Under 500 TV Review: Top 5 Picks Revealed Now

Imagine settling in for movie night, ready for a fantastic viewing experience, only to realize your old TV just isn’t cutting it anymore. You want a big, beautiful screen, but your wallet is sending a different message. Finding a great television without spending a fortune feels like a real puzzle, doesn’t it?

The market is flooded with choices, making it tough to know which budget TV actually delivers. You worry about blurry pictures, slow performance, or buying something that breaks too soon. Spending less shouldn’t mean settling for less quality. That’s where we come in to make your search easy.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you the absolute best televisions you can buy right now for under $500. You will learn exactly what features matter most in this price range, so you can confidently pick a TV that fits your space and your needs perfectly.

Keep reading to discover the top-rated, wallet-friendly screens that will transform your living room today!

Top Televisions Under 500 Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Supersonic SC-1520VTV 15.6 inch Smart AC/DC LED TV, Powered by VIDAA, 1080p, WiFi, Built-in Speakers, USB, 3X HDMI ARC, For Kitchen, RV, Boat, Truck, Playroom, Room, Remote, DC Car Cord INCLUDED-Black

📺𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐩 & 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐬: Enjoy a sharp, full HD experience on the 15.6"ELED TV with a resolution of 1920 x 1080. It boasts a high contrast ratio of 3000:1, ensuring deep blacks and bright whites. A wide viewing angle of 178˚ allows great views from almost any angle.
📺𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲: Features three HDMI ARC-compatible ports and built-in USB input, allowing seamless connection to multiple devices. Play your favorite tunes and photo slideshows directly from a USB stick entertainment made easy!
📺𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠: Built-in WiFi ensures you're always connected. Stream your favorite series or movies without hassle, all in stunning HDTV quality that supports up to 1080p.
📺𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: With built-in speakers and various sound modes like Theater, Music, and Sports, tailor your audio experience to match what you're watching. Feel the intensity of every scene with settings designed to enhance your listening pleasure.
📺𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 & 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞: Lightweight with a standby power of just 0.5W, this ELED TV is as energy efficient as it is portable. It includes an AC/DC adapter, making it perfect for use in the car or any other place where power sources vary.

SaleBestseller No. 2

🌟1080P Full HD Resolution: Cinematic Clarity, Right at Home Step into a world of stunning visuals with the Kejog projector is native 1920x1080 resolution. Every image bursts with sharpness, brightness, and vivid colors, delivering an immersive viewing experience that rivals the cinema. Whether you're binge-watching your favorite shows, catching the latest blockbusters, or streaming thrilling sports events, this 1080p projector brings every detail to life. This projector is the perfect centerpiece for your home theater setup or a cozy bedroom projector, turning any space into your personal entertainment haven
🌟2/Bluetooth 5.0 Function projector：Bluetooth projector with built-in advanced Bluetooth 5.0 chip, allowing you to connect to your Bluetooth speakers/headsets wirelessly fast, offering amazing loud HiFi sound quality without connecting any external speakers. You can connect your ideal bluetooth speaker wirelessly at any time to get more wonderful sound. You can connect external speakers or use the projector as a speaker to play music from your phone.Note: Bluetooth connection is only used for audio transmission with audio devices and does not support connection with smartphones.
🌟3/Built-in Hi-Fi Stereo Speakers: Premium Sound, Anytime, Anywhere No need for external speakers! The Kejog movie projector features built-in Hi-Fi stereo speakers that deliver crystal-clear, immersive audio. Perfect for small bedrooms, intimate movie nights, or outdoor gatherings, the powerful sound brings movies, shows, and games to life. Whether you're using it as a bedroom projector or an outdoor projector, enjoy an audio-visual feast without the hassle of extra equipment.
🌟4/Seamless Compatibility with TV Sticks: Endless Entertainment at Your Fingertips Our Kejog projector expand your viewing options with seamless compatibility with popular TV sticks like Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, and more. Access a vast library of streaming content, from the latest movies and TV shows to live sports and music, and enjoy a premium viewing experience that rivals high-end TVs—all at a fraction of the cost. (Note: TV sticks are not included)
🌟5/Versatile Compatibility with Smartphones and Tablets: Big Screen, Small Device Turn your smartphone or tablet into a big-screen entertainment powerhouse with the Kejog mini projector. While it requires an HDMI adapter (not included), the setup is simple. For iOS devices, use an official Lightning to HDMI adapter. For Android devices, if your phone supports MHL, a Micro USB/Type-C to HDMI cable (not included) will do the trick; otherwise, we recommend using a Chromecast for wireless mirroring. Enjoy a seamless big-screen experience, whether you're sharing photos, streaming videos, or playing games.

