Whereas a 40-inch TV might not be the preferred dimension, each massive and small manufacturers supply glorious choices with options you’ve got come to count on as customary for house leisure. These options embody 4K decision, enhanced audio and film processing, larger refresh charges, and entry to streaming providers.
When you’re prepared to spend the cash, a 40-inch class OLED TV is a superb TV for avid gamers on the lookout for a display that may arise to make use of with each PCs and consoles, with a 120Hz refresh fee and VRR assist. A 40-inch TV can also be choice in the event you’re on the lookout for a price range TV, which regularly retails effectively below $1,000, barring OLED choices.
Get extra in-depth ZDNET tech protection: Add us as a most well-liked Google supply on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
Finest television offers of the week
Offers are chosen by the CNET Group commerce staff, and could also be unrelated to this text.
What’s the finest 40-inch TV proper now?
The Sony Bravia 2 II is my alternative for the most effective 40-inch TV you should buy. With an honest stability between worth and options, you will not must compromise on issues like image high quality or app assist with a purpose to get a fantastic TV at worth. It options 4K decision with a 60Hz refresh fee for clear particulars and smoother movement whereas watching stay sports activities or streaming fast-paced motion pictures and exhibits. It even has unique VRR assist for console gaming on the PS5.
Additionally: The most effective picks for 32-inch TVs: Prime small TVs in contrast
In our February replace, we changed the Toshiba V35 with the TCL Q35F as our choose for the most effective price range 40-inch TV.
The most effective 40-inch TVs of 2026
Present much less
Why we prefer it: The Sony Bravia 2 II is a superb choice if you need a smaller-screen TV that also gives loads of sensible options in addition to nice image and audio high quality. You may get 4K decision and a 60Hz refresh fee, providing you with smoother motion for every part from stay sports activities and streaming to console gaming. You may additionally get unique VRR assist for the PS5 to forestall display tearing and stuttering.
Who it is for: Whether or not you are a film buff or avid gamer, the Sony Bravia 2 II gives first rate image high quality for the worth. It additionally packs in loads of additional options like Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls, HDR assist, and AI-assisted upscaling.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the Sony Bravia 2 II is a wonderful mannequin from a well known model, it is also on the upper facet of inexpensive. When you’re on the lookout for one thing with a cheaper price tag, there are many different choices on this record.
Sony Bravia 2 II tech specs – Display dimension: 43 inches | Panel sort: LED | Refresh fee: 60Hz | Decision: 4K | HDR: HDR10 | Audio: DTS:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant
Additionally: The most effective Sony TVs you should buy
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: The Hisense QD6 blends the convenience of the Fireplace TV platform with a extra strong construct than Amazon’s namesake TVs. With 4K decision and a 60Hz refresh fee, clear particulars and easy movement imply a greater viewing expertise. A devoted Filmmaker Mode is tailored for film buffs. The automated body fee, shade, and audio changes let you’ll be able to watch your favourite movies as they have been meant to be seen.
Who it is for: The QD6 is an effective alternative if you need a budget-friendly TV that is going to ship a strong streaming efficiency with first rate image and audio. Dolby Imaginative and prescient and Dolby Atmos present a extra immersive viewing and listening expertise whereas streaming motion pictures, music, and even whereas gaming in your favourite console. With AirPlay assist, you can share media out of your iOS units for extra methods to entertain household and pals.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Hisense QD6 is a superb TV for anybody who has moved to completely streaming, however the Fireplace TV platform might not be the only option in case your sensible house community is predicated on the Google House or Apple HomeKit system. Help for non-Alexa digital assistants could be hit and miss.
