Best 42-43 Inch TVs 2024
Hit visual perfection with these smaller 43" TVs
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When it comes to finding the best 42-43 inch TV, there sure are a lot of options out there. And if you’re current TV has failed you, the pressure is on to find the perfect set for your home! While most consumers and manufacturers dedicate the majority of their time to bigger TVs, there’s still plenty of demand for the best 42-43 inch TVs.
As you might expect, most 40-inch TVs don’t feature the premium specifications that you might find on more expensive, high-end TVs. That said, there are still plenty of impressive 43-inch TVs in today’s market – with most featuring a nice balance between price and performance. Moreover, with competitive console gaming becoming much more widespread, demand for these smaller TV variants is actually on the rise.
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Best 42-43 Inch TV in 2024
Here are some of the market’s best 42 and 43-inch TVs. We’ll be comparing each for price, performance, picture quality, gaming, and aesthetics – concluding with our thoughts on value and use case. We’ll also discuss some of the main features to consider when purchasing a 43-inch TV, giving you all the tools needed to make a well-informed decision on your next purchase.
So, if you’re looking for a great 42 or 43-inch TV, look no further, we have all the most up-to-date options.
LG C2 42-inch OLED
Size
42″
Screen Technology
OLED
Resolution
4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p
Refresh rate
120 Hz
Panel type
WOLED
HDMI standard
HDMI 2.1
- Excellent gaming performance
- OLED image quality
- Gaming-tailored features
- Near instantaneous response time
- Evo OLED panel technology
- Not as bright as QD-OLED or LED models
Our best 42-inch TV has to go to the hugely popular LG C2 OLED TV series – the world’s first 42″ OLED TV. The LG C2 was an immediate hit when it was announced back at CES 2022, sparking excitement amongst keen fans of the brand thanks to its enticing list of features and specifications.
The LG C2 comes in a variety of sizes, however, the one we’re most excited about is the 42-inch. This TV is set to deliver excellent versatility for both gamers and everyday consumers, equipped with a high-performance Evo OLED panel that is far brighter than its C1 predecessor. It offers up new build materials too, making it easier to unbox and wall mount – all while retaining LG’s stylish design language.
Looks aside, the LG C2 performs at the highest level, featuring the brand’s latest Evo OLED panel technology. While this panel technology was restricted to the LG G1 series, the same can not be said for the latest mid-tier C2. The Evo OLED panel allows this TV to become much brighter than the C1, improving on the quality of daytime viewing and HDR scenes across the board.
A new game optimizer menu has been installed in the LG C2 TV, enabling users to fine-tune the visual experience of games more freely. Of course, HDMI 2.1 and VRR are both supported by this TV, making it a fine choice for the next-gen PlayStation 5 console.
Samsung 43QN90A
Size
43″
Screen technology
LCD Mini-LED
Resolution
4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p
Refresh rate
120Hz
Panel type
Neo QLED LCD
HDMI standard
HDMI 2.1
- Exceptional image quality for gaming and movies
- HDMI 2.1 support
- Packed with features
- Easy to use platform
- Expensive
Our runner up 43″ TV goes to Samsung’s popular QN90A series. The QLED-based TV series has impressed ever since its release, with the Neo QLED variant offering up some improvements to image handling and upscaling. The Samsung 43″ QN90A delivers truly excellent image quality that is head and shoulders above other LED-based panels.
Alongside its QLED panel technology, the QN90A also featured mini-LED backlight technology – increasing the TV’s ability to showcase HDR scenes. The QN90A also delivers higher peak brightness than many of its competitors, giving it a wider contrast ratio. Of course, the QN90A can’t match the infinite contrast ratio of the OLED C2, but don’t let that put you off, it excels in areas where the OLED alternative struggles.
As far as gaming performance goes, next-gen console gamers will be happy to hear that the QN90A supports both Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 – delivering 4K@120Hz gameplay via a number of HDMI 2.1 inputs. The TV also features key gaming features such as Motion Xcelerator Turbo Plus and VRR for both FreeSync and G-Sync compatible devices. ALLM mode is also utilized in this TV, offering up better motion handling when playing games with fast-moving images.
Unfortunately, this is a pretty expensive TV, meaning you will have to fork out for the premium features it does offer. That being said, if you want brighter visual experience than the OLED, there aren’t many that do it as well as the QN90A.
