The Best 48- and 50-Inch TVs of 2025

Extra-large TVs get a lot of attention, but some spaces aren’t big enough to cram in a massive display. If you have a smaller living room or want an extra TV for a bedroom, a 50- or 48-inch model is a great option. My picks for the best 50-inch TVs all offer a reliable viewing experience, and they’re often a lot cheaper than their larger counterparts. 

If you want premium performance on a smaller screen, the LG C4 is my top recommendation. This OLED delivers perfect black levels in a compact form factor. But if you want a more affordable set, I recommend the Amazon Omni QLED. It’s typically sold for under $500 and delivers better picture quality than most competing 50-inch TVs in its price range.  

My picks for the best 50-inch TVs were informed by more than a decade of experience testing home entertainment products. I’ve used my expertise to select options for all kinds of viewers and budgets. Whether you’re a casual buyer, a gamer, or a home theater enthusiast, there’s a 50-inch TV here to suit your needs

Note: LCD-based TVs (including LED and QLED models) are usually sold in a 50-inch screen size, while OLED TVs are sold in a slightly smaller 48-inch size. For that reason, I’ve included a 48-inch OLED in this guide. 

Our top picks for the best 50-inch TVs

Best overall: LG C4 – See at Amazon

Best premium QLED: Samsung QN90D – See at Amazon

Best budget: Amazon Omni QLED – See at Amazon

Best entry-level option: TCL S5 – See at Amazon

Best midrange for gaming: Vizio MQX – See at Amazon

Best overall

The LG C4 is the best 48-inch TV for people who want a smaller display that doesn’t skimp on picture quality. It uses an OLED panel, which is rare for TVs under 55 inches. This type of screen gives it key benefits over the LED and QLED sets that round out the rest of this guide.  

The C4 delivers all the advantages that OLED TVs are known for, including pixel-level contrast and wide viewing angles. On LED and QLED displays, black levels can look washed out when you watch TV with the lights off, and colors and contrast can fade if you sit to the side of the panel. But on the C4, black levels disappear into a dark room with perfect uniformity, and picture quality only skews slightly from an off-center view. Check out our QLED vs. OLED comparison for more details on how each panel type stacks up. 

The 48-inch C4’s peak brightness of around 700 to 800 nits is very respectable, especially compared to other displays in the 48-to-50-inch class. However, buyers should be aware that larger versions of the C4 have an extra brightness-boosting feature that allows them to get closer to 1,000 nits. But even with this limitation, the 48-inch C4 is easily one of the best-looking TVs available at this size, offering vibrant high-dynamic-range (HDR) images.

In addition to excellent image performance, the C4 offers solid smart TV capabilities via LG’s webOS platform. The interface isn’t my favorite since it emphasizes sponsored content and shopping recommendations too heavily, but it still provides reliable access to all of the best streaming services, along with built-in support for Alexa voice control. The C4 is equipped well for the latest consoles, too, with a 120Hz refresh rate that can support smooth gaming on a PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2. Unlike LG’s previous C3 model, the C4 can enable an even higher 144Hz refresh rate when paired with a PC.

At a typical sale price of around $1,000, the C4 is pricey for a 48-inch TV, but the jump in picture quality over my cheaper picks is substantial. Buyers should note that LG also sells a newer version of this TV, the C5. The C5 OLED offers some small improvements in image quality, but the 48-inch model costs about $300 to $600 more than the C4. For now, the C4 remains the better value.

Read our LG C4 TV review and LG C5 TV review.

Check out our guide to all the best smart TVs.

Best premium QLED

It’s rare to find high-end displays available in a 50-inch screen size, but the Samsung QN90D bucks that trend. This flagship QLED is pricey for such a small screen, but it pulls no punches when it comes to image quality.

The QN90D is part of Samsung’s “Neo QLED” series, which means it has quantum dots for expanded color and local dimming with a Mini LED backlight. Though cheaper 50-inch QLEDs from Amazon and Vizio also have quantum dots and local dimming, they use regular-sized LEDs. The QN90D’s Mini LEDs allow it to achieve a big boost in contrast, black-level performance, and brightness.

I tested the 65-inch version of this TV and measured an excellent peak brightness level of about 2,040 nits. Though performance will differ a bit in smaller sizes, the 50-inch model should be able to hit a similar number. That’s about two to four times as bright as the other TVs I recommend in this guide.

This level of brightness allows the QN90D to produce impressive HDR highlights that really pop and gives you ample headroom to pump up luminance to overcome glare in rooms with lots of light. Contrast control is also great, but black levels still aren’t as precise as those on an OLED like the LG C4. I noticed some blooming (small halos around bright objects) in certain scenes, including a test sequence with burning candles. The 48-inch LG C4 has better image quality overall, but the QN90D is a strong performer for people who crave an extra-bright picture.

