Best 4K TVs Under £500
Roku 50″ Select Series 4K HDR Smart TV
We found this Roku TV to be perfect for those seeking a user-friendly smart TV experience with vibrant picture quality.
- Intuitive interface with easy access to popular streaming apps.
- Great value for a 4K TV with solid performance.
- Sound quality could be improved, especially for larger rooms.
Westinghouse 43-Inch 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart TV
This model is ideal for smaller spaces, providing excellent picture quality at an affordable price.
- Compact design suits limited spaces well.
- Good smart features and easy setup.
- Limited screen size may not satisfy larger families.
TCL 55-Inch Class Q6-Series 4K UHD HDR QLED Smart Google TV
We thought this TCL TV suited those who want a larger screen with impressive HDR capabilities and vibrant colours.
- Exceptional picture quality with rich colours and contrast.
- Great for gaming with low input lag.
- Can be bulky for smaller rooms.
Samsung 50-Inch DU6900 Series Tizen TV
We found this Samsung model robust, with a sleek design that fits seamlessly into modern decor.
- Excellent smart features and user-friendly interface.
- Dynamic picture quality with solid colour performance.
- Higher price point compared to other budget options.
bestbuy.com/site/samsung-50-class-du6900-series-crystal-uhd-4k-smart-tizen-tv-2024/6584869.p?skuId=6584869&publisher_slug=FranksWaffle&article_name=Best%204K%20TVs%20under%20%24500&article_url=https://FranksWaffle.com/tv/under-500/best-4k-tv-under-500&exclusive=1&u1=8dcfa3fad91fb94f3e18318e0e4dc3c52f39ccc8-MDkyMDI1-214862″ class=”buy-now-button”>Buy Now
Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV
This Amazon model impressed us with its hands-free Alexa integration and user-friendly interface.
- Convenient voice control without needing a remote.
- Familiar Fire TV interface for easy navigation.
- Picture quality slightly lags behind premium brands.
Best 4K TVs under £500
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
- Best of the Best: Roku 50″ Select Series 4K HDR Smart TV
- Best Bang for the Buck: Westinghouse 43″ 4K UHD Roku TV
- Most Comprehensive: TCL 55″ Q65 QLED 4K UHD Smart TV
- Largest Screen: Samsung 50″ Class DU6900 Series UHD 4K TV
- Solid Performer: Amazon Fire TV 50″ Omni Series 4K TV
If you haven’t yet purchased a 4K TV, you might feel like you’re behind the times. Initially, 4K TVs were quite pricey, and 4K content was limited.
However, the good news is that today, there’s a vast array of 4K content available, providing four times the resolution of full HD TVs. Moreover, prices have significantly dropped, with many fantastic options now available for under £500.
For anyone who enjoys streaming the latest shows and films, investing in a 4K TV is essential for an immersive viewing experience that standard HD TVs simply can’t offer.
Our top pick among affordable 4K TVs is the Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal 4K UHD AU8000 Series Smart TV. It boasts lifelike visuals and rich colours alongside an impressive suite of smart features. Here are some of the best options currently available.
Best 4K TVs under £500
Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal 4K UHD AU8000 Series Smart TV
This Samsung 4K TV is a fantastic all-rounder and a top seller due to its impressive features and quality image for the price. The Dynamic Crystal technology ensures vivid colours, while HDR enhances the contrast for exceptional detail.
We found this TV particularly suitable for sports enthusiasts and action movie fans, thanks to the Motion Xcelerator feature, which effectively reduces motion blur. Its ultra-slim design makes it a stylish addition that fits well into various spaces.
Additional features include compatibility with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing you to schedule recordings and search for content effortlessly. If you own a Samsung smartphone running Android OS 8.1 or later, you can use Tap View to mirror your device onto the TV with a simple tap.
Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch Omni Series 4K UHD Smart TV
Amazon has developed a reputation for quality electronics, and its 4K TVs are no exception. While the picture quality may not quite match that of a Samsung, it comes close and boasts excellent smart features.
We appreciated the hands-free functionality of the Omni Series, where you can activate Alexa without needing to press a remote button, making it easy to check scores or weather updates with just your voice.
If you’re familiar with the Fire TV Stick, you’ll find the interface intuitive, allowing for easy app customisation. Plus, you’ll have access to Luna, Amazon’s gaming service. Based on our testing, we believe it’s a superb addition to any home, especially if you’re an Amazon user.
