Best 46 Inch TVs [Affordable & Compact]

By Robin Owens 4 days ago, TVs

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A lot of people don’t think 46-inch TVs are very good. Nevertheless, if your room is small, they can be a great choice. These TVs have features like full-array local dimming, HDR, 4K, and high refresh rates. They also come with OLED screens, several HDMI ports, and even great gaming features.

That’s why I decided to choose a new 46-inch TV for my bedroom to watch my favorite shows and play games.

46-Inch TVs: My Top Picks

IMAGE
NAME
FEATURES

sony bravia 3 46 inch tv
Sony BRAVIA 3
  • Intuitive

samsung du8000 46 inch tv
SAMSUNG DU8000
  • Stylish HDTV

roku 43r4a5r 46 inch tv
Roku 43R4A5R
  • Affordable 4K

insignia f30 46 inch tv
INSIGNIA F30
  • Cheap LED TV

1. LG QNED80T

Best LG 46-inch TV

lg qned80t 46 inch tv

Screen size: 43 – 86“ | Resolution: 4K | Display technology: LED | HDR: HDR10 PRO | Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros
  • The colors look amazing and clear
  • The sound is loud and rich
  • Fast-moving scenes look smooth
  • The smart TV menu is easy to use
  • Local dimming works really well
  • Streaming shows and movies is great
Cons
  • Not the best for serious gaming
  • The remote can be a bit slow

Setting up this TV under 700 dollars was easy. The instructions on the screen were simple, and it only took me about 30 minutes to adjust everything the way I like it. The TV uses WebOS, which is great. It’s easy to use, has various features, and works well.

The picture quality is amazing. The colors are bright, and the details look sharp, which makes watching movies fun. The sound is also loud and clear enough that I don’t need extra speakers. However, while the QNED screen is great for watching movies, it’s not the best for gaming. An AMOLED screen might be better for games.

My favorite thing about this best 46-inch LCD TV is the magic remote. It’s quick, easy to use, and makes moving through the menus fun. The only small issue is that the TV can be a bit slow sometimes, especially if you switch between apps a lot, but it’s not a big problem.

2. Sony BRAVIA 3

User-friendly 46-inch Smart TV

sony bravia 3 46 inch tv

Screen size: 43 – 85“ | Resolution: 4K | Display technology: LED | HDR: Dolby Vision | Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros
  • You can see the screen clearly from any angle
  • Works well in bright rooms
  • Makes low-quality videos look much better
  • The Google TV menu is easy to use
  • Good for gaming because of low input lag
Cons
  • The build quality isn’t the best
  • The sound isn’t very good

The Sony Bravia 3 is a pretty good 46-inch TV. The colors are bright and the 4K resolution makes movies, shows, and sports look great. The movies are more thrilling to watch because with HDR, dark areas look deep, and bright parts stand out.

The sound is okay but not amazing. The speakers are clear enough for normal use, and the voices sound good, but the sound lacks strong bass or fullness. If you want great sound, you might need to use a soundbar or extra speakers.

This TV for streaming runs on Google TV, which is simple to use. Switching between apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ is quick and smooth. It also has Google Assistant, so you can use voice commands. Casting videos from your phone or tablet with Google Cast is easy, and it works perfectly.

3. SAMSUNG DU8000

Sleek 46-inch LCD HDTV

samsung du8000 46 inch tv

Screen size: 43 – 85“ | Resolution: 4K | Display technology: UHD | HDR: | Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros
  • Low input lag, great for gaming
  • Clear pictures, even in fast-moving scenes
  • Easy-to-use smart features
  • Affordable price
  • Bright enough for standard content
Cons
  • You can’t see the screen well from the side
  • The remote could be better

This HDR TV surprised me in a good way. The picture quality is amazing, with bright colors and strong contrasts thanks to 4K Crystal UHD and HDR. I loved how good it looked during fast-moving scenes and while gaming.

A cool feature is Object Tracking Sound (OTS). It makes the sound match the action on the screen, which feels more exciting, especially for action movies or shows.

The smart features are easy to use, with quick access to apps like Netflix and YouTube. The voice control makes it simple to move around the menu. Setting up the 46-inch Smart TV was very easy, and its slim design looks great in my bedroom. The only small issue is the remote—it’s basic and could be better, but it still works fine.

4. Roku 43R4A5R

Affordable 46-inch 4K TV

roku 43r4a5r 46 inch tv

Screen size: 43 – 75“ | Resolution: 4K | Display technology: LED | HDR: HDR10+ | Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Easy-to-use Roku system
  • Great picture quality for the cost
  • Voice control feature
  • Quick and simple setup
Cons
  • Limited picture settings
  • Not very bright for sunny rooms

Setting up this TV was super easy. The picture looked clear and colorful, making it great for watching anything. Streaming is simple with the Roku system, which has apps like Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.

It connected to my Wi-Fi without any issues. I also connected my Nintendo Switch, and it worked well as an HDR gaming monitor. The sound is also surprisingly good enough that I don’t need extra speakers. I usually keep the volume at 25-30, which is perfect for a small room.

I bought a tilting wall mount for this 46" TV, and it works great. I can angle the screen so everyone can see it well, no matter where they sit. Right now, it’s in my bedroom, but I’m thinking of getting another one for the living room. The only thing I didn’t like is that there aren’t many picture settings to adjust.

