David Katzmaier Editorial Director — Private Tech
David critiques TVs and leads the Private Tech group at CNET, overlaying cell, software program, computing, streaming and residential leisure. We offer useful, skilled critiques, recommendation and movies on what gadget or service to purchase and tips on how to get essentially the most out of it.
- Though nonetheless awaiting his Oscar for Finest Image Reviewer, David does maintain certifications from the Imaging Science Basis and the Nationwide Institutes of Requirements and Know-how on show calibration and analysis.
Why You Can Belief CNET
6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000
Hours Examined
CNET’s skilled employees critiques and charges dozens of latest services every month, constructing on greater than 1 / 4 century of experience. How we take a look at TVs
There is a little bit of an artwork to choosing the proper TV. You may need a display that is sufficiently big to see clearly, however not so huge that it may find yourself overwhelming the house. A 55-inch display tends to be the candy spot for smaller rooms, so that will help you discover the perfect mannequin to your bed room or dorm, we have rounded up the perfect 55-inch TVs of 2023 under.
Most fashionable 55-inch televisions include loads of options and are good TVs, so you possibly can take pleasure in streaming your favourite exhibits and movies on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, Disney Plus and extra. And better-end examples supply all of the bells and whistles we have come to anticipate, together with full-array native dimming, OLED screens, 120Hz refresh fee, 4K UHD decision, excessive dynamic vary, a plethora of HDMI ports and even high-end gaming options — together with variable refresh fee — to go together with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Sequence X. The checklist under represents our favourite 55-inch TVs proper now.
At CNET, I overview TVs facet by facet in a state-of-the-art testing lab, taking a whole bunch of measurements with specialised tools, evaluating gaming, dwelling theater and bright-room picture high quality. My 20 years expertise as a TV reviewer helps me decide not simply the perfect 55-inch TV total but in addition the perfect 55-inch TV in your value vary.
What’s the finest 55-inch TV proper now?
The TCL 6-Sequence Roku TV sits on the prime of our checklist of finest TVs for a variety of causes. It affords excellent image high quality, an inexpensive value and Roku, the perfect good TV system. It additionally consists of gaming options like 4K/120Hz enter and variable refresh fee that may get essentially the most out of consoles just like the PS5 and Xbox Sequence X. When buddies ask me what TV to purchase from 55 to 85 inches, and cash continues to be an object, I inform them to get the TCL 6-Sequence.
There are many different glorious decisions on the market, nevertheless, so although the 6-Sequence is my present favourite for most individuals, it won’t be proper to your preferences or finances.
Learn extra: Do This to Your TV Now: 9 Essential Settings to Enhance the Image
Finest 55-inch TVs in 2023
Editors’ selection
Present much less
For the final 5 years, the TCL 6-Sequence has been our favourite TV for the cash, and the most recent model — also referred to as the R655 sequence — isn’t any exception. This TV has a wonderful picture because of mini-LED tech and well-implemented full-array native dimming that helps it run circles round nearly some other TV at this value. It improves upon the earlier R635 sequence with improved gaming extras and a brand new center-mount stand that you could elevate to make room for a soundbar. And at last, the Roku TV working system is our hands-down favourite.
Professionals:
- Comparatively inexpensive
- Glorious total picture high quality
- Roku good TV is easy, succesful
- Improved design with central stand
Cons:
- Some competing mini-LED TVs can get brighter
Be aware that along with the R635, which this TV replaces, different variations of the 6-Sequence have been launched in 2021 and stay on sale. The R646 sequence makes use of the Google TV working system, however in any other case has comparable specs to the R655 fashions reviewed right here. The R648 sequence has 8K decision and is considerably costlier.
Photograph Gallery 1/1
David Katzmaier/CNET
Present skilled take Present much less
Present much less
The C2 delivers superior image high quality at a value that is admittedly excessive, however not ridiculous. It beats any non-OLED TV on this checklist with its good black ranges, unbeatable distinction and excellent off-angle viewing. It additionally has glorious gaming options, making it an awesome companion to an Xbox Sequence X or S, PlayStation 5 or each. The C2 is available in quite a lot of sizes as properly, although the larger fashions are costly.
The C2 can be one of many lightest TVs we have ever reviewed, because of its carbon-fiber building. The 55-inch model weighs simply 35 kilos with its stand, in comparison with 51 kilos for the 55-inch C1 from 2021.
Professionals:
- Higher image high quality than any non-OLED TV
- Superior distinction and off-angle picture
- Finest-in-class gaming options
- Modern styling with ultralight, skinny panel
Cons:
- Costly
- No main image high quality enhancements over the C1 from 2021
The C1 was additionally a wonderful TV that delivered comparable picture high quality and options to the C2. We have additionally reviewed the 2023 model, the LG C3, however we advocate the C2 as a substitute proper now. Going with final 12 months’s LG OLED saves you a number of hundred bucks and the 2 TVs have been principally indistinguishable in options, design and picture high quality in my exams. The C2 will promote out over the summer season and heading into the TV shopping for season this fall, whereas the C3 will drop in value, however in order for you a high-end TV proper now, seize a C2.