Toshiba 50-Inch Class C350 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
Toshiba offers affordable options for those on a budget. This 4K TV is often on sale and is perfect for bedrooms or smaller living rooms, providing a high-quality experience at a great price.
With its Regza Engine 4K and PQ technology, you can expect stunning visuals and vivid details. The sound quality is robust, thanks to DTS Virtual X technology, while Dolby Vision HDR enhances brightness and contrast.
As a Fire TV, the interface will feel familiar, and the remote includes a dedicated Alexa button to control your TV and launch apps easily.
TCL 55-Inch Class 5-Series 4K QLED
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 55-inch smart TV, this TCL model is an excellent choice. It employs quantum dot technology (QLED) for outstanding colour accuracy and volume.
We found the lifelike picture quality to create an engaging viewing experience, making it suitable for a home theatre setup. It includes features like Contrast Control Zones, which improve detail in both light and dark areas.
Gamers will appreciate the Game Mode that automatically adjusts picture settings for optimal performance. The hands-free control allows you to use Google Assistant to manage other smart devices in your home and search for content effortlessly.
LG 55-Inch Class UQ9000 Series
This LG model combines great looks with essential features for an optimal entertainment setup. It’s loved for its easy setup, slim profile, and user-friendly interface.
The A5 Gen 5 AI processor enhances both picture and sound quality, allowing for an immersive viewing experience. Furthermore, it can upscale standard or HD content to 4K, ensuring everything looks its best.
WebOS comes loaded with popular streaming apps, and with access to over 300 free LG channels, you have plenty of viewing options. The Game Optimizer allows for quick adjustments for gamers, while the Magic Remote enhances user navigation.
Hisense ULED 4K Premium 55-Inch Class
Hisense TVs may not have the same reputation as brands like Samsung or LG, but they offer great value. This 4K TV features a large display and great picture quality, making it suitable for entertainment setups.
We tested this TV and found its Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos support to create a fantastic viewing and listening experience. Gamers will enjoy the Automatic Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate for smooth gameplay.
The Roku platform is easy to use and allows for customisation, while the rechargeable remote supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for easy content searches.
Insignia 55-Inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
If you’re looking for a budget option, we recommend this Insignia TV. It often retails for around £400 but can frequently be found at a lower price, making it a great deal.
Its Fire TV interface is user-friendly and ranks above many other smart platforms, while features like HDR and DTS Studio Sound enhance your viewing experience. First-time subscribers can also take advantage of extended free trials for popular streaming services.
It supports AirPlay and features an HDMI eARC port for connecting soundbars, alongside easy parental controls for content management. Although its design might not be as sleek as competitors, it offers excellent value.
Sony 55-Inch Class X75K 4K HDR LED Google TV
This Sony model, occasionally priced over £500, is still worth mentioning due to its outstanding features.
For those willing to invest a bit more, the Google TV interface is fluid and neatly organises your favourite apps. The 4K Processor X1 provides smooth, clear images with vibrant colours and contrast. The 4K X-Reality Pro feature enhances texture and clarity, while intelligent motion handling prevents blur during fast action scenes, making it ideal for gamers and sports enthusiasts.
How we tested
In our quest to find the best budget 4K TVs, we shortlisted the top models and assessed the 50-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni Series in various areas.
Setup
- We carefully followed the included instructions to set up the TV and signed in with an Amazon Prime account to begin.
Picture and audio
- We evaluated picture quality by comparing it side-by-side with an older 4K TV while streaming the same content.
- The built-in speakers were tested with various types of content, including action films and dialogue-heavy shows.
- We also tested gaming performance using an Xbox One console.
Smart features
- We navigated the user interface to assess its fluidity and ease of finding popular apps to download and install.
- The Alexa voice assistant functionality was tested by executing tasks such as launching apps and searching for titles.
FAQ
Q. Are 4K TVs available with only a 60-hertz frame rate?
A. Yes, many 4K TVs operate at a 60-hertz frame rate, which is common among budget models.
Q. Are 8K TVs better than 4K TVs?
A. 8K TVs have a higher resolution, but they are also significantly more expensive, and 4K content is still far more prevalent.
Q. Can I use a 4K TV as an external computer monitor?
A. Absolutely; 4K TVs work well for presentations and media consumption, but their large size may not be ideal for everyday office use.
Q. How fast should my internet connection be for 4K streaming?
A. For seamless 4K streaming, a reliable internet connection with speeds of at least 50 megabits per second is recommended.