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Best 43-inch TVs in 2022 – brightest, best budget, performance

Our round-up of the more modest sets you need to know about
Last Updated on July 25, 2022

Shopping for a 43-inch TV, or considering one but thinking it may not be big enough? We break down the key features to look for and identify the best 43-inch TVs you can buy. And provide our own picks for the best 43-inch TVs available right now.

In the last few years, the TV industry has focused on ‘bigger’. Screen sizes have rapidly grown, with some of the best features only available on TVs starting at 55-inch or above.

And while that’s great for a lounge or family room, you might be looking for a smaller option for a bedroom, office space, or nook. Thankfully, many of the best TV manufacturers have started to pay attention, and are releasing some amazing 43-inch TVs now that are packed with the latest tech.

So, among all the budget choices and big brand names, how do you decide which are the best 43-inch TVs and which one is right for you? A lot of it will depend on what you’re using the TV for, but whether you’re looking for a TV that’ll double as a gaming monitor or just something to make those movie nights in bed a little cozier, we’ve broken down everything you need to consider.

So read on to learn more about the tech that matters when choosing the right 43-TV.

Products at a Glance

How we picked the best 43-inch TVs

There are hundreds of options when you’re shopping for 43-inch TVs, so how did we pick the best 5?

43-inch TVs are adaptable for a number of different uses, so it wasn’t as simple as choosing the models with the best picture quality. We also wanted to highlight TVs that are perfect for different scenarios, including an outdoor TV and a Samsung TV with a really unique feature.

However ultimately, we do need to circle back around to the overall picture and sound quality. We prioritize picture because you can always improve sound with a soundbar anyway, but it’s still worth bearing in mind any sound tech too.

With a 43” TV you’ll definitely want to make sure you get one with 4K resolution support, but also look out for manufacturers’ signature screen technologies too. The biggest differences at this screen size are between your regular LED TVs and those that take the picture quality to a different level – specifically Samsung’s Neo QLED screens and LG’s OLED.

They’re pricey though, and value for money does come into it. So, we’ve also picked out a fantastic LED TV from Sony that offers plenty of features to enhance the picture quality of whatever you watch, but with enough change left over from $1,000 to pick up a great quality soundbar too.

Top features and considerations

With many of the best 43-inch TVs being 4K-ready, your first consideration should be the screen type. Most TVs of this size will be regular LEDs, but there are better options. Neo-QLED TVs use much smaller LEDs with a quantum matrix layer to provide the brightest picture with great local dimming, but OLED is unrivaled for contrast with individual pixels being able to shut off completely.

The processor is also a vital consideration. Just like in a computer, the processor in your TV is the brain of the operation, and better processors can do a much better job of improving the picture quality and upscaling older content to make it as sharp and vivid as possible.

Key sound technologies to look out for are DTS Digital Surround or Dolby Atmos, which work with compatible speakers to provide the full surround sound effect at home. Also look out for manufacturer-specific tech to enhance the audio experience even more, with directional speakers built-in to remove the need for a home cinema setup.

And don’t forget gaming – many of the latest TVs are optimized for gaming, including HDMI 2.1 inputs for 4K gaming at 120fps, GSYNC or FreeSync tech for enhanced graphic card compatibility, or dedicated modes designed to make sure the fast-paced action doesn’t become a messy blur. Sony TVs even have special features designed to get the most out of PlayStation consoles.

Our Recommended

Best 43-inch TVs in 2022 – brightest, best budget, performance

1
Best Overall

LG OLED evo

PROS
  • Incredible contrast and deep blacks
  • Perfect for console or PC gaming
  • Brighter than previous OLED models
CONS
  • Not as bright as QLED
  • Costly
  • Risk of burn-in

LG’s OLED TVs have been wowing viewers for the last few years, but only now have they released one in a 43-inch model. It’s an incredible TV with beautiful colors that pop against the deep blacks. That’s thanks to the OLED design that involves turning off individual pixels, rather than dimming local areas.

This TV also has the latest α9 Gen 5 AI Processor, which is a super-powerful chip capable of optimizing everything you watch and listen to – it’ll even convert dual-channel audio into a virtual 7.1.2 surround sound that will completely immerse you in everything you watch.

And this TV is exceptionally popular with the gaming community. Not only does it have four (!) HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K gaming at 120fps, but it has G-SYNC and Free-Sync tech to optimize your gaming experience for every console or PC.

Plus, with a 0.1ms response time, many are buying this TV as a sole PC monitor, replacing their ultrawide or multi-monitor setups. Whether you love movies or just want the best PC monitor going, this TV does it all.