Bestseller No. 3

Sound Bass Soundbar Smart 300 500 550 600 700 900 Ultra Adjustable Wall Mount Kit for Bose 300/500/550/600/700/900/Ultra/Smart Sound Bar, Soundtouch 300, TV Speaker Mounting Under TV Bracket, Black

COMPATIBILITY - Compatible ONLY with the following: Bose Smart Soundbar 300, 500, 550, 600, 700, 900, Smart Ultra, Soundtouch 300, Bose Smart Soundbar (released Sept 2024) & Bose TV Speaker (Note: "TV Speaker" is the specific model name of the Bose Soundbar). NOT COMPATIBLE with Bose Solo 5 or Solo Series 2. BOSE SPEAKER or SOUNDBAR NOT INCLUDED. Please ensure compatibility before purchase by checking our compatibility chart.
DESIGNED IN ENGLAND - Created by Soundbass, a team of expert mechanical & acoustic engineers from the UK with over 30 years of experience in audio part design. We worked hard using the latest in audio design technology to ensure you get the best possible sound performance from your new BOSE Soundbar.
EASY INSTALLATION - Quick and easy to fit and adjust. The wall bracket comes with instructions plus wall mounting template, and all necessary mounting hardware including screws, wall anchors & screw caps. The low-profile adjustable sliding design clears upward-firing speakers for optimal sound.
INGENIOUS DESIGN - This unique patented adjustable design is simple, yet cleverly thought out. It gives you the ability to adjust the space between the wall and the speakers from 5mm to 55mm, allowing you that extra space you need behind the speaker. Got bigger wires? Already got the trunking on the wall? Have an uneven wall? Want to position the speaker further forward? Not a problem! We've got you covered with this versatile wall mount!
PRECISION ENGINEERED - To ensure the easiest installation and the best possible acoustic performance from your BOSE soundbar, the mount is crafted in durable 2.5mm steel, with a tough color-matched powder coat finish in either black or white to complement your sound bar speaker perfectly.

Bestseller No. 4

XINLEI Universal Table Top TV Stand for Most 22 to 65 inch LCD LED Plasma Flat Screen TVs, Height Adjustable Leg TV Replacement Stand, Max VESA 800x500mm, Support up to 120lbs ML1760E

COMPATIBLE: The tabletop TV stand can fit most 22-65 inch flat or curved screen TVs and monitors. VESA 75x75mm-800x500mm.
HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE: 6 Levels height adjustable, from 21.34” to 26.26”, to ensure the TV is always positioned at eye level for optimal viewing experience. Detachable parts is also perfect for small TV under 32”, stand height is 12.4”.
STABLE: This TV mount stand is made of premium metal material, which can hold up to 120 lbs. There are non-slip pads on the bottom to provide extra security.
CABLE MANAGEMENT: Unique hollowed-out base design allow you to manage cables to keep room tidy. There are also space on foot for you to place soundbar.
EASY INSTALLATION: Only easy 2-step installation, with all necessary hardware and instruction, you can install it within 5 minutes.

Bestseller No. 5

THE ULTIMATE GIFT FOR EVERY ART LOVER - Perfect for any occasion: birthdays, Mother's day, anniversaries, graduation, retirement, Christmas, showers, office gift exchange, and the perfect gift for the person who has everything. Get one for yourself, too!
TURNS YOUR TV INTO ART - Showcasing 500 of the most beautiful paintings in history, BillionDollarArtGallery transforms your TV and living room into the best museum in the world
PLUG AND PLAY - No Blu-Ray or DVD drive required: simply plug into your TV's USB port. Works with your TV's video or photo slideshow to display Ultra High Def images. Includes video plus 500 images so you can decide how long to display each painting.
BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION - Sleek chrome USB drive comes in an elegant maple gift box with the BillionDollarArtGallery logo laser-etched on the cover in an artful sleeve with instructions on the back.
FASCINATING AND EDUCATIONAL - Living with gorgeous art provides opportunity for study and conversation. Learn about the artist and painting in the video captions or in the free Kindle Unlimited book, BillionDollarArtGallery. **** Suitable for most TVs (USB FAT32 Formats)

Bestseller No. 6

Sound Bass Soundbar Smart 300 500 550 600 700 900 Ultra Adjustable Wall Mount Kit for Bose 300/500/550/600/700/900/Ultra/Smart Sound Bar, Soundtouch 300, TV Speaker Mounting Under TV Bracket, White

