The C5 is LG's top midrange OLED TV model and one of the most impressive 42-inch displays on the market. Although this size is dimmer than larger versions of the C5, it still delivers an infinite contrast ratio and inky black levels.
The best 43-inch TVs of 2025
Updated
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As TV brands continue to expand their extra-large display offerings, many companies have reduced the number of smaller screen sizes in their flagship lineups. This is particularly true if you're looking for a 40-, 42-, or 43-inch TV. But while there aren't as many options as there used to be, you can still find some great models if you know what to look for. With that in mind, I've leveraged my expertise to recommend the best 43-inch TVs currently available.
My picks are informed by over a decade of experience reviewing home entertainment products, and I've included models to suit a variety of needs. At this screen size, there aren't many midrange options, so the best 43-inch TVs tend to be either affordable entry-level models or pricey premium displays.
TheLG C5 takes the top spot thanks to its infinite contrast ratio, which enables deep black levels that disappear into a dark room. It's also one of the few TVs of this size with support for a fast 144Hz refresh rate, ideal for gamers. However, the C5 is pricey. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, I recommend theTCL S5, which is often sold for $200. The S5 has lower contrast, but it still delivers good color performance and comes with a handy Alexa voice remote.
Editor's note: Brands manufacture TVs in slightly different sizes, depending on the type of panel used. For this guide, I considered displays that range from 40 to 43 inches in size. However, 40-inch TVs are rare, and most are bested by similarly priced 42- or 43-inch models.
Some of our picks for the best 43-inch TVs are available at great discounts ahead of Black Friday, including the LG C5, which is now at itslowest price ever on Amazon. We'll be keeping track of the latest sales throughout the holiday shopping season, so be sure to visit ourBlack Friday deals coverage.
Our top picks for the best 43-inch TVs
Best overall: LG C5 4K TV -See at Amazon
Best on a budget: TCL S5 4K TV -See at Amazon
Best for bright rooms: Samsung QN90F 4K TV -See at Amazon
Best overall
What we like
- OLED panel offers pixel-level contrast
- Excellent off-axis viewing
- Doubles as a great gaming monitor with up 144Hz refresh rate
What we don’t like
- Dimmer than larger C5 sizes
- Pricey for a 42-inch TV
- Lacks quantum dot color technology
Specifics
- Resolution:4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160)
- Panel type:OLED Evo, 144Hz with PC
- Backlight:N/A
- HDR formats:Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG
- HDMI ports:Four HDMI 2.1
The LG C5 offers some of the best picture quality available in a 42-inch TV. It's one of the few OLED models available in this compact size, and its panel technology offers major advantages over traditional LED and QLED displays.
The C5's infinite contrast ratio ensures deep black levels that disappear into a dark room, creating images with striking depth and realism. Each pixel controls its own light output, so the screen avoids common backlight issues like blooming, clouding, or uneven brightness, which are flaws that can appear even on premium QLED TVs.
Viewing angles are also excellent. Some minor shifts in color may occur when you're seated off-center, but the effect is much more subtle than it is on an LED or QLED. Brightness is solid for this size, with a peak of around 700 to 800 nits, which is enough to showcase the benefits ofhigh dynamic range (HDR) content. However, larger C5 models (55 inches and up) can get closer to 1,200 nits thanks to LG's brightness-boosting feature, but this 42-inch version still performs admirably.
Gamers will appreciate the C5's fast response time and up to 144Hz refresh rate, which provides smooth performance. This also makes the C5 a great choice for PC players who want to use a TV as an oversized gaming monitor. The built-in webOS smart platform even supportsXbox Game Pass streaming, enabling subscribers to play cloud games directly from their device without the need for a console.
WebOS offers decent performance overall, with access to all of the most popular video services and smooth navigation speed. However, I don't like how prominently the interface displays shopping recommendations and sponsored content.
Ultimately, the C5's main downside is price. The 42-inch C5 typically costs around $1,000, though it's on sale now for arecord-low of $897. But even that discounted price is steep compared to similarly sized QLED and LED models. There are a couple of competing 42-inch OLED models fromSamsung andSony, but they offer very similar performance and usually cost the same or more than the C5.
