So, you're hunting for the best 50-inch TV in the UK and want a reliable pick that won’t leave you second-guessing. With so many options flooding the market—each promising stunning visuals, smart features, and gamer-friendly specs—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Don’t worry, we’ve done the legwork for you. In this guide, we break down the best 50-inch TVs you can buy right now, based on real-world testing across image quality, sound, design, smart platforms, and overall value.

Whether you're into binge-watching, gaming, or just want a crisp, modern screen for everyday viewing, we’ve got something to suit your needs.

Our Editor’s Pick, the Sony BRAVIA KD-50X75WL, impressed us with its vivid 4K picture, immersive Dolby Atmos sound, and the powerful, user-friendly Google TV interface. If you’re after premium performance in a stylish package, this one ticks all the boxes.

The Samsung DU8070 takes Runner-Up with its dynamic colours, intuitive Tizen OS, and ultra-slim design—ideal for those wanting high-end features without stretching the budget.

And for a Budget Pick, the Hisense 50E6NTUK delivers fantastic 4K visuals, gaming-ready specs, and smart features at a wallet-friendly price. We’ve also flagged one to avoid, saving you time and hassle. Read on to discover the best 50-inch TV for your space.

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Don’t Buy a 50-inch TV Without These Features

When shopping for a 50-inch TV, certain core features should be considered non-negotiable. These aren’t necessarily luxuries—they're industry standards that ensure you’re getting a high-performing, future-ready television.

• 4K UHD Resolution: Crisp image quality with 3840x2160 pixels should be the baseline.
• HDR Support: Look for HDR10 or Dolby Vision for better contrast and more vibrant colours.
• Smart TV Platform: Built-in access to streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube.
• HDMI 2.1 Ports: At least one HDMI port for better bandwidth and compatibility with modern devices.
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity: Wireless internet for apps and Bluetooth for connecting accessories.
• Voice Control Integration: Support for Google Assistant, Alexa, or proprietary voice remotes.
• Energy Efficiency: Rated energy-efficient models can help reduce power consumption over time.
• Warranty & Support: A minimum 1-year manufacturer’s warranty is standard.

Design and Build Quality

A 50-inch TV isn’t just a tech product—it becomes part of your living space. As such, design and durability matter just as much as technical features.

• Slim Profile: A thin, minimal design ensures the TV doesn’t dominate your room visually.
• Bezelless or Thin Bezels: Reduces distractions and enhances the immersive experience.
• Material Quality: Solid construction using quality plastics or metals increases longevity.
• Stable Stand or Mounting Options: Look for flexible mounting solutions and sturdy, well-balanced stands.
• Cable Management: Integrated cable routing or tidy rear-panel design helps reduce clutter.

Beyond The Basics Of a 50-inch TV

Beyond the essentials, top-tier 50-inch TVs often offer added benefits that enhance usability, convenience, and overall enjoyment.

• Dolby Atmos or Object Tracking Sound: Adds audio depth and realism beyond standard TV speakers.
• Gaming Features: Enhanced gaming experience with support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and dedicated Game Mode settings to ensure ultra-smooth gameplay.
• Casting Support: Google Cast, Apple AirPlay 2, or Miracast to easily share content from your mobile device.
• Dual Remotes: Including a compact or solar-powered second remote can be a practical bonus.
• Smart Home Integration: Seamless compatibility with smart lights, speakers, and other connected home devices.
• Multiple User Profiles: Personalised recommendations and settings for each viewer in the household.

Keeping these categories in mind can help ensure that your 50-inch TV delivers not just great picture performance and sound, but also a lasting, intuitive, and stylish experience.

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Editors Pick

Sony BRAVIA, KD-50X75WL, 50 Inch, LED, Smart TV

The Sony BRAVIA KD-50X75WL is a standout choice for anyone seeking the best 50-inch smart TV. With its premium visuals, strong sound, and feature-rich Google TV platform, it offers a seamless entertainment experience in a sleek, modern package.

