Some of the best 50-inch smart TVs improve your viewing experience in ways that couldn’t have been predicted a few years ago. Upgrading to one of the best TVs that also supports 4K resolution is a real game-changer, whether you're a sports fan or gamer, movie watcher or streaming binger. But, did you know most TV shows, movies, games and streaming services are optimized for larger screen sizes?
For movie fans, choosing a 50-inch TV ensures that you can enjoy the latest content just as the director intended. Plus, for gamers, a large screen can provide a more engaging experience, particularly on one of the best TVs for gaming. The larger screen size makes games feel more immersive and visually impressive. Overall, larger cinematic screens have had a seismic effect on our living rooms and entertainment. But just how affordable are they, and which one is right for you?
Best 50-inch smart TVs of 2024 at a glance:
• Best overall: Samsung 50 Inch QN90 - View on Amazon
• Best budget: Hisense 50E7HQTUK QLED 4K TV - View on Amazon
• Best for immersion: Philips 50PUS8507 Ambilight TV - View on Amazon
• Best OLED: LG OLED evo C3 48" 4K Smart TV, 2023 - View on Amazon
So, if you're wondering whether you should take the plunge and opt for one of the best 50-inch smart TVs, you're not alone. With a marketplace flooded with options, some smart - others not so much, it can seem like a buyer's minefield. And what is a smart TV anyway? Thankfully, there's a handy buyer's guide, FAQs and some jargon explained at the end of the article to help.
Whatever you go for, you’ll love all that extra screen space. So, whether you're settling down with the family to Disney Plus, or gearing up to binge-watch Amazon Prime's Fallout, our experts have found the best 50-inch smart TVs to suit all budgets up next.
Best 50-inch smart TVs of 2024
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall 50-inch smart TV
On Sale
Samsungwww.currys.co.uk
Description
It's hard not to ramble on endlessly about how truly excited and astonishing Samsung's QN90C truly is, but we'll give it a go. The TV uses its stunning QLED panel to deliver 4K resolution with vibrant HDR colour depth. The ultra-thin design also throws out a peak brightness of around 2,000 nits. The result? Pound for pound, this is one of the best 4K smart television deals you'll find.
Alongside this vibrancy, is the excellent 144Hz refresh rate, bringing gaming to the ultimate level with ease. And let's not forget sound - the 60W audio output is capable of truly cinematic sound. If you've got the cash, few options could compete with just how brilliant the QN90C really is.
Pros
- Mind-blowing LaserSlim design will fit with all decor
- Cutting-edge QLED technology for the best possible picture quality, detail and contrast
- 144Hz gameplay on a screen like this is going to make your games as smooth as silk with lots of motion detail
Cons
- May need to add a soundbar for the best sound
Best budget 50-inch smart TV
Hisense Description
For a far more affordable option that still delivers great quality - Hisense's QLED 4K TV is one of the best choices of the year so far.
Solid technology, gorgeous ultra-thin bezels, and a fantastically bright screen - all for less than £500 is a terrific deal; As such it's definitely one of the best budget TVs we've seen. So, while there are some cutbacks here and there (the sound is middling) but the TV as a whole is certainly worth every penny. The main star of the show here is that gorgeous QLED screen. With 4K resolution and Dolby Vision with HDR for a wider colour palette, this TV is going to do your movies and games the justice they deserve.
Pros
- Gorgeous QLED picture for optimal contrast and depth
- Gaming optimisation gives you lower latency and more to keep you on top of your game
- Dolby Vision mean an enhanced visual experience for movies and games
Cons
- Some users prefer to add a soundbar for better audio
Best 50-inch smart TV for immersive viewing
AmazonDescription
The PHILIPS Ambilight PUS8508 is a powerful, smart, and affordable option for a great 4K set-up in your home. Utilising the PHILIPS P5 engine, the PUS8508 upscales images in real-time, giving you absolutely perfect image quality regardless of what you’re watching.
The Philips PUS8508 also has another valuable feature: Ambilight. This feature casts a glow from the rear of the screen, freeing your entertainment from the border, and creating an immersive viewing experience. The abundant image customisation options are also a real boon, offering ample fine-tunings to really perfect the visual performance.
