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David Katzmaier
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David Katzmaier Editorial Director — Private Tech
David opinions TVs and leads the Private Tech workforce at CNET, masking cell, software program, computing, streaming and residential leisure. We offer useful, professional opinions, recommendation and movies on what gadget or service to purchase and the best way to get probably the most out of it.
Experience A 20-year CNET veteran, David has been reviewing TVs for the reason that days of CRT, rear-projection and plasma. Previous to CNET he labored at Sound & Imaginative and prescient journal and eTown.com. He’s identified to 2 folks on Twitter because the Cormac McCarthy of shopper electronics. Credentials Though nonetheless awaiting his Oscar for Finest Image Reviewer, David does maintain certifications from the Imaging Science Basis and the Nationwide Institutes of Requirements and Know-how on show calibration and analysis.
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$748 at Amazon
Finest mid-priced 55-inch TV with modern design
Samsung Q60B
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$298 at Walmart
Finest finances 55-inch TV for image high quality
Vizio V-Sequence
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There is a little bit of an artwork to choosing the proper TV. You may desire a display that is sufficiently big to see clearly, however not so massive that it may find yourself overwhelming the area. A 55-inch display tends to be the candy spot for smaller rooms, so that can assist you discover the perfect mannequin in your bed room or dorm, we have rounded up the perfect 55-inch TVs of 2023 beneath.
Most trendy 55-inch televisions include loads of options and are good TVs, so you possibly can take pleasure in streaming your favourite reveals and movies on Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Netflix, Disney Plus and extra. And better-end examples provide all of the bells and whistles we have come to anticipate, together with full-array native dimming, OLED screens, 120Hz refresh charge, 4K UHD decision, excessive dynamic vary, a plethora of HDMI ports and even high-end gaming options — together with variable refresh charge — to go together with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Sequence X. The record beneath represents our favourite 55-inch TVs proper now.
At CNET, I overview TVs facet by facet in a state-of-the-art testing lab, taking a whole bunch of measurements with specialised tools, evaluating gaming, dwelling theater and bright-room picture high quality. My 20 years expertise as a TV reviewer helps me decide not simply the perfect 55-inch TV general but in addition the perfect 55-inch TV in your worth vary.
What’s the finest 55-inch TV proper now?
The TCL 6-Sequence Roku TV sits on the prime of our record of finest TVs for a variety of causes. It provides very good image high quality, an reasonably priced worth and Roku, the perfect good TV system. It additionally contains gaming options like 4K/120Hz enter and variable refresh charge that may get probably the most out of consoles just like the PS5 and Xbox Sequence X. When pals ask me what TV to purchase from 55 to 85 inches, and cash continues to be an object, I inform them to get the TCL 6-Sequence.
There are many different glorious selections on the market, nonetheless, so though the 6-Sequence is my present favourite for most individuals, it won’t be proper in your preferences or finances.
Learn extra: Do This to Your TV Now: 9 Essential Settings to Enhance the Image
Finest 55-inch TVs in 2023
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For the final 5 years, the TCL 6-Sequence has been our favourite TV for the cash, and the most recent model — also called the R655 collection — is not any exception. This TV has a wonderful picture because of mini-LED tech and well-implemented full-array native dimming that helps it run circles round nearly every other TV at this worth. It improves upon the earlier R635 collection with improved gaming extras and a brand new center-mount stand that you could elevate to make room for a soundbar. And eventually, the Roku TV working system is our hands-down favourite.
Professionals:
Comparatively affordableExcellent general picture qualityRoku good TV is easy, capableImproved design with central stand
Cons:
Some competing mini-LED TVs can get brighter
Word that along with the R635, which this TV replaces, different variations of the 6-Sequence have been launched in 2021 and stay on sale. The R646 collection makes use of the Google TV working system, however in any other case has related specs to the R655 fashions reviewed right here. The R648 collection has 8K decision and is considerably costlier.
