Key Points
- Our top pick for the best overall 40-inch TV is the Hisense Class H55 Series. It strikes a near-perfect balance when it comes to picture quality, sound, external features, and smart capabilities.
- 40-inch TVs are surprisingly affordable, most of them falling under the $500 price tag.
- Our choices for 40-inch TVs provide an optimal viewing and gaming experience for you and your family.
- When selecting a 40-inch TV, be sure to look at the key specs such as smart capabilities, connectivity, resolution, picture quality, and refresh rates.
A 40-inch TV is the best pick if you need one to watch the latest news or binge blockbuster movies. Despite their size, 40-inch TVs offer a good cinematic view while retaining big TVs’ features. Moreover, 40-inch TVs are a convenient size since they perfectly fit into most spaces.
Additionally, they cost less than larger TVs with the same features. Many versions are available to satisfy your entertainment needs. Here are the five best TVs you should consider whether you’re looking for a TV for your bedroom, living room, or office space. After extensive research, here’s our list of the best 40-inch TVs you can buy today.
- Hisense 40-Inch 40H5500F Class H55 Series Android Smart TV with Voice Remote (2020 Model)
- 1080p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate
- DTS studio sound virtual surround sound
- Voice-enabled plus built-in Wi-Fi
- Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in
- Two HDMI ports
- Hisense A4 Series 40-Inch Class FHD Smart Android TV
- Full high-definition resolution
- Features Sports Mode for best sporting experience
- Color automatically adjusts
- HD LCD display
- TCL 40″ Class 3-Series Full HD 1080p LED Smart Roku TV – 40S355
- Access to 250+ free live channels, award-winning original shows from Roku, current shows, kids’ content, hit movies, and more
- Full HD resolution
- Customizable home screen
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Support for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, Pandora, and YouTube
- RCA 40-Inch 1080P Full HD LED Flat Screen TV
- High-definition 1080P LED display
- Built-in HDMI, USB Port, VGA, and RF Cable/Antenna Jack Input
- Great audio quality with state-of-the-art speakers
- Full-function remote
- VIZIO 40-inch D-Series
- 1080p high definition
- Full Array LED backlight
- IQ Picture Processor
- V-Gaming Engine
- SmartCast (intuitive navigation)
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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Best Overall: Hisense Class H55 Series
- 1080p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate
- DTS studio sound virtual surround sound
- Voice-enabled plus built-in Wi-Fi
- Google Assistant and Chromecast built-in
- Two HDMI ports
The Hisense Class H55 Series, which costs $270, took our top spot due to its balance of features, design, quality, and price. The package comes with a power cable, a remote control with three triple-A batteries, and a user manual, and it offers a one-year warranty. The hardware components include 2 USB ports, 2 HDMI ports, an ethernet port for network connectivity, and a digital audio output port.
The TV has two internal 7-watt speakers for superior sound quality. However, you can still connect a soundbar via the audio output port or use Bluetooth to connect external speakers or headphones wirelessly, should the sound quality not meet your expectations. Moreover, the TV has a 60Hz refresh rate for optimal gaming and sporting experience. The LCD technology offers a resolution of 1080p, although it is inferior to LED, resulting in less than optimal picture quality.
The remote’s in-built mic can be programmed to use Google Assistant to change inputs and control the TV volume. The built-in Wi-Fi allows quick access to streaming sites with buttons for YouTube and Netflix. The TV also supports Chromecast, enabling you to link your Android phone and cast videos and other programs. Additionally, the air console app is compatible with the TV, which enables you and the recipient to play games on the TV through your phone.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The TV is lightweight. | The TV has inferior picture quality compared to LED. |
| High motion rates minimize image lag. | |
| It has a voice assistant. | |
| Chromecast is supported. | |
| It is compatible with the air console app. |
Best for Sports: Hisense A4 Series
- Full high-definition resolution
- Features Sports Mode for best sporting experience
- Color automatically adjusts
- HD LCD display
The Hisense A4 Series is a great pick if you’re looking for a TV with top features for sports fans at a budget-friendly price of $168. It boasts LED display technology that offers bright colors to enhance your viewing experience.
