Whereas many consumers are likely to gravitate towards 55- and 65-inch TVs, each huge and small manufacturers provide wonderful small-screen choices with options for house leisure. You will nonetheless get premium sensible options like built-in voice controls, help for a whole lot of streaming apps, and net searching with out the excessive value of a much bigger mannequin.
A 40-inch class OLED TV is a superb, but costly, TV for players in search of a dependable display to make use of with each PCs and consoles, with a 120Hz refresh fee and VRR help. A 40-inch TV can also be a great choice when you’re in search of a funds TV, which frequently retails effectively beneath $1,000, barring OLED choices.Â
In our Could replace, we carried out minor editorial adjustments and checked product availability and pricing.
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Finest television offers of the week
Offers are chosen by the CNET Group commerce crew, and could also be unrelated to this text.
What’s the finest 40-inch TV proper now?
The Sony Bravia 2 II is my alternative for the very best 40-inch TV you should purchase. With an honest steadiness between value and options, you will not must compromise on issues like image high quality or app help to be able to get a fantastic TV at a great value. It options 4K decision with a 60Hz refresh fee for clear particulars and smoother movement whereas watching dwell sports activities or streaming fast-paced motion pictures and exhibits. It even has unique VRR help for console gaming on the PS5.Â
Additionally:Â The best picks for 32-inch TVs: Top small TVs compared
The very best 40-inch TVs of 2026
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Kerry Wan/ZDNET
Why we prefer it:Â The Sony Bravia 2 II is a superb choice in order for you a smaller-screen TV that also affords loads of sensible options in addition to nice image and audio high quality. You will get 4K decision and a 60Hz refresh fee, supplying you with smoother motion for all the things from dwell sports activities and streaming to console gaming. You will additionally get unique VRR help for the PS5 to stop display tearing and stuttering.
Who it is for: Whether or not you are a film buff or avid gamer, the Sony Bravia 2 II affords respectable image high quality for the value. It additionally packs in loads of further options like Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls, HDR help, and AI-assisted upscaling.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the Sony Bravia 2 II is a wonderful mannequin from a well known model, it is also on the upper aspect of inexpensive. In the event you’re in search of one thing with a lower cost tag, there are many different choices on this checklist.
Sony Bravia 2 II tech specs –Â Display measurement:Â 43 inches | Panel sort:Â LED | Refresh fee:Â 60Hz | Decision:Â 4K | HDR:Â HDR10 | Audio:Â DTS:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant
Additionally: The best Sony TVs you can buy
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Hisense/ZDNET
Why we prefer it: The Hisense QD6 blends the convenience of the Hearth TV platform with a extra sturdy construct than Amazon’s namesake TVs. With 4K decision and a 60Hz refresh fee, clear particulars and clean movement imply a greater viewing expertise. A devoted Filmmaker Mode is tailored for film buffs. The automated body fee, shade, and audio changes let you possibly can watch your favourite movies as they had been meant to be seen.
Who it is for:Â The QD6 is an efficient alternative in order for you a budget-friendly TV that is going to ship a stable streaming efficiency with respectable image and audio. Dolby Imaginative and prescient and Dolby Atmos present a extra immersive viewing and listening expertise whereas streaming motion pictures, music, and even whereas gaming in your favourite console. With AirPlay help, you can share media out of your iOS gadgets for extra methods to entertain household and buddies.
Who ought to look elsewhere:Â The Hisense QD6 is a superb TV for anybody who has moved to solely streaming, however the Hearth TV platform will not be your best option in case your sensible house community relies on the Google House or Apple HomeKit system. Help for non-Alexa digital assistants will be hit and miss.
Hisense QD6 tech specs –Â Display measurement:Â 43 inches |Â Panel sort:Â QLED |Â Refresh fee:Â 60Hz |Â Decision:Â 4K |Â HDR:Â Dolby Imaginative and prescient |Â Audio:Â Dolby Atmos |Â Voice controls:Â Alexa, Google Assistant
Learn extra: I tested the best Hisense TVs for streaming, gaming, and more
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Samsung/ZDNET
Why we prefer it: In the event you’ve totally lower the twine, however do not significantly look after the FireTV ecosystem, the Samsung U7900 is a superb TV for dwell TV, motion pictures, and exhibits. The 4K decision and 60Hz refresh fee present respectable image high quality whereas Samsung’s Object Monitoring Sound Lite expertise provides you 3D audio that follows the on-screen motion.
