Choosing the Best TV Under $500 means deciding which matters most: a larger screen, a faster refresh rate, richer HDR features, or a smart platform that is easy to use. The four models here cover different priorities, from a 55-inch QLED set with a listed native 120Hz refresh rate to 65-inch options with Roku or Samsung smart-TV features.
Use the comparison to narrow your choices, then check the listing for details that can affect your setup, especially ports, audio connections, and the exact refresh-rate behavior for your sources. If you are also comparing screen sizes or lower-cost options, see our guides to 55-inch TVs and TVs under $300.
Pros
- 4K resolution with QLED color technology
- Native 120Hz panel refresh rate
- Broad HDR format support
- Google TV with Chromecast and AirPlay 2
Cons
- HDMI version not specified
- Who should skip it: buyers requiring documented HDMI version
Pros
- 65-inch 4K QLED display with Mini-LED backlighting
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
- AirPlay and several voice-control options
- Built-in subwoofer and Bluetooth Headphone Mode
Cons
- Refresh rate and HDMI specifications not provided
- Who should skip it: buyers needing documented refresh-rate or HDMI details
Pros
- 65-inch 4K QLED display
- HDR10 support
- Bluetooth headphone listening
- Voice remote with lost remote finder
Cons
- Refresh rate and HDMI version aren't specified
- Who should skip it: buyers who need those specifications
Pros
- Mini LED display with 4K resolution
- 750+ subscription-free Samsung TV Plus channels
- Gaming Hub and DLG 120Hz feature
Cons
- Native refresh rate and HDMI version aren't specified
- Skip if confirmed HDMI version or native refresh rate matters
The Best TVs by Use Case
Best for Native 120Hz Gaming: TCL 55 Inch T7 Series 4K 120Hz QLED Smart Google
The TCL 55 Inch T7 Series 4K 120Hz QLED Smart Google is the clearest fit here if you want a 55-inch screen and prioritize a listed native 120Hz refresh rate. The listing also names VRR and Game Accelerator 240, along with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG support. Its Google TV platform and compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit may suit households that use those services.
Reasons to buy:
- Native 120Hz refresh rate is specified, a useful feature for compatible fast-moving content.
- QLED and several HDR formats are listed, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Voice control support includes Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Reasons to avoid:
- At 55 inches, it is smaller than the three 65-inch alternatives in this guide.
- The published information does not identify its ports, so check connection needs before buying.
Skip it if you want a 65-inch screen or need confirmed details about HDMI ports before choosing.
Best for a Large HDR Picture: Roku 65-Inch Plus Series Smart TV
The Roku 65-Inch Plus Series Smart TV combines a 65-inch 4K QLED display with Mini-LED backlighting and Dolby Vision, according to its listing. That feature mix makes it a strong option for viewers who want a large screen and care about HDR format support. Roku’s simple home screen, voice remote, free entertainment options, and support for AirPlay, Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant add convenience for streaming-focused households.
Reasons to buy:
- Mini-LED backlighting, QLED, and Dolby Vision are specified for its 65-inch 4K screen.
- The Roku home screen brings apps, search, and free content together.
- The enhanced voice remote includes personal shortcuts and a lost-remote finder.
Reasons to avoid:
- The listing does not specify a refresh rate, so buyers focused on high-refresh gaming should verify it.
- Port details and audio output options are not included in the published product information.
Skip it if a documented refresh rate or specific connection type is essential to your setup.
Best Value for Roku Streaming: Roku 65-Inch Select Series Smart TV 2026-4K
The Roku 65-Inch Select Series Smart TV 2026-4K offers a 65-inch 4K QLED screen with HDR10 and Roku’s straightforward streaming interface. Its listed features include Roku Smart Picture, voice search, AirPlay, Bluetooth headphone mode, and access to free live TV and other content. Choose this model if a large screen and familiar Roku navigation matter more than having the Plus Series’ stated Mini-LED backlighting and Dolby Vision.
Reasons to buy:
- Its 65-inch 4K QLED display and HDR10 support are clearly specified.
- Bluetooth headphone mode may help when you want to listen privately; confirm device requirements in the listing.
- Roku voice search, personalized picks, and AirPlay support provide several ways to find or share content.
Reasons to avoid:
- The published feature list names HDR10, but does not list Dolby Vision.
- No refresh-rate figure or port configuration is provided in the published details.
Skip it if Dolby Vision support or a confirmed high refresh rate is a deciding requirement.
Best for Samsung TV Plus and Sports Modes: Samsung 65-Inch Class M70H Series, Mini LED, 4K
The Samsung 65-Inch Class M70H Series, Mini LED, 4K pairs a 65-inch 4K screen with Mini LED dimming and a Mini LED processor, as described in the listing. Samsung also specifies Motion Xcelerator plus DLG 120Hz and a Soccer Mode intended to emphasize motion and color for soccer viewing. Its Samsung TV Plus service includes listed free streaming channels, which may appeal if you want complimentary programming alongside your paid subscriptions.
Reasons to buy:
- Mini LED dimming and HDR are presented as features for contrast and bright highlights.
- Motion Xcelerator plus DLG 120Hz and a dedicated Soccer Mode target sports and fast action.
