So, you’re in the market for a 40-inch TV in the UK and want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck. Whether it’s for a bedroom, second lounge, student flat, or a more compact living space, finding the right TV with the right features at the right price can be a bit overwhelming.

But don’t worry—we’ve got your back! In this guide, we’ve done the heavy lifting by testing and reviewing some of the best 40-inch TVs currently available in the UK, with a focus on smart features, picture quality, sound performance, ease of setup, and overall value.

After hours of hands-on testing, the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series emerged as our Editor’s Pick, delivering standout performance, intuitive Fire TV integration, and excellent value for money.

Looking for a reliable alternative? The Hisense 40A4NTUK impressed us with its rich sound and smooth smart platform, earning our Runner-Up spot. If you’re on a tighter budget, the RCA Roku 40" Smart TV surprised us with great everyday performance at a wallet-friendly price point.

And just so you don’t waste time or cash, we’ve also flagged one TV to avoid, based on serious performance letdowns. Read on to find the best 40-inch TV to suit your setup—and avoid the ones that just don’t deliver.

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The Standard Features Every 40-Inch TV Should Include

When purchasing a 40-inch TV, certain features and specifications should be considered standard at this screen size and price point. These are the essentials that ensure a decent viewing experience and day-to-day functionality:

• Full HD Resolution (1920x1080): At 40 inches, Full HD is the standard for sharp picture quality and detail.
• HDR Support: Basic HDR10 or HLG support is now typical and helps enhance contrast and colour depth.
• Built-in Smart TV Platform: Whether it's Fire TV, Roku, VIDAA, or Android TV, expect access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube.
• WiFi Connectivity: Essential for streaming content directly from the internet.
• Multiple HDMI Ports (at least 2): Necessary for connecting consoles, soundbars, or other devices.
• USB Port(s): Handy for playing media from external storage.
• Bluetooth or HDMI ARC: Allows private listening via headphones and easy integration with soundbars.

Design and Build Quality

While performance matters, the look and feel of the TV can affect how well it fits into your space—especially for wall mounting or sleek setups.

• Slim Bezels: A narrow frame offers a modern, minimalistic appearance and maximises screen space.
• Compact Footprint: Ideal for smaller rooms or tighter entertainment setups.
• Lightweight Construction: Easier to mount and move around, especially for renters or shared living spaces.
• Sturdy Stand or Dual Position Legs: Flexibility in placement and secure support are essential for console setups.
• Build Materials: Even at budget prices, expect quality plastics or brushed finishes that don’t feel cheap.

Extra Features You’ll Be Glad to Have

Beyond the essentials, the best 40-inch TVs often come with added functionality that enhances the user experience and future-proofs your investment.

• Voice Control (via Alexa, Google Assistant, or built-in mic): Enables hands-free searching and control.
• Screen Mirroring or Apple AirPlay Compatibility: Lets you share content from your phone or tablet to the TV.
• Game Mode or Low Latency Mode: Ideal for casual gamers looking for smooth input response.
• Dolby Vision Audio or DTS Support: Improves sound clarity and enhances cinematic viewing.
• Ethernet Port: Offers more stable streaming for areas with weak WiFi.
• Energy Efficiency Ratings: Good for reducing electricity costs over time.

By keeping these core expectations and features in mind, you'll be better equipped to choose a 40-inch TV that not only meets your needs but feels like a smart, future-ready purchase.

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Editors Pick

Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series (Newest gen) | 1080p HD smart TV

The Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series delivers exceptional value for anyone looking for a compact, feature-rich smart TV. With vivid HD visuals, built-in Fire TV, and seamless Alexa integration, it’s a great fit for bedrooms, small living rooms or secondary spaces.

Setup is simple, and the experience feels modern and intuitive from the start.

Key Features

• 1080p HD Resolution: Crisp picture quality with HDR10 and HLG support for improved contrast and colours.
• Smart Streaming Hub: Access Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and more through built-in Fire TV.
• Alexa Voice Remote: Search shows, control smart devices, and ask questions using just your voice.
• Bluetooth & HDMI ARC: Private listening via Bluetooth headphones and easy audio upgrades with ARC.
• Quick Setup & Lightweight Design: Out-of-the-box ready with your Amazon account pre-linked.

We recently tested the 40-inch Fire TV and were impressed by how easily it blended into our daily routines. The picture was sharp, colours were accurate, and the built-in Fire TV interface offered an easy way to stream content across platforms without needing an extra device.

Its integration with Alexa meant we could quickly check weather updates or control our lights without lifting a finger. The sound quality was decent on its own, but we liked that you could easily link it to a soundbar or headphones via HDMI ARC or Bluetooth.

For casual viewing, gaming TV, or as a second TV in another room, this model is versatile, responsive, and practical. The slim design made it easy to mount and it felt well-built despite the budget-friendly price.

