#1
LG OLED42C6
- Our Score
- 9.8/10
- Best For
- Premium movies and gaming
- Size
- 42-inch
- Panel
- OLED
- Resolution
- 4K
- Refresh Rate
- 120Hz
- HDR
- Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- Smart Platform
- webOS 26
- Key Tradeoff
- High price for the size
- Price Band
- $1,300+
Best 40, 42 and 43 Inch TVs 2026 (Updated July 2026)
This guide is built for shoppers comparing 40 television reviews, hunting for the best 43 inch tv, or trying to find a practical smart tv 40 inch without wasting money on weak panels. The truth in July 2026 is simple: true 40-inch TVs are now mostly budget sets, so we ranked the best real-world 40, 42, and 43 inch options by picture quality, gaming features, smart platform, and current U.S. availability.
Best 40 to 43 Inch TV Comparison Table
If you are bouncing between a true 40-inch set and the better 42 or 43 inch TVs, this table shows where the trade-offs really land: panel type, refresh rate, HDR support, smart platform, and whether the higher price actually buys you something visible.
#2
Samsung QN90F
- Our Score
- 9.5/10
- Best For
- Bright rooms and desk gaming
- Size
- 43-inch
- Panel
- Mini LED LCD
- Resolution
- 4K
- Refresh Rate
- Up to 165Hz
- HDR
- HDR10+, HLG
- Smart Platform
- Tizen
- Key Tradeoff
- Premium price without Dolby Vision
- Price Band
- $1,000+
#3
Sony BRAVIA 3
- Our Score
- 8.9/10
- Best For
- Easy streaming and sports
- Size
- 43-inch
- Panel
- LED LCD
- Resolution
- 4K
- Refresh Rate
- 60Hz
- HDR
- Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- Smart Platform
- Google TV
- Key Tradeoff
- No 120Hz gaming
- Price Band
- $500-$700
#4
Fire TV Omni QLED
- Our Score
- 8.7/10
- Best For
- Affordable 4K streaming
- Size
- 43-inch
- Panel
- QLED LCD
- Resolution
- 4K
- Refresh Rate
- 60Hz
- HDR
- Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG
- Smart Platform
- Fire TV
- Key Tradeoff
- Only moderate gaming chops
- Price Band
- $350-$500
#5
TCL Q6
- Our Score
- 8.5/10
- Best For
- Budget 4K with better color
- Size
- 43-inch
- Panel
- QLED LCD
- Resolution
- 4K
- Refresh Rate
- 60Hz
- HDR
- Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
- Smart Platform
- Google TV
- Key Tradeoff
- Limited HDR depth
- Price Band
- $250-$400
#6
Samsung Q8F
- Our Score
- 8.4/10
- Best For
- Samsung fans wanting better than entry QLED
- Size
- 43-inch
- Panel
- QLED LCD
- Resolution
- 4K
- Refresh Rate
- Up to 144Hz
- HDR
- HDR10+, HLG
- Smart Platform
- Tizen
- Key Tradeoff
- Pricey for a non-Mini LED set
- Price Band
- $700-$900
#7
Fire TV 2-Series
- Our Score
- 7.9/10
- Best For
- Small rooms on a strict budget
- Size
- 40-inch
- Panel
- LED LCD
- Resolution
- 1080p Full HD
- Refresh Rate
- 60Hz
- HDR
- HDR10, HLG
- Smart Platform
- Fire TV
- Key Tradeoff
- Not 4K and not premium
- Price Band
- $200-$300
| Spec | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| Best For | Premium movies and gaming | Bright rooms and desk gaming | Easy streaming and sports | Affordable 4K streaming | Budget 4K with better color | Samsung fans wanting better than entry QLED | Small rooms on a strict budget |
| Size | 42-inch | 43-inch | 43-inch | 43-inch | 43-inch | 43-inch | 40-inch |
| Panel | OLED | Mini LED LCD | LED LCD | QLED LCD | QLED LCD | QLED LCD | LED LCD |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 1080p Full HD |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | Up to 165Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | Up to 144Hz | 60Hz |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, HLG | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG | HDR10+, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Smart Platform | webOS 26 | Tizen | Google TV | Fire TV | Google TV | Tizen | Fire TV |
| Key Tradeoff | High price for the size | Premium price without Dolby Vision | No 120Hz gaming | Only moderate gaming chops | Limited HDR depth | Pricey for a non-Mini LED set | Not 4K and not premium |
| Price Band | $1,300+ | $1,000+ | $500-$700 | $350-$500 | $250-$400 | $700-$900 | $200-$300 |
In-Depth Reviews
The most important thing I would tell any small-TV buyer in 2026 is that the market changed faster than the search terms did. People still type best 40 inch tv, 42 in tv, and best 43 inch tv, but manufacturers now put their best panels at 42 and 43 inches, not 40.
