Does the thought of buying a new TV make your wallet sweat? You want a great picture for movie night or gaming, but those high-end prices can feel impossible to reach. It’s a common struggle: finding a television that offers good quality without draining your bank account.
The market is flooded with choices, making the sub-$500 category tricky. You worry about getting stuck with blurry screens, slow performance, or features that quit after a year. How do you separate the hidden gems from the disappointing deals? We understand that finding the sweet spot between budget and performance is tough work.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We have researched the best TVs available right now under five hundred dollars. You will learn exactly what features matter most in this price range, how to spot a true bargain, and which models deliver the best bang for your buck. Get ready to upgrade your living room without the buyer’s remorse!
Top Tvs Under $500 Recommendations
- 720p resolution: View your favorite movies, shows and games in full high definition.
- Alexa voice control: The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV: Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound: An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Stream in Full HD - Enjoy fast, affordable streaming that’s made for HD TVs, and control it all with the Alexa Voice Remote.
- Great for first-time streaming - Streaming has never been easier with access to over 400,000 free movies and TV episodes from ad-supported streaming apps like Prime Video, Tubi, Pluto TV, and more.
- Press and ask Alexa - Use your voice to easily search and launch shows across multiple apps.
- Endless entertainment - Stream more than 1.8 million movies and TV episodes from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, plus listen to millions of songs. Subscription fees may apply. App buttons may vary.
- POWERS 3D COLOR MAPPING AND UPSCALING FOR A CLEAR PICTURE: Experience every shade of color as it was meant to be seen in dazzling 4K. Plus, make your movies, TV shows, games and sports look even better with powerful 4K upscaling.
- ELEGANT DESIGN THAT ENRICHES YOUR SPACE: Enhance your home décor with a TV crafted from a single metal sheet and featuring a slim bezel. Add a hint of sophistication with an aircraft-inspired design, and watch TV with minimal distractions.
- SECURES PERSONAL DATA* WITH TRIPLE-LAYER PROTECTION: Your TV experiences are secured. Samsung Knox Security defends against harmful apps and phishing sites while keeping sensitive data, such as PINs and passwords, secure. It also safeguards your IoT devices connected to your TV.
- A WORLD OF CONTENT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. NO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED: Watch 2,700+ free channels including 400+ Samsung TV Plus premium channels and on free streaming apps. Enjoy national and local news, sports, movies and more. Explore new content being added regularly.
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- Play Xbox games, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Plus with Xbox Game Pass via cloud gaming.
- Smarter searching starts here with Alexa – Find movies by actor, plot, and even iconic quotes. Try saying, "Alexa show me action movies with car chases."
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including over 400,000 episodes of free ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
- Elevate your entertainment experience with a powerful processor for lightning-fast app starts and fluid navigation.
- Play Xbox games, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter searching starts here with Alexa – Find movies by actor, plot, and even iconic quotes. Try saying, "Alexa show me action movies with car chases."
- Enjoy the show in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- Play Xbox games, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K with Xbox Game Pass via cloud gaming.
- Smarter searching starts here with Alexa – Find movies by actor, plot, and even iconic quotes. Try saying, "Alexa show me action movies with car chases."
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s TV streaming platform, exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
The Budget Breakthrough: Your Guide to TVs Under $500
Finding a great television without emptying your wallet is totally possible! TVs under $500 offer fantastic value. They usually fit perfectly in smaller rooms, bedrooms, or as a secondary screen. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Screen Size Matters
In this price range, you commonly find screens between 32 inches and 50 inches. Think about how far you sit from the TV. For a small bedroom, 32 or 40 inches works well. For a small living room, aim closer to 50 inches if possible.
Resolution is King
Always look for 1080p (Full HD) at minimum. However, many great deals now offer 4K Ultra HD resolution, even under $500, especially in the 43-inch range and up. 4K gives you a much sharper picture. Make sure the TV has 4K if it’s 43 inches or bigger.
Smart TV Capabilities
Almost every modern TV is “Smart.” This means it connects to the internet. Check which operating system it uses (like Roku TV, Fire TV, or Google TV). Roku and Fire TV are usually the easiest to use for streaming apps like Netflix or Disney+.
Connectivity Ports
You need enough HDMI ports to plug in devices like game consoles or Blu-ray players. Look for at least two HDMI inputs. Also, check for a USB port for playing photos or videos from a drive.
Important Materials and Build Quality
TVs in this bracket use standard materials. The frame (bezel) is usually plastic. This keeps the cost down.
- Screen Panel: Most budget TVs use LED-backlit LCD panels. This is standard technology.
- Durability: While they are not built like high-end models, a good budget TV should last several years with normal use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a TV Better?
Better picture quality often comes from features like HDR (High Dynamic Range). HDR makes bright spots brighter and dark spots darker. Even entry-level HDR support improves the look of movies significantly. Also, a faster refresh rate (60Hz is standard and fine for most people) helps fast action look smooth.
What Lowers the Quality?
Very low brightness levels are a common issue. If the TV isn’t bright enough, the picture looks washed out, especially if your room gets a lot of sunlight. Also, poor sound quality is common. Speakers are usually small and weak. You might need a soundbar later.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the TV changes what you should prioritize.
Everyday Viewing and Streaming
If you just watch cable or stream shows, focus on ease of use. A TV with a built-in, fast operating system (like Roku) makes finding your apps simple. Good viewing angles are also helpful if multiple people watch from different spots.
Casual Gaming
If you connect a PlayStation or Xbox, look for a TV with low “input lag.” Input lag is the delay between when you press a button and when the action appears on screen. Lower input lag means better gaming. Check reviews specifically for gaming performance.
Bedroom or Dorm Setup
For smaller spaces, size is less important than picture quality. You can often snag a smaller 1080p TV that looks crisp and clear up close. Portability is a bonus here.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About TVs Under $500
Q: Can I get a 55-inch TV under $500?
A: It is rare, but possible during major sales events like Black Friday. Usually, 50 inches is the largest size you reliably find under this budget.
Q: Are these TVs good for watching sports?
A: Yes, most modern budget TVs handle sports fine, especially if they have a 60Hz refresh rate. Look for reviews that mention motion handling.
Q: Do I need to buy a separate streaming stick (like a Fire Stick)?
A: Not usually. Most TVs in this range are already Smart TVs and include major apps built-in.
Q: What is the biggest quality sacrifice in this price range?
A: The biggest sacrifice is often the built-in sound quality. The speakers sound thin.
Q: Should I prioritize 4K or a larger screen size?
A: If the screen is 43 inches or smaller, 1080p is okay. For anything 50 inches or above, 4K resolution is highly recommended for a sharp image.
Q: What does “HDR support” actually mean for me?
A: HDR support means that movies and shows formatted for HDR will look more vibrant and realistic on your screen.
Q: How many HDMI ports should I expect?
A: You should expect at least two HDMI ports. Three is better if you have many devices.
Q: Are these TVs heavy?
A: No, because they use plastic frames, they are quite light. You can usually lift and move them easily by yourself.
Q: How long should a TV in this price range last?
A: With careful use, budget TVs typically last between 4 to 7 years.
Q: Should I worry about viewing angles?
A: If you sit directly in front of the screen, viewing angles are fine. If you watch from far off to the side, the picture might look slightly faded.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!