If you're after a smart, compact television that delivers excellent everyday performance, this one is hard to beat.

Runner Up

Hisense 40 Inch Smart TV 40A4NTUK - FHD Resolution

The Hisense 40A4NTUK earns its place as our runner-up for Best 40 Inch TV thanks to its excellent balance of modern features, solid performance, and accessible pricing. It’s a reliable smart TV with enough advanced functionality to satisfy most day-to-day viewing needs.

Key Features

• Full HD Display: Crisp 1920x1080 resolution delivers clear, vibrant images for casual viewing.
• DTS Virtual:X Audio: 14W speakers offer enhanced sound clarity without extra hardware.
• Smart Platform: VIDAA U7 gives access to Netflix, Disney+, Freeview Play, and more.
• Connectivity Options: Includes WiFi, 2x HDMI (1 with eARC), 2x USB, Ethernet, and headphone jack.
• Bezelless Design: Slim build and dual stand options make it an easy fit for modern setups.

We tested the Hisense 40A4NTUK and found it to be a strong mid-tier option that outperforms its price tag. The Full HD display is sharp and consistent, even when viewed from wide angles, and the AI Sports Mode handled fast motion well.

Sound was surprisingly rich from the built-in speakers, with enough volume and clarity for everyday use.

Setting it up was quick—just connect it to WiFi, and the interface guides you through with ease. The VIDAA system is responsive and packed with apps, and screen mirroring from mobile worked flawlessly. Though the remote is fairly basic, it gets the job done.

Connectivity is robust, and the dual stand design adds flexibility whether you’re placing it on a console or wall mounting. For anyone seeking a 40-inch smart TV that delivers more than the basics, the 40A4NTUK is an excellent second choice.

Budget Pick

RCA Roku TV 40" FHD Smart TV, RK40FQ1 40 Inch TV with Apple TV

The RCA Roku TV is a great option if you're after an affordable 40" screen with smart functionality. It's slim, lightweight, and packs in the essential features for everyday use—making it a solid choice for bedrooms, student flats, or small lounges.

Key Features

• Full HD with HDR: Enjoy vibrant colours and better contrast for more detail across TV shows and films.
• Smart with Roku OS: Built-in apps include Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.
• Apple TV Compatible: Seamlessly stream from iPhones or iPads without extra devices.
• Dolby Audio & DTS Sound: Clear audio for everyday viewing, with options to enhance via soundbar.
• Generous Port Selection: Includes HDMI, USB, RF, RJ45, and Optical—ideal for consoles and media sticks.

We tested the RCA Roku TV in two rooms and were pleased with the results. Setup was fast, and the Roku interface was smooth and easy to navigate. Streaming apps worked reliably, and the picture quality exceeded our expectations for the price.

Colours were rich, and motion remained smooth on HD content. Sound is fine for casual viewing, but we’d recommend a soundbar for deeper audio.

The unit is lightweight—great for mounting—but doesn’t feel overly sturdy. We also experienced occasional WiFi dropouts, so wired connectivity may be more stable. Viewing angles aren’t the widest, but the image is crisp when viewed head-on.

If you're shopping on a budget and want a reliable TV with key smart features and solid performance, this RCA model is well worth considering. It’s particularly good for spare rooms, rentals, or anyone wanting a straightforward smart TV without breaking the bank.

Best 40" High Quality Picture Pick

EMtronics EM40ROK Roku TV 40" Inch Full HD 1080p Smart with Netflix

The EMtronics EM40ROK delivers everything you need in a compact and reliable smart TV. With a vivid Full HD display, built-in Roku streaming, and voice assistant compatibility, it’s a well-rounded choice for bedrooms, kitchens, or lounges.

It offers simple controls, crisp visuals, and quick access to all your favourite apps.

Key Features

• Full HD Display: A 40" screen with edge-to-edge clarity and vibrant colour for an immersive viewing experience.
• Roku Smart Platform: Instant access to Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and 100,000+ shows via a user-friendly interface.
• Easy Setup: Quick to install with either the included remote or Roku mobile app.
• Smart Home Ready: Integrates with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple AirPlay for hands-free control.
• Lightweight Design: Easy to move, making it ideal for any room.
• Good Sound Quality: Clear audio for everyday use with optional soundbar support for enhanced depth.

We recently tested the EMtronics EM40ROK, and it quickly impressed us with its ease of use and sharp, vibrant picture. Set-up was seamless and done in minutes using the remote or mobile app. The Roku platform is smooth, fast, and loaded with all the popular streaming services right out of the box.

The TV fits beautifully in smaller spaces and is light enough to handle without effort. The smart assistant compatibility worked well, letting us launch content using voice commands. While the sound was decent, we’d recommend a soundbar if you want richer audio.

