Best overall: LG C1 OLEDBest for gaming: Samsung QN90ABest OLED TV: Sony A90JBest 4K TV: TCL Class 6-Series 55R635Best outdoor TV: Sunbrite Veranda
How we picked the best 55-inch TV
I’ve been reviewing gadgets for over a decade for sites like TechnoBuffalo, XDA Developers, iMore, and Android Central. During that time I’ve tested many products, and that includes TVs. When I’m not writing about technology, I’m probably watching a movie or gaming, so finding the right TV is something I care deeply about. The PopSci staff also has extensive experience testing and reviewing TVs. When rounding up my picks, I made sure to find TVs that offer a healthy balance between features, price, and technology. Now that we’re into a new era of gaming, I paid special attention to whether these TVs support the latest HDMI 2.1 features, which will be crucial for futureproofing your purchase. There’s a lot to go over, so without further ado.
Things to consider before buying a 55-inch TV
What’s great about 55-inch TVs is their size is flexible enough to fit in spaces that are large and small. I live in a small one-bedroom apartment and a 55-inch inch TV fits perfectly in our living room. It’s big enough for me to absorb what I’m watching without feeling like I need to squint to enjoy the details. It’s recommended you sit about 7-and-a-half feet away from a 55-inch TV for the optimal viewing experience. That recommendation isn’t an exact science since everyone’s eyesight is different, but this calculator goes into much more detail into the data behind the optimal viewing distance for the size TV you buy. Resolution used to be an issue when buying a large TV because sitting too close would make the pixels visible. With 4K resolution as the norm, however, that isn’t much of a problem anymore. Picking the right size TV for your space is only the first step. You’ll want to be mindful of screen technology (OLED or QLED), price, and a wide array of specs. From display resolution to refresh rate to connectivity, there are a wide variety of things to consider.
OLED vs QLED
LCD, LED, OLED, QLED, ACDC (kidding), these acronyms can get confusing, especially in the TV space where technology has progressed rapidly. Most TVs available today either offer OLED or QLED displays and, despite their similar-sounding names, they offer important differences you need to know about. OLED stands for “organic light-emitting diode,” and is distinctly different from LCD. OLED is emissive, which means the pixels emit their own light. TVs equipped with OLED technology can turn these pixels on an individual basis, which means the picture can produce “true blacks” and better highlights. Best of all, when shadows and highlights rub shoulders, you won’t get any light bleed from an OLED panel, which traditional LCD technology struggles with. Meanwhile, QLED stands for “quantum dot light-emitting diodes,” and is a transmissive layer that complements traditional backlit LCD panels. The quantum dot layer enhances the screen’s color, brightness, and contrast, resulting in improved picture quality compared to older LCD and LED sets. There are some TVs that feature QLED displays with Mini-LED backlighting, which is a separate display technology that enables “local dimming.” This makes it possible for your TV to enhance or reduce its brightness in specific areas for improved contrast. The main thing to know is QLED TVs tend to be more affordable than OLEDs because the technology has been around longer and is more established. QLED displays can also get noticeably brighter than OLED TVs, which can make a big difference if your space gets a lot of natural light. If you want even more information, we’ve rounded up the best OLED TVs and best QLED TVs.
Resolution
If you’re buying a TV in 2023, chances are it features 4K resolution, which has more or less become the norm. These days 4K content is widely available, whether through a streaming service or gaming, so there’s ample opportunity to take advantage of the higher resolution. There are 8K TVs out there, but they aren’t worth the extra cost right now since there is a dearth of content to watch. Technically, next-gen consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 support 8K gaming but, currently, there are no native 8K games. By the time 8K content does become more widely available, we’ll probably see TVs that are more advanced than what you can buy today, so upgrading to a higher resolution isn’t really worth it.
Refresh rate
If you plan to play a lot of video games and watch a lot of sports, you’ll want a TV with a higher refresh rate. Why? Refresh rate refers to how many times your TV can redraw the on-screen image each second. TVs with a refresh rate of 120Hz or above—as opposed to the standard 60Hz—will provide viewers with smoother on-screen motion. That’s exactly what you want because it means smoother animation in modern video games and a more fluid picture when watching sports. Unless it’s curling, a 60Hz TV should be fine for that.
