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Best Smart TV Under $500
In today's fast-paced digital world, smart TVs have become a central part of our homes, offering a gateway to endless entertainment, information, and connectivity. However, finding the best smart TV under 500 in December 2024 without compromising on quality and features can be a daunting task.
This article is your ultimate guide to selecting a smart TV that not only fits your budget but also enhances your viewing experience. Whether you're a movie buff, a sports fan, or a casual viewer, we've got you covered with top picks that deliver on performance, quality, and smart functionality.
If you're pressed for time, here's our top picks of the best smart tv under $500.
Best Smart TV Under 500 - Buyer’s Guide
Drawing from our experience when scouring the market for the best smart TV under 500, it’s crucial to consider several factors to ensure you get the most bang for your buck. Here's what to keep an eye out for:
Screen Size and Resolution
The screen size should match the space where you'll be placing the TV. The best 55 inch smart TV and best 65 smart TV offer ample screen real estate for most living rooms, providing an immersive viewing experience. Resolution is another key factor; for crisp and clear images, look for the 4K smart TV.
Smart Features
The smart platform is the heart of any smart TV, offering access to streaming services, internet browsing, and more. Look for TVs that support popular streaming apps with a user-friendly interface.
Connectivity
A good smart TV should have multiple HDMI and USB ports to connect to other devices, such as soundbars, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are also important for a seamless streaming experience.
Refresh Rate and HDR
A higher refresh rate, typically 60Hz or 120Hz, makes for smoother motion in fast-paced scenes. HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances the contrast and color of the picture, making for a more lifelike viewing experience. For example, Amazon Fire TV with HDR 10 and HLG and Samsung AU8000 with HDR Support.
Brand and Warranty
Opt for reputable brands that are known for quality and reliability. Also, check the warranty and customer service options to protect your purchase.
Best Smart TV for Under $500 - TOP 5
Discover our top selections that offer the best value, performance, and smart capabilities, all under $500. These picks are sure to enhance your entertainment experience without breaking the bank.
- Exceptional Picture Quality
- Advanced HDR Support
- High Peak Brightness and Local Dimming
- Voice Control with Alexa
- Dynamic Crystal Color and Crystal Processor 4K
- Built-in Voice Assistants
- HDR Support
- Sleek and Slim Design
- Superior Picture Quality
- Immersive Sound
- Integrated Alexa Voice Control
- Extensive Content Library
- 1080p Full HD Resolution
- Endless Entertainment Options
- Elegant Design and Smart Features
- Multiple Connectivity Options
- Powerful 4K Processor X1
- Premium Smart TV Features
- Exclusive Features for PlayStation 5
- Works with Alexa
Best Smart TV's Under $500: Comparison
Each of these models stands out for its unique strengths, offering something special for every type of user. Whether you prioritize picture quality, smart features, or budget, there's an option here for you.
| TV Model | Size (Inches) | Connectivity Technology | Special Feature(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hisense Class U6HF | 50 | HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet | Quantum Dot, Dolby Vision HDR, Full Array Local Dimming |
| Samsung Class Crystal UHD AU8000 | 50 | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Dynamic Crystal Color, Crystal Processor 4K, Motion Xcelerator, Slim Design |
| Amazon Fire TV 50" | 50 | HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Alexa Voice Remote, supports Apple AirPlay, 1.5 million movies and TV episodes streaming |
| TCL Class S3 LED Smart TV | 40 | HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Full HD Resolution, FullView Metal Bezel-less Design, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Sony 4K Ultra HD TV X77L | 43 | HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet | 4K Processor X1, Motionflow XR, 4K X-Reality PRO, Works with Alexa, Exclusive features for PlayStation 5 |
Hisense 50-Inch Class U6HF TV Under $500
Editor's Choice
At the heart of the Hisense 50U6HF is the 4K ULED technology, which elevates every aspect of picture quality. Colors pop with an intensity and purity that's simply unmatched, thanks to the Quantum Dot Wide Color Gamut. This technology enables the TV to produce over a billion color combinations, delivering images that are not only vibrant but also incredibly true-to-life.
Hisense doesn't stop at color. The TV boasts up to 600 nits of peak brightness, complemented by up to 32 local dimming zones. This setup ensures that HDR content is reproduced with the precision and realism it deserves. Whether it's a dimly lit scene in a gritty drama or a sun-drenched landscape, the 50U6HF handles it with ease, thanks to Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, and HDR10+. The result is an image quality that brings cinematic realism into your home, making movie nights an event to look forward to.
With Fire TV built-in, the Hisense 50U6HF is a gateway to virtually unlimited entertainment. From streaming giants like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max to free options like Freevee and Pluto TV, there's something for everyone. The convenience of having such a wide array of content available at the touch of a button - or the sound of your voice - cannot be overstated.