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The C2 delivers superior image high quality at a worth that is admittedly excessive, however not ridiculous. It beats any non-OLED TV on this record with its excellent black ranges, unbeatable distinction and very good off-angle viewing. It additionally has glorious gaming options, making it an awesome companion to an Xbox Sequence X or S, PlayStation 5 or each. The C2 is available in a wide range of sizes as nicely, although the larger fashions are costly.
The C2 can be one of many lightest TVs we have ever reviewed, because of its carbon-fiber development. The 55-inch model weighs simply 35 kilos with its stand, in comparison with 51 kilos for the 55-inch C1 from 2021.
Professionals:
Higher image high quality than any non-OLED TVSuperior distinction and off-angle imageBest-in-class gaming featuresSleek styling with ultralight, skinny panel
Cons:
ExpensiveNo main image high quality enhancements over the C1 from 2021
The C1 was additionally a wonderful TV that delivered related picture high quality and options to the C2. We have additionally reviewed the 2023 model, the LG C3, however we suggest the C2 as a substitute proper now. Going with final 12 months’s LG OLED saves you a number of hundred bucks and the 2 TVs have been principally indistinguishable in options, design and picture high quality in my checks. The C2 will promote out over the summer time and heading into the TV shopping for season this fall, whereas the C3 will drop in worth, however if you would like a high-end TV proper now, seize a C2.
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In search of a high-end TV with spectacular picture high quality, however don’t desire an OLED? The Samsung QN90B is your finest guess. This TV makes use of QLED TV tech augmented by mini-LED for a brighter picture than any OLED TV. The spectacular distinction of OLED nonetheless gained out in our side-by-side checks, however the QN90B QLED display comes nearer than ever.
Professionals:
Finest non-OLED image high quality we have ever testedIncredible brightness with minimal bloomingStylish design, filled with options
Cons:
ExpensiveSlightly worse distinction, off-angle and uniformity than OLED
Samsung produces a variety of QLED TVs, however the QN90B is among the many highest-end, apart from variations with 8K decision. This can be a 2022 mannequin, however the 2023 model, the QN90C, appears very related by way of options and whereas we’ve not reviewed it, we anticipate it to ship related picture high quality. It is also considerably costlier.
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The Samsung QN90B QLED TV is likely one of the firm’s higher-end televisions for 2022.
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The image high quality of the TCL 4-Sequence Roku TV was a step behind the Vizio V-Sequence (see beneath) in our finances TV check, however the variations between the 2 are slight sufficient that you simply’d actually must have them arrange facet by facet to note something in any respect. The 4-Sequence lacks the Dolby Imaginative and prescient, Bluetooth connectivity and AMD FreeSync with a variable refresh charge, all of which the Vizio provides.
Professionals:
AffordableExcellent good TV system
Cons:
Picture high quality and options lag some entry-level TVs
The 4-Sequence’ benefit over the Vizio is that it comes with the wonderful Roku Good TV system in-built. That makes it an awesome alternative for these searching for a one-stop good TV resolution, with out having so as to add an exterior streaming system.
Word that TCL has been promoting the 4-Sequence for the previous couple of years with little to no change in picture high quality or options in our checks, though it has lately added some bigger display sizes, together with an 85-inch choice.
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Amongst midpriced fashions we preferred the TCL 6-Sequence just a bit higher in our side-by-side comparability, however this Hisense is a powerful contender. Its glorious picture high quality is anchored by best-in-class brightness that improves its bright-room image high quality and makes HDR TV films, reveals and video games actually pop. It is really brighter than the TCL with higher distinction, however the TCL’s barely extra correct picture gave it the sting general. The Hisense makes use of Google TV as a substitute of Roku, and in contrast to the TCL, the U8H contains an ATSC 3.0 tuner. Frankly, you possibly can’t go fallacious with both one.
Professionals:
Comparatively affordableExcellent general picture qualityBest-in-class shiny room pictureCapable Google TV system
Cons:
Barely much less refined picture than some rivals”Theater” image modes have interaction movement smoothing by default
This can be a 2022 mannequin, however the 2023 model, the U8K collection, appears largely related apart from the addition of a 75-inch choice. We have not reviewed it but. It is at present a few hundred {dollars} costlier than the U8H.
