Are you having a hard time choosing between 55 vs 65 TV? Knowing which TV size is best for your family’s needs and budget can be challenging with so many options available on the market.
Most Americans prefer a bigger TV and usually go for 55″ TV and 65″ TVs. Therefore if you can afford a 65-inch TV, go for it, or you can settle for a more affordable (and still big) 55-inch TV. Aside from the cost, the 55 vs 65 TV size may not appear to make much of a difference. If you want to get the best out of your new TV, there are a few factors to consider ahead of buying.
In this 55 vs 65 TV guide, we will walk you through the differences and advantages of both 55-inch and 65-inch TVs so that you can make an informed buying decision.
55 vs 65 TV – Which Should You Buy?
Buy a TV that is not too large for your room, so be sure to measure the distance between your couch and the television. Customer misunderstanding arises since 55-inch, and 65-inch TVs are the most popular sizes on the market. For the most part, the size difference between the two models is modest. A 65-inch TV is larger than a 55-inch television and will provide you with an incredible viewing experience, but it will cost you more than the other.
Alternatively, the 55-inch TV has a distinct edge over the 65-inch model in terms of its portability. Simply put, it fits in smaller spaces. However, having a TV with a larger screen lets you view everything well, even in a large crowd.
Customer preferences dictate the size to select: either 55-inch or 65-inch. It’s best to go with the smaller one with an excellent display if you want something more cost-effective. The 55-inch TV is also a good option for folks with smaller spaces because of its versatility.
It’s crucial to pay attention to the fit. However, 65-inch TVs are often recommended by technological experts due to their superior benefits over 55-inch TVs. However, be sure to provide enough room for it. Always refer to the sizing chart before making a purchase.
Why Do You Need a 55-inch or 65-inch TV?
Here are some pointers on why you need a big screen TV and why the 55 vs 65 TV debate is as legit as you think.
- In terms of visual quality, larger televisions with bigger displays are the best. All of the TV shows and movies that we watch look more immersive, which increases enjoyment.
- Large screen TVs ensure that users get the best viewing experience and allow them to sit at an ample distance when playing games or watching their favorite TV shows and movies.
- Another important consideration is the rapid advancement of new technology. The resolution of tv sets improves year after year as new technologies enter the market. These technologies make bigger screen TVs even more mainstream and effective.
- Large screen TVs are great as they can entertain large gatherings. Small screen TVs deliver a poor viewing experience when watching with multiple people. So if you are someone who hosts house parties or weekend gatherings at your place, a big screen TV should be your requirement.
- When compared to the previous, clunky model, these new, bigger TVs take up less room. It’s because there are so many innovative and exceptional options available on the market.
Curved vs Flat
Curved displays and flat screens have no substantial differences other than their origin. Even though curved televisions are still available on the market, they are a rarity. You need to know the difference between a curved and flat TV before you buy one.
There isn’t much difference in the viewing experience you get with curved televisions. The outside curve is only visible when viewing the TV at an angle. When you’re right in front of the screen, you’ll notice a decrease in visual quality. A viewing angle of between -35 and +35 degrees is considered optimal. A curved television magnifies reflections. If you have a glossy screen and dark or intense lighting, you’re most likely to have this issue.
Flat-screen TVs have different viewing angles depending on the type of panel. For example, an IPS panel has better viewing angles than a VA panel. It doesn’t matter if you stare at an OLED television from an angle or straight on. Flat-screen TVs don’t have the same reflections issue as curved TVs unless you have a super glossy display.
Curved TVs have a distinct appearance due to their unique shape, making them stand out from flat TVs. If you’re looking for an eye-catching screen, go with a curved TV instead of a flat one. Also, curved TVs appear larger when hung on the wall because of their unique design.
On the contrary, Flat TVs are more likely to fit in with most homes. Because of the design of the panels, the viewing experience provided by the two devices is slightly different. It is also cheaper and more accessible to buy a flat-screen TV than a curved one.
