While many shoppers tend to gravitate toward 55- and 65-inch TVs, both big and small brands offer excellent small-screen options with features for home entertainment. You'll still get premium smart features like built-in voice controls, support for hundreds of streaming apps, and web browsing without the high cost of a bigger model.
A 40-inch class OLED TV is a great, yet expensive, TV for gamers seeking a reliable screen to use with both PCs and consoles, with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support. A 40-inch TV is also a good option if you're looking for a budget TV, which often retails well under $1,000, barring OLED options.
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The Sony Bravia 2 II is my choice for the best 40-inch TV you can buy. With a decent balance between price and features, you won't have to compromise on things like picture quality or app support in order to get a great TV at a good price. It features 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate for clean details and smoother motion while watching live sports or streaming fast-paced movies and shows. It even has exclusive VRR support for console gaming on the PS5.
Also: The best picks for 32-inch TVs: Top small TVs compared
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Why we like it: The Sony Bravia 2 II is a great option if you want a smaller-screen TV that still offers plenty of smart features as well as great picture and audio quality. You'll get 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, giving you smoother action for everything from live sports and streaming to console gaming. You'll also get exclusive VRR support for the PS5 to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.
Who it's for: Whether you're a movie buff or avid gamer, the Sony Bravia 2 II offers decent picture quality for the price. It also packs in plenty of extra features like Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls, HDR support, and AI-assisted upscaling.
Who should look elsewhere: While the Sony Bravia 2 II is an excellent model from a well-known brand, it's also on the higher side of affordable. If you're looking for something with a lower price tag, there are plenty of other options on this list.
Sony Bravia 2 II tech specs - Screen size: 43 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: HDR10 | Audio: DTS:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant
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Hisense/ZDNET
Why we like it: The Hisense QD6 blends the ease of the Fire TV platform with a more robust build than Amazon's namesake TVs. With 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, clean details and smooth motion mean a better viewing experience. A dedicated Filmmaker Mode is tailor-made for movie buffs. The automatic frame rate, color, and audio adjustments let you can watch your favorite films as they were meant to be seen.
Who it's for: The QD6 is a good choice if you want a budget-friendly TV that's going to deliver a solid streaming performance with decent picture and audio. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos provide a more immersive viewing and listening experience while streaming movies, music, and even while gaming on your favorite console. With AirPlay support, you'll be able to share media from your iOS devices for more ways to entertain family and friends.
Who should look elsewhere: The Hisense QD6 is a great TV for anyone who has moved to exclusively streaming, but the Fire TV platform may not be the best choice if your smart home network is based on the Google Home or Apple HomeKit system. Support for non-Alexa virtual assistants can be hit or miss.
Hisense QD6 tech specs - Screen size: 43 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant
Read more: I tested the best Hisense TVs for streaming, gaming, and more
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Samsung/ZDNET
Why we like it: If you've fully cut the cord, but don't particularly care for the FireTV ecosystem, the Samsung U7900 is a great TV for live TV, movies, and shows. The 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rate provide decent picture quality while Samsung's Object Tracking Sound Lite technology gives you 3D audio that follows the on-screen action.
Who it's for: With support for thousands of streaming apps, including Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+, you'll be able to create a custom line-up of your favorites, so you never miss your favorite shows and movies. It's also compatible with the Samsung SmartThings app for seamless integration into your smart home network.
Who should look elsewhere: The Samsung U7900 is a decent mid-range smart TV, even at such a small screen size. If you're looking for the best picture and sound money can buy in the 40-inch size class, you'll have to spring for a much more expensive OLED option.
Samsung U7900 tech specs - Screen size: 43 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: HDR10+ | Audio: Object Tracking Sound Lite | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant
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Why we like it: The LG C5 OLED offers some of the best picture quality you can get in a TV, especially at this size class. The OLED panel gives you enhanced contrast, cleaner details, and better color accuracy for more lifelike images. The 120Hz refresh rate gives you some of the smoothest action in live sports and fast-paced media you can get at this size class while Dolby Vision HDR helps even upscaled content look its best.
Who it's for: The LG C5 OLED is a 40-inch TV for anyone who is willing to spend a bit extra to get one of the best TVs you can buy, at any screen size. With signature OLED picture quality, the C5 OLED is just at home as your main screen as it would be as a secondary TV in your bedroom.
Who should look elsewhere: With premium quality comes a premium price, and the LG C5 OLED is no exception. Since it uses OLED technology, it's one of the most expensive 40-inch TVs you can buy. You can often find it on sale, but if you're working with a limited budget, there's one more option to look at.
LG C5 OLED tech specs - Screen size: 42 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant
Read the review: Why I recommend the LG C5 OLED over more premium models
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TCL/ZDNet
Why we like it: The TCL Q35F is a great option if you're simply looking for a solid TV that can handle all of your favorite streaming apps or to use as a second screen in your bedroom or office. Normally retailing for around $230, it can regularly be found on sale for $150 or less if you keep a sharp eye out. With 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, you'll get a great picture for streaming, live sports and news, and even console gaming.
