While a 40-inch TV may not be the most popular size, both big and small brands offer excellent options with features you’ve come to expect as standard for home entertainment. These features include 4K resolution, enhanced audio and picture processing, higher refresh rates, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. If you have the extra space, 42-inch and 43-inch TVs are also great options.
Also: The best picks for 32-inch TVs: Top small TVs compared
What is the best 40-inch TV right now?
My choice for the best 40-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D for its updated QLED panel, which provides a brighter picture along with deeper contrast and bolder colors. It also features support for both Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound to create virtual surround sound for a more immersive experience while streaming movies, shows, and music. Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung QN90D and the rest of our picks for the best 40-inch TVs.
The best 40-inch TVs of 2024
Samsung QN90D
Best 40-inch TV overall
The Samsung QN90D is the brand’s latest iteration of its flagship 4K model, and it’s available in a 43-inch screen size. You’ll still get the updated Neo QLED panel, which ZDNET’s editor-in-chief, Jason Hiner, got to see in person and praised for its brighter picture as well as better contrast and color accuracy. You’ll also get Dolby Atmos and Samsung’s object-tracking sound for audio that follows the on-screen action of shows, movies, and games for a more immersive experience.
If you’re a console gamer or watch lots of sports, the QN90D supports a 144Hz refresh rate for smoother motion. Console gamers will also love the dedicated gaming dashboard, which gives them access to cloud gaming services like Xbox GamePass, real-time framerate monitoring, specialized picture settings, and automatic HDR adjustments. Verified customer reviews from both Amazon and Best Buy agree it’s an excellent choice for console gaming, even as a backup monitor for PC gamers with the 144Hz refresh rate. They also highlight the brighter picture and enhanced picture quality over previous models.
Samsung QN90D tech specs – Screen size: 43 inches | Panel type: Neo QLED | Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Neo Quantum HDR | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google
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Sony A90K
Best 40-inch TV for gaming
Console gamers looking for a smaller screen should check out the Sony A90K. Not only is it one of the smallest Sony TVs, but it is also one of the most petite OLED models on the market. Along with signature OLED picture quality, you’ll also get virtual surround sound with Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology. This technology turns the whole screen into a speaker for near-perfect video and audio syncing and audio that follows the on-screen action.
The A90K also features exclusive optimizations for use with the PlayStation 5, like improved input latency and proprietary VRR support to prevent delayed reactions, screen tearing, and stuttering. Non-PS5 gamers will be able to take advantage of the 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos support.
Sony A90K tech specs: Screen size: 42 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Acoustic Surface Audio+, Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
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Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED
Best 40-inch TV for streaming
The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED is the company’s flagship TV, offering excellent picture quality and robust audio at a budget-friendly price. With Dolby Vision IQ support, you’ll get enhanced details and more accurate colors as well as bolder contrast. The 60Hz refresh rate helps give you smoother motion during fast-paced sports broadcasts, movie and TV show scenes, and videogame sequences.
Read the review: The Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED is great for gaming and streaming
The Fire TV platform not only gives you access to Amazon’s entire library of movies, music, and shows, but you’ll also get access to thousands of other apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Paramount+ so you can keep up with all of your favorite series. And with HDMI ARC passthrough support, you can set up a soundbar for enhanced audio and near-perfect video syncing.
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED tech specs: Screen size: 43 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision IQ | Audio: Dolby Digital Plus | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
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LG C4
Best 40-inch OLED TV
The LG C4 is one of the smallest OLED TVs you can buy at 42 inches, but it still gives you signature OLED picture quality and plenty of other features hidden in its tiny frame. It supports Dolby Atmos for virtual surround sound and a more immersive experience when watching shows and movies or even streaming music. With the 120Hz refresh rate, you’ll get smoother motion for fast-paced scenes in movies, shows, sports, and console gaming.
It supports Alexa and Hey Google virtual assistants, giving you hands-free voice controls over your TV for launching apps and searching for a new show to binge. The OLED panel gives you signature picture quality with deep contrast, bolder colors, and fine details further enhanced by Dolby Vision HDR support. Verified reviews from Amazon and LG highlight how easy it is to calibrate and fine-tune picture modes to get the best-looking images in your space. They also love how bright the picture can get, making it easier to watch in brighter environments.
