Top 55-Inch TVs in 2025: Unbeatable Medium-Sized Displays

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A 55-inch television serves as an excellent choice for consumers seeking a moderately sized display that can easily adapt to different spaces yet remains sufficiently large to highlight the advantages of 4K technology. High-quality 55-inch televisions often begin around the $300 mark, and numerous manufacturers offer these dimensions in their flagship series complete with advanced features typically found only in bigger sizes.

To assist you in selecting the appropriate display for your requirements, our specialists have meticulously compiled a list featuring the five finest 55-inch televisions currently on the market. We highly recommend considering the top choice from this collection. Samsung S90D This OLED television offers impressive contrast with rich blacks, providing excellent picture quality relative to its cost. If your budget is below $500 though, consider looking at more affordable options instead. Roku Plus Series It still offers robust picture quality for its category, and Roku's smart TV interface remains among the simplest to navigate.

Here are our top five choices for the finest 55-inch TVs available today, featuring a high-end model designed for avid home cinema buffs along with one equipped with an anti-reflective coating ideal for viewing sporting events such as March Madness even in well-lit rooms.

Our top choices for the finest 55-inch televisions

Best overall: Samsung S90D OLED 4K Television - See at Amazon

Best premium option: Sony A95L OLED 4K Television See at Amazon

Best under $500: Roku Plus Series QLED 4K Television See at Amazon

Best for sports: Samsung S95D OLED 4K Television - See at Amazon

Best entry-level model: TCL S5 LED 4K Television - See at Amazon

Best overall

The competition is fierce when it comes to the top 55-inch TVs, as multiple excellent choices abound. However, among them all, the Samsung S90D stands out by offering the greatest value of any screen we have evaluated.

The S90D features a QD-OLED display, enabling it to achieve an unparalleled infinity contrast ratio with blacks so deep they seem to blend seamlessly into a dimly lit environment. A key aspect of superior image quality is strong contrast, and this television excels in that area like none other. Moreover, the set includes quantum dot color enhancement. This particular feature is absent from rival LG OLED models and facilitates a broader spectrum of vivid hues during HDR content viewing.

The maximum brightness of this midrange OLED TV is quite notable. During our tests, we recorded a high of approximately 1,240 nits, marking a significant enhancement compared to the 1,000 nits achieved by Samsung’s earlier model. S90C model When viewing 4K HDR material, the S90D provides impressive visual quality with details that rival those of premium models priced significantly higher at around an additional $1,000. While inferior source materials such as cable television broadcasts and standard-definition YouTube videos appear quite well-rendered, the unit’s image enhancement and resolution boosting capabilities do not match the finesse offered by rivals from brands like Sony or LG.

The S90D offers impressive wide viewing angles, ensuring that the image remains clear without fading or distorting even when viewed from the sides. It’s particularly well-suited for gaming due to its minimal input lag and swift 120Hz refresh rate when used with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, provided it is properly connected. ultra-high-speed HDMI cable It can handle a quicker 144Hz refresh rate when paired with a compatible PC. Additionally, Samsung stands out among smart TV manufacturers for incorporating the Xbox app, enabling Game Pass users can watch games being streamed without needing a console.

On the negative side, similar to all Samsung TVs, the S90D does not include support for Dolby Vision. This particular HDR format could deliver the most precise picture quality when streaming from various services like Disney Plus and Netflix We believe that Dolby Vision isn’t essential for such a luminous display, yet it’s still an appreciated feature. Consider reviewing our recommendation. HDR TV guide For additional information regarding the distinctions among HDR formats.

We faced some issues with the S90D’s smart TV interface as well. Despite providing numerous streaming applications and an easy-to-use Alexa voice search feature, navigating through it sometimes felt sluggish and not as smooth as we would have liked. best streaming devices We have conducted our review. Despite disabling notifications in the settings menu, the television tended to show numerous alerts related to updates of Samsung’s various policy agreements. Although these issues are relatively small and might be resolved through future software updates, they remain noteworthy points to consider.

When it matters the most, the 55-inch S90D stands out as an exceptionally beautiful television set. Individuals seeking a moderately sized screen without compromising on picture quality and features ought to prioritize this particular model.

Take a look at our guide to all of the best Samsung TVs

Best premium option

The Sony A95L stands out as the premier choice among 55-inch TVs when it comes to high-end performance. While premium models from LG and Samsung come very close, the A95L holds a subtle advantage for those not hesitant about spending at the higher end of the price range.

The television employs a QD-OLED display to provide exceptional pixel-level contrast and top-tier color accuracy. Among OLED models, the A95L stands out as one of the most luminous; during our tests, it reached approximately 1,500 nits at 5% screen brightness, which is an impressive increase of about 500 nits over its predecessor, the A94L. A95K The A95L reaches this figure solely when showing tiny, vibrant areas on the display; nonetheless, it remains quite an outstanding achievement for an OLED panel.

