The best 48- and 50-inch TVs of 2026

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A composite graphic for the best 50-inch TVs with an Amazon Omni QLED hanging on a wall side-by-side with a Vizio MQX hanging on a wall. — The best 50-inch TVs include models from brands like Amazon (left) and Samsung (right).
Amazon/Vizio

Though I love big-screen displays, not every room is built for a wall-sized screen. Bedrooms, apartments, and cozier living spaces often call for something more manageable, and that's where a 50-inch (or 48-inch) display really shines. This size can offer a more comfortable viewing experience without overwhelming a small room. To make your search easier, I've rounded up the best 50-inch TVs that strike a balance between space-saving design and excellent performance.

My top pick is the LG C5, a compact OLED that delivers the same inky black levels, rich contrast, and premium picture quality you'd expect from much larger flagship models. If you're looking to spend less, the Amazon Omni QLED is a standout budget option. It frequently dips below $400 and offers better contrast and color performance than similarly priced rivals.

My picks for the best 50-inch TVs were informed by more than a decade of experience testing home entertainment products. I've focused on models that deliver real-world value across different budgets and viewing habits. Whether you're gaming, watching movies, or simply need a great everyday TV for a smaller room, there's a 50-inch option here that suits both your space and lifestyle.

Note: LCD-based TVs (including LED and QLED models) use a 50-inch screen size, while OLED TVs use a slightly smaller 48-inch size. For that reason, I've included a 48-inch OLED in this guide.

Our top picks for the best 50-inch TVs

Best overall: LG C5 - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: Amazon Omni QLED - See at Amazon

Best entry-level option: TCL S5 - See at Amazon

Best premium QLED: Samsung QN90F - See at Amazon

Best midrange for gaming: Vizio MQX - See at Amazon

Best overall

The LG C5 is the best 48-inch TV for anyone who wants a compact screen without sacrificing premium picture quality. It's one of the few TVs under 55 inches that features an OLED panel, giving it a clear advantage over the LED and QLED models that dominate this size range.

With its OLED display, the C5 delivers all the hallmark benefits of the technology: perfect black levels, pixel-level contrast, and wide viewing angles. While LED and QLED sets often appear washed out in dark rooms or lose color accuracy when viewed from an off-center position, the C5 maintains consistent image quality from nearly any angle. (See our QLED vs. OLED comparison for a deeper breakdown of the differences.)

An LG C5 OLED TV on a media console displaying an image of a beaver. — The C5's pixel-level contrast results in impressive HDR highlights and excellent black levels.
John Higgins/Business Insider

Our reviewer tested the 65-inch C5, which reached a peak brightness of around 1,175 nits. However, the 48-inch version lacks LG's brightness booster feature, so its output falls closer to 750 nits. Though dimmer, that's still excellent for its size. That level of brightness, combined with OLED contrast, makes high-dynamic-range (HDR) content look rich and dimensional. The C5 is easily one of the best-looking 48-inch TVs available.

The set utilizes LG's webOS smart TV platform, providing quick access to the best streaming services and built-in Alexa support. I don't love how the interface leans heavily on sponsored content, but overall navigation is smooth and reliable. Gamers get plenty to love here, too, as the C5 supports a 120Hz refresh rate for the latest consoles and up to 144Hz when connected to a PC.

At a typical price of around $1,000, the C5 sits on the high end for a 48-inch TV, but the jump in image quality over cheaper options is substantial. That said, you may still be able to find the older C4 model in stock at some stores. Inventory is limited, but the 48-inch C4 is a very similar TV, and it remains a good buy when on sale for less than the C5.

Read our LG C5 TV review.

Check out our guides to all the best smart TVs and best LG TVs.

Best on a budget

The Amazon Omni QLED is the best 50-inch TV on a budget. It uses a QLED panel to offer a wide color gamut and a decent peak brightness of about 500 nits. That's dimmer than I generally recommend for larger TVs, but solid for this size and class. The Omni QLED also features local dimming, which enhances its contrast by allowing the panel to adjust the brightness of specific areas across its screen.

But unlike high-end QLED TVs, like the pricier Samsung QN90F, this model uses regular-sized LEDs instead of Mini LEDs in its backlight. This means it has fewer zones to work with, which results in less uniform black levels. Our reviewer also noticed some delayed dimming, which caused occasional fluctuations in brightness levels.