That means the right buying question is no longer just size. It is whether you want the cheapest footprint that works, or the best picture quality available before you jump to a much larger screen.
#1LG OLED42C6PUA
Overview
The LG C6 is the best small premium TV I would actually buy for myself. If your search started with best 40 inch tv but what you really mean is "the best screen that still fits a bedroom, desk, or apartment wall," this is the answer.
Why? Because it gives you the thing cheaper 40-inch and 43-inch TVs still struggle to match: OLED black levels that instantly make movies, prestige streaming shows, and darker games look more expensive.
What We Like
- Best picture quality in this size range.
- Four HDMI 2.1 ports are great for multiple consoles and PC use.
- Excellent dark-room performance and strong gaming support.
What We Don't Like
- Costs more than most 55-inch midrange TVs.
- Not as bright as the best Mini LED option in a sun-filled room.
- 42 inches may still be too large for buyers who truly need a 40-inch footprint.
Picture, Gaming and Real-World Use
This is the TV on the list that feels least compromised. You get real HDR depth, better shadow detail, and gaming features that do not feel stripped down just because the screen is smaller.
For PS5 and Xbox Series X owners, the C6 is easy to recommend. For movie fans, it is even easier.
Bottom Line
If you can handle 42 inches and the premium price, the LG C6 is the best overall small TV here.
#2Samsung 43-inch Neo QLED QN90F
Overview
The Samsung QN90F is the premium choice for bright rooms, offices, and mixed-use spaces where OLED glare or limited brightness would annoy you more than slightly weaker black levels.
It is also one of the most capable desk-sized gaming TVs right now, which matters if your 43 inch tv is doubling as a console or PC display.
What We Like
- Excellent brightness for daytime viewing.
- Very strong gaming support, including up to 165Hz.
- Premium Mini LED performance in a rare 43-inch size.
What We Don't Like
- Still expensive.
- No Dolby Vision support.
- Stock can be less predictable than mainstream entry models.
Picture, Gaming and Real-World Use
Where the LG C6 wins at night, the QN90F fights back during the day. Sunlight, reflections, and all-purpose room use are simply easier here.
If your room is bright and you care more about punch and versatility than perfect black levels, this may be the smarter buy.
Bottom Line
Buy the QN90F when brightness, gaming flexibility, and daytime viewing matter more than OLED purity.
#3Sony BRAVIA 3 43-inch
Overview
Sony's BRAVIA 3 is not the spec-sheet hero of the list, but it is one of the easiest TVs here to recommend to non-hobbyists. If you just want a 43 inch tv that looks good on streaming, sports, and regular cable without endless tweaking, Sony still knows how to tune a picture.
This is the most comfortingly straightforward option for buyers who value processing and platform familiarity over bleeding-edge gaming features.
What We Like
- Very approachable Google TV experience.
- Good processing for everyday content.
- A balanced choice for streaming-heavy households.
What We Don't Like
- 60Hz panel limits gaming appeal.
- Not the brightest option.
- Value is not as aggressive as TCL or Amazon.
Bottom Line
The BRAVIA 3 is the pick for viewers who care more about ease, streaming, and natural color than about specs-for-specs' sake.
