[an error occurred while processing this directive] Best 40,43 inch TV 2019/2020, Editors Choice, 4K LED

Best 40,43 inch TV 2019/2020, Editors Choice, 4K LED

Top Recommended 40 and 42 inch LCD and LED Televisions for 2018

(chosen by editors Robert Wiley, Jack Burden and Phil Conner)

This is our recommended list of LCD and LED TVs in the 40" to 42" size for 2019/2020. These recommendations are based on price, value, quality and specifications. If we reviewed the television, then the review will be on the product page of that TV. We have also assigned Editors Choice designations to some models based on one or more of these ratings criteria.



TCL 43S405
Editor's Choice: Best Value

Upscaling to 4K is performed by the Creative Pro upscaling engine and does a nice job with most content even standard def. It's not the most crisp picture of all the 4K TVs out there, but it does a reasonably good job especially for the price.

Lastly, though there is HDR compatibility and the TV has a fairly wide color gamut, HDR playback is not its strong suit, but it's good to have it.

Read Full Review

Samsung 40NU7100 4K LED TV
(also in 43")
Editor's Choice: Best Value

The NU7100FXZA 4K LED TV from Samsung is one of the best priced 4K offerings in the marketplace. It has ample features like Smart TV and remote control, UHD Picture Dimming, 4K HDR Pro, 4K Color Drive, HEVC 4K streaming decoding, and a contrast enhancer. Though the 7100 has 4K UHD resolution, it rivals 1080p TVs of the same size from a year or two ago in price, one of its best features.

Read Full Review

LG 43UK6300PUE
(also in 43")
Editor's Choice: Best Value

LG's UK6300 uses an IPS (in-plane-switching) panel, albeit a new one for 2018. The IPS panel allows for much better picture quality from side angles without degrading color saturation and contrast much. This is one of the standout features of this TVs picture quality.

Read Full Review

TCL 43S305
Editor's Choice: Best Price

Another Roku OS TV offering from TCL, this one does not have the 4K resolution and HDR in order to lower the price to a mere $299.Read Full Review

TCL 40S305
Editor's Choice: Best Price

Same as the model above but priced at $269 at 40 inches.Read Full Review

Sony XBR-43X800e
Editor's Choice: Best Quality

No comparison in quality. If you want the absolute best in the 40-43 inch size range, this is it. It's priced that way as well but has Sony's exemplary 4K HDR X1 picture engine for smoother images, with great color.Read Full Review



Best of 2016



Sony XBR43X800D
Editor's Choice: Best Quality

The XBR43X800D is an excellent TV in this size range. There are not many quality offerings in this size anymore. The picture is noticeably cleaner and clearer with up-scaled and converted HD programming. This is due to the new 4K Processor X1 engine incorporated into the X800D series. Price is north of $600 but it's a great TV.Read Full Review

LG 43UH6500

Runner Up 'Best Quality'


Editor's Choice: Best Quality

This is another quality option in the 43” size with 4K and a 120Hz panel. It sells for $100 less than the Sony above and comes with the awesome Magic Remote and Smart TV.Read Full Review

TCL 43UP130
Editor's Choice: Best Quality

This model boasts the best Smart TV platform by Roku in the market. It's also 4K.Read Full Review

Vizio D43-D1
Editors Choice Best Value/Best Budget

Another great value option from Vizio, it has clean image edges and great color. It has nice Smart TV options included for only $345. It's less than the 40” model below.Read Full Review

Vizio D40-D1
Editors Choice Best Value/Best Budget

Same as the model above but in 40”.Read Full Review

Sharp LC-43LB371u 1080p Smart Roku TV
Editor's Choice: Best Price Model

This is a Best Buy only Roku Smart TV from Sharp. The interface and options are exceptional and the picture quality solid. Read review

Sony XBR43X830C

The XBR43X830C is a compelling value ($799) for those that want to delve into 4K in a smaller size TV. With the X830C 4K upscaling and conversion stands out among competitors. Read Full Review

Vizio E40­C2 1080p LED
Editor's Choice: Best Budget Model

For $348 how can you go wrong with this solid LED offering. The screen is not the best quality but the E40 does include basic Smart TV Apps. Read review

Vizio M43­C1 4K UDH
Editor's Choice: Best Value

A step up in resolution and quality, the M­series 43” model sells for just a couple hundred dollars more and offers excellent upscaling to 4K resolution. Read review

Samsung UN40J5500 1080p LED

For those not wanting the bump to 4K this 1080p very solid TV from Samsung can be obtained for less than $500. It has a quad core processor for operating Samsungs Smart TV functions. Read Full Review

2014 42" Recommended LCD and LED TV Models

Samsung UN40EH5000      Editor's Choice: Price
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

rice/Value is the main focus of this model and at $378 for a 40” 1080p LED TV that is quite an offer. We were surprised Samsung elected to include 1080p resolution with this model as most discount basic 32” LED models that compete are only 720p. However, the basic 60hz processing speed does apply even though Samsung applies their CMR (clear motion rate) technology to enhance processing speed (using LED edge it manipulation) to CMR 120.