Sony KD-43X85J
Size
43″
Screen Technology
Direct LED
Resolution
4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p
Refresh rate
60Hz
Panel type
IPS
HDMI standard
HDMI 2.1
- Decent image quality
- Google Platform
- 120Hz @4K gameplay
- HDMI 2.1 support
- No local dimming features
Next up, we have Sony’s KD-4X385J – or X85J for short. This TV is a great choice for both everyday users and gamers as it features a plethora of features that increase general image quality and gaming performance.
The X85J offers up Google TV as its smart platform, meaning the user interface is incredibly easy to use. This also means the X85J also comes with a tonne of apps and a built-in microphone to access Google Assistant.
While this isn’t the best gaming TV in this guide, it still features the fundamental features required for a decent gaming experience. Users will find HDMI 2.1 bandwidth in this TV, meaning it’ll fully support the maximum potential of both Xbox Series X and PS5 next-gen consoles (4K@120Hz gameplay). The X85J also features low input lag and an optional backlight strobing feature that reduces the pixel response time for a smoother visual experience.
Additionally, the X85J also performs well in dark room scenarios, featuring a high native contrast ratio with deep blacks. As mentioned above, the X85J doesn’t offer FALD for the best HDR performance.
Samsung 43AU7100
Size
43″
Screen Technology
LED edge-lit
Resolution
4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p
Refresh rate
60Hz
Panel type
VA
HDMI standard
HDMI 2.0
- Decent 4K detail
- Decent colors and wide contrast ratio
- Smart TV platform
- No Dolby Vision or Atmos
Despite the Samsung AU7100 being one of the cheapest TVs in this guide, don’t let that put you off – it still delivers excellent value for money when you consider the image quality it produces.
At its heart lies a very efficient VA panel that delivers a wide contrast ratio and deep inky blacks. It also supports a rich color gamut and decent HDR performance thanks to high peak brightness and HDR10+. As you’d imagine, the AU7100 also delivers crisp image quality thanks to a 4K screen resolution and decent upscaling capabilities.
Sadly, the AU7100 does struggle with some standard definition content – especially when compared against some of the top-end picks in this guide. Furthermore, as this is a budget panel, you don’t get the same perfect blacks as you’ll find in OLED alternatives.
Like most modern TVs, the AU7100 also features a whole plethora of apps thanks to its Tizen smart TV platform.
Hisense 43A6G
Size
43″
Screen Technology
LED Direct lit
Resolution
4K Ultra HD 3840 x 2160p
Refresh rate
60Hz
Panel type
VA/IPS
HDMI standard
HDMI 2.0
- Excellent price point
- Wide viewing angles
- Android TV operating system
- Poor HDR performance
Lastly, we have the Hisense 43A6G – the best budget 43″ TV right now. This HDMI 2.0 TV isn’t the greatest as far as gaming is concerned, however, it does deliver excellent image quality for movie and TV consumption. As it only features a limited 60Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.0, don’t expect 4K @120Hz gameplay from this panel either.
That said, there are plenty of positives to take from this panel, including excellent viewing angles and rich, accurate colors. It’s also an Android TV meaning you’ll be able to download numerous apps for a more tailored experience. Upscaling is not a problem for this TV either, with older TV shows and movies upscaling to 4K easily. That said, HDR performance is fairly limited for this TV, with both peak brightness and color gamut struggling to reach the desired levels for ‘True’ HDR.
What to look for in a 43 inch TV?
So, what exactly makes the best 42-43 inch TV? Well, that all comes down to what you prioritize in a TV.
A gamer will likely prioritize different aspects of a TV than a general user or a movie-goer. For that reason, we’ll outline only the most important features to consider when purchasing a 43-inch TV.
We won’t include basic specifications like resolution and screen size as this guide will likely only feature 43-inch 4K models.
HDMI 2.1
There’s a lot of talk surrounding the latest HDMI standard and for good reason. HDMI 2.1 is the only HDMI interface that allows for 4K gameplay@120Hz – one of the main reasons why both next-gen consoles are hugely popular.
Both Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 now support 4K@120Hz gameplay, making HDMI 2.1 a hugely important specification to look for if you’re a gamer. If you purchase a TV that doesn’t support HDMI 2.1, chances are you won’t be able to enjoy the silky smooth visual experience that 120Hz is – and no one wants that.
