Best Smart TVs Under $500 – US Models



A few years ago, a $500 TV was a compromise. In 2025, $500 gets you 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision, and even Quantum Dot (QLED) technology. The US market is flooded with amazing budget panels from Hisense, TCL, and Roku that put older flagship TVs to shame.

Here are the best Smart TVs under $500 you can buy right now.

1. Hisense U6N (Series)

The Value King
Hisense continues to disrupt the market with Mini-LED specs at budget prices. The U6 series often dips under $500 for the 55-inch and sometimes 65-inch models.

• Key Features: Mini-LED backlight (better contrast), QLED color, Google TV interface.
• Best For: Movie lovers who want deep blacks and rich colors.

2. TCL 5-Series / S5

The Reliable All-Rounder
TCL remains the standard for “bang for your buck.” The S5 series offers solid brightness and reliable performance with the Google TV OS, which is far smoother than proprietary systems.

• Key Features: Dolby Vision HDR, Aluminum bezel (looks premium), Game Accelerator 120 (for smoother gaming).
• Best For: Sports and general TV watching.

3. Roku Plus Series 4K QLED TV

The Easiest to Use
Roku actually makes their own TVs now, and they are excellent. The Plus Series features a QLED panel and the incredibly user-friendly Roku interface.

• Key Features: Voice remote pro (rechargeable), bright colorful picture, very simple remote.
• Best For: Cord-cutters and seniors who want a simple interface.

4. Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED

The Smartest TV
If you have an Alexa home, this TV acts as a giant Echo Show. It has ambient art mode (like the expensive Samsung Frame) when you aren’t watching.

• Key Features: Hands-free Alexa, Adaptive brightness, Art mode.
• Price: Often on deep discount during Prime Day (well under $400).

5. Vizio Quantum QLED

The Budget Gamer
Vizio packs aggressive gaming features into their budget sets, often supporting variable refresh rates and low input lag.

• Key Features: AMD FreeSync, WiFi 6E support.
• Best For: Console gamers on a budget.

Summary Table (55-inch approximations)

Buying Advice

Avoid entry-level models from “Big 3” brands (Sony, Samsung, LG) in this price range. Their budget models (like the Samsung TU7000 or LG UQ7500) often lack the local dimming and QLED colors that Chinese brands like TCL and Hisense offer for the same money.

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