Who it is for: With help for 1000’s of streaming apps, together with Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+, you can create a customized line-up of your favorites, so that you by no means miss your favourite exhibits and flicks. It is also suitable with the Samsung SmartThings app for seamless integration into your sensible house community.Â
Who ought to look elsewhere: The Samsung U7900 is an honest mid-range sensible TV, even at such a small display measurement. In the event you’re in search of the very best image and sound cash can purchase within the 40-inch measurement class, you will must spring for a way more costly OLED choice.
Samsung U7900 tech specs –Â Display measurement:Â 43 inches |Â Panel sort:Â LED |Â Refresh fee:Â 60Hz |Â Decision:Â 4K |Â HDR:Â HDR10+ |Â Audio:Â Object Monitoring Sound Lite |Â Voice controls:Â Alexa, Bixby, Google Assistant
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Why we prefer it: The LG C5 OLED affords a few of the finest image high quality you will get in a TV, particularly at this measurement class. The OLED panel provides you enhanced distinction, cleaner particulars, and higher shade accuracy for extra lifelike photos. The 120Hz refresh fee provides you a few of the smoothest motion in dwell sports activities and fast-paced media you will get at this measurement class whereas Dolby Imaginative and prescient HDR helps even upscaled content material look its finest.
Who it is for: The LG C5 OLED is a 40-inch TV for anybody who’s prepared to spend a bit further to get among the best TVs you should purchase, at any display measurement. With signature OLED image high quality, the C5 OLED is simply at house as your primary display as it might be as a secondary TV in your bed room.
Who ought to look elsewhere: With premium high quality comes a premium value, and the LG C5 OLED isn’t any exception. Because it makes use of OLED expertise, it is one of the costly 40-inch TVs you should purchase. You possibly can typically discover it on sale, however when you’re working with a restricted funds, there’s yet one more choice to have a look at.
LG C5 OLED tech specs –Â Display measurement:Â 42 inches |Â Panel sort:Â OLED |Â Refresh fee:Â 120Hz |Â Decision:Â 4K |Â HDR:Â Dolby Imaginative and prescient |Â Audio:Â Dolby Atmos |Â Voice controls:Â Alexa, Google Assistant
Learn the evaluate: Why I recommend the LG C5 OLED over more premium models
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TCL/ZDNet
Why we prefer it: The TCL Q35F is a superb choice when you’re merely in search of a stable TV that may deal with your entire favourite streaming apps or to make use of as a second display in your bed room or workplace. Usually retailing for round $230, it could possibly usually be discovered on sale for $150 or much less when you preserve a pointy eye out. With 1080p decision and a 60Hz refresh fee, you will get a fantastic image for streaming, dwell sports activities and information, and even console gaming.Â
The Hearth TV platform provides you entry to your complete Prime library in addition to a whole lot of different apps and Alexa Abilities to show your front room, house theater, or different areas into leisure hubs. Built-in Alexa voice controls provide you with hands-free use of your new TV, whereas help for AirPlay permits you to share video, photographs, and music out of your iOS gadgets.
Who it is for: The TCLQ35F makes use of the Hearth TV platform, so when you already use an Amazon Echo sensible speaker or different Alexa-enabled gadgets, you possibly can simply combine your new TV into your sensible house community. And whereas it does not present 4K decision or help for Dolby Atmos digital encompass sound, you will nonetheless get nice image and audio high quality so you possibly can take pleasure in your favourite sports activities and media.
Who ought to look elsewhere: In the event you aren’t significantly keen on the Hearth TV and Amazon-centric platform, the TCL Q35F may not be for you, as it’s going to have a whole lot of options that you simply will not use (or need). And as talked about earlier than, it does not help 4K decision, HDR, or Dolby Atmos audio, so when you’re in search of one thing with a little bit extra by way of image and sound, you will must spring for one thing a little bit costlier.