COMPATIBILITY - Compatible ONLY with the following: Bose Smart Soundbar 300, 500, 550, 600, 700, 900, Smart Ultra, Soundtouch 300, Bose Smart Soundbar (released Sept 2024) & Bose TV Speaker (Note: "TV Speaker" is the specific model name of the Bose Soundbar). NOT COMPATIBLE with Bose Solo 5 or Solo Series 2. BOSE SPEAKER or SOUNDBAR NOT INCLUDED. Please ensure compatibility before purchase by checking our compatibility chart.
DESIGNED IN ENGLAND - Created by Soundbass, a team of expert mechanical & acoustic engineers from the UK with over 30 years of experience in audio part design. We worked hard using the latest in audio design technology to ensure you get the best possible sound performance from your new BOSE Soundbar.
EASY INSTALLATION - Quick and easy to fit and adjust. The wall bracket comes with instructions plus wall mounting template, and all necessary mounting hardware including screws, wall anchors & screw caps. The low-profile adjustable sliding design clears upward-firing speakers for optimal sound.
INGENIOUS DESIGN - This unique patented adjustable design is simple, yet cleverly thought out. It gives you the ability to adjust the space between the wall and the speakers from 5mm to 55mm, allowing you that extra space you need behind the speaker. Got bigger wires? Already got the trunking on the wall? Have an uneven wall? Want to position the speaker further forward? Not a problem! We've got you covered with this versatile wall mount!
PRECISION ENGINEERED - To ensure the easiest installation and the best possible acoustic performance from your BOSE soundbar, the mount is crafted in durable 2.5mm steel, with a tough color-matched powder coat finish in either black or white to complement your sound bar speaker perfectly.

SaleBestseller No. 7

AX WABER Universal TV Stand, Table Top TV Stand Base Wobble-Free Replacement for Most 24 to 80 Inch LCD LED TVs, 7 Height Adjustable TV Legs Hold up to 150lbs, Max VESA 800x500mm, Black AX10TB02

Compatibility - This universal TV stand is compatible with VESA hole patterns of 100 x 100 mm up to 800 x 500 mm (4” x 4” to 32” x 20”) and Maximum weight capacity of 150 lbs
Height Adjustable - With 7 levels of height adjustment, this TV bracket is specially designed for you to establish an improved TV height and viewing angle. Higher mounting options allow space to add a sound bar or other accessories
Anti-Scratch Pads Prevent Sliding - This heavy duty curved TV stand is equipped with padded feet to help protect furniture surfaces and prevent sliding
Easy Installation - With simple and clear instruction manual, you can install this universal table top TV stand in very little time. A full necessary hardware kit is included that is compatible with most 24'',27'',32'',37'',40'',42'',45'',46'',47'',50'',55'',60'',65'',70'',75'',77'' ,80''TVs
Load Cpacity - The maximum Load Capacity is 150lbs

SaleBestseller No. 8

notiela Soundbar Mount Shelf for Samsung, Sony, LG, Vizio, Bose, Onn and More Soundbar Wall Mount Bracket - Sound Bar Mounts Under TV Mounting Bracket

Wide Compatibility: This sound bar bracket is designed to fit most soundbar within 3.5 inches wide. it compatible with Samsung, Sony, LG, Vizio, Bose, Onn, TCL, JBL, Polk Audio, Roku Streambar, Roku Streambar Pro, Harman Kardon, Denon, Rca, Nakamichi, Klipsch, Insignia, Panasonic, Hisense and more brand soundbars.
Enhance Audio Experience: This universal sound bar mount can be used in a vatiety of seetings, using our durable sound bar wall mounts to mount your soundbar above or below the TV can significantly improves audio quality with crisp, immersive surround sound. For this Samsung soundbar mount is perfect for home theater, gaming & offices and other entertainment venues.
Anti-slip & Hold Firmly: To keep your soundbar securely in place our sound bar mounts under tv comes with strong adhesive which can prevent the soundbar from scratches, sliding and hold your soundbar more firmly in place. This sound bar wall mounts undet tv can provide worry-free entertainment for all to enjoy the safe & relaxing moments with your family & friends.
Sturdy And Durable: For the Samsung sound bar mount under tv is professionally engineered with heavy-duty thickness and premium materials to securely hold soundbars weighing up to 22 lbs. The L-shaped design of this soundbar shelf prevents any obstruction during use, ensuring your soundbar maintains optimal positioning for peak performance.
Space Saving: Our sound bar wall mount allows you to mount the soundbar on the wall below or above your TV - Free up tabletop space with sleek & organized setup. This soundbar mount under tv allows you to enjoy your music in the most comfortable way possible.