Check out our guides to all of thebest LG TVs andbest smart TVs.
Best on a budget
The S5 is a good 43-inch TV on a budget. Its brightness and contrast are lower than pricier TVs, but its picture quality is solid for casual viewing. It also comes with a handy voice remote, which some cheaper options lack.
What we like
- Budget-friendly price
- Solid color performance
- Includes Google Assistant voice remote
What we don’t like
- Limited contrast and brightness
- Mediocre viewing angles
- 60Hz refresh rate restricts gaming capabilities
Specifics
- Resolution:4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160p)
- Panel type:LED, 60Hz
- Backlight:Direct-lit without local dimming
- HDR formats:HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG
- Smart TV OS:Google TV (Fire TV model also available)
- HDMI ports:Three HDMI 2.0
One of the benefits of purchasing a smaller TV is that numerous budget-friendly options are available. But while there are several worthy models to choose from, the TCL S5 stands out from the pack. This 43-inch LED TV is often sold for just under $200 and delivers solid performance for the price.
Now, it's essential to note that all 43-inch TVs in this price range make notable compromises to keep their costs down. However, the S5 still offers solid image quality for casual viewing, and its color capabilities are slightly better than those of most rivals in this class.
The S5 utilizes a standard LED panel without local dimming, resulting in lower contrast and brightness compared to the pricier options in this guide. Its black levels are also lighter and less uniform. Though it can technically process every major HDR format, it's not capable of fully showcasing the benefits of high-dynamic-range content. Its viewing angles are also fairly narrow, and it lacks advanced gaming capabilities, as it features a 60Hz screen rather than a 120Hz one.
All those limitations might make it sound like the S5 is a poor performer, but these drawbacks are all expected and well within the norm for any budget-friendly 43-inch TV. To get a substantial bump in performance at this size, you'll need to step up to an OLED, like the LG C5, or a high-end QLED, like the Samsung QN90F, which are five times as much. At this size, there just aren't many worthwhile midrange TVs.
On the plus side, the S5's 4K panel delivers a sharp and detailed image. The model that Amazon sells utilizes the Fire TV operating system and comes with a convenient Alexa voice remote. Other retailers sell anedition that uses the Google TV interface with a Google Assistant voice remote, but those models have been difficult to find in stock lately.
There are a few other solid 43-inch TVs that cost around the same amount as the S5, including theRoku Select Series, but the S5 has an edge in color performance. Likewise, some rivals are occasionally discounted for even less, like the43-inch Walmart Onn TV. But generally, it's worth paying a bit more to get the S5 as it includes a voice remote and slightly better image quality.
Check out our guides to all of thebest TCL TVs,best budget TVs, andbest TVs under $500.
Best for bright rooms
The QN90F is one of the few high-end QLED TVs available in a 43-inch screen size. Its anti-glare matte screen does an excellent job of combating reflections, and thanks to its fast refresh rate, it's a fantastic gaming TV.
What we like
- Bright HDR performance
- Ant-glare screen greatly reduces reflections
- Good contrast with Mini LED local dimming
- Fast 165Hz refresh rate for PC gaming enthusiasts
What we don’t like
- Contrast can't quite match that of an OLED
- Matte screen can elevate black levels in certain lighting
- Expensive for such a small screen
Specifics
- Resolution:4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160p)
- Panel type:Neo QLED, 165Hz with a PC
- Backlight:Mini LED with local dimming
- HDR formats:HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
- Smart TV OS:Tizen
- HDMI ports:Four HDMI 2.1
Samsung's QN90F is an impressive high-end QLED display. It's the best 43-inch TV for people who struggle with reflections in bright rooms. This set is one of the few TVs that uses an anti-glare matte screen rather than a glossy one. Matte screens greatly reduce reflections, which is perfect for spaces with lots of windows and overhead lights.