Hisense QD6 tech specs – Display dimension: 43 inches | Panel sort: QLED | Refresh fee: 60Hz | Decision: 4K | HDR: Dolby Imaginative and prescient | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant
Learn extra: I examined the most effective Hisense TVs for streaming, gaming, and extra
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: When you’ve absolutely lower the wire, however do not significantly take care of the FireTV ecosystem, the Samsung U7900 is a superb TV for stay TV, motion pictures, and exhibits. The 4K decision and 60Hz refresh fee present first rate image high quality whereas Samsung’s Object Monitoring Sound Lite know-how provides you 3D audio that follows the on-screen motion.
Who it is for: With assist for hundreds of streaming apps, together with Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+, you can create a customized line-up of your favorites, so that you by no means miss your favourite exhibits and flicks. It is also appropriate with the Samsung SmartThings app for seamless integration into your sensible house community.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Samsung U7900 is an honest mid-range sensible TV, even at such a small display dimension. When you’re on the lookout for the most effective image and sound cash should buy within the 40-inch dimension class, you will must spring for a way more costly OLED choice.
Samsung U7900 tech specs – Display dimension: 43 inches | Panel sort: LED | Refresh fee: 60Hz | Decision: 4K | HDR: HDR10+ | Audio: Object Monitoring Sound Lite | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant
Extra: The most effective Samsung TVs you should buy
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: The LG C5 OLED gives a few of the finest image high quality you will get in a TV, particularly at this dimension class. The OLED panel provides you enhanced distinction, cleaner particulars, and higher shade accuracy for extra lifelike photos. The 120Hz refresh fee provides you a few of the smoothest motion in stay sports activities and fast-paced media you will get at this dimension class whereas Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR helps even upscaled content material look its finest.
Who it is for: The LG C5 OLED is a 40-inch TV for anybody who’s prepared to spend a bit additional to get the most effective TVs you should buy, at any display dimension. With signature OLED image high quality, the C5 OLED is simply at house as your important display as it will be as a secondary TV in your bed room.
Who ought to look elsewhere: With premium high quality comes a premium worth, and the LG C5 OLED is not any exception. Because it makes use of OLED know-how, it is some of the costly 40-inch TVs you should buy. You possibly can typically discover it on sale, however in the event you’re working with a restricted price range, there’s another choice to take a look at.
LG C5 OLED tech specs – Display dimension: 42 inches | Panel sort: OLED | Refresh fee: 120Hz | Decision: 4K | HDR: Dolby Imaginative and prescient | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant
Learn the evaluation: Why I like to recommend the LG C5 OLED over extra premium fashions
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
Present much less
Why we prefer it: The TCL Q35F is a superb choice in the event you’re merely on the lookout for a strong TV that may deal with all your favourite streaming apps or to make use of as a second display in your bed room or workplace. Usually retailing for round $230, it will probably often be discovered on sale for $150 or much less in the event you preserve a pointy eye out. With 1080p decision and a 60Hz refresh fee, you will get a fantastic image for streaming, stay sports activities and information, and even console gaming.
The Fireplace TV platform provides you entry to your complete Prime library in addition to a whole bunch of different apps and Alexa Expertise to show your lounge, house theater, or different areas into leisure hubs. Built-in Alexa voice controls provide you with hands-free use of your new TV, whereas assist for AirPlay allows you to share video, pictures, and music out of your iOS units.
Who it is for: The TCLQ35F makes use of the Fireplace TV platform, so in the event you already use an Amazon Echo sensible speaker or different Alexa-enabled units, you’ll be able to simply combine your new TV into your sensible house community. And whereas it would not present 4K decision or assist for Dolby Atmos digital encompass sound, you will nonetheless get nice image and audio high quality so you’ll be able to get pleasure from your favourite sports activities and media.
Who ought to look elsewhere: When you aren’t significantly keen on the Fireplace TV and Amazon-centric platform, the TCL Q35F won’t be for you, as it would have loads of options that you simply will not use (or need). And as talked about earlier than, it would not assist 4K decision, HDR, or Dolby Atmos audio, so in the event you’re on the lookout for one thing with somewhat extra when it comes to image and sound, you will must spring for one thing somewhat costlier.