Connectivity
While we’re on the topic of next-gen gaming, the next TV you buy should come equipped with HDMI 2.1, which is the newest version of the familiar port. HDMI 2.1 increases the bandwidth that can pass through the connection, and is necessary to play games at 4K 120Hz when using the right cable. If anything, choosing a TV with at least one HDMI 2.1 port will ensure you’re more prepared for the future when higher resolutions, including the aforementioned 8K, and fast frame rates are more widely supported. And don’t forget the HDMI cables!
The best 55-inch TVs: Reviews & Recommendations
A TV is often the centerpiece of our homes—we gather around them to watch movies, special events, and more. This is why it’s so important to find one that fits your needs. That means it has the features you want at the price you want.
Best overall: LG C1 4K OLED TV
Why it made the cut: You get one of the best OLED displays on the market paired with all the right features. Specs
Resolution: 4KRefresh Rate: 120HzPorts: 4 HDMI 2.1, RF, 2 USB 2.0, ethernet, optical audio, headphone out
Pros
Amazing pictureGood mix of features and priceGorgeous designHDMI 2.1
Cons
Mediocre brightness
The LG C1 regularly appears on best-of lists and it ranks as our top overall pick for best 55-inch TV thanks to its terrific display and plentiful features. To top it off, the 55-inch version is available for a good price all things considered. For starters, the LG C1 supports the leading HDR standards and two of the top refresh rate technologies (G-Sync and FreeSync). It also offers four HDMI 2.1 ports to take advantage of features required for the best next-gen gaming experience. There’s even a Filmmaker Mode, which turns off motion smoothing and tames the colors to provide viewers with the most accurate image your TV can produce. That means no more fiddling around with settings to get the image you want. Lastly, the LG C1 features a Game Optimizer mode, which puts all your game settings in one place. That includes the ability to quickly toggle between G-Sync and FreeSync technologies, adjust picture settings, and more. There’s so much to like about the LG C1 and the fact that it’s more affordable than some of its OLED competition makes it even better. That’s the benefit that comes with LG’s position as the only OLED manufacturer around.
Best for gaming: Samsung QN90A
Why it made the cut: The Samsung QN90A is a showcase for QLED technology while offering support for next-gen gaming features. Specs
Resolution: 4KRefresh Rate: 120HzPorts: HDMI 2.1 x 3, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet, headphone jack
Pros
Thin, gorgeous designGame-specific enhancementsLow input lag
Cons
No Dolby Vision HDROnly one HDMI 2.1 port
OLED TVs typically get all the accolades due to their excellent picture quality, but the Samsung QN90A is so fantastic we had to recommend it. The Mini-LED-powered QLED TV delivers great brightness, contrast, and local dimming, resulting in wonderful picture quality that produces highly precise color. The Samsung QN90A also features the gaming features you’ll want for the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Some of the features include HDMI 2.1-powered 120Hz refresh rate, automatic low-latency mode, and variable refresh rate. Additionally, the TV offers a Game Bar interface that makes it easy to quickly access and change features. You can even change the aspect ratio to 21:9 or 32:9 for a wider field of view with compatible games. Our only quibble with the Samsung QN90A is that it features just one HDMI 2.1 port. That means if you own multiple next-gen consoles, they’ll be fighting over the single port, which isn’t so much a deal-breaker as it is an inconvenience. But the TV is still a strong contender with well-rounded features and a bright, vibrant picture.
