10 Best Cheap 42 Inch Smart Tv 2025 in the United States

The TCL 43-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K Smart TV offers excellent picture quality for its price, with sharp 4K resolution and vivid colors enhanced by HDR PRO+ and Dolby Vision. Its 60 Hz refresh rate combined with Motion Rate 240 technology helps deliver smooth motion, which is great for watching fast-moving content like sports or action movies. The Fire TV platform built-in provides easy access to a wide range of streaming apps, plus Alexa voice control adds convenience. Connectivity options are solid, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, multiple HDMI and USB ports, allowing you to connect various devices easily.

Audio performance is a step above many budget TVs, featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X for immersive sound, along with an Enhanced Dialogue Mode that makes speech clearer. Design-wise, the TV has a modern bezel-less look that fits nicely in most rooms. However, the 60 Hz refresh rate is standard rather than high-end, so it may not satisfy serious gamers or those who want ultra-smooth motion. Also, while the built-in speakers are better than average for a budget TV, dedicated external speakers will still provide a richer audio experience.

This TCL model represents a strong choice for anyone seeking a reliable, well-rounded 43-inch smart TV with good picture quality, decent motion handling, and user-friendly smart features, especially for those on a budget.

The Insignia 43" Class F50 Series is a strong contender if you're looking for an affordable 42-inch smart TV with solid features. It delivers true 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR10 support, which means you get sharper, more colorful images compared to regular HD TVs. The screen refreshes at 60Hz, which is standard for many budget TVs—good enough for everyday TV shows and movies but not ideal if you want super smooth motion for fast sports or gaming.

On the smart features side, it runs Fire TV, giving you easy access to popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, plus lots of free content through ad-supported channels. It also works as a smart home hub and supports Apple Airplay, so you can stream from your phone or control other smart devices. In terms of connections, it covers the basics well, including 3 HDMI ports, USB, optical audio, headphone jack, and Ethernet, which means hooking up game consoles, soundbars, or other devices is straightforward. The built-in DTS Virtual-X sound tries to create a richer audio experience, but keep in mind that built-in TV speakers usually won't replace a dedicated sound system if you want deep, powerful sound. The inclusion of HDMI eARC means it can send higher quality audio to compatible soundbars or receivers.

Design-wise, it’s relatively slim, wall-mountable, and has a simple setup with parental controls, which is handy for families. Weighing about 25 pounds, it’s neither too heavy nor too light. Some limitations include the 60Hz refresh rate, which might show motion blur in fast scenes, and while the picture quality is good for the price, it won’t match high-end TVs in brightness or color accuracy. Also, the remote and Fire TV interface might take a bit to get used to if you’re new to smart TVs. For those seeking a budget-friendly 43-inch TV with 4K resolution, solid smart features, and good connectivity options, the Insignia F50 Series provides great value without unnecessary extras.

The LG 42-Inch OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV offers stunning picture quality with its OLED technology, giving you perfect blacks and vibrant colors that really stand out, even in well-lit rooms. Its 4K resolution combined with AI Super Upscaling means your shows, movies, and sports will look sharp and clear. The 120Hz refresh rate helps with smooth motion, which is great if you watch a lot of fast action or play games.

Speaking of gaming, this TV is packed with features like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, making it a strong choice for gamers who want responsive and blur-free gameplay. Connectivity is solid with multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, so you can easily hook up your devices and stream content. The built-in Dolby Atmos sound and LG’s AI audio enhancements deliver immersive audio, although the built-in speakers might not match a separate sound system. The webOS smart platform is user-friendly and includes built-in voice assistants like Alexa, making navigation simple and smart.

Design-wise, this TV has a sleek, modern look with a slim profile that fits nicely in most living spaces. Since this is an OLED with advanced features, it generally comes at a higher price compared to typical budget 42-inch smart TVs. For those looking for premium image quality and solid smart and gaming capabilities in a 42-inch size, the LG C5 is an excellent choice even if it costs more than basic models.