Buying Guide
Before you actually dive in the world of TVs and end up purchasing an old-fashioned TV with obsolete features, we feel that it is important for us to present you with a buying guide, outlining all the major features present in the modern day TV. We know that you are eager to get a TV so that you can enjoy your movies and TV show with your favorite popcorn and drinks, but we suggest that you go through our well-researched review for the best TVs. Following are the features that will help you in buying the best TV.
7 Best 55-inch TVs under $600
Here we are reviewing the best 55-inch TVs under 600 dollars.
1. TCL 55S405 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV (2017 Model)
Our top-pick and the best recommendation for you as per the ratings and feedbacks is the TCL Roku Smart LED TV. We know that you are worried about the features that you are getting after spending a good amount of money. Don’t worry; our best pick has almost all the features that you can think of in a TV set.
Features
The first thing that you think of while buying a TV is the resolution it offers. Well, the TV from TCL is offering 4K ultra HD resolution with HDR giving you a lifelike picture quality. The amazing colors of this TV have a spellbinding effect on the viewers and it never strains your eyes and keeps you relaxed.
Now you will be worrying about connectivity options and interface of this TV. Relax, let us do the researching for you, this model from TCL offers various connectivity options in the shape of HDMI, USB, RF composite, headphone jack, Ethernet, and optical audio out.
As far as the interface is concerned, it is highly user-friendly and easy to operate and can also be navigated through a mobile phone application. A good TV not only offers excellent resolution but also provides a high refresh rate that allows you to enjoy fast moving action scene without any delay.
TCL’s TV has a refresh rate of 120Hz, which is the best among all the TVs and it ensures that the fast-moving action scenes appear without any blur.
Our best pick will not leave you concerned for the design and aesthetic value of your TV. TCL is a sleek and smartly designed TV with wall mount and stand-alone features.
The neatly designed TV with a perfect finish will add to the beauty of your house. Either you wall mount it or place it on a table, TCL will become the center of attraction in your house.
And don’t worry about the warranty and customer service of this product, TCL has got you covered. It offers a 1-year warranty and a helpful customer service that is available 24/7 to guide you during installation or setting up your TV.
Conclusion
All in all, TCL’s TV is the best option available in 55-inch TV sets. Its features accompanying with an affordable price makes it the best option for you. Its LED is directly lit and it enables you to enjoy a greater picture quality.
With TCL, you can enjoy more than 45,000 movies and TV shows. But, we feel that we should not make it a heavenly affair for you, this TV does not come with a wall mount, so if you are looking to wall mount it, you will have to purchase a separate wall mount for your TV.
FAQs
- Q: Can this TV upscale 720p/1080p content?
- A: Yes, this TV uses TCL’s proprietary 4K Creative Pro and allows you to enjoy your HD content in 4K quality.
- Q: Is this TV a good option for gaming?
- A: Yes, a 4K Ultra HD screen, HDR gaming and a built-in gaming mode, this TV will provide you with a great gaming experience.
- Q: Can this TV be connected wirelessly to computer/android devices?
- A: Yes, you can connect your TV to computer and Android devices via mirroring function.
2. LG Electronics 55UJ6300 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV (2017 Model)
With a 1-year warranty from LG on parts and labor, LG is offering a TV that will make your viewing experience great.
You don’t need to worry about connectivity as other than the regular connectivity options of HDMI, USB, RF, Composite, and Ethernet, this TV offers you connectivity through Wi-Fi and enhances the functionality of your TV.
The crystal clear picture quality paired with 4K ultra HD resolution and HDR feature allows you to enjoy a great picture. This TV offers you a refresh rate of 60Hz that reduces the blur while you are watching a fast moving scene or playing an action video game.
The True Color Accuracy feature by LG enhances the picture quality. The TV does not offer headphone jack, so you will have to use an external converter in order to make it headphone compatible.
3. Samsung Electronics UN55MU6290 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV (2017 Model)
With a sleek design and a beautiful stand-alone TV on your mind, you should check out the 55-inch TV from Samsung. This beautifully crafted TV has a 4K ultra HD screen and Samsung’s 4K Color Drive feature, this TV provides you with a great experience.
The interface is aided with smartphone application built specifically for your TV and increases the functionality of your TV so that you can get more out of your TV and watch your favorite movie and TV shows at the snap of your fingers.
Now you must be thinking about the quality of fast-moving action scenes? The TV from Samsung offers a motion rate of 120Hz that allows you to view your favorite scene and play your games without any motion delay.
