If you’re asking what is the best 43-inch smart TV, chances are that you’re looking for something to fit a space smaller than most living rooms.
Perhaps a bedroom or kitchen. This is great and means two things. You’re going to want to make sure you’re viewing distance is measured properly and you’re going to be able to save yourself some cash. Below is some information to help with all of that.
Check here our top picks:
- Best Overall 43 Inch TV – SONY X800D
- 43 Inch TV with High-End Features – SAMSUNG MU6300
- Best Smart TV with Roku System – TCL S405
- Best 43 Inch TV for Watching Movies – Samsung UN40J5200
- Top Choice 43-inch TV for Watching Sport – VIZIO E400i-B2
- Best TV for Watching in the Dark – Vizio M437-G0
- 40-43 inch TV With Best Viewing Angles – LG 43UM7300PUA
- Best 43 Inch TV for Gaming – TCL 43S525
See also: Best 40 inch smart TV
What Does 43 Inch Smart TV Offer?
In short 43 inches offers the same in terms of functionality and features that many high-end TVs would offer, but sadly this size of TV does not offer the same level of immersion.
This explains why the correct viewing distance is so important to help combat the level of immersion that is not regularly offered by small TVs.
Best 40-42-43 Inch TVs
Without further ado, I’ll now list the best 43-inch TVs. Sadly this size of the TV is often overlooked by many TV manufacturers, but that didn’t stop me from finding some great TVs.
1. SONY X800D (XBR43X800D)
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 43 inches |
| Display Type | LED |
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Smart TV | Yes |
| Operating System | Android TV |
| Processor | Quad-core |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 16GB |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Ports | 4 HDMI, 3 USB, Ethernet, Composite, Component, Digital Audio Out |
| Dimensions | 38.3 x 22.5 x 2.25 inches |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs |
This was a no-brainer. Sony tends to release strong TVs across all types of TVs and the X800D is no exception. The XBR43X800D version comes in at 43 inches and offers a great amount of versatility in terms of both picture value and motion handling. The smart features are basic but run well, and the inputs are good enough to connect many devices. Great stuff here from Sony.
2. SAMSUNG MU6300 (UN43MU6300)
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsung |
| Model | MU6300 (UN43MU6300) |
| Display Type | LED |
| Screen Size | 43 inches |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Smart TV | Yes |
| Processor | Quad-core |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, RCA, Optical Audio |
| Dimensions (without stand) | 38.4″ x 22.4″ x 2.3″ |
| Weight (without stand) | 19.6 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 year |
If you are not interested in a Sony TV, then the Samsung MU6300 would be the next best option. It offers a great number of high-end features as this model extends into larger sizes such as 65 inches. The motion handling needs work but is outperformed by its contrast ratio and very low input lag. You’re also likely to find this for a competing cost. So shopping around would be a bad thing.
Watch the following review for more info:
3. TCL S405 (43S405)
| Feature | TCL S405 (43S405) |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 43 inches |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz CMI |
| Smart TV | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 38.3 x 22.2 x 2.9 inches |
| Weight | 16.6 lbs |
| HDMI Ports | 3 |
| USB Ports | 1 |
| Wireless Connectivity | 802.11ac Dual-band Wi-Fi |
| Remote Control | Standard Roku remote |
The biggest flaw in the Sony X800D is often its price. This is where the S405 comes into play. It offers similar functionality at often times close to half the price. Also, note that the smart features are much better since they are powered by the Roku operating system. If you’re trying to save some cash this is most certainly the best option.
4. Samsung UN40J5200
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Display Size | 40 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Display Type | LED |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Smart TV | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 36.3 x 20.6 x 2.3 inches |
| Weight | 16.3 lbs |
| HDMI Ports | 2 |
| USB Ports | 2 |
| Audio Output | 20W |
If you’re looking for the best 43 inches smart TV, finding one better than the Samsung UN40J5200 would be hard. This model is packed with everything you need right out of the box to start streaming your favorite shows, movies and music.
You can download apps like Hulu, Prime Video, and Netflix right onto the TV for quick and easy access when you connect it to your home Wi-Fi. You can also connect your compatible Galaxy smartphone to share photos and videos with friends and family for easier screen mirroring.
Dolby DTS Premium Sound 5.1 audio technology is used by the dual 10 Watt speakers to create a virtual surround sound listening experience for more immersive music and film sounds. With up to 12 different compatible devices, the included Anynet+ remote control can be used, eliminating the need to fumble with multiple remote controls to run your home theatre.
