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10 Best Cheap 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 Smart TV offers stunning picture quality with its OLED technology, giving you perfect blacks and vibrant colors that really stand out, even in well-lit rooms. Its 4K resolution combined with AI Super Upscaling means your shows, movies, and sports will look sharp and clear. The 120Hz refresh rate helps with smooth motion, which is great if you watch a lot of fast action or play games.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,466
Resolution
Smart Features
Refresh Rate

Most important from
150 reviews

Resolution
The OLED technology delivers perfect blacks and vibrant colors that truly stand out, even in bright rooms.
Smart Features
Voice command integration with Google works smoothly, and the remote’s pointer functionality adds a modern, intuitive touch.
Refresh Rate
Motion smoothing combined with Black Frame Insertion in Game Mode creates incredibly natural and fluid visuals without unwanted glow or sheen.
Connectivity
Multiple HDMI 2.1 ports and advanced gaming features like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync ensure responsive and blur-free gameplay.
Audio Quality
While the built-in speakers are better than average for the category, pairing with a dedicated sound system is recommended for full audio immersion.
Design
The gradual dimming feature effectively prevents image burn-in without interfering during active 4K content or gaming sessions.
#2
10.0 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 Smart TV offers excellent picture quality for its price, with sharp 4K resolution and vivid colors enhanced by HDR PRO+ and Dolby Vision. Its 60 Hz refresh rate combined with Motion Rate 240 technology helps deliver smooth motion, which is great for watching fast-moving content like sports or action movies. The Fire TV platform built-in provides easy access to a wide range of streaming apps, plus Alexa voice control adds convenience. Connectivity options are solid, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, multiple HDMI and USB ports, allowing you to connect various devices easily.

Rating
10.0
Resolution
Smart Features
Refresh Rate

Most important from
2831 reviews

Resolution
The TV delivers a sharp, vivid picture with 4K clarity and vibrant colors that truly enhance the viewing experience.
Smart Features
Built-in Alexa voice control and the Fire TV platform offer convenient access to streaming apps and easy voice search.
Refresh Rate
While the picture quality impresses for the price, the 60 Hz refresh rate may not satisfy serious gamers seeking ultra-smooth motion.
Audio Quality
Sound quality is better than typical budget TVs, featuring Dolby Atmos and clear dialogue modes, though pairing with a soundbar can elevate audio further.
Design
The sleek, modern bezel-less design fits well in any room and wall-mounting options add flexibility.
#3
9.4 score

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)

The LG 42-Inch OLED evo C4 Series Smart TV offers impressive picture quality thanks to its 4K resolution and OLED technology, which provides vibrant colors and deep blacks with over 8 million self-lit pixels. The 144Hz refresh rate and features like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium make it a solid choice for gamers, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. The built-in a9 AI Processor GEN7 enhances the viewing experience with AI-driven upscaling for clearer images, making it suitable for various types of content, from sports to movies.

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Smart Features
Refresh Rate

Most important from
1361 reviews

Resolution
The picture quality is sensational, with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Smart Features
The TV handles demanding streaming platforms with ease, thanks to its fast processor.
Refresh Rate
Smooth and responsive gameplay makes it perfect for gamers.
Audio Quality
The sound quality, while decent, benefits greatly from an external soundbar or surround system.
Design
The form factor is incredibly thin and well-engineered, fitting well in any space.

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

INSIGNIA 43" Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-43F501NA26)

Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
Smart Features: Fire TV, Airplay, smart home hub
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Connectivity: 3 HDMI, USB, optical, headphone, Ethernet
Audio Quality: DTS Virtual-X, HDMI eARC
Design: Slim, wall-mountable, parental controls

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

Resolution: 4K UHD
Smart Features: Fire TV, Alexa, Apple AirPlay
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos
Design: Simple, functional design

Sony 43-Inch Class 4K Ultra HD BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV with Google TV, Dolby Vision HDR, and Exclusive Features for PlayStation®5 (K-43S30)

Resolution: 4K
Smart Features: Google TV, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Audio Quality: X-Balanced Speaker, Dolby Atmos
Design: Minimal Flush Surface bezel

LG C3 Series 42-Inch Class OLED evo 4K Processor Smart TV for Gaming with Magic Remote AI-Powered OLED42C3PUA, 2023 with Alexa Built-in

Resolution: 4K
Smart Features: WebOS 23, LG Channels
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, HDMI
Audio Quality: Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos
Design: Ultra-slim, almost invisible bezel
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Buying Guide for the Best Cheap 42 Inch Smart Tv

Choosing the right 42-inch smart TV involves understanding various specifications that can impact your viewing experience. It's important to consider what features are most important to you, such as picture quality, smart features, and connectivity options. By understanding these key specs, you can make an informed decision that best fits your needs and preferences.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the picture on the screen. Higher resolution means more pixels, which generally translates to a clearer and more detailed image. Common resolutions include Full HD (1080p) and 4K (2160p). If you want a sharper image and plan to watch a lot of high-definition content, a 4K TV might be the best choice. However, if you mostly watch standard HD content, a 1080p TV can still provide a good viewing experience.
Smart FeaturesSmart features refer to the TV's ability to connect to the internet and run apps like Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services. These features can vary widely between models, with some offering more apps and better user interfaces than others. If you plan to use your TV for streaming, look for one with a robust smart platform that supports the apps you use most frequently. If you don't use streaming services often, basic smart features might be sufficient.
Refresh RateRefresh rate is the number of times per second the image on the screen is refreshed. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). Common refresh rates are 60Hz and 120Hz. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother motion, which is particularly important for fast-paced content like sports and action movies. If you watch a lot of such content, a TV with a higher refresh rate might be beneficial. For regular TV shows and movies, a 60Hz refresh rate is usually adequate.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to the types and number of ports available on the TV, such as HDMI, USB, and audio outputs. More connectivity options allow you to connect various devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and sound systems. Consider what devices you plan to connect to your TV and ensure it has enough ports to accommodate them. If you have multiple devices, look for a TV with several HDMI ports.
Audio QualityAudio quality is important for an immersive viewing experience. While most TVs come with built-in speakers, the quality can vary. Some TVs offer advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos for better sound. If audio quality is important to you, consider a TV with good built-in speakers or plan to invest in an external sound system. If you are not too concerned about audio, the standard built-in speakers might be sufficient.
DesignDesign includes the physical appearance and build quality of the TV. This can affect how the TV looks in your living space and how easy it is to set up. Slimmer designs and thinner bezels can provide a more modern look and take up less space. Consider the aesthetics of the TV and how it will fit into your room. If design is important to you, look for a TV that complements your home decor.

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