The Smart Shopper’s Guide: Finding the Best TV Under $500

Buying a new television doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Many excellent, feature-packed TVs sit comfortably under the $500 mark. This guide helps you navigate the options and pick the perfect screen for your living room or bedroom.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a budget TV, focus on the features that matter most for everyday viewing.

Resolution (4K vs. 1080p): Aim for 4K Ultra HD resolution if possible. Most modern TVs in this price range offer 4K. This means the picture is super sharp. If you buy a 1080p (Full HD) TV, it will look fine on smaller screens (like 32 inches), but 4K is better for 50-inch models and up.
Smart Platform: A “Smart TV” connects to the internet. Check which platform it uses, like Roku, Fire TV, or Google TV. Roku and Fire TV are very easy to use and let you watch Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube easily.
HDR Support: High Dynamic Range (HDR) makes colors brighter and blacks deeper. Look for support for HDR10. This makes movies look much better, even on a budget set.
Refresh Rate: This is how smoothly motion appears. Most budget TVs have a 60Hz refresh rate. This is perfectly fine for watching shows and movies. Gamers might want 120Hz, but that is rare under $500.

Important Materials and Build Quality

While you won’t find premium metal frames here, the construction still matters.

Screen Panel Type

Most budget TVs use LED-backlit LCD panels. Look for “Direct-Lit” or “Full Array Local Dimming” (FALD) if you see it listed, as these offer better contrast than basic “Edge-Lit” screens. The quality of the plastic casing is usually standard. Ensure the stand feels sturdy enough to hold the TV securely.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

A TV’s performance relies on more than just its price tag.

Improving Quality

Good Processor: The internal chip (processor) handles upscaling and motion smoothing. A decent processor cleans up lower-quality streams, making them look clearer on your 4K screen.
Good Viewing Angles: Some panels (like IPS) let you see the picture clearly even if you sit far to the side. Other panels (like VA) look best when you sit directly in front. Check reviews to see which panel type the specific model uses.

Reducing Quality

Poor Black Levels: If the TV cannot make the dark parts of the screen truly black, shadows look gray. This is the most common quality reduction in budget TVs.
Slow Smart Interface: A cheap processor makes navigating menus slow and frustrating. Test the responsiveness if you can in the store.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where the TV will live and what you will use it for.

Best for Casual Viewing (Bedrooms/Kitchens)

For smaller rooms (32 to 43 inches), focus on a reliable Smart interface (like Roku) and good brightness so you can see it during the day. High-end features are less important here.

Best for Movie Nights (Living Rooms)

If you watch serious movies, prioritize 4K resolution and HDR support. A screen size of 50 to 55 inches is often the sweet spot for under $500. Make sure the sound is adequate, or plan to buy a cheap soundbar later.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About TVs Under $500

Q: Can I get a good 55-inch TV for under $500?

A: Yes, you definitely can. Many reliable brands offer 55-inch 4K Smart TVs near this price, especially during sales events.

Q: Is 1080p resolution okay anymore?

A: For screens smaller than 40 inches, 1080p is fine. For 43 inches and larger, always try to choose 4K for a sharper picture.

Q: What is the most important feature for streaming?

A: The integrated Smart Platform (like Fire TV or Roku) is key. It dictates how easy it is to access all your favorite apps.

Q: Do these cheap TVs look good in a bright room?

A: Brightness is a major factor. Look for reviews that specifically mention “good peak brightness.” Edge-lit TVs often struggle against strong sunlight.

Q: Are these TVs good for modern gaming consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X)?

A: Generally, no. Most budget TVs lack the 120Hz refresh rate and advanced HDMI 2.1 ports needed for high-end gaming features.

Q: How important is HDR support on a budget TV?

A: It is very important. Even basic HDR10 support significantly improves the color pop compared to a TV without it.

Q: What is the typical screen size range under $500?

A: You can usually find excellent models ranging from 32 inches up to 55 inches, sometimes even 60 inches during major sales.

Q: Should I worry about the sound quality?

A: Yes. Budget TVs often have weak built-in speakers. Plan to connect a basic soundbar later if you enjoy loud or immersive audio.

Q: What does “manufacturer refurbished” mean?

A: This means the TV was returned or had a minor issue, was fixed by the company, and is sold again, often with a shorter warranty. This is a good way to save money.

Q: How long should I expect a budget TV to last?

A: With normal use, most modern LED TVs should last five to seven years, regardless of the initial price point.