On Black Friday, manufacturers and retailers team up to blow out the current year’s TV models to make room for the new hotness in the new year. So now is a great time to pick up a new 55-inch smart TV.
Our TV experts think the Samsung QN90B (QN55QN90BAFXZA) is the best 55-inch TV for its fantastic picture quality and abundant features. If you’re on a budget, the Hisense U8H is the best 55-inch TV under $1,000, with outstanding image quality but fewer features than the QN90B.
And, if you’re looking for the best 55-inch TV deal, Amazon has the QN90B bundled with either a (basically free) SteelSeries Stratus-Duo video game controller or Mackie CR-STEALTHBAR soundbar (a $48 savings).
SAMSUNG QN90B: Best 55-Inch TV
I picked up a 55-inch Samsung QN90A earlier this year. I love it. The Samsung QN90B (QN55QN90BAFXZA) isn’t much different.
The QN90B uses the same mini-LED technology for its Neo QLED display, 4K resolution, and Quantum HDR 32x for an amazingly detailed, colorful, and contrasty picture. The screen is glare-resistant and has slightly wider viewing angles than the QN90A.
It sounds great, too. Dolby Atmos with Object Tracking Sound+ and the Real Depth Enhancer crank up the immersion and complement the stunning picture quality with 3D audio.
And the TV is feature-rich, with FreeSync Premium Pro to reduce gaming lag, a webcam for video calls with the whole family, and an eye comfort mode for no-more-tears binge-watching.
The QN90B also comes with hundreds of live TV channels (via the free Samsung TV Plus streaming TV service) and runs many of your favorite subscription streaming TV apps (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Max™, Hulu, Netflix, Peacock, and more), all for only $1,600.
Pro tip: You can save $50 by getting last year’s best 55-inch smart TV, the Samsung QN90A, instead. It’s pretty much the same TV.
Hisense U8H: Best 55-inch TV under $1,000
We always look at the Hisense or TCL brands first regarding inexpensive TVs. The brand makes solid, surprisingly affordable smart TVs, and—for our money—the Hisense U8H is the best 55-inch TV under $1,000.
The U8H (the ‘U’ stands for ULED) won’t have as many features as more expensive models like the Samsung QN90B or LG C2 series. It will, however, have excellent picture quality with 4K resolution, HDR, and excellent color and brightness thanks to the same mini-LED tech found in Samsung’s Neo QLED displays. The TV has a voice remote, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
The U8H isn’t completely lacking in features, either. It does have some bells and whistles, especially if you’re a gamer. The U8H’s game mode feature has an Auto Low Latency Mode and Free Sync Premium Pro. Paired with the TV’s 4K resolution, HDR, 120Hz variable refresh rate, and Dolby Atmos sound, these features make the U8H a solid and affordable gaming TV at only $599.99.
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Best 55-Inch TV deals
SAMSUNG QN90B with SteelSeries Stratus-Duo gaming controller
The Samsung QN90B makes a good gaming TV, so it makes sense that it comes in a bundle with this SteelSeries Stratus-Duo gaming controller. You’ll be able to play games via Android, Chromebook, Steam, VR, Windows, and even Xbox (no console required).
SAMSUNG QN90B with Mackie CR-STEALTH soundbar
The Stratus-Duo usually costs $59.99, but Amazon sells the bundle for—wait for it—$1,297.99. That means you get the controller free.
If you’re not a gamer and you’d prefer upgraded home theater audio, the QN90B comes in a bundle with a Mackie CR-STEALTH soundbar for $1,367.98. Since the Mackie soundbar currently costs $117.99 on Amazon, you’ll save $48.00 with this bundle—one of the best 55-inch TV deals we’ve uncovered this year.
