for a TV with a low input lag. Input lag is the time it takes for your game controller to affect the screen. A low lag means a better gaming experience.
  • Everyday Use: A smart TV is perfect for everyday use. You can easily watch news, sports, or whatever you like.
  • Placement: Think about where you’ll put the TV. Measure the space to make sure the 50-inch size fits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about 50-inch TVs under $500:

Q: What is 4K resolution?

A: 4K resolution means the TV has a lot of pixels. This makes the picture very sharp and clear.

Q: What is HDR?

A: HDR makes the colors on your TV brighter and more vibrant. It improves the picture quality.

Q: What is a smart TV?

A: A smart TV can connect to the internet. This lets you stream movies and shows from apps like Netflix.

Q: How many HDMI ports do I need?

A: You need enough HDMI ports for all your devices. This includes game consoles, Blu-ray players, and cable boxes.

Q: What is refresh rate?

A: Refresh rate is how fast the picture updates. A higher refresh rate (like 60Hz) is better for fast-moving scenes.

Q: What is input lag?

A: Input lag is the delay between your game controller and the TV screen. Lower input lag is better for gaming.

Q: What is the difference between Direct LED and Edge-lit LED?

A: Direct LED lights up the screen from behind. Edge-lit LED lights up the screen from the edges. Direct LED usually provides better picture quality.

Q: Do I need a soundbar?

A: The built-in speakers on TVs are sometimes not great. A soundbar will improve the sound quality.

Q: What is a warranty?

A: A warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer that they will fix or replace your TV if something goes wrong within a certain time.

Q: Where can I find reviews for these TVs?

A: You can find reviews online on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, or other review sites. Read what other people say before you buy.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.