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The Best 40 Inch TV

Last updated on October 26, 2020
Best 40 Inch TV

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Our Picks For The Top 40 Inch TVs

Show Contents
Our Take
  Best All-Purpose

TCL 40S325 40-Inch 1080p Smart LED Roku TV

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

TCL

40S325 40-Inch 1080p Smart LED Roku TV

Overall Take

Top-Quality Color and ContrastVivid colors and high-quality contrast make the picture on this TV impressive.

  Great for Sports

Hisense 40-Inch Class H4 LED Roku Smart TV

Hisense

40-Inch Class H4 LED Roku Smart TV

Overall Take

Vibrant and ImpressiveMotion rate 120-image processing keeps picture lag to a minimum to ensure fast-moving entertainment such as sporting events are clear.

  Best for Beginners

VIZIO D40-D1 40-Inch Full Array LED Smart TV

VIZIO

D40-D1 40-Inch Full Array LED Smart TV

Overall Take

LED BacklightThe LED backlight on this TV is full array, which means it distributes the light behind the entire screen for a consistent picture performance.

  Best for Gaming

Skyworth E20300 40-Inch 1080P Android Smart TV

Skyworth

E20300 40-Inch 1080P Android Smart TV

Overall Take

Fast Loading TimeThe infinity A53 quad-core processor on this TV ensures that when you load an app, you get a relatively speedy experience.

Guide written by Stephanie Faris
Last updated on October 26, 2020

A 40-inch TV is great for a variety of areas of your home. Whether you’re buying a primary TV or a secondary set for a bedroom or another room, a 40-inch can help you save money while still enjoying the entertainment you want.

But you don’t have to sacrifice on quality just because you’re saving a little money. Many of the same technologies built into the largest big-screen TVs are available in smaller sizes. In fact, you may be able to splurge on a better TV in a smaller size than you’d be able to afford in a larger one.

When looking for a 40-inch TV, it’s important to stick with a resolution of at least 1080p. If you can find one with 4K resolution or better within your budget, even better. But 1080p will get you the quality you need.

Resolution isn’t the only factor when it comes to a good image, though. Many of today’s TVs use special technology to deliver crisp, clear colors, as well as contrast that gives the picture depth. If you tend to spend time watching sports or action movies, also make sure you get a TV with a solid refresh rate and a high motion rate to keep things smooth.

If you spend any time watching streaming programming, a smart TV is a wise investment. With a smart TV, you can access top streaming apps, along with other services, from your main screen. Pay close attention to the streaming services that will be supported to make sure your favorite app is accessible from the TV.

Lastly, if the retailer offers a warranty, check first to make sure your credit card doesn’t cover it. Some credit cards cover defective purchases. Your TV may come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty to cover some things during the first year or so of ownership. Instead of paying for a warranty, you may be better off to set the money aside in case you have to get the TV repaired at some point.

The Best 40 Inch TVs

1
  Best All-Purpose

TCL 40S325 40-Inch 1080p Smart LED Roku TV

You'll get full 1080p HD with this TV, which provides top-notch color and contrast to enhance your viewing experience. It comes with Roku TV, which gives you 5,000 streaming channels, including Netflix, Hulu and YouTube. You can also search for shows and issue commands via voice control using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Features


Specifications

Brand
TCL
Model
2
  Great for Sports

Hisense 40-Inch Class H4 LED Roku Smart TV

You'll get 1080p HD video and motion rate 120-image processing for a crisp, clear picture. Roku TV is built in to give you access to thousands of shows on streaming services. With this model, you can not only control your TV with the remote, but also with an iOS or Android device using the Roku app.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Hisense
Model
3
  Best for Beginners

VIZIO D40-D1 40-Inch Full Array LED Smart TV

This TV gives you access to internet apps via a built-in menu, letting you stream shows and movies using the most popular apps. With Clear Action 240, you get a 60 Hz refresh rate to provide top-quality images even when you're watching action films or sports. This TV features 1080p Full HD resolution to provide a clear picture every time.