The Android OS is a pleasure to use. However, setting the TV up can be a time-consuming process if you're not TV literate, it'll be worth having the manual to hand. The sound profile is a little uninspiring, but the available customisation options combat this to a certain degree.
Pros
- Has Ambilight for extra atmosphere and immersion
- Built-in Alexa for easy voice control and home automation access
- Beautiful design and solid Philips build
Cons
- Audio lacks volume - get a soundbar
Best Amazon Fire 50-inch TV
Discounted
AmazonDescription
The Amazon Fire TV 50-inch Omni QLED Series 4K is a state-of-the-art smart TV with stunning visuals and a user-friendly experience. The QLED display delivers brilliant colours, deep blacks, and exceptional clarity for a truly immersive viewing experience. With 4K resolution, viewers can enjoy their favourite movies, shows, and games with incredible detail. The TV also features adaptive brightness, adjusting the screen lighting to match the room's ambient conditions, enhancing comfort and visibility.
This smart TV integrates seamlessly with Amazon's Alexa, allowing users to control it using voice commands for a convenient, hands-free experience. From changing channels to searching for content or even controlling smart home devices, everything becomes more accessible. The TV supports various streaming services, ensuring a vast content library.
Pros
- QLED is quality
- Serious value for money
- Outstanding picture
Cons
- The software could be more polished
Best OLED 50-inch smart TV
Description
When it comes to 4K gaming televisions, there are few TVs that can truly compete with LG's C3 Evo OLED smart TV. With a response time of 1 ms (compared to a typical 5 ms on higher-end TVs), gaming with the C3 is immediately satisfying and crisp - thanks, in part, to the OLED α9 AI processor with AI Super Upscaling.
Despite even the best OLED TVs having issues with darker screens compared to their ultra-bright QLED counterparts, the C3 has one of the brightest OLED screens ever released, with a peak brightness of over 800 nits, a small boost from the previous C2.
Add to that, the gorgeous, ultra-thin screen, 120hz variable refresh rate, and incredible visual depth - what more could you want from a TV?
Pros
- The OLED panel with AI processor is great for image accuracy and fidelity
- Perfect for 4K gaming thanks to the best response times on the market
- Surprisingly good sound from internal speakers
Cons
- Some QLED TVs can be brighter
Best 50-inch smart TV under £400
On Offer
Description
If you're not planning on splashing tonnes of cash, the Toshiba UF3D TV is here for you, offering tonnes of entertainment and a 4K screen for well under £400. Plus, you get a screen that's just a little wider than 50 inches. Kitted out with everything you'll ever need to enjoy your favourite shows in an instant, Toshiba's best 55-inch television delivers great value in spades, and without any major drawbacks at that.
The HDR support here is very wide too, so you have all that extra colour range for better pictures, and Alexa is built in for hands-free voice control and more.
Pros
- The screen is a little larger than the standard 50-inches - great value
- High dynamic resolution support gives you over a billion colours and beautiful images
- Alexa for smart home voice assistant convenience
Cons
- The LED screen won't compete with higher-end TVs with OLED or QLED
Best budget QLED 50-inch smart TV
On Sale Now
Description
Big, bold and beautiful - Samsung's Q60C 4K smart TV is the pinnacle of the best QLED TV technology at the lowest price, to the point where we're left scratching our heads trying to figure out just how its price is remotely possible.
This 2023 model smart TV is rapid thanks to its huge processing power, enabling instant app access, so you'll never wait for your favourite shows to boot up again.
Paired with the ruthless dual-LED screen that puts competing displays at an equal price point to absolute shame, now you've got yourself a seriously killer home cinema setup for less than £1,000.
Pros
- Great value QLED TV with lots of picture processing enhancements
- Gorgeous vivid display thanks to Pantone validation and quantum dots
- Solid and immersive sound from the Object Tracking and Adaptive Sound features
Cons
- Weaker refresh rate than some other QLED TVs
Best Sony 50-inch smart TV
Offer on
Description
The BRAVIA X85 range is no stranger to What's The Best's lists. With this range, Sony has demonstrated the ability to pack highly desirable features into a TV, and for a reasonable price. The screen is sharp and produces arresting colours, with Dolby Vision and similar HDR and object-based visual tech working to add depth and contrast.