Still, few 50-inch TVs can achieve this level of image quality at this price. Most competing budget models lack local dimming entirely, and many have a narrower color range.

A close-up of an Amazon Fire TV remote held in a person's hand in front of an Omni QLED TV, which is out of focus in the background. — The Omni QLED features an Alexa-enabled remote and supports hands-free voice control.
Ryan Waniata/Business Insider

That said, the Omni QLED isn't immune to other common drawbacks of TVs in this class. Namely, it has limited viewing angles, so contrast and colors distort at an angle. It's also restricted to a 60Hz refresh rate, so you can't unlock 120Hz support on a gaming console or PC.

The Omni QLED utilizes Amazon's Fire TV operating system and includes an Alexa voice remote. It also supports hands-free digital assistant functions, similar to those found on an Echo speaker, which is a nice perk to have in such a budget-friendly set.

But while I recommend the Omni QLED in a 50-inch screen size, it's not the best budget option in larger screen sizes. If you're looking for a larger TV on a budget, I recommend the TCL QM6K, which is available in sizes 55 inches and up. The QM6K offers a higher refresh rate, brighter image, and better backlight control.

Amazon also offers a newer 2025 edition of the Omni QLED, but it costs more, and the 50-inch size actually features a downgrade in image quality as it no longer supports local dimming. With that in mind, the older model remains the better buy.

Read our Amazon Omni QLED TV review.

Check out our guides to the best budget TVs, best TVs under $500, and best Amazon Fire TVs.

Best entry-level option

If you're shopping for a 50-inch TV but don't want to spend too much, the TCL S5 is an excellent entry-level option. This set only offers basic image quality, but it's often sold for under $250, making it a good buy for people who want an inexpensive display for a smaller space.

Unlike the pricier picks in this guide, the S5 uses a standard LED panel without local dimming. As a result, its brightness and contrast capabilities are limited. Dark scenes appear more washed out when watching TV with the lights off, and although it supports HDR playback with solid color performance, it can't control its light output precisely enough to truly showcase the benefits of high-dynamic-range content on streaming services and 4K Blu-ray discs.

But for casual TV watching, the S5 gets the job done. It's even available in both Fire TV and Google TV models, so you can choose the system you like best. The Fire TV option comes with an Alexa voice remote, while the Google TV model comes with a Google Assistant voice remote.

Home theater fans and gamers are better off spending more to get one of my other recommendations, but the S5 is the best 50-inch TV for those who just want a cheap smart TV without any step-up image quality features.

Check out our guide to all of the best TCL TVs.

Best premium QLED

High-end TVs rarely come in smaller screen sizes, but Samsung's QN90F is a welcome exception. This 50-inch flagship QLED may be pricey for its size, but it delivers top-tier performance that rivals much larger sets.

As part of Samsung's Neo QLED lineup, the QN90F uses quantum dots for a wide color range and a Mini LED backlight for precise local dimming. Competing 50-inch QLEDs from brands like Amazon and Vizio also feature quantum dots and local dimming, but their standard LEDs can't match the contrast, black levels, or brightness that Samsung's Mini LEDs achieve.

A Samsung QN90F QLED TV displaying an image of a red car. — The QN90F's QLED panel is capable of rendering a wide range of colors.
Les Shu/Business Insider

I tested the 65-inch QN90F, and it reached an impressive 2,130 nits of peak brightness. However, the 50-inch model utilizes a less advanced HDR contrast system, which limits its ability to match the brightness of its larger counterparts. But even so, it's still brighter than nearly any other 50-inch TV available.

This helps enable vivid HDR performance with highlights that pop from the screen. Black levels are also strong, though not quite as precise as those of an OLED, such as the LG C5. You may notice subtle blooming (halos around bright objects) in certain scenes. Still, for viewers who prefer the punchy brightness of QLED, the QN90F is a perfect choice.

The QN90F also stands out thanks to its anti-glare matte finish, which sets it apart from the glossy screens found on most competitors. This type of screen significantly reduces reflections, but it also increases black levels in well-lit rooms. Although not ideal, this is a worthy trade-off if you struggle with glare.