During my tests, the QN90F's matte screen worked great and was of similar quality to the anti-reflective screens I've seen on Samsung's premiumS95D andS95F OLED TVs (which are not sold in sizes smaller than 55 inches). The QN90F also delivers excellent brightness. I measured a peak of 2,130 nits on the 65-inch model, but the smaller 43-inch unit utilizes a less advanced HDR processing system, so it's a bit dimmer.
Although it can't match its larger counterpart, the QN90F remains one of the brightest 43-inch TVs on the market. This makes it great for daytime viewing and also enables bold HDR highlights. This is also one of the few TVs this small to use a Mini LED backlight, which offers great contrast control. The QN90F's local dimming cannot match the pixel-level precision of an OLED, such as the LG C5, but it offers good black levels with only minor signs of blooming.
Viewing angles are solid for a QLED TV, but they aren't as wide as those of an OLED. Gaming capabilities are stacked, with support for up to a 165Hz refresh rate and Xbox Game Pass streaming. General smart TV capabilities are good, too, but Samsung's Tizen system is prone to occasional lag.
Like the LG C5, the QN90F is an expensive 43-inch TV. This set costs about $1,000, but that price is justified when you consider that this is essentially the only high-end QLED TV available in this size. You can still find an older version of this TV, the QN90D, in stock at some stores, but it typically costs the same and doesn't have the QN90F's anti-glare screen.
That said, some people may prefer the older QN90D's glossy screen as it preserves black levels a bit better in bright rooms. Matte screens are excellent at reducing glare, but they scatter light in a way that can make dim scenes appear flat and hazy. But this isn't an issue when watching TV with the lights off.
Check out our guide to all of thebest Samsung TVs.
How we choose 43-inch TVs
To find the best 43-inch and 42-inch TVs, our experts relied on hands-on testing and research informed by over a decade of experience reviewing home entertainment tech products. When evaluating TVs, we typically test 65-inch units, as most companies use this size as their flagship offering. However, when specific TV models are sold in multiple sizes, general specifications are often carried over across each. So, most testing results for a 65-inch TV will also apply to the 43-inch size of that same model.
That said, some features can differ on smaller displays compared to their larger counterparts. For instance, the 65-inch LG C5 features a brightness-boosting technology, whereas the 42-inch model does not, resulting in a slightly dimmer image in the smaller size. Likewise, QLED and LED TVs with local dimming have fewer zones on smaller sizes, resulting in slight differences in contrast control. We take all these variances into account when selecting our picks and explain these differences when they arise.
When reviewing TVs, we focus on picture quality attributes like contrast ratio, black levels, brightness, color volume, viewing angles, and refresh rate. We also test smart TV capabilities and assess general usability, design benefits, build quality, and overall value. To measure brightness and color, we use a colorimeter with test patterns from the Spears & Munsil 4K Benchmark disc.
Test patterns are helpful for measuring certain elements, but ultimately, what matters most is how a TV actually looks when watching real-world content on a daily basis. With that in mind, we aim to live with each TV we review for several weeks, using it as we would any display we had purchased ourselves. We also use a curated selection of scenes from different movies and TV shows that we've selected to test features like local dimming, color gamut, shadow details, upscaling, and HDR highlights. Different sources are also used, including 4K Blu-ray discs, 4K streaming, HD streaming, cable TV, and gaming consoles. Testing is done in both bright and dark environments.
For more details on our review methodology, check out our breakdown ofhow we test tech products.
43-inch TV FAQs
Is a 43-inch TV a good size?
A 43-inch TV is a good choice for people who want a compact display for an area with space limitations. They're great for bedrooms, dorms, small living rooms, and apartments.
Alternatively, some models also work well as computer monitors. Though small for a TV, 43 inches is large for a monitor, so certain TVs this size are a good fit for people who want a big screen on their desk.
However, 43 inches is not the best choice if you want to place a TV on a wall or media console in a medium- or large-sized room, as this size is too small to offer an immersive viewing experience from a typical viewing distance. For larger TV recommendations, check out our other size-specific guides:
Which brands make the best 43-inch TVs?