2
PROS
  • The brightest indoor TV
  • Incredible clarity
  • Excellent sound technology
CONS
  • Contrast isn’t as defined as OLED
  • Needs a Samsung soundbar to maximize sound

Samsung’s QLED technology, while lacking in the contrast depth of OLED, has surpassed it in terms of brightness at least. This has only been enhanced with the Neo-QLED ranges, which use Mini LEDs to provide much more focused local dimming. It’s not as good as turning off individual pixels but the gap is closing.

Neo-QLED TVs also don’t have the concerns over a lifespan that an OLED might, which will burn out faster and could risk screen burn-in.

This TV has some excellent sound technology too, with Dolby Atmos and Object Tracking Sound PLUS, which uses multiple directional speakers to make it seem like the sound is traveling across the room. It also has Q-Symphony tech to sync your TV and soundbar perfectly, but to take advantage you’ll need an (expensive) Samsung soundbar too.

3
PROS
  • Great balance between quality and cost
  • Optimized for PS5 gaming
CONS
  • Not the brightest – suffers in daylight
  • Low contrast – blacks often look blue

The X85K is one of the entry-level Bravia TVs for 2022, but many of the more high-end options aren’t available at this screen size. It’s an excellent compromise between picture quality and cost though, thanks to the vibrant TRILUMINOS Pro display and the powerful X1 processor that upscales everything to the sharpest picture possible.

It’s not the brightest screen and the contrast is a little weak but that’s the sacrifice you make for the price. It does have some excellent gaming features though, and unsurprisingly is optimized for PS5 gaming being a Sony TV.

4
PROS
  • Perfect for screen mirroring
  • Blends into décor when not in use
  • Reacts to ambient lighting
CONS
  • Not as bright as Neo QLED
  • No HDMI 2.1 ports
  • Expensive

If you only want the best picture and sound quality, the SERO is the wrong choice. But if you’re someone who would make the most of its unique rotating screen, then it’s definitely worth considering.

You can spin the screen 90 degrees at will, and the Quantum Processor means there’s almost zero lag between the change in format. If you love to mirror your phone on the big screen, then you’ll be blown away by how those TikToks look on a vibrant 43” display.

It also has Ambient Mode+, which lets it display artwork or a recreation of the surrounding wall when not in use, so despite the large stand it can almost blend into the décor of your home.

5
PROS
  • Safe to use outdoors
  • Bright, 4K picture
CONS
  • Not suitable for direct sunlight
  • Picture and sound quality aren’t the best
  • Expensive

Another more specialist TV, this SunBrite model is specifically designed to be used outdoors. It’s up to 2.5 times brighter than a standard LED TV you’d use indoors, making it much more suited to daylight. However, it’s not suitable for direct sunlight and does need to be mounted where there’s shade.

It is weatherproof and rustproof though and can withstand sub-zero temperatures as well as highs of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t have to unmount it every time there’s a weather spike.

You won’t enjoy anywhere near as good a picture as the OLED or Neo-QLED TVs, or even the Sony X85K. But if you like the idea of sitting on your deck, grill fired up and the big game on the screen then this is a solid and reliable TV that won’t be dull or faded. Just a shame about the hefty price tag, but that’s what keeps it safe for outdoor use

Is a 43-inch TV a good size?

If you only have limited space (but higher than for a 32-inch TV) then yes. The Best 43-inch TVs offer great feature sets and performance and support 4K Ultra HD content too. Sets this size are good for more modest rooms or spaces, and slightly more modest budgets. You can usually save at least $100 on 43-inch models compared to a 50-inch.

Is 4K worth it on a 43-inch TV?

Some people argue that 4K isn’t worth it on a 43-inch TV, especially if you sit more than a few feet from the screen. However, many others can detect the difference, and with some TVs doubling as gaming monitors that sharpness will be valuable from a shorter distance.

Is QLED better than OLED?

QLED technology is generally brighter than OLED and offers better value as well as a longer lifespan. But OLED has better contrast, the deepest blacks, better viewing angles and is more responsive and so better for gaming. The latest OLED TVs are also brighter than previous models, though still lagging behind QLED.

How far should you sit from a 43-inch TV?

Many people claim that you should sit at an optimal distance from a TV to enjoy the best image clarity without straining your eyes. That distance is between 1.5 and 2.5 times the screen size in inches. So, for a 43-inch TV, that optimal distance is between 5.5 feet and 9 feet.

Our Verdict

Best Overall

LG OLED evo

The best 43-inch TV is the LG OLED evo. It has a stunning picture with the vibrancy and deep blacks of the OLED tech, while it’s also perfect for gaming or as a PC monitor. It’s no wonder a lot of PC gamers are swapping out their ultrawide or multi-monitor setups for this stunning TV.

The α9 Gen 5 AI Processor is one of the best processors for handling 4K content, whilst also boosting any two-channel audio to create that virtual surround sound feel. For the smoothest action and total immersion, it’s a fantastic choice, and a great move from LG to finally release an OLED model at this screen size.