The full-array LED screen is equipped with Eco Sensor technology which automatically detects the ambient light in the room and adjusts the brightness of the TVs so that you get the best possible picture in both bright and dark rooms.
5. VIZIO E400i-B2
| Features | VIZIO E400i-B2 |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 40 inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Smart TV | Yes |
| Inputs/Outputs | 2 HDMI, 1 USB, 1 Component, 1 Composite, 1 Ethernet |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 36.1 x 21.1 x 2.6 inches |
| Weight | 18.6 lbs |
For nearly 20 years Vizio has been a trusted name in television and their E400i-B2 model is the best 43 inches smart TV model in their collection. This TV features a full range backlit LED screen providing a full 1080p HD resolution for a crisp, clean image. Motion is smoothed out with a refresh rate of 60Hz so you never miss a detail when watching sports or your favorite shows and movies, even when the action gets intense.
The panel also includes five different active dimming zones that build a contrast ratio of two million to one for deep black colors and brighter whites, making specifics really show. The built-in tuner helps you to stream over-air channels without the need for a cable or satellite box so you can catch local broadcasts.
6. Vizio M437-G0
| Features | Vizio M437-G0 |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 43 inches |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160) |
| High Dynamic Range (HDR) | Yes, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz |
| Smart TV | Yes, VIZIO SmartCast with built-in Chromecast |
| Inputs | 4 HDMI, 1 Component, 1 Composite, 1 Ethernet, 1 USB |
| Speaker System | 2 x 10W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 38.39″ x 24.21″ x 8.27″ (with stand) |
| Weight | 20.94 lbs (with stand) |
The best 43 inches smart TV we’ve reviewed so far is the 2019 M437-G0 Quantum Vizio M7 Series. It is a great television that is suitable for almost every type of content. It uses a VA panel with an exceptional contrast ratio and impressive black uniformity, resulting in deep blacks when viewed in the dark. Its peak brightness can overcome glare in bright rooms but not quite high enough to deliver specular highlights in HDR content. It also has great handling of reflections and its color accuracy is truly impressive out of the box.
Response time is great on this TV. Fast-moving scenes look crisp, and an optional black frame insertion feature is available to help further reduce the motion blur appearance. If you are looking for a game on this TV, you should know that its input lag is exceptionally low, but the panel is limited to 60Hz and it does not support any technology of variable refresh rate.
Unfortunately, the viewing angles are sub-par as with most VA panels, making it less suitable for large rooms with wide seating arrangements.
If you want to use it as a large screen, this TV can display chroma 4:4:4 properly and its SmartCast interface is easy to use, though it can sometimes be rather laggy.
7. LG 43UM7300PUA
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Brand | LG |
| Model | 43UM7300PUA |
| Display Type | LED |
| Display Size | 43 inches |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Smart TV | Yes |
| Operating System | WebOS |
| Processor | Quad-Core Processor |
| Audio | DTS Virtual:X |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, HDMI, USB |
| Dimensions (with stand) | 38.5″ x 24.8″ x 8.5″ |
| Weight (with stand) | 18.5 lbs |
| Price | $349.99 |
If wide view angles are essential to you and you find that the 2019 Vizio M7 Series Quantum is not performing well in this regard, then check out the LG 43UM7300PUA. You won’t get the same blacks as the Samsung in a dark room, but the IPS panel ensures that the image remains accurate for wide viewing angles, so you can move around while watching TV.
Overall, LG provides decent image quality and is better suited to an average bright room. It runs a smart interface for the LG WebOS. It’s a smooth and easy-to-use smart TV platform with access to the content store of LG offering a wide selection of applications.
8. TCL 43S525
| Features | TCL 43S525 |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 43 inches |
| Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Display Type | LED |
| Backlight Type | Direct-lit LED |
| Smart TV | Yes |
| Operating System | Roku TV |
| HDR Compatibility | Dolby Vision, HDR10 |
| Audio | 2 Channel with 8W power output |
| HDMI Ports | 3 |
| USB Ports | 1 |
| Dimensions (with stand) | 38.2 x 24.5 x 7.6 inches |
| Weight (with stand) | 18.5 lbs |
The TCL 5 Series 43S525 is the best 43 inches smart TV we’ve reviewed. Because of its lack of features such as local dimming, the image quality of this TV isn’t quite as good as our top pick, but it uses Roku TV for its smart features, one of the most fluid and easy-to-use interfaces available. It does a decent job in reflection management and has a very good response time, making it decent for watching sports.
