I write about this stuff for a living and I’m telling you that most people (I’m talking a good 90 percent) can’t notice the difference between a $500 TV and a $1,500 TV—or they would have to see them perfectly side-by-side to even have a chance at noticing. As long as they both do 4K, let you stream apps and connect consoles, and don’t sound like a tin can, it will be a big upgrade for anyone who hasn’t bought a new TV in five to ten years. These days, when it comes to budget-friendly TVs we turn to two brands, TCL and Hisense.
If you're not prioritizing minimalism with an art TV or a fancy laser projector, the question then becomes which TV is the one that will give the most bang for your buck. You'll want something with great picture, vivid colors and dark blacks, and a high refresh rate for games, regardless of whether the word "game" means Sunday Night Football or Grand Theft Auto 6. And of course, access to all your streaming apps like Netflix or Apple TV (where all the good shows are actually at) is a must these days.
Both TCL and Hisense are making new TVs to this exact spec, but you only have room in your life for one, don't you? Both these offerings are 55-inch smart Fire TVs with built-in subwoofers. In terms of size, 55 inches is the sweet spot; it won't overpower small-apartment living rooms, but can travel with you when you upgrade to a real home.
The first contender is from TCL. It is a modern 144Hz 4K TV with impressive contrast, low lag settings for gaming, and a 2.1 surround sound speaker built in. It has access to all the streaming apps you need and has enough HDMI ports for both your PS5 Pro and your Switch 2, as well as a dedicated E-ARC for your soundbar.
And with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, it's equipped with all the latest to turn your movie nights into an excuse to show off your home theater. The 55-inch model retails for $550, but is frequently sold for less than $500. Compared to other TVs at its price point, the QM64L excels at showing contrast, light and shadow, and a distinction between deep darks that other TVs at this budget just can't make.
I'm really glad TCL didn't save this feature for its high-end offerings, because it's one of the things setting this TV apart. It's also got impressive automated settings for gaming mode, and the refresh rate allows for super high frame rates up to 144 fps. Since pretty much all console games tap out at 120, this is the best you can get without overpaying.
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