So, you’re on the hunt for a new TV, specifically a 55-inch one, and you don’t want to break the bank. That’s totally fair! Finding the best 55 inch tv under £500 in 2025 might seem like a tricky task with all the options out there. But don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork to help you figure out what’s really worth your cash. We’re talking about getting a great picture, smart features, and solid performance without emptying your wallet. Let’s dive in and find that perfect TV for your living room.
Key Takeaways
- You can find a good 55-inch TV for under £500 in 2025 if you know what to look for.
- Samsung, Sony, and Roku are strong brands to consider in this price range.
- Picture quality and smart features are important, even on a budget.
- Always check reviews and compare models before making a choice.
- Don’t compromise on essential features for a slightly lower price.
1. Samsung S95D
Okay, let’s talk about the Samsung S95D. This TV is making waves, and for good reason. It’s packed with tech that aims to give you the best possible viewing experience, but does it deliver for under £500? Let’s see.
The S95D is Samsung’s top-of-the-line QD-OLED, boasting incredible brightness and color. It’s designed to combat glare, which is a huge plus if you’ve got a bright living room. I remember trying to watch a movie on my old TV during the day, and it was basically impossible. The S95D aims to fix that.
One of the coolest features is its anti-glare matte finish. Instead of seeing annoying reflections, the screen diffuses the light. Plus, it has an external box to hide all those messy HDMI cables. Who wants to see a bunch of wires hanging down? Not me!
Here’s a quick look at some key specs:
| Feature | Samsung S95D |
|---|---|
| Peak Brightness | 1,777 nits |
| Delta E | 1.3 |
| DCI-P3 Coverage | 89.73% |
| Response Time | 9.2ms |
While the outdoor TV cabinet kits are great for outside, this TV is designed for inside. It’s got the picture quality to rival even the most expensive TVs out there. But, let’s be real, it’s probably going to be tough to find it for under £500. You might have to look at some less expensive TV options to meet that budget. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on deals and discounts!
2. Sony
Okay, so Sony. When you think of TVs, Sony is one of those brands that just sounds good, right? They’ve got a reputation for quality, and while you might not always get the absolute rock-bottom price, you often get a picture that’s hard to beat. The thing with Sony in the under £500 range is that you’re probably looking at older models, or smaller sizes. But don’t let that discourage you! You can still find some gems.
Sony TVs often focus on color accuracy and image processing. They try to make the picture look as the director intended, which is a big selling point for movie buffs. But are they the right choice for you?
Here’s the deal:
- Picture Quality: Sony usually nails this. Even their more affordable sets tend to have great upscaling and natural colors. If you watch a lot of movies or shows with high production values, you’ll probably appreciate this.
- Smart Features: Sony uses Google TV, which is pretty good. You get access to tons of apps, and it’s generally easy to use. It’s not the fastest interface out there, but it’s reliable.
- Gaming: This is where Sony can be a bit hit-or-miss in this price range. Some models have decent input lag, but others aren’t great for fast-paced gaming. If you’re a serious gamer, do your research on the specific model.
- Sound: Sony’s built-in speakers are usually okay, but nothing amazing. You’ll probably want to invest in a soundbar if you care about audio quality. If you’re looking for sofa information, consider how the TV’s sound will fill the room.
So, which specific Sony TVs should you be looking at? Keep an eye out for models from the past couple of years that might be on sale. Read reviews carefully, and pay attention to what people say about picture quality and input lag. You might be surprised at what you can find!
3. Roku
Roku is stepping up its game, moving beyond just providing the operating system and actually releasing their own TVs. This is a pretty big deal, and it means we can expect a tighter integration of hardware and software. Let’s see what they’re bringing to the table in the under £500 price range.
Roku TVs are known for their user-friendly interface and extensive app selection. If you’re already in the Roku ecosystem, this could be a no-brainer.
One thing to consider is that Roku offers two main series: the Plus Series and the Select Series. The Plus Series generally has better features like local dimming, which can improve picture quality. The Roku Select Series is more budget-friendly but might lack some of the bells and whistles. It really boils down to what you prioritize.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Roku Plus Series | Roku Select Series |
|---|---|---|
| Local Dimming | Yes | No |
| Picture Quality | Generally Better | Good |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| User Interface | Excellent | Excellent |
If you’re looking for the absolute best picture quality, you might want to consider saving a bit more for the Plus Series. However, if you’re primarily concerned with ease of use and a wide selection of streaming apps, the Roku user interface is a solid choice. Plus, you can often find deals that bring the Select Series well under that £500 mark. It’s worth keeping an eye on prices and reading reviews to see which model best fits your needs. The Roku remote is also simple to use, with direct buttons to launch streaming services like Apple TV+, Paramount+, HBO Max, and Netflix. This can be a big plus for some users. The Roku TVs also come with older AV inputs for things like retro gaming and DVD players, and you get three HDMI inputs (one with eARC compatibility, so it works well with new soundbars).
Wrapping It Up: Your Perfect 55-Inch TV Awaits
So, there you have it. Finding a good 55-inch TV for under £500 in 2025 isn’t some impossible dream. It just takes a little bit of looking around and knowing what matters most to you. Don’t get caught up in all the fancy words and tech talk. Think about what you’ll actually use it for. Is it mostly for movies? Gaming? Just casual TV? Once you figure that out, picking the right one becomes a whole lot easier. You can definitely get a great picture and all the smart features you need without emptying your wallet. Happy TV hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What room size is best for a 55-inch TV?
A 55-inch TV is a great choice for many rooms. To figure out if it’s right for you, think about your budget, what you need the TV for, and how much space you have. A good rule of thumb for watching a 55-inch TV comfortably is to sit about 9 feet away from the screen. This helps make sure you’re not too close or too far to enjoy the picture.
Which TV brand is the most reliable?
When it comes to TVs, some brands are known for being very dependable. Sony, Samsung, and LG are often considered top choices because their TVs usually last a long time and work well. These companies have a history of making quality electronics, so you can generally trust their products.
How can I find a good deal on a 55-inch TV?
The best way to get a good deal on a 55-inch TV is to shop around. Look at different stores, both online and in person, to compare prices. Also, keep an eye out for sales events like Black Friday or holiday promotions, as these are often when the biggest discounts happen. Sometimes, buying an older model that’s still really good can save you a lot of money too.
Are 55-inch TVs good for gaming?
Yes, many modern 55-inch TVs are excellent for gaming. Look for features like a high refresh rate (120Hz or more) and low input lag. These help games look smooth and respond quickly to your controls. Some TVs even have special ‘Game Modes’ that automatically adjust settings for the best gaming experience.
What are ‘smart TV’ features and do I need them?
Smart TV features let you connect your TV to the internet and use apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube directly on the TV. This means you don’t need extra devices like a Roku or Fire Stick to watch your favorite shows and movies online. Most new 55-inch TVs come with these smart features built-in.
What are the different types of display technology for 55-inch TVs?
The main types of display technology you’ll see are LED, QLED, and OLED. LED TVs are common and offer good value. QLED TVs (like Samsung’s) use tiny dots to make colors brighter and more vibrant. OLED TVs (like LG’s) have pixels that light up individually, giving you perfect blacks and amazing contrast. Each type has its own strengths, so pick what matters most to you.