The 5 best 40-inch TVs for quality viewing that won’t disappoint

Smaller TVs are underrated. These compact wonders effortlessly blend into any space, adding a touch of coziness and a whole lot of entertainment. 

But don't be fooled by their modest size. 

Today's 40-inch plus TVs are poised to redefine your viewing experience, delivering visuals and audio that can rival even the most colossal, theater-style screens. Many have the newest features, including streaming capability and 4K resolution and, thanks to their smaller size — boast smaller price points to match. 

We've scoured the internet and found the best 40, 43 and 48-inch flatscreens from Sony to Samsung, with each offering vibrant color, excellent sound and stunning Smart features and settings.

Let’s check them out.

Read more: Find out which Sony TVs get our vote in 2023

5 top-rated 40-inch plus TVs

Our favorite 40-inch plus TV overall

SAMSUNG 43-Inch Class QLED Q60A Series - 4K UHD Dual LED Quantum HDR Smart TV with Alexa Built-in

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$499.99 at Samsung

Perfect for gaming

LG 48" Class 4K UHD OLED Web OS Smart TV with Dolby Vision C2 Series OLED48C2PUA

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$949 at Walmart

Best budget-friendly option

TCL - 43" Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV

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$249.99 at Walmart

Best 4K TV for premium watching

43" Class QN90B Samsung Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (2022)

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$1199.99 at Samsung

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Browse the best 40-inch TVs

Our wrap-up of 40-something-inch TVs brings you the best models for producing mesmerizing colors, epic audio and a well-rounded set of Smart features, within smaller frames that are ideal for cozy spaces.

Our favorite 40-inch plus TV overall

SAMSUNG 43-Inch Class QLED Q60A Series - 4K UHD Dual LED Quantum HDR Smart TV with Alexa Built-in

You save $100 (16.67%)

$499.99$599.99

$499.99 at Samsung

Specifications:

• Screen size: 43 inches

• Display type: QLED

• Resolution: 4K

• Smart platform: Smart TV Powered by TIZEN™

Pros & Cons

• Selection of Smart assistants and Smart device apps

• Built-in voice control

• Customized options for gaming

• Bluetooth remote may be tricky to set up

• Interface could be more user-friendly

Featuring spectacular color and detail thanks to Samsung's Quantum Dot technology, this TV takes the cake as our first choice of 40-inch TVs. 

Powering over a billion lifelike shades, it never fades or distorts picture quality, no matter how bright or dim the scene may be. What’s more, dedicated dual LED capabilities ensure top-quality contrast, while quantum HDR allows for richer, more accurate imagery in every scene. 

This epic TV also boasts a fast 4K processor and an ultra-slim design. 

The smooth motion feature reduces blurriness and ensures crisp detail even during action scenes. It also includes a super wide aspect ratio perfect for gamers, as well as automatic low latency mode for smoother gameplay. 

Plus, you can really fine-tune the sound to your specific preferences. 

With Smart assistant options built right in, the option to mirror your phone, and a built-in app for all your Smart devices, it's the TV of the future.

Perfect for gaming

LG 48" Class 4K UHD OLED Web OS Smart TV with Dolby Vision C2 Series OLED48C2PUA

$949

$949 at Walmart

Specifications:

• Screen size: 48 inches

• Display type: OLED

• Resolution: 4K

• Smart platform: WebOS

Pros & Cons

• Ultimate customization for gameplay

• Extra ports to optimize gaming setup

• Automatically adjust settings to optimize visuals

• Fewer sound features than competitors

• Remote design is less intuitive

Self-lit OLED pixels create beautiful, crisp colors and contrast, plus the perfect blacks that really bring pictures to life. The latest a9 Gen5 AI Processor 4K automatically adjusts settings to optimize the sound and picture quality based on what you're watching or playing.

Meanwhile, Filmmaker mode uses Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos to create an unforgettable theater-like experience in a small package.

Gamers will love this TV, too.

NVIDIA G-SYNC, FreeSync Premium and VRR allow you to experience real-time gaming with low latency and minimal lag while the LG Game Optimizer and four HDMI 2.1 ports allow you to customize your setup. 

Plus, advanced picture algorithms give you full customization if you need to tweak your visuals even further. It also comes with built-in streaming apps and smart TV features. Quite the pretty package for gamers and viewers alike!