TCL Q35F tech specs – Display dimension: 40 inches | Panel sort: QLED | Refresh fee: 60Hz | Decision: 1080p | HDR: N/A | Audio: Dolby | Voice controls: Alexa
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
I selected the Sony Bravia 2 II as the most effective 40-inch TV you should buy due to its stability between worth and options.
You may get nice 4K decision with a 60Hz refresh fee, making it a fantastic alternative for every part from stay sports activities and streaming to console gaming. The Google TV platform provides you entry to a whole bunch of in style streaming apps in addition to built-in Google Assistant voice controls for hands-free use of your new TV.
|
Finest 40-inch TV |
Worth |
HDR |
Audio |
|
Sony Bravia 2 II |
$370 |
HDR10 |
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X |
|
Hisense QD6 |
$170 |
Dolby Imaginative and prescient |
Dolby Atmos |
|
Samsung U7900 |
$200 |
HDR10+ |
Object Monitoring Sound Lite |
|
LG C5 OLED |
$897 |
Dolby Imaginative and prescient |
Dolby Atmos |
|
TCL Q35F |
$150 |
N/A |
Dolby DTS |
Present extra
Whereas purchasing for a brand new TV, regardless of the dimensions, it is important to bear in mind precisely how you will be utilizing it. When you’re reducing the wire together with your cable or satellite tv for pc supplier, you will need a mannequin that gives a preloaded suite of in style apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ and the power to obtain hundreds extra. When you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly secondary display in your bed room or youngsters’ playroom, you will must resolve if you need 4K or 1080p HD decision. And whereas console avid gamers will not precisely be spoiled for alternative, it’s doable to search out 40-inch class TVs that provide some form of VRR assist in addition to a 120Hz native refresh fee.
|
Purchase this 40-inch TV… |
When you want… |
|
Sony Bravia 2 II |
A well-rounded TV that gives premium-grade image and audio high quality in a smaller bundle. |
|
Hisense QD6 |
A budget-friendly Fireplace TV that matches into smaller areas like bedrooms and residential workplaces. |
|
Samsung U7900 |
A 40-inch TV that’s virtually tailored for streaming with entry to free stay TV with Samsung TV Plus in addition to assist for in style apps like Netflix and HBO Max. |
|
LG C5 OLED |
A high-end OLED TV that may flip even the smallest areas into an honest house theater. |
|
TCL Q35F |
An extremely budget-friendly 40-inch TV that also gives loads of sensible options so you do not have to decide on between getting a fantastic TV and saving cash. |
Present extra
Whereas purchasing for a 40-inch TV, there are a number of elements you want to bear in mind with a purpose to keep on-budget and get the most effective worth in your cash:
- Worth: Whereas a 40-inch TV goes to be way more inexpensive than its 65-inch, or bigger, counterparts, there’s nonetheless a considerably big selection of worth factors to select from. Every gives completely different units of options, so each 40-inch mannequin has been chosen for a way a lot worth it gives in comparison with its value.
- Decision: Whereas TVs with native 4K decision are commonplace, it is nonetheless doable to search out 40-inch fashions with solely 1080p decision. It is vital to double-check that the 40-inch mannequin you’ve got chosen goes to supply the decision you need; you do not wish to must undergo the effort of a return due to a easy mistake. Nearly all of my decisions on this record are able to 4K, although I did embody a number of various picks that have been 1080p.
- Options: Simply since you’ll get a smaller display with a super-budget price ticket does not imply you will must sacrifice options you’ve got come to count on as customary for house leisure. Whether or not you get a 4K or 1080p mannequin, every 40-inch TV featured on this record has been ensured to assist in style streaming apps, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and assist for digital assistants like Alexa.
Present extra
Whereas testing and researching every 40-inch TV featured on this record, I and different ZDNET specialists stored these standards in thoughts:
- Model integrity: Every TV we selected for this record is from a good model with verified customer support choices for returns, exchanges, and troubleshooting.
