Although most manufacturers and buyers focus on larger TVs, there is still considerable interest in smaller models for those seeking the best 40-inch smart TV. There are fewer options in this size range than there used to be, but some premium models and budget-friendly TVs are still available. However, 40-inch TVs are nearly non-existent, so you're best off looking at 42-inch and 43-inch models. Regardless of its size, you'll still want a TV that can combat glare in a well-lit room, offers nice and vibrant colors, and features modern gaming capabilities if you're looking for a TV to pair with your console or PC. Our meticulous testing process helps us figure out which TVs fit these criteria.
Below are our recommendations for the best TVs available in 42- and 43-inch sizes. Unfortunately, you won't find the best 40-inch TV in this article, since 40-inch models have become exceedingly rare. You can also check out our picks for the best 32-inch TVs if you need something smaller, the best 48-50-inch TVs if you need something a bit bigger, and the best PC monitor TVs. If you're really pressed for space, perhaps consider buying a projector instead; look up the best home projectors and best projectors for inspiration. If you'd like us to review a certain TV, you can vote on which models you want us to buy and test. To learn more about this year's TV landscape, check out our 2026 TV lineup page.
We buy and test dozens of TVs yearly, taking an objective, data-driven approach to deliver results you can trust. Our testing process is complex, with hundreds of individual tests that take over a week to complete. Most of our tests use specially designed test patterns that mimic real content, but we also use the same sources you have at home to ensure our results match the real-world experience. We use two main tools for our testing: a Colorimetry Research CR-100 colorimeter and a CR-250 spectroradiometer.
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Best 42-Inch TV
Mixed UsageHome TheaterBright RoomSportsGamingBrightnessBlack LevelColorProcessing (In Development)Game Mode ResponsivenessMotion Handling (Broken)Resolution:4kNative Refresh Rate:144HzScreen Finish:GlossyPanel Type:OLEDSub-Type:WOLEDDolby Vision:YesSee all our test resultsSizes:42" 48" 55" 65" 77" 83"The best 42-inch TV we've tested is the LG OLED42C5PUA. It delivers superb picture quality, thanks to its perfect black levels. Additionally, highlights stand out well, and colors are vibrant, so HDR content looks great. The TV is bright enough for most well-lit rooms, but it doesn't perform as well in handling direct reflections. Therefore, try to avoid placing it directly opposite a window, lamp, or other direct light source. Its built-in webOS interface has a massive selection of streaming apps, making it a great choice for a dorm or other small space. It's also great for movie fans, as it features Dolby Vision, DTS audio passthrough, and excellent image processing.
Its nearly instantaneous pixel transitions make it great for gaming, resulting in clear motion with no distracting blur behind fast-moving objects. It has four HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing for 4k @ 144Hz gaming with VRR, meaning you can take advantage of the PS5, the Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, or a PC with a recent graphics card. Its wide viewing angle means you can watch the TV from an angle, and image quality is barely degraded, which is great if you have friends over. Unfortunately, there are subtle diagonal lines in darker scenes that become visible when sitting very close to the screen, so keep this in mind if you plan to use it as a PC monitor.
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Best 43-Inch TV
Mixed UsageHome TheaterBright RoomSportsGamingBrightnessBlack LevelColorProcessing (In Development)Game Mode ResponsivenessMotion Handling (Broken)Resolution:4kNative Refresh Rate:165HzScreen Finish:MattePanel Type:LCDSub-Type:VADolby Vision:NoSee all our test resultsSizes:43" 50" 55" 65" 75" 85" 98"If you're in a very bright room or prefer a Mini LED model, the best 43-inch TV is the Samsung QN43QN90FAFXZA. This model is incredibly bright and features a matte screen coating, so reflections aren't an issue even in the brightest, sunlit rooms. It doesn't look as good in a dark room as the LG OLED42C5PUA, but it still displays deep blacks with minimal haloing, vibrant colors, and bright highlights, so HDR content looks very good. Unlike an OLED, such as the C5, the TV's viewing angle is relatively narrow, so it's best to sit centered in front of the screen for the best possible image quality.
