The 4K X-Reality™ PRO works wonders upscaling every image as close to actual Ultra HD 4K quality as possible, delivering exceptional clarity. Drawing on a much wider palette, the TRILUMINOS technology realistically depicts different worlds' vibrant hues and tones. The Motionflow™ XR inserts intermediate frames, bringing fluidity to frame transitions.
The power cable is annoyingly short.
KD55XG81 is the best overall TV on this list. As far as we're concerned, everything about this TV is impressive (relative to the still mid-range price tag). The model brings together crisp detail, stunning colours, smooth motion, and rich sound.
55", 3840 x 2160, VA
60 Hz / 400 MotionFlow™ XR
Yes (Built-in Wi-Fi)
No
3 x USB, 1 x Ethernet port (RJ-45), 4 x HDMI, 1 x Composite in, 1 x Optical out, 1 x Headphones jack, Ant. in
2 x 10 W
1 year
The company's universal guide packs everything into one place. Its default settings will bring you popular shows and content tailored exclusively to you. Fitted with these stylish little grooves, the TV's back lets you thread the cables through, presenting that minimalist, clutter-free, and elegant cable management solution that mid-range TVs have been lacking.
The remote control is impractical (the buttons are too close to each other).
Samsung UE55NU7300 is up there with the best curved mid-range TVs around. The model will be able to immerse you in the on-screen action and keep you hooked for as long as necessary. The TV is equally suitable for gaming purposes as well as orthodox that TV/movie approach to entertainment.
55", 3840 x 2160, VA
60 Hz / 1300 PQI (Picture Quality Index)
Yes (Built-in Wi-Fi)
No
2 x USB, 1 x Ethernet port (RJ-45), 3 x HDMI, 1 x Component / Composite in, 1 x Optical out, Ant. in
2 x 10 W
1 year
The model's quad-core processor excels at eliminating noise and delivering much more dynamic colours and contrast. With LG's True Colour Accuracy tech, the slightest colour differences will always be reflected and displayed as accurately as possible to provide you with sharper, richer, and much more realistic colours.
The feet are reliable but seem and feel unstable.
LG 55UM7100PLB packs and (re)presents pretty much everything we like to see in these mid-range, mid-size TVs. The model will be able to make your favourite movies and TV series look better than ever before. The TVs' elegant profile will mesh really well with any space.
55", 3840 x 2160, IPS
60 Hz / 1600 PMI (Picture Mastering Index)
Yes (Built-in Wi-Fi)
No
2 x USB, 1 x Ethernet port (RJ-45), 3 x HDMI, 1 x Component / Composite in, 1 x Optical out, Ant. in
2 x 10 W
1 year
Equipped with TruSurround HD™, the TV is able to deliver enveloping, immersive surround sound, making just about every seat in the room the sweet spot. Adopting Dolby Vision HDR, the model has no issues transferring cutting-edge motion picture tech and delivering scene-by-scene picture accuracy.
The web browser interface is very poor.
Finlux 49-FUD-8020 offers the best value for your money. The affordable 4K UDH panel is perfect for gaming. You can use the built-in Wi-Fi module or the usual RJ-45 Ethernet port to stream 4K content. The built-in 10-watt speakers are surprisingly robust.
55", 3840 x 2160, VA
60 Hz
Yes (Built-in Wi-Fi)
No
1 x USB, 1 x Ethernet port (RJ-45), 3 x HDMI, 1 x Composite in, 1 x Optical out, 1 x Headphones Out, Ant. in
2 x 10 W
1 year
The wide colour gamut here does an excellent job reproducing 30% purer and richer colours compared to ordinary LED screens. The black levels here are fantastic (as far as budget/mid-range screens go). The colours reach vivid saturations and do not look nearly as bleached and thin as they usually do within this price range.
There is a bit of a lag when using the buttons on the remote.
TCL 55DC748 definitely has its moments compared to most budget TVs and many mid-range displays. The TV looks beautiful. Its performance is generally inconsistent but excellent at times. The integrated JBL soundbar with four front-facing 15-watt speakers can get pretty loud when necessary.