Key Features

• Stunning Picture: The X1 Processor enhances detail and colour, paired with Dolby Vision for deeper contrast and realism.
• Impressive Sound: X-Balanced Speaker and Dolby Atmos deliver immersive audio with enhanced bass and clarity.
• Smart Platform: Google TV gives access to 700,000+ shows, with voice control and casting built-in.
• Gaming Ready: HDMI 2.1 with ALLM, HDR Tone Mapping, and a dedicated Gaming Menu support smooth, responsive play.
• Design Excellence: The slim bezel, minimalist hairline finish, and fixed stand suit any room. Optional 2-way stand available for larger sizes.

We tested the Sony KD-50X75WL and found it strikes an excellent balance across performance, usability, and design. The visuals are crisp and vivid, with great contrast in both bright and dark scenes. Audio is equally strong—clear dialogue, rich bass, and noticeable depth with Dolby Atmos.

Setting it up was effortless. Google TV ran smoothly, and casting from mobile devices worked flawlessly. The remote’s voice control added convenience, and BRAVIA CORE gave access to a great selection of premium films.

Gaming on this TV is a highlight. Low latency, solid HDR handling, and extra features like the Gaming Menu made it responsive and enjoyable for both casual and serious play.

With its understated style, excellent picture and sound, and thoughtful smart features, the Sony KD-50X75WL delivers a reliable all-in-one solution for home entertainment. For anyone after the best 50-inch TV right now, this would be our top recommendation.

Runner Up

Samsung DU8070 Crystal UHD 4K 50" Smart TV, With Object Tracking Sound Lite

The Samsung DU8070 stands out as a strong runner-up in our best 50-inch TV selection. It offers enhanced performance with improved sound and display features, smart usability, and a refined design—all for a slightly higher but still competitive price.

Key Features

• Dynamic Crystal Colour: Displays over a billion shades—64x more than standard LED—for vibrant, lifelike visuals.
• Crystal Processor 4K: Sharpens every frame and enhances sound for an upgraded 4K experience.
• AirSlim Design: Ultra-slim profile that looks great wall-mounted or on a stand.
• Object Tracking Sound Lite: Adds a sense of movement to the audio for more immersion.
• Gaming Hub: Access console-free gaming from Xbox, Nvidia, and more—directly from the TV.
• Tizen OS: Smooth and intuitive smart TV interface with all major streaming apps built-in.
• Dual Remotes: Includes a traditional remote and a solar-powered compact controller.

We recently tested the Samsung DU8070 and were impressed with its picture clarity and responsive interface. The TV handled everything from streaming 4K films to casual gaming without issues. Setup took just minutes, and switching between apps was seamless.

Its sleek AirSlim build looks premium, and mounting it was straightforward. The Object Tracking Sound Lite added depth to scenes, though we’d still recommend pairing it with a soundbar for fuller audio.

Having two remotes—especially the solar-powered one—was handy, though the smaller remote may not suit everyone. For light gamers, the built-in Gaming Hub was a highlight, with smooth performance and no need for external consoles.

Overall, if you’re after a feature-rich 50” TV that delivers on picture quality and usability, the DU8070 offers great value without compromising on performance.

Budget Pick

Hisense 50 Inch 4K Smart TV 50E6NTUK - Dolby Vision

The Hisense 50E6NTUK is a feature-packed 50-inch 4K TV that strikes a strong balance between performance, smart functionality, and affordability. For those seeking high-resolution viewing with modern connectivity and gaming-ready features, this model delivers impressive value at its price point.

Key Features

• 4K Ultra HD Display: Offers 3840×2160 resolution with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ decoding for sharp, vibrant visuals.
• Gaming-Ready: Includes MEMC, VRR, and ALLM for smooth, responsive gameplay.
• Smart Platform: VIDAA U7.6 with voice remote, Alexa built-in, and support for Apple Home and Google Home.
• Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 3 HDMI 2.1 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and AirPlay 2 compatibility.
• Design & Build: Bezelless screen with a wide dual-stand design and TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification.

