Top rated 55 inch TVs

So, you’re in the market for a new TV, and you’ve decided that a 55 inch model is the perfect fit for your space. Excellent choice! The right TV can transform your living room into a home theater, making movie nights and binge-watching sessions an absolute delight. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? Let’s dive into what makes a top-rated 55 inch TV and explore some of the best models available in 2024.

Key Features to Consider in a 55 Inch TV

Resolution

4K vs. 8K: When it comes to resolution, 4K TVs are currently the most popular choice, offering stunning clarity and detail. However, 8K TVs are starting to make waves, promising even higher resolution. For most people, a 4K TV provides more than enough detail, especially for a 55 inch screen. But if you’re a tech enthusiast or future-proofing your purchase, 8K is worth considering.

Smart TV Capabilities

Almost all modern TVs are smart TVs, meaning they come with built-in apps and internet connectivity. Look for a model that supports your favorite streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant is also a handy feature.

Refresh Rate

A higher refresh rate (120Hz or above) ensures smoother motion, which is crucial for fast-paced sports and gaming. Most standard TVs come with a 60Hz refresh rate, but investing in a higher rate can significantly improve your viewing experience.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR enhances the color and contrast of your TV, making images look more realistic and vibrant. Look for HDR10 or Dolby Vision support for the best picture quality.

Connectivity Options

Make sure the TV has enough HDMI ports for your needs, as well as USB ports, and compatibility with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Top 55 Inch TVs in 2024

With so many choices, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s an overview of the top-rated 55 inch TVs this year, selected based on performance, features, and value.

Samsung QN90A Neo QLED

Overview

The Samsung QN90A Neo QLED is a powerhouse of a TV, known for its incredible brightness and color accuracy.

Key Features

• Resolution: 4K
• Smart TV: Yes, with Tizen OS
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10+ and Quantum HDR 32X
• Connectivity: Multiple HDMI ports, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional brightness and color accuracy
• Excellent for gaming with low input lag
• Robust smart TV features

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Some blooming in dark scenes

LG C1 OLED

Overview

The LG C1 OLED is a favorite among home theater enthusiasts, thanks to its stunning picture quality and perfect blacks.

Key Features

• Resolution: 4K
• Smart TV: Yes, with webOS
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 ports, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Perfect blacks and infinite contrast ratio
• Excellent for gaming with NVIDIA G-Sync and FreeSync support
• Smooth and intuitive smart TV interface

Cons:

• Risk of burn-in with static images
• Less bright than some LED models

Sony A90J OLED

Overview

Sony’s A90J OLED combines stunning picture quality with impressive sound, making it a top choice for cinephiles.

Key Features

• Resolution: 4K
• Smart TV: Yes, with Google TV
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 ports, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional picture quality with perfect blacks
• Superior sound quality with Acoustic Surface Audio+
• Comprehensive smart TV features

Cons:

• Expensive
• Risk of burn-in

TCL 6-Series Roku TV (55R635)

Overview

The TCL 6-Series offers great performance at a more affordable price, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Key Features

• Resolution: 4K
• Smart TV: Yes, with Roku OS
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10
• Connectivity: HDMI ports, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Strong performance with Dolby Vision support
• Easy-to-use Roku interface

Cons:

• Limited brightness compared to higher-end models
• Average sound quality

Hisense U8G

Overview

Hisense U8G is known for its bright and colorful display, offering impressive features at a reasonable price.

Key Features

• Resolution: 4K
• Smart TV: Yes, with Android TV
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 ports, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Bright and vibrant picture quality
• Good for gaming with low input lag
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Android TV interface can be sluggish
• Average build quality

Vizio P-Series Quantum X

Overview

The Vizio P-Series Quantum X offers high-end performance and features at a competitive price.

Key Features

• Resolution: 4K
• Smart TV: Yes, with SmartCast
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 ports, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High brightness and excellent color accuracy
• Great for gaming with low input lag
• Affordable for the performance offered

Cons:

• SmartCast interface can be limiting
• Viewing angles are not as wide

Samsung Q80A QLED

Overview

The Samsung Q80A QLED strikes a good balance between performance and price, offering solid features for everyday use.

Key Features

• Resolution: 4K
• Smart TV: Yes, with Tizen OS
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• HDR: HDR10+
• Connectivity: HDMI ports, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Good brightness and color
• Strong smart TV features
• Affordable for a QLED

Cons:

• Limited local dimming
• Sound quality could be better

Philips 55OLED806/12

Overview

Philips 55OLED806/12 is known for its Ambilight technology, enhancing the viewing experience with ambient lighting.

Key Features

• Resolution: 4K
• Smart TV: Yes, with Android TV
• Refresh Rate: 120Hz
• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10+
• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 ports, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Ambilight enhances viewing experience
• Excellent picture quality
• Good for gaming with low input lag

Cons:

• More expensive than some competitors
• Android TV interface can be slow

Comparing OLED vs. QLED

Key Differences

OLED and QLED are two of the leading TV technologies today. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) offers perfect blacks and a near-infinite contrast ratio, making it ideal for dark rooms and high-quality movie watching. QLED (Quantum Dot LED) TVs, on the other hand, use quantum dots to enhance brightness and color, making them better for bright rooms and general TV watching.

Which Is Better for You?

If you prioritize picture quality, especially in dark environments, and don’t mind spending a bit more, OLED is the way to go. However, if you watch TV in a bright room and want a more affordable option with excellent color and brightness, QLED might be better suited for your needs.

Budget-Friendly Options

If you’re looking for a great 55 inch TV without breaking the bank, consider models like the TCL 6-Series or the Hisense U8G. These TVs offer excellent performance and features at a more affordable price, ensuring you get the best bang for your buck.

Tips for Setting Up Your 55 Inch TV

Ideal Viewing Distance

For a 55 inch TV, the ideal viewing distance is about 7 to 10 feet. This distance allows you to fully appreciate the detail and clarity of 4K resolution without straining your eyes.

Mounting vs. Stand

Deciding whether to mount your TV or use a stand depends on your room layout and personal preference. Wall mounting saves space and gives a clean look, but requires some installation effort. A stand is easier to set up and move around if needed.

Calibration Tips

To get the best picture quality, consider calibrating your TV settings. Most TVs have a “Movie” or “Cinema” mode that provides a good starting point. You can also use calibration tools or hire a professional for optimal results.

Conclusion

Choosing the right 55 inch TV can make all the difference in your home entertainment setup. Whether you prioritize stunning picture quality, smart features, or budget-friendly options, there’s a perfect TV out there for you. The Samsung QN90A, LG C1 OLED, and Sony A90J are some of the top models to consider, each offering unique strengths to enhance your viewing experience.

FAQs

What is the best 55 inch TV for gaming?

The LG C1 OLED is highly recommended for gaming, thanks to its low input lag, high refresh rate, and support for NVIDIA G-Sync and FreeSync.

How far should I sit from a 55 inch TV?

For optimal viewing, sit about 7 to 10 feet away from a 55 inch TV.

Are 55 inch TVs good for large rooms?

A 55 inch TV is suitable for medium to large rooms. For very large rooms, you might want to consider a larger screen size.

What’s the difference between OLED and LED?

OLED TVs offer perfect blacks and a near-infinite contrast ratio, while LED TVs, including QLED, are generally brighter and better for well-lit rooms.