The only drawback we found was the lack of Bluetooth support for headphones, but the Roku app offers a good workaround. Overall, this TV hits the sweet spot for image quality, smart features, and value—making it our high-quality pick.

Best 40" Smart TV Pick

CHiQ ROKU TV L40G5NK, 40 Inch Smart TV

The CHiQ ROKU TV L40G5NK stands out as the best 40" Smart TV for its brilliant display, simple interface, and smart features. Whether you’re into streaming, gaming, or casual viewing, this TV makes everyday use smooth, responsive, and enjoyable—at a great value.

Key Features

• Vibrant Display: Full HD resolution with HDR10 for deeper contrast and richer colours.
• Smart Platform: Built-in Roku interface offers fast access to major streaming apps and inputs.
• Remote Simplicity: Easy-to-use remote with shortcut buttons for top services.
• Voice Assistant Ready: Works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple AirPlay, and HomeKit.
• Mobile App: The Roku app allows voice search, private listening, and full remote functionality.
• Sound Quality: Dolby Audio enhances dialogue and cinematic sound effects.
• Design: Lightweight with slim bezels—great for wall mounting or tabletop setup.
• Connections: Multiple HDMI and USB ports support consoles, soundbars, and media players.

We recently tested the CHiQ ROKU TV L40G5NK and found it to be one of the most user-friendly Smart TVs in its class. Setup took minutes, and we had instant access to our favourite apps through the intuitive Roku home screen.

The remote kept things simple and direct, while the mobile app gave us extra flexibility for private listening and easy navigation.

Picture quality was impressive—crisp and bright, with smooth playback during fast-paced scenes. The HDR10 support brought out better contrast, and sound performance was strong enough for everyday use. It also handled gaming well, with no noticeable lag or delay.

This TV feels thoughtfully designed, from its compact form to its smart integration features. If you're looking for a well-rounded, reliable smart TV at 40 inches, we think the CHiQ ROKU TV L40G5NK delivers excellent performance and usability without the premium price tag.

One To Avoid

Philips 40PHS6009 Full HD LED Smart TV - 40 Inch Display with Pixel Plus

We tested the Philips 40PHS6009 Full HD LED Smart TV expecting reliable performance from a trusted brand, but unfortunately, it turned out to be one of the most frustrating TVs we've used.

While it does offer some positives—such as a decently sharp image thanks to the Pixel Plus engine and crisp sound with Dolby Audio—these are quickly overshadowed by major flaws.

Setting up the TV was anything but smooth. Attaching the base was unnecessarily complicated, and connecting to Wi-Fi proved unreliable (despite trying everything from router resets to factory reboots). Even when we managed to get it online, the performance remained sluggish.

Menus are slow to respond, the interface lags, and startup times are longer than any modern TV should allow. The smart features are also let down by app instability. Several apps failed to load or work correctly—Disney+ was almost unusable—and there's no easy way to update them individually.

Voice control is a nice touch, and the remote made from recycled plastic is a thoughtful detail, but these perks feel superficial when the core experience falls short.

In the end, this TV feels like a letdown in almost every area that matters. We’d strongly suggest avoiding it and looking elsewhere for a more reliable and user-friendly option.

How We Tested and Chose the Best 40-Inch TVs in the UK

Choosing the best 40-inch TVs required more than just casual viewing. We carefully evaluated each model across several categories that matter most to daily use—good picture quality, audio, smart features, and beyond.

Here's a detailed look at how we tested each TV to ensure a fair and informative comparison.

Picture Quality Testing

Picture performance was a major focus. We evaluated each TV for Full HD clarity, HDR support, and colour consistency across various types of content. Dark scenes were tested for black levels and contrast depth, while brighter settings helped us assess peak brightness and overall vibrancy.

We also watched from multiple angles to evaluate colour shift and brightness drop-off. Test patterns helped us fine-tune colour accuracy.

HDR10 and HLG content was especially useful in highlighting the differences in dynamic range, helping us pinpoint which TVs handled contrast and colour layering most effectively.

Audio Performance

Sound quality can make or break the viewing experience, so we paid close attention here. We checked how clearly dialogue came through and whether distortion appeared at high volumes. Music and action scenes helped us test for bass strength and tonal balance.

We explored sound presets and any virtual surround options like Dolby Audio or DTS Virtual:X to gauge their impact. If a TV lacked immersive audio, we considered how well it paired with external sound systems through HDMI ARC or Bluetooth.

We aimed to find models with decent sound quality straight out of the box.

Smart TV and Interface Usability

A smart TV should be intuitive and smooth to operate. We timed how long it took to go from unboxing to streaming content. The responsiveness of menus and app navigation played a big role in our assessment.