We tested the Hisense 50E6NTUK across streaming, gaming, and everyday TV viewing, and it handled all tasks smoothly. Picture quality stood out with crisp 4K resolution and support for Dolby Vision and HDR formats.

Fast-paced content looked fluid, and AI Picture adjustments improved depth in sports and action scenes. The smart interface was easy to navigate and responsive, with key apps like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer available out of the box. However, some niche apps may require an external streamer.

Sound quality is serviceable but leans light on bass—pairing with a soundbar enhanced the experience significantly. Its trio of HDMI 2.1 ports supports console gaming effortlessly.

Setup was fast, and the wide stand was stable, though it requires a larger surface. Overall, the Hisense 50E6NTUK is a practical choice if you want strong performance without overspending.

Best 50" Smart TV Pick

TCL 50QM8B 50-inch QLED Mini LED TV, 4K HDR Premium 1300nits

The TCL 50QM8B stands out as a high-performance 50" TV, combining Mini LED technology with a 144Hz native refresh rate and full HDR support. It’s an ideal pick if you want premium visuals, smooth motion, and advanced features at a competitive price point.

Key Features

• Mini LED Backlight: Outstanding contrast and uniform brightness, even in bright rooms.
• QLED Technology: Quantum dot panel delivers rich, vibrant colour depth.
• 4K HDR Premium 1300: Brings excellent detail and sharpness to all content.
• Multi-format HDR Support: Includes HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Vision IQ.
• 144Hz Display: High refresh rate ensures fluid motion in games and sports.
• Smart Features: Powered by Google TV, with voice control and app integration.
• Sound Quality: Built-in speakers produce strong, clear audio for everyday use.

We recently tested the TCL 50QM8B, and it delivers on nearly every front. Setup is simple, with fast pairing via Google Home and seamless navigation through the Google TV interface. The picture quality is especially impressive—blacks are deep, colours are vibrant, and HDR content looks stunning.

We adjusted the settings to suit our room, and the difference was immediate. It also handles motion well, making it great for sports and gaming.

Sound quality exceeds expectations for a TV this slim, though adding a soundbar will enhance low-end tones. The native 144Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 support give it an edge for next-gen gaming.

For anyone seeking a 50" TV with high-end features at a sensible price, the TCL 50QM8B is a smart, future-proof investment.

Best Premium Pick

LG 50QNED87T6B 50-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV

The LG 50QNED87T6B stands out as a top-tier 50-inch TV for those who want sharp visuals, a sleek design, and a fully loaded smart interface. We tested it across streaming, gaming, and everyday viewing—and it delivered on every front.

Key Features

• Quantum Dot NanoCell Display: Combines two technologies for vivid, accurate colours and crisp 4K visuals.
• AI Picture & Sound: The α7 AI processor enhances content with intelligent upscaling and sound adjustments.
• Gaming Ready: 4K 120Hz with VRR and ALLM support ensures fluid motion and low-lag performance.
• webOS Smart Platform: Access Freeview Play, Netflix, Disney+, and more through an intuitive interface.
• Modern Slim Design: Ultra-slim profile with an adjustable stand fits easily into any living room layout.

We tested the LG 50QNED87T6B across a variety of scenarios—from weekend sports to late-night films. The picture quality stood out right away: rich colours, deep contrast, and impressive clarity even in dim lighting. The motion was fluid during fast scenes, with no blurring.

Gaming felt responsive and immersive thanks to HDMI 2.1, and the webOS interface was fast and simple to use. The Magic Remote made menu navigation effortless, while voice support added hands-free ease.

Sound quality was decent on its own, but pairing it with a soundbar took the experience to the next level. Build-wise, it’s stylish and compact, making it ideal for modern homes. If you're after a 50-inch TV that covers entertainment, sport, and gaming all in one, this is the premium pick we’d go for.