Features


Specifications

Brand
VIZIO
Model
4
  Best for Gaming

Skyworth E20300 40-Inch 1080P Android Smart TV

This TV maximizes screen size with bezels as small as 1mm, making the frame barely visible from a distance. Pair the screen with a surround-sound speaker system to get the full theater experience. Streaming apps are provided through the Google Play store, which you can access from the main screen.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Skyworth
Model
5
  Best Basic

Sceptre 40-Inch FHD 1080P LED TV

This is a great basic model if you're looking for a TV that doesn't have streaming apps built in. You can still use an external device for streaming, thanks to three HDMI ports, a USB, a composite, Bluetooth and VGA. A built-in tuner will help you connect to cable without using an antenna. The technology delivers twice as many frames as 60Hz.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Sceptre
Model

Our 40 Inch TV Buying Guide

A 40-inch TV is great for a variety of areas of your home. Whether you’re buying a primary TV or a secondary set for a bedroom or another room, a 40-inch can help you save money while still enjoying the entertainment you want.

But you don’t have to sacrifice on quality just because you’re saving a little money. Many of the same technologies built into the largest big-screen TVs are available in smaller sizes. In fact, you may be able to splurge on a better TV in a smaller size than you’d be able to afford in a larger one.

When looking for a 40-inch TV, it’s important to stick with a resolution of at least 1080p. If you can find one with 4K resolution or better within your budget, even better. But 1080p will get you the quality you need.

Resolution isn’t the only factor when it comes to a good image, though. Many of today’s TVs use special technology to deliver crisp, clear colors, as well as contrast that gives the picture depth. If you tend to spend time watching sports or action movies, also make sure you get a TV with a solid refresh rate and a high motion rate to keep things smooth.

If you spend any time watching streaming programming, a smart TV is a wise investment. With a smart TV, you can access top streaming apps, along with other services, from your main screen. Pay close attention to the streaming services that will be supported to make sure your favorite app is accessible from the TV.

Lastly, if the retailer offers a warranty, check first to make sure your credit card doesn’t cover it. Some credit cards cover defective purchases. Your TV may come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty to cover some things during the first year or so of ownership. Instead of paying for a warranty, you may be better off to set the money aside in case you have to get the TV repaired at some point.

DWYM Fun Fact

An estimated 39.3 million people have become “cord cutters” as of 2019. A cord cutter has done away with cable and satellite services in favor of solely relying on streaming services. Some choose to access local channels using a tuner or antenna, but they aren’t paying a monthly service to a cable company or satellite provider. They still need internet, though, so you don’t have to worry about cable companies going out of business since many of them also offer internet service. Surprisingly, Netflix now has more subscribers than cable and satellite combined, and that doesn’t even include the number of other streaming services that have numerous subscribers.

The 40 Inch TV Tips and Advice

  • Many TVs are lacking in the sound department. It’s best to invest in a good speaker system and let it handle your sound.
  • For smooth video, look for the TV that has the best refresh rate. You should at least shoot for one that has 60Hz. This will make a big difference when you’re watching action scenes or sports.
  • Before you buy, pay attention to the way streaming video is delivered. Some TVs build in Roku, which is a solid streaming app that connects you to 5,000 shows and movies. Many others use their own proprietary streaming software or connect you to Google Play for apps.
  • Inputting a show name using your remote can be a complicated experience. It can help to have a voice assistant built into your TV. Many of today’s TVs feature virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to let you perform searches via voice command.
  • LEDs use light to create a vivid picture. Some have built-in technology that evenly distributes the light for a clear, consistent viewing experience.
  • The processor also plays a role in a TV’s performance. If you’re buying a smart TV, the processor can speed up load times so you aren’t waiting around for your favorite streaming service to start up.
  • If you choose not to buy a smart TV, check to make sure the TV you’re buying is compatible with an external streaming device. You’ll need either Bluetooth capabilities or a port that is compatible with the device you choose.
  • For true cord cutters, it’s important to make sure you can get local channels in case you may eventually want them. You may need an antenna or tuner to access broadcast TV so that you can access the channels that are available for free in your area.

About The Author

Stephanie Faris 

Stephanie Faris is a former information technology professional who spent most of her career working with computers and printers. Now a novelist and professional writer, her writings on electronics have been published on top tech sites. When she isn't writing about technology, she's often checking out the latest news on the upcoming iPhone release.