5 Best 42 Inch TVs in 2024

By Robin Owens 2 days ago, TVs

Affordable and high-quality 42 inch TVs.

best 42 inch tv

Ultra-wide TV screens have occupied many store shelves these days. Compared to them, even the best 42 inch TV seems quite small and it's hard to believe that some time ago they were the largest models. At the moment, most modern TVs have a larger diagonal and a 42-inch screen is just a starting point in the size range.

Top 5 Best 42 Inch TVs

  1. TCL 43S425 - Our Choice
  2. SAMSUNG UN43TU8000FXZA - Class Crystal
  3. TCL 40S325 - Budget
  4. Hisense 43R6090G - 4K UHD
  5. Hisense 43H4F - Roku Smart TV

When compiling this review, we tested a huge number of models to offer you only the most decent options. We'll also share some helpful tips on how to choose the best 42 inch TV and what you should consider to make the right choice.

1. TCL 43S425

Our Choice
tcl 43s425 42 inch tv

Available sizes: 43-75 | Input lag: 10 ms | Refresh rate:: 60 HZ

  • ✚ Affordable
  • ✚ Fairly accurate colors
  • ✚ Roku TV platform has lots of features
  • Color range isn't particularly wide
Rating

The biggest feature of the TCL 43S 425 is the built in sound system with rear speakers and sub woofer located beneath the TV's beautiful flat screen. The cons of this are that there is no option to connect the sound system to your home theater system, nor is there a way to charge the speakers and power them directly from the TV.

The pros include a very large screen, easy operation, and great sound quality. Another con is that color range isn't particularly wide.Other pros of the TCL 43S425 include a durable build, good bright picture quality, and a simple operation. If you want to buy a new flat screen HDTV, than the TCL 43S 425 is made for you.

2. SAMSUNG UN43TU8000FXZA

Class Crystal
samsung un43tu8000fxza 42 inch tv

Available sizes: 43-85 | Input lag: 11 ms | Refresh rate:: 60 HZ

  • ✚ Good size choices
  • ✚ Smart TV
  • ✚ UHD
  • Bad remote quality
  • No local dimming
Rating

If you have never heard of SAMSUNG UN43TU8000FXZA then you are definitely missing out on one of the best Plasma televisions on the market today. This TV is one of the most advanced plasma television models currently on the market and it comes with many features that you will definitely appreciate. There are so many features that this TV has that really feel like it is a must buy for anyone that is serious about the TV viewing experience.

The final major feature in the SAMSUNG UN43TU8000FXZA is the three-year warranty that is provided with the product. Although this warranty is very long, it is still something that most consumers want to go with. The warranty is one of the best features and will mean that you are getting the most professional looking product for your money. This long warranty along with the good size choices is considered by many to be one of the best and most useful TV available today.

3. TCL 40S325

Budget
tcl 40s325 42 inch tv

Available sizes: 32-49 | Input lag: 12 ms | Refresh rate:: 60 HZ

  • ✚ The picture is very clear and you can set up the picture quality
  • ✚ Good sound quality
  • ✚ The smart TV is very easy to use and the setup took about 20 min fairly quick
  • Navigating with the remote is simple
  • The TV doesn't have Bluetooth
Rating

There are some helpful things to know about the 42-inch TV so you can decide for yourself if it is the right TV for you, no matter how big or small the space you have in your home. When looking at the features of the TCL 40S325, first consider that it is one flat screen television, which is great for those who like a clean look. It has many features that are similar to those of other flat screen televisions, like easy access to channel controls, and even voice recognition technology. It also has an enhanced picture quality that is better than that of a normal TV. However, there are some cons to this as well. The tv doesn't have Bluetooth.

Other pros and cons of this model include the fact that it is a great choice for those people who are into home entertainment, as it offers a crisp clean line for the picture, and is very sleek and modern looking. You can find a wide variety of accessories to go along with this TV.

