We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best 42 Inch Tvs 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV w/Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10, AI Super Upscaling 4K, Filmmaker Mode, Wow Orchestra, Alexa Built-in (OLED42C5PUA, 2025)

Resolution: 4K
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Smart TV Features: webOS, streaming apps, Alexa voice
HDR (High Dynamic Range): Dolby Vision, HDR10
Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Sound Quality: Dolby Atmos
Viewing Angle: excellent

Chosen by 1438 this week

Sony 42 Inch 4K Ultra HD TV A90K Series: BRAVIA XR OLED Smart Google TV with Dolby Vision HDR and Exclusive Features for The Playstation® 5 XR42A90K- Latest Model,Black

Resolution: 4K
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Smart TV Features: Google TV, Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max
HDR (High Dynamic Range): Auto HDR Tone Mapping
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Sound Quality: Acoustic Surface Audio+, Dolby Atmos
Viewing Angle: Excellent viewing angles
How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV w/Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10, AI Super Upscaling 4K, Filmmaker Mode, Wow Orchestra, Alexa Built-in (OLED42C5PUA, 2025)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,438
Resolution
Refresh Rate
Smart TV Features

Most important from
180 reviews

Resolution
The OLED panel delivers impeccable deep blacks and vibrant colors, providing a truly cinematic experience with stunning detail even in complex scenes.
Refresh Rate
Motion smoothing with Black Frame Insertion in Game Mode eliminates choppiness and tearing, making fast-paced movies and games incredibly smooth and natural.
Smart TV Features
The TV’s smart webOS platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, with voice assistant support that integrates seamlessly for convenient control.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound combine to create an immersive audiovisual environment without needing additional speakers.
Connectivity
Multiple HDMI 2.1 ports and comprehensive connectivity options make hooking up all devices straightforward and future-proof.
Sound Quality
Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound combine to create an immersive audiovisual environment without needing additional speakers.
Viewing Angle
Excellent viewing angles maintain color accuracy and brightness even when watching off-center, ideal for group viewing.

The LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV is a standout option if you want a premium 42-inch TV. It delivers a crisp 4K resolution with OLED technology, which means you get deep blacks and vibrant, true-to-life colors thanks to over 8.3 million self-lit pixels. The 120Hz refresh rate is excellent for smooth motion, whether you're watching sports or playing fast-paced games, and it supports gaming enhancements like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync that reduce screen tearing.

Smart features run on LG’s user-friendly webOS platform, providing easy access to popular streaming apps and voice assistants like Alexa. HDR support is strong with Dolby Vision and HDR10, giving richer contrast and brighter highlights. Sound quality is boosted by Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience without needing extra speakers. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, so you can connect all your devices with ease. Viewing angles are excellent because OLED screens maintain color and brightness even when watching off-center.

As an OLED, it may be pricier than standard LED TVs and requires some care to avoid screen burn-in over long periods of static images. The TV weighs around 22 pounds and is moderately deep for a slim profile. This LG model is ideal for users looking for a high-quality cinematic and gaming experience in a compact 42-inch size, especially if you enjoy smart features and vivid picture quality.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,438
Resolution
Refresh Rate
Smart TV Features

Most important from
180 reviews

Resolution
The OLED panel delivers impeccable deep blacks and vibrant colors, providing a truly cinematic experience with stunning detail even in complex scenes.
Refresh Rate
Motion smoothing with Black Frame Insertion in Game Mode eliminates choppiness and tearing, making fast-paced movies and games incredibly smooth and natural.
Smart TV Features
The TV’s smart webOS platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, with voice assistant support that integrates seamlessly for convenient control.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound combine to create an immersive audiovisual environment without needing additional speakers.
Connectivity
Multiple HDMI 2.1 ports and comprehensive connectivity options make hooking up all devices straightforward and future-proof.
Sound Quality
Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos sound combine to create an immersive audiovisual environment without needing additional speakers.
Viewing Angle
Excellent viewing angles maintain color accuracy and brightness even when watching off-center, ideal for group viewing.
#2

Hisense 43" Class QD6 Series (43QD6QF, 2025 Model) QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV, Voice Remote with Alexa, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, Motion Rate 120, HDR 10+, Game Mode Plus, MEMC, VRR, ALLM

Rating
8.5
Resolution
Refresh Rate
Smart TV Features

Most important from
968 reviews

Resolution
The picture quality is stunning with bright, vibrant colors and deep blacks that bring out impressive contrast, making dark scenes much more enjoyable.
Refresh Rate
Motion handling is exceptionally smooth, enhancing fast-paced content like sports with clear, fluid visuals.
Smart TV Features
The built-in Fire TV platform offers a convenient, easy-to-use smart experience with seamless access to a wide range of streaming apps and voice control functionality.
Sound Quality
Sound quality from the built-in speakers is surprisingly good for the price, though connecting external speakers elevates the overall audio experience significantly.

The Hisense 43" Class QD6 Series is a solid choice if you want a vibrant 4K TV with bright, lifelike colors thanks to its QLED technology, which uses quantum dots to produce a wide range of rich colors. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR 10+, so you can expect better contrast and more detail in both bright and dark scenes. The TV’s 60 Hz refresh rate is standard for this size and price, but it includes Motion Rate 120 and MEMC technology that help keep fast-moving images smooth, which is great for watching sports or action-packed shows.

