Top 10 Best TVs for PS5 Under $500 (Sep 2022)

By Robert Jones · 2021-11-30

You've got a PS5, now you need a TV that can keep up without emptying your wallet. I've put some budget 4K sets through their paces to find the best ones under £500 for your PlayStation 5.

Right then, you've managed to bag yourself a PlayStation 5. Good on ya, mate, that wasn't easy for a while there. But what's the point of having one of the most powerful consoles ever made if you're plugging it into some old telly that struggles with Freeview, let alone 4K HDR at 120 frames per second? You need a TV that can keep up, and crucially, one that won't break the bank. We're talking under £500 here, not £1500. This is SpeakersMag, not some high-end AV boutique, so I'm looking for value and performance where it counts. **Quick Verdict: Don't expect miracles under £500, but a few modern budget sets can give your PS5 a decent workout.** ### Who it's for: * Gamers on a tight budget who still want a proper PS5 experience. * Anyone needing a second TV for a bedroom or games room. * Those upgrading from a really old 1080p set. ### Who should skip it: * Anyone who can stretch to £700-£1000 for a genuinely high-end gaming TV. * Folks who only play casual, slow-paced games. * If you're expecting perfect HDR and deep blacks from every TV on this list – you'll be disappointed. *** ![Top 10 Best TVs for PS5 Under $500 (Sep 2022)](https://speakersmag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Best-TVs-for-PS5-Under-500.jpg) *Top 10 Best TVs for PS5 Under $500 (Sep 2022) — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## The Real Talk: What to Look For (and What to Manage Expectations On) Look, I've seen plenty of budget TVs come through my workshop. They're not all created equal, not by a long shot. When you're trying to get the best out of a PS5, there are a few key specs you absolutely need to keep an eye on, even if the price tag is keeping things constrained. First up, resolution. It's got to be 4K. No arguments. The PS5 pushes 4K, so you need a panel that can display all those lovely pixels. 1080p is just not going to cut it if you want to see what the console can truly do. You'll be missing out on so much detail. Then there's HDR. High Dynamic Range. This is where things get a bit tricky in the sub-£500 bracket. True HDR requires high peak brightness and good local dimming – things you generally don't get cheaply. Many budget TVs will *accept* an HDR signal, but they won't display it with the impact you'd see on a more expensive set. Colours might look a bit washed out, highlights not as bright. Still, it's better than no HDR at all, and some manage to do a decent job with the processing, even if the panel itself isn't top-tier. Look for HDR10 support at the very least. And for PS5, the big one is 120Hz. Or, more accurately, HDMI 2.1. This is the holy grail for modern console gaming. It allows for 4K resolution at 120 frames per second, which makes motion incredibly smooth. Not every game runs at 120fps, mind, but the ones that do are a treat. You also get Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) with HDMI 2.1. VRR smooths out frame rate fluctuations, preventing screen tearing, and ALLM automatically switches your TV into game mode for the lowest input lag. Crucial for competitive gaming. Finding a proper HDMI 2.1 port at this price point is tough, but not impossible. It's often just one port, mind, so choose wisely. Input lag is another massive factor. This is the delay between you pressing a button on your controller and seeing the action on screen. In games, especially fast-paced shooters or fighting games, even a few milliseconds can make a difference. Look for TVs with a dedicated "Game Mode" which usually bypasses a lot of the image processing to reduce lag. Under 20ms is decent, under 10ms is excellent. Finally, the sound. Honestly, don't expect much from any TV's built-in speakers, especially at this price. They'll be fine for casual viewing, but for gaming, you'll want a soundbar or a good pair of headphones. Most of these TVs will have an optical output or eARC on one of the HDMI ports for hooking up external sound. If you've got a decent sound system, that's what you'll want to use. *** ## The Contenders: My Picks for Under £500 Right, let's get down to brass tacks. I've sifted through the current crop of budget tellies available in the UK, focusing on those that actually offer something worthwhile for a PS5 owner without requiring a second mortgage. Prices fluctuate, especially online, so these are rough guides based on what I've seen recently. Always check for deals! ### 1. Hisense U7 Series (e.g., 50U7H or 50U7QFTUK) Hisense has been making serious waves in the budget TV market over the last few years, and the U7 series is a prime example. They often punch well