It utilizes the Tizen smart OS, so you have no problems finding popular streaming apps. The TV doesn't support Dolby Vision, but it does support the similar HDR10+. Sadly, it doesn't passthrough DTS audio formats, which is only a downside for those who collect Blu-rays. It does have a wide range of gaming features, such as four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4k @ 165Hz, and VRR. It delivers an impressive gaming experience, but has a slower response time than an OLED, such as the C5, so you'll see more motion blur when playing fast-paced games. Still, it's the best 43-inch TV for gaming currently on the market.
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Best Cheap 43-Inch TV
Mixed UsageHome TheaterBright RoomSportsGamingBrightnessBlack LevelColorProcessing (In Development)Game Mode ResponsivenessMotion Handling (Broken)Resolution:4kNative Refresh Rate:60HzScreen Finish:GlossyPanel Type:LCDSub-Type:VADolby Vision:YesSee all our test resultsSizes:43" 50" 55" 65" 75" 85" 100"If you want something cheaper, consider the Hisense 43QD6QF, which is the best 43-inch smart TV for those with a strict budget. This model represents a notable decline in image quality compared to the Samsung QN43QN90FAFXZA. It doesn't have local dimming, so blacks look gray during most scenes. Colors look decent when watching SDR content, but the TV struggles to take advantage of the wide color range used in HDR. Furthermore, highlights in HDR movies, shows, and games don't stand out as they should, so the TV doesn't provide a very impactful HDR experience. It's bright enough to handle some glare in a moderately lit room, but reflections are visible on the screen in well-lit environments.
It runs the Fire TV OS, which has a plethora of streaming apps for you to download, so you can get rid of your external streaming device and save some space. It doesn't have many gaming features, but you can still play in 4k @ 60Hz with VRR. Pixel response times are on the slower side, resulting in visible motion blur in sports and games, but motion looks smoother than many other cheap models. Like most LED models, its viewing angle is narrow, so the image is degraded when viewed from the sides of the screen. The TV is unremarkable overall, but it outperforms other similar models, making it a good option if you just need something cheap.
Notable Mentions
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Samsung QN42S90FAEXZA:
The 42-inch Samsung S90F OLED is an alternative to the LG OLED42C5PUA. Unfortunately, the 42-inch Samsung utilizes a WOLED panel instead of the QD-OLED panel found in the larger sizes, so it doesn't have a color advantage over the LG. Therefore, the LG is better since it offers Dolby Vision and superior image processing.
See our review -
Sony K-43S30:
The 43-inch Sony BRAVIA 3 is an alternative to the Hisense 43QD6QF. The Sony is a bit brighter, has better image processing, and a much wider viewing angle. However, it's significantly more expensive and has very poor contrast, making the Hisense the better option for most usages.
See our review -
Samsung QN43Q7FAAFXZA:
The 43-inch Samsung Q7F 2025 is another alternative to the Hisense 43QD6QF. The Samsung offers better black levels, but the Hisense is brighter, has better colors, and is cheaper, so it offers better image quality overall for less money.
See our review
Recent Updates
Nov 14, 2025:
We replaced the TCL Q651G with the Hisense QD6QF, and renamed that category 'Best Cheap 43-Inch TV.' We also dropped the Roku Select Series from the article, since it's no longer available.
Aug 20, 2025:
We replaced the LG C4 OLED with the LG C5 OLED, the Samsung QN90D with the Samsung QN90F, and the Samsung Q60D with the TCL Q651G. We also updated the Notable Mentions section and refreshed some text throughout the article for clarity.
Feb 14, 2025:
Removed the Sony X85K from the article since it's now nearly impossible to find in stock. We also added the Samsung Q60D QLED to the 'Best Budget 43-Inch TV' category and moved the Roku Select Series to a more suitable 'Best Cheap 40- And 43-Inch TV' category. Furthermore, we added the Sony BRAVIA 3 to the Notable Mentions.
Nov 22, 2024:
We confirmed the accuracy of our current picks and refreshed some text throughout for clarity.
Aug 29, 2024: We replaced the LG C3 OLED with the LG C4 OLED in the 'Best 42-Inch TV' category and replaced the Samsung QN90C/QN90CD QLED with the Samsung QN90D/QN90DD QLED in the 'Best Upper Mid-Range 43-Inch TV' category. We also refreshed the text throughout for clarity.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think is currently the best 40-inch TV, the best 42-inch smart TV, and the best 43-inch smart TV to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (a cheaper TV wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no TVs that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our 40- to 43-inch TV reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no TV is perfect, most TVs are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.