- Samsung TV Plus offers free streaming content, according to the listing.
Reasons to avoid:
- The listing describes DLG 120Hz rather than a native 120Hz panel, so verify the distinction if refresh behavior matters.
- The published information does not specify HDR formats, smart-platform app availability, or ports.
Skip it if you need confirmation of particular HDR formats, apps, or connections before committing.
How to Choose the Best TV Under $500
Screen size and viewing distance
Screen size affects how immersive a show or game feels, but it also determines whether a TV fits your room and furniture. Three picks here are 65 inches, while the TCL is 55 inches. Measure the space where the TV will sit or mount, and consider your usual seating distance before choosing the larger screen simply because it is larger.
Check the complete listing for the TV’s dimensions, stand requirements, and mounting information. Those details are not included in the published product data. If you are deciding between screen sizes, our 55-inch TV comparison offers another point of reference.
Panel type, backlighting, and HDR
QLED describes a color technology used by the TCL and Roku models in this group. Mini LED backlighting is specified for the Roku Plus and Samsung sets. These labels describe different display features, and they do not by themselves establish which TV will look better in your room. Screen brightness, picture settings, content, and lighting conditions also affect what you see.
HDR format support matters when you watch compatible movies or shows. The TCL lists Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG; the Roku Plus lists Dolby Vision; the Roku Select lists HDR10. The Samsung listing mentions Mini LED HDR but does not name specific HDR formats. Check the formats supported by services and devices you use, then compare them with the TV listing.
Refresh rate and gaming features
A higher refresh rate can matter for compatible games and fast-moving sports, but marketing terms do not all mean the same thing. TCL specifies a native 120Hz panel and also lists VRR and Game Accelerator 240. Samsung names DLG 120Hz and Motion Xcelerator, while the supplied Roku details do not state a refresh rate.
If you plan to connect a console or gaming PC, confirm the TV’s supported refresh rates for the resolution and connection you intend to use. Check whether the specific HDMI ports support the needed signals, too. The published data does not provide port counts or HDMI capabilities for these models, so verify those details on the product listing before purchase.
Smart platform, apps, and voice controls
The Roku models suit viewers who want Roku’s home screen, voice search, and access to free programming. The TCL lists Google TV and support for Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. The Samsung listing names Samsung TV Plus and Vision AI Companion, but the published details do not describe its app catalog or voice-assistant compatibility.
Before choosing, check whether your preferred streaming apps are available on the TV’s platform and whether your household already relies on a particular voice assistant. The Roku listings include AirPlay support, while the TCL lists Apple HomeKit. These are distinct features, so confirm the exact function you want rather than assuming one Apple feature implies another.
Ports and sound connections
Ports determine whether you can connect a console, cable box, soundbar, or other device without extra switching equipment. None of the published product details lists HDMI or USB port counts, eARC support, optical audio, or headphone outputs. Check the full specifications for those details, especially if you already own equipment you plan to keep.
The TCL lists Dolby Atmos audio processing, but that description does not establish the TV’s physical audio connections or the performance of its built-in speakers. The Roku Select lists Bluetooth headphone mode. If you need a soundbar or private listening, verify how the TV connects to your particular equipment and whether the feature works with your intended setup.
How We Compared
We compared the published product specifications and feature descriptions, including screen size, resolution, display and backlighting technologies, HDR formats, refresh-rate claims, smart platforms, voice features, and listed audio functions. The published data also includes ratings but reports zero customer reviews for each product, so it does not provide customer feedback to use as evidence of recurring ownership experiences. Where connection details or other specifications were missing, the guide identifies them as items to verify rather than filling gaps with assumptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 65-inch TV always a better choice than a 55-inch TV?
No. A 65-inch screen may suit a larger room or viewers who sit farther away, while a 55-inch model can fit more comfortably in a smaller space. Measure your available area and check the TV’s listed dimensions before deciding.
Which TV in this group lists a native 120Hz refresh rate?
The TCL 55 Inch T7 Series 4K 120Hz QLED Smart Google listing specifies a native 120Hz panel refresh rate. Samsung lists DLG 120Hz, which is a different claim. The supplied Roku product details do not give a refresh-rate figure.
Do all four TVs support Dolby Vision?
No. Dolby Vision is listed for the TCL and Roku Plus models. The Roku Select listing names HDR10, and the Samsung information does not identify specific HDR formats. Verify the current full specifications if a particular format is required.
Can I connect a soundbar or game console to these TVs?
The published information does not include port counts or detailed audio connections, so it cannot confirm compatibility with a specific soundbar or console setup. Check HDMI port features, eARC or other audio outputs, and supported video signals in the listing before buying.
Which smart-TV platform should I choose?
Choose based on the apps and controls you use. Roku’s interface and voice features are described for both Roku models, while the TCL lists Google TV and several smart-home integrations. Confirm that your preferred services and devices work with the exact model before ordering.
Do the Roku Select and Roku Plus models have the same picture features?
No. Both listings specify 65-inch 4K QLED screens, but the Plus model also lists Mini-LED backlighting and Dolby Vision. The Select listing specifies HDR10 and does not mention Mini LED or Dolby Vision. Compare the full specifications if those differences matter for your viewing habits.
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