For those who love fast-paced action, whether in sports or the latest blockbuster, the Motion Rate 240 and a native 60Hz refresh rate ensure that you won't miss a beat. Fast-moving scenes are rendered with minimal blur, making every moment crystal clear. The inclusion of an HDMI 2.1 port further enhances the viewing experience, ensuring that the TV is future-proofed and ready for next-gen gaming consoles and other high-performance peripherals.
The included Alexa Voice Remote is the cherry on top, offering an intuitive way to control your TV. Whether you're adjusting the volume, switching inputs, or searching for content, Alexa is ready to assist. The ability to press a button and ask Alexa to find specific genres or shows adds a layer of convenience that makes the viewing experience that much more enjoyable.
Pros:
- Exceptional Picture Quality
- Advanced HDR Support
- High Peak Brightness and Local Dimming
- Built-in Fire TV
- Smooth Motion
- Voice Control with Alexa
Cons:
- While the picture quality is outstanding, the built-in speakers may not match the overall audio needs of a cinematic experience, possibly necessitating a soundbar or external speaker system for the best audio quality
- As with many LED and ULED TVs, the viewing angles may be limited compared to OLED TVs
Summary: As indicated by our tests the Hisense 50-Inch Class U6HF Series is a testament to what's possible in the realm of affordable smart TVs. It offers a stunning picture, advanced HDR capabilities, a wealth of smart features, and smooth performance, all wrapped up in a sleek design. For anyone looking to upgrade their home theater setup without breaking the bank, the 50U6HF is an outstanding option that ticks all the right boxes.
- Exceptional Picture Quality
- Advanced HDR Support
- High Peak Brightness and Local Dimming
- Voice Control with Alexa
Samsung 50-Inch Class Crystal UHD AU8000 Smart TV Under $500
Best Overall
The AU8000 series is powered by Dynamic Crystal Color technology, which brings millions of shades of color to life with unmatched vibrancy. This technology, combined with HDR (High Dynamic Range), delivers a viewing experience with vivid colors and popping details, making movies and TV shows more immersive than ever.
Samsung's 4K crystal processor is at the heart of the AU8000's performance, ensuring that everything you watch is upscaled to 4K resolution with stunning clarity. This intelligent processing delivers crisp, detailed images, immersing you in the action, whether it's a live sporting event or a cinematic masterpiece.
The AU8000 Series' built-in voice assistants provide unparalleled convenience in accessing content and controlling your TV. Whether you're scheduling recordings, searching for content on streaming services, or customizing your gaming settings, the voice control feature makes it all easy and simple. Plus, Bluetooth 4.2 support makes it easy to connect a range of compatible devices to your TV, further expanding your entertainment options.
The sleek, slim profile of the AirSlim allows it to blend seamlessly into any room, enhancing the space without dominating it. The minimalist design ensures that the focus is on the screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. The 4K UHD extension feature is another feature that ensures that even content that was not originally in 4K format will be enhanced and displayed with extreme clarity
For sports fans and gamers, Motion Xcelerator technology is a game changer. It dramatically reduces blur and enhances motion clarity, ensuring that every fast-paced scene is rendered with precision. This makes the AU8000 Series a great choice for high-octane action movies, sporting events and the latest video games, delivering smooth, crisp images that keep up with the action.
Pros:
- Dynamic Crystal Color and Crystal Processor 4K
- Built-in Voice Assistants
- HDR Support
- Motion Xcelerator Technology
- Sleek and Slim Design
Cons:
- While the 20-watt 2-way speaker system provides decent sound, audiophiles or those looking for a more immersive sound experience may need to invest in a soundbar or external speaker system
Summary: Our findings show that the Samsung 50-Inch Class Crystal UHD AU8000 Series is a testament to what's possible when cutting-edge technology meets sleek design. With its vibrant picture quality, advanced smart features, and elegant aesthetics, it offers a comprehensive package that's hard to beat. For those in search of a smart TV that delivers both performance and style, the AU8000 Series is an excellent choice, embodying the best of what Samsung has to offer in the realm of home entertainment.
- Dynamic Crystal Color and Crystal Processor 4K
- Built-in Voice Assistants
- HDR Support
- Sleek and Slim Design
Amazon Fire TV 50" TV Under 500
People's Choice
Amazon Fire TV 50-inch TVs stand out as a complete entertainment center that brings cinematic quality to your living room. The upgrade to 4K Ultra HD is immediately noticeable, as the picture quality is much sharper and more detailed than 1080p Full HD. HDR 10 and HLG further enhance it by providing brighter colors and deeper contrasts, ensuring that whether you're watching a dark, gritty drama or a vibrant animated movie, you get the best possible picture. The addition of Dolby Digital Plus means that your content not only looks great, but sounds fantastic, with immersive audio that brings you right into the action.
