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Best Tv Under $500 to Buy of 2024

Our top experts and tech-loving editors have experienced, tested, evaluated, and ranked the high-quality best tv under $500. With 51,070 market leading products and 51,070 customer reviews, check out the Best Tv Under $500 right now.


Showing  1 - 10  in  15 results
TOP Choice
1
  • SCORE
    9.9
    AI Score

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do assignments that are as a rule done by people since they require human insights and acumen. In fact, there are no AIs which can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AIs can still match humans in specific tasks.
    AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition and machine vision.

  • Brand
    SAMSUNG
Most Saving
2
  • SCORE
    9.8
    AI Score

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do assignments that are as a rule done by people since they require human insights and acumen. In fact, there are no AIs which can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AIs can still match humans in specific tasks.
    AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition and machine vision.

  • Brand
    Sony
3
  • SCORE
    -
    AI Score

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do assignments that are as a rule done by people since they require human insights and acumen. In fact, there are no AIs which can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AIs can still match humans in specific tasks.
    AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition and machine vision.

  • Brand
    TCL
4
  • SCORE
    -
    AI Score

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do assignments that are as a rule done by people since they require human insights and acumen. In fact, there are no AIs which can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AIs can still match humans in specific tasks.
    AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition and machine vision.

  • Brand
    INSIGNIA
5
  • SCORE
    -
    AI Score

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do assignments that are as a rule done by people since they require human insights and acumen. In fact, there are no AIs which can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AIs can still match humans in specific tasks.
    AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition and machine vision.

  • Brand
    Hisense
6
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do assignments that are as a rule done by people since they require human insights and acumen. In fact, there are no AIs which can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AIs can still match humans in specific tasks.
    AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition and machine vision.

  • Brand
    TCL
7
  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do assignments that are as a rule done by people since they require human insights and acumen. In fact, there are no AIs which can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AIs can still match humans in specific tasks.
    AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition and machine vision.

  • Brand
    SAMSUNG
8
  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do assignments that are as a rule done by people since they require human insights and acumen. In fact, there are no AIs which can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AIs can still match humans in specific tasks.
    AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition and machine vision.

  • Brand
    Hisense
9
  • SCORE
    9.0
    AI Score

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do assignments that are as a rule done by people since they require human insights and acumen. In fact, there are no AIs which can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AIs can still match humans in specific tasks.
    AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition and machine vision.

  • Brand
    Hisense
10
  • SCORE
    8.6
    AI Score

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capacity of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do assignments that are as a rule done by people since they require human insights and acumen. In fact, there are no AIs which can perform the wide variety of tasks an ordinary human can do, some AIs can still match humans in specific tasks.
    AI applications include expert systems, natural language processing (NLP), and speech recognition and machine vision.

  • Brand
    VIZIO

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

5
4 ratings

Overviews

TV is an indispensable entertainment device in our spiritual life. Although mobile phones and tablets are gaining popularity, we still recognize that there are movies that will be bigger, more intense matches when viewed on the best TV under $500. So what are the products that deserve to be on the list, let's take a look at Ocster!


Buying Guides

1. Screen sizes

This depends on where your TV is located, what you are using it for and how many people will watch it. From corner to corner, screen sizes are measured diagonally. If your TV is going into a specific space, pay attention to the measurements of the entire TV, listed in the product description.

  • 19 - 32 inches: Your everyday TV - great for your kitchen, conservatory and bedroom.
  • 33 - 43 inches: The size is suitable for everyday TV and movies, in many living rooms.
  • 44 - 55 inches: Larger screens for larger rooms and for those who love sports, movies or gaming.
  • 55+ inch: The biggest TV for the ultimate viewing experience. Ideal for larger spaces.

2. Screen types

Many models have many different features, each one being a boon for different purposes. For example, HDR produces lifelike images for gaming, while QLED enhances vivid, colorful visuals for great wildlife documentaries. Let us help learn jargon and find the best TV under 500 for you.