55", 3840 x 2160, VA
60 Hz / 1700 PPI (Picture Performance Index)
Yes (Built-in Wi-Fi)
No
2 x USB, 1 x Ethernet port (RJ-45), 3 x HDMI, 1 x Composite in, 1 x Optical out, 1 x Headphones Out, Ant. in
4 x 15 W (integrated JBL soundbar)
1 year
Wider Palette
Sony KD55XG81 is easy to get behind. Sony TVs seldom fail to deliver and this model is no exception to the rule. You'll be able to take your television viewing experience to the next level. The model brings together crisp detail, stunning colours, and smooth motion.
Its biggest selling though has to go to the 4K X-Reality™ PRO. See, the issue with 4K TVs is that the content they allow you to stream seldom matches the TVs' native resolution.
That's where the aforementioned technology comes in. Using this feature, the model works wonders upscaling every image as close to actual Ultra HD 4K quality as possible, delivering exceptional clarity. The technology sharpens and refines images in real time, revealing additional detail in the books and architecture of the library.
Mid-range and high-end Sony TVs never disappoint in the colours department. Here, the biggest contributor is the TRILUMINOS tech. Drawing on a much wider palette, the technology realistically depicts different worlds' vibrant hues and tones. From the sports jerseys' red to the sea's deep blue as well as authentic skin tones, the model never fails to faithfully reproduce the world as we know it.
The Audio to Match the Video
The "smooth motion" that we've mentioned earlier is there thanks to the Motionflow™ XR tech. This technology will let you enjoy the smoothest, sharpest details in the fastest-moving sequences. Creating and inserting additional frames between the original frames, Motionflow™ XR is able to compare key visual factors on successive frames and calculate the split second of missing action in the sequences.
Where old TVs basically skip from frame to frame, creating that jittery, distracting effect that ruins immersion, the model's is able to avoid that by inserting intermediate frames, bringing fluidity to these transitions.
All that being said, Sony TVs aren't always equipped with sound systems to match the company TVs' always excellent visuals. As far as the audio part is concerned, we're dealing with an exception here.
The model's Clear Phase feature provides the smoothest, most balanced frequencies. Sampling the speaker frequency with higher precision, the technology feeds the information back to cancel out any peaks or dips in the speakers' natural response. The result is always pure, natural audio with smooth, even frequency reproduction.
At the same time, the S-Force Front Surround system work wonders emulating the natural three-dimensional sound fields to let you enjoy rich, high-fidelity sound across a wider listening area.
In short, Sony KD55XG81 is among the better 55-inch LED TVs we've looked at. The model brings equally impressive visuals and audio. As far as we're concerned, everything about this TV is impressive (relative to the still mid-range price tag).
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07P7R676L |
Vibrant On-Screen Action
Samsung UE55NU7300 is probably the most impressive curved 55-inch TV on the market right now. There's very little chance you'll be able to find a better panel at the same price. The curved design allows the picture to appear deeper, wider, and larger, captivating you from every angle. At the same time, the model's clean back and narrow bezels make this TV appear as sleek and streamlined as ever.
Obviously, we've seen narrow bezels before but that "clean back" part is somewhat different. Fitted with these stylish little grooves, the TV's back lets you thread the cables through, presenting that minimalist, clutter-free, and elegant cable management solution that mid-range TVs have been lacking.
Let's start with the company's always excellent UHD Dimming technology. As per usual, the tech will let you experience improved shadow detail as well as more accurate/lifelike colour reproduction. Independently adjusting tone, brightness, and sharpness, UHD Dimming elevates the model's visuals, making the on-screen action appear much more vibrant and vivid.
At the same time, the TV brings some new things to the table too. Incorporating Samsung's recent Auto Depth Enhancer feature, the model makes the viewing experience much more immersive. Adjusting multi-layer contrast levels, the feature is able to make any footage look as realistic as possible.
Universal Guide
Samsung TVs are always great when it comes to visuals but often passable at best when you look into smaller details like interfaces, Smart capabilities, cloud storage, remote control, etc. That's not the case here.