Gamers also receive premium perks, as the QN90F supports a refresh rate of up to 165Hz for ultra-smooth gameplay on compatible systems and includes built-in access to the Xbox app, allowing Game Pass subscribers to stream console-quality games without the need for additional hardware.

Check out our guide to all of the best Samsung TVs.

Best midrange for gaming

Vizio's MQX is designed with gaming in mind. This midrange QLED is one of the most affordable 50-inch 4K TVs with a 120Hz refresh rate. It can even support up to 240Hz if you game in 1080p on a computer.

This enables a smooth experience when you play games with frame rates higher than 60 frames per second on a PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2, or PC. The TV also features a QLED panel with wide color support and local dimming, which helps control contrast and black levels.

However, the display only uses 16 dimming zones, which is low and can cause more noticeable blooming (halos around bright objects) than you'd see on QLEDs with more zones or on OLED TVs with pixel-level contrast. At a peak brightness of around 400 to 500 nits, the MQX's brightness is decent for a TV in this class, but slightly under the minimum of 600 nits that I recommend for entry-level high dynamic range performance.

If gaming isn't a priority, I give the 50-inch Amazon Omni QLED an edge since it's usually cheaper and offers better contrast. However, the Omni QLED only has a 60Hz refresh rate, so the MQX has the clear upper hand with consoles and PCs. Both TVs have subpar viewing angles, so neither has an advantage in this regard.

What else we considered

A 50-inch Walmart Onn TV in a media cabinet displaying a video of a rocky beach on its screen. — Walmart's Onn TV is one of the cheapest 50-inch models available.
Steven Cohen/Business Insider

Walmart 50-inch Onn 4K TV - See at Walmart
Onn is Walmart's in-house electronics brand, and it features some of the most inexpensive TVs on the market. That said, Onn TVs are also about as basic as a modern smart TV can be. We tested the 50-inch model, and it performed decently well, given its low cost. However, the TV has a notably dim image, lackluster color capabilities, and doesn't come with a voice remote. Generally, we suggest entry-level shoppers pay a bit more for the TCL S5, but the 50-inch Onn TV is a viable option for people who want to spend the absolute bare minimum on a TV.

Read our Walmart Onn TV review.

How we pick 50-inch TVs

An LG C5 OLED TV on a media console between two floor-standing speakers. — We typically test 65-inch TVs, but most of our testing results also apply to the 50-inch model option of each.
John Higgins/Business Insider

To select the best 50-inch TVs, our team of reviewers employs a combination of testing and research, informed by more than a decade of experience covering the home entertainment product industry.

When we test TVs, we usually evaluate 65-inch models, as most brands consider this size to be their flagship. However, if a specific TV model is offered in multiple sizes, its key specifications typically remain the same across all sizes. For example, the 48-inch LG C5 OLED and the 65-inch C5 OLED have the same basic specifications and features. The only major differences are the sizes of their screens and their peak brightness.

However, it's important to note that the best 50-inch TVs with local dimming, like the Amazon Omni QLED, Samsung QN90F, and Vizio QMX, use fewer dimming zones in smaller sizes versus larger ones. This can result in differences in contrast performance when comparing a 50-inch model to one of a different size. Sometimes, there are bigger variations in features and design across sizes, so we note these instances when they pop up.

When evaluating 50-inch TVs, we test key parameters, including clarity/sharpness, contrast, peak HDR brightness, color gamut, off-angle viewing, refresh rate, gaming capabilities, smart TV interface speed, and overall value for the money. We use a colorimeter to assess brightness when we review TVs and use test patterns on the Spears & Munsil UHD HDR Benchmark 4K Blu-ray disc to check other objective image elements.

We also watch plenty of real-world content on every TV we test to get a feel for what it's like to use each display daily. We play key scenes from movies and TV shows to examine local dimming, HDR performance, upscaling, and more. Sources include Blu-ray discs, streaming services, and live TV at various resolutions, from standard definition to 4K. Testing is conducted in both bright and dimly lit rooms to assess how a TV performs under various lighting conditions.

For more info on our testing process, visit our breakdown of how we review tech products.

50-inch TV FAQs

A Vizio QXM TV mounted on a wall. — A 50-inch TV is a good fit for smaller spaces, and they usually cost less than larger models.
Vizio

Is 50 inches a good size for a TV?