The A95L boasts impressive brightness, enabling outstanding HDR visuals. In a dimly lit environment, black levels become nearly invisible, whereas bright elements such as explosive scenes appear sharply defined without any bloom effect. For those who enjoy watching television in a dedicated home theater space, the A95L truly shines.

The 55-inch Samsung S95D and LG G4 It can become even more vibrant, yet Sony’s exclusive picture processing ensures superior image precision compared to competing brands. Additionally, this technology provides remarkable upscaling that significantly reduces imperfections in lower-resolution content, such as HD streams from various service providers and broadcasts. indoor TV antennas The viewing angles are excellent as well, ensuring that the colors won't distort even when you're seated off-center.

The A95L’s Google TV interface functions smoothly as well. It comes with a Google Assistant voice remote that feels upscale and features an automatic backlit button that illuminates when gripped. Additionally, a built-in camera is provided for video calls and gesture control capabilities. Interestingly, the television stand offers two configurations: high or low profile, allowing space for placing a soundbar underneath if desired.

The sole significant omission is the lack of 144Hz support, something available from competing manufacturers on certain high-end models connected to a gaming PC. However, should you be utilizing a console such as a PS5 or an Xbox Series X, you can relax assured that complete 120Hz capability will not disappoint you.

Considering its cost, the A95L is designed for avid home theater buffs who are ready to invest in exceptional quality. Typically, most consumers will find our recommended more affordable 55-inch TV options sufficient; however, if budget isn’t an issue, the A95L stands out as the ultimate choice. With that in mind, LG’s latest model offers notable improvements. G5 OLED Could potentially surpass the A95L. Although the G5 hasn’t started shipping, you can pre-order the 55-inch version for roughly the same price as the A95L. We will be testing the G5 shortly, so stay tuned for further updates.

Best under $500

The Roku Plus Series offers a budget-friendly QLED screen paired with our preferred smart TV platform. Featuring the intuitive Roku operating system, this television provides commendable picture quality within its price range. It’s undoubtedly among the top choices when looking for a high-quality 55-inch TV priced below $500.

The monitor features a QLED panel, allowing for an extensive spectrum of colors. Additionally, it incorporates local dimming technology to enhance particular zones on the screen, making some areas brighter and others darker as needed. This capability is not commonly seen in more affordable 55-inch televisions, and it significantly boosts the TV’s ability to handle deep blacks and high brightness levels compared to budget options such as TCL's S5 series.

As mentioned, the black levels of the Plus Series cannot rival the pixel-level accuracy provided by an OLED screen, such as the Samsung S90D. Additionally, compared to more expensive QLED models, the Plus Series employs standard-sized LEDs for its backlight instead of Mini LEDs. Consequently, this limits the level of control over the display’s contrast. In our evaluation, we noticed that the television exhibited some lag during adjustments in luminosity, resulting in somewhat sluggish changes in brightness.

The display exhibits subpar viewing angles, causing colors and contrast to diminish when viewed from the sides. Additionally, the screen tops out at 60Hz, preventing you from achieving 4K/120Hz compatibility with game consoles or high-performance computers. It lacks a motion-smoothness function as well. Although we generally advocate keeping such features deactivated, motion smoothing could enhance specific types of sporting events.

However, the TV compensates for these drawbacks through its user-friendly Roku operating system, offering seamless and quick access to all major streaming applications. Additionally, it includes several features not commonly found in most intelligent television platforms, such as pausing live broadcasts via a digital antenna when connected to a USB drive. The remote control is impressive too, featuring hands-free voice recognition, a long-lasting rechargeable battery, and an audible alert function to help locate it if misplaced.

Shoppers looking for the top 55-inch TV within their price range might also want to look at the Hisense U6N and TCL QM7 These models officially carry a price tag exceeding $500, though you might find them at significantly lower prices during sales. Each set employs Mini LED backlighting technology, leading to improved dimming capabilities and superior picture quality. Nonetheless, they operate using the Google TV operating system instead of the more user-friendly Roku OS.

Read our Roku Ultra Model Review for a 4K Television .

Take a look at our guides to the best Roku TVs and best TVs under $500 .

Best for sports

The Samsung S95D OLED, which targets premium customers, boasts an exclusive matte screen ideal for viewing athletic events in brightly lit spaces. Unlike many rival screens that feature either glossy or semi-glossy panels, the S95D’s matte finish dramatically minimizes glare and reflection.

