Our Top Picks:
Click to jump down to a more detailed review of each TV
- Best Overall: Samsung QE55QN85D – A TV that delivers a truly fantastic experience no matter the content. | Reliant Rating: 5/5
- Best Budget: TCL 55P755K – Full of features, yet low on price. Perfect for first-time TV owners. | Reliant Rating: 4/5
- Best For Smart Features: Samsung UE55DU8000 – A truly smart smart TV that levels up the viewing experience in countless ways. | Reliant Rating: 4/5
- Best Premium: Samsung QE55QN95D – A premium TV that delivers on all fronts. | Reliant Rating: 5/5.
- Best For Gaming: Samsung QE55S95D – Play at your best thanks to the excellent gaming features packed into this display. | Reliant Rating: 4.5/5
- Best For Watching Movies: LG OLED55G45LW – Appreciate every frame of your favourite movies with this amazing TV. | Reliant Rating: 5/5
What To Consider When Buying A 55 Inch TV
TVs now come in an array of screen sizes, with some displays reaching gargantuan sizes. For instance, 98 inch TVs represent just how far we’ve come in terms of display technology! But, despite TVs getting larger and larger with each passing decade, consumers have largely settled on 55 inch models as the ultimate go-to. These displays offer an expansive view into any piece of content, while still being compact enough to fit into any space!
In order to choose the right one, you’ll first need to consider what you plan to use it for. This will help you to decide on a number of things. For instance, if you’re looking to enjoy blockbuster films, you’ll want a TV with a high resolution and a focus on visual fidelity. If you’re looking to enjoy some gaming action, then you’ll want a TV that has all of the requisite input ports, and focus on responsiveness.
Make sure to also consider where you plan to keep the new TV. For instance, if you’re planning to wall-mount the TV, you’ll want to make sure you grab the right mounting bracket, and that the TV can support the weight of the display! Make sure to also consider where you’ll be watching the TV from. If you’re too close, you won’t be able to make out the image!
Now that you know what to look out for, are you ready to see some of the very best 55 inch TVs? Read below to see our selections!
The Best Overall 55 Inch TV
Samsung QE55QN85D
Reliant Rating: 5/5.
Specifications
Display: QLED Panel, 4K (3840 x 2160), 120 Hz refresh rate.
Available Sizes: 55”, 65”, 75”.
HDR Support: HDR, HDR10, HDR10+.
Sound Support: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite, BlueTooth, eARC.
Operating System: Tizen Smart TV.
Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB x 2, Ethernet, WiFi, Optical.
Reasons To Buy
- The NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor is equipped with all manner of image-improving technologies. For instance, Motion Xcelerator 120Hz that can improve motion smoothness, and Neo Quantum HDR that can improve colour sharpness.
- The special Quantum Matrix mini LEDS packed into the backlight array of this TV allow it to deliver unparalleled contrast in every image. This allows every bit of QLED colour to shine.
- Quality Object Tracking Sound speakers and full support for Dolby Atmos bring another dimension to the user experience.
Not Suitable If…
- You need a TV with Dolby Vision support. Unfortunately, Dolby Vision is not supported by any Samsung TV models.
A New Kind Of QLED: The Samsung QE55QN85D represents the next step in the evolution of QLED TVs. Every single one of its many features is designed specifically to improve the QLED TV experience. The Neo QLED display is fitted with special Quantum Matrix technology. The TV is equipped with special mini LEDS in its backlight array. These are capable of more accurately controlling image brightness, for sharper contrast and a greater sense of realism in every image.
Make The Most Of QLED Brilliance: Thanks to the special NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor built into it, the Samsung QE55QN85D is able to make the most of every last image. The processor is capable of upscaling and remastering images as you enjoy content, thanks to Neo Quantum HDR technology. This technology sharpens every single colour and improves the resolution of every image. So you can really make the most of the QLED display!
Perfect Sound: Many fantastic TVs that almost made our top spot have been let down by their lacklustre sound capabilities. While TVs across the board now look better than ever, many still lack when it comes to solid audio. Luckily, the Samsung QE55QN85D definitely doesn’t lack in this department. The display is fully equipped with powerful and punchy speakers that bring another dimension of immersion to your content. Object Tracking Sound Lite and full support for Dolby Atmos Sound also allow the audio to naturally follow the motion of the on-screen action.
The Best Budget 55 Inch TV
TCL 55P755K
Reliant Rating: 4/5.