Additionally, the TV comes with an in-built voice assistant (Google and Alexa) that you can use to change inputs and give commands to the TV via the remote’s microphone. The remote has quick-access buttons for all the popular streaming sites, such as Netflix and YouTube, for easier accessibility. It also has the Google Play store, where you can download more apps. Besides, you can cast your favorite content from your phone, laptop, or tablet to the TV with the Chromecast. The refresh rate is standard at 60Hz.
It also has a sports mode that enhances your sporting experience by displaying a smoother picture with less blur since it has a motion rate of 120. Not forgetting the game mode that optimizes the TV for gaming. The 1080p resolution, however, does not give the best color uniformity. Moreover, you can connect devices such as your laptop or game console through the two HDMI ports. Furthermore, it has 2 USB ports that read flash disks and can charge your smartphone. In addition, the Hisense A4 Series comes with a DTS Virtual:X audio system designed to give you the best quality audio. There are also TV mount sound settings in case you mount your TV.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The A4 has a dedicated sports mode. | The set has poor color uniformity. |
| It has a modern LED display technology and a slim bezel design. | |
| It is relatively inexpensive. | |
| The A4 has an in-built voice assistant and Chromecast. | |
| It has DTS Virtual:X audio system that enhances sound quality | |
| High motion rates reduce lag. |
Best Roku TV: TCL 40-Inch Class 3-Series
- Access to 250+ free live channels, award-winning original shows from Roku, current shows, kids’ content, hit movies, and more
- Full HD resolution
- Customizable home screen
- 60Hz refresh rate
- Support for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, Pandora, and YouTube
Regarding Roku TVs, the TCL 40-inch Class 3-Series was our top pick. The TV comes with a quick start guide, a user manual, a power cable, a stand, a remote, and two batteries. The Roku TV home screen can be customized according to your preferences and favorite apps. This enables faster access to the apps you use most.
Its in-built smart capabilities give access to streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu. Moreover, the live TV channel guide offers over 250 free broadcast channels. You can also stream award-winning Roku Originals, hit movies, and kid’s shows on Roku TV. The TV has a 1080p resolution that delivers quality pictures for your favorite TV shows and movies. The sound quality is also excellent. The TV has 3 HDMI ports, one USB port, a cable jack, and audio output for connectivity. You can also connect wirelessly to the internet via the in-built WIFI. The downside is that the TV doesn’t have an ethernet port.
The TV remote has quick access buttons for popular apps such as YouTube and Netflix. A unique feature of the remote is that the volume control buttons are on the side. There’s a button for increasing and decreasing volume and a button for muting. Moreover, the well-spaced buttons make it easier to use. Additionally, you can use your phone as a streaming device by downloading the Roku mobile app. Besides, you can use it to command inputs into your TV or change channels through voice assistants such as Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri. You can also connect your headphones to your phone to enable private listening.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The TCL set has access to many free broadcasting channels. | It does not have an ethernet port. |
| There are side buttons on the remote for convenience. | |
| You can use your TV as a streaming device. | |
| It works with voice assistants. |
Best Offline Option: RCA 1080P
- High-definition 1080P LED display
- Built-in HDMI, USB Port, VGA, and RF Cable/Antenna Jack Input
- Great audio quality with state-of-the-art speakers
- Full-function remote
(Please note that as of July 19th, 2023, the RCA 40-Inch 1080P Full HD LED Flat Screen TV is currently unavailable on Amazon. Please check back later.)
The RCA 1080P is an excellent pick if you’re looking for an affordable, offline 40-inch TV that will give you a great viewing experience for $148. One of the reasons for the low price is that it does not support an internet connection. Of course, not everyone needs or wants one. The RCA displays bright and clear pictures thanks to its 1080p resolution, ensuring smooth picture motion with less blurring effect. The easy-to-use interface makes it a popular budget-friendly option, though users complained the display isn’t clear from the sides and the sound quality isn’t great. The 3 HDMI ports at the back of the TV allow you to connect up to three devices seamlessly. Other than the HDMI, it also has a USB port and an RF antenna jack.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The picture is bright and clear. | It has poor TV speakers. |
| It is very affordable. | |
| The set has 3 HDMI ports. |
Best Picture Quality: VIZIO 40-inch D-Series
- 1080p high definition
- Full Array LED backlight
- IQ Picture Processor
- V-Gaming Engine
- SmartCast (intuitive navigation)
The VIZIO 40-inch D-Series is a great choice if picture quality is a priority. For gamers, it offers a V-Gaming Engine that automatically optimizes picture quality. It has a variable refresh rate of 40-60Hz, reducing screen tearing and ghosting. The variable refresh rate also enhances the screen responsiveness.