The TV also supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate for high-frame-rate gaming when paired with compatible gear. The smart TV interface even includes access to the Xbox app, so Game Pass members can stream games without a console.

Shoppers should note that Samsung also sells a 2025 edition of this set, called the QN90F. The new model offers very similar performance, but it uses an anti-glare matte screen rather than a glossy one. This type of filter is much better at reducing reflections, but it elevates black levels in a bright room. If you struggle with glare, the QN90F’s matte screen could be helpful, but it costs considerably more.

All things considered, the glossy QN90D remains the best 50-inch TV for high-end QLED performance.

Check out our guide to all of the best Samsung TVs.

Best budget

The Amazon Omni QLED replaces my previous pick in this category, the Hisense U6HF, as my recommendation for the best 50-inch TV on a budget. The U6HF is still a great TV in this class, but the 50-inch size is no longer available. As a result, the Omni QLED is a good alternative with similar performance.

The TV uses a QLED panel to offer a wide color gamut and a decent peak brightness of about 500 nits. That’s dimmer than I generally recommend for larger TVs, but solid for this size and class. The Omni QLED also has local dimming to improve its contrast, enabling the panel to brighten and darken specific areas across its screen.

But unlike pricier QLED TVs, this model uses regular-sized LEDs instead of Mini LEDs in its backlight. This means it has fewer zones to work with, which makes black levels less uniformly deep. Our reviewer also noticed some delayed dimming that caused some pops in brightness levels here and there.

Still, few 50-inch TVs can achieve this level of image quality at this price. Most competing budget models lack local dimming entirely, and many have a narrower range of colors.

That said, the Omni QLED isn’t immune to other common drawbacks of TVs in this class. Namely, it has limited viewing angles, so contrast and colors distort at an angle. It’s also limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, so you can’t unlock 120Hz support on a gaming console or PC.

The Omni QLED uses Amazon’s Fire TV operating system and comes with an Alexa voice remote. It also supports hands-free digital assistant functions like an Echo speaker, which is a nice perk to have in such a budget-friendly set.

Read our Amazon Omni QLED TV review.

Check out our guides to the best budget TVs, best TVs under $500, and best Amazon Fire TVs.

Best entry-level option

If you’re shopping for a 50-inch TV but don’t want to spend too much, the TCL S5 is an excellent entry-level option. This set only offers basic image quality, but it’s often sold for under $250, making it a good buy for people who want an inexpensive display for a smaller space.

Unlike the pricier picks in this guide, the S5 uses a standard LED panel without local dimming. As a result, its brightness and contrast capabilities are limited. Dark scenes will look more washed out when watching TV with the lights off, and though it supports HDR playback with solid color performance, it can’t control its light output precisely enough to really show off the perks of high-dynamic-range content on streaming services and 4K Blu-ray discs.

But for casual TV watching, the S5 does the job just fine. It’s even available in both Fire TV and Google TV models, so you can choose the system you prefer. The Fire TV option comes with an Alexa voice remote, while the Google TV model comes with a Google Assistant voice remote.

Home theater fans and gamers are better off spending more to get one of my other recommendations, but the S5 is the best 50-inch TV for people who just want a cheap smart TV without any step-up image quality features.

Best midrange for gaming

Vizio’s MQX is designed with gaming in mind. This midrange QLED is one of the most affordable 50-inch 4K TVs with a 120Hz refresh rate. It can even support up to 240Hz if you game in 1080p on a computer. 

This enables a smooth experience when you play games with frame rates higher than 60 frames per second on a PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2, or PC. The TV also uses a QLED panel with wide color support and local dimming to help control contrast and black levels.

However, the display only uses 16 dimming zones, which is low and can cause more noticeable blooming (halos around bright objects) than you’d see on QLEDs with more zones or on OLED TVs with pixel-level contrast. At a peak of around 400 to 500 nits, the MQX’s brightness is decent for a TV in this class but a bit under the minimum of 600 nits that I recommend for entry-level high dynamic range performance.

If gaming isn’t a priority, I give an edge to the 50-inch Amazon Omni QLED instead since it offers better contrast. However, the Omni QLED only has a 60Hz refresh rate, so the MQX has a clear edge with consoles and PCs. Both TVs have subpar viewing angles, so neither has an advantage there.

How we pick 50-inch TVs

To choose the best 50-inch TVs, our team of reviewers uses a combination of testing and research bolstered by more than a decade’s worth of experience covering the home entertainment product industry.  

When we test TVs, we usually evaluate 65-inch models since most brands consider that size their flagship. However, if a specific TV model is offered in multiple sizes, that model’s overall performance usually remains similar across the board. For example, a 48-inch LG C4 OLED and a 65-inch C4 OLED have the same basic specs and features. The only major differences are the sizes of their screens and their peak brightness. 