At the heart of the Amazon Fire TV 50" is its seamless integration with Alexa. The ability to press a button and ask Alexa to find, launch, and control content is a game-changer, offering convenience that can't be understated. The ongoing addition of new Alexa skills, smart home capabilities, and voice functionality ensures that the TV continues to get smarter over time.
With access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, you're spoilt for choice. The Fire TV platform includes favorites like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more, although subscription fees may apply. An exclusive offer of a 6-month subscription to MGM+ is a nice bonus, giving you access to a vast library of Hollywood movies and original series.
The inclusion of 4 HDMI inputs is a thoughtful touch, allowing you to connect all your devices without having to constantly swap cables. Whether it's gaming consoles, cable boxes, or audio equipment, you can have everything set up and ready to go. The ability to watch live and free TV, play video games, and stream music makes this Fire TV a versatile entertainment center, catering to all your media consumption needs.
Pros:
- Superior Picture Quality
- Immersive Sound
- Integrated Alexa Voice Control
- Extensive Content Library
- Exclusive MGM+ Subscription Offer
- Versatile Connectivity
Cons:
- Subscription Fees for Streaming Services
- Learning Curve for Smart Features
Summary: Our research indicates that the Amazon Fire TV 50" Series is more than just a smart TV; it's a central piece of your home entertainment setup. With stunning picture quality, easy voice control, and a wealth of content at your fingertips, it offers an immersive viewing experience that's hard to beat. The additional smart features and connectivity options only add to its appeal, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV. Whether you're a movie buff, a casual viewer, or a gamer, this Fire TV has something to offer.
- Superior Picture Quality
- Immersive Sound
- Integrated Alexa Voice Control
- Extensive Content Library
TCL 40-Inch Class S3 LED Smart TV Under $500
Best Budget
The TCL S3 40-inch Smart TV is a testament to how far the world of affordable smart TVs has come, offering an impressive array of features in an elegant design. With a Full HD 1080p resolution, this TV brings your favorite movies and TV shows to life with enhanced clarity and detail, making it a great option for those looking to enhance their viewing experience without spending too much money.
TCL understands the importance of content in the age of streaming, offering access to more than 1 million movies and TV shows. Whether you're a fan of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, or love to explore new music, TCL S3 will meet your needs, although subscription fees may apply. Plus, the inclusion of free streaming services like Freevee, Pluto TV, and Tubi ensures that you'll always find something interesting to watch at no extra cost.
For those who prefer a private listening experience, the Bluetooth Personal Audio feature allows you to pair compatible Bluetooth headphones directly to the TV. This is a thoughtful addition for late-night watchers or those looking to immerse themselves in their viewing experience without disturbing others. With 2 HDMI inputs, including one with ARC, connecting your gaming consoles, set-top boxes, or AV receivers is both easy and ensures you get the best possible connection for all your devices.
The Alexa Voice Remote is a highlight, simplifying the way you search and launch content. Voice control, coupled with preset buttons for quick access to favorite apps, ensures a seamless and intuitive user experience. Compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit adds to the TV's smart capabilities, allowing you to easily control content, share media from your compatible devices via AirPlay, and integrate the TV into your smart home setup.
Pros:
- Endless Entertainment Options
- Elegant Design
- Bluetooth Personal Audio
- Multiple Connectivity Options
- Smart Features
Cons:
- While 1080p Full HD offers great clarity, it may not satisfy viewers looking for the ultra-high definition experience provided by 4K resolution
Summary: The TCL 40-Inch Class S3 1080p LED Smart TV represents a fantastic value proposition for anyone in the market for a smart TV that combines high-quality viewing with smart functionality. Its bezel-less design, combined with the clarity of Full HD resolution, provides a premium viewing experience. The vast array of streaming options and smart features like Bluetooth audio and voice control via Alexa make it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. Whether you're upgrading your home entertainment system or looking for a smart, stylish TV that doesn't skimp on features, the TCL S3 is worth considering.
- 1080p Full HD Resolution
- Endless Entertainment Options
- Elegant Design and Smart Features
- Multiple Connectivity Options
Sony 43 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L TV Under 500
Best Alternative
The Sony X77L 43-inch 4K Ultra HD TV is a testament to Sony's commitment to delivering an immersive, high-quality viewing experience. At the heart of the Sony X77L series is the X1 4K processor, a powerful engine that delivers realistic picture quality with rich colors and sharp details. This processor's ability to enhance colors and fine detail delivers natural and accurate on-screen image quality, showcasing a wide range of colors and dynamic contrast.
