7 Best Smart TV under $500 – Reviews and Comparison

With all the latest technology invading the television market, you may feel outdated with your existing TV model. It is never too late to venture out and get the latest model to enjoy the best features out there. But the fact is that buying a TV can be an overwhelming experience with the variety of models out there. There are high-end displays that vary in their prices and have features one has to understand, in order to choose the right one. From smart TVs to OLED and further to HDR models, the variety out there is definitely something that can be enjoyed as a buyer.

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Most models in the current market are smart TVs with easy access to online services. So we are here to help you pick the best Best Smart TV under $500 and list out some of the best performers in the current market. In addition, we will also provide a few guidelines that will help you to look through the existing technical jargon and numerous details. In the end, it is not just about buying the best TV set but being confident about making the choice from the various available models.

Best Smart TV under $500 A Buying Guide

Here are the basics that you need to keep in mind while making a choice.

The price factor

Television prices keep varying and some models can be as costly as a small car. So before buying, fixing your budget is always a good idea. You can fix a budget along with the maximum deviation that you can afford while going over it, and then select the features that can be useful for you within that range.

The display size

Buying the right display size can be tricky as it has to deal with the viewing requirements and the space available. The bigger sizes will definitely offer a more immersive viewing experience but you need to consider the patterns of TV viewing in your home and how many people watch it together. To find the size of your TV screen you can use a rule of thumb method. Find the distance between your sitting position and the TV screen and divide it by 1.6 to get the approximate screen size.

The screen resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that form the display in the TV screen and if you want a future proof set, one with a 4K or UHD resolution will be a good choice. In case your sitting position is going to be too close to the TV screen, then selecting a 4K ultra model is also a good idea. A 4K model will have 4 times more pixel density than the HD units, offering more detail and sharpness. In case you do not choose a 4K unit, a Full-HD TV is also a good choice for watching movies and enjoying Netflix.

Connectivity

A smart TV model should have the right connectivity options so that you can easily access the entertainment you need. It should be able to connect with Wi-Fi services and should be ready to provide services like Netflix and YouTube. Also, make sure that the TV has sufficient ports and that should include at least three HDMI ports.

Other features

The refresh rate of the display is also an important factor and the faster it is, the better the performance will be. Most models in the market today come with LED LCD type screens and in case you want an OLED screen, you will have to stretch your budget.

Toshiba 55LF621U19 55-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV

This smart TV delivers true to life picture quality and is loaded with the right features for you to enjoy.

Overview

This is a model that comes with stunning picture quality and a vivid range of colors. The model is engineered for speed and performance and it also comes loaded with Alexa which allows you to get the best out of this unit with total ease.

Feature and Benefits:

Pleasing design

The overall design of this unit is very pleasing and the look of the stands will surely earn your approval. The dual stands are made of glossy plastic and are crescent-shaped making them look attractive.

Effective operating system

The unit comes loaded with the Fire TV OS and you can control the TV using Alexa quite easily. It comes with all the necessary apps like Netflix, HBO and others loaded in it and you will find plenty of content to browse through.

Good connectivity

The unit comes with a large number of ports that you will find very useful. These include one USB and three HDMI ports, along with an optical digital audio port and a headphone jack. On the back side, there are RCA composite-video inputs, a LAN connection, and a screw-on coaxial connector.

Great display

The unit comes with a very good display with great colors and support for HDR content. The contrast and brightness are very satisfactory for a wide range of contents.

Key Specifications:

•  Dimensions: 12 x 49.1 x 30.2 inches
• Screen size: 55 inches.
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz.
• Weight: 1 pound.
• Display type: LED

Pros and Cons:

This is a very affordable smart TV that delivers 4K picture quality and a smoothly operating Fire TV service.

TCL 32S305 32-Inch 720p Roku Smart LED

Smart functionality coupled with some great features makes this unit deliver one of the best picture qualities at this price.

Overview

Anyone with a shoestring budget will find this model a very effective choice that delivers a good picture quality. The design is very attractive and offers loads of streaming services that will provide you with a wide range of programs. It is also very fast in its performance and comes with a powerful mobile app.

Feature and Benefits:

Good picture quality

The 720p HD picture quality provides a very good picture output from this TV. It is also having a direct-lit LED that results in a great picture quality along with a 60Hz refresh rate that will make the action scenes more enriching.

Good design

The unit is very smartly designed and pleasing to look at. It comes with a very efficient remote unit that provides instant access to all the necessary apps. The U-shaped legs and the gunmetal color finish, makes this unit hit the right spots in the looks area.

Good app

The mobile app that comes with this TV is very easy to use and you can use your mobile to control the TV with ease. You can also use your mobile headphones to listen to TV programs.

Good range of inputs

When it comes to ports, this TV has all the right ones. It comes with three HDMI ports, one USB port, and also one each of RF, composite, headphone jack and optical audio out ports.