Well, except for the remote control. As far as we're concerned, the remote is somewhat impractical. The buttons have been put too close to each other, making it easy to accidentally press the wrong button. Other than that though, there's not much to complain about here.
The company's universal guide packs everything into one place. The guide can be set up however you like. Its default settings will bring you popular shows and content tailored exclusively to you.
The model will let you practically abuse the Samsung Cloud space. You'll have no issues connecting your Samsung devices to sync photos and videos.
Bottom line, Samsung UE55NU7300 is up there with the best curved mid-range TVs around. The model will be able to immerse you in the on-screen action and keep you hooked for as long as necessary. The TV is equally suitable for gaming purposes as well as orthodox TV/movie approach to entertainment.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07G18H9VV |
Add Aesthetic to Your Space
LG 55UM7100PLB is up there with the sleekest, most streamlined, and elegant mid-range TVs you can find. Its bezels are practically non-existent. The ceramic black frame will be able to enrich any modern space.
As much as the model delivers in the aesthetics department, its performance is just as impressive. We've seen 4K panels before but the TV's quad-core processor behind its native Ultra HD resolution is very different from your average 4K panel. Without boring you with the details, the processor works wonders eliminating noise and delivering much more dynamic colours and contrast.
Plus, this is an IPS panel we're dealing with here. As it is always the case with IPS panels, the model's display provides improved colour reproduction, excellent contrast ratio, limitless viewing angles, and superb maximum brightness compared to its VA competition.
The company's upscaling tech seldom disappoints and its representative here follows suit. You'll be able to watch DVD, HD, and Full HD movies and shows with close to 4K quality.
We can extend the same sentiment towards LG's True Colour Accuracy tech. The slightest colour differences will always be reflected and displayed as accurately as possible to provide you with sharper, richer, and much more realistic colours.
Last but not least, the company's active HDR feature will have no issues tussling with the best HDR reps you can find. Optimising every scene, the model's high dynamic range tech delivers delicate details and rich colours.
The multi-HDR format, including the usual HDR10 and HLG and coupled with the company’s dynamic scene-by-scene adjustment tech, enables you to enjoy any content with that remarkable HDR touch.
Choose any Source
Apart from everything we've mentioned above, there's not much to talk about here. Though the two 10-watt speakers aren't that impressive on paper, the model's multiple virtual audio channels will be able to immerse and envelope you in the on-screen action as much as the visuals.
Considering the webOS Smart TV, two USB ports, three HDMI interfaces, and the built-in Wi-Fi, you'll be able to choose from various sources and enjoy whatever content you prefer. Plus, there are 9 Picture Modes that will let you tailor TVs tech to specific content.
To piece it all together, LG 55UM7100PLB packs and (re)presents pretty much everything we like to see in these mid-range, mid-size TVs. The model will be able to make your favourite movies and TV series look better than ever before. The TVs' elegant profile will mesh really well with any space.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07RS36XHC |
Cutting-Edge Motion Picture
As far as 55-inch 4K TVs are concerned, Finlux 49-FUD-8020 is ridiculously affordable. Of course, the model has its flaws. The user interface is bloated and clunky. The colour reproduction doesn't necessarily compare to the best mid-range TVs.
At the same time, it is more than good enough for gaming purposes. The VA panels viewing angles are up there with its IPS competition. The maximum brightness is nothing to write home about but, at the same time, nothing to complain about too.
Besides, it's not just about picture quality. The audio part is just as important. On that front, the model does not disappoint. Incorporating TruSurround HD™, the TV is able to deliver enveloping, immersive surround sound, making just about every seat in the room the sweet spot.
That being said, it's not like the model is a joke in the picture quality department too. Adopting Dolby Vision HDR, the TV has no issues transferring cutting-edge motion picture tech from movie theatres to the screen, delivering scene-by-scene picture accuracy and the most immersive video experience.
Every Interface in the Book
Just like every other mid-range TV for gaming, the model comes fitted with a built-in Wi-Fi module. It lets you watch Internet content in its full glory without cluttering the room with unnecessary cables.