5. INSIGNIA F30

Cheap 46-inch LED TV

insignia f30 46 inch tv

Screen size: 43 – 65“ | Resolution: 4K | Display technology: LED | HDR: HDR10 | Refresh rate: 60Hz

Pros
  • Amazing picture quality for the price
  • Built-in Fire TV system
  • Alexa voice control feature
  • Easy to set up
  • Lots of ways to connect devices
Cons
  • Might not last as long
  • The software can be slow sometimes

The picture quality is good for a 46" TV with a 60Hz refresh rate. The colors are bright and clear. It’s not as good as expensive models, but it’s great for an affordable 4K TV under $200.

I love the smart features, especially Alexa. I use it with my Fire Stick, so now I only need one remote instead of two, which is super handy. The picture-in-picture feature is nice, and I like the option to pause live TV—it’s small but really helpful.

The sound, however, is basic. There aren’t many ways to adjust it, so if you want better sound, you’ll probably need a soundbar or extra speakers. The TV is modern, though, with fiber optic and HDMI ports for easy connections. The only issue I had was that the control app sometimes lags, but it’s not a big problem.

Buying 46-Inch TV: What to Keep in Mind?

Consider your room and viewing distance. The size of your room and how far you’ll be from the TV are important when picking a 46-inch model. You should sit about 5-8 feet away to get the best picture without straining your eyes. Make sure the TV fits well in your space and leaves room for air circulation.

Tip: A 46-inch TV is perfect for small rooms like bedrooms or apartments. It gives you a great experience without taking up too much space, and it can also work as a TV for PC monitor.

Know the resolution options. Resolution affects how clear and sharp the picture is. Here’s what you’ll find:

Full HD (1080p). Good for basic viewing but less common now.
✔️ 4K Ultra HD. Four times clearer than Full HD, great for streaming, gaming, and sharp visuals.
8K. Too much for a 46-inch TV— you won’t notice much difference at this size.

46 inch tv watching

Panel technology: LED vs OLED vs QLED. The type of panel you choose affects how good the picture looks and how well the TV works:

LED. Affordable and bright but might not show dark colors very well or have high contrast.
✔️ OLED. Offers great contrast, very dark blacks, and wide viewing angles. Great for people who love movies.
✔️ QLED. Combines LED with quantum dots for better brightness and color accuracy. Great for bright rooms.

Tip: OLED is best for a movie-like experience, while QLED is good for a mix of uses.

Look for HDR support. High Dynamic Range improves the contrast and colors on your TV, making everything look more realistic. Look for models that support HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision.

Tip: You can find a lot of HDR content on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

Evaluate refresh rates. The refresh rate is how many times the screen refreshes each second. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz).

✔️ 60Hz. Good for regular use.
✔️ 120Hz or 240Hz TVs. Best for smooth visuals, especially for gaming or fast sports.

Tip: If you’re a gamer, choose a 46-inch Smart TV with a higher refresh rate and features like VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).

Smart features and OS. Smart TVs give you easy access to apps and online services. Here are some popular systems:

  • Roku TV. Easy to use with lots of apps.
  • Android/Google TV. Flexible with lots of apps and Google Assistant.
  • WebOS (LG). Smooth navigation with cool features like the Magic Remote.
  • Tizen (Samsung). Simple design with quick app access.

Sound quality. TV speakers usually aren’t great. Many 46-inch TVs have basic sound, but some offer better sound features like Dolby Atmos. If sound is really important to you, think about adding soundbars with subwoofer or external speakers for better audio.

Tip: Choose a TV with optical or HDMI ARC ports to easily connect to your audio system.

Connectivity and ports. Make sure your TV has enough ports for all your devices:

  • HDMI. At least three ports for things like streaming devices, game consoles, and soundbars.
  • USB. For playing media and updating the TV’s software.
  • Ethernet. For a stable internet connection.

eARC/ARC: Important for connecting a soundbar easily.

Tip: If you plan to use a next-gen gaming console, make sure your TV has HDMI 2.1 for the best performance.

Energy use. Smaller TVs, like 46-inch models, are usually good at saving energy. But it’s a good idea to check if it has an Energy Star rating to help save money on electricity over time.

Build and design. Choose a TV that fits the style of your room. Look for a slim design, a strong stand, and good-quality materials. If you want to mount your TV with a corner TV wall mount, make sure it’s VESA-compatible and not too heavy for your wall.

FAQ

  • • Can you mount a 46” TV on the wall?

Yes, you can. Most 46-inch TVs work with VESA wall mounts. Just check the size (like 200mm x 200mm) for your TV model to make sure it fits.

  • • Is a 46-inch TV good for small rooms?

A 46-inch TV is great if you sit 6-8 feet away from it. It’s perfect for bedrooms or small living rooms. For tiny spaces, a smaller TV might be better.

  • • How high should I mount a 46-inch Smart TV?

Experts say the middle of your TV should be at eye level when you’re sitting down, which is about 42 inches from the floor. But if your setup needs it, you can mount it a bit higher.

  • • What resolution should I get for a 46-inch TV?

Most 46-inch TVs have Full HD (1080p), which looks clear and sharp. If you want even better visuals or want it to stay modern for longer, go for 4K UHD.

  • • Can I connect a Roku or Chromecast to a 46” TV?

Yes, you can, just use an HDMI port. Most new TVs have several HDMI inputs for devices like Roku or Chromecast.

  • • What’s the difference between LED and OLED TVs?

LED TVs are affordable and bright, and they last a long time. OLED TVs have better colors and contrast but are more expensive and harder to find in 46 inches.

  • • How much electricity does a 46-inch TV use?

Modern LED TVs use between 70-120 watts, depending on how bright the screen is and its resolution.

  • • What accessories do I need for a 46-inch TV?

You might want HDMI cables, a wall mount, or a soundbar. Most TVs have a simple remote, but a universal remote can be more useful.

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