Best budget-friendly option

TCL - 43" Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV

$249.99

$249.99 at Walmart

Pros & Cons

• Budget-friendly

• Built-in Roku streaming

• Edge-to-edge view for improved viewing

• Sound options are limited without upgrading

• Fewer Smart features than others on the list

For less than $300, this LED TV features excellent picture and sound at a wallet-friendly price. 

Its 4K picture quality and HDR work together to ensure beautiful, crisp colors and clean contrast. Meanwhile, its HD capability is nearer to that of Ultra HD resolution, while its edge-to-edge glass design ensures you capitalize on every moment of action. 

It includes four HDMI inputs, dual-band WiFi and an ethernet port for easy connectivity, though being a Roku TV it offers hundreds of free in-built channels, so you may not even need to utilise the ports.

This model also supports Apple AirPlay which allows you to mirror your phone and other devices, while built-in voice assistants make it simpler to control the TV. It also features a user-friendly interface for more accessible choices and customizations. 

With so much going for such an affordable TV, it’s a no-brainer if you’re limited by budget.

Best 4K TV for premium watching

43" Class QN90B Samsung Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (2022)

$1,199.99

$1199.99 at Samsung

Specifications:

• Screen size: 43 inches

• Display type: QLED

• Resolution: 4K

• Smart platform: Smart TV Powered by TIZEN

Pros & Cons

• Professional caliber screen adjustments from your phone app

• EyeComfort mode reduces strain

• AI-enabled viewing customizations

• On the expensive side

• Some features may be too complex for the average viewer

Ready to upgrade your picture quality to something truly breathtaking?

This 40-inch plus Samsung model uses a grid of ultra-precise Quantum Mini LEDs made specifically for this TV to ensure absolute picture clarity. Individual light zones are carefully controlled to create ultra-realistic visuals. Plus, with a processor powered by artificial intelligence, each scene is analyzed and adjustments are made to optimize the viewing based on what you're watching. 

One of the best features of this television is its anti-glare capability — because we all know there's nothing more frustrating than a great picture ruined by an ill-placed window. 

Meanwhile, Object Tracking Sound+ and Dolby Atmos are built in so you get theater quality, immersive sound right from the television.

Best smart TV for streaming

TCL 40-inch 1080p Smart LED Roku TV - 40S325, 2019 Model

$499.99

$499.99 at eBay

Specifications:

• Screen size: 40 inches

• Display type: LED

• Resolution: 1080p

• Smart platform: Roku

Pros & Cons

• A simplified, user-friendly interface

• Excellent mobile app for expanded controls

• Voice assistant enabled

• Older TV model

• Not 4K resolution

We know this 40-inch LED TV is a previous year's model, but hear us out. 

The 2019 design of this particular TV offers excellent picture quality and the easy-to-use Roku TV platform, for an exceptional price. 

Direct-lit LED provides outstanding pictures and visuals, and the 1080p resolution ensures crisp contrast and reduced blur in motion. Plus, the built-in Smart apps make it simple to connect to your favorite shows.

A very simple Roku remote makes using the device easy, and the mobile app opens up expanded features to customize your experience. You can even use your device headphones to listen to the television through your mobile. 

Plus, its voice controls are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so if you're tired of complicated controls and confusing user interfaces, this TV is a worthy purchase.

Which TVs get our stamp of approval?

Any of the options in this list has our vote when it comes to choosing a top-quality TV within the realm of 40 inches. However, if we had to narrow it down to just two outstanding choices, these TVs really impressed us:

• 43" Class QN90B Samsung Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (2022): With incredible color ranges, visual clarity and unbelievably immersive sound quality, if you're ready to splurge on your viewing, this option carries all the smart features, advanced visuals, and AI-enabled customizations to ensure stunning viewing.

• TCL 43" Class 4-Series 4K UHD HDR Smart Roku TV: Our favorite affordable 40-inch TV features in-built Roku TV, a resolution close to Ultra HD and multiple HDMI ports, making it a great choice for gamers.

Whichever model you choose, you’ll be pleasantly surprised and easily entertained by your new 40-something-inch TV. 

Now it's time to break out the popcorn.

Prices updated on 10/20/2023. We are not responsible for any changes on the prices mentioned above.