Actually, the S95D stands out as our top pick when it comes to TVs with excellent glare reduction. This model can really make a difference in spaces prone to reflection issues. Additionally, it boasts impressive wide viewing angles, ensuring that hues and contrast remain true even if viewers aren’t directly in front of the screen. This feature makes it an ideal choice for hosting watch parties during major sports tournaments such as March Madness.

There is, however, a significant downside. Although the S95D’s matte screen effectively reduces glare, this causes blacks to appear somewhat washed out in well-lit environments. As such, darker scenes might seem dull and lacking depth when viewed under these conditions. You may not see as pronounced an effect during sports programming, but specific movies and television series could exhibit more noticeable lighter blacks. Consequently, there's a distinct compromise here; your decision will hinge on which aspect—minimizing reflections or maintaining true-to-life black tones—you value more personally.

Fortunately, in a dimly lit environment, the S95D exhibits equally remarkable black levels comparable to those found in premium OLED displays. This television showcases outstanding visual fidelity that stands up well against leading models fromSony and LG. Additionally, it boasts the highest brightness level among OLEDs we have tested, reaching up to 1,700 nits at its peak. Although Sony’s A95L maintains superiority regarding total image quality and precision, the S95D remains firmly within the ranks of elite high-end televisions.

The television boasts an upscale design featuring a consistently slim profile along with a One Connect Box designed to accommodate all its ports rather than integrating them directly into the screen. For gamers, it offers attractive features such as a 144Hz refresh rate mode when connected to a PC and includes the Xbox Game Pass application for streaming games.

Samsung's cheaper Frame TV employs a comparable non-glossy display, yet this version falls short when compared to the S95D’s picture clarity. Despite being expensive, the S95D stands out as the top choice among 55-inch TVs for those seeking an outstanding glare-resistant screen.

Read our Review of Samsung S95D 4K Television and our S95D vs. S95C comparison.

Take a look at our guide to the best TV for sports .

Best entry-level

At a usual selling price below $300, the TCL S5 stands out as the top choice among 55-inch TVs for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness over sophisticated picture quality capabilities.

This particular model employs a regular LED panel lacking local dimming, which means its luminosity and ability to display deep blacks fall short compared to QLED televisions such as the Roku Plus and more expensive OLED options.

Although the S5 can generate a broad spectrum of colors, its restricted contrast ratio stops it from properly showing HDR content as intended, making dark scenes appear dull when viewed in low light conditions. Additionally, viewing angles affect both color accuracy and contrast, leading to distortion. The television’s refresh rate caps at 60Hz, which means it doesn’t cater well to high-frame-rate gaming. It should be noted, however, that such limitations are typical for TVs within this price range; nonetheless, they remain crucial considerations.

If you're looking for a budget-conscious choice with HDR capabilities, we suggest opting for the Roku Plus Series. On the other hand, the S5 model provides a dependable solution for straightforward 4K streaming suitable for occasional use. The inclusion of integrated Amazon Fire TV support along with an Alexa-enabled voice remote enhances this package, ensuring smooth performance across various content sources. best streaming services An edition with the The Google TV operating system is also accessible. For those inclined towards Google's ecosystem.

Take a look at our guide covering all of the best budget TVs .

How We Evaluate 55-Inch Televisions

Our team of specialists chose the top 55-inch TVs by combining practical evaluations with extensive research, drawing from over a decade of expertise in assessing home entertainment items.

In our evaluations of televisions, we concentrate on models with a 65-inch display as this size represents the market leader’s premium choice. Nevertheless, typically, the comprehensive performance of a particular TV model tends to be consistent whether you look at screens from 55 inches upwards. To illustrate, both a 65-inch Sony A95L OLED and a 55-inch version of the A95L share identical specifications and functionalities. The primary distinction between them lies solely in their screen dimensions.

Nevertheless, certain TVs utilizing local dimming, such as the Roku Plus Series, incorporate fewer zones in their smaller screen dimensions compared to larger models. This discrepancy might affect contrast performance when contrasting a 55-inch variant with others of different sizes; however, these variations do not significantly change our overall assessment of the TV. Sometimes, more substantial disparities arise between various sizes, and we highlight these distinctions where relevant.

For assessing 55-inch TVs, we examine aspects like image sharpness, contrast levels, maximum luminance, color accuracy, visual perspectives from different angles, gaming features, user interface of smart TV systems, and general cost-effectiveness. To gauge high dynamic range brightness, we utilize an X-Rite iDisplay Pro colorimeter. Additionally, we employ test patterns found on the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to assess various technical specifications objectively.

However, test patterns have their limits, so we also screen numerous actual films and television episodes to assess how a TV handles everyday content under different lighting conditions, both dimly lit and brightly lit environments. For every TV we evaluate, we recurrently review specific clips selected to scrutinize aspects such as black levels, shadow clarity, HDR brightness, and image scaling. The sample footage we use encompasses 4K, HD, and SD materials sourced from various origins including Blu-ray disks, online streaming platforms, and broadcast television.

