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In the world of television, big screens reign supreme, especially those over 55 inches. This trend is slowly changing because OLED technology is getting cheaper, so companies can now make those TVs in smaller sizes. Samsung, for instance, now has a selection of smaller, high-quality sets for people who care about space.
Among all the available sizes, 43-inch TVs have been the most widely purchased option. These TVs are perfect for viewing from a distance of up to 10 feet, making them suitable for use in various small to medium-sized rooms. They are big enough to provide an excellent viewing experience without taking up the whole room. And they are equally suitable in the kitchen or the bedroom.
What’s more, the majority of 43-inch TVs are smart TVs, which can connect to Wi-Fi and stream media from the internet. However, there are substantial variations in the capabilities of these smart TVs, with some only providing access to a subset of possible apps and configurations. Because of this, it’s important to think about what functions you would use on a smart TV before purchasing.
We’ve rounded up some of the best 43″ TVs you can buy today, so check them out!
- Best for Bright Rooms: Samsung QN90B
- Best Budget-Friendly: Samsung Q60B
- Best for Voice Control: Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series
- Best Mid-Range for Movies: Sony KD-43X85K
- Best for Streaming: TCL 4 Series Roku TV
- SAMSUNG 43-Inch Class Neo QLED 4K QN90B Series Smart TV (2022)
- 4K Mini LED Quantum HDR 24x
- Dolby Atmos
- Object Tracking Sound+
- Anti-glare
- Ultra-wide viewing angle
- Alexa built-in
- SAMSUNG 43-Inch Class QLED 4K Q60B Series Dual LED Quantum HDR Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (QN43Q60BAFXZA, 2022 Model)
- Quantum HDR
- QLED 4K resolution
- Dual LED lights illuminate a billion shades of Quantum Dot color
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Samsung soundbars work together with Q-Symphony
- Motion Xcelerator features
- Amazon Fire TV 43″ Omni Series
- Supports vivid 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus
- Delivers a clearer and more vibrant picture with brighter colors
- Features built-in microphones
- Sony 43 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV X85K Series LED Smart Google TV (2022)
- LED 4K Ultra HD
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and HDMI
- Dolby Vision HDR
- Native 120Hz refresh rate
- TCL 43-inch 4K UHD Smart LED TV 43S435 (2021)
- 4K UHD LED Smart TV
- Netflix, Skype, Hulu, Youtube, Spotify, and Amazon Instant Video supported
- Inputs: 3 HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 (one with HDMI ARC), 1 USB (media player), RF, Composite, Headphone Jack, Optical Audio Out
- Product Dimensions: 3"D x 38.2"W x 22.4"H
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Best for Bright Rooms: Samsung QN90B
- 4K Mini LED Quantum HDR 24x
- Dolby Atmos
- Object Tracking Sound+
- Anti-glare
- Ultra-wide viewing angle
- Alexa built-in
The QN90B continues to be a crowd-pleaser with its Mini LED technology that competes with OLEDs and produces outstanding brightness.
The QE43QN90B is a more advanced variation of the similarly outstanding QN90A. It boasts exceptional picture accuracy, made possible by the Neo QLED display technology by Samsung. In fact, the QN90B surpasses the C2 in brightness, rendering it a superior option for well-lit surroundings. It produces impressive visuals by utilizing Mini LED backlight technology to dim small screen areas, thereby emulating the near-infinite contrast ratio of the C2 OLED.
Its high refresh rate of 144Hz sets it apart from standard 120Hz screens, making for a more fluid gaming experience for gamers. It is worth mentioning that though it provides a great overall gaming experience, its slower response time compared to the LG C2 OLED means that fast-moving objects in games will appear blurrier.
Moreover, the fact that Samsung’s Tizen operating system powers this smart TV means you can quickly and easily access all of your favorite apps and services. So, overall, it is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful 43″ TV.
Best Budget-Friendly: Samsung Q60B
- Quantum HDR
- QLED 4K resolution
- Dual LED lights illuminate a billion shades of Quantum Dot color
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Samsung soundbars work together with Q-Symphony
- Motion Xcelerator features
The Q60B is our top choice for anyone looking for excellent picture quality and overall performance on a budget.