  • Standard display: Most TVs today use full HD (high definition) technology and LED (light-emitting diodes) technology as standard. These models will increase brightness, produce sharper picture quality and create more realistic images for TV, movies or gaming.
  • 4K TVs: 4K monitors are becoming more common now as they combine both LED and HD. But at 8 million pixels, they're four times bigger than full HD - giving you sharper colors, clarity, and images.
  • 8K TVs: Some brands currently offer 8K TVs with 4 times the number of pixels of 4K TVs. It's no surprise they're not cheap, but give you unparalleled clarity and detail. Just like when 4K TVs were introduced, it would take companies a while to create 8K content, but currently some models use AI to upscale 4K, HD, and SD content.

3. Backlight

If you choose an LCD TV, the LED backlight comes in two types: edge lighting or direct backlighting. Formerly the most popular and cheapest to produce. The TV is illuminated by a series of LEDs around and towards the center of the screen, helping to spread the light across the screen. Benefit? The TV is thinner. Limitations? Contrast is often inconsistent, with the edges of the image brighter than the center.

Alternatively, you can have direct (or 'full array') backlighting, which shows the LEDs are consistently positioned behind the entire screen. In theory, fully direct backlighting generally improves local dimming, i.e. controlling contrast: while keeping dark parts of the image dark and brightest parts bright. One downside is that this method usually means the TV is slightly thicker.

4. Connection

The connections on the best TV under $500 are not much different from before, with most sports having at least three (usually four) HDMI inputs - enough, such as for a Blu-ray player, set-top box, game console and media player. 4K TVs will have at least one HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 certified port for native 4K and HDR content, but we'll check compatibility if you're planning on plugging in multiple 4K sources.

HDMI 2.1 is also delving into the TV specs, offering much greater bandwidth capabilities (allowing for dynamic HDR transmission at 4K / 120fps and 8K / 60fps, for example) and eARC support. Only LG's 2019 sets are officially HDMI 2.1 certified, but many TV models from other brands have started adding HDMI 2.1 features to their HDMI 2.0 connectivity and it will be part of most 2020 8K TVs (and some 2020 4K). We don't see HDMI 2.1 as an absolutely essential spec at this point, but keep an eye on it if you want one more anti-future factor.


Best tv under $500 reviewed in 2021

1. SAMSUNG TU-8000 50-inch Class Crystal UHD

Over the past few years, Samsung's 8 Series has been a great option for TV buyers who want to balance performance and price in ways that previously seemed unbelievable. The SAMSUNG TU-8000 50-inch Class Crystal UHD doesn't quite represent the top of that range, but is only down a notch, sharing much of the TU8500's pride, but at an even more attractive price tag.

This best TV under $500 uses Samsung's UHD Crystal LCD panel technology and promises ease of use, a minimalistic design, selection of the built-in voice assistant, and the best smart TV system in its class. There's also a wide range of screen sizes to choose from, so you can really make it fit for your space. Although its frame is largely made of plastic, the TU8000 is a really well built TV. It's a shame Samsung decided to use a wide stand that is difficult to accommodate on this model and is also assembled on HDMI inputs - especially when one of them just can't be used if you decide to mount it on a wall.

However, there are no such complaints on the smart TV system, which has all the catch-up and on-demand apps you might want, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Disney Plus. There's even a new Ambient Mode included here, showing up outside of the QLED range for the first time this year.

There's no doubt that the image has some limitations at its price point, but overall the SAMSUNG TU-8000 50-inch Class Crystal UHD impresses with its natural color handling, sharp, detailed images, and solid motion handling. Good shields and upgrades. However, it does need some fine-tuned settings to work to the best of its ability.

2. Sony X800H 43-inch TV

The Sony X800H 43-inch TV, also known as the X80H or XH80, is a good TV under 500 and a good upgrade over its predecessor, the Sony X800G. It is a great choice for large seating areas since it has an IPS panel with wide viewing angles. Visibility is good in well-lit environments as it is bright enough to overcome glare; Its mediocre contrast ratio, however, makes blacks look a bit gray, which isn't ideal for viewing in dark rooms.