The Sony processor powering this TV is also adept at upscaling, so older non-UHD content still pops on the screen. All in all, this is one of the best Sony TVs delivered with typical precision and style.
Pros
- Gorgeous display - it;'s hard to beat Sony for sheer image quality
- Ambient light sensor means this will auto-adjust to the lighting in your room - great for bright room viewing
- Slim design for flush wall mounting
Cons
- Expensive for a non-QLED screen
Best affordable Samsung 50-inch TV
Description
A terrific ultra-HD television doesn't have to cost a fortune, even top-tier televisions such as the CU7100 can be yours for less than £500. This mighty TV from Samsung is less than £400 and is perfect for dazzling even the most scrutinising of cinema nerds.
Samsung's wonderful budget television provides absolutely solid visuals, enhanced by their patented Crystal Colour technology to give your favourite films a new-found awe. Yes, this isn't going to quite compete with QLED or OLED TV technology, but for most - this bargain is too good to pass up.
Pros
- Brilliant budget price - without losing all of the high-end Samsung tech
- Great 4K crystal processor for image quality
- Object tracking sound makes the audio seem like it's coming from the right place for maximum immersion
Cons
- Doesn't quite compete with QLED TV tech
Best mid-budget 50-inch smart TV for gaming
www.currys.co.uk
Description
The Hisense 55U7KQTUK 55-inch smart TV is a powerhouse of a television at this price - making it a real contender for the best mid-budget TV for gamers. And that's down to the blistering 120Hz refresh rate - making it the perfect television to pair with a next-generation console. 120hz gameplay is smooth, controlled and detailed. But it doesn't stop there - the Mini LED screen tech is a perfect balance of peak brightness, contrast levels and colour accuracy - ideal for gaming, even compared to OLEDs that can struggle in the brightness stakes. The Mini L\EDs here have local dimming zones too, to keep blacks inky and highlights popping.
Hisense's 55U7KQTUK is a fine example of just how brilliant modern mid-budget televisions can be. you really can have top-end features without shelling out on OLED or QLED models.
Pros
- 120Hz refresh rate is practically unheard of in a budget TV
- Visually breathtaking
- Excellent for gamers
Cons
- Lacking refinement of LG and Samsung TVs
Best high-end 50-inch smart TV
Description
If money is almost no object and you're looking for the very latest tech, this Sony BRAVIA XR XR-55A95L has you covered. Most noticeable is the panel itself - melding the best of both Quantum Dot and OLED technologies to bring even more vibrant, colour-accurate and detailed images than ever before. Once again, this is pushing the 50-inch envelope, as more and more brands ditch the 50-inch option, but here that just means more of that QD-OLED goodness. It's a 120Hz screen too, so ideal for gaming.
And the sound system really goes with that screen, as it has Acoustic Surface Audio+ - which literally uses the surface of the screen as a speaker. That adds a level of realism to dialogue and sound effects like we've never seen. Yes, being a high-end TV this isn't going to come cheap - but then it is a Sont sporting all the best high-tech enhancements you could wish for.
Pros
- Amazing picture technology has the best of both Quantum Dot and OLED panels
- Stunning built-in speaker tech makes the sound seem to come from the source - a brilliant for Dolby Atmos
- Slightly larger screen than 50 inches so more value all round
Cons
- Doesn't have Alexa or Bixby - surprising at this price point
Best 50-inch smart TVs of 2024: Buyer's guide
Smart TVs of all sizes will transform your viewing experience, but what size is right for you will depend on your living space. A 50-inch TV (wall-mounted or not) will look best from a distance of around 2.5 – 3.5 metres. Any closer and you risk the image looking pixelated, further away and you’ll miss the details. Don’t worry if this means you have to consider a more compact 32-inch TV or larger 65-inch screen option – we’ve rounded up the best of those for you elsewhere.
Choosing a 50-inch TV offers several benefits based on personal preferences and specific needs. Firstly, the screen size of a 50-inch TV is larger compared to smaller options, providing a more immersive viewing experience. This larger display allows for a greater level of detail and visual impact, enhancing your enjoyment of movies, TV shows, and sports.
In terms of price, a 50-inch TV is often considered a mid-range option. It balances screen size and affordability well, making it an attractive choice for many consumers who want a decent-sized display without breaking the bank.
