55 VS 65 inch TV (Comparison Guide by TVs Experts)

When buying a TV, everyone is concerned with its size. These days, televisions come in a variety of sizes and shapes. It is possible to choose a flat-screen TV or a curved TV. First of all, figure out whether you want a 55-inch TV vs. a 65-inch TV.

A 55-inch and 65-inch TV are the two most popular sizes that people confuse.    

You might find this article helpful in clarifying the difference between 55 inches vs. 65 inches TVs. No rule says bigger is better when it comes to television. It is crucial to consider the size of the room, seating arrangements, daily use, and budget when making a decision. 

 Below you will find descriptive research that will help you choose the perfect TV for your needs.

Quick Difference Between 55-inch vs. 65-inch TV

55 Inch VS 65 Inch TV

There is a major difference that we can all see. No doubt, 65-inch televisions are bigger in most aspects. However, The 55-inch TV is aesthetically good if you have a small space. 

It is also possible to create an immersive experience with a smaller but better display. Obviously, it will be affordable as well. Hence, it won’t drain your wallet.

However, you’ll be able to enjoy your big sports moments and games more if you have a larger display. This will be sufficient for a big room with a lot of people. When it comes to big screens, you really can’t go wrong.

What Size TV do You Need? Quick Tips

To help you decide between a 55-inch vs. 65-inch TV, here are a few tips and guidelines:

  • Make sure you understand the screen size. A TV’s diagonal measurement is from corner to corner, so 65 inches is closer to 55 inches. When it comes to the size of the screen, bigger is better. It’s easier for you to see and more impressive when you’re showing it off to your neighbors. However, screens that are too big won’t fit in rooms with limited space.
  • Make sure you know your resolution. The three main resolutions available on TVs today are 1080p, 4K and 8K. Most people should consider 4K, but the resolution will affect how close they can sit to a set and how much it will cost.
  • What is the best TV size? Calculate the ideal TV size (measured diagonally) by dividing the viewing distance (in inches) by 1.6.
  • You should understand the math.
    • As compared to the 55-inch TV, the 65-inch TV measures 5 inches taller and 9 inches wider.
    • If you’re more than seven feet away from the TV, you may want to consider a 65-inch TV. Under 7 feet, 55 inches will be enough.
  • Try it before you buy it. Make sure you measure the wall with painter’s tape to see each option’s size.
  • Room type. Media/entertainment rooms should always be larger. When it comes to mixed-use rooms, bigger is better, but smaller is better as well.
  • The dimensions of an LED 55-inch television and an OLED 65-inch television. It’s best to choose an OLED screen for small rooms and a larger screen for larger rooms if you only have the budget for one upgrade.
  • Consider handing it down when you upgrade another TV in your home (ex: bedroom TV) in the near future.
  • You should always go bigger if you are in doubt. It’s rare for people to regret purchasing a big TV.

55-inch TV vs. 65-inch TV Size Comparison

TV Size55 inch 16×955 inch 16×9
Width47.94 inches56.65 inches
Height26.96 inches31.87 inches
Area1292.58 inches²1805.34 inches²
As a 4:3 Display44.94 inches53.11 inches
As a 16:9 Display55.00 inches65.00 inches
As a 2.35:1 Display52.10 inches61.57 inches
Actual Aspect Ratios15.38% smaller diagonal 28.40% smaller area18.18% larger diagonal 39.67% larger area
As a 4:3 Display15.38% smaller diagonal 28.40% smaller area18.18% larger diagonal 39.67% larger area
As a 16:9 Display15.38% smaller diagonal 28.40% smaller area18.18% larger diagonal 39.67% larger area
As a 2.35:1 Display15.38% smaller diagonal 28.40% smaller area18.18% larger diagonal 39.67% larger area

Factors to consider when Choosing a 55 or 65 Inch TV

  • Understand the Math
  • Screen size and resolution
  • Room size
  • Supporting furniture
  • Audience size
  • How Will You Use It?
  • Your budget

1. Understand the Math

The difference between a 55-inch and 65-inch TV is not 10 inches. TV sizes are measured diagonally, and our brain has been trained to comprehend the difference between width and height when it comes to TVs.

There is no difference in size, height, or width between modern TVs because of similar aspect ratios and small bezels.