At the same time, the TV features just about every port/interface in the book too.
There's the usual USB port that you can use to stream/browse different content from any USB flash drive.
The Ethernet port (RJ-45) will let you connect the TV to the Internet in the orthodox wired fashion.
There are three HDMI ports, so you can connect, say, three gaming consoles simultaneously and won't have to plug/unplug the cable every time you feel like playing one console or the other.
The usual composite input, optical output, and an antenna input are present as well, in addition to the 3.5-mm jack that will let you connect any headphones/headset to the TV.
In addition to the fairly standard remote control that comes supplied with the model, you'll be able to control this TV via your voice using Alexa or Amazon Echo.
To sum it all up, Finlux 49-FUD-8020 offers the best bang for your buck. The affordable 4K UDH panel is perfect for gaming. You can use the built-in Wi-Fi module or the usual RJ-45 Ethernet port to stream 4K content. The built-in 10W speakers are surprisingly robust.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07NC1H24P |
Minimalistic Elegance
Though TCL 55DC748 doesn't have any huge, well-known brand behind it, this TV is big-time. First and foremost, the model is as sleek and elegant as they come.
The 3-side bezel-less concept offers that minimalistic profile that will look elegant from every angle. The ridiculously slim 7.9-mm frame incorporates real aluminium and metal. The silvery metallic finish with no screws and no plastic components makes the TV not only sleek and stylish but durable too.
The feet look somewhat too lightweight and almost clumsy but the TV stands completely steady on them.
As far as we're concerned, the model will be able to elevate most living spaces and blend perfectly with the few lavish exceptions.
The model's remote control is pretty sleek too. It is long, slim, and gently arced on its upper edge, making the remote especially comfortable to hold. The buttons are somewhat crowded but nothing we haven't seen before.
Plus, the key buttons are colour-coded, so you'll have no issues navigating the TV via the remote, not to mention the bright, dedicated buttons that grant you direct access to the model’s Freeview Play and Netflix applications.
The only issue we have with the remote in particular and the TV in general is that there's a small but noticeable delay between the time you press the remote and your TV registering these commands.
30% Purer and Richer Colours
The model's performance stacks up pretty well against its big-brand 4K competition. Its wide colour gamut does an excellent job reproducing 30% purer and richer colours compared to ordinary LED screens. The HDR here is up there with the best mid-range representatives on the market today. It will give you brighter and deeper images, excellent contrast, captivating details, and superior colours.
Having said that, the highest brightness output from a 10% white HDR window doesn't go above 297 nits in the Movie mode. That's not bad as far as mid-range 55-inch TVs are concerned, but we've definitely seen better performance before. These numbers basically deny the HDR pictures the brightness they are designed to deliver.
On the other hand, the black levels here are fantastic (again, as far as budget/mid-range screens go). The colours reach vivid saturations and do not look nearly as bleached and thin as they usually do within this price range.
All in all, TCL 55DC748 definitely has its moments compared to most budget TVs and many mid-range displays. The TV looks beautiful. Its performance is generally inconsistent but excellent at times. The integrated JBL soundbar with four front-facing 15-watt speakers can get pretty loud when necessary.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07GN7YQNJ |
What Is a 55-inch TV?
Did you know that most people sit about 9 feet from their TVs? And although THX (the American company that sets audio/visual reproduction standards) recommends a TV with a screen size of around 90 inches for that distance, we believe that not everyone has enough space to install these huge TVs in their living rooms. That's why a 55-inch TV is the most optimal option. They are large enough to create an immersive experience and can fit in most lounge rooms easily. A 55-inch TV is 26.9-inch high and 47.8-inch wide. Yet, if you still hesitate what TV screen you really need for your room, you can refer to this chart.
Currently, there are tons of different models on the market, and to simplify your choice a bit, we have rounded up the best 55-inch TVs for any budget. You'll find here different models with both flat and curved screens, Full HD and Ultra HD resolutions. And if you also need an additional TV for your kitchen or bedroom, you might be interested in these top 32-inch TVs.
