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10 Best 42 Inch Smart Tv 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV w/Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10, AI Super Upscaling 4K, Filmmaker Mode, Wow Orchestra, Alexa Built-in (OLED42C5PUA, 2025)

The LG 42-Inch OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series is a standout choice if you're looking for a compact smart TV with impressive picture and sound quality. Its 4K OLED panel delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors thanks to self-lit pixels, making movies and shows look stunning even in well-lit rooms. The 120Hz refresh rate combined with an ultra-fast 0.1ms response time is great for smooth, blur-free gaming, further enhanced by support for NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync technologies. This makes it suitable for both casual and serious gamers.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,125
Resolution
Smart TV Platform
HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Most important from
150 reviews

Resolution
The OLED panel delivers a brilliant, high-quality picture that truly stands out with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
Smart TV Platform
The TV is very easy to set up and navigate, with a user-friendly remote and intuitive menu options for quick access to settings and inputs.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Setting the TV to Cinema mode with brightness around 50 optimizes the viewing experience right out of the box.
Connectivity
HDMI connectivity can be problematic, with some units experiencing persistent issues recognizing multiple devices simultaneously, requiring frequent unplugging and re-plugging.
Audio Quality
Sound quality is good but pairing the TV with a sound bar or external audio system significantly enhances the overall experience.
#2
9.1 score

TCL 43-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV with Fire TV (43S551F, 2024 Model), Dolby Vision, HDR PRO+, Dolby Atmos, Alexa Built-in with Voice Remote, Apple AirPlay 2 Compatibility, Streaming Television

The TCL 43-Inch Class S5 UHD 4K LED Smart TV offers a sharp 4K resolution which ensures great detail and clarity, making it ideal for watching movies and TV shows. Its high brightness LED backlight and enhanced color features deliver vibrant and bright images. The TV includes HDR PRO+ with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG, enhancing contrast and color accuracy, making it excellent for high-quality picture performance.

Rating
9.1
Smart TV Platform
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Audio Quality

Most important from
2831 reviews

Smart TV Platform
User-friendly Fire TV interface offers easy access to a wide range of streaming services and apps.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
The picture quality is stunning with Dolby Vision and HDR PRO+, delivering vibrant colors and deep contrast.
Audio Quality
Clear and immersive audio with Dolby Atmos makes a noticeable difference, especially during action scenes.
Design and Build Quality
Setup is a breeze, and the sleek design fits perfectly in living rooms.
#3
9.1 score

Samsung 43-Inch Class Crystal UHD U8000F 4K Smart TV (2025 Model) Endless Free Content, Crystal Processor 4K, MetalStream Design, Knox Security, Alexa Built-in

The Samsung 43-Inch Crystal UHD U8000F offers a sharp 4K resolution that brings out fine details and rich colors, thanks to its Crystal Processor 4K and strong upscaling capabilities. This means even lower-quality videos are enhanced to look clearer, which is great for movies, shows, and casual gaming. The TV supports a 60 Hz refresh rate, providing smooth motion for everyday viewing and sports, though it may not satisfy users seeking very high frame rates for fast-paced gaming. The TV delivers vibrant colors and better contrast through 3D color mapping, contributing to a pleasing picture quality experience.

Rating
9.1
Resolution
Smart TV Platform

Most important from
1022 reviews

Resolution
Delivers great color quality that enhances the viewing experience.
Smart TV Platform
User-friendly for Samsung fans, though it might take some getting used to for others.

Top 10 Best 42 Inch Smart Tv 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV w/Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, HDR10, AI Super Upscaling 4K, Filmmaker Mode, Wow Orchestra, Alexa Built-in (OLED42C5PUA, 2025)

Resolution: 4K
Smart TV Platform: webOS
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR (High Dynamic Range): Dolby Vision, HDR10
Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos
Design and Build Quality: Sleek, modern, thin, lightweight

Chosen by 1125 this week

LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo C4 Series Smart TV 4K Processor Flat Screen with Magic Remote AI-Powered with Alexa Built-in (OLED42C4PUA, 2024)

Resolution: 4K
Smart TV Platform: webOS 24
Refresh Rate: 144Hz
HDR (High Dynamic Range): Yes
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Audio Quality: 2.2 Channel speakers
Design and Build Quality: Sleek and modern

TOSHIBA 43" Class C350 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Voice Remote with Alexa (43C350NU)

Resolution: 4K
Smart TV Platform: Fire TV
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
HDR (High Dynamic Range): Dolby Vision HDR
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, HDMI with eARC
Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos
Design and Build Quality: Simple, functional design, decent build

SAMSUNG 42-Inch Class OLED S90F 4K Smart TV (2025 Model) NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor, 4K AI Upscaling Pro, OLED HDR +, Motion Xcelerator 144Hz, Samsung Vision AI, Alexa Built-in

Resolution: 4K
Smart TV Platform: Built-in Alexa voice control
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDR (High Dynamic Range): HDR support
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Audio Quality: Built-in speaker
Design and Build Quality: Graphite Black, sleek, modern
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Buying Guide for the Best 42 Inch Smart Tv

Choosing the right 42-inch smart TV can significantly enhance your viewing experience. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. This guide will help you navigate through the essential features and select the best fit for you.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the picture on the screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image. Common resolutions include Full HD (1080p), 4K (2160p), and 8K. For a 42-inch TV, 4K resolution is often ideal as it provides a high level of detail without being overkill for the screen size. If you primarily watch HD content or have a limited budget, Full HD can still offer a good viewing experience.
Smart TV PlatformThe smart TV platform is the operating system that runs the TV's smart features, such as streaming apps and internet browsing. Popular platforms include Android TV, Roku TV, and webOS. Each platform has its own interface and app availability. Choose a platform that supports the apps you use most frequently and has an interface you find easy to navigate.
Refresh RateRefresh rate is the number of times the TV updates the image per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Common refresh rates are 60Hz and 120Hz. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother motion, which is particularly beneficial for watching sports or playing video games. For general TV watching, 60Hz is usually sufficient, but if you enjoy fast-paced content, consider a 120Hz TV.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)HDR enhances the contrast and color range of the TV, making the picture more vibrant and realistic. There are different HDR formats, such as HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG. HDR10 is the most common and provides a noticeable improvement in picture quality. If you want the best possible picture quality and watch a lot of HDR content, look for a TV that supports multiple HDR formats.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect other devices to your TV. Important ports include HDMI, USB, and Ethernet. HDMI ports are essential for connecting devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and streaming devices. USB ports allow you to connect external storage or peripherals. Ensure the TV has enough ports to accommodate all your devices. Additionally, built-in Wi-Fi is important for streaming content without needing a wired connection.
Audio QualityAudio quality is crucial for an immersive viewing experience. While most TVs have built-in speakers, their quality can vary. Look for TVs with good sound quality or consider additional audio equipment like soundbars or home theater systems. Some TVs also support advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos, which can enhance the sound experience.
Design and Build QualityThe design and build quality of the TV can affect both aesthetics and durability. Consider the TV's bezel size, stand design, and overall build. A slim bezel can provide a more immersive viewing experience, while a sturdy stand ensures stability. Choose a design that complements your room's decor and fits well in your intended space.

FAQ