Luckily, most modern TVs – if not all – now feature the HDMI 2.1 standard – meaning you won’t have to look too hard to find one that supports it. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly 43-inch TV, you may end up considering an older-generation TV that may not include this relatively new specification.
Below is a breakdown of both DisplayPort and HDMI versions over the years to give you an idea of what they can and can’t support.
VRR (variable refresh rate)
Variable refresh rate technology allows your TV to synchronize its refresh rate to the output of your PS5 or Xbox. Using this feature will eradicate any possibility of potential screen artifacts like screen tear (a visual defect where two frames are rendered at the same time).
VRR has been used throughout PC gaming for years now, with consoles only just catching up in recent years. While the PlayStation 5 didn’t officially support VRR upon launch, Sony did claim it would be a feature of the next-gen console in the near future. New announcements made over the past few weeks have seen movements in this department, with VRR expected in the coming weeks.
For that reason, VRR is hugely important – displaying noticeable improvements in the smoothness and fluidity of gameplay.
Panel/ backlight technology
The panel and backlight technology of your TV are two hugely important features that will determine how well it performs from a picture and color standpoint. To make things even more confusing, new technologies are being developed almost monthly now, with manufacturers coining terms like, 4K, UHD, LED, Mini-LED, Micro-LED, QD-OLED, OLED, QLED, Neo QLED, and more to make your life that little bit harder.
Ultimately, most of the TVs in today’s market will be LED – unless it’s an OLED TV. OLED TVs feature organic compound layers to produce light – with independently operating pixels that help to produce stunning blacks, infinite contrast ratio, and superb HDR. OLED TVs are considered some of the market’s most expensive, so be ready to fork out for one if you’re enticed by their incredible picture quality.
Samsung has recently finished work on a new QD-OLED panel technology which merges the main features and benefits of QD (Quantum Dot) and OLED (organic light-emitting diodes). The new technology is being rolled out in a mere few panels, meaning you’ll likely have to wait until QD-OLED 43″ TVs are a thing. Having said that, recent leaks suggest that new 77″ and 49″ variants are being worked on by the Korean manufacturer.
LED panels basically make up the rest, with varying variations now available in today’s market. Each variation features its own set of benefits, so choosing the one that meets your requirements will take a little bit of research. Some offer better viewing angles, richer colors, more accurate color reproduction, better HDR, and deeper blacks – so be sure to look into each before making your final purchase.
How we choose the best 42-43 Inch TV
Choosing the best 43-inch TVs can often be a fairly tricky task, especially when you consider just how many great TVs there are in today’s market. Luckily, our veteran team of display enthusiasts has a tonne of experience when it comes to gaming TVs and monitors, allowing us to handpick the best options out there.
Like all the hardware we recommend, each 43-inch TV we choose also goes through a strict testing process that allows us to determine which is the best when it comes to console gaming and general content consumption. We run numerous tests using purpose-built equipment, enabling us to confidently recommend the best TVs across the web.
42-inch TV FAQs
What is the best 42 inch TV?
There are a good number of 42-inch TVs in today’s market – however, the best of the best has to be the new LG C2 42-inch OLED.
This TV really does feature everything you could want for a fantastic visual experience, including high-end gaming features that make this TV exceptionally good for console and PC gaming.
Are 42-inch TVs expensive?
Most of the time, the size of a TV normally has a large impact on the price it retails for – with smaller variations costing less than larger alternatives.
On average, a 42-inch TV is far cheaper than a larger alternative. However, this may not be the case if the 42-inch TV in question features the latest display technology.
Related TV pages
- TV vs monitor
- Best OLED TV
- Best 4K TV for gaming
- Best TV for gaming
- Best TV for Xbox Series X
- What is OLED
- What is QD-OLED
Final word
So, there you have it, our comprehensive guide to the best 43-inch TVs. Hopefully, this guide has made choosing your next TV a little easier, outlining some of the fundamental factors that you must consider when purchasing any TV. We’ve given the hugely popular LG C2 our number one spot and for good reason. It features all the benefits you’d expect from a high-end OLED TV alongside a plethora of gaming-tailored features such as VRR, ALLM, and more.
If you have any questions regarding 43-inch TVs, feel free to drop us a comment in the section below.