Best OLED TV: Sony A90J
Why it made the cut: Powerful image and sound processing technology make the Sony A90J a cut above the competition. Specs
Resolution: 4KRefresh rate: 120HzPorts: 4 HDMI 2.1, Ethernet, Composite, RF, Headphone jack, 3 USB 2.0
Pros
Fantastic picture qualitySupport for the latest HDMI 2.1 featuresGoogle TV onboard
Cons
Pricey
If what you’re after is the very best in video and sound performance, the Sony A90J is at the top of the pile. It features the best OLED display we’ve seen, capped off by some of the brightest highlights achieved by this display technology. The TV is equipped with an XR image processor that analyzes the image and enhances the area it thinks you’re most likely to look at with augmented brightness and contrast. Sony was able to achieve improved brightness by adding an aluminum sheet to the OLED panel, which helps dissipate heat more efficiently. A brighter picture is easier to see in environments with a lot of natural light. Viewers also get more detail, which is great for movies, TV, and games. Beyond the picture, the Sony A90J features Google TV, built-in Chromecast functionality and AirPlay, and two HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The major downside to the TV is its price, which can cost more than double a competing QLED offering.
Best 4K TV: TCL Class 6-Series 55R635
Why it made the cut: The TCL Class 6-Series is a great QLED TV with Mini-LED, and comes with a host of great gaming features. Specs
Resolution: 4KRefresh rate: 120HzPorts: HDMI 2.1 x 2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, Ethernet, Headphone jack
Pros
AffordableGreat picture quality for the priceSupport for 4K 120Hz
Cons
The different models can make things confusing
TCL has earned a reputation for offering affordable TVs that punch above their weight in terms of picture quality and feature set. The TCL 6-Series is yet another example. It features a wonderful QLED panel with Mini-LED and supports the latest HDMI 2.1 features for next-gen gaming. Thanks to the inclusion of quantum dots, the TCL 6-Series gets nice and bright while playing HDR content, and produces a picture that’s well-saturated and rich with color. There are three different models: A 4K version with the Roku TV operating system, a 4K version with Google TV, and an 8K version. We like the Google TV version because it’s slightly newer and offers a few upgrades over the Roku model, including two HDMI 2.1 ports. In addition, the TCL 6-Series offers everything from HDR10+ to Dolby Vision. It also features support for AirPlay 2, Chromecast, VRR and auto low-latency, and 4K 120Hz gaming—all at a price much lower than what you’d pay for an OLED.
Best outdoor TV: Sunbrite Veranda
Why it made the cut: There aren’t many exciting outdoor TV options out there, but the Sunbrite Veranda is one of the best. Specs
Resolution: 4KRefresh rate: 60HzPorts: 3 HDMI (HDMI 1.4 / 2.0 with HDCP 1.4 / 2.2), USB
Pros
Weather-resistant designMedia bay for streaming devices4K display
Cons
ExpensiveNo HDMI 2.1
Not all viewing parties happen indoors, but there are very few good options available that can compete with what sits in your living room. Enter the Sunbrite Veranda, which pairs 4K resolution and HDR support into an impressive weatherproof package. Let’s be clear: Outdoor TVs can’t match the fidelity and picture quality you’d get from the other 55-inch TVs mentioned above. But the Sunbrite Veranda is still no slouch and will offer an enjoyable viewing experience. The TV features an LED backlight that cranks up the brightness to compete with the ambient light bouncing around outdoors. And although it can’t match the same contrast and vibrancy as what’s in your living room, an outdoor setting makes them less relevant anyway. Of course, the big sell here is the fact that the Sunbrite Veranda is built to withstand the elements, including rain, dust, extreme temperatures, and other outdoor nuisances. That kind of build quality will ensure it makes it a great option for outdoor use, and a centerpiece the next time you grill some hotdogs.
Final thoughts on the best 55-inch TVs
A 55-inch TV is a good jumping-off point for most people, whether you’ve moved into your first apartment or are going off to college. As we’ve said, it’s a nice in-between size that’s flexible enough to fit spaces large and small. The good news is a TV in this size range features all the bells and whistles you could ever want, from high resolution to displays to support for next-gen gaming. As we said in our roundup of the best 65-inch TVs, it comes down to the details: How many HDMI 2.1 ports do you need? Do you want OLED or QLED? Whatever you decide, our picks above are among the best.
More TV roundups to help you find the perfect set
Best 8K TVsBest TVs for gamingBest TVs for PS5Best OLED TVsBest QLED TVsBest Roku TVsBest TVs under $300Best TVs under $1,000Best 40-inch TVsBest 65-inch TVsBest 70-inch TVsBest 75-inch TVsBest outdoor TVs