TV SizeTV HeightTV Width
55-Inch TV26.9 inches47.9 inches
65-Inch TV31.9 inches56.6 inches
Difference5 inches8.7 inches

With a 65-inch TV, you can easily visualize that it is about 9 inches wider and 5 inches taller than a 55-inch TV.

2. Screen Size and Resolution

First, keep in mind that TV screens are measured diagonally. As a result, the diagonal measurement of a 55-inch screen is 55 inches from one corner to the other corner beneath it. As an actual measurement, it will measure about 49 inches wide and 29 inches high.

The optimal viewing distance is directly related to the screen size. When watching larger screens, sitting too close can cause distortions and color issues or make your picture hard to see.

The resolution of the TV is the next factor to consider. Today, TVs come in three resolution options: 1080p, 4K, and 8K. A higher-resolution TV allows you to sit closer before you notice pixelation. Therefore, a 4K TV (3840 x 2160) lets you sit closer to it. 

There are benefits to four-k resolution for pretty much everyone, but the higher the resolution, the closer you can sit to the set and the more expensive it is. In order of preference, here are the main options for resolution:

i) 1080 or Full HD

It is commonly used in broadcast television, cable and satellite TV, Blu-ray media, and streaming services, both free and paid. These can still be found, especially if you are looking for the cheapest TVs on sale. It’s a good idea to get 4K if you’re getting a large-screen TV. Full HD is good if your screen is smaller than 40 inches.

ii) 4K (Ultra HD)

The resolution of an Ultra HD or UHD display is 3840 x 2160 pixels. Smart TVs with 4x the resolution of full HD are the current standard. For most people, 4K is a strongly recommended option.

iii) 8K (Ultra HD)

In terms of resolution, 8K is equivalent to 7680 x 4320 pixels. It is also known as Ultra HD (just like 4K), so don’t be confused by the name. Additionally, there isn’t much 8K content this year, so we recommend skipping it. The price is higher than an equivalent 4K TV, even if it is on sale.

3. Room Size and Seating Arrangement

Smaller spaces are ideal for smaller screens, while bigger spaces are ideal for larger screens. If the room is small, you have to sit closer to the screen, which can cause neck and eye strain. The feeling is similar to sitting in the first row at a movie theater.

While measuring the room, consider how your furniture is arranged. It is helpful to mark off the areas where seats will be located so that you can get accurate measurements. You should choose a TV size that fits the dimensions of your room.

How you see images on a TV screen depends on where you place it. Watching for long periods of time can cause significant eye strain if you are too close or too away from the screen. You will get the best viewing experience if you stick to an ideal viewing distance.

Viewing distances vary depending on the size and resolution of your TV. Sitting close to a higher-resolution screen will not strain your eyes as much. Conversely, you’ll need to sit farther away from TVs with lower resolutions. In general, larger screens are safer if you’re planning on sitting further away.  

Recommended Viewing Distance for 55-inch and 65-inch TVs

A 55-inch or 65-inch TV should be viewed at the following distance:

  • You should be 7 to 11.5 feet away from a 1080p 55-inch TV.
  • The distance between you and a 4K/UHD 55″ TV should be 4.5 to 7 feet.
  • You should be 8 to 13.5 feet away from a 65-inch 1080p TV.
  • You should place a 4K/UHD 65″ TV at a distance of 5.5 to 8 feet.

If you mount your TV higher on the wall, you will have a little more distance between you and the screen. Also, if you have a lot of people over, this will make it easier for more people to see. 

The exception would be if you created tiered seating like in a movie theater. It should not be so high that you have to strain your neck to see it.

4. Supporting Furniture

The maximum TV size will depend on the support limit of your TV stand or wall mount. You should have a margin of at least 8 inches for the screen if you choose to set the TV on a cabinet or table.

Consider installing an enclosed cabinet if you have pets so that Mr. Cat cannot get behind the screen and knock it over. Budgetary considerations become more important if you’re investing in larger furniture to support the TV.

Consider whether you’ll mount your 55-inch or 65-inch TV on a wall or on a TV stand before you buy. A good entertainment center must have a weight capacity and margin space. Choose a TV size that fits your existing cabinet or table if you wish to keep your furniture.

When buying new furniture, be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold your new TV. In addition, a margin space of 8 inches around the TV is recommended, which will better support it. Wall mounting your TV requires a different set of considerations.

Eye level is the most important consideration, depending on your furniture. Identify your optimal viewing height by sitting where you normally watch TV. After that, you need to find the spot on the wall that is at eye level and mark it on the wall. 