65 vs 55 TV – Things to Think About
There are a few things to keep in mind while choosing between the 55 and 65-inch TVs. Below we list out the key factors that you must consider before selecting your TV size.
Room Layout
We believe the bigger, the better when it comes to a designated recreation room, but smaller is preferable in a medium-sized room. A 65-inch TV is recommended if the room distance between the TV and the seating area is more than 7 feet, but a 55-inch TV is sufficient if the distance is less than 7 feet.
The optimum way to see any television is to look at it directly in front of you at eye level. However, when viewed from various angles, the quality of your TV’s image will vary. For a 55″ TV, the height from the platform to the center of the screen should be approximately 61 inches; for a 65″ TV, the distance from the platform to the middle of the screen should be around 65-inches. As a result, a 55-inch TV may appear to be a better option for those with restricted vertical space or whose TV stand/sofa/height dictates that a 65-inch model is preferable.
In a space with seats set off towards the side, you’ll need a TV that provides a clear “off-axis” image. Overall, OLED televisions beat LED televisions in this scenario. Assuming the TV is for the living room, a larger TV with an OLED display would allow those seated on the side sofa to see better.
Typically, a 55-inch television will be adequate for most bedroom setups. There is a smaller viewership in the bedroom compared to the rest of the home. A simple LED screen will do. In a smaller space with fewer people, a 55-inch TV is preferable to a 65-inch model.
Viewing Distance
You also need to consider how far away you’re placing the TV from where you will be sitting when deciding between 55 vs 65 TV. It’s recommended to place the TV at a decent viewing distance for an optimal viewing experience. Refer to the chart below.
| Screen Size | Viewing Distance (Full-HD TV) | Viewing Distance (4K Ultra HD TV) |
|---|---|---|
| 55″ TV | 7 to 11 feet | 5 to 7 feet |
| 65″ TV | 8 to 13 feet | 5 to 8 feet |
To get the most out of a 55-inch full-HD TV, you’ll need at least 7 feet to 11.5 feet of space in your living room or hallway. A 55-inch 4K UHD TV requires a viewing distance of 4.6 feet to 6.9 feet for optimal viewing.
Compared to a 55-inch screen, a 65-inch TV’s viewing distance is significantly greater. A full-HD TV should have a viewing distance of 8 feet to 13, whereas 4K UHD has 5 feet to 8 feet.
TV Resolution
Next, you’ll need to consider the TV’s display resolution. The better the visual quality, the higher the resolution. If you have a 4K TV (3840 x 2160 pixels), you can sit closer to it than you can in front of a TV with 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution. With a 4K TV, you don’t need as much screen area to fill your field of vision as you would with a full HD screen. When choosing a screen size, you must consider the resolution.
8K TVs enable you to get up close and personal with the screen without seeing a single pixel. However, you’ll still need to sit back to view the entire screen due to its larger size. Although 8K screens have a greater resolution, the viewing distances should be the same as for 4K screens of the same size.
Room Type
When choosing between a 55 vs 65 TV, you also need to consider which type of room you’re keeping in.
Living Room
If you are going to place your TV in a living room that has ample seating space, then you must consider the measurements below:
- If the space between your TV and seating is less than or equal to 7 feet, then you must consider getting a 55-inch TV as it will align perfectly with your room layout.
- If the space between your TV and seating is more than 7 feet, then you must consider getting a 65-inch TV as it will fit seamlessly with your room arrangement.
Media Room
If you have a designated room for your entertainment purposes, such as a TV or media room, you will need to consider the following measurements.
- If the space between your TV and seating is 5 feet or less, then you can get a 55-inch TV
- If the space between your TV and seating is more than 5 feet, then you can get a 65-inch TV
Budget
In addition to room size and resolution, you also need to figure out how much money you’re willing to spend on a tv. Depending on your budget, you may choose from a various range of televisions. As a result, deciding how much you can afford to spend on television is an essential step.
The bigger the screen size, the higher the price. As a result, a 65-inch TV from the same manufacturer is always more expensive than a 55-inch one.