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Samsung is the model that sells extra TVs than anybody, and one in every of its hottest is the Q60 collection. Its modern QLED display design stands out in contrast with the opposite TVs on this record — though the ultrathin OLED fashions are sleeker — and it provides higher options, picture high quality and extra sizes than fashions just like the TCL 4-Sequence and Sony X80K. The TVs listed on this article are all superior values, however if you would like a Samsung TV and may’t afford the QN90B, this can be a nice alternative.
Professionals:
Glossy design and glorious remoteBright picture with stable contrastInformative standing display for gaming
Cons:
Costlier than competing TVs with higher image qualityCluttered good TV menus
This can be a 2022 mannequin, however the 2023 model, the Q60C, appears largely related by way of options, design and worth. We have not reviewed it but, however we anticipate it to have related picture high quality.
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Competitors amongst TVs within the center pricing band is heating up and the Plus Sequence is the most recent entrant in 2023. It provides a few step-up extras, together with QLED and full-array native dimming, which assist ship a greater image than the TCL 4-Sequence, for instance. It isn’t as spectacular because the Vizio MQX, although, because it lacks 120Hz for gaming and worse image high quality general. When you worth these extras, the Vizio is price saving for, but when not the Roku Plus Sequence is an excellent worth.
Professionals:
AffordableGood image high quality because of native dimmingGreat good TV system
Cons:
Lacks 120Hz refresh charge and different gaming extrasNot as shiny as some equally priced TVs
That is the primary TV Roku has produced beneath its personal model, versus partnering with a model like TCL, Sharp, Pioneer or Hisense. The corporate additionally launched a model with fewer options and no native dimming, referred to as the Roku Choose Sequence.
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Once we in contrast the perfect finances TVs side-by-side, the image high quality of Vizio’s V-Sequence clearly emerged because the chief of the pack. The Vizio supplied probably the most balanced and correct image throughout our comparisons, and it comes with some helpful extras akin to Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth compatibility and variable refresh charge for doubtlessly smoother gaming. The largest draw back of the Vizio is its good TV platform, Vizio SmartCast. It is crowded, sluggish and affected by adverts for platforms akin to Tubi and Kidoodle TV. Even if you think about the price of including a brand new streaming system, nonetheless, the V-Sequence stays the perfect general entry-level TV that we examined.
Professionals:
Stable picture high quality for an entry-level TVLots of options, together with VRR and Wi-Fi 6E
Cons:
Poor built-in good TV system
Vizio hasn’t introduced a 2023 model of the V-Sequence but.
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Sony KD-X80K collection: Sony is a outstanding model and its higher-end TVs just like the X90J do nicely in opinions, however the entry-level TV in its 2022 lineup, the X80K, did not make the record. It prices across the similar because the TCL 6-Sequence and Samsung Q60 TVs, and had a worse image than each, with lighter black ranges and distinction. It is positively not a foul TV, and we preferred its Google good TV system, shade accuracy and connectivity, however you possibly can positively do higher for the cash. Learn our Sony KD-X80K collection overview.Amazon Fireplace TV 4-Sequence: One in every of many Fireplace TVs obtainable on the market, this one is typical of the breed: so-so picture high quality and a wise TV system that lags behind Roku and Google TV. When you’re a giant fan of Alexa voice or see this TV at a extremely low worth it is likely to be worthwhile, however in any other case go for the TCL 4-Sequence. Learn our greatest finances TVs roundup.
Our TV opinions observe a rigorous, unbiased analysis course of honed over practically twenty years of TV opinions. Our main TV check lab has specialised tools for measuring mild and shade, together with a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR sign generator and an AVPro Join 8×8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Shows CalMan Final software program to judge every TV we overview. In each CNET TV overview, three or extra related TVs are in contrast facet by facet in varied lighting circumstances enjoying totally different media, together with films, TV reveals and video games, throughout a wide range of check classes, from shade to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our opinions additionally account for design; options; good TV efficiency; HDMI enter and gaming compatibility; and different components.