above their weight, especially when they're on offer. You can usually snag a 50-inch model for around £400-£500 if you're lucky. **What's good:** * **Mini-LED Backlighting:** This is a big deal at this price. Mini-LED means more precise control over backlight, leading to better contrast and brighter HDR highlights than most standard LED TVs. Not full OLED levels, but a definite step up. * **120Hz Panel with HDMI 2.1:** Crucially, many U7 models offer full 4K@120Hz support via two HDMI 2.1 ports. This is rare and brilliant for the money. VRR and ALLM are usually included too. * **Google TV OS:** It's pretty snappy and has all the apps you'd expect. * **Decent Brightness:** For an LCD, it gets fairly bright, which helps with HDR content. **What's not so good:** * **Viewing Angles:** Like many VA panels, the picture can wash out a bit if you're not sitting directly in front. * **Local Dimming:** While present, it can still have some blooming around bright objects on a dark background. * **Motion Handling:** Can be a bit hit-and-miss in some scenes, though 120Hz helps a lot for gaming. **My Take:** If you can find a U7 on sale, grab it. The Mini-LED and 120Hz at this price are tough to beat. It's probably the closest you'll get to a "proper" gaming TV without spending a grand. Just make sure it's the U7 *series* and not a lower-tier Hisense, as they can look similar on paper. ### 2. TCL C645K QLED (e.g., 50C645K) TCL is another brand that's been giving the big boys a run for their money in the affordable stakes. The C645K is a QLED set, meaning it uses quantum dots to boost colour volume and brightness. You can often find the 50-inch for well under £450. **What's good:** * **QLED Colours:** The quantum dot layer really helps deliver a more vibrant, colourful picture than standard LED TVs. Great for showing off those lush PS5 game worlds. * **Good Brightness:** It gets reasonably bright, which helps HDR pop a bit more. * **Game Master Features:** Usually includes ALLM and VRR, which is great. Some models even support 120Hz at 1440p resolution, or a kind of 120Hz "DLED" mode at 4K, so check specs carefully. It's not *true* 4K@120Hz via HDMI 2.1 on all models, though. * **Google TV:** Same as Hisense, a decent smart TV platform. **What's not so good:** * **No True 4K@120Hz HDMI 2.1:** This is the main sticking point. While it might do 120Hz at 1440p or use a DLED workaround, it's not the native 4K 120Hz you get with HDMI 2.1 on the Hisense U7, for example. That's a compromise you need to be aware of. * **Contrast:** While colours are good, the black levels aren't as deep as you'd find on a Mini-LED or more expensive set. No local dimming to speak of. * **Motion:** Can be a bit juddery with 24fps content, but generally okay for gaming. **My Take:** A solid choice if vibrant colours are your priority and you're not fussed about native 4K@120Hz. If 60fps at 4K is fine for you, and you want that QLED punch, this is a strong contender. Just know its limitations on the high frame rate front. ### 3. Samsung AU8000/AU9000 Series (e.g., 50AU8000 or 50AU9000) Samsung's entry-level models often pop up with significant discounts. The AU series isn't their latest or greatest, but it's a reliable option that sometimes dips below the £500 mark for a 50-inch. They're well-built and have a clean design. **What's good:** * **Reliable Brand:** Samsung generally makes decent panels, even at the lower end. You know what you're getting. * **Good Image Processing:** Even without all the fancy backlighting, Samsung's processing often makes the picture look sharper and more refined than some rivals. * **Tizen OS:** Samsung's smart platform is fast, intuitive, and has every app under the sun. * **Low Input Lag:** Even without HDMI 2.1, Samsung TVs usually have excellent input lag in Game Mode, which is a big plus for PS5. **What's not so good:** * **No HDMI 2.1:** This is the biggie. No 4K@120Hz, no VRR. You're capped at 4K@60Hz. * **Edge-Lit LED:** Contrast won't be amazing, and black uniformity can be a bit inconsistent. HDR will be rudimentary at best. * **Colours:** Good, but not as vibrant as a QLED or Mini-LED set. **My Take:** This is your "safe bet" option if the Hisense and TCL aren't on sale, or if you're just looking for a solid 4K TV and don't *need* 120Hz. It's a good TV, just not specifically optimised for the PS5's highest frame rate capabilities. If you mainly play single-player, story-driven games, this could be perfectly adequate. ### 4. LG UQ75/UQ80 Series (e.g., 50UQ75006LF or 50UQ80006LB) Similar to Samsung, LG's budget offerings are often found at good prices. The UQ series are their entry-level 4K sets. Like Samsung, you'll find 50-inch models occasionally dip into our budget. **What's good:** * **WebOS:** LG's smart platform is fantastic, very user-friendly, and comes with