The best 55-inch TVs you can buy (October 2019)

If TVs were porridge, Goldilocks would likely find 55-inch TVs to be “just right.” They’re not too small and not too large, fit better in more spaces, and provide just enough size that there’s no sacrificing out on resolution and other extras. With that said, here’s our list of the best 55-inch TVs you can buy right now.

Best 55-inch TVs:

Editor’s note: We will update our list of the best 55-inch TVs as new TVs launch. All TVs on the list feature 4K resolution.

1. TCL 6-Series

One of the cheapest offerings with quantum dot technology (QLED), the TCL 6-Series also supports Dolby Vision HDR. There’s also 4K upscaling to improve the sharpness of lower-resolution video, and individually-optimized contrast across several zones to provide better contrast between dark and bright areas.

Finally, the TCL 6-Series is a Roku TV. That means you have access to hundreds of streaming apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and many more.

The TCL 6-Series is available for $599.99.

2. Vizio M-Series Quantum

In terms of features, the Vizio M-Series Quantum doesn’t disappoint. We have up to 600 nits of brightness, 90 local dimming zones for deeper blacks, support for Dolby Vision HDR, and the ability to mirror your screen with Vizio SmartCast TV.

Also read: 15 best Chromecast apps for Android!

Even better, the M-Series Quantum is ecosystem-agnostic. You can stream from your device with built-in Apple AirPlay 2 or Chromecast. You can even use Siri, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa to control the TV.

The Vizio M-Series Quantum is available for $548.

3. Samsung Q60 Series

Next on the list is the Samsung Q60 Series. In addition to quantum dot technology, the TV features a “Quantum Processor 4K” to upscale lower-resolution content to 4K, support for HDR10+, and support for Samsung SmartThings to control smart home devices.

There’s also a slew of smart TV features. In addition to your typical streaming apps, the Samsung Q60 Series is one of the first to feature the Apple TV app. With the app also comes AirPlay 2 support, though there’s also support for Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Bixby.

Also read: Bixby guide: Features, compatible devices, best commands

However, the more eye-popping feature is Ambient Mode. When not in use, the TV uses a photo of your wall to recreate the pattern on the screen. The feature can also apply colors to match the surrounding décor, use filters for photos you want to show off, and select from a variety of décor lighting options.

The Samsung Q60 Series is available for $897.99.

4. Sony X950G Series

Going up the ladder lands us at the Sony X950G Series.

We start with the full-array local dimming and boosting, which can dynamically adjust the light levels in sections of the screen. The 4K HDR Picture Processor X1 Ultimate processor is an absolute word salad of a marketing term, but it produces real-time object rendering. The processor also remasters upscales almost everything to near-4K HDR quality.

Also read: The best Netflix originals you can watch right now

Movie buffs will be happy to see support for HDR10, IMAX Enhanced, and a Netflix Calibrated Mode. Finally, the Sony X950G Series runs Android TV out of the box and supports Amazon Alexa.

The Sony X950G is available for $1,098.

5. LG C9 Series

If you have deep pockets and don’t mind shrinking them a bit on a purchase, the LG C9 Series is worth a look.

This is the only TV on our list with a 4K-resolution OLED, but don’t let the price tag scare you away. In reality, this is one of the cheapest OLED TVs available today. The brightness doesn’t reach the levels of pricier OLED TVs, but at least the TV covers a little over 93 percent of the DCI-P3 color space.

Taking advantage of the OLED is support for HDR in HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Hybrid Log Gamma. The TV even makes for surprisingly good sessions, thanks to an under-20ms input lag. Sometime soon, the C9 Series will get an update with support for NVIDIA G-Sync. Finally, the TV supports Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, and Amazon Alexa.

The LG C9 Series is available for $1,496.99.

6. Hisense 55H9F

Only the second TV on this list to feature Android TV, the Hisense 55H9F delivers more than its price tag insinuates.

The TV features quantum dot technology. While not to the level of OLED, the technology promises an accurate color space. There are also up to 132 local dimming zones for improved contrast range and color accuracy, HDR support with HDR10 and Dolby Vision, up to 1,000 nits of peak brightness, and automated scene recognition.

Also read: Best Android TV devices: What are your options?

The highlight is Android TV, which brings with it support for Google Assistant. Those who live in Amazon’s camp also get access to Alexa.

The Hisense 55H9F is available for $599.99.

That was our list of the best 55-inch TVs available today. In the comments below, let us know what you think about our picks and your own recommendations!