One vital facet of picture high quality we check is general brightness. This is the way it compares in nits throughout choose TVs listed above.
Mild Output in Nits
TV Brightest mode (HDR)Correct mode (HDR)Brightest mode (SDR)Correct mode (SDR)Samsung QN65Q90B 3,3161,9812,625974Hisense U8H 1,8671,8671,6051,605TCL 65R655 1,3871,1941,292624Vizio M65QXM-K03 939742958608LG OLED65C2 812759413389Roku TV Plus (65-inch) 514455579404
Take a look at How We Check TVs for extra particulars.
With all of the TVs obtainable right now, and all of the technical phrases and jargon related to tv know-how, it may be robust to determine what’s vital. This is a fast information that can assist you minimize by the confusion.
Worth: TVs vary in worth from $100 to greater than $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known manufacturers are costlier and spending extra money can even get you higher picture high quality. Most entry-level TVs have a ok image for most individuals, however TVs final a very long time, so it is likely to be price spending extra to get a greater image. It is also finest to buy a TV within the fall, when costs are decrease.
Display screen dimension: Greater is healthier in our ebook. We suggest a dimension of not less than 43 inches for a bed room TV and not less than 55 inches for a front room or principal TV — and 65 inches or bigger is finest. Greater than every other “characteristic,” stepping up in TV display dimension is the perfect use of your cash. One of the crucial widespread post-TV-purchase complaints we have heard is from individuals who did not go sufficiently big. And we virtually by no means hear folks complain that their TV is just too massive.
Functionality: Amongst entry-level TVs crucial characteristic is what sort of good TV system the TV makes use of. Amongst midrange fashions, search for a characteristic together with full-array native dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh charge, which (not like another extras) do assist enhance the image, in our expertise. And amongst high-end TVs, OLED know-how is your finest guess.
For extra TV shopping for recommendation take a look at The best way to Purchase a TV.
Is a 55-inch TV sufficiently big?
It is dependent upon your room dimension, seating distance and private style. For the standard master suite or smaller front room, a 55-inch TV is okay, however for larger rooms, we suggest a bigger TV, say a 65- and even 75-inch mannequin, in case you can afford it. When you sit nearer to the display, you do not want as massive a TV for the perfect expertise. For optimum theatrical affect, in response to THX and SMPTE, you need to be between 5.5 and seven ft from a 55-inch display, which is comparatively shut. Practically each 55-inch TV has 4K decision, and if in case you have 20/20 imaginative and prescient you possibly can sit as shut as about 4 ft and nonetheless not discern particular person pixels.
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How broad is a 55-inch TV?
Most 55-inch TVs measure between 48 and 49 inches broad. As a result of the frames round newer TV screens are usually fairly slender, 55-inch TV widths do not differ a lot. Fashions with very slim frames are on the decrease finish — the 55-inch LG C2 measures 48.1 inches broad for instance, whereas the marginally thicker-framed 55-inch TCL 4-Sequence is 48.7 inches broad. When you’re not planning to wall-mount the TV, you usually need the piece of furnishings supporting the TV to measure not less than as broad because the TV itself, and ideally a number of inches wider. Check with the producer’s web site for precise dimensions of a selected 55-inch TV.
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How a lot does a 55-inch TV weigh?
A 55-inch TV weighs between 25 and 50 kilos with its stand, however this varies considerably relying on the kind of TV. The TCL 4-Sequence 55-inch TV weighs 24.9 kilos with stand, for instance, whereas the LG C2 weighs 35.3 kilos with stand. Eradicating the stand — which regularly consists of a pair of little legs beneath the panel — lets you wall-mount the TV and reduces its weight barely (stands weigh between 1 and eight kilos). Transport weight (field, equipment, and many others.) of 55-inch TVs ranges from 35 to 63 kilos. Check with the producer’s web site for precise weights of a selected 55-inch TV.
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