4K TVs Under $500: A Buyer’s Guide

Today, the 4K TV market has diversified to an extent where top-notch 4K TVs are no longer restricted to the exorbitant price range. If you have $500 or less in your pocket, you can still land a great deal on a UHD TV set that promises not just good visuals but also decent longevity. Here’s a guide to help you pick out the best 4K TV under $500:

1. Hisense 55-inch U6K ULED

Price: $448 on Amazon

Highlights:

  • Picture Quality: Exceptional brightness up to 600 nits thanks to Mini-LED backlighting.
  • Features: Quantum dots, Filmmaker Mode, and support for Dolby Vision, HDR10/HDR10+, and HLG.
  • Sound: Dolby Atmos support, however, built-in sound is average.
  • OS: Google TV with integrated Google Assistant and Chromecast.

Shortcomings: Limited to 60Hz refresh rate, no HDMI 2.1 inputs.

2. Roku 55-inch Class Plus Series QLED

Price: $500 at Best Buy

Highlights:

  • Picture Quality: Superior brightness and impressive HDR support.
  • Features: Brilliant Roku smart TV platform with vast content access.
  • Remote: Roku’s Voice Remote Pro with lost remote finder.

Shortcomings: 60Hz refresh rate, off-angle performance, and motion blur.

3. LG 50-Inch UK9000

Price: $430 at Best Buy

Highlights:

  • Picture Quality: Powered by the a5 Gen 5 AI processor for top-notch 4K visuals.
  • Features: Compatible with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Uses LG’s WebOS platform.
  • Sound: Dolby Digital support for up to five channels.

Shortcomings: No Dolby Atmos support and comes with aggressive WebOS advertisements.

4. TCL 55-inch Q6 QLED

Price: $448 on Amazon

Highlights:

  • Picture Quality: Bright visuals complemented by vivid colors.
  • Gaming Features: AMD Freesync, VRR support upping the frame rate to 120Hz.
  • OS: Google TV with vast streaming options.

Shortcomings: Direct LED lighting instead of full-array and only a 60Hz native refresh rate.

5. Toshiba 55-inch C350 Fire TV

Price: $200 on Amazon

Highlights:

  • Picture Quality: Toshiba’s Regza Engine 4K and support for Dolby Vision and HDR10.
  • OS: Fire TV with built-in Alexa support.
  • Sound: Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual: X surround sound formats.

Shortcomings: Capped at 60Hz refresh rate.

FAQs

  1. Are 4K TVs under $500 good? Yes, but always select well-reviewed brands.
  2. What size 4K TV can I afford for $500? Typically, around 60 inches or less.
  3. Can I buy a 4K TV with HDR for under $500? Yes, but HDR performance may not match premium TVs.
  4. OLED TV for under $500? Currently, no. OLED TVs are still premium priced.
  5. Are these TVs good for gaming? Depends on the TV, but look for minimal lag and gaming modes.
  6. Can I connect these TVs to a PC? Yes, if your PC has an HDMI output or with suitable adapters.

In conclusion, while pricier TVs might offer some additional features or slightly superior performance, the fact remains that even at a $500 budget, you can secure a TV that offers fantastic value for the price. Always check for the latest reviews and user feedback before making a purchase.