However, it’s important to note that the best 50-inch TVs with local dimming, like the Amazon Omni QLED, Samsung QN90D, and Vizio QMX, use fewer dimming zones in smaller sizes versus larger ones. This can result in differences in contrast performance when comparing a 50-inch model to another size. Sometimes, there are bigger variations in features and design across sizes, so we note those instances when they pop up.  

When evaluating 50-inch TVs, we test parameters like clarity/sharpness, contrast, peak HDR brightness, color gamut, off-angle viewing, refresh rate, smart TV interface speed, and general value for the money. We use a colorimeter to assess brightness when we review TVs and use test patterns on the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to check other objective image elements. 

We also watch plenty of real-world content on every TV we test to get a feel for what it’s like to use each display daily. We play key scenes from movies and TV shows to examine local dimming, HDR performance, upscaling, and more. Sources include Blu-ray discs, streaming services, and live TV at various resolutions, from standard definition to 4K. Testing is conducted in bright and dark rooms to see how a TV performs in different conditions. 

For more info on our testing process, visit our breakdown of how we review tech products.

50-inch TV FAQs

Is 50 inches a good size for a TV?

The best 50-inch TVs are perfect for buyers who need a compact display that fits in a smaller room and on a smaller TV stand. However, the selection of midrange and high-end TVs offered in this size is limited compared to what you’d find when shopping for a larger display.

For instance, many of the best OLED TVs are only available in 55, 65, and 77 inches. Likewise, several of our favorite QLED TVs from brands like Hisense, TCL, and Roku, like the QM7 and Roku Pro Series, are not sold in a 50-inch size. 

That said, there are a few exceptions, like our top pick in this guide, the LG C4, one of the few OLED TVs made in smaller sizes. But generally speaking, most 50-inch TVs are built with entry-level and lower-midrange performance in mind. 

If you want a larger selection of mid-tier and premium display models to choose from, check out our guides focusing on larger TVs:

How much should a 50-inch TV cost?

The best 50-inch TVs cost between $200 and $1,600, depending on the type of display you buy. 

Entry-level LED models from value-friendly brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio cost around $200 to $250. These options are good for casual viewing but often lack advanced features like quantum dots and local dimming. Lower-midrange QLED sets range from $300 to $550, and these options will deliver better color, higher contrast, and brighter panels. However, many of our favorite upper-midrange QLED models are not sold in 50 inches.    

Likewise, high-end 50-inch TVs are hard to come by, but you can find a couple of OLED models, like the LG C4, and top-tier QLED models, like Samsung’s QN90 series, in this size for around $800 to $1,500.

Many 50-inch TVs go on sale throughout the year, but we see the biggest savings during events like Prime Day and Black Friday and around sports championships like the Super Bowl and March Madness.

Is 4K worth it on a 50-inch TV?

Though the benefits of 4K resolution are best appreciated on larger TV sets, 50 inches is still big enough to make 4K worthwhile, especially if you plan to sit close to your display. 

However, the debate about whether 4K is worth it on a TV this size has become a moot point since major brands no longer sell 50-inch HDTVs. Most HDTV models are now restricted to 43 inches and under. If you’re buying a 50-inch or larger TV in 2025, 4K is the standard.

For more 4K display recommendations in multiple sizes, check out our guide to the best 4K TVs.

Should you get a soundbar for a 50-inch TV?

Many TVs, especially those in smaller sizes like 50 inches, offer mediocre sound quality. To keep costs down and fit speakers inside compact displays, manufacturers use small drivers that limit the range, depth, and clarity of a TV’s built-in audio. To get the best sound quality, we recommend buying a separate soundbar to pair with a 50-inch TV.

Check out our soundbar and speaker guides to see our top recommendations:

Learn more about immersive surround sound in our Dolby Atmos explainer.

Do you need HDMI 2.1 on a 50-inch TV?

Many of the best TVs include HDMI 2.1 ports, but this feature isn’t as common on smaller sizes. However, several of our best 50-inch TV picks — the LG C4, Samsung QN90D, and Vizio MQX — do include HDMI 2.1 support, which is useful for gaming enthusiasts. 

HDMI 2.1 connections can transmit signals at 4K/120Hz, along with variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) when paired with a compatible gaming device, like a PS5 or PC. These features provide a smooth gaming experience with fast motion, minimal lag, and reduced screen tearing. 

To enable HDMI 2.1 features, all of your home entertainment components must have HDMI 2.1 ports. So if you’re hooking up a PS5 to a soundbar connected to your TV, all three devices must support HDMI 2.1. You also need to use ultra-high-speed HDMI cables rated for 48Gbps to pair everything together. Visit our guide to the best HDMI cables for recommendations and more details.