When you're investing in a new TV, the top three factors you should consider are picture quality, screen size, and color contrast. People use TVs to watch a variety of content: movies, sports, gaming, and so much more. Depending on your space, you may choose a 50-inch, a 55-inch, a 65-inch, or a 75-inch TV to view your favorite shows and movies. If you're looking for a 50-inch TV to fit your apartment or bedroom, these TVs offer a beautiful picture for a lower price point.
As a gamer who loves a good Netflix show, I care about the quality of my TV. And with season 4 of Succession being released, now is the time to pick up a new 50-inch display with improved specs to catch every subtle interaction. I rounded up the best 50-inch TVs that I would personally purchase and use in my own home.
Also: The best smart TVs (and what makes them so smart)
My pick for the best 50-inch TV is theSamsung CU8000 for its use of object tracking sound, support for multiple virtual assistants, and solar-powered remote. You can keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung CU8000 as well as my other top picks for the best 50-inch TVs.
Samsung CU8000 tech specs: Panel type:LEDHDR:HDR10+ Audio:Object Tracking Sound LiteRefresh rate:60HzVoice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey GoogleConnectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical
If you're shopping for a new TV, Samsung has quite a few high-end offerings, but the mid-range CU8000 is one of the best 50-inch class models you can buy. Not only does it provide excellent native and upscaled 4K resolution, but it also supports HDR10+ technology for enhanced detailing and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound Lite for audio that follows the on-screen action.
You'll also get integrated voice controls via Samsung's Bixby or Alexa, or you can set up Google Assistant. If you want to make your home more eco-friendly, the CU8000 has a solar-powered remote. You'll not only keep heavy metals like lead out of landfills by avoiding traditional batteries, but you'll also save money.
Also: Crystal UHD vs QLED: Which Samsung TV should you buy?
View now at Best Buy View now at Target View now at B&H Photo-Video more buying choicesHisense A6 tech specs: Panel type:LEDHDR:Dolby Vision, HDR10Audio:DTS Virtual: XRefresh rate:60HzVoice controls:Hey GoogleConnectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Chromecast, 3x HDMI, 2x USB, Optical, RF, Composite
The Hisense A6 is a great option for a 50-inch TV if you're looking to upgrade on a budget. It retails for under$300 but still provides many features you've come to expect from smart TVs. You'll get integrated voice controls via Google Assistant for hands-free use of your new TV, connected devices, and apps.
It supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10 for enhanced detailing and contrast to create more lifelike images. And with DTS Virtual: X audio, you'll get rich, room-filling sound. Console gamers will love the dedicated gaming mode that automatically lowers input latency and provides basic VRR support to give you smoother playback and faster reactions to your inputs.
View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy View now at Target more buying choicesLG UR9000 tech specs: Screen size:50 inchesPanel type:LEDRefresh rate:60HzResolution:4KHDR:HDR10Audio:Dolby DigitalVoice controls:Alexa, Hey Google, Siri
The LG UR9000 is a great mid-range TV if you're looking to save money, as well as for a screen that's a bit on the smaller side. It features support for Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri through the Apple HomeKit for hands-free voice controls. You'll also get LG Channels preloaded onto your TV so you can start watching live news, sports, and entertainment right out of the box.
With support for HDR10 as well as Dolby Digital audio, you'll get clean, clear sound and dialogue as well as crisp detailing and bold colors. And with the dedicated gaming mode, you can take advantage of cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Xbox GamePass.
View now at Best Buy View now at Walmart View now at LG more buying choicesSony A90K tech specs: Panel type:OLEDHDR:Dolby Vision, HDR10Audio:DTS Digital Surround, Acoustic Surface Audio+Refresh rate:120HzVoice controls:Alexa, Hey GoogleConnectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, Ethernet, RF, Optical, Composite
The Sony A90K actually has a 48-inch screen, but I'm including it here because it's the closest you'll get to a 50-inch OLED. The TV still delivers signature OLED picture quality in its smaller form factor, so you won't have to sacrifice detailing or color accuracy to get a screen that fits a smaller space.
It uses Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology to turn the entire screen into a speaker for near-perfect audio and video syncing as well as sound that follows the on-screen action for a more immersive experience.