You’re unlikely to find cheaper Sony or Samsung 65-inch televisions. However, many inexpensive brands are accessible in the market, including Hisense, TCL, Insignia, Vizio, and more.
When compared to 55-inch and 65-inch televisions from the same brand, features will be nearly identical. So, there would be no way for us to distinguish between the features of the two. Typically, the more features a product has, the more expensive it will be and vice versa.
Keep in mind that inexpensive products have fewer features and slightly lower image quality than more expensive brands.
Ports
Lastly, you also need to consider that the number of HDMI ports on a 55-inch TV may vary from a 65-inch TV, so check before buying. Most 55-inch televisions feature 3 HDMI ports, while 65-inch TVs feature four HDMI connections. There are some 65-inch and 55-inch televisions that include four HDMI connections. It might vary from one brand to another.
Additionally, you need to check other ports like a USB port. And if you have a home theater system, you must check if your TV supports HDMI with ARC.
How to Measure a TV Screen
If you’re looking to buy a 55-inch or 65-inch television, you need to grasp the basics concerning TV size and how the Television screen size is determined. When we hear the words “55-inch TV” or “65-inch TV,” our instant understanding is that their size should be as they are called, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This interpretation is entirely incorrect.
Televisions are measured diagonally from one end to the other. Therefore, if you measure the distance diagonally from the top left to the bottom of the screen, you will find the correct television size in inches.
Measuring a TV screen size:
- Take a measuring tape and put it in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Ensure that your tape is placed on the screen and not the TV frame.
- Now, extend the tape to the top right corner diagonally.
- Note down the exact measurement between the top left and top right corners of the TV screen. This is the measure of your screen size.
Refer to the chart below to find the exact inches of 55 vs 65 TV.
| Measurements | 55″ TV | 65″ TV |
| Diagonal | 55-inches | 65-inches |
| Width | 48-inches | 56-inches |
| Height | 26.9-inches | 31.9-inches |
Note: Brands can differ by as much as 0.1 to 1 inch in actual width and height. As a result, We relied on median values.
Related Read: Everything You Need to Know about 65 Inch TV Dimensions
Frequently Asked Questions
After explaining the differences between 55 vs 65 TV, it’s time to answer some related questions.
How much bigger is a 65-inch TV versus a 55-inch TV?
In actuality, a 65-inch TV has a width of 56 inches, around 9 inches less than the advertised dimensions, while a 55-inch TV has a width of 48 inches, which is 7 inches smaller than the stated measurement. So, a 65-inch TV is 8-inches bigger in width than a 55-inch TV.
Is 65 inch TV too big?
The size may seem quite big for a small room with limited space (less than 7 feet) between a 65-inch TV and the seating area. However, for a big room or a living room with ample space, the screen size is not too big and can turn out to be the best screen size for personal entertainment.
Is 55 TV big enough?
Most living rooms can accommodate a screen no smaller than 55-inches. Try multiplying your seated distance (in inches) by 0.835, for example, to get the recommended space. Usually, a 55-inch TV is a conventional choice for most buyers.
Is it worth buying a 65 inch TV?
It’s best to go with an LCD TV over an OLED if you can’t afford the 65-inch OLED for long-distance viewing. For most buyers, the picture’s additional size, immersion, and experience will outweigh the lack of best-in-class visual quality.
Conclusion
If you take into account every feature, specification, and current price for every single TV, you’ll be overwhelmed with choices. You’re doing the correct thing by deciding on 55 vs 65 TV size first and then reviewing additional features.
If you’ll be watching from a lower than 7 feet distance, a 55-inch TV is the best option. When viewing from more than 7 feet away, a 65-inch TV is the best option. If it’s a designated entertainment area, you may want to consider bigger screen sizes.
If you’re unsure, go for the bigger option. Many individuals wish they had purchased a larger television, but they seldom regret buying a big television.
To maximize your enjoyment of your new large-screen TV, consider where you’ll put it and how much time you’ll spend in front of it before making a decision. And we hope this guide helps clear your thoughts about the size first! Let us know in the comments.