Specifications
Display: LED Panel, 4K (3840 x 2160), 120Hz refresh rate.
Available Sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”.
HDR Support: HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision.
Sound Support: Dolby Atmos, BlueTooth, eARC.
Operating System: Google TV OS.
Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB x3, Ethernet, WiFi, Optical.
Reasons To Buy
- Motion Clarity technology completely eliminates motion blur. So you won’t find your eyes straining as you watch.
- The budget-friendly price of this TV makes it a great entry-level 4K model.
- The thin shape of the TV and its screen bezel ensure this TV looks simply incredible from every angle.
Not Suitable If…
- You don’t plan to buy a soundbar. Unfortunately, the built-in speakers of this TV lack power.
4K On A Budget: 4K TVs are now more widely available than ever. So, you don’t have to break the bank just to have one of your own! Of all of the 55 inch 4K models on the market, the TCL 55P755K model is easily one of the most affordable. But just because it has a budget price, this TV definitely does not cut costs where it matters. It’s still densely packed with all of the features that a truly cutting-edge smart TV could need. The 4K screen also looks truly brilliant thanks to its wide colour gamut and support for HDR.
Beautiful At Any Angle: The TCL 55P755K TV might feature a vast 55-inch screen, but it’s easily one of the company’s most compact models. The entire model, from top to bottom features a uniquely slim shape, making it perfect for wall mounting directly in your living room. The screen of the TV also features a remarkably skinny metallic bezel. It’s so small, that it almost looks like there’s no end to the screen image. So your content truly feels unlimited, and you can enjoy greater immersion.
Smoother Motion From Frame To Frame: Whether you’re enjoying competitive gaming, live sports, or your favourite action films, this TV will ensure you can keep up with the action. Motion Clarity technology analyses every frame to identify shapes in the image. Using this information, the TV can then smooth out the on-screen motion. What results is a blur-free experience that’s easy on the eyes.
The Best 55 Inch TV For Smart Features
Samsung UE55DU8000
Reliant Rating: 4/5.
Specifications
Display: LED Panel, 4K (3840 x 2160), 50 Hz refresh rate.
Available Sizes: 43”, 50”, 55”, 65”, 75”, 85”.
HDR Support: HDR, HDR10, HDR10+.
Sound Support: Object Tracking Sound Lite, BlueTooth, eARC.
Operating System: Tizen Smart TV.
Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 x 3, USB x 2, Ethernet, WiFi, Optical.
Reasons To Buy
- The Tizen Smart TV user interface is incredibly robust, allowing for truly perfect control over your favourite content.
- The AirSlim design of the TV makes it incredibly easy to install in any room. It’s skinny and lightweight, so it’s especially great for wall-mounting.
- Built-in Object Tracking Sound Lite technology delivers superior immersion with audio that follows the action.
Not Suitable If…
- You want a dedicated next-gen gaming display. The refresh rate of this TV is capped at 50Hz.
- You want Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. Unfortunately, this TV doesn’t support either premium format.
Improved Colour In Every Image: Thanks to its Dynamic Crystal Colour technology, and built-in Crystal Processor 4K, the Samsung UE55DU8000 TV is built to deliver an amazing viewing experience. Dynamic Crystal Colour technology is actually able to enhance the TV’s colour gamut to achieve an amazing 1 billion shades of colour. When paired with the TV’s compatibility with HDR10, this TV is really equipped to bring out the best in your content.
A Smaller TV For Your Home: Despite its excellent 55-inch screen, this TV is incredibly compact. It boasts a unique AirSlim design, so it’s incredibly skinny. This means the TV is perfect for wall-mounting or for fitting into even the smallest of rooms. It also comes with a sturdy centre stand, so it’s easy to prop up on top of a TV stand or other furniture!
Quality Audio At A Friendly Price: Obviously one of the best things about the Samsung UE55DU8000 TV is its incredibly generous price. The TV costs a fraction of what similar models tend to cost, so it won’t break the bank just to grab one of your own. And despite its budget price tag, the TV still boasts some quality audio features. For instance, the Object Tracking Sound Lite technology makes the most of every last built-in speaker. The audio naturally follows all of the action on-screen, as it happens!
The Best 55 Inch TV For Gaming
Samsung QE55S95D
Reliant Rating: 4.5/5.
Specifications
Display: OLED Panel, 4K (3840 x 2160), 144Hz Refresh Rate.
