The TV market in 2026 has become more competitive than ever, with manufacturers offering incredible picture quality, smart features, and stylish designs at surprisingly affordable prices. Gone are the days when a good TV meant spending a fortune—today, you can get brilliant 4K resolution, high refresh rates, and even OLED-like contrast for under $500. Whether you’re upgrading your living room setup or buying a second screen for your bedroom, this guide will help you find the best TVs under $500 in 2026 that deliver performance well beyond their price tag.
1. TCL 55-Inch Q7 QLED 4K TV
Best Overall TV Under $500
TCL continues to dominate the budget market with its Q7 QLED series. The 55-inch model offers exceptional color accuracy and brightness that rivals premium TVs. Its Quantum Dot technology enhances color vibrancy, and the full-array local dimming delivers deeper blacks and striking contrast. Equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate and support for HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG, it’s perfect for both movies and gaming. TCL’s Google TV interface also ensures you get seamless access to all major streaming platforms, making it the most well-rounded choice in this price range.
Key Features:
- 4K QLED display with Quantum Dot color
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- Google TV with voice control
- 120Hz refresh rate
- HDMI 2.1 ports for next-gen gaming
2. Hisense U6N Mini-LED 4K TV
Best for Brightness and Clarity
The Hisense U6N brings Mini-LED technology to affordable price points in 2026, offering phenomenal brightness and contrast. With over 500 local dimming zones, this TV achieves better black levels and vivid colors compared to standard LED models. It’s ideal for well-lit rooms and HDR content. Gamers will appreciate its low input lag and variable refresh rate support. The U6N runs on Google TV, allowing for intuitive voice control and smart home integration.
Key Features:
- Mini-LED backlighting with 500+ dimming zones
- Quantum Dot color technology
- Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+
- Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) for gaming
- Google TV OS
3. Samsung 50-Inch Crystal UHD AU9070
Best for Sleek Design and User Experience
Samsung’s AU9070 remains a fan favorite for those seeking an elegant design and smooth operation. It uses Samsung’s Crystal UHD panel, delivering sharp 4K resolution and accurate color reproduction. While it doesn’t include QLED or Mini-LED, it compensates with the company’s renowned image processing and motion clarity. The Tizen operating system is easy to use and packed with apps, making it a superb everyday TV for streaming, sports, and general entertainment.
Key Features:
- Crystal UHD 4K resolution
- Tizen Smart TV platform
- Slim, modern design with thin bezels
- HDR10+ and PurColor technology
- Universal remote with voice assistant
4. Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series (55-Inch)
Best Smart Features and Alexa Integration
Amazon’s Fire TV Omni QLED brings the best of smart home integration into an affordable package. With built-in Alexa, users can control the TV hands-free, manage smart devices, and even check security camera feeds. The QLED panel provides rich colors and solid brightness, while HDR10+ Adaptive and Dolby Vision IQ adjust to your room’s lighting conditions for an optimal viewing experience. It’s perfect for users deeply invested in the Amazon ecosystem.
Key Features:
- QLED 4K display with HDR10+ Adaptive
- Hands-free Alexa voice control
- Fire TV interface with streaming apps
- Ambient Experience for smart displays
- Auto HDR tone mapping
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5. Vizio M-Series Quantum 4K TV (2026 Model)
Best for Gaming and Picture Accuracy
Vizio’s M-Series Quantum TVs have always been a top choice for gamers and movie lovers on a budget. The 2026 version continues that tradition, with a Quantum Dot panel that produces exceptional color and brightness. It supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, ensuring you get cinematic image quality. Gamers will love the HDMI 2.1 ports, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and AMD FreeSync Premium support, which deliver smooth, lag-free performance on consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Key Features:
- Quantum Dot display with Full Array Local Dimming
- HDMI 2.1 with VRR and FreeSync
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+
- Low input lag for gaming
- SmartCast OS for easy app navigation
6. LG 43-Inch UR8000 4K UHD TV
Best Compact Option for Small Rooms
If you’re short on space but still want superior 4K performance, the LG UR8000 is an excellent choice. Its a5 AI Processor upscales lower-resolution content beautifully, and LG’s webOS makes streaming a breeze. The TV’s slim frame and lightweight build make it easy to mount in bedrooms or offices. While it doesn’t have QLED or Mini-LED technology, its excellent color calibration and AI-enhanced picture make it a standout compact model under $500.
Key Features:
- AI 4K upscaling with a5 Gen6 processor
- webOS 24 smart platform
- Dynamic Tone Mapping for vivid visuals
- Game Optimizer mode
- Lightweight, sleek design
7. Roku Plus Series QLED TV (2026 Edition)
Best for Streaming Simplicity
For those who love Roku’s intuitive interface, the Roku Plus Series QLED TV is a perfect blend of simplicity and performance. The built-in Roku OS offers quick access to hundreds of streaming services without lag. The QLED panel provides bright, accurate colors, and the local dimming helps enhance contrast. It’s an excellent choice for families or users who prioritize easy navigation and consistent performance.
Key Features:
- QLED display with Dolby Vision
- Built-in Roku OS
- Voice remote with hands-free control
- HDR10+ support
- Excellent app availability and updates
Choosing the Right TV Under $500
When selecting the best TV for your budget, consider the following key factors:
- Panel Type: QLED and Mini-LED displays offer superior brightness and contrast compared to traditional LED panels.
- Smart Features: Google TV, Fire TV, Roku, and Tizen all provide robust smart ecosystems—choose the one you’re most comfortable with.
- Gaming Features: Look for HDMI 2.1 ports, VRR, and ALLM for next-gen console compatibility.
- Size: 50–55 inches is the sweet spot for under $500 in 2026, offering immersive viewing without overspending.
- HDR Support: Ensure the TV supports Dolby Vision or HDR10+ for lifelike color and contrast.
Final Thoughts
The year 2026 is proving to be a golden age for affordable televisions. Thanks to advancements in display technology and intense market competition, you can now experience premium-level picture quality and smart features without breaking the bank.
If you want the best overall TV under $500, go with the TCL Q7 QLED, which balances picture quality, gaming performance, and smart features perfectly. The Hisense U6N Mini-LED is ideal for brightness and cinematic visuals, while the Vizio M-Series Quantum caters to gamers and cinephiles alike.
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