You can find out more details about our review process in our comprehensive analysis. How do we examine technology items? .

55-inch TV FAQs

Is a 55-inch TV considered a good size?

A 55-inch screen is a great option for multiple purposes, and numerous people opt for this size. best smart TVs Are available in this size. A television measuring 55 inches remains sufficiently large to provide an immersive experience in modest-sized living areas, yet offers a sleeker option compared to 65-inch versions which could dominate smaller settings. When looking for a media console or wall mount compatible with your new 55-inch TV, consider consulting our recommendations for such accessories. best TV stands and best TV wall mounts for a few recommendations.

A 55-inch television serves as an excellent choice for a bedroom, offering a size that’s more modest compared to what you may have in your living room yet still delivers superior picture quality without being overly bulky. Many manufacturers provide models like this that strike a balance between these factors. best 4K TVs are offered in 55-inch variants, yet numerous premium screens do not come in smaller dimensions. As an example, Sony’s models best OLED TVs , the smallest dimension available is 55 inches.

When will the 2025 models of 55-inch TVs hit the market?

Several TV makers unveiled their newest screens at CES in January 2025, with many of them being 55-inch variants. LG started taking preorders for its latest model. OLED models C5 and G5 , and TCL is marketing its latest product QM6K and QM7K QLED televisions, though the majority of 2025 display models aren’t currently up for sale. More 2025 TV variants should make their way into retail outlets come springtime.

In spite of this, buyers ought to keep in mind that 2024 television sets will stay in inventory throughout most of the year and are expected to see significant price cuts. As soon as we can get our hands on them, we’ll start evaluating the 2025 televisions; however, we will still endorse 2024 models when those offer greater value.

To learn more about future display models, check out our compilation of them. leading TV sets showcased at CES 2025 and our breakdown of 2025 TV trends .

What is the typical price for a 55-inch television?

The top 55-inch TVs have different price points, ranging from less than $300 for basic models up to over $2,000 for premium versions.

For a midrange 55-inch TV, expect to budget around $400 to $700. In this price bracket, numerous excellent 55-inch QLED options come equipped with quantum dots, local dimming, and Mini LED backlighting, providing impressive contrast ratios and maximum brightness levels up to 1,000 nits.

Customers looking for a 55-inch OLED TV instead of a QLED should be prepared to spend more, as prices begin at approximately $1,200. Despite being significantly pricier compared to their QLED equivalents, OLED televisions provide individual pixel brightness management, resulting in exceptional contrast and flawless black levels.

A lot of 55-inch televisions receive discounted prices all through the year; however, significant reductions usually occur during shopping events such as Prime Day and Black Friday, along with key sports seasons including the Super Bowl and March Madness.

What is the recommended distance for sitting from a 55-inch 4K television?

The smaller the 4K screen, the nearer you should be seated to fully appreciate its higher resolution compared to 1080p Full HD. Ideally, for optimal visual enhancement, position yourself within a range equal to one to 1.5 times the diagonal length of your screen. So, with a 55-inch 4K television, aim for a seating arrangement around 4.6 to 6.9 feet away from the set.

Certainly, you may choose to sit further back from your television to appreciate its picture quality; however, adhering to the suggested viewing distance will enable you to observe the finest degree of detail.

If you find yourself needing to sit very close to your television or if you only have a compact space to accommodate it, take a look at our guide to the best options for small areas. best 50-inch TVs .

For spaces requiring greater distance between you and your display, we suggest choosing a bigger screen size to fully enjoy the advantages of 4K technology. We encourage you to explore our recommendations for displays with larger screens.

• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best 85-inch TVs
• Best 100-inch TVs

Is purchasing a soundbar recommended for a 55-inch television?

Despite their high-quality visuals, even top-tier 55-inch televisions usually come equipped with subpar built-in speakers. The audio components included in these sets are generally compact and positioned in ways that result in muffled sounds lacking clarity and robust bass. Therefore, we suggest complementing your television with either a soundbar or an immersive surround sound setup to enhance the listening experience when watching movies, streaming series, or playing video games.

To achieve the highest level of immersion, we recommend selecting a system that supports Dolby Atmos , capable of producing audio from every direction, including overhead sounds. The performance level depends on the specific model; however, even budget Dolby Atmos systems offer a significant improvement compared to standard television speakers.

Explore our range of soundbar and speaker guides to find our top suggestions for varying requirements:

• Best soundbars
• Best Dolby Atmos soundbars
• Best budget soundbars
• Best soundbars with subwoofers
• Best Bose soundbars
• Best Sonos soundbars
• Best surround sound systems

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