Gamers should be satisfied with its fast response times and low input lag, but the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz and it doesn't support any variable refresh rate (VRR) technology. Its Android TV interface runs quite smoothly and has a large library of apps available through the Google Play Store. Additionally, it has a built-in microphone in the remote, allowing for voice control via Google Assistant.

SDR maximum brightness is excellent, which is a huge improvement over the Sony X800G; it works just like Sony X850G. The Sony X800H 43-inch TV maintains a very consistent brightness across different types of content, which is excellent. As is the case with most IPS panels, the Sony X800H has excellent viewing angles. The image is still accurate even from the side. This is a good TV for a large room. Amazing pre-calibration color accuracy. Most of the colors are accurate and the gamma curve follows the target very well, so most scenes come out at the correct brightness. The color temperature is slightly lower than the 6500K target, which causes the image to appear reddish in color. Note that color accuracy may vary between units.

3. TCL 50S425 4K Smart LED Roku TV

TCL is best known as a low-cost TV brand and last year it amazed us with its high-end line, the 6-Series Series Editor's Choice. The TCL 4-series is the company's entry-level 4K series. As the 6-series, TCL 50S425 Smart LED Roku TV uses the same feature-rich Roku TV platform. It even supports 4K content in HDR10. It also offers more screen sizes than the 6-series, including a large 75-inch model.

As TCL's more affordable 4K TV series, this best TV under 500 is a bit more expensive than the 6-series. The flat, glossy black plastic bezel of the TV is much wider than the metal frame, the more stylish of the more expensive brother, measuring 0.5 inches on the sides, 0.4 inches above and 0, 8 inches below. However, it's not much thicker than the 6-series, just over three inches on the bottom half, where it bulges significantly over the curved two-inch depth of the top half. A small textured black plastic strip on the lower bezel gives some unique visual flair, with the silver TCL and Roku TV logo below it in the center and right corner.

Thanks to the Roku TV platform, TCL 50S425 Smart LED Roku TV has access to a wide range of streaming services. Most of the major names are present here, including Amazon Prime Video, DirecTV Now, Google Play Movies & TV, Hulu, Netflix, PlayStation Vue, Sling, Vudu and YouTube. Of course Apple isn't present in any way, and Google Music isn't available either, but you can find Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, Spotify, and many other music streaming services. Many cable and satellite providers also have a Roku app that allows access to their VOD library and even live broadcast via TV without the need for a decoder box connected.

4. INSIGNIA NS-50DF710NA21 Smart TV

The INSIGNIA NS-50DF710NA21 is a smart TV under 500 powered by Amazon, and it's among the few TVs we recommend as one of the best for shoppers on a budget. The 50-inch Insignia TV is small enough for one person to move and assemble. It weighs only 25.4 pounds and measures 44.4 x 26.1 x 3.3 inches minus the stand. A pair of plastic feet support the display and while they feel a bit cramped, they look great - they're perpendicular to the screen instead of the awkward angled position you see on a lot of inexpensive designs. This is a notable improvement, but for a budget TV, even small design changes make a difference.

In terms of specs, the INSIGNIA NS-50DF710NA21 stands out as a good entry-level 4K TV: a 50-inch display, a 60 Hz refresh rate, and limited HDR capabilities. That's a lot of Amazon TV compared to what you're paying, and it will definitely surprise you. It offers consistent color accuracy, easily matching that of the slightly expensive TCL 55R625, making it a worthwhile low-cost TV. It can display 4K high dynamic range (HDR) content at HDR 10, but doesn't support Dolby Vision or other types of HDR content.

Comes with a customized Fire TV remote for TVs, which is a bit larger and more complicated than the regular voice remote that comes with the Amazon Fire TV media stream. The design remains the same, the same remote you get on the 32-inch Toshiba 32LF221U19: a thin black plastic wand with a prominent glossy black circular navigation panel. Just above the console, there are three menu buttons and another three playback buttons located below the console, with the power and microphone buttons located on top of the remote near the pinhole microphone.