Key Specifications:

•  Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 19.2 inches
• Screen size: 32 inches.
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz.
• Weight: 9 pounds.
• Display type: LED

Pros and Cons:

This is a very good model for those who are looking for great value and practical features within a small budget.

LG Electronics 43LJ5500 43-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV

This is a very well-designed smart TV that provides the best of connectivity along with some top-class display output.

Overview

With FHD picture quality, this is a very good TV that has been designed by LG for those who want to enjoy a bright and vibrant picture quality. The connectivity options are very well balanced and the unit also delivers a rich sound output.

Feature and Benefits:

Good picture output

With a full HD display at 1080p, this unit delivers life-like picture quality. It has a color master engine that brings rich and vivid colors into the frame to provide a great visual experience.

Good sound

This unit will provide the right viewing experience for your favorite movies with the virtual surround sound feature. With the sound being generated from every direction, it will provide entertainment at its best.

Loaded with apps

The unit comes loaded with streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Video and others. With this model set up, you will never fall short of entertainment.

Mobile app

The smartphone app developed by LG for this TV unit is very effective and easy to use. With that installed, you can easily link your smart device to the TV and enjoy the content.

Key Specifications:

•  Dimensions: 5 x 8.7 x 24.8 inches
• Screen size: 43 inches.
• Refresh rate: 60 Hz.
• Weight: 5 pounds.
• Display type: Direct-lit LED

Pros and Cons:

This TV set is a very good choice for those who are looking for a smart TV with a hassle-free viewing experience.

Samsung Electronics UN40MU6290 4K Smart LED TV

This is a great model for those who want to enjoy the movies in an immersive fashion with all the rich details in place.

Overview

With ready to use streaming services, this HDR TV set comes all set to entertain you with its great features. The connectivity aspects are enough to keep you satisfied from all ends and it delivers smooth performance for any fast action scenes you need to enjoy.

Feature and Benefits:

Superb picture

With a 4K range of pure colors and a great contrast ratio, this unit delivers extremely vivid images. The darkest scenes are delivered in minute details, making you enjoy every aspect of a movie or show.

Smooth viewing

The TV features a refresh rate of 120 Hz that delivers the best viewing experience for the fast moving scenes. So be it a movie or a game, you will surely enjoy the smooth performance at all point.

Good connectivity

With Samsung Smart Hub feature this unit features supreme connectivity throughout your favorite movies, shows, and games.

Effective features

The unit offers are good viewing angle and are also energy star rated. The slim and stylish design and the built-in Wi-Fi are some other features that you will definitely appreciate.

Key Specifications:

•  Dimensions: 1 x 11.3 x 23.5 inches
• Screen size: 9 inches.
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz.
• Weight: 2 pounds.
• Display type: LED

Pros and Cons:

Providing a superb viewing experience, this unit is definitely one of the most efficient smart TV sets in the current market.

TCL 55S517 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart LED TV

A combination of smart functionality and great picture quality, this TV will provide you with the best of entertainment at a good price.

Overview

The sleek and modern design of this unit is definitely attractive and when you look below the surface, you will also find some great features that will provide a classic viewing experience. The HDR technology offers all-around performance with great versatility.

Feature and Benefits:

Great design

This is a model that has been stylishly crafted with smooth lines and a thin build. If you are looking for style, this is one model you can check out.

Superb picture delivery

At a resolution of 4K, the picture delivery is strikingly rich. The unit has an NBP photon technology and covers a wide area of the color space. It also has an iPQ engine and HDR pro gamma feature.

Smart functionality

The unit functions smoothly as a smart TV and offers access to all the streaming services via Roku TV. The interface is easy to use and can be set up easily.

Effective inputs

In terms of inputs and ports, this TV offers the full range which includes three HDMI 2.0 ports, one USB port and also one each of RF, composite, headphone jack, optical audio out and Ethernet ports.

Key Specifications:

•  Dimensions: 34 x 10.59 x 30 inches
• Screen size: 55 inches.
• Refresh rate: 120 Hz.
• Weight: 33 pounds.
• Display type: LED

Pros and Cons:

Coming at a budget price, this TV set offers some the best features that one can get in terms of viewing experience.

Conclusion

So now you have a list of seven of the top Best Smart TV under $500 that can be chosen from the current market. All of these models have got good features and in terms of connectivity, they do score high marks. Now picking one from them is not an easy task but the Toshiba 55LF621U19 55-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV can be termed as the best from the entire lot. It has the OS from Amazon that is very easy to use and has got various smart features to make the viewing experience pleasurable for you.

The unit also has UHD picture quality that delivers lifelike images and also has a quad-core CPU that makes it fast and responsive as a unit. The TV also supports HDR and you can enjoy movies of the best quality in this unit. The 54.6-inch screen gives you a great viewing experience and the Alexa advantage makes it even more fun to use. So this is one model that can be easily chosen for its great features and top-notch performance.