The TV excels in providing exceptional color precision and notable luminosity, while also featuring an aesthetically pleasing form factor. The Quantum Dot technology ensures you get to watch your favorite shows and movies in life-like colors. Other features like dual LED, Quantum HDR, and 4K upscaling all contribute to making it a fine choice for those seeking impressive picture quality.
However, there are compromises involved. The absence of local dimming, a feature that significantly impacts contrast, results in the TV’s average contrast performance. Similarly, the lack of Dolby Vision could be a disadvantage for certain individuals. If you are willing to accept these trade-offs, the Samsung Q60B provides exceptional value.
So, overall, the Samsung Q60B is an affordable QLED TV suitable for individuals seeking a smaller screen for a secondary room or for budget-conscious people.
Best Voice Control: Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series
- Supports vivid 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus
- Delivers a clearer and more vibrant picture with brighter colors
- Features built-in microphones
Equipped with comprehensive Alexa integration, the Amazon Fire 43-inch variant offers excellent cost-effectiveness and may serve as the preferred connected television for your household.
Amazon’s Omni television series is the whole nine yards, providing a bang for your buck with a plethora of impressive features. The biggest highlight of this 43″ TV is that it incorporates Amazon’s Fire TV smart system. This enables users to access a wide range of streaming services and utilize hands-free Alexa capabilities. With built-in mics, you can call the shots with your voice alone — no need for a pesky remote.
It comes equipped with a 4K quantum dot panel and supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision technologies. The combo provides improved clarity and vibrancy for an enhanced viewing experience. It brings movies and shows to life with its support for 4K Ultra HD, HDR 10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus.
The Omni is more than just a plain old TV; it is the whole kit and caboodle for all your entertainment cravings. The platform offers a range of entertainment options, including live television, video games, music streaming, and access to a vast library of movies and TV shows from popular streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.
It is worth mentioning that although the Omni’s panel may not be the brightest one around, but its inclusive package, which includes HDR support, guarantees optimal picture quality from the selected streaming service.
Best Mid-Range for Movies: Sony KD-43X85K
- LED 4K Ultra HD
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and HDMI
- Dolby Vision HDR
- Native 120Hz refresh rate
The Sony KD-43X85K stands out as an impressive option in the mid-range category and works perfectly for those looking for a more affordable option compared to the Samsung QN90B QLED.
The picture quality is simply outstanding and perfect for watching your favorite movies. The accuracy is spot-on even before calibration, and the upscaled content is quite accurate as well. With Intelligent Motion Handling, you will not miss a beat even in the most action-packed scenes. And the wide spectrum of colors is out of this world, reproducing over a billion accurate colors thanks to TRILUMINOS Pro.
Google TV with Google Assistant powers its smart features, allowing easy access to various streaming services. It also works with Apple’s AirPlay 2 for hassle-free connection. The TV has Dolby Vision and Atmos compatibility, delivering a more lifelike and exciting movie-watching experience.
Its high native contrast ratio and impressive peak brightness really steal the show. Although it is a good TV, the absence of a local dimming feature makes it fall short of delivering impressive dark scene performance as compared to the C2.
Overall, the X85K may not be as sophisticated as some other TVs in this category, like the LG C2 OLED. But it still comes across as an impressive option because of its lower price tag and many gaming features, including HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. Since it supports 4K gaming at a 120Hz refresh rate, it is great for getting the most out of high-end consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Best for Streaming: TCL 4 Series Roku TV
- 4K UHD LED Smart TV
- Netflix, Skype, Hulu, Youtube, Spotify, and Amazon Instant Video supported
- Inputs: 3 HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 (one with HDMI ARC), 1 USB (media player), RF, Composite, Headphone Jack, Optical Audio Out
- Product Dimensions: 3"D x 38.2"W x 22.4"H
The TCL 4 Series Roku TV earns our top recommendation for a 43″ TV mainly because of its exceptional value proposition.
This 4K TV is a steal, often selling for much less than other 1080p models. It truly impresses you when it comes to color accuracy, and it is no slouch in the contrast department either, thanks to its support for HDR10. However, it is a bit of a letdown that it does not bring Dolby Vision to the table.
In our opinion, the TV is quite impressive and very simple to operate. It is mainly due to Roku’s system software, which provides a wide range of apps for a top-notch smart TV experience. This model really has the potential to impress you with its lightning-fast lag time, making it the perfect fit for high-octane gaming.