Thanks to its very low input lag it is a good TV for gaming, and if you want to use it as a PC monitor it also supports 4:4:4 chrome. Unfortunately, it can not get quite bright enough to pop up HDR content, though it has a nice wide color gamut and support for Dolby Vision. Luckily it has a superb native contrast ratio and it still delivers very deep and uniform blacks despite not having local dimming.
Overall, this Television does not deliver the biggest quality picture, and if you want something with very easy-to-use and fluid smart functionality, this is a great choice that can be found at a very low price. It’s worth noting that the 50 “and 55” versions are only marginally more expensive, and offer even better value if you’re not limited by space.
TV Viewing Distance Size Chart
There will be a chart in conjunction with this information to help you easily make sure you’re looking for the best size of TV for the living space you’re trying to fill. On the desktop, it will be to the right, and on mobile, it will be below, but why is the right viewing distance important?
Simply put immersion. An immersive experience is a good one and everyone is looking for the best experience. So by making sure your viewing distance is correct, you can help maximize everything a TV has to offer that isn’t hardware or software.
If you’re looking for the best 43-inch smart TVs, then your TV should be around 6.5 feet away or almost 2 meters for the best experience.
| TV Size | Viewing Distance |
| 32″ | ~5.0 feet / 1.5 m |
| 40″ | ~5.5 feet / 1.6 m |
| 43″ | ~6.5 feet / 1.9 m |
| 50″ | ~7.0 feet / 2.3 m |
| 55″ | ~8.0 feet / 2.4 m |
| 60″ | ~8.5 feet / 2.5 m |
| 65″ | ~9.0 feet / 2.7 m |
| 70″ | ~9.5 feet / 2.9 m |
| 75″ | ~12.0 feet / 3.6 m |
What Do Small TVs Cost in 2023?
No matter the time of year you should be able to find yourself small TVs at a reasonably small cost. There are not many high-end models that are sized at 43 inches. So finding a deal should be very easy.
There are three different things to note when looking at this graph. The three colors.
- Yellow is for a TV that is often too cheap to be true. You’ll often be lacking features or better-performing basics that a normally priced TV would have.
- Green is for TVs that are often reasonably priced for the features they offer. You’re likely to get a deal when you find a TV size within the green prices.
- Red is for TVs that are often overpriced. They do not offer a considerable amount of advantages for the features they often charge for. This is also when oftentimes you are charged a price premium for a brand’s name. Such as Sony or Samsung.
This means that there is less competition in terms of feature diversity and high-end costs. You’ll simply just be saving money on smaller TVs. So expect that when you’re looking for a TV under 50 inches that it is likely to be a mid-range TV.
FAQ
Do all 43-inch smart TVs support HDMI 2.1?
No, not all 43-inch smart TVs support HDMI 2.1. The HDMI 2.1 specification is relatively new and not all manufacturers have adopted it yet. It’s important to check the specifications of the specific TV model you are interested in to see if it supports HDMI 2.1.
Which streaming apps are typically available on 43-inch smart TVs?
43-inch smart TVs offer you the ability to stream movies, TV shows, and many more through the most popular streaming apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube, and many more.
Can you table mount a 43-inch TV?
Yes, most 43-inch TVs can be table mounted. However, it is important to check the TV’s specifications to ensure that it is compatible with the type of table mount you plan to use.
Some TV models may require specific VESA patterns or mounting hardware, so it’s important to double-check before purchasing a table mount. Additionally, make sure the table you plan to mount the TV on is sturdy and can support the weight of the TV.
What is the refresh rate on a TV?
Refresh rate refers to the number of times the TV screen refreshes the entire on-screen image per second. This is measured in Herz, so for example, 60 Herz TVs refresh images 60 times, and 120 ones do it 120 times.
What are HDR and HDR10+?
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and it adds light, crispness, and depth to your TV picture, improving the overall viewing experience. On the other hand, HDR10+ is an extension of this feature and creates an even better picture.
Are 43-inch smart TVs good for gaming?
Absolutely. They are large enough to provide you with an exceptional gaming experience with their lively colors, excellent brightness, and great response time. If you are buying a TV exclusively for gaming, make sure that you check its input lag and refresh rate since these are very important features for modern video games.
Final thoughts
The suggestions above are what we think are actually the best 43-inch TVs to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the reviews from our guests, and availability (no TVs that are difficult to find or completely out of stock everywhere).
When you want to do the job of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our TV reviews that have a scale of 43 inches. Be careful not to get too lost in the specifics. Although no television is perfect, most televisions are decent enough to satisfy almost everyone, and the variations are sometimes not apparent unless you look for them really.