For gamers, the Game Mode Plus feature with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) reduces lag and screen tearing for a better gaming experience. The built-in Fire TV smart platform provides easy access to popular streaming apps and voice controls via Alexa, also working well with Apple HomeKit and AirPlay for smart home integration and streaming from Apple devices. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, multiple HDMI and USB ports, covering most needs.

Sound quality benefits from Dolby Atmos, offering immersive, surround-like audio, though built-in TV speakers usually don’t match dedicated sound systems. Viewing angles on QLED panels tend to be decent but might lose some color and brightness if you watch from sharp sides. Weighing 15 pounds and slim in size, it fits well in smaller spaces. If you want a reasonably priced 42-43 inch TV that excels in picture quality, offers versatile smart features, and decent gaming support, this Hisense model presents a strong option, though those looking for a higher refresh rate might want to consider alternatives.

Rating
8.5
Resolution
Refresh Rate
Smart TV Features

Most important from
968 reviews

Resolution
The picture quality is stunning with bright, vibrant colors and deep blacks that bring out impressive contrast, making dark scenes much more enjoyable.
Refresh Rate
Motion handling is exceptionally smooth, enhancing fast-paced content like sports with clear, fluid visuals.
Smart TV Features
The built-in Fire TV platform offers a convenient, easy-to-use smart experience with seamless access to a wide range of streaming apps and voice control functionality.
Sound Quality
Sound quality from the built-in speakers is surprisingly good for the price, though connecting external speakers elevates the overall audio experience significantly.
#3

Samsung 43-Inch Class Crystal UHD U8000F 4K Smart TV (2025 Model) Endless Free Content, Crystal Processor 4K, MetalStream Design, Knox Security, Alexa Built-in

The Samsung 43-Inch Crystal UHD U8000F is a solid choice for anyone wanting a modern 4K TV close to the 42-inch size class. With a 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, it delivers sharp and smooth picture quality suitable for everyday TV watching, movies, and casual gaming. Its Crystal Processor 4K enhances lower-resolution content, making older shows and videos look clearer. The TV supports HDR, which improves brightness and color range, providing decent HDR performance.

The design is sleek and minimal, featuring a slim metal bezel that fits well in most living rooms. Samsung’s smart TV features offer easy access to over 2,700 free channels and popular streaming apps without extra fees, making entertainment convenient. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and HDMI ports, covering a wide range of devices you might want to connect. Built-in speakers deliver sound suitable for casual viewing, though a soundbar may be desired for richer audio.

The refresh rate of 60Hz is standard and good for most content, with Motion Xcelerator technology helping to keep motion smoother. The TV is well suited for those looking for a reliable, stylish 4K smart TV with good picture quality and plenty of free content, although it may not satisfy users seeking top-tier HDR or ultra-fast gaming performance.

Buying Guide for the Best 42 Inch Tvs

Choosing the right 42-inch TV can significantly enhance your viewing experience. When selecting a TV, it's important to consider various specifications that can impact picture quality, sound, connectivity, and overall performance. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the picture on the screen. Higher resolution means more pixels and a clearer, sharper image. Common resolutions include Full HD (1080p), 4K (2160p), and 8K. For a 42-inch TV, 4K resolution is often ideal as it provides excellent picture quality without being overly expensive. If you primarily watch standard definition content or sit far from the TV, Full HD might suffice. However, for future-proofing and the best visual experience, 4K is recommended.
Refresh RateThe refresh rate is the number of times the TV updates the image on the screen per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Common refresh rates are 60Hz, 120Hz, and 240Hz. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother motion, which is particularly beneficial for watching sports, action movies, or playing video games. For most users, a 60Hz refresh rate is adequate, but if you are a gamer or enjoy fast-paced content, a 120Hz TV might be a better choice.
Smart TV FeaturesSmart TV features allow you to connect to the internet and access streaming services, apps, and other online content directly from your TV. This can include popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. When choosing a 42-inch TV, consider the smart platform it uses (such as Android TV, Roku, or proprietary systems) and ensure it supports the apps and services you use most frequently. A user-friendly interface and regular software updates are also important for a smooth experience.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)HDR enhances the contrast and color range of the TV, providing a more realistic and vibrant picture. It allows for brighter whites, deeper blacks, and a wider range of colors. There are different HDR formats, such as HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. For a 42-inch TV, having HDR support can significantly improve your viewing experience, especially for movies and high-quality streaming content. Look for TVs that support multiple HDR formats for the best compatibility.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect other devices to your TV, such as gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, soundbars, and streaming devices. Key ports to look for include HDMI, USB, and optical audio out. More HDMI ports allow you to connect multiple devices without constantly swapping cables. For a 42-inch TV, having at least three HDMI ports is ideal. Additionally, ensure the TV has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities for wireless connections.
Sound QualitySound quality is an important aspect of your TV experience. While many TVs have built-in speakers, they often lack the depth and clarity of external sound systems. Look for TVs with good built-in audio features, such as Dolby Audio or DTS, if you prefer not to use external speakers. However, for the best sound experience, consider pairing your TV with a soundbar or home theater system. Check if the TV has audio output options that are compatible with your preferred sound system.
Viewing AngleThe viewing angle refers to how well the picture quality is maintained when viewed from different angles. A wider viewing angle ensures that the picture remains clear and vibrant even when watching from the side. This is particularly important if you have a wide seating arrangement or often watch TV with a group. Look for TVs with IPS panels or technologies that enhance viewing angles to ensure everyone gets a good view.

FAQ