Vizio E420i-B0      Editor's Choice: Price
42" Smart LED TV

The Vizio E420i-B2 is loaded with picture features that really boost the picture quality. The full-array LED backlighting achieves much better peak whites and deeper blacks than seen on previous versions of the E series. Colors are also going to benefit from this backlighting scheme, as there will be less washout and uniformity issues.

Samsung UN40H6350      Editor's Choice: Value
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

The bump to a quad core processor for speedy Smart Hub functionality is the most important while thinner bezels around the screen add to the aesthetic value. The only differences between this one and the the H6400 series above it are the lack of 3D playback, microdimming, a lower Clear Motion Rate, and the Smart Touch remote.

Sony KDL-40W600B      Editor's Choice: Quality
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

Colors rendition on these new Sony TVs is exceptional and not over-saturated. The fact that the TVs calibrate easily to D6500K speaks to their color accuracy. The backlight is extremely powerful and can overpower color in the W600B so keep it moderated.

LG 42LB5800     
42" LED TV

The LG 42LB5800 keeps things simple with its 1080p LED backlit display, 60Hz refresh rate, and scaled back Smart TV platform. As a step down from the LB6100 the refresh rate has been down graded, a few picture settings and sound settings have been left out.

Samsung UN40H5500     
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

The rehashed Smart Hub platform on the Samsung 2014 lineup is included on the UN40H5500. What's new? Mainly the interface. It has received an upgrade reminiscent of the tiled interface found on tablets and smartphones use. Navigation is the main focus. It is an intuitive upgrade that really makes the whole experience a better one.

2013 42" Recommended LCD and LED TV Models

Vizio E401i-A2      Editor's Choice: Price
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

The Vizio E401i-A2 is an entry level LED TV that packs a lot of features into a value package. A 40 inch TV is perfect for a meduim size to small room. The E401i-A2 uses the Razor LED backlighting system to create a fantastic 1080p picture on this set. It's also got a refresh rate of 120Hz and a 6ms response time ensure smooth and stable images.

Sony KDL-40R450A      Editor's Choice: Price
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

The 60Hz panel is probably all you need on a 40 inch screen size panel though you will obviously get some judder and stutter during fast motion images or slow panning side to side. There is a USB port for easy playback, and another special feature you may want to play around with called the MHL-ready. This is for mirroring the screens on NFC compatible Smart Phones.

Samsung UN40F6400      Editor's Choice: Quality
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

3D playback is one of the main upgrades the UN40F6400 has over the F6300. We don't see a lot of 40 inch TVs packing 3D into the feature set. So that makes this one a bit unique. The dual core processor is a nice upgrade for TVs residing in the mid tier category like the UN40F6400. The dual core processor speeds up navigation and web browsing considerably.

Panasonic TC-L42E60     
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

The TC-L42E60 is equipped with built in wifi like most of the Panasonic LED lineup this year. Just connect it to your home network and Viera Connect will be running in no time. The TC-L42E60 has a native 120Hz panel capable of providing smooth fast action and can take care of a reasonable amount of motion blur. This in itself is a nice upgrade over 60Hz.

Samsung UN40F5000      Editor's Choice: Value
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

The UN40F5000 is a step down from the F5500 series, but not by much. The only difference is the lack of Samsung's Smart Hub. Strong LED backlighting is one of the best features of the UN40F5000. Overall viewing quality is enhanced due to the light throughput although the picture is much dimmer than some of the larger top end LED TVs in Samsung's lineup.

Vizio E420d      Editor's Choice: Value
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

The E420d-A0 is another part of the passive 3D enabled entry level LED TV E-series. It's no different from the internet enabled E420i, except for the fact that Vizio added their Theater 3D (passive). The panel's refresh rate is 120Hz, so fast action programming won't be bogged down by large amounts of motion blur and judder.

2012 42" Recommended LCD and LED TV Models

Samsung LN40D630      Editor's Choice: Value
40 " LCD Television

Alongside it's LED TV series, Samsung continues to offer traditionally backlit LCD televisions. The D630 series replaces 2010's C630 series. We liked the C650 series a lot when we reviewed it and found it to be a great value with a great picture. The 630 line was the same as the 650 without internet connectivity features. This year the 630 includes WiFi and the new Allshare feature but it still doesn't go online.

