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Technology.

23 June 2021

Top five best 40 and 43-inch TVs

It's one of the most popular screen sizes, but standards on 43-inch TVs have slipped in favour of bigger TVs in recent years. We show you the best 40 and 43-inch TVs from our rigorous, independent testing and some key features to look out for.

Martin Pratt

Larger sized TVs are becoming more popular as prices drop, but 40- to 43-inch models still remain the size of choice for many. You can still expect a 4K-ultra HD screen and a slick smart TV platform, even if you want to spend no more than £400.

Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of models at this size, se we know what the best 43-inch TVs can offer and what the worst ones lack. From pin-sharp pictures to sickly skin tones and superb soundtracks to dreadful dins, we’ve seen and heard it all. Here, we show you some of the best and worst from the Which? test lab.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table below. If you’re not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Best 40 to 43-inch TVs

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70%
£569.99
This brand knows what it's doing with 43-inch TVs and for two years now its models have been the best at this size.
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70%
£378.00
Impressively consistent picture and sound that's better than we've come to expect from small TVs mark this 43 incher out as one of the best.
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70%
£399.00
Smaller TVs don't often do well, but this one proved that you don't need a big screen for great picture, sound and smart menus.
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67%
£500.00
The pictures sharp and we love the remote on this 43-inch TV
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65%
£499.00
The HD picture is fantastic, but other small TVs sound better.
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Not found the product for you? Browse all our TV reviews.

And here are some 40 to 43-inch TVs to avoid

With these TVs going for as little as a couple hundred pounds, it can be difficult to refuse the bargain basement prices. But that can often mean paying the price in terms of quality. While spending a little more will get you a fantastic Best Buy TV like the ones above, we’ve also seen some more than double this fail to impress our experts.

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56%
£399.00
The operating system is woeful and there's no way to download more apps. It feels like half a TV.
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51%
£329.00
The SD picture is much too blurry as the TV doesn't upscale and sharpen the image well enough. We didn't care for the weak sound either.
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How to choose the best 40 to 43-inch TV

A 40 to 43-inch TV is the right size for you if your sofa is about three metres away. If you’re going for a 4K ultra-HD set (see below), you can sit a little closer; about 2.5 metres. For more guidance use our TV screen size calculator.

If you’ve decided that a 40 to 43-inch TV is for you, here are some features to look out for:

PVR functionality: TVs with built-in PVR functionality mean you can connect a USB hard disc drive to the TV and then be able to pause and record live programmes. Some have twin tuner PVR functionality, meaning you can watch one programme while recording another.
Freeview Play: this handy software combines catch-up services with the electronic programme guide, so you can watch programmes you've missed and see what's coming up all from the same menu.
HDR: HDR, which stands for high dynamic range, improves the contrast on TVs in an effort to make crisper whites and deeper blacks with more variation of colour in between. There are five different formats with different manufacturers supporting different ones. Pay attention to how many formats the TV you're eyeing up is compatible with and find out more about them and how they differ in our guide to HDR TV.