4. Hisense 43R6090G

4K UHD
hisense 43r6090g 42 inch tv

Available sizes: 43-55 | Input lag: 12.5 ms | Refresh rate:: 60 HZ

  • ✚ Amazing native contrast
  • ✚ Good reflection handling
  • ✚ Excellent low input lag
  • Uniformity issues
  • Narrow viewing angles
Rating

This Hisense 43R6090G model is part of the Home Theater Collection and offers great features and a big screen. A full range of Home Theater options are offered, including the HD Engine that delivers crystal-clear picture quality through its eight thousand pixels panels. It has two speakers, but the sound quality can still be greatly improved if you have a subwoofer. You will find that the size of this TV is perfect for entertaining friends and family members when entertaining at home.

A few of the pros that this 42-inch tv does not use a VA or WED type bulb, but the LED lights will stay bright even in dimly lit rooms. The other pros include amazing native contrast and a built-in stand. If you are looking for a flat screen television that has a lot of surround sound effects then this model is for you. There are not many cons to this television, but one of the cons is narrow viewing angles.

5. Hisense 43H4F

Roku Smart TV
hisense 43h4f 42 inch tv

Available sizes: 32-43 | Input lag: 14.8 ms | Refresh rate:: 60 HZ

  • ✚ Excellent wide viewing angles
  • ✚ Price
  • ✚ Easy to set up
  • Very limiting 768p resolution
  • Bad contrast and bad black uniformity
Rating

Hisense 43H4F features a very impressive multi-function touch pad that allows you to operate the television easily with just your fingertips. In addition, this model has been out long enough to have undergone changes and improvements that make it even more attractive to consumers.

The first thing noticeded about the Hisense 43H4F was how easy it was to set up. The instructions that come with the unit are clear and easy to follow, even for a new user like myself. Costumers has no trouble getting the programming buttons ready and it took just a few minutes to get the first channels up and running on the screen. The size of the viewing screen in this 42-inch TV is good-there isn't any wiggle room on either side of the screen for the smallest hands, so it's very comfortable to use.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
tcl 43s425 42 inch tv
TCL 43S425
Our Choice
  • Affordable
  • Fairly accurate colors
CHECK PRICE
samsung un43tu8000fxza 42 inch tv
SAMSUNG UN43TU8000FXZA
Class Crystal
  • Good size choices
  • Smart TV
CHECK PRICE
tcl 40s325 42 inch tv
TCL 40S325
Budget
  • The picture is very clear and you can set up the picture quality
  • Good sound quality
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best 42 Inch TV?

how to choose the best 42 inch tv

Are 42 Inches the Right Size for You?

This is the smallest option among the premium models. Although these TVs are smaller in size, they have some advantages over their huge opponents. First, you won't experience the hassle of placing the device in any room in your home. Unlike giant TVs, they don't require much space. Secondly, you get all the same premium features packed into a more compact case.

However, there are several important points to keep in mind when buying a 42" TV. In addition to matching your design and space, you should think about the distance between the device and the place you are going to watch movies from. Thus, you can attentively choose between 4K and 1080p HD sets.

What about HDR?

Most experts recommend going for a 4K set as it offers support for some flavor of High Dynamic Range (HDR). This allows you to enjoy a picture with balanced colors and great contrast. Unlike 4K TVs, 1080p HD models don’t have this feature.

Screen Quality

This aspect can be a little confusing due to many strange abbreviations and acronyms. When you are shopping for the best 42 inch TV, you probably want the one with advanced screen technology. However, you have to decide if you need QLED, OLED, or something else.

Sound Quality

Modern TVs have excellent built-in speakers delivering an impressive sound. However, you can only verify this by bringing your purchase home. The point is that most electronics stores cannot provide you with an environment similar to your living room. Therefore, the sound delivered there will be different from what you get at home. The closest conditions can be achieved in boutique-style home theater shops that have small demo rooms. However, the sound won’t be 100 percent identical.

Smart TV Features

Modern 42-inch TVs are incredibly easy to set up and use. Manufacturers usually offer universal devices that can be used right out of the box. Of course, you can add various components to organize your home theater and get the best visual and audio experience. But in general, the models in this category have everything you need to enjoy your favorite video content at no extra cost.

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