Toshiba 40L5200U      Editor's Choice: Value
40" Edge Lit LED-LCD TV

The L5200 series are a nice mid-grade LED backlit model with the new thin framed Aero Design in their top units. The framing bezel is a mere .3" in width and gives the TV a nice "window" effect like many of the better LED Televisions on the market. The 1080p, 120Hz screen is edge lit by powerful LED lighting. As a value oriented TV you forgo 3D and Internet with this TV.

Vizio E3D420VX     
42" 1080p 3D LED TV

The inclusion of a 2-sided QWERTY keyboard remote is very unusual for this size of TV. The two sided remote allows full web browsing and access to all the Internet options. This 42" 1080p HDTV is also is also 3D compatible which is almost unheard of in a 42" size TV. The backlighting used is LED rather than the traditional CCFL florescent backlighting normally used in this screen size. For a price of $750 - not a bad feature set. See the full review.

Samsung UN40EH6000      Editor's Choice: Quality
1080p Edge Lit LED-LCD Television

The 40ES6000 is and LED backlit 40" 1080p offering from Samsung with a value price point under $800. It is Samsung's value non-3D end line of LED backlit LCD TVs for 2012. It still has very nice appearance with a thin black bezel frame and 2" depth. 120Hz processing is included on this model, so it will not diffuse judder and jerky material in the picture as well as some of the higher end Samsung LED-LCD TVs. The clear coat screen with HD programming is a high point. It does not have 3D or Smart TV Internet options.

Panasonic TC-L42ET5     
42" 1080p 3D LED TV

Though only 42" in size the TC-L42ET5 is packed with features such as passive 3D compatibility and 360 backlight scanning. The side viewing angles on this LED TV are very good with Panasonic's new IPS technology. You also get the new Viera Connect features. See the full review.

Sony KDL-40BX450     
40" Bravia LCD TV

Ever see a Sony 40" TV for less than $500? This is it. It's not the sharpest of Sony's TV offerings in fact being the lowest end line for 2012 but you still get that exceptional Sony video engine quality. The 40" KDL40BX450 replaces the KDL40BX420 from last year, it is a fluorescent back lit, 1080p, 60Hz LCD panel. See the full review.

Toshiba 40E220U      Editor's Choice: Price
40" 1080p LCD TV

This is a very nice little 40" LCD TV from Toshiba that will cost sub-$450. The 40E220U does not feature LED back lighting, but it is full 1080p. it uses flourescent lighting to save on production costs. It does not produce the same bright whites as LED but it often has more uniform lighting than LED edge lighting.

Top Recommended 42" LCD and LED Televisions for 2011

Sony KDL40EX720     
40 " LCD Television

"I'm a big fan of the appearance of this TV. It has a piano black satin finish rather than high gloss which looks refined and expensive. The framing bezel is only an inch thick and the bottom of the panel remains minimalistic and does not have the gray strip from last year. The EX720 is only 1.68" deep and that includes a small flange that sticks out from the back bottom. 95% of the TV is only 1" in depth." - Robert Wiley, see the full review of the Sony KDL-46EX720

Sony KDL40EX620     
40" LCD Television

One growing picture trait of the Sony LED TVs that sets it apart from the competition is the colors are not oversaturated. In fact, for an edge lit LED backlit LCD TV they are somewhat subdued. I like the color accuracy emphasis of the newer Sony TV genre and that's also true of this edge lit LED Sony KDL-40EX620 a direct replacement for the Sony KDL-40EX600 that we reviewed last fall.

LG 42LV5500     
40" LCD Television

The LG 42LV5500 will only be produced in the 42" size. It will contain the extremely valuable Magic Wand remote control for use with the SmartTV (Internet Apps) features. Further, it is 1080p and Wifi ready with the Wifi adapter included in the price. It moves up a notch in HZ rate to 120Hz (LG calls this feature TruMotion). It contains all of the basic LG LED TV feaure but with these upgrades. DLNA certification is present.

We reviewed the magic wand remote at CES 2011 and are impressed with its fast flexible functionality. The point and click application was spot on from the IR remote. Even typing is fast.

Panasonic TC-P42S30 Plasma     
42" Plasma TV

The replacement for the ever popular 1080p S2 series from last years batch of Panasonic plasma offerings is the S30 series. The main upgrade from last year is that this plasma uses the same new phosphor technologies used in the higher end 3D compatible models.

The new fast switching phospor technology is mainly to help with fast processing needs related to 3D viewing, but it should help slighly on normal 2D viewing as well. See our review of the Panasonic TC-P42S30

LG 42LK520      Editor's Choice: Price
40" LCD Television

LG may have little competition in the large LCD TV category. Not many of the other manufacturers seem interested in competing for this value oriented space.

Everyone is on the the latest and greatest 3D TVs and LED TVs, but dont underestimate some of these excellent little LCD TVs for delivering the best value (along with plasma) in the marketplace. From past reviews and viewing at CES we know that this TV has a strong picture performance