As a premium smart TV, the X77L Series offers seamless access to all your favorite streaming apps through Google TV. Google Assistant integration lets you use your voice to search for content and ask questions, adding another layer of convenience and interactivity to your viewing experience. Plus, Apple AirPlay support makes it easy to share and stream content from your Apple devices directly to your TV.
For gamers, especially those with a PlayStation 5, the X77L series is a dream come true. Exclusive features such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode are specifically designed to optimize the picture quality of games so you can get the most out of your PS5 console. These features automatically adjust your TV's settings to match the type of game you're playing, whether it's a fast-paced action or visually stunning adventure game, delivering an unparalleled gaming experience.
Fast-paced scenes in sports and action movies are handled with finesse thanks to Sony Motionflow XR technology, which delivers blur-free picture quality. Additionally, 4K XR-Reality PRO enhances the quality of all your content by bringing back lost textures and details and presenting it at near 4K resolution. Through an Alexa-enabled device, you can control your TV with your voice, performing tasks such as changing channels, adjusting volume, and turning the TV on or off without having to lift a finger.
Pros:
- Powerful 4K Processor X1
- Enhanced Color and Fine Details
- Premium Smart TV Features
- Exclusive Features for PlayStation 5
- Intelligent Motion Handling
- Upscaling to Near-4K Resolution
- Works with Alexa
Cons:
- External devices required for full integration with your Smart Home
Summary: The Sony 43 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X77L Series is a versatile and feature-rich smart TV that delivers on all fronts. With its exceptional picture quality, advanced gaming features, comprehensive smart TV platform, and effective motion handling and upscaling, it offers a premium viewing experience for all types of content. Whether you're a cinephile, a casual viewer, or a gaming enthusiast, the X77L Series is designed to exceed your expectations and enhance your home entertainment setup.
- Powerful 4K Processor X
- Premium Smart TV Features
- Exclusive Features for PlayStation 5
- Works with Alexa
FAQ About Best Smart TV Under $500
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about finding the best smart TV under $500, providing quick, informative answers for those on the hunt for a budget-friendly yet high-quality television.
1. Can I really get a good quality smart TV under $500?
Yes, you can find several high-quality smart TVs under $500. These TVs often feature 4K resolution, smart functionality with access to streaming services, and decent sound quality. Brands like TCL, Hisense, Insignia, Samsung, and Vizio offer models that deliver great picture quality and smart features within this price range.
2. Are 4K smart TVs available under $500?
Absolutely. The best 4K smart TV under 500 is not only a possibility but also quite common in today's market. These TVs offer four times the resolution of Full HD, ensuring sharper and more detailed images. Brands like TCL and Hisense, in particular, have several models that fit this description.
3. Do smart TVs under $500 support streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube?
Yes, most smart TVs in this price range come with built-in Wi-Fi and pre-installed apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, among others. They run on various operating systems like Roku, Android, or proprietary systems developed by the TV manufacturer, providing a seamless streaming experience.
4. Can I connect external devices to a smart TV under $500?
Definitely. Smart TVs under $500 typically come with multiple HDMI and USB ports, allowing you to connect devices such as gaming consoles, soundbars, and Blu-ray players. Some also offer Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio devices like headphones and speakers.
Top Smart TV for Under 500: Conclusion
In the quest for the best smart TV under $500, consumers have a plethora of options that offer a balance between affordability and high-end features. This price range is surprisingly versatile, accommodating a variety of needs from casual viewing to gaming, and from streaming to smart home integration. TVs such as the Hisense 50-Inch Class U6HF Series, Samsung 50-Inch Class Crystal UHD AU8000 Series, Amazon Fire TV 50" Series, TCL 40-Inch Class S3 LED Smart TV, and the Sony 43 Inch X77L Series highlight the diversity and value available in the market.
The key takeaway is that a sub-$500 budget no longer means sacrificing quality or modern features. With advancements in technology, brands are able to offer 4K resolution, comprehensive smart platforms, voice control integration, and even gaming-specific enhancements at competitive prices. The inclusion of high-dynamic-range (HDR) compatibility, wide color gamut technology, and smart connectivity options ensures that users can enjoy a premium viewing experience without breaking the bank.
However, potential buyers should consider the trade-offs that come with cheaper models, such as fewer HDMI ports, the occasional need for external sound systems, or the lack of the most advanced display technologies such as OLED. Despite these trade-offs, the value of TVs in this category is undeniable, making them a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment system on a reasonable budget. Ultimately, choosing the best smart TV under $500 depends on individual preferences, usage patterns, and priorities for specific features.
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