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55 vs. 60-Inch TV: Which One Is Better for You?

As an owner of both a 55 and a 60-inch television, I can tell you that I have experienced the pros and cons of both sizes. After doing research, I’ve found that there are various factors to consider when choosing which size is best for you.

In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences and what I’ve learned from researching which size of television is better for you. I’ll also provide tips and tricks to help you make the best decision for your own viewing experience.

For starters, a 55-inch TV can save money and space. Alternatively, 60-inch TVs can be more enjoyable, particularly those with higher resolution. Still, each one also comes with its own set of drawbacks.

Factors55-Inch TVs60-Inch TVs
TV Dimensions47.94 inches wide and 26.96 inches high52.29 inches wide and 29.42 inches tall
Seating Distance (4K TVs)Sony recommends ~3 feetUse 65-inch recommendation: ~4 feet
Seating Distance (HD TVs)Sony recommends ~6.89 feetSony recommends ~7.55 feet
Room Size and DecorIdeal for small-sized roomsBetter suited for larger rooms
Screen ResolutionSuitable for those not picky about detailsBetter for those who enjoy higher resolution
ProsSaves money and space; ideal size for most roomsExtra screen size; better for high resolution
Perfect for close viewing distancesIdeal for larger rooms
ConsCan feel small in bigger roomsMore expensive; takes up more space
Picture quality can suffer with lower resolution

55 vs. 60-Inch TV: How to Choose?

Picking a TV size seems pretty straightforward, but there’s a lot that goes into it. The following is a simple guide to help you differentiate between the two TV sizes:

TV Dimensions

The width and height of a TV are measured diagonally. So, a 55-inch TV is 55 inches from the upper corner of the TV frame to the opposite lower corner.

This means that the screen itself is slightly smaller than the dimensions written on the box.

Depending on the brand, 55-inch TVs have a screen size of about 47.94 inches wide and 26.96 inches high. Likewise, 60-inch TV screens are only 52.29 inches wide and 29.42 inches tall.

Seating Distance

Everyone knows that the closer you are to the TV, the bigger you view the screen, and vice versa. So, it’s safe to say that distance from the screen is a significant determining factor when choosing a screen size.

There are two ways to help you decide on an ideal size. The first is to measure your usual seating distance, then choose a suitable TV for that space.

The second one is to first decide on what screen size you want. Then, set up the seating area accordingly. To help you do that, look into what the experts recommend should be the optimal and safe seating distance, such as the following:

Recommended Seating Distance for 55 vs. 60-Inch TVs

Although most people don’t follow these recommendations, it’s highly advised to adhere to them for your safety and a more enjoyable viewing experience.

For 4K TVs:

For 55-inch TVs, Sony recommends a viewing distance of around 3 feet. Although no recommendations are listed for the 60-inch TV, you can use those assigned for the 65-inch screens, which is a little less than 4 feet.

For HD TVs:

Sony recommends a distance of 6.89 feet for 55-inch screens. As well as a distance of 7.55 feet for a 60-inch TV. These are double the recommended distance of 4K TVs or slightly higher.

Size and Decor of the Room

The size of the room and its decor should also be taken into consideration.

Small-Sized Rooms

For a standard-sized room of about 10×10, you wouldn’t want to ruin the decor by making the television the dominant object in the room. Instead, it should blend in seamlessly, like other furniture pieces, and never stick out like a sore thumb.

Keep in mind that those extra five inches in screen size can make a world of difference, especially in small spaces. Therefore, a 55-inch TV would fit in perfectly, whereas a 60-inch TV might feel oversized for the room.

Master Rooms

In contrast, a larger screen is probably better in a master room with vast space.

One way to get a feel for how the TV would fit in the room is to use a cardboard cutout. Start by cutting out a 52.29 inches wide and 29.42 inches high piece of cardboard, which are the actual dimensions of a 60-inch TV.

Place the cut-out where you want to position your TV. Then, step back and see how it looks.

Next, cut another 47.94 inches wide and 26.96 inches piece of cardboard, the actual dimensions of a 55-inch TV. Then, place it over the larger piece to compare.

You can also go the extra mile and paint the cardboard black to see how the screen would look. Or, you can just cover it with any black cloth to mimic the look of a TV screen.

Screen Resolution

The more resolution your TV provides, the wider your screen has to be. This allows for clearer, sharper images, even when viewed from a distance.

The opposite is also true. If the screen is small, you need to have a closer seat to be able to capture all the details the high-resolution TV provides.

So, if you’re into the nitty-gritty detail of the picture and colors of movies and TV shows, the wider 60-inch screen would be a better fit. On the other hand, if you’re not picky about details, then a 55-inch screen is totally fine.

Pros and Cons of 55 vs. 60-Inch TVs

Pros of 55-Inch TVs:
  • Save money and space
  • Ideal size for most rooms
  • Perfect for watching from close distances
Pros of 60-Inch TVs:
  • Extra five inches of screen size
  • Better for enjoying higher resolution
  • Ideal for larger rooms
Cons of 55-Inch TVs:
  • Screen size can feel small in bigger rooms
  • Picture quality can suffer with lower resolution
Cons of 60-Inch TVs:
  • Can be more expensive
  • Can take up more space in smaller rooms

Conclusion

To decide between 55 vs. 60-inch TVs, there are multiple factors to consider. The first is the size of the area where you’ll be placing the TV and seating distance. After that comes screen resolution and the decor of the room.

Once you know all that, it’s time to go out and buy the best-sized TV that matches your personal viewing preferences.

Read more: 60 vs 75 inch TV