- Sensible options: As customers come to count on sure sensible options as customary, we included TV fashions on this finest record that provide Wi-Fi connectivity, pre-installed streaming apps, and digital assistant assist.
- Causes to improve: Every TV on this record gives some form of motive to improve over its predecessor. Whether or not that be a brighter display, higher HDR and audio assist, or enhanced on-line privateness with devoted safety chips.
Present extra
Newest information on TVs
At CES, we noticed dozens of latest and high-tech TVs we will not wait to succeed in the market. An enormous theme for the present was RGB backlighting, which we predict will utterly exchange LED shows within the close to future. The LG W6 Wallpaper was undoubtedly the belle of the ball at CES 2026, showcasing an virtually mind-bogglingly skinny design measuring simply 9mm. It achieves this by eradicating most of the cumbersome inside elements that make up a high-end OLED TV and putting them in a wi-fi Zero Join Field.
The Samsung S95H was named a Better of CES award for house theater, due to its 35% larger brightness, an all-metal design, and the power to securely show static paintings from the Artwork Retailer with out burn-in.
A 40-inch TV can be utilized as a monitor with out many points. Although I’d solely suggest doing this in the event you use your laptop for informal internet browsing, streaming, or typical workplace work. Since a TV often would not have the identical refresh fee and latency as a monitor, it won’t be the only option for video editors or PC avid gamers.
Present extra
Sure. With caveats.
When you’re capable of see your dorm room earlier than you progress in, both on a common campus tour or throughout scholar orientation, I extremely suggest taking a tape measure with you to scout out potential spots for a TV. Nothing is extra irritating than hauling your TV and every part else you want for faculty all the best way to campus solely to must ship it again house together with your mother and father as a result of it will not match the place you deliberate.
A 40-inch mannequin ought to match most areas, particularly in the event you’re capable of set it on prime of a dresser or armoire. Ensure you verify campus/dorm coverage about wall mounting so you do not incur restore expenses or the wrath of your RAs. It might even be useful to go away your 40-inch TV at house (or the shop if you have not bought it but) till you’ll be able to rearrange your dorm furnishings to optimize the house; you’ll be able to all the time carry it again with you after a weekend house go to.
Present extra
When you’re apprehensive about fantastic particulars getting misplaced on a smaller display, you should not be. Display panel know-how for televisions has superior so much because the first flat-panel and 4K fashions hit the market, and loads of smaller screens are able to producing clear, clear 4K decision for streaming, gaming, and supported broadcast media.
Nonetheless, in the event you’re trying to save a bit of money, a 1080p mannequin shall be a bit cheaper than one with 4K. And a 40-inch, 1080p TV continues to be a fantastic choice as a second display in your bed room, kitchen, or youngsters’ playroom.
Present extra
Newest updates
- February 2026: We changed the Toshiba V35 with the TCL Q35F as our choose for the most effective price range 40-inch TV. We additionally included information on TVs from CES.
Extra 40-inch TVs to contemplate
Present much less
Roku’s very personal mid-range sensible TV gives 4K decision and a 60Hz refresh fee for a smoother streaming expertise. The Roku platform provides you entry to hundreds of apps like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max so you’ll be able to flip any room into the final word leisure hub.
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
Present much less
The Insignia F40 is one other nice alternative in the event you’re trying to choose up a second display on-the-cheap or an honest sensible TV that is not going to interrupt the financial institution. You may get 1080p decision with a 60Hz refresh fee, built-in Alexa voice controls, DTS Digital:X audio, and assist for a whole bunch of in style apps.
Learn Extra
Present Skilled Take Present much less
In search of extra methods to optimize your own home theater expertise? Take a look at how one can disable movement interpolation in your TV, and how one can mirror your Android cellphone to your TV in three simple methods.
TV Fashions Reviewed and In contrast