For a better view, your TV’s center should be slightly higher than this point. Although you can mount your TV higher than this, you should avoid mounting it at a very high viewing angle so as not to strain your neck.

5. Audience Size

You should also consider how many people will be using the TV screen at the same time. You can choose whatever size you think will be ideal if you live alone and will have all the TV screen to yourself. The size may be a little more difficult to choose if you are purchasing the TV for more than one person and are buying it not just for yourself.

A 55-inch screen should be sufficient if you live with only one person. You may not find a 55″ screen ideal for Netflix or movie nights if you live with three or four people. You may want to consider a 65″ set in this case.

6. How Will You Use It?

TVs and media rooms should have larger screens (to reduce eye strain and improve visibility). The experience of watching on large screens is more immersive, and the audio systems are generally better, resulting in a more cinematic feeling.

You should choose a 65-inch TV rather than a 55-inch TV if you like hosting games or movie nights with friends. Your living room can be more versatile when you have a smaller screen.

You can have a program playing in the background while doing chores without your eyes being drawn to the TV. As a result, more room is available for other toys and games to be set up or for stretching out. 

Hosting guests around a smaller screen can be challenging. In order to accommodate, you may need to reorganize your seating arrangement.

7. Your Budget

The last step will be setting a budget, so you’ll have to determine what the family can afford for television. Setting a budget eliminates half of your options. There is a wide variety of televisions available on the market, with prices ranging from the cheapest to the most expensive.

To determine what price you can afford to purchase a television is the most important factor. There will be a higher cost for a larger screen. The price of a 65-inch TV is always higher than that of a 55-inch TV.

Sony, Samsung, and LG don’t make 65-inch or 55-inch TVs at a lower price. TCL, Hisense, One Plus, MI, and Vu are some of the affordable brands available in the market.

55 Inch OLED Vs. 65 Inch LED

When comparing OLED versus LED, an admirer should suggest OLED. Although you might expect a bigger TV to provide a better screen, that isn’t always the case. 

An OLED display with a screen size of 55 inches is superior to a larger LED display with a screen size of 65 inches. OLED displays are definitely worth looking at if you prefer quality over size.

A 65-inch LED TV will suffice if you are only concerned about size, not picture quality. In a large room with lots of seating, a bigger TV will look great.

Hence, choose what is right for you and have fun. 

Decision Time

It is impossible to make a decision if you consider every feature, specification, option, and price point of every single TV. Considering them all simultaneously will drive you insane. It’s the best idea to pick a TV size first and then make other decisions later.

  • If you are watching from less than 7 feet away, choose a 55-inch TV
  • If you are watching from more than seven feet away, choose a 65-inch TV
  • If it’s an entertainment area, consider an even larger

It is always better to go bigger when in doubt. People often complain about wishing they’d bought a larger TV, but they rarely regret buying an oversize TV.

Take advantage of our size selection guide, determine if your TV will be in a mixed-use room or if it’s in a multimedia room, and enjoy your amazing new TV!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is 55 inches better than 65-inch TV?

A 55-inch TV is recommended if you will be watching from a distance less than 7 feet. A 65-inch TV is a good choice if you intend to watch from more than 7 feet away. Consider bigger screen sizes if it’s an entertainment area. When in doubt, choose the bigger size.

55 vs. 65-inch TV for gaming?

To play 4K games, we recommend a TV between 40 and 60 inches. Although 65-inch TVs are bigger, if you go farther away from the screen, you can still play 4K games.

Is a 55-inch TV good for gaming?

The screen size is really determined by your available space, the size of the room, and how close you are to it. Choose one of the best gaming TVs after considering everything. These TVs will provide you with the best possible viewing experience. The ideal screen size for gaming is a 55-inch screen, as we previously stated. I don’t mind large or small, but the TV should be in the middle. 

Is a 65-inch TV too big?

Probably not a TV the size of a wall or one that is actually a wall, but a 65-inch or 75-inch TV will fit nicely in most homes. We recommend getting a TV as large as you can afford. In general, the longer answer will depend on the size of your room, your seating distance, and the acceptability factor of cohabitating co-decision makers.

What size TV should I use for gaming?

Again, we recommend 55 inches as the best gaming TV size. We don’t find the TV to be too big or too small, but rather in the middle. It is suitable for both large and small rooms, but whether to choose a smaller or larger size depends on your personal preference.

Oscar William

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