The only problem with this TV is that there is no reliable warranty being offered to you.
Comparison of Top 3 Led TVs
| Brands | Resolutuion | Refresh Rate | Inputs | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCL | 4K | 120Hz | HDMI, USB, RF, Composite, Headphone Jack, Optical Audio Out, Ethernet | 1-Year |
| LG | 4K | 60Hz | HDMI, USB, RF, Composite, Ethernet, Optical | 1-Year |
| Samsung | 4K | 120Hz | HDMI, USB, Ethernet, Component, RF, Composite | No Warranty |
4. Sony KD55X750F 55-Inch 4k Ultra HD Smart LED TV
After the top three, if you are still looking for another option for your TV, we have a TV from Sony for you that offer smart functionality for your favorite content on YouTube and Netflix with a single button on the remote.
It also offers a 4K ultra HD resolution with HDR technology and a 60Hz refresh rate to reduce blur while you enjoy movies and play fast action games.
The LED is lit from edge to edge so that you can enjoy maximum picture quality. With a variety of input options, this TV comes with a sleek design table stand which increases the aesthetic value of your TV.
This TV will give a neat look to your TV area as it is designed in such a way to keep the wires and cables out of sight.
5. Samsung 55″ Class The Frame QLED Smart 4K UHD TV (2019)
What makes the Samsung The Frame 55″ unique is that it is pretty like an artwork picture. It also packs Samsung’s QLED screen technology, it is bright, vibrant, and looks fantastic. Overall, the 2019 version of Samsung Frame TV is easily the best one yet.
Obviously, as the namesake would suggest, this smart TV is designed to be wall-mounted. After all, Samsung partners with different galleries and collections worldwide to bring various works of art to its catalog of screensavers. When in standby mode, the art collection will be displayed instead of the standard black empty screen. Now, not only do you have a smart TV but a framed artwork as well. The bezels also fit seamlessly to your wall, thus creating great aesthetic value.
In the Art Mode, the TV scans the surrounding using its brightness sensor. It enables the screen to adjust its brightness to its surrounding. So, it will undoubtedly blend in with any portrait displayed next to it.
6. Samsung Electronics UN55MU6490 Curved 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV (2017 Model)
If you are bored with regular flat screen option, then a curved screen TV from Samsung can give you a good option for change. We included this TV in our list to provide you for variety and give you a review of the curved screen TV from Samsung.
The curved TV from Samsung offers 4K ultra HD screen with a motion rate of 120Hz aimed at reducing the blur while you play games or watch movies. The curved screen will involve you in the action and you will enjoy immersive viewing.
With different connectivity options, you need not worry about connecting different media with your TV and Samsung’s smart and easy to operate interface will make content selection easy.
We care about you and that is why we feel it is important to highlight that this TV from Samsung is not very durable and the curved screen is very delicate.
7. Samsung Electronics UN55MU6300 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV
The Samsung UN55MU6300 is better than your average 4k Smart LED TV in both specs and price range. Though not top of the line, it still offers a satisfactory picture quality and a great set of features.
Features:
The Samsung 55-inch UN55MU6300 is not just an affordable 4K TV, but it also offers a high-quality display that is way beyond its price point. The UN55MU6300 is also a stylish smart -TV that can be easily fitted into your entertainment system. This 55-inch 4K TV sports a high native contrast ratio making more colors pop than other older models.
This smart TV shines in brightly colored pictures and high-contrast scenes due to its 4K resolution panel and a full-array backlight that features local dimming. It also supports both HDR10 and Samsung’s proprietary HDR10 Plus format, which is the direct competitor of Dolby Vision. It also boasts a refresh rate of 60Hz so you will experience no lag if you decide to play on this TV.
The remote also has a beautiful layout for smooth operation. There is also a wide arrange of input ports available, which can be accessed from the side. Convenient if you plan to mount this TV on the wall.
Conclusion:
Overall the Samsung UN55MU6300 55-inch is an excellent package with excellent smart-TV functions. It boasts a well-designed remote and satisfactory audio quality. Sure, the display is not perfect, but the color quality is definitely above average. This affordable smart TV flaunts quality design and bright images for your everyday viewing experience.
FAQS
Does it support Samsung Smart Hub, and what is it?
Yes. The Samsung Smart Hub, you can conveniently play your favorite movies, TV shows, sports, music, and games on this TV.