the Magic Remote, which is brilliant for navigation. * **Low Input Lag:** LG is also great at keeping input lag low in Game Mode, which is vital for console gaming. * **Good Viewing Angles (on IPS panels):** Some LG UQ models use IPS panels, which means wider viewing angles, great if you've got a few mates watching over your shoulder. (Though VA panels are better for contrast in a dark room). **What's not so good:** * **No HDMI 2.1:** Again, you're mostly looking at 4K@60Hz here. No VRR, no 120Hz. * **Contrast and HDR:** Similar to the Samsung, these are standard LED panels without advanced dimming, so HDR won't impress much. Black levels can be a bit grey. * **Brightness:** Generally not super bright, so won't fight off glare in a sunny room particularly well. **My Take:** Another good "no-frills" 4K option. If you like LG's WebOS and Magic Remote, and your gaming habits are more 60fps focused, then this is a perfectly capable set. But don't expect it to push the PS5 to its absolute graphical limits. ### 5. Toshiba UF3D / UA3D Series (e.g., 50UF3D63DB) Toshiba, often found in Currys, sometimes offers compelling value. Their UF3D series is a decent shout, especially if you can find a larger size on a flash sale. They often come with Fire TV built-in. **What's good:** * **Fire TV OS:** If you're already in the Amazon ecosystem, Fire TV is familiar and pretty good. Plenty of apps. * **Value for Money:** Often available for very keen prices, sometimes seeing larger models (55-inch) sneak into the sub-£500 bracket. * **Decent Picture for the Price:** For a basic 4K TV, the picture quality is usually solid, with reasonable colours. **What's not so good:** * **No HDMI 2.1:** You know the drill by now. 4K@60Hz is your limit. * **HDR Performance:** Like the Samsung and LG budget sets, HDR will be fairly limited. It'll accept the signal, but don't expect huge dynamic range. * **Input Lag:** Can be slightly higher than the best gaming TVs, so check reviews for specific models, but generally acceptable for casual players. **My Take:** A sensible choice if you're looking for the absolute biggest screen for your budget and appreciate the Fire TV smart platform. Just manage your expectations on the high-end gaming features. It's a solid general-purpose TV that can play games. *** ## Comparison Table Here's a quick run-down of the key features to help you compare the top picks. Remember, specs can vary slightly by region and specific model year, so always double-check! | Feature | Hisense U7 (e.g., 50U7H) | TCL C645K (e.g., 50C645K) | Samsung AU8000/9000 (e.g., 50AU8000) | LG UQ75/80 (e.g., 50UQ7500) | Toshiba UF3D (e.g., 50UF3D63DB) | | :---------------- | :------------------------------ | :------------------------------- | :----------------------------------- | :------------------------------- | :---------------------------------- | | **Panel Type** | VA (Mini-LED) | VA (QLED) | VA (Edge-Lit LED) | VA/IPS (Direct LED) | VA (Direct LED) | | **Resolution** | 4K UHD | 4K UHD | 4K UHD | 4K UHD | 4K UHD | | **Refresh Rate** | Native 120Hz | 60Hz (120Hz DLED/1440p) | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | | **HDMI 2.1** | Yes (x2 ports) | No (check for 'Game Master Pro') | No | No | No | | **VRR/ALLM** | Yes | Yes (often Game Master) | ALLM (no VRR) | ALLM (no VRR) | ALLM | | **HDR Support** | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | HDR10+, HLG | HDR10 Pro, HLG | HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision | | **Smart OS** | Google TV | Google TV | Tizen OS | WebOS | Fire TV OS | | **Peak Brightness** | Good for price (~500-700 nits) | Good for price (~400-500 nits) | Basic (~300 nits) | Basic (~250-300 nits) | Basic (~250-300 nits) | | **Local Dimming** | Yes (Mini-LED) | No | No | No | No | | **Avg. Price (50")** | £400-£500 (on sale) | £350-£450 | £350-£450 (on sale) | £350-£450 (on sale) | £320-£400 | *** ## Setting Up Your PS5 for the Best Picture Once you've got your shiny new (or new-ish) TV home, you'll want to make sure your PS5 is configured correctly. A few tweaks can make a real difference. 1. **Use the Right HDMI Port:** If your TV has an HDMI 2.1 port, make absolutely certain your PS5 is plugged into it. Sometimes only one or two ports are full-bandwidth. Check your TV's manual. My workshop has seen plenty of frustrated gamers who just plugged it into the first slot they saw. 2. **Enable Game Mode:** Dig into your TV's picture settings and switch on "Game Mode." This generally reduces input lag significantly. Some TVs do this automatically with ALLM, but it's always good to check. You'll often find this under "Picture Mode" or "Advanced Picture Settings." 3. **Turn on HDMI Enhanced Mode:** Many TVs have a setting for each HDMI port called something like "HDMI Enhanced," "HDMI Deep Colour," "Input Signal Plus," or "Ultra HD Deep Colour." You *must* enable this for your PS5's port to get full 4K HDR bandwidth. 