One To Avoid

Tees 50-inch 4K QLED Smart TV, Tizen OS UHD Central Stand Design Television

We tested the Tees 50-inch 4K QLED Smart TV and, despite a few strengths, we found it to be one to avoid. The picture quality is decent — vibrant colours, sharp detail, and effective HDR support make it visually appealing when streaming high-quality content.

Motion handling is also impressive (fast-paced scenes stayed smooth), and the Tizen OS interface feels quick and intuitive. It’s lightweight and the central stand saves space, especially on smaller surfaces.

However, these positives are quickly overshadowed by its flaws. The sound is among the worst we’ve experienced — flat, tinny, and often muffled (dialogue in particular is hard to follow). Without a soundbar, it’s frustrating to watch anything for long. The build quality is also a letdown.

It’s made from very thin plastic, which feels cheap and insubstantial, and the setup process was far more fiddly than it should have been. Even once assembled, the TV doesn’t inspire confidence in its durability.

While it may look decent on paper and performs well in some areas, the overall experience left us underwhelmed. For the price, there are better alternatives that don’t compromise on basic things like sound and build. Ultimately, we wouldn’t recommend it.

How We Tested and Chose the Best 50-Inch TVs on the Market

Choosing the best 50-inch TV isn’t just about comparing specs—it’s about how well the screen performs in everyday use. We tested each model across several key areas, including picture quality, sound, ease of use, smart features, and more.

From setup to streaming and gaming, we made sure each TV was put through its paces.

Picture Quality

We evaluated picture quality using both 4K and 1080p content, judging clarity and sharpness. Colour accuracy was checked with HDR footage to see how naturally colours were rendered. Contrast and black levels were tested using dark scenes to determine depth and detail.

Brightness and HDR performance were assessed through high-luminance content to evaluate how well highlights and shadows were handled. We also looked at how picture quality held up from different angles, making sure the display remained consistent no matter where you were sitting in the room.

Sound Quality

Audio testing focused on dialogue clarity, bass performance, and volume consistency. We played films and series with a range of sound dynamics to evaluate how well each TV handled both subtle speech and loud action scenes.

Dolby Atmos support, where available, was assessed to see how immersive the soundstage felt. We also tested the speakers without any external setup to understand what users could expect straight out of the box.

Some TVs offered surprisingly decent sound, while others clearly needed a soundbar to deliver a satisfying experience.

Smart TV Interface and App Support

We measured how fast each TV started up and loaded apps like Netflix and YouTube. Voice controls were tested for responsiveness using built-in assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. We explored the app store to check for coverage of essential streaming services and popular extras.

The overall navigation experience was evaluated for speed, layout, and clarity. We noted whether the interface was smooth or laggy and paid attention to how easy it was to switch between inputs and settings without frustration.

Gaming Performance

Gaming tests involved connecting a PS5 or Xbox Series X to examine responsiveness and motion clarity. Input lag was observed during fast gameplay, and we checked whether VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) were supported and properly activated.

We also explored any gaming dashboards or presets that optimised the experience. Visual elements like colour and contrast were judged during high-detail scenes to see how well the TVs handled HDR gaming. This gave us a clear idea of how suitable each model was for casual and serious gamers alike.

Design and Build Quality

We looked at each TV’s material quality to see if it felt solid or flimsy. The stability of the stand was tested on a standard media console, and we checked whether mounting the TV to a wall was straightforward using VESA compatibility.

We considered bezels, finishes, and how the TV would fit into modern living spaces. Cable management was another factor—we took note of whether the rear panel design made it easy to keep cords out of sight, which adds to both visual appeal and practicality.

Setup and User Experience

Setup was timed from unboxing to watching your first show. We assessed how intuitive the menus were and whether it was easy to connect to Wi-Fi, log into apps, and adjust settings. Remote controls were evaluated for comfort, responsiveness, and layout.

If the TV supported multiple profiles, we tested how easily you could switch between them and whether content suggestions adapted well. Ease of navigation and general responsiveness played a big role in determining whether the experience felt smooth or clunky after initial setup.