Available Sizes: 55”, 65”, 77”.
HDR Support: HDR, HDR10, HDR10+.
Sound Support: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+, BlueTooth, eARC.
Operating System: Tizen Smart TV.
Connectivity:HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB x 4, Ethernet, WiFi, Optical.
Reasons To Buy
- The One Connect Box makes it incredibly simple to plug your consoles in. Just plug them into the box itself, and then connect the box to the telly with just one cable!
- With 8 built-in speakers and Object Tracking Sound+, you can enjoy immersive audio that draws you into the world of your games!
- Motion Xcelerator 144Hz technology ensures your next-gen games look totally perfect.
Not Suitable If…
- You plan to stream content in the Dolby Vision format. Samsung TVs do not support Dolby Vision!
- You need a budget display. The Samsung QE55S95D costs a little more than some 4K OLED displays.
A Simpler Gaming Setup: If you’re an avid gamer, it’s likely that you have an existing collection of game consoles that all need to be plugged in! The key to maintaining a satisfying gaming setup is keeping all of those various cables organised. Luckily, the Samsung QE55S95D TV comes equipped with the fabulous One Connect Box. This nifty little device allows you to connect four consoles simultaneously with just one cable. Simply plug everything into the One Connect Box, and with a single cable, connect the box to the TV!
Perfect For Next-Gen: This TV doesn’t just keep your gaming setup tidy. It also allows you to enjoy next-gen games at their very best. Thanks to Motion Xcelerator 144Hz technology, you can enjoy games at blazing-fast frame rates, without the risk of screen tearing ruining your sense of immersion. AI Auto Game Mode also optimises the display settings so that you can enjoy low levels of input latency. You’ll always feel in total control of the action, so you can stay at the top of your game.
Perfect For Everyone: Whether you’re looking to enjoy all-day single-player gaming, or you want to gather up your mates for some multiplayer mayhem, then the glare-free screen of this TV is perfect. No matter the time of day, or how far away from the screen you are, you’ll always get a perfect view. It’s a truly fantastic TV for all kinds of gamers!
The Best 55 Inch TV For Watching Movies
LG OLED55G45LW
Reliant Rating: 5/5.
Specifications
Display: OLED Panel, 4K (3840 x 2160), 120Hz refresh rate.
Available Sizes: 55”, 65”, 77”, 83”, 97”.
HDR Support: HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision.
Sound Support: Dolby Atmos, BlueTooth, eARC, Virtual 11.1.2 Channel Audio.
Operating System: WebOS 24.
Connectivity: HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB x 3, Ethernet, WiFi, Optical.
Reasons To Buy
- The Alpha 11 AI Processor is easily one of the most powerful smart TV processors we’ve used. It’s quick, snappy, responsive, and capable of achieving some truly mind-blowing results.
- AI Voice Remastering technology is capable of enhancing dialogue in your favourite films and TV shows. This prevents you from accidentally getting lost in the action.
- Auto Brightness technology analyses the amount of ambient light in your space, and then adjusts the brightness to suit it!
Not Suitable If…
- Dolby Vision is your HDR format of choice. Unfortunately, this TV does not support the format!
Striking Contrast And Sharp Colour: When it comes to enjoying blockbuster films, there’s nothing more important than sharp visuals. Luckily, the Samsung OLED55G45LW is one of the best-looking OLED TVs around. Thanks to its expertly-engineered OLED panel, the screen is able to deliver perfect black values, for near-infinite contrast. This contrast is made all the better thanks to the TV’s 100% Colour Fidelity, for realistic and accurate colour in every single pixel!
Smarter Upscaling: Upscaling technologies are now prevalent in leading OLED TV models. However, we believe none of these upscaling technologies quite compare to those of the Samsung OLED55G45LW. The Alpha 11 AI Processor is not only capable of upscaling content but actively learning from it. AI Director Processing in particular is great for films. It analyses the entire content of the film to find various ways to improve the image. At all times, the TV is seeking to preserve the director’s original vision.
Equally Brilliant Sound: The film experience isn’t just about realistic visuals. Realistic audio also plays a massive role in the viewing experience. Thankfully, this TV comes equipped with some surprisingly powerful speakers, capable of pumping out mind-blowing audio. AI Voice Remastering technology is also a perfect addition. Even in the loudest of film scenes, the technology is capable of isolating the dialogue track and pumping its volume up, so you won’t find yourself getting lost as you watch!