Does it have a true 4K UHD resolution?
Yes. The UN55MU6300 has a native resolution of 3840×2160, which is more than Full HD.
Can you directly connect to the Wi-Fi network using this TV?
Yes. This smart TV supports full Wi-Fi connectivity.
What ports does this TV have?
It has 2 USB ports, 3 HDMI ports,1 Ethernet port, 1 composite input, 1 component input, 1 RS232C serial interface, 1 RF input, and 1 Digital Audio output.
TV Buyer’s Guide: Quality While Staying on the Budget
When choosing for the best TV under 600, you’ll probably get bombarded with tons of unfamiliar tech terms. However, you don’t need to know them all, just a few essential bits, and you are good to go. But before diving into tech terms, you better ask these questions first, so you will find the right specs for your new TV.
How big do you want your screen?
When choosing the best TV screen size, it is natural to assume that bigger is better. After all, nothing is better than seeing your favorite movies or playing games on a big screen. However, your viewing distance is really important, too. If you have a small living room or bedroom, then it is unwise to buy a huge TV.
The rules of thumb suggest that it is ideal to sit away from the screen, between 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal width of the TV and a 30-degree viewing angle for 1080p TV. If you have a 4k TV sit away from it between 1 and 1.5 times the diagonal width of the screen and a 30-degree viewing angle.
See this table for the recommended distance.
Screen Size |
1080p HDTV |
4K Ultra HD TV |
| 40 inches | Between 5 and 8.5 feet | Between 3.5 and 5 feet |
| 43 inches | Between 5.5 and 9 feet | Between 3.5 and 5.5 feet |
| 50 inches | Between 6.5 and 10.5 feet | Between 4 and 6.5 feet |
| 55 inches | Between 7 and 11.5 feet | Between 4.5 and 7 feet |
| 60 inches | Between 7.5 and 12.5 feet | Between 5 and 7.5 feet |
| 65 inches | Between 8 and 13.5 feet | Between 5.5 and 8 feet |
| 70 inches | Between 9 and 14.5 feet | Between 6 and 9 feet |
| 75 inches | Between 9.5 and 15.5 feet | Between 6.5 and 9.5 feet |
| 80 inches | Between 10 and 16.5 feet | Between 6.5 and 10 feet |
| 85 inches | Between 10.5 and 17.5 feet | Between 7 and 10.5 feet |
Curved or Flat TV?
Besides bringing the edges of the TV screen closer to your peripheral vision, a curved TV screen will also provide you with extra depth and a more extensive field of view. It also improves cinematic viewing experience while being good for your eyes as you don’t need to move that much compared to a flat TV. However, it is not that good for mounting on the wall. Plus, if you are quite far from the screen, you won’t fully enjoy the curved experience.
On the other hand, flat TV has broader and better viewing angles. It is also great for mounting and practically space savers. Unlike curved TV, it does not suffer from “funhouse” effects as the reflections are not a problem.
Smart TV or Not?
Sure, standard digital TVs are much cheaper than a Smart TV, but the features are hard to pass. Most households have Wi-Fi nowadays, so it is better to invest in a TV that can seamlessly connect to the internet.
Do you plan to wall-mount the TV?
Most people prefer their TV mounted. It does not only look neater this way but extra stylish as well. However, make sure that your TV has a wall mount screw on the back that is compatible with the ‘VESA’ industry standard. If your TV does supports mounting, know that most TVs don’t come with wall mounts, so you need to buy them separately.
Things You Need to Know About Your TV
Now let us discuss the terms that you need to know.
Panel technologies
Check out these panels and find the best one that suits your viewing needs.
LCD
The LCD screen is powered by Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps or CCFLs. These lamps are placed on the edges or behind the LCD panel, which serves as the backlight. These panels are old and cheap compared to modern panels like LEDs.
LED
LED-backlit TVs are rated to have lower power consumption compared to LCD TVs. The backlight is also sharper and brighter and has a longer life. This means durability and better image quality.
OLED
OLED or Organic Light Emitting Diode is better than LCD and LED. They do not require any backlighting and are energy savers. OLED panels also produce deep blacks and excellent contrast.
QLED
QLED or Quantum Dot Display is a TV panel technology that is used by Samsung. QLED uses quantum dot and semiconductor nanocrystals to produce pure monochromatic red, green, and blue light. This means that your TV is still visible even in bright rooms.