4. **PS5 Video Output Settings:** On your PS5, go to `Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output`. Set "Resolution" to "Automatic." For "4K Transfer Rate," try "-1" or "-2" if you have issues, but "Automatic" is usually fine. Ensure "HDR" is set to "On When Supported" or "Always On." Finally, check "Output 120Hz" – it should be "Automatic" if your TV supports it. If your TV has VRR, make sure that's also enabled in the PS5 settings. 5. **Calibrate Basic HDR:** There's a quick HDR calibration tool on the PS5 under `Settings > Screen and Video > Adjust HDR`. Run through it. It doesn't replace a professional calibration, but it's better than nothing. 6. **Picture Settings:** Avoid aggressive "dynamic" or "vivid" modes. They often crush blacks and boost colours unnaturally. Start with "Standard" or "Cinema/Movie" mode, then adjust brightness, contrast, and colour saturation to your liking. Turn off most "motion smoothing" or "frame interpolation" settings (often called "TruMotion," "MotionFlow," etc.) – they introduce lag and look awful for games. Keep "Sharpness" low, too. *** ## Common Questions (and My Honest Answers) ### Can I really get a *good* PS5 gaming TV for under £500? "Good" is subjective, isn't it? You can absolutely get a *capable* 4K TV that plays PS5 games well at 60 frames per second and displays HDR content. For under £500, you probably won't get top-tier HDR with amazing brightness and contrast, and only a select few will offer full 4K@120Hz with HDMI 2.1. But for the money, you can definitely get a much better experience than you would have a few years ago. The Hisense U7 is a prime example of pushing the boundaries in this budget. ### Is 120Hz essential for PS5 gaming? "Essential" is a strong word. Plenty of people are perfectly happy gaming at 4K 60fps. However, once you've experienced a game running at 120fps, especially a fast-paced shooter, it's hard to go back. The fluidity and responsiveness are genuinely noticeable. If you play competitive multiplayer games, I'd say it's a very strong advantage. If you mostly play single-player, story-driven games, it's a nice-to-have but not a dealbreaker. Remember, not every PS5 game even offers a 120fps mode. ### What size TV should I get? That depends entirely on your room size and how far you sit from the screen. For a PS5, you generally want to be closer than for standard TV viewing to appreciate the 4K detail. For most average UK living rooms, a 50-inch or 55-inch is a sweet spot. Under £500, a 50-inch is probably your most realistic target for a decent spec. If you go too big, the compromises in picture quality at this price point become more apparent. Don't stretch for a 65-inch just because it's cheap if the panel quality is rubbish. ### Is it worth waiting for prices to drop further? TV prices are always on the move, especially around sales events like Black Friday, January sales, or Amazon Prime Day. If you're not in a desperate rush, waiting a few weeks can often net you a better deal or allow you to step up to a slightly better model that was just outside your budget. But honestly, if you see a Hisense U7 at £450, I'd say go for it. Waiting too long means you're always chasing the next discount and never actually enjoying your games. ### Should I buy a soundbar for my new TV? Yes. Absolutely, yes. As an audio engineer, this is non-negotiable for me. The speakers in pretty much any budget TV are an afterthought. They're tinny, lack bass, and completely ruin the immersion. Even a relatively cheap soundbar (you can get decent ones for £100-£200) will make a colossal difference to your gaming experience. You get proper rumble, clearer dialogue, and a much wider soundstage. Don't neglect the audio side of things; it's half the experience. *** ## Final Word Getting a good TV for your PS5 on a budget of under £500 is a bit of a balancing act. You're not going to get OLED blacks or thousands of nits of brightness. That's just a fact of life at this price point. However, brands like Hisense and TCL are really pushing what's possible, offering features like Mini-LED and 120Hz panels that were unthinkable in this bracket just a couple of years ago. My top recommendation, if you can find it on sale, is usually a Hisense U7 series. That combination of Mini-LED and proper HDMI 2.1 (for 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM) is simply outstanding value. If you can't stretch or don't need 120Hz, then the QLED models from TCL offer fantastic colours, and the Samsungs and LGs are solid, reliable choices for 4K 60fps gaming. Whichever you go for, remember to set it up properly, get that Game Mode on, and seriously consider a soundbar. Your PS5, and your ears, will thank you. Happy gaming, folks!