Although the selection is smaller than it used to be, all major TV brands still sell display models in the 40- to 43-inch class. If you're looking for a high-end TV in that range, we generally recommend focusing on options from Samsung, LG, and Sony. Those companies make 42-inch OLED TV models that offer excellent image quality, though they are pricey for their size.
For a budget-friendly 43-inch TV, we recommend considering brands like TCL, Roku, Hisense, and Onn, which offer affordable entry-level models in this size.
For more brand-specific display recommendations, check out our other buying guides:
How much should you spend on a 43-inch TV?
The best 43-inch TVs vary in price, with entry-level HD models starting at around $120 and entry-level 4K models costing around $150 to $250. Although some brands also sell 43-inch 4K TVs priced in the $300 to $600 range, we typically do not recommend those options, as they rarely offer notable improvements over cheaper sets.
Instead, you need to pay at least $900 to find a 43-inch TV with substantial performance benefits over entry-level models. In the $900 to $1,200 range, you can find a few 42-inch OLED TVs that deliver excellent image quality, as well as a couple of high-end 43-inch QLEDs that offer high-brightness panels with local dimming.
Is 4K resolution needed on a 43-inch TV?
When seated at a typical viewing distance, the benefits of 4K resolution are barely noticeable on a 43-inch screen. However, if you're using a 40-, 42-, or 43-inch TV as a computer monitor on your desk, the perks of 4K are much easier to discern.
That said, the debate about whether 4K is worth it on a 43-inch screen is largely moot, as 4K has become the industry standard. You can still find a few 40- to 43-inch HDTVs on the market, but they're limited to entry-level options and aren't significantly cheaper than their 4K counterparts. And if you want a 43-inch TV with step-up image quality features, such as wide color, local dimming, or an OLED panel, you'll need to buy a 4K model.
Do 43-inch TVs have good audio performance?
Even the best 43-inch TVs usually have mediocre audio quality. Companies need to keep speaker drivers small to fit them within compact panels, and these tiny built-in speakers often lack bass and depth.
For better performance, we recommend pairing your TV with a soundbar or speaker system. Smaller models are a better fit for 43-inch TVs, and you can find some affordable, compact options in our various buying guides:
- The best soundbars
- The best budget soundbars
- The best soundbars with subwoofers
- The best Dolby Atmos soundbars
- The best Bose soundbars
- The best Sonos soundbars
- The best surround sound systems
Steven Cohen
Senior Tech Editor
Steven is a home entertainment product expert with over a decade worth of service journalism experience. He oversees coverage around home entertainment products, including TVs, streaming devices, headphones, and soundbars.ExperienceSteven is a Senior Tech Editor for Business Insider’s Reviews team. He is responsible for developing buying guides, reviews, and deals coverage for all of the latest TV, video, and audio products. Steven works with a team of experienced freelancers to establish testing methodologies, test products, and select the best of the best for our buying guides. He also has a background in film criticism, having reviewed over 400 movies and TV shows. Steven studied filmmaking and uses his knowledge of video and audio production workflows to help inform his testing parameters when reviewing home entertainment devices. Before joining Business Insider in 2019, he was High-Def Digest's Gear Editor. His work has appeared on Ben's Bargains, Steve's Digicams, Big Picture Big Sound, and Consequence. Why you can trust StevenSteven is not only passionate about TVs, he is also one of the industry’s foremost experts in display quality. In 2019, he was one of a select number of journalists invited to get a hands-on first look at LG's debut 8K OLED TV. He was also among the earliest journalists to demo Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies for home theaters in 2014 and 2015, respectively.In 2018, Steven served as a judge for TV Shootout, the premier annual display competition that crowns the best TVs of the year. He also attends yearly industry launches and reviewer workshops for new TVs and audio products from top brands, like LG, Samsung, Sony, and Sonos.Steven knows that it’s easy to get overwhelmed by tech jargon and premium prices on high-end gear, which is why he is passionate about recommending quality options for all price ranges and explaining which features are really worth the money. ExpertiseHis expertise includes:
- Televisions
- Soundbars
- Speakers
- Streaming devices
- Headphones
- HDR video formats
- Spatial audio technologies
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