So, you know you want one of the best 50-inch smart TVs - but would like to know a little more information. Read on to see our buyer's guide and FAQ, which will fill you in with any details you might need to know.
What are the best apps for a smart TV?
In our opinion, the best smart TV apps are the ones that have the shows you like, useful features and reliable quality. For these features to work, you’ll need an internet connection via WiFi or Ethernet connection with a good broadband connection and high or unlimited data limits. However, apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Spotify Premium will require a subscription fee and will not allow you to access content without signing up. Here’s what we recommend:
Netflix
The pioneering subscription service that changed TV and film. The Netflix app allows you to access thousands of titles, both existing and original exclusive productions, such as Stranger Things, Black Mirror, Sex Education, The Witcher and The Stranger. The app itself is extremely reliable and simple to use, and there are a number of subscription package choices.
VPN
If you want to expand what's on offer to you, we highly recommend using a VPN. Affordable and easy to use, VPNs are a legal way to get around geo-blocking by tricking websites into thinking you are in a different place to where you actually are. By doing so, you are able to watch the content found on the US Netflix or Australian Amazon Prime, for example.
While there are many VPNs available, we suggest grabbing one of the best VPN for streaming. These have the bandwidth to handle video content and ensure a strong performance.
Amazon Prime Video
Another top-quality subscription service, offering an array of films and TV shows, including The Office US, The Hunters and Man In The High Castle. Prime Video often has a great selection of the latest movie releases and offers you the option to purchase or rent other titles that may not be included in your subscription. Like Netflix’s app, the Prime app is extremely easy to use. Bonus: If you subscribe to this service, you’ll automatically get access to Amazon’s Prime delivery service and basic music streaming package.
BBC iPlayer
This on-demand catch-up app gives you access to the best of the BBC. Programs are available to watch for up to 30 days after their original broadcast, and you can restart and rewind live programs. You’ll also have access to a large back catalogue of BBC programming, including brilliant shows like Killing Eve, Doctor Who, and Would I Lie To You? as well as award-winning documentaries like Blue Planet II. You’ll need a TV license to use this service.
All 4
All 4 is Channel 4’s answer to the BBC’s iPlayer. The content included covers Channel 4, E4, More 4 and Vice TV. The back catalogue available on the app will allow you to comfortably binge on comedies like Black Books, The IT Crowd and Peep Show, or catch up on The Great British Bake Off, 24 Hours In Police Custody and Gogglebox. This is a free service, but you’ll have to suffer through the occasional advert break.
YouTube
This is an important app for anyone who loves any one of the plethoras of YouTube personalities, gamers or influencers. Much like the smartphone app, this smart TV app will allow unlimited and free access to countless hours of independent entertainment. YouTube does offer a subscription service, known as YouTube Premium, but this doesn’t restrict free access to a vast selection of content.
Spotify
Here, you can sign in to your Spotify account and access your favourite tunes through the smart TV. You can start a free Spotify account and start listening to the latest music immediately with occasional 30-second advert breaks, or you can sign up for Spotify Premium to have uninterrupted streaming. The app is super easy to use, reliable and great for a party.
Best 50-inch smart TVs: Frequently asked questions
What size TV do I need?
The answer to this question is very much a decision arrived at after deliberation between your available space, budget and requirements. However, it tends to be sensible to have the smaller TVs in smaller rooms, and larger ones in the biggest rooms.
If you're too close to a TV, no matter how high-quality the image, it's going to look blown out and poor. Too far, and you may as well watch Netflix on your phone.
Here’s a rough guide to give you an idea of the minimum distance you should have from your TV when viewing HD content:
40-inches - 80 inches (6.7 feet)
50-inches - 100 inches (8.3 feet)
55-inches - 108 inches (9 feet)
60-inches - 120 inches (10 feet)
65-inches - 130 inches (10.8 feet)
75-inches - 150 inches (12.5 feet)
What can a 50-inch smart TV do?
A smart TV is a television that can connect to the internet independently from any extra gadgets like an Amazon Fire Stick or a set-top box. They’re typically pre-loaded with a selection** of recognisable on-demand catch-up apps, such as BBC iPlayer, All 4, and ITV Hub; and subscription services such as Amazon Prime Video or Netflix. Thankfully, a smart TV will also allow access to other internet services, such as news, weather and social media.