#4Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED 43-inch
Overview
The Omni QLED is the value pick for people who want a decent-looking 4K smart TV without thinking too hard. It is not trying to beat LG or Samsung on raw picture quality; it is trying to make the whole experience feel easy and modern for less money.
That is why it works so well for shoppers looking through 40 television reviews or 40in smart tvs and wondering whether they really need to pay premium prices. Usually, they do not.
What We Like
- Good features for the price.
- Fire TV plus Alexa is easy for non-enthusiasts.
- Ambient art mode helps it look nicer when idle.
What We Don't Like
- Only moderate motion and gaming performance.
- Does not have the depth or brightness of the premium picks.
- Ads and Fire TV recommendations are not for everyone.
Bottom Line
If you want a friendly 4K 43-inch TV at a sane price, the Omni QLED is one of the easiest buys here.
#5TCL Q6 43Q651G
Overview
The TCL Q6 is the kind of TV I recommend when the budget is fixed and the buyer still wants 4K, Google TV, and better color than a bargain-bin LED. It is not glamorous, but it is practical.
For college rooms, guest rooms, or a first apartment, it makes more sense than chasing a weak 40-inch set simply because the number sounds familiar.
What We Like
- Strong value for a QLED 4K set.
- Google TV remains easy to recommend.
- Better long-term buy than many ultra-cheap 40-inch TVs.
What We Don't Like
- HDR impact is limited.
- No premium gaming features.
- Picture still looks entry-level next to the top two picks.
Bottom Line
If price matters and you want a real 4K best 43 inch tv contender, the TCL Q6 is the smart compromise.
#6Samsung 43-inch QLED Q8F
Overview
The Q8F sits in an awkward but useful middle lane. It is for shoppers who want a Samsung set that feels nicer than entry-level QLED, looks sharp in a bedroom or office, and offers better gaming headroom than most midrange rivals.
It is not the best value on the list, but it is a fair fit for buyers who already know they prefer Samsung's ecosystem and design.
Bottom Line
Choose the Q8F if you specifically want a nicer midrange Samsung small TV, not if you are chasing maximum value.
#7Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series
Overview
This is the answer for the shopper who really, truly means 40 inches. Maybe the wall is tight, the room is tiny, or the budget is capped. In those cases, a basic 40-inch Fire TV makes sense because it is cheap, easy to use, and available.
Just be honest about what you are buying: a convenience-first TV, not a picture-quality champion.
Bottom Line
Among true 40-inch options, the Fire TV 2-Series is the most practical pick, but the best small TVs overall are still the 42- and 43-inch models above it.
40 to 43 Inch TV Buying Guide
Why 40-inch TVs are harder to recommend now
A lot of search traffic still goes to 40 in tv and best 40 inch tv, but the market has moved. Manufacturers now put their strongest panels, best gaming features, and premium processing into 42- and 43-inch models, while true 40-inch sets are usually entry-level or second-room TVs.
- Buy 40 inches when the footprint matters most.
- Buy 42 inches when you want the best picture quality in a compact size.
- Buy 43 inches when you want the broadest mix of price, features, and availability.
That does not mean a 40-inch TV is bad. It means you should only lock yourself to 40 inches when the room, furniture, or budget truly forces the decision.
OLED vs QLED vs Mini LED in this size range
At 42 to 43 inches, OLED is still the premium dark-room choice. It gives you the cleanest blacks, best contrast, and the most cinematic look for movies and story-driven games.
- OLED: best for night viewing, contrast, and gaming immersion.
- Mini LED: best for bright rooms and punchier HDR highlights.
- Basic LED and QLED: best for price-conscious secondary rooms.
QLED and Mini LED win when you need more brightness, lower prices, or less worry about static-content use. That is why the Samsung QN90F and TCL Q6 remain sensible even next to the LG OLED.
Do you actually need 120Hz or higher?
If your TV is mostly for Netflix, YouTube, sports, and casual gaming, 60Hz is still fine. The Sony BRAVIA 3, TCL Q6, and Amazon sets all make sense in that role.
