The best 50-inch TVs of 2024: Expert recommended

4 months ago 28

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When you're investing in a new TV, the top three factors you should consider are picture quality, screen size, and color contrast. Depending on your space, you may choose a 50-inch, a 55-inch, a 65-inch, a 75-inch (or perhaps an even larger) TV to view your favorite shows, movies, and games. If you're looking for a 50-inch TV to fit your apartment or bedroom, these TVs offer a beautiful picture for a decent price point compared to larger sizes.

As a gamer who loves a good Netflix show, I care about the quality of my TV. And with the Summer Olympics around the corner, now is a great time to pick up a new 50-inch display with improved specs to catch every detail. I rounded up the best 50-inch TVs that I would personally purchase and use in my own home, based on our staff's hands-on testing and research.

Also: The best TVs of 2024: Expert tested

What is the best 50-inch TV right now?

My pick for the best 50-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D for its updated Neo QLED panel, Dolby Atmos support and object tracking sound, dedicated gaming hub with access to cloud gaming services, and base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be pushed to 144Hz for PC and console gaming. Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung QN90D as well as our other top picks for the best 50-inch TV.

The best 50-inch TVs of 2024

Pros

Up to 144Hz refresh rate AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound Lots of connectivity options

Cons

A bit pricey No Nvidia G-Sync support No Dolby Vision support

The Samsung QN90D is one of the newest additions to the brand's lineup, offering plenty of reasons to upgrade. Along with 4K resolution, you'll get a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be boosted to 144Hz for PC or console gaming as well as UHD streaming. It also offers virtual 3D surround sound with support for Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound Lite technology for a more immersive experience.

You can set up a virtual assistant via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, or Hey Google for hands-free controls over your new TV. And console gamers can take advantage of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin your game. It also supports Samsung's Multi View feature, which lets you watch up to 2 additional video sources simultaneously with your game, movie, or show; which is great for fantasy sports leagues, game walkthroughs, and catching up with the news while streaming music or following along with a workout.

Samsung QN90D tech specs: Panel type: Neo QLED | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite | Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical

Pros

Under $500 Updated QLED panel Dolby Vision IQ support

Cons

No Dolby Atmos support No VRR support Only 60Hz refresh rate

The Amazon Fire TV Omni is one of the brand's newer additions to their lineup, offering an updated QLED panel over the previous models as well as support for Dolby Vision IQ. It's also one of the more affordable 50-inch TVs on the market, retailing under $500, making it a great choice as a budget-friendly main screen or second TV in your bedroom or basement.

Read the review: Amazon Fire TV Omni Series QLED review

I was able to go hands-on with the Fire TV Omni QLED, and was pleasantly surprised at the picture and sound quality you get from such an affordable TV. And it seems tailor-made for streaming, using the Fire TV platform to not only give you access to Amazon's Prime Video library, but a host of popular streaming apps. It also supports AirPlay for sharing media from your iOS device as well as Alexa and Hey Google for hands-free voice controls. Verified customer reviews from Amazon agree that the picture quality is excellent for the price, though your mileage may vary with the integrated Alexa and Amazon-exclusive features.

Pros

Excellent picture quality and sound 9.1.2CH virtual upmix HDMI ARC support Apple HomeKit support

Cons

No optical input for audio Not Wi-Fi 6E compatible Expensive

Sony is no longer the only name in the game when it comes to small-screen OLED TVs. The LG C4 is the latest OLED from the brand, and it offers some pretty compelling reasons to upgrade. Not only will you get signature OLED picture quality, you'll also get some pretty impressive audio with a virtual 9.1.2CH upmix and Dolby Atmos support for creating virtual 3D surround sound. You can also set up custom audio equipment via Bluetooth or HDMI ARC input. And with support for Alexa, Hey Google, and Apple HomeKit, you'll get hands-free voice controls over your TV and downloaded apps.

Verified customer reviews from both Amazon and LG's official store site highlight how the smaller screen makes it a great option for bedrooms or even as a high-quality monitor for use with a gaming PC.

Pros

Updated Neo QLED panel Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound+ Cloud gaming support Voice controls

Cons

No Dolby Vision support No Freesync or G-Sync support

If you're willing to spend big bucks to get the best 50-inch TV possible, the Samsung QN90C is a great choice. It features an updated Neo QLED panel to provide better colors and detailing over previous iterations as well as support for both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound for room-filling audio that follows the on-screen action. It also has voice controls via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, or Google Assistant for hands-free use of your new TV, apps, and connected devices.

Review: This is the Samsung QLED TV most people should buy

ZDNET's own Artie Beaty tested and reviewed the Samsung QN90C. He praised the TV for its dedicated gaming mode, which allows you to monitor input response times, refresh rates, and picture mode selections while also working with the 120Hz refresh rate to provide smoother action during intense gameplay or fast movie and TV show scenes.