LG C4 tech specs – Screen size: 42 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google
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TCL S3
Best budget 40-inch TV
While 40-inch TVs are relatively inexpensive, the TCL S3 retails well under $200 while providing great features. It supports both Alexa and Apple HomeKit voice controls for hands-free operation of your TV and favorite apps. It also works with Dolby Atmos to provide virtual surround sound while watching movies and shows.
The biggest drawback of the TCL S3 is that it only provides 1080p HD resolution rather than 4K UHD. And while this means you’ll miss out on finer details, it still makes an excellent option for a second screen in your bedroom, kitchen, or child’s playroom.
TCL S3 tech specs: Screen size: 40 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 1080p HD | HDR: N/A | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit
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My choice for the best 40-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D. It supports Dolby Atmos as well as Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound+ technology to create virtual surround sound and a more immersive experience for streaming movies, music, and shows. It also has a dedicated gaming dashboard with access to cloud gaming services, dedicated picture modes, and real-time frame rate monitoring.
Best 40-inch TV | Price | Resolution | HDR/Audio |
Samsung QN90D | $1,300 | 4K | Neo Quantum HDR, Dolby Atmos/Object Tracking Sound+ |
Sony A90K | $1,300 | 4K | Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos/Acoustic Surface Audio+ |
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED | $390 | 4K | Dolby Vision IQ, Dolby Digital Plus |
LG C4 | $1,300 | 4K | Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos |
TCL S3 | $130 | 1080p | N/A, Dolby Digital Plus |
*MSRP at time of writing. Please note that actual retail price may vary depending on seller and available deals or promotions.
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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+, as well as 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 best 40-inch TV… | If you need… |
Samsung QN90D | A well-rounded 40-inch TV. The Samsung QN90D has a dedicated gaming dashboard with cloud gaming support, up to a 144Hz refresh rate, and object tracking sound. |
Sony A90K | A 40-inch TV for gaming. It features exclusive optimizations for the PlayStation 5 as well as support for HDMI 2.1 for up to 120Hz @4K. |
Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED | A 40-inch TV for streaming shows, movies, and music. With the Fire TV platform, you’ll get access to Prime Video’s library of movies and shows as well as thousands of other streaming apps. |
LG C4 | A 40-inch OLED TV. With signature OLED picture quality supported by Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound, you’ll get an excellent movie or show viewing experience even with the smaller screen. |
TCL S3 | An ultra budget-friendly 40-inch TV. The 40-inch TCL S3 retails under $200. |
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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:
- Price: While a 40-inch TV is going to be much more affordable than its 65-inch, or larger, counterparts, there is still a somewhat wide range of price points to choose from. Each offers different sets of features, so every 40-inch model has been chosen for how much value it offers compared to its cost.
- Resolution: While TVs with native 4K resolution are commonplace, it’s still possible to find 40-inch models with only 1080p resolution. It’s important to double-check that the 40-inch model you’ve chosen is going to produce the resolution you want; you don’t want to have to go through the hassle of a return because of a simple mistake. The majority of my choices on this list are capable of 4K, though I did include a few alternative picks that were 1080p.
- Features: Just because you’ll get a smaller screen with a super-budget price tag doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice features you’ve come to expect as standard for home entertainment. Whether you get a 4K or 1080p model, each 40-inch TV featured on this list has been ensured to support popular streaming apps, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and support for virtual assistants like Alexa.
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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:
- Brand integrity: Each TV we chose for this list is from a reputable brand with verified customer service options for returns, exchanges, and troubleshooting.
- Smart features: As consumers come to expect certain smart features as-standard, we included TV models on this best list that offer Wi-Fi connectivity, pre-installed streaming apps, and virtual assistant support.
- Reasons to upgrade: Each TV on this list offers some sort of reason to upgrade over its predecessor. Whether that be a brighter screen, better HDR and audio support, or enhanced online privacy with dedicated security chips.
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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. Because 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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More 40-inch TVs to consider
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