Resolution: 4K VS Full HD
Full HD or FHD is the resolution that is standard resolution among new television models. With a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, or commonly called as 1080i and 1080p, it ensures precise colors and fluid viewing experience. It is also more affordable compared to UHD or known as 4K resolution.
On the other hand, the 4K Ultra HD offers more pixels to your TV and is the natural successor of FHD. This resolution provides four times as many pixels for that superior image detail and quality. Unfortunately, not everything is filmed in 4K, so not all TV content can use the upgrade to its full potential.
HDR
HDR or High Dynamic Range is a new feature of 4K Ultra HD TV sets. It does not just deliver extra colors, but it also boasts better contrast levels and improved brightness.
Refresh Rate
This is the rate of how many times per second a picture is refreshed on your screen. The standard refresh rate is 60 Hz, but some offer as high as 120 Hz refresh rate. TVs with higher refresh rates will shine during scenes with fast-moving objects. Newer models support High-Frame Rate (HFR), so you will no longer have to make do with blurry images while watching movies or playing games.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio is the range of brightness levels that a TV set can display. Those with better contrast ratios will show detailed shadows and richer hues.
Audio Quality
TV audio has improved over the years, so it is common for the newer models to have good sound. However, if you want to make the most out of your TV, it is better to invest in a soundbar. Don’t worry if you are tight on budget as there are affordable soundbars that can complete your entertainment set-up.
Connectivity and Ports
See the table below to know about the different ports that you may need and must look out for when buying a TV.
| TV Port | Purpose |
| HDMI | Video/Audio/Computer |
| Component | Video/Audio |
| Composite | Video |
| Optical Digital | Audio |
| Coaxial Digital | Audio |
| RCA Stereo | Audio |
| DVI | Computer |
| VGA | Computer |
| Antenna In | OTA TV |
| USB | Multi-purpose |
| Ethernet | Internet |
Consumer’s Input on Their Favorite TV
We’ve asked some consumers what TV are they currently using and here’s what they have to say.
It’s been about 2 years now since I bought my TV but it has stood the short test of time so far. The model is an LG 65UK6300PUE 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD
Smart TV.This is a mid-range TV that I thought was the best value for what I was able to spend at the time when I bought it (about $800). There are updated
versions of this TV.I use this TV for watching Netflix, other streaming services, and for playing video games. It has a good refresh rate for console games and good
image quality.I’m a photographer and I display my high-resolution images on it and it looks great.
– Brandon Ballweg
Photographer and the Founder of ComposeClick
The LG 55UM7300PUA has everything I need: The LG 55UM7300PUA has everything I need I am currently using in my living room the LG 5UM7300PUA that is UHD Smart LED, 4K… and pretty affordable for a TV with these characteristics with a comfortable 55′ screen. I acquired it early this year as I moved into a new flat and was looking for a large TV to put on a wall mount that was affordable, as TV wasn’t the main spending focus for the new flat. I chose this model over new ones because it is a 2019 model, still is technologically at the top, and is multifunctional.
For a little while, I was wondering if I shouldn’t take a slightly smaller model, and after this year’s events, I am glad that I didn’t! Not only I use it to watch Netflix either while working on my living or when resting on my sofa, the TV is large enough for other uses such as video conferencing, is amazing to do sports at home, and the sound is so good that I don’t have to use an external speaker to have music in my garden!
And cherry on the cake, it is large enough to comfortably play multiplayer video games; several players can enjoy the whole living room space while
having a perfect view on the action. We used it several times to play Civ5 games the whole day without having to sit too close to the display and being able to carry on other activities during long players’ turns.
– Yoann Bierling
https://www.wciwatch.com
Wrapping up
All things said the best TV is one that is durable and its picture quality does not deteriorate over the period of time. From our list, our top pick is the best as it offers maximum value of money and you do not need to worry after buying it. All the above-mentioned TVs has the same resolution and almost same connectivity options, but the TV from TCL is not only affordable, it has the best reviews and customer feedback when it comes to picture quality and it gives the lowest lagging and does not blur movies and games.
55-inch TVs under $600
Conclusion
All things said the best TV is one that is durable and its picture quality does not deteriorate over the period of time. From our list, our top pick is the best as it offers maximum value of money and you do not need to worry after buying it. All the above-mentioned TVs has the same resolution and almost same connectivity options, but the TV from TCL is not only affordable, it has the best reviews and customer feedback when it comes to picture quality and it gives the lowest lagging and does not blur movies and games.