It has an IQ Picture Processor that facilitates high-level picture processing, reduces loading time, and makes navigation much quicker, enabling you to get your content faster. Additionally, the remote comes with quick access buttons for popular streaming apps such as Netflix, Huru, Pandora, and YouTube. It has a WIFI connection and LED displays that are evenly distributed to ensure uniform light. It has an in-built Chromecast and Apple Airplay 2, enabling you to cast your Apple or Android device to the TV.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has high-level picture processing for great picture quality. | The set has poor sound quality. |
| The Vizio has the best gaming features. | |
| You can connect with both Android and Apple devices. |
How To Pick the Best 40-Inch TV: Step-By-Step
While the options may seem overwhelming, it is worth considering some key factors when choosing a 40-Inch TV. These include:
Display Technology
Regarding modern TVs, the display technologies include OLED, QLED, mini-LED, LCD, QD-OLED, and plasma display. Nowadays, most 40-inch TVs use LED display technology which is better than LCD technology. There are, however, variations to the picture quality in LED technology. Mini-LED technology offers okay picture quality, whereas O-LED offers the best. QLED is intermediate.
Refresh Rate
Refresh rates in TVs mainly vary between 60 and 120Hz. The high refresh rate is applicable when viewing fast-paced programs such as sports. However, you should opt for a TV with a refresh rate of 120Hz and above for gaming. Nonetheless, a TV with a refresh rate of 60Hz will still give you a comfortable viewing experience.
Connectivity
In addition to the HDMI and the sound input ports, the TV should also have USB ports, Coax, VGA, and an RF output to connect to external devices such as a soundbar or game console. Moreover, a TV should have in-built Wi-Fi that enables connectivity to the internet. It should also be able to connect to devices such as your headphones via Bluetooth.
Sound Quality
The best-sounding TVs have cutting-edge technology that gives the best sound experience. Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual X audio system, and Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)are some of the best features that enhance TV sound. Dolby Atmos comes in-built with some TVs and uses technology that compresses sound to give a theatre-like effect at home. The e-ARC, on the other hand, enables you to connect your TV to a sound bar via HDMI, which is useful when you want to increase the sound output of your TV.
Smart Features
Some smart features are voice controls, device syncing, and access to an app store. Besides, most TVs have pre-installed apps that let you stream music, play games, or watch movies. One advantage of a smart TV is that you might not need to pay for cable since you can stream your favorite shows online. Additionally, you can get a great TV with smart features for less than $500.
What to Know Before Buying the Best 40-Inch TVs
Generally, TV sizes are measured diagonally, and 40-inch TVs are becoming more popular due to their convenient size and affordable prices. Moreover, they are lightweight and easy to transport and set up. While most 40-inch TVs have a refresh rate of 60Hz, some have additional features such as V-Gaming Engines that optimize the refresh rate based on the graphics of the game you are playing. This would therefore be the best option when you are looking for a TV for gaming.
Most 40-inch TVs have a resolution of 1080P. With high resolution, the viewing distance is longer, the viewing angles are great, and there’s better picture quality. The most common display technology on 40-inch TVs includes LCD, OLED, QLED, QD-OLED, and miniLED. Moreover, not all TVs have smart features like YouTube, Netflix, and voice control support. Lastly, not all TVs have excellent sound quality or are loud enough. Therefore, picking a TV that supports audio inputs is vital, as it will enable you to switch up the audio output from the TV based on your preferences.
Using The Best 40-Inch TVs: What It’s Like
One of the best things about 40-inch TVs is their size; they will perfectly fit into any room. Whether mounted or placed on a shelf, they will blend in with the decor. Moreover, a 40-inch TV is easier to handle since it is not bulky, and you should be able to set it up alone. However, some don’t come with wall mounts, but you can get a TV wall mount for as cheap as $29.
Additionally, 40-inch TVs offer great picture quality since most use LED technology, giving bright and distinct picture colors. Our favorite thing about 40-inch TVs is they perform competitively with other large TVs, yet they’re cheaper and are not too overwhelming in size.
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