But if you bought a PS5, Xbox Series X, or gaming PC and want the small TV to pull double duty, 120Hz or higher is worth paying for. That is where the LG C6, Samsung QN90F, and Samsung Q8F separate themselves.
Smart platform differences matter more than people think
The best smart tv 40 inch or 43 inch tv is not just the one with the best panel. You will live with the interface every day. Google TV is still the easiest for app discovery and voice search. Fire TV is great if you already use Alexa or want a simple streaming experience. Samsung's Tizen and LG's webOS are polished, but they can feel more brand-ecosystem-driven.
If you hate the built-in platform, the TV gets annoying fast. Buy the one whose interface you will tolerate for years.
Typical 40 inch TV dimensions and seating distance
Most 40 inch tv dimensions land around 35 inches wide and about 20 inches tall without the stand, but bezels and feet vary. A 42-inch OLED is usually around 36.5 to 37 inches wide, while a 43-inch TV often lands around 37.5 to 38 inches wide.
For seating distance, around 5 to 6.5 feet works well for 40 to 43 inches in 4K. If you sit much farther away, the size starts to feel small unless the room is extremely tight.
FAQ
What is the best 40 inch TV in 2026?
If you mean a true 40-inch set, the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series is the most practical pick because it is affordable, easy to use, and still easy to find. If you mean the best small TV overall, the LG OLED42C6 is far better, but it is 42 inches and much more expensive.
What is the best 43 inch TV right now?
For most buyers, the Samsung QN90F 43-inch is the best premium 43 inch tv because it combines Mini LED brightness, strong gaming support, and excellent all-around performance. If you want a cheaper option, the Sony BRAVIA 3 and Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED make more financial sense.
Is a 42 in TV better than a 40 in TV?
Usually yes. A 42 in tv is often better because manufacturers reserve their strongest picture quality for 42- and 43-inch models. In 2026, many true 40-inch sets are basic TVs, while 42-inch options include premium OLED models.
Are 40in smart TVs still worth buying?
Yes, but only for the right reasons. 40in smart tvs still work well in kitchens, guest rooms, rentals, and small bedrooms. They are just not where the best panel technology lives anymore.
What are normal 40 inch TV dimensions?
Typical 40 inch tv dimensions are roughly 35 inches wide, 20 inches tall, and 3 to 3.5 inches deep without the stand. Always check the exact stand width before buying, because that is what usually causes furniture-fit problems.
Is a smart TV 40 inch good enough for PS5 or Xbox Series X?
It can work, but it depends on expectations. A smart tv 40 inch like the Fire TV 2-Series is fine for casual console play, but it lacks the 120Hz, HDMI 2.1, and image quality that make premium gaming look special. Serious gamers should move up to the LG C6 or Samsung QN90F.
Should I buy OLED or QLED in a 40 to 43 inch TV?
Buy OLED if you want the best movie-night picture and can control room lighting. Buy QLED or Mini LED if you want more brightness, a lower price, or a TV for daytime viewing. In this guide, the LG C6 is the OLED pick, while the Samsung QN90F and TCL Q6 represent the stronger LCD paths.
How far should I sit from a 43 inch TV?
Around 5.5 to 7 feet is a comfortable everyday range for a 43 inch tv in 4K. Closer works for gaming desks or bedroom setups, while much farther away starts to make even the best 43 inch TV feel small.
Is a 43 inch TV too big for a bedroom?
Usually no. For most bedrooms, a 43 inch tv is still a comfortable size and is often a better long-term buy than a weaker 40-inch model. It only becomes too large when the wall space or furniture depth is unusually tight.
Why do so many best 43 inch TV lists barely include true 40-inch models?
Because the market shifted. The best 43 inch tv category gets more premium panels, better refresh rates, and more frequent product updates, while 40-inch sets increasingly target lower budgets and secondary rooms. That is why most serious small-screen recommendations now center on 42 and 43 inches.