The dream of owning a stunning 4K TV is now more affordable than ever. You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the incredible detail, vibrant colors, and immersive experience that 4K resolution offers. Amazon has a fantastic selection of best buy TV 4K under $500 that deliver impressive picture quality and smart features without the premium price tag. But with numerous options under $500, choosing the right one can be tricky. That’s why we’ve curated this list of Amazon’s top picks for 4K TVs under $500, helping you find the best value for your money and upgrade your home entertainment setup without breaking the bank.
What to Expect from a 4K TV Under $500:
While you won’t find all the bells and whistles of high-end models, you can still get a great 4K TV for under $500. Here’s what to expect:
4K Resolution (3840 x 2160): Enjoy four times the detail of Full HD.
HDR Support: HDR10 or HLG are common, enhancing contrast and color. Dolby Vision is less common but a plus if available.
Smart TV Platform: Most budget 4K TVs come with built-in smart features, offering access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
LED Panel: Expect LED or Direct LED backlighting. QLED (Quantum Dot) technology is starting to appear in this price range, offering improved color.
60Hz Refresh Rate: A 60Hz native refresh rate is standard for budget 4K TVs.
Limited Sizes: Most options will be in the 43-inch to 55-inch range. Larger sizes might be available during sales or with certain brands.
What You Might Compromise On:
Advanced Picture Technologies: Features like full-array local dimming, advanced HDR formats (Dolby Vision), and high native refresh rates are less common in this price bracket.
Build Quality: Expect more plastic construction compared to premium models.
Sound Quality: Built-in speakers are often basic. Consider a soundbar for a better audio experience.
Top best buy TV 4K Recommendations Under $500 on Amazon:
The TCL 5-Series consistently impresses with its QLED technology, offering vibrant colors and excellent contrast for the price. It features Dolby Vision HDR, the user-friendly Roku TV platform, and a sleek design. It often goes on sale for under $500 for the 50-inch model.
Key Features: QLED technology, Dolby Vision HDR, HDR10, HLG, Roku TV platform, voice control, FullView edge-to-edge glass display.
Pros: Excellent picture quality for the price, vibrant colors, user-friendly Roku interface, good value. Cons: Native 60Hz panel, some uniformity issues in dark scenes.
The Hisense U6 Series (available in different sizes) offers impressive black levels and contrast thanks to its full-array local dimming. It features Quantum Dot technology for a wider color gamut and supports Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+. It runs on the Fire TV platform, providing access to a huge library of streaming apps.
Key Features: Quantum Dot technology (ULED), full-array local dimming, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, Filmmaker Mode, Fire TV OS, Game Mode Plus.
Pros: Very good picture quality, deep blacks, wide color gamut, affordable. Cons: Some blooming can be noticeable, viewing angles could be better.
Amazon’s own Fire TV Omni Series offers a compelling combination of 4K resolution, HDR support, and hands-free Alexa voice control, all at a very attractive price. It’s a great option for those deeply embedded in the Amazon ecosystem.
Key Features: 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Digital Plus, hands-free Alexa, Fire TV OS, far-field voice control.
Pros: Affordable, hands-free Alexa is very convenient, good for Amazon Prime subscribers. Cons: Picture quality is decent but not as good as QLED models, the interface is heavily focused on Amazon content
Samsung is a trusted name in TVs, and the AU8000 Series offers a solid entry point into their 4K lineup. It features Samsung’s Crystal Processor 4K for upscaling content, HDR support, and a sleek design. The 43-inch model usually sits around the $350 mark.
Key Features: Crystal Processor 4K, HDR10+, Motion Xcelerator, Q-Symphony compatible, Smart TV powered by Tizen, slim design.
Pros: Good upscaling, decent picture quality, reliable brand, sleek design. Cons: Edge-lit panel limits contrast, viewing angles are not great.
Vizio’s V-Series offers a good balance of picture quality and features at an attractive price. It supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ and features Vizio’s IQ Active processor for upscaling. Importantly, it includes features for gamers like variable refresh rate (VRR) and AMD FreeSync.
Key Features: 4K resolution, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, IQ Active Processor, V-Gaming Engine with VRR, SmartCast OS.
Pros: Affordable, good picture quality for the price, VRR support for gaming. Cons: SmartCast OS can be a bit sluggish, not as bright as other models on the list.
Upgrading to a 4K TV doesn’t have to break the bank. The models listed above ( TCL 50-inch 5-Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Roku TV, Hisense 65-Inch U6 Series 4K ULED Smart Fire TV…) offer impressive picture quality, smart features, and overall value for under $500. Consider your priorities – whether it’s picture quality, smart platform, gaming features, or overall value – to choose the best budget-friendly 4K TV for your needs. With a little research, you can find an amazing 4K TV on Amazon that will transform your home entertainment setup without emptying your wallet. Happy viewing!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not influence my recommendations, which are based on thorough research and analysis. Prices and availability are subject to change.