Although the TCL 4 Series has its perks, it does come with a few strings attached due to its affordable price tag. For starters, it really misses the boat without local dimming, which puts a damper on its HDR capabilities. Furthermore, the TV’s speakers leave a lot to be desired, as they lack punch and oomph. If this is going to be your go-to TV, keep in mind that you might need to splurge on a soundbar to make up for the sound shortcomings.
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How to Pick the Best 43″ TV: Step-by-Step Guide
When you are interested in buying a 43″ TV, it is important that you do not make a hasty decision. Here are a few things to consider to select the best TV.
Consider Your Space
Make sure a 43-inch TV will not look too imposing in your room. If you plan on sitting about 10 feet away from the screen, we recommend a 43-inch TV. That makes them ideal as a cheap second TV for the kid’s room or a dedicated gaming TV.
If you have room to spare, we suggest going for a bigger unit. Even if you think you will be content with a smaller screen, a larger one will really up the ante and make your viewing experience more immersive.
Consider Your Connectivity Needs
Be sure to consider which ports you require and how many. If you plan to hook up a streaming stick, game console, or cable box, you will need to have enough HDMI ports to accommodate all of them.
If you want to go with a sound bar, you should make sure you have either optical digital audio or a 3.5mm auxiliary output available. We also suggest you consider getting a TV that is Bluetooth-enabled so you can enjoy listening to your favorite media without ruffling any feathers.
Audio Quality
There may not be enough place for a bulky sound system like a soundbar or a home theater system if you have cramped living quarters. The TV’s internal speakers will be used most of the time, so they must be of high quality.
High-quality built-in speakers are usually enough for regular TV viewing, such as news or talk shows. Emphasizing sound quality could be useful if this is how you spend most of your viewing time.
You should look into TVs with superior sound systems if you want a well-rounded viewing experience with equally high-grade audio and video quality. When a high-definition, colorful screen is coupled with tinny or weak audio, the result can be jarring.
Consider the Design
Depending on how you have your TV set up in your room, the style of the TV is crucial.
Thinner bezels typically result in a more immersive viewing experience, so keep that in mind when shopping. The style of the TV stand is also important because it must complement your existing furnishings while also providing stable support for your TV.
Last but not least, mounting the TV on the wall allows you more design options. This solution is ideal for smaller rooms since it helps the television blend in with the decor.
What to Know Before Buying the Best 43″ TV?
Even small-screen TVs now come with a variety of features, which is why it is crucial to educate yourself about what to know before taking the plunge.
Resolution
The resolution is defined by the total number of pixels a picture contains. Images with a higher pixel count are crisper. To save some money, you can opt for something from Samsung with a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) resolution. But, for a more impressive experience, you need to go with a Full HD (2,560 by 1,080 pixels) TV.
Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio of a TV is the degree to which its blackest blacks differ from its brightest whites. Enhanced clarity in low- or high-light areas is a benefit of higher contrast ratios. The LG excels in this aspect, which employs OLED technology to deliver an impressive contrast ratio.
HDR Support
High Dynamic Range (HDR) support is important to consider. HDR improves the image’s contrast and color accuracy. The Sony Bravia models are one of many 4K TVs that supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, the two most popular HDR formats.
Smart Features
The availability of advanced functions varies widely between makes and models. The system software must be accessible and provide numerous app options. Most LG OLEDs use webOS, which is well-known for its user-friendly interface, whereas the Samsung TVs operate on Tizen OS, which has a large selection of apps.
When shopping for a smart TV, think about the features you want most. You can use your voice to operate your smart TV and other connected gadgets if it has a built-in virtual assistant like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Bixby. Similarly, consider what streaming services are already included.
Refresh Rate
How often does the screen update every second? That is what we call the refresh rate. Fast-paced action scenes and sports can benefit from a higher refresh rate, such as 120Hz. If you are a gamer, your experience will improve with a TV that has a fast refresh rate and reduced input lag.
Using the Best 43″ TV: What It’s Like
A smart TV, even a modest 43 inches in size, can greatly improve your home theater experience. Its size allows for a comfortable viewing experience without taking over the room. With the push of a button, you can watch your favorite shows and movies from a wide variety of sources thanks to the smart features that facilitate access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.
Connecting it to other smart home gadgets opens the door to voice control and seamless home automation. The crystal-clear picture makes for genuinely spectacular movie nights and makes the internet and video games much more enjoyable.