View now at Best Buy View now at Walmart View now at Crutchfield more buying choicesSamsung QN90C tech specs: Panel type:Neo QLED HDR:Neo Quantum HDR+Audio:Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+Refresh rate:120HzVoice controls:Alexa, Bixby, Hey GoogleConnectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical
If you're willing to spend big bucks to get the best 50-inch TV possible, the Samsung QN90C is a great choice. It features an updated Neo QLED panel to provide better colors and detailing over previous iterations as well as support for both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound for room-filling audio that follows the on-screen action. It also has voice controls via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, or Google Assistant for hands-free use of your new TV, its apps, and connected devices.
's own Artie Beaty was able to do some hands-on testing with the Samsung QN90C. He praised the TV for its dedicated gaming mode, which allows you to monitor input response times, refresh rates, and picture mode selections while also working with the 120Hz refresh rate to provide smoother action during intense gameplay or fast movie and TV show scenes.
View now at Crutchfield View now at Walmart View now at B&H Photo-Video more buying choicesMy pick for the best 50-inch TV is the Samsung CU8000. Not only is the price relatively easy on the wallet, it also provides plenty of premium-grade features that make it a great value for the cost. You'll get HDR10+ support for enhanced detailing and contrast as well as object tracking sound for audio that follows the on-screen action.
It also features voice controls via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, and Google Assistant for hands-free use of your TV and its apps or connected devices.
Best 50-inch TV | Price | Refresh rate | HDR |
Samsung CU8000 | $428 | 60Hz | HDR10+ |
Hisense A6 | $258 | 60Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10 |
LG UR9000 | $500 | 60Hz | HDR10 |
Sony A90K | $1400 | 120Hz | Dolby Vision, HDR10 |
Samsung QN90C | $1298 | 120Hz | Neo Quantum HDR+ |
*Lowest price at time of writing. Please note that retail price may vary depending on retailer and available deals, sales, and discounts.
Once you've nailed down a budget, think about where you want your 50-inch TV to be and how you'll use it. If you want to upgrade the main TV in your living room or home theater, you'll want to spring for a model that offers plenty of connectivity for playback devices as well as great picture and sound quality for family movie nights or watch parties with friends.
If you're looking for a secondary screen for your bedroom or gaming space, you'll want something a bit more budget-friendly since it may not be used as often.
Choose this 50-inch TV... | If you want... |
Samsung CU8000 | A well-rounded 50-inch TV. This mid-range TV from Samsung still offers premium-grade features like voice controls and object tracking sound. |
Hisense A6 | A budget-friendly 50-inch TV. The Hisense A6 retails for under$300, which is the lowest price on this list. |
LG UR9000 | A 50-inch TV under$500. The LG UR9000 features support for Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri for hands-free voice controls. |
Sony A90K | A 50-inch OLED TV. While actually measuring 48 inches, it's still a worthy consideration if you want an OLED TV that's on the smaller side. |
Samsung QN90C | A 50-inch TV for console gaming. The Samsung Gaming Hub gives you access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass. |
While researching and testing each 50-inch TV featured in this list, I and other writers kept these criteria in mind:
Spending hard-earned cash on a TV can mean spending hundreds or even thousands. There's good and bad news on these 50-inch picks.
The good news is that these days there are so many options to choose from. The bad news is that we can't tell you the best amount to spend on a TV because everyone's needs and budgets vary. Generally, our picks on this list range from$290 to$1,030.
Yes. Sony makes 50-inch TVs, but they are more expensive than Samsung, TCL, and LG TVs. If you're willing to splurge, Sony TVs remain excellent options, as well. Here are some of our top recommendations if you prefer to stick with Sony's models:
Ideally, your TV stand should elevate your television at least two feet above the floor. Additionally, you will likely want a stand that is 3-5 inches wider than your TV. Most TVs have feet instead of a central stand now, so unless you plan to mount your TV on the wall, a wide stand is necessary.
When it comes to TVs, it's hard to compete with big companies like Samsung, LG, and TCL. The battle for the best TV on the market is really competitive, but after the top few products, the competition seems to fall off.
Here are three more televisions that also offer incredible picture and sound quality:
This 50-inch TV from Furrion is designed to elevate your outdoor entertaining spaces. You can place it in shade or partial sun for great picture quality and visibility no matter the time of day.
View at Best BuyThe Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED uses the Fire TV platform, with the Prime Video app as your home page, which gives you access to the entire library of shows and movies. You'll also get access to partner apps like HBO Max, Paramount+, and Broadway HD.
View at Amazon