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In This Guide: Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal DU8000 | LG 55-Inch C2 Series TV | LG 55-Inch OLED G2 Series TV | Samsung 55-Inch Neo QLED QN85D | TCL 55-Inch Roku Smart TV | Buyer’s Guide | How To Use Your 55-Inch Smart TV | FAQs
If you’re looking for a high-quality TV that can fit in any room, our team is here to help. Our pick for a premium viewing experience at home at a fraction of the weight, cost, and size is a 55-inch screen. We have reviewed the best 55-inch TVs on today’s market to help simplify and guide your TV buying experience.
Here are our top recommendations.
Top 5 55-Inch Smart TVs
- Best Overall: Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal DU8000
- Best Speaker Compatibility: LG 55-Inch C2 Series OLED TV
- Best OLED Alternative: Samsung 55-Inch Neo QLED QN85D
- Best Picture: LG 55-Inch OLED G2 Series TV
- Most User-Friendly: TCL 55-Inch Roku Smart TV
Compare Top 55-Inch Smart TVs
| Product | Display Technology | Refresh Rate | HDMI Ports | Weight | Dimensions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal DU8000 | LED | 60 Hz | 3 | 44.3 pounds | 9.6 x 27.7 x 30.2 inches | ||
| LG 55-Inch C2 Series OLED evo TV | OLED | 120 Hz | 4 | 21.9 pounds | 7 x 12.2 x 45.1 inches | ||
| Samsung 55-Inch Neo QLED QN85D | QLED | 120 Hz | 4 | 50.9 pounds | 10.2 x 35 x 56.9 inches | ||
| LG 55-Inch OLED G2 Series TV | OLED | 120 Hz | 4 | 37.7 pounds | 7.4 x 27.5 x 48.1 inches | ||
| TCL 55-Inch Roku Smart TV | LED | 60 Hz | 4 | 23 pounds | 11.8 x 48.7 x 30.4 inches | ||
| Product | Display Technology | Refresh Rate | HDMI Ports | Weight | Dimensions |
Best Overall
Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal DU8000
- $499.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a built-in crystal processor to generate clear, vibrant 4K images
✔ Comes at a more affordable price than other 55-inch models
✔ Comes with Samsung’s built-in Tizen operating system for easy access to your favorite streaming apps, movies, and games
✘ Has minimal brightness levels compared to some other, similar TVs
✘ Lacks some of the high-end features of premium smart televisions
What Customers Are Saying
When we examined customer reviews for this product, a popular sentiment was that this TV delivered excellent image and color quality and had a slim, stylish design. Others were impressed with the innovative interface, especially for those who also owned other Samsung smart devices that they were able to pair with their television. However, we also saw some mixed or negative reviews that felt this television had lackluster sound quality, and others had issues with light bleeding, which affected the overall image quality.
Best Speaker Compatibility
LG 55-Inch C2 Series OLED evo TV
- $1,217
- $1,500
- 19% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Compatible with several Apple devices, including AirPlay and HomeKit
✔ Has an operating system that gives you access to your favorite streaming platforms
✔ Comes with a voice- and motion-activated remote
✘ Can only connect to two speakers at a time using Bluetooth
✘ Doesn’t come with an HDMI cable
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers praised this LG C2 Series TV for its rich, true tones and snappy, variable refresh rate. While some users weren’t happy with the performance of the TV’s built-in speakers, they said that bundling it with a soundbar and subwoofer package turned their living room into a complete home theater. Though most users appreciated how dark the black tones of the display were, others thought they were too dark.
Best OLED Alternative
Samsung 55-Inch Neo QLED QN85D
- $1,100
- $1,400
- 21% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Uses adaptive sound to automatically adjust audio to the room you’re watching in
✔ Uses AI customization with Real Depth Enhancer to create 3D-like images
✔ Includes Amazon Alexa to help you change channels, open apps, and more
✘ QLED black levels are not as deep as in OLED TVs
✘ May have difficulty with fast-moving scenes due to its QLED design
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who left positive feedback on this TV were pleased with its outstanding image quality, particularly in regard to the colors and brightness levels. Others liked its slim design and easy setup. However, a few negative reviews felt the sound quality was lacking, and others said they had issues with glare when using this television.
Best Picture
LG 55-Inch OLED G2 Series TV
- $1,647
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a native refresh rate of 120 Hz
✔ Includes Dolby Vision IQ that adjusts the TV’s picture settings based on your environment’s lighting
✔ Built with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant capabilities
✘ May not have the same longevity as QLED models
✘ Has a price on the high end for 55-inch smart TVs
What Customers Are Saying
Customers highlighted this TV’s crisp, clear image in their positive reviews. Multiple viewers were also impressed with the speed of the TV’s processor. Alternatively, some customers wished that the TV came with its own stand, as they didn’t want to mount it. One user also mentioned that the picture couldn’t keep up with the action without fast Wi-Fi.