Photograph Gallery 1/1
David Katzmaier/CNET
Present skilled take Present much less
Present much less
Searching for a high-end TV with spectacular picture high quality, however don’t desire an OLED? The Samsung QN90B is your finest wager. This TV makes use of QLED TV tech augmented by mini-LED for a brighter picture than any OLED TV. The spectacular distinction of OLED nonetheless gained out in our side-by-side exams, however the QN90B QLED display comes nearer than ever.
Professionals:
- Finest non-OLED image high quality we have ever examined
- Unimaginable brightness with minimal blooming
- Trendy design, filled with options
Cons:
- Costly
- Barely worse distinction, off-angle and uniformity than OLED
Samsung produces a variety of QLED TVs, however the QN90B is among the many highest-end, apart from variations with 8K decision. This can be a 2022 mannequin, however the 2023 model, the QN90C, appears to be like very comparable when it comes to options and whereas we’ve not reviewed it, we anticipate it to ship comparable picture high quality. It is also considerably costlier.
Photograph Gallery 1/1
The Samsung QN90B QLED TV is likely one of the firm’s higher-end televisions for 2022.
Bobby Oliver/CNET
Present skilled take Present much less
Present much less
The image high quality of the TCL 4-Sequence Roku TV was a step behind the Vizio V-Sequence (see under) in our finances TV take a look at, however the variations between the 2 are slight sufficient that you just’d actually need to have them arrange facet by facet to note something in any respect. The 4-Sequence lacks the Dolby Imaginative and prescient, Bluetooth connectivity and AMD FreeSync with a variable refresh fee, all of which the Vizio affords.
Professionals:
- Reasonably priced
- Glorious good TV system
Cons:
- Picture high quality and options lag some entry-level TVs
The 4-Sequence’ benefit over the Vizio is that it comes with the superb Roku Good TV system in-built. That makes it an awesome selection for these searching for a one-stop good TV answer, with out having so as to add an exterior streaming system.
Be aware that TCL has been promoting the 4-Sequence for the previous couple of years with little to no change in picture high quality or options in our exams, though it has lately added some bigger display sizes, together with an 85-inch possibility.
Photograph Gallery 1/1
David Katzmaier
Present skilled take Present much less
Present much less
Amongst midpriced fashions we appreciated the TCL 6-Sequence just a bit higher in our side-by-side comparability, however this Hisense is a powerful contender. Its glorious picture high quality is anchored by best-in-class brightness that improves its bright-room image high quality and makes HDR TV films, exhibits and video games actually pop. It is really brighter than the TCL with higher distinction, however the TCL’s barely extra correct picture gave it the sting total. The Hisense makes use of Google TV as a substitute of Roku, and in contrast to the TCL, the U8H consists of an ATSC 3.0 tuner. Frankly, you possibly can’t go incorrect with both one.
Professionals:
- Comparatively inexpensive
- Glorious total picture high quality
- Finest-in-class vivid room image
- Succesful Google TV system
Cons:
- Barely much less refined picture than some opponents
- “Theater” image modes have interaction movement smoothing by default
This can be a 2022 mannequin, however the 2023 model, the U8K sequence, appears to be like largely comparable apart from the addition of a 75-inch possibility. We’ve not reviewed it but. It is presently a few hundred {dollars} costlier than the U8H.
Photograph Gallery 1/1
David Katzmaier
Present skilled take Present much less
Present much less
Samsung is the model that sells extra TVs than anybody, and considered one of its hottest is the Q60 sequence. Its modern QLED display design stands out in contrast with the opposite TVs on this checklist — although the ultrathin OLED fashions are sleeker — and it affords higher options, picture high quality and extra sizes than fashions just like the TCL 4-Sequence and Sony X80K. The TVs listed on this article are all superior values, however in order for you a Samsung TV and may’t afford the QN90B, it is a nice selection.
Professionals:
- Modern design and glorious distant
- Vibrant picture with stable distinction
- Informative standing display for gaming
Cons:
- Costlier than competing TVs with higher image high quality
- Cluttered good TV menus
This can be a 2022 mannequin, however the 2023 model, the Q60C, appears to be like largely comparable when it comes to options, design and value. We’ve not reviewed it but, however we anticipate it to have comparable picture high quality.
Photograph Gallery 1/1
James Martin/CNET
Present skilled take Present much less
Present much less
Competitors amongst TVs within the center pricing band is heating up and the Plus Sequence is the most recent entrant in 2023. It provides a few step-up extras, together with QLED and full-array native dimming, which assist ship a greater image than the TCL 4-Sequence, for instance. It isn’t as spectacular because the Vizio MQX, although, because it lacks 120Hz for gaming and worse image high quality total. Should you worth these extras, the Vizio is value saving for, but when not the Roku Plus Sequence is an excellent worth.