5. Hisense 43H4F Roku Smart TV

With Hisense 43H4F Roku Smart TV, enjoy all the key moments in fast-paced sports, movies and games with 120-inch image processing speed, minimized picture lag to produce a clear image without motion blur. It combines rich 1080p picture quality, intuitive smart Roku TV platform, built-in Wi-Fi and advanced technologies, Hisense H4F series smart TVs are a great choice for all your needs - streaming, cable, satellite, gaming and free online - Screen TV.

The overall design of this best TV under $500 is straightforward, with slightly curved, glossy black plastic bezels (0.6 inches above and edges, 1 inch below) framing the 3.3-inch screen. A curved lavender-colored accent just below the middle part of the lower bezel distinguishes the HDTV slightly, and it gives the wrong impression of the centrally placed indicator light.

Like most TVs these days, the Hisense 43H4F Roku Smart TV uses VA-based LCD panels to produce light and color. The H4 doesn't boast the best viewing angle, though it's certainly not the worst we've tested. I measured the total angle of view to be 44 ° or ± 22 ° from the center to the sides of the screen.

More realistically, this means that from a distance of about 10 feet (which may be a bit far for the smaller sizes in the H4 series), you can only move about four feet in either direction before quality begins to decline. For any size in the H4 series, you can expect to be able to watch comfortably with your family or a few friends, but I wouldn't wall mount any of them in a single space.


FAQs

1. What is Smart TV?

Smart TV connects to the Internet using WiFi or Ethernet at your home. Similar to your smartphone, it has a smart platform that integrates with the home page that is often customizable. This gives you access to a wide range of applications, such as catch-up, on-demand apps, social networking and games.

2. What factors should I consider when choosing the screen size?

Distance view is another great place to start. The bigger your TV, the more comfortable you can watch from afar. As a rule of thumb, your viewing distance should be 1.5 times the size of the screen. But resolution is also an important factor here. If you're planning on up close and personal with your TV, you may want to switch to a higher resolution. That will allow you to sit closer without pixels (i.e. with mass instead of smooth).

3. How should I choose the best TV under $500 for watching movies?

You don't want to just watch your stellar movies, you want to listen to them. Want deep bass or surround sound that makes you feel like it's happening around you? You should buy a soundbar, soundstage or home cinema. Also, look for a TV or sound system with Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos produces a seriously immersive sound - whispering in the corner of the room, footsteps overhead, a helicopter in the distance. Whatever it is, you will hear it as if you were there.

4. How should I choose the best TV under $500 for watching sports?

A large screen TV with high resolution will give you the feeling of a stadium. And the bigger your TV, the better it is to watch with friends. That's because the wide viewing angle makes it easier for people to get a great view if you have friends around. Larger TVs can also give you better sound quality as there is more space for the built-in speakers. No worries about missing out on the crowd roar!

If you are increasing the size of your TV under 500, you may also want to increase the resolution. A larger TV with a smaller resolution will start to look like pixels. That's because you are adjusting the same number of pixels into a larger space.

5. Should I choose between a gaming TV and gaming monitor?

Previously, a TV didn't pack the same gameplay as a dedicated monitor. But TV technology has made great leaps and bounds ever since. Now you can get all the things you love about the display - like low input lag, fast response times, and better connectivity - in a gaming TV. All these extra features make sure that when you pull the trigger on your controller, you'll see it happen in real time on the screen. Don't delay to throw you off of course! But with a gaming TV, you also get all the benefits of the display technology we mentioned above. OLED, 4K, and HDR - all within reach on gaming TVs.


Final Thoughts

Hopefully, with this article by Ocster, we will help you choose the best TV under $500 that best suits your individual needs. Relax and experience your favorite movies or soccer matches with this TV, you deserve it!

Linda Nguyen
Linda Nguyen
Linda Nguyen is known as a professional author with over 10 years of experience developing and producing original content for a variety of publications. He has a passion for technology and is a true gamer. He always spends a lot of time in researching about technology products, especially the latest technology on television, computers, components, and peripherals.... Linda's job is insightful, personable, knowledgeable as well as engaging