Samsung QN90C tech specs: Panel type: Neo QLED | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical

Pros

Great picture and sound Object tracking sound Up to 144Hz refresh rate Dolby Atmos

Cons

No Dolby Vision support No HomeKit support

The Samsung Q60D is a great 50-inch TV option for anyone who has cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming. The updated QLED panel is Pantone Validated for color accuracy, which means you'll get impressive picture quality without having to spend a fortune on a high-end OLED model. It also has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be bumped up to 144Hz for smoother motion during fast-paced action scenes in movies, shows, and video games.

With support for both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's object tracking sound technology, you'll get virtual 3D surround sound for a more immersive experience without the need for extra speakers or sound bars. Verified reviews from Amazon and Samsung's official store both call out the picture quality as well as the 4 HDMI inputs for connecting multiple playback devices, game consoles, or speakers.

Samsung QN60D tech specs: Panel type: QLED | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite | Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF

My choice for the best 50-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D. It's been built with an AI-assisted processor for better upscaling of non-4K content as well as enhanced detailing. It has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be bumped up to 144Hz for gaming or smoother motion during fast-paced movies and shows. And with both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound, you'll get virtual surround sound and a more immersive experience without the need to set up a complicated home audio system.

Best 50-inch TV	Best price	HDR	Audio
Samsung QN90D	$1300	Neo Quantum HDR+	Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED	$530	Dolby Vision IQ	Dolby Digital Plus
LG C4	$1250	Dolby Vision	Dolby Atmos, a9 AI Sound Pro
Samsung QN90C	$1200	Neo Quantum HDR+	Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+
Samsung Q60D	$600	HDR10+	Object Tracking Sound Lite

*Lowest price at time of writing. Please note that retail price may vary depending on retailer and available deals, sales, and discounts.

Once you've nailed down a budget, think about where you want your 50-inch TV to be and how you'll use it. If you want to upgrade the main TV in your living room or home theater, you'll want to spring for a model that offers plenty of connectivity for playback devices as well as great picture and sound quality for family movie nights or watch parties with friends.

If you're looking for a secondary screen for your bedroom or gaming space, you'll want something a bit more budget-friendly since it may not be used as often.

Buy this best 50-inch TV...	If you need...
Samsung QN90D	A well-rounded 50-inch TV. The QN90D offers Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound along with up to a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and immersive audio.
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED	A budget 50-inch TV. The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED retails under $500, making it a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
LG C4	A 50-inch OLED TV. The LG C4 measures 48-inches, but still offers you signature OLED picture quality and enhanced audio for a decent price.
Samsung QN90C	A 50-inch TV for gaming. The Samsung QN90C has a dedicated game mode that supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology.
Samsung Q60D	A 50-inch TV for streaming. The Q60D has a Pantone-validated screen for color accuracy to give you more lifelike images and enhanced picture quality.

When shopping for a new 50-inch TV, whether as your main screen or a second option in your bedroom or kids' playroom, there are a few basic criteria to keep in mind:

Price: No two shoppers are going to have the same budget for a new or upgraded TV. I've done my best to include 50-inch TVs at various price points to fit a wide range of budgets.Picture and sound quality: Having a smaller TV doesn't mean you have to skip out on great picture and sound. Each television that has been featured on this list has been confirmed to have support for HDR codecs like Dolby Vision or HDR10+ as well as enhanced audio like Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, or DTS:X.Connectivity: A TV isn't just something to watch movies and shows on anymore. People expect their TVs to be able to access and download apps, browse the web, play music, share photos, and even make or receive video calls. Each 50-inch TV on this list has been confirmed to have a suite of preloaded apps, multiple HDMI and USB ports for playback devices and game consoles, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, and built-in voice controls.

While researching and testing the 50-inch TVs featured in this list, I and other ZDNET writers kept these criteria in mind:

Brand integrity: Each TV that is featured on this list was chosen from a reputable brand with verified customer service options for returns, exchanges, and troubleshooting. They are also ensured to have a manufacturer warranty to cover faulty TVs or units damaged during shipping.Smart features: As smart home networks become more and more mainstream, customers have come to expect certain smart features to come standard in their new TVs. Each model on this list was ensured to support virtual assistants as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and popular streaming apps.Reasons to upgrade: While many brands release updated TVs on an almost-yearly basis, they may not always give you enough new features to be worth spending the money on a new screen. Each model we chose features updated panels, brighter pictures, AI-assisted processors, and even integrated security chips for enhanced online privacy.

Spending hard-earned cash on a TV can mean spending hundreds or even thousands. There's good and bad news on these 50-inch picks.

The good news is that these days there are so many options to choose from. The bad news is that we can't tell you the best amount to spend on a TV because everyone's needs and budgets vary. Generally, our picks on this list range from $290 to $1,200.

Ideally, your TV stand should elevate your television at least two feet above the floor. Additionally, you will likely want a stand that is 3-5 inches wider than your TV. Most TVs have feet instead of a central stand now, so unless you plan to mount your TV on the wall, a wide stand is necessary.