What Features to Compare
Resolution
The very first thing to consider before getting a TV is a screen resolution. It's the number of distinct pixels that are displayed on the screen. And the higher this number is, the better the picture will be. Nowadays, most 55-inch TVs have Full high-definition (Full HD) resolution or Ultra-high-definition (UHD) resolution. The most affordable TVs have HD (1280p x 720p) resolution which while being low by new standards might be enough if all you need a television for is watching TV shows. In fact, many popular American channels such as ABC, Fox, ESPN, and others are broadcasted in HD resolution only. And this isn't likely to change soon.
The majority of modern 55-inch TVs use Full HD resolution (1920p x 1080p) that is quite good for watching movies, sports events, and similar video content. And the most sophisticated models have the best 4K UHD resolution which delivers extremely crisp and sharp picture. No wonder that these TVs are the most expensive either.
We also recommend you to have a look at the refresh rate. The higher it is, the less motion blur you'll experience in moving action scenes.
Design
If you want to get the most immersive experience possible, choose models with curved screens. They will add some sense of ‘depth’ in everything you'll watch. This way, you'll feel more like watching 3D content instead of 2D, as the curved picture "wraps around" you more. If you want to get a flat-screen TV, try to choose those that have minimal bezels so you can enjoy the almost edgeless image. Also, it's important to select the frame that matches your room interior. If you're going to mount a TV on the wall, opt for models that come with articulating/tilting wall mounts. Don't forget to check the TV interface and ports available for connecting HDMI cables, satellite receivers, Blu-ray players, game consoles, and USB drives.
Extras
Did you know?
Active 3D vs. Passive 3D
You know for sure that most cinemas give you polarized glasses for 3D movies. However, do you know what 3D technology they use? But before we answer this question, first things first, let's find out what 3D means. 3D is three-dimensional pictures that have the width, height, and depth. And to see the "depth" from your 3D TV or cinema screen, your each eye should receive slightly different information. To put it simply, your left eye will see information meant for your right eye, and vice versa. There are two ways to deliver different information to your eyes: by using active and passive 3D.
Active 3D technology uses shutter glasses powered by batteries. They do exactly what their name implies - they are constantly shuttering open/closed. Thus, the information intended for your left eye is blocked from your right eye with a closed shutter. Active 3D can be used on LCDs, LED LCDs, plasmas, and home projectors. The only requirement is the ability of the device to refresh at least 60 FPS (frames per second).
Passive 3D uses less expensive polarized glasses and passive 3D TVs are equipped with a special filter that polarizes every line of pixels. This filter makes some lines on the screen visible to your left eye only and others visible to your right eye. Without wearing the glasses, your TV will look like a standard one. You can find Passive 3D on LCD and LED LCD TVs.
Another difference is that your eyes get the Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution with an active 3D, and only 1920 x 540 pixels with passive. Yet, active battery-powered shutter glasses are usually much heavier and bulkier.
LED vs. LCD TVs
Many people still believe that LEDs and LCDs are completely different types of TVs, but actually, an LED TV is a type of LCD TV. And the whole name should sound like “LED-backlit LCD TVs” but since it’s too much of a mouthful for daily conversations, people just call them LED TVs.
Both these types use a liquid crystal display (LCD) to control backlighting of the screen. The panels include two layers of polarizing materials with some liquid crystal solution between them. With all that out of the way, you may still wonder what's the difference between LCD and LED TVs. In fact, the difference was - LCD TVs are no longer produced. Back then, though, in order to backlight the screen, older LCD TVs were made with cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) while LED TVs used small and much more energy-efficient emitting diodes (LEDs). Now, all LCD models use LED lights and thus are regarded as LED TVs. Aside from these two types, you can also find QLED and OLED TVs, however, these are equivalent to traditional LED TVs and use a few advanced technologies allowing them to deliver infinite contrast and more saturated colours.
How to Connect a Phone to a TV?
Today, you can mirror photos, videos, or whatever’s on your phone display to your smart TV. The main requirement is that both your cell phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Also, your phone should have a Screen Mirroring (or Smart View) function. If your phone has this feature, your TV will seek out it and connect to it in seconds.