Most User-Friendly
TCL 55-Inch Roku Smart TV
- $354.29
- $599.99
- 41% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Supports voice search through its free Roku mobile app
✔ Includes four HDMI ports
✔ Comes with an easy-to-use remote control
✘ Has a refresh rate of 60 Hz, which is slower than other top-rated models
✘ Doesn’t have an Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) HDMI 2.1 port, which is required for advanced video game systems, such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X
What Customers Are Saying
The majority of customers who reviewed this TCL TV said that its Roku system was easy to navigate. Although this 4K TV didn’t produce an image that was comparable to OLED or QLED TVs, users said that it was still decent for the price. However, some customers started to experience glitches with the user interface after using the TV for several weeks.
Buying Guide for 55-Inch Smart TVs
Each 55-inch TV has certain specs that impact its performance and user experience. Below, we discuss some of these features to help you determine the right model for you.
Resolution
A TV’s resolution is measured by the number of individual pixels it produces, with more pixels creating a sharper image. Two resolution measurements you’ll frequently see in the product descriptions for 55-inch smart TVs are 1080p and 4K.
Built-In Technology
Smart TVs get their name because they have built-in technology. For example, many have an operating system, such as Google TV or Android TV. This software helps you navigate Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other apps without using an Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield TV, or another streaming accessory. You may also find built-in voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, that offer hands-free control.
One final smart feature you may come across is casting. Casting allows you to push the content on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet to your TV screen—so long as the devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Connections
TVs often have HDMI, Ethernet, and USB ports on them in case you want to connect cable boxes, Blu-ray players, gaming systems, and other accessories. Make a list of what devices you want to connect to your TV before you purchase a model, as you want to ensure that it has the right connections in terms of both type and number.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate refers to the number of times per second your TV’s image changes. This is measured in hertz (Hz), with most TVs having refresh rates between 60 and 120 Hz. The faster the refresh rate, the less motion blurring.
Screen Technology
A TV’s screen technology determines how crisp and clear its image is. The two main screen technologies that you see on the consumer market are LED and OLED panels. QLED, XLED, and ULED are other names for OLED.
True OLED TV screens outperform LED screens because each pixel lights itself, resulting in a brighter, sharper image. If you’re on a budget, though, LED is for you.
In terms of LED TVs, there are edge-lit and full-array models. The names are pretty self-explanatory; edge-lit LED TVs use lights along the sides of the screen, while full-array TVs use backlights.
Smaller TVs usually have LED screens, while larger ones have OLED screens. Since 55-inch TVs are right in the middle of the TV screen size spectrum, you’ll see both.
How To Use Your 55-Inch Smart TV
While a 55-inch TV is less of an investment than a 65-inch or 85-inch TV, you still need to take proper care of it to enjoy smooth, uninterrupted viewing for years to come. Here are some tips to help homeowners like you maximize their new TV.
Clean the Screen
Avoid cleaning your TV screen with eye lens sprays, as this can damage it. Instead, we recommend spraying a little water on a clean microfiber cloth.
Cover the Camera
If your 55-inch smart TV has a built-in webcam, cover it when you’re not actively using it. While convenient for facilitating video calls, this camera can present privacy concerns if it’s connected to the internet and pointed at you at all times.
Perform Software Updates
The built-in smart technology in your 55-inch TV requires regular updates to stay secure and bug-free. You can set these software updates to happen automatically if you’re not good about keeping on top of them.
Connect a Soundbar
If you want a loud, deep audio experience, consider purchasing an external soundbar. The manufacturers of many TVs make matching soundbars already to ensure compatibility.
Set a PIN Code
If you have children and want to limit their access to certain applications or functions, set a PIN. This code keeps them from watching certain TV shows and movies that you deem inappropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About 55-Inch Smart TVs
Why is OLED better than LED?
OLED TVs are often seen as better than LED TVs because they’re lighter and thinner. They also offer better contrast and use less electricity. However, LED TVs make sense for buyers who are on a tight budget.
What is the best TV brand?
There are numerous reputable TV manufacturers, including:
- LG
- Samsung
- Sony
- Vizio
- TCL
What is the lifespan of a 55-inch smart TV?
The average life expectancy of a 55-inch smart TV is around five years. However, you can double this number by taking care of your TV. To maintain your smart TV, turn off the screen when you’re not watching anything and dust the screen with a microfiber cloth at least once a week.
Should I use a TV stand or wall mount with my 55-inch smart TV?
It’s up to personal preference, as both a TV stand and a wall mount can give you your optimal viewing angle. Though a wall mount frees up floor space, it’s more difficult to set up.
How We Selected the Best 55-Inch Smart TVs
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of smart TVs with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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