TCL Q35F tech specs – Display measurement: 40 inches | Panel sort: QLED | Refresh fee: 60Hz | Decision: 1080p | HDR: N/A | Audio: Dolby | Voice controls: Alexa
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I selected the Sony Bravia 2 II as the very best 40-inch TV you should purchase due to its steadiness between value and options.Â
You will get nice 4K decision with a 60Hz refresh fee, making it a fantastic alternative for all the things from dwell sports activities and streaming to console gaming. The Google TV platform provides you entry to a whole lot of common streaming apps in addition to built-in Google Assistant voice controls for hands-free use of your new TV.
|
Finest 40-inch TV |
Worth |
HDR |
Audio |
|
Sony Bravia 2 II |
$400 |
HDR10 |
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X |
|
Hisense QD6 |
$200 |
Dolby Imaginative and prescient |
Dolby Atmos |
|
Samsung U7900 |
$228 |
HDR10+ |
Object Monitoring Sound Lite |
|
LG C5 OLED |
$999 |
Dolby Imaginative and prescient |
Dolby Atmos |
|
TCL Q35F |
$150 |
N/A |
Dolby DTS |
Whereas searching for a brand new TV, irrespective of the dimensions, it is important to remember precisely how you will be utilizing it. In the event you’re slicing the twine along with your cable or satellite tv for pc supplier, you will desire a mannequin that gives a preloaded suite of common apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ and the flexibility to obtain 1000’s extra. In the event you’re in search of a budget-friendly secondary display in your bed room or children’ playroom, you will must determine in order for you 4K or 1080p HD decision. And whereas console players will not precisely be spoiled for alternative, it’s doable to search out 40-inch class TVs that provide some form of VRR help in addition to a 120Hz native refresh fee.
|
Purchase this 40-inch TV… |
In the event you want… |
|
Sony Bravia 2 II |
A well-rounded TV that gives premium-grade image and audio high quality in a smaller package deal. |
|
Hisense QD6 |
A budget-friendly Hearth TV that matches into smaller areas like bedrooms and residential workplaces. |
|
Samsung U7900 |
A 40-inch TV that’s nearly tailored for streaming with entry to free dwell TV with Samsung TV Plus in addition to help for common apps like Netflix and HBO Max. |
|
LG C5 OLED |
A high-end OLED TV that may flip even the smallest areas into an honest house theater. |
|
TCL Q35F |
An extremely budget-friendly 40-inch TV that also affords loads of sensible options so you do not have to decide on between getting a fantastic TV and saving cash. |
Whereas searching for a 40-inch TV, there are just a few components you want to remember to be able to keep on-budget and get the very best worth in your cash:
- Worth: Whereas a 40-inch TV goes to be way more inexpensive than its 65-inch, or bigger, counterparts, there’s nonetheless a considerably big selection of value factors to select from. Every affords completely different units of options, so each 40-inch mannequin has been chosen for the way a lot worth it affords in comparison with its value.
- Decision: Whereas TVs with native 4K decision are commonplace, it is nonetheless doable to search out 40-inch fashions with solely 1080p decision. It is vital to double-check that the 40-inch mannequin you’ve got chosen goes to supply the decision you need; you do not wish to must undergo the trouble of a return due to a easy mistake. Nearly all of my decisions on this checklist are able to 4K, although I did embrace just a few different picks that had been 1080p.
- Options: Simply since you’ll get a smaller display with a super-budget price ticket doesn’t suggest you will must sacrifice options you’ve got come to count on as customary for house leisure. Whether or not you get a 4K or 1080p mannequin, every 40-inch TV featured on this checklist has been ensured to help common streaming apps, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and help for digital assistants like Alexa.
Whereas testing and researching every 40-inch TV featured on this checklist, I and different ZDNET consultants stored these standards in thoughts:
- Model integrity: Every TV we selected for this checklist is from a good model with verified customer support choices for returns, exchanges, and troubleshooting.