Some models also offer additional features, such as Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio connections, and smartphone and tablet connections.
**The selection of apps available pre-loaded or available to download may differ between smart TV manufacturers and models, so it’s worth double-checking the model you’re considering.
Is it worth buying a smart TV?
If you’re someone who loves to watch TV, whether it be soaps, Nordic noir dramas, reality shows or blockbuster movies, then a smart TV is likely to be worth it. The internet connection offers up plentiful access to free and paid-for content via apps, whenever you want it.
What’s the cheapest smart TV?
The best smart TV deals are the ones that give you the features you need without compromising on the essentials. Therefore, there's no point in getting a great deal on a smart TV if the sound or picture is disappointing. So, choose wisely.
Do smart TVs have Bluetooth?
Smart TVs usually come with Bluetooth features. Whether or not a smart TV has a Bluetooth feature varies from model to model. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer.
Bluetooth is a great feature for a smart TV, as it allows you to connect wireless audio devices; like speakers, headphones, hearing aids, or other peripheral devices like keyboards.
Can I pair my phone to my smart TV?
It depends on the TV brand and model, phone brand and model, and available screen-mirroring apps. Not to mention the availability of Bluetooth connections. However, as technology improves, more and more smart TVs are capable of being paired with a smartphone.
Smart TVs with Google Chromecast in-built can mirror content from both Android and iOS devices.
Many smart TVs come with a feature called something similar to ‘Screen Mirror’ or ‘Wireless Display’. This pairs with a smartphone via an installed app. This then shows your phone screen on the TV, which is great for viewing photos, videos or video chats.
There’s also app-to-app pairing, which will allow you to control a TV app with your phone. For example, you can browse Netflix’s catalogue on your phone, and then tell it to play via the TV app.
Can I listen to my smart TV with wireless headphones?
If you’ve got wireless Bluetooth headphones and your smart TV has Bluetooth, the answer is yes. However, just be aware that the range of the connection may be limited to a radius of a few meters. So, depending on your setup, you might have to sit closer to your TV. Not all Bluetooth headphones and TVs play nicely together depending on the Bluetooth version being used. So, if in doubt, check with the manufacturer.
If you plan on regularly listening to your smart TV via wireless headphones, it would be worth considering a dedicated entertainment wireless headset with a transmitter. These tend to have a great range, with some models even accepting multiple headsets.
Best 50-inch smart TVs of 2024: Jargon buster
Screen resolution: HD, 4K and Ultra HD
These terms refer to the number of pixels that make up the image on the screen. So, 4K screens offer four times more pixels than HD screens, with 8.3 million pixels working across the screen. This makes for more detailed and accurate images. Here's a list of the most common ones when looking for the best 50-inch smart TVs.
HD: 1280×720
Full HD: 1920×1080
Ultra HD/4K: 3840×2160
HDR and HDR10+
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It works to get as much light, crispness and depth into your picture. So, whites are brighter and blacks are darker. It offers a huge range of over one billion colours. HDR10+ is an extension of this, but the use of metadata creates an even more refined picture.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Dolby Vision
High Dynamic Range smart TVs have a wider colour palette - over a billion colours compared to a few hundred thousand available on non-HDR screens. More colours mean more accurate pictures, vivid colours and better contrast and shadow detail. Dolby Vision is Dolby’s version of HDR and HRD10+.
OLED and QLED
LED screens use a backlight to provide the image. With OLED panels, the pixels produce their own light which gives greater accuracy to the image. The best OLED TVs are popular with cinephiles and even some gamers. This is thanks to the low response times that OLED can deliver.
QLED panels are a Samsung property that replaces Liquid Crystals (found in LCD) with Quantum dots. Samsung believes these produce much more vibrant and bright colours and sharper images. Thankfully, some of the best QLED TVs are now quite affordable compared to even a year ago.
Freeview Play
Freeview Play is a service that combines on-demand and catch-up television streaming into one place, allowing you to browse forward and back to see upcoming shows from the previous week.
William Lobley is the Deputy Tech & Fitness Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.
He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.
When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.
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