The best 50-inch TVs are ideal for buyers who require a compact display that fits in a smaller room and accommodates a smaller TV stand. However, there are fewer midrange and high-end TVs offered in this size compared to what you'd find when shopping for a larger display.

For instance, many of the best OLED TVs are only available in 55, 65, and 77 inches. Likewise, several of our favorite QLED TVs from brands like TCL, Hisense, and Roku, like the QM8K, U8QG, and Roku Pro Series, are not available in a 50-inch size.

That said, there are a few exceptions, such as our top pick in this guide, the LG C5, one of the few OLED TVs available in smaller sizes. But generally speaking, most 50-inch TVs are built with entry-level and lower midrange performance in mind.

If you want a larger selection of mid-tier and premium display models to choose from, check out our guides focusing on larger TVs:

And if you need an even more compact display, check out our guide to the best 43-inch TVs.

How much should a 50-inch TV cost?

The best 50-inch TVs cost between $200 and $1,500, depending on the type of display you buy.

Entry-level LED models from value-friendly brands like TCL, Hisense, and Vizio cost around $200 to $250. These options are suitable for casual viewing but often lack advanced features such as quantum dots and local dimming. Lower-midrange QLED sets range from $300 to $550, offering better color, higher contrast, and brighter panels. However, many of our favorite upper-midrange QLED models are not sold in 50 inches.

Likewise, high-end 50-inch TVs are hard to come by, but you can find a couple of OLED models, like the LG C5, and top-tier QLED models, like Samsung's QN90F, in this size for around $800 to $1,500.

Many 50-inch TVs go on sale throughout the year, but the biggest savings are typically found during events like Prime Day and Black Friday, as well as around major sports championships like the Super Bowl and March Madness.

When will 2026 50-inch TVs be released?

New TV models were unveiled during the CES tech show in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9. However, 2026 TVs aren't expected to hit stores until the spring. We'll review new models for consideration in this guide once they're available. You can learn more about upcoming TVs in our CES 2026 TV roundup.

However, it's key to remember that 2025 TV models will still be available for much of the year, and they're likely to be heavily discounted. As such, 2025 TVs will remain the best value in many cases.

Is 4K worth it on a 50-inch TV?

Although the benefits of 4K resolution are best appreciated on larger TV sets, a 50-inch display is still substantial enough to make 4K worthwhile, especially if you plan to sit close to it.

However, the debate about whether 4K is worth it on a TV this size has become a moot point since major brands no longer sell 50-inch HDTVs. Most HDTV models are now restricted to 43 inches and under. If you're buying a 50-inch or larger TV in 2026, 4K is the standard.

For more 4K display recommendations in multiple sizes, check out our guide to the best 4K TVs.

Do 50-inch TVs have good sound quality?

Most TVs, especially those in smaller sizes, such as 50 inches, offer mediocre sound quality. To keep costs down and fit speakers inside compact displays, manufacturers use small audio drivers that limit the range, depth, and clarity of a TV's built-in sound system. To get the best sound quality, we recommend buying a separate soundbar or speaker setup to pair with a 50-inch TV.

Check out our soundbar and speaker guides to see our top recommendations:

Learn more about immersive surround sound in our Dolby Atmos explainer.

Do you need HDMI 2.1 on a 50-inch TV?

Many of the best TVs include HDMI 2.1 ports, but this feature is less common on smaller screen sizes. However, several of our best 50-inch TV picks — the LG C5, Samsung QN90F, and Vizio MQX — do include HDMI 2.1 support, which is useful for gaming enthusiasts.

HDMI 2.1 connections can transmit signals at 4K/120Hz, along with variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM), when paired with a compatible gaming device, such as a PS5 or PC. These features provide a smooth gaming experience with fast motion, minimal lag, and reduced screen tearing. You can learn more in our guide to the best gaming TVs.

To enable HDMI 2.1 features, all of your home entertainment components must have HDMI 2.1 ports. So if you're hooking up a PS5 to a soundbar connected to your TV, all three devices must support HDMI 2.1. You also need to use ultra-high-speed HDMI cables rated for 48Gbps to pair everything together. Visit our guide to the best HDMI cables for recommendations and more details.

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