- Sensible options: As customers come to count on sure sensible options as customary, we included TV fashions on this finest checklist that provide Wi-Fi connectivity, pre-installed streaming apps, and digital assistant help.
- Causes to improve: Every TV on this checklist affords some form of motive to improve over its predecessor. Whether or not that be a brighter display, higher HDR and audio help, or enhanced on-line privateness with devoted safety chips.
Newest information on TVs
- In January 2026, Sony entered a tentative settlement to promote a majority stake within the Bravia TV model to TCL. Fashions made by the co-owned model are anticipated to hit shops in 2027.
- At CES, we noticed dozens of new and high-tech TVs we will not wait to achieve the market. An enormous theme for the present was RGB backlighting, which we predict will utterly substitute LED shows within the close to future. The LG W6 Wallpaper was undoubtedly the belle of the ball at CES 2026, showcasing an nearly mind-bogglingly skinny design measuring simply 9mm. It achieves this by eradicating lots of the cumbersome inner elements that make up a high-end OLED TV and inserting them in a wi-fi Zero Join Field.Â
- The Samsung S95H was named a Best of CES award for house theater, because of its 35% larger brightness, an all-metal design, and the flexibility to securely show static art work from the Artwork Retailer with out burn-in.Â
A 40-inch TV can be utilized as a monitor with out many points. Although I might solely advocate doing this when you use your pc for informal net browsing, streaming, or typical workplace work. Since a TV normally does not have the identical refresh fee and latency as a monitor, it may not be your best option for video editors or PC players.
Sure. With caveats.
In the event you’re in a position to see your dorm room earlier than you progress in, both on a basic campus tour or throughout scholar orientation, I extremely advocate taking a tape measure with you to scout out potential spots for a TV. Nothing is extra irritating than hauling your TV and all the things else you want for school all the way in which to campus solely to must ship it again house along with your mother and father as a result of it will not match the place you deliberate.
A 40-inch mannequin ought to match most areas, particularly when you’re in a position to set it on high of a dresser or armoire. Ensure you verify campus/dorm coverage about wall mounting so you do not incur restore expenses or the wrath of your RAs. It might even be useful to go away your 40-inch TV at house (or the shop if you have not bought it but) till you possibly can rearrange your dorm furnishings to optimize the area; you possibly can all the time carry it again with you after a weekend house go to.
In the event you’re apprehensive about nice particulars getting misplaced on a smaller display, you should not be. Display panel expertise for televisions has superior quite a bit for the reason that first flat-panel and 4K fashions hit the market, and loads of smaller screens are able to producing clear, clear 4K decision for streaming, gaming, and supported broadcast media.
Nonetheless, when you’re seeking to save a bit of money, a 1080p mannequin will likely be a bit cheaper than one with 4K. And a 40-inch, 1080p TV remains to be a fantastic choice as a second display in your bed room, kitchen, or children’ playroom.
Newest updates
- Could 2026: We carried out minor editorial adjustments and checked product availability and pricing.
- February 2026: We changed the Toshiba V35 with the TCL Q35F as our choose for the very best funds 40-inch TV. We additionally included information on TVs from CES.Â
Extra 40-inch TVs to contemplate
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Roku
Roku’s very personal mid-range sensible TV affords 4K decision and a 60Hz refresh fee for a smoother streaming expertise. The Roku platform provides you entry to 1000’s of apps like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max so you possibly can flip any room into the final word leisure hub.Â
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Insignia/ZDNET
The Insignia F40 is one other nice alternative when you’re seeking to choose up a second display on-the-cheap or an honest sensible TV that is not going to interrupt the financial institution. You will get 1080p decision with a 60Hz refresh fee, built-in Alexa voice controls, DTS Digital:X audio, and help for a whole lot of common apps.
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In search of extra methods to optimize your property theater expertise? Try how to disable motion interpolation in your TV, and how to mirror your Android phone to your TV in three straightforward methods.Â
TV Fashions Reviewed and In contrast
