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TCL 43S435
Best 43-inch TV overall
$679 at Amazon
Price alerts on for TCL 43S435
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Vizio V435-J
Best 43-inch TV runner-up
$268 at Walmart
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Toshiba 43C350
Best 43-inch TV with Alexa
$230 at Amazon
Price alerts on for Toshiba 43C350
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Samsung QN43Q60A
Best step-up 43-inch TV
$528 at Amazon
Price alerts on for Samsung QN43Q60A
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Anyone who’s lived in a dorm room or a 100-square-foot apartment in NYC knows the struggles of decorating when you have limited space. Shopping for TVs in particular can be quite challenging. If you don’t have the space for a 55-inch model, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a bad TV. There are plenty of great 43-inch TVs out there, which are definitely a better option than 32- or 40-inch models — you get more screen for just a little more money.
A 43-inch screen will save you $100 or more compared to a 55-inch TV, and while I’d argue that’s money well spent, 43 inches is still big enough that you’ll have a good viewing experience. Also worth noting is that many 43-inch TVs do have excellent smart TV suites built in, so you don’t need to buy a separate streaming device to enjoy your favorite streaming services. You can even control 43-inch models with a voice command.
Aside from a smaller size, another downside to a 43-inch TV is that they typically don’t have the latest picture-enhancing extras such as full-array local dimming, 120Hz and advanced gaming features. As a result, picture quality on even the best 43-inch TV sets isn’t nearly as good as the best 55-inch models (and 48-inch, thanks to OLED TV technology).
The list below represents the best TVs in the 43-inch screen size I can recommend, with a couple of things to keep in mind going in:
- At this size, where 4K TV image quality isn’t a priority for manufacturers, I prize smart TV functionality first. If all you’re looking to do is watch your TV shows on cable or the streaming service of your choice or for a gaming TV to hook up a console, the best 43-inch TV models definitely fit the bill.
- Looking for another size? Check out: 32-inch TVs, 55-inch TVs, 65-inch TVs and 75-inch TVs.
- Don’t see what you’re looking for below? Here are all of the TVs I’ve reviewed, with more coming soon.
Sarah Tew/CNET
TCL 43S435
Best 43-inch TV overall
Sizes
43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-inch
TV Technology
LED
Smart TV
Yes (Roku TV, Android TV, Google TV)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
3
Remember how I said smart TV functionality is king at this size? Roku is our favorite platform for live TV streaming app options like Netflix, YouTube and the rest, and it’s even better baked into the TV. Even though it has 4K resolution with HDR, its picture quality is no great shakes, but the same can be said for the other 43-inch TVs on this list. This TV has a 60Hz refresh rate and works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. For most people, this Ultra HD 4K TV with Roku smart features is the best 43 inch smart TV option for the price.
Read our TCL 4-series Roku TV (2021) review.
$679 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for TCL 43S435
Sarah Tew/CNET
Vizio V435-J
Best 43-inch TV runner-up
Sizes
43-inch
TV Technology
LED
Smart TV
Yes (SmartCast)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
3
Vizio’s latest 2021 version of the V-series features the company’s all-new voice remote, an extra the TCL 4-Series lacks. It also has a few more options for adjusting picture settings than that TCL does. Image quality on the two was basically a wash in our tests, however, and we liked Roku’s smart TV system better overall, but if you don’t want the TCL for some reason — or if it’s more expensive at the time — this Vizio is an excellent choice.
Read our Vizio V-Series (2021) review.
$268 at Walmart
Sarah Tew/CNET
Toshiba 43C350
Best 43-inch TV with Alexa
Sizes
43-, 50-, 55-, 65-, 75-inch
TV Technology
LED
Smart TV
Yes (Fire TV)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
4
This Toshiba features Amazon’s Fire TV system built-in, making it a direct competitor to the TCL’s Roku system. In general we like Roku better than Fire TV, thanks to superior menus and search, but this Toshiba LED TV with smart features has one cool extra the TCL lacks: built-in Alexa, available by talking into the remote control. Its image quality isn’t quite as good as the Vizio or TCL, but at this price that’s not a major knock.
Read our Toshiba Amazon Fire TV Edition C350 series (2021) review.
$230 at Amazon$230 at Best BuyGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Toshiba 43C350
Geoffrey Morrison/CNET
Samsung QN43Q60A
Best step-up 43-inch TV
Sizes
32-, 43-inch
TV Technology
QLED
Smart TV
Yes (Tizen)
Resolution
4K
HDMI Ports
3
The Samsung Q60A is more expensive than any of the other TVs on this list, but it’s also better in pretty much every way. It’s got a slimmer, sleeker design, more features including a solar-powered remote and slightly better picture quality. We compared it to the TCL 4-Series and Vizio V-series and this Samsung TV Q60A was brighter with better color for HDR, thanks to its QLED technology. The other sets on this list are better values, but if you want something nicer in this size the Q60A is a great choice.
Read our Samsung Q60A series (2021) review.
$528 at AmazonGet Price AlertsYou’re receiving price alerts for Samsung QN43Q60A
Other stuff to know about buying a 43-inch TV
- As the year progresses I expect prices to drop on the TVs above, as well as many others. If you can wait, you’ll probably get a better deal.
- If you don’t like the built-in smart TV system on your TV, you can always buy a media streamer instead of a whole new television. They’re cheap and easy to use. See our picks of the best media streamers.
- Most built-in speakers sound terrible, so it’s worthwhile to pair your new set with a soundbar or other speaker system. Good ones start at around $100. See the best soundbars.
Looking for even more info? Here’s everything to know about buying a new TV.
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