Professionals:
- Reasonably priced
- Good image high quality because of native dimming
- Nice good TV system
Cons:
- Lacks 120Hz refresh fee and different gaming extras
- Not as vivid as some equally priced TVs
That is the primary TV Roku has produced below its personal model, versus partnering with a model like TCL, Sharp, Pioneer or Hisense. The corporate additionally launched a model with fewer options and no native dimming, referred to as the Roku Choose Sequence.
Photograph Gallery 1/1
Josh Goldman/CNET
Present skilled take Present much less
Present much less
Once we in contrast the finest finances TVs side-by-side, the image high quality of Vizio’s V-Sequence clearly emerged because the chief of the pack. The Vizio supplied essentially the most balanced and correct image throughout our comparisons, and it comes with some helpful extras akin to Dolby Imaginative and prescient help, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth compatibility and variable refresh fee for probably smoother gaming. The most important draw back of the Vizio is its good TV platform, Vizio SmartCast. It is crowded, sluggish and suffering from advertisements for platforms akin to Tubi and Kidoodle TV. Even if you think about the price of including a brand new streaming system, nevertheless, the V-Sequence stays the perfect total entry-level TV that we examined.
Professionals:
- Strong picture high quality for an entry-level TV
- A lot of options, together with VRR and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons:
- Poor built-in good TV system
Vizio hasn’t introduced a 2023 model of the V-Sequence but.
Photograph Gallery 1/1
David Katzmaier
Present skilled take Present much less
- Sony KD-X80K sequence: Sony is a outstanding model and its higher-end TVs just like the X90J do properly in critiques, however the entry-level TV in its 2022 lineup, the X80K, did not make the checklist. It prices across the identical because the TCL 6-Sequence and Samsung Q60 TVs, and had a worse image than each, with lighter black ranges and distinction. It is undoubtedly not a foul TV, and we appreciated its Google good TV system, colour accuracy and connectivity, however you possibly can undoubtedly do higher for the cash. Learn our Sony KD-X80K sequence overview.
- Amazon Hearth TV 4-Sequence: One in all many Hearth TVs out there on the market, this one is typical of the breed: so-so picture high quality and a sensible TV system that lags behind Roku and Google TV. Should you’re a giant fan of Alexa voice or see this TV at a very low value it may be worthwhile, however in any other case go for the TCL 4-Sequence. Learn our greatest finances TVs roundup.
Our TV critiques observe a rigorous, unbiased analysis course of honed over almost twenty years of TV critiques. Our major TV take a look at lab has specialised tools for measuring mild and colour, together with a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR sign generator and an AVPro Join 8×8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Shows CalMan Final software program to guage every TV we overview. In each CNET TV overview, three or extra comparable TVs are in contrast facet by facet in varied lighting situations enjoying completely different media, together with films, TV exhibits and video games, throughout quite a lot of take a look at classes, from colour to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our critiques additionally account for design; options; good TV efficiency; HDMI enter and gaming compatibility; and different elements.
One vital side of picture high quality we take a look at is total brightness. This is the way it compares in nits throughout choose TVs listed above.
Gentle Output in Nits
| TV | Brightest mode (HDR) | Correct mode (HDR) | Brightest mode (SDR) | Correct mode (SDR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN65Q90B | 3,316 | 1,981 | 2,625 | 974 |
| Hisense U8H | 1,867 | 1,867 | 1,605 | 1,605 |
| TCL 65R655 | 1,387 | 1,194 | 1,292 | 624 |
| Vizio M65QXM-K03 | 939 | 742 | 958 | 608 |
| LG OLED65C2 | 812 | 759 | 413 | 389 |
| Roku TV Plus (65-inch) | 514 | 455 | 579 | 404 |
Try How We Take a look at TVs for extra particulars.
With all of the TVs out there at present, and all of the technical phrases and jargon related to tv expertise, it may be robust to determine what’s vital. This is a fast information that will help you minimize by way of the confusion.
Worth: TVs vary in value from $100 to greater than $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known manufacturers are costlier and spending extra money may also get you higher picture high quality. Most entry-level TVs have a ok image for most individuals, however TVs final a very long time, so it may be value spending extra to get a greater image. It is also finest to buy a TV within the fall, when costs are decrease.
Display screen dimension: Larger is best in our ebook. We advocate a dimension of at the very least 43 inches for a bed room TV and at the very least 55 inches for a front room or important TV — and 65 inches or bigger is finest. Greater than some other “function,” stepping up in TV display dimension is the perfect use of your cash. One of the vital frequent post-TV-purchase complaints we have heard is from individuals who did not go sufficiently big. And we nearly by no means hear folks complain that their TV is just too giant.
Functionality: Amongst entry-level TVs a very powerful function is what sort of good TV system the TV makes use of. Amongst midrange fashions, search for a function together with full-array native dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh fee, which (not like another extras) do assist enhance the image, in our expertise. And amongst high-end TVs, OLED expertise is your finest wager.
For extra TV shopping for recommendation try Find out how to Purchase a TV.
Is a 55-inch TV sufficiently big?
How extensive is a 55-inch TV?
How a lot does a 55-inch TV weigh?
