Just a few years ago, buying a Smart TV under $500 meant giving up premium display quality, advanced HDR, and reliable software. In 2025, that has changed dramatically. Today’s sub-$500 models feature true 4K resolution, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, QLED technology, fast refresh rates, and excellent smart TV platforms such as Google TV, Roku OS, and Fire TV. Many even outperform older flagship TVs from Samsung, Sony, and LG.
Whether you are looking for the best Smart TV for movies, gaming, sports, or streaming, the US market offers outstanding performance at an affordable price point. Below are the top-rated Smart TVs under $500 you can buy right now—ranked by picture quality, features, ease of use, and overall value.
1. Hisense U6N (U6 Series) – Best Overall Value
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Why it is a standout
The Hisense U6N continues to dominate the budget category in 2025 thanks to its premium Mini-LED backlight technology, delivering outstanding brightness, strong HDR performance, and deep black levels. Paired with Quantum Dot (QLED) color and full-array local dimming, this TV offers visuals that rival models twice the price.
Key Features
- Mini-LED with local dimming
- QLED color performance
- Google TV smart interface
- Dolby Vision + HDR10+
- Excellent motion handling
Best For
Movie lovers, home theater setups, and viewers who want rich contrast and cinematic detail without breaking their budget.
Price Range
55-inch typically around ~$448
65-inch occasionally under ~$500 during major sales
2. TCL 5-Series / TCL S5 – Most Reliable All-Rounder
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Why it is a standout
The TCL S5 offers incredible value for everyday viewing, with great color accuracy, smooth motion, and impressive brightness levels. The Google TV operating system is intuitive, fast, and supports all major streaming services. The built-in Game Accelerator 120 mode ensures responsive gaming performance.
Key Features
- Dolby Vision + HDR10
- Premium aluminum bezel
- Game Accelerator 120 for smoother gaming
- Excellent brightness and contrast
- Google TV OS for easy navigation
Best For
Sports fans, general TV watching, and families who want reliable everyday performance.
Price Range
Approx ~$349 for 55-inch
3. Roku Plus Series 4K QLED – Best User Experience
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Why it is a standout
Roku’s QLED models deliver excellent picture quality with superior color reproduction and one of the easiest interfaces on the market. With a rechargeable Voice Remote Pro and fast wireless performance, this TV is ideal for cord-cutters and users who want simplicity without sacrificing quality.
Key Features
- 4K QLED panel
- Roku OS for fast streaming
- Voice Remote Pro (rechargeable)
- Wide color gamut
- Strong brightness and clarity
Best For
Cord-cutters, seniors, and anyone who prefers a simple, intuitive TV interface.
Price Range
Approx ~$429 for 55-inch
4. Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED – Best Smart-Home Integration
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Why it is a standout
The Fire TV Omni QLED is a perfect match for Alexa users. This TV acts as a central smart-home hub, offers hands-free voice operation, displays artwork when idle, and adjusts brightness automatically. It also supports wide-gamut QLED color, making it both attractive and functional.
Key Features
- Hands-free Alexa with far-field microphones
- QLED panel + Dolby Vision IQ
- Ambient art mode
- Adaptive brightness
- Fire TV smart interface
Best For
Alexa households, smart-home setups, and users wanting premium features at a very low price.
Price Range
Often around ~$399 during sales
5. Vizio Quantum QLED – Best for Budget Gaming
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Why it is a standout
Vizio’s Quantum QLED line delivers strong HDR performance and color richness, but the biggest highlight is gaming optimization. With AMD FreeSync, low input lag, VRR support, and WiFi 6E, this model is ideal for console and PC gamers who want next-gen performance under $500.
Key Features
- QLED panel for rich color
- AMD FreeSync + VRR
- Low input lag
- WiFi 6E wireless
- Solid motion handling
Best For
Gamers who want lag-free response, including PlayStation and Xbox owners.
Price Range
Typically under ~$500 for 55-inch
Bonus Mention – Samsung Crystal DU8000 (LED)
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Although slightly above the price range at times, the DU8000 offers excellent upscaling, motion handling, and Samsung’s popular Tizen OS. It is a good option for Samsung brand loyalists who want trusted performance.
Pricing & Feature Comparison (55-inch Models)
| Model | Display | OS | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hisense U6N | Mini-LED QLED | Google TV | ~$448 |
| TCL S5 | LED | Google TV | ~$349 |
| Roku Plus Series | QLED | Roku OS | ~$429 |
| Amazon Fire Omni | QLED | Fire TV OS | ~$399 |
| Samsung DU8000 | LED | Tizen | ~$479 |
Buying Advice: What to Avoid Under $500
Avoid older or entry-level models from major brands like Sony, Samsung, and LG in this price bracket. Budget lines such as Samsung TU7000 or LG UQ7500 typically lack local dimming, wide color gamut, gaming support, and HDR brightness.
For maximum value under $500, look to Hisense, TCL, Roku, Amazon, and Vizio. Their QLED and Mini-LED technology offer superior contrast and color at unbeatable prices.
Where to Buy TV Deals
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