Connectivity and Compatibility

We examined the port selection on each model to ensure there were enough HDMI 2.1 and USB slots for modern use. Wireless performance was tested by streaming over dual-band Wi-Fi and pairing Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

Casting features like Chromecast, AirPlay 2, or screen mirroring were also tried to make sure they worked reliably. TVs that seamlessly connected with phones and smart devices scored higher, as this flexibility adds a lot to everyday convenience—especially for households with a mix of tech platforms.

Energy Efficiency and Noise

Power consumption was measured during streaming and idle modes, highlighting which models were more energy-efficient. We also listened carefully during quiet moments to see if there were any noticeable processor or fan sounds.

Some TVs remained whisper-quiet even during intense use, while others emitted subtle hums or coil whines. This kind of detail might not be on a spec sheet, but it can affect enjoyment—especially if you watch movies late at night or in quieter settings where ambient noise becomes more noticeable.

Value for Money

To determine value, we compared the feature set and performance of each model against its price. Some TVs delivered premium features at mid-range prices, while others felt overpriced for what they offered.

Warranty terms and brand support were also considered, along with how often software updates were provided. We gave extra credit to models that balanced strong performance with fair pricing and didn’t cut corners on key areas like build or image quality.

A good 50-inch TV should feel worth the investment, not just look good on paper.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Finally, we placed the best contenders next to one another to directly compare picture, sound, and usability under identical conditions. Watching the same content across different TVs made it easier to notice differences in colour depth, black levels, and motion handling.

This method helped highlight models that stood out immediately, and those that looked good in isolation but didn’t quite hold up when compared to stronger options. It’s one of the most effective ways to identify the true standout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Go for 50 or 55 Inch TV?

Whether you should go for a 50 or 55 inch TV depends on your room size, seating distance, and preferences. A 55 inch TV offers a slightly larger viewing area and may be better for spacious rooms. However, a 50 inch TV can still deliver an immersive experience in medium-sized spaces.

Is QLED Better Than OLED for a 50 Inch TV?

Whether QLED is better than OLED for a 50 inch TV depends on your priorities. QLED TVs generally offer higher brightness and vivid colours, making them suitable for bright rooms. OLED TVs, on the other hand, provide deeper blacks and better contrast, ideal for darker viewing environments and cinematic content.

Is a 50 Inch TV Too Big for My Toddler's Bedroom?

A 50 inch TV may be too big for a toddler's bedroom, especially if space is limited or seating distance is short. Smaller screens are often more practical and safer for young children. Consider room layout, mounting options, and how much the screen might dominate the space visually.

How Far Away Should You Be from a 50 Inch TV?

You should be about 6 to 8 feet away from a 50 inch TV for optimal viewing. This distance allows you to enjoy the full resolution without seeing pixelation, while also reducing eye strain. The ideal range can vary slightly depending on whether you're watching HD or 4K content.

At What Height Should a 50 Inch TV Be Placed?

A 50 inch TV should be placed so that the center of the screen is at eye level when seated—typically around 42 to 48 inches from the floor. This setup ensures comfortable viewing without neck strain and enhances your overall experience, especially during longer watching sessions.

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Final Word

We hope our guide to the best 50-inch TVs in the UK has helped you find the perfect screen for your home.

With so many great models to choose from, narrowing it down wasn’t easy—but the Sony BRAVIA KD-50X75WL stood out as our top pick for its stunning visuals, immersive sound, and intuitive Google TV experience. It’s a solid all-rounder that balances performance and design beautifully.

Of course, the Samsung DU8070 and Hisense 50E6NTUK are also strong contenders depending on your budget and needs. Whether you’re a movie buff, gamer, or casual viewer, there’s something here for everyone.

That said, one model to avoid is the Tees 50-inch 4K QLED Smart TV. Despite good visuals and a sleek interface, its poor sound quality and flimsy build let it down significantly.

Already picturing your next movie night? Let us know which TV caught your eye in the comments!