The Fire TV platform gives you access to the entire Prime library as well as hundreds of other apps and Alexa Skills to turn your living room, home theater, or other spaces into entertainment hubs. Integrated Alexa voice controls give you hands-free use of your new TV, while support for AirPlay lets you share video, photos, and music from your iOS devices.
Who it's for: The TCLQ35F uses the Fire TV platform, so if you already use an Amazon Echo smart speaker or other Alexa-enabled devices, you can easily integrate your new TV into your smart home network. And while it doesn't provide 4K resolution or support for Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, you'll still get great picture and audio quality so you can enjoy your favorite sports and media.
Who should look elsewhere: If you aren't particularly fond of the Fire TV and Amazon-centric platform, the TCL Q35F might not be for you, as it will have a lot of features that you won't use (or want). And as mentioned before, it doesn't support 4K resolution, HDR, or Dolby Atmos audio, so if you're looking for something with a little more in terms of picture and sound, you'll have to spring for something a little more expensive.
TCL Q35F tech specs - Screen size: 40 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 1080p | HDR: N/A | Audio: Dolby | Voice controls: Alexa
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I chose the Sony Bravia 2 II as the best 40-inch TV you can buy because of its balance between price and features.
You'll get great 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, making it a great choice for everything from live sports and streaming to console gaming. The Google TV platform gives you access to hundreds of popular streaming apps as well as built-in Google Assistant voice controls for hands-free use of your new TV.
Best 40-inch TV | Price | HDR | Audio |
Sony Bravia 2 II | $400 | HDR10 | Dolby Atmos/DTS:X |
Hisense QD6 | $200 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos |
Samsung U7900 | $228 | HDR10+ | Object Tracking Sound Lite |
LG C5 OLED | $999 | Dolby Vision | Dolby Atmos |
TCL Q35F | $150 | N/A | Dolby DTS |
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While shopping for a new TV, no matter the size, it's essential to keep in mind exactly how you'll be using it. If you're cutting the cord with your cable or satellite provider, you'll want a model that offers a preloaded suite of popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ and the ability to download thousands more. If you're looking for a budget-friendly secondary screen for your bedroom or kids' playroom, you'll have to decide if you want 4K or 1080p HD resolution. And while console gamers won't exactly be spoiled for choice, it is possible to find 40-inch class TVs that offer some sort of VRR support as well as a 120Hz native refresh rate.
Buy this 40-inch TV... | If you need... |
Sony Bravia 2 II | A well-rounded TV that offers premium-grade picture and audio quality in a smaller package. |
Hisense QD6 | A budget-friendly Fire TV that fits into smaller spaces like bedrooms and home offices. |
Samsung U7900 | A 40-inch TV that is almost tailor-made for streaming with access to free live TV with Samsung TV Plus as well as support for popular apps like Netflix and HBO Max. |
LG C5 OLED | A high-end OLED TV that can turn even the smallest spaces into a decent home theater. |
TCL Q35F | An ultra budget-friendly 40-inch TV that still offers plenty of smart features so you don't have to choose between getting a great TV and saving money. |
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While shopping for a 40-inch TV, there are a few factors you need to keep in mind in order to stay on-budget and get the best value for your money:
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While testing and researching each 40-inch TV featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:
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A 40-inch TV can be used as a monitor without many issues. Though I would only recommend doing this if you use your computer for casual web surfing, streaming, or typical office work. Since a TV usually doesn't have the same refresh rate and latency as a monitor, it might not be the best choice for video editors or PC gamers.
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Yes. With caveats.
If you're able to see your dorm room before you move in, either on a general campus tour or during student orientation, I highly recommend taking a tape measure with you to scout out potential spots for a TV. Nothing is more frustrating than hauling your TV and everything else you need for college all the way to campus only to have to send it back home with your parents because it won't fit where you planned.
A 40-inch model should fit most spaces, especially if you're able to set it on top of a dresser or armoire. Make sure you confirm campus/dorm policy about wall mounting so you don't incur repair charges or the wrath of your RAs. It may also be beneficial to leave your 40-inch TV at home (or the store if you haven't purchased it yet) until you can rearrange your dorm furniture to optimize the space; you can always bring it back with you after a weekend home visit.
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If you're worried about fine details getting lost on a smaller screen, you shouldn't be. Screen panel technology for televisions has advanced a lot since the first flat-panel and 4K models hit the market, and plenty of smaller screens are capable of producing clean, clear 4K resolution for streaming, gaming, and supported broadcast media.
However, if you're looking to save a bit of cash, a 1080p model will be a bit cheaper than one with 4K. And a 40-inch, 1080p TV is still a great option as a second screen in your bedroom, kitchen, or kids' playroom.
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Roku
Roku's very own mid-range smart TV offers 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate for a smoother streaming experience. The Roku platform gives you access to thousands of apps like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max so you can turn any room into the ultimate entertainment hub.
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Insignia/ZDNET
The Insignia F40 is another great choice if you're looking to pick up a second screen on-the-cheap or a decent smart TV that isn't going to break the bank. You'll get 1080p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, built-in Alexa voice controls, DTS Virtual:X audio, and support for hundreds of popular apps.
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Looking for more ways to optimize your home theater experience? Check out how to disable motion interpolation on your TV, and how to mirror your Android phone to your TV in three easy ways.
TV Models Reviewed and Compared
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