We explored each TV’s native platform—Fire TV, Roku, VIDAA, or Android TV—and ensured key streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ were accessible. Voice control, where supported, was tested for speed and accuracy.

We also cast content from mobile devices to check mirroring performance. A good smart interface should feel seamless, not sluggish or overly complex.

Gaming Performance

Even casual gamers benefit from TVs with solid performance. We tested input lag using connected consoles and assessed motion clarity during fast-paced gameplay. Game modes—if available—were activated to see how they affected responsiveness and image quality.

Smoothness during rapid action was crucial, especially in sports or shooter games. We also evaluated how well the TV retained picture sharpness with fast movement. Input delay and screen tearing were noted, particularly in budget models.

For anyone planning to use their 40-inch TV for gaming, even occasionally, these aspects can greatly impact enjoyment and usability.

Connectivity and Ports

We checked for a strong lineup of connectivity options. Each TV was inspected for at least two HDMI ports (preferably with ARC or eARC), USB slots, Ethernet ports, and Bluetooth. We plugged in streaming sticks, game consoles, and soundbars to ensure stable connections.

WiFi reliability was tested during prolonged streaming sessions, especially in rooms with weaker signals. We also explored Bluetooth pairing with headphones and remotes.

TVs offering flexible port layouts and solid wireless connectivity scored higher in our tests, especially when setup simplicity and device compatibility were factored in.

Build Quality and Design

The way a TV looks and feels is as important as what’s on the screen. We reviewed overall design, bezel thickness, and weight for wall mounting and portability. The materials used—whether solid plastic or textured finishes—were judged for durability and visual appeal.

The stand design and sturdiness were also considered, ensuring each TV felt stable and secure whether placed on furniture or mounted. We looked for models that felt well-built, even at budget prices, without flimsy construction or awkward design choices.

Form factor, practicality, and room fit all played a role in our final evaluations.

Energy Efficiency

Energy use is an important factor for long-term savings. We reviewed the UK/EU energy label ratings and checked whether the TVs had auto power-off settings or eco modes.

Brightness-adjusting features and power-saving timers were tested to see if they helped reduce consumption without sacrificing performance. These modes were important for households looking to minimise running costs, especially with daily use.

TVs with higher efficiency scores or clearly marked settings that encouraged power management were given a slight edge during comparisons, particularly for users looking for cost-conscious and eco-friendly options.

Durability and Software Support

We tested each TV over repeated use to simulate daily wear and tear. Static screens were left running to check for ghosting or display issues—though rare in LED panels, it’s still worth noting. We monitored software update availability and how easy they were to install.

Some models received frequent, seamless updates, while others lagged behind. Long-term usability also involved tracking menu responsiveness and app stability over time.

These factors helped us determine which TVs would remain smooth, functional, and supported beyond just the initial purchase window, offering more value down the line.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Room Is a 40 Inch TV Good For?

A 40-inch TV is good for small to medium-sized rooms, such as bedrooms, home offices, or modest living spaces. It provides a balanced viewing experience without overwhelming the room. Ideally, it's suited for rooms where the viewing distance is between 5 to 8 feet from the screen.

Is It Worth Getting 4K on a 40 Inch TV?

It is generally not worth getting 4K on a 40-inch TV unless you plan to sit very close to the screen. At typical viewing distances, the human eye struggles to detect the extra detail 4K offers on smaller displays, making Full HD a more cost-effective and visually similar option.

How Close Should You Sit to a 42 Inch TV?

You should sit approximately 5.5 to 7 feet away from a 42-inch TV for optimal viewing. This distance allows you to enjoy full picture detail without visible pixelation, especially with HD or Full HD resolution, creating a comfortable and immersive viewing experience for everyday content.

Should I Get 32 or 40 Inch TV for My Bedroom?

You should get a 40-inch TV for your bedroom if you have the space and typically sit more than 5 feet from the screen. A 32-inch TV is more suitable for tighter spaces or closer viewing. The 40-inch size offers a more immersive experience without being overwhelming.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a 40 Inch TV for 8 Hours in the UK?

It costs approximately 5 to 10 pence to run a 40-inch TV for 8 hours in the UK, depending on the model’s energy efficiency and your local electricity rate. Newer TVs with energy-saving features tend to consume less, helping reduce daily running costs.

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Final Word

We hope our guide to the best 40-inch TVs in the UK has helped you narrow down your choices and brought you closer to finding the perfect screen for your space. It’s not an easy decision with so many solid options out there, but for us, the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series stands out as the top pick.

It offers fantastic value, intuitive smart features, and smooth performance—all wrapped in a sleek, easy-to-use package. Whether you're binge-watching your favourite shows, gaming, or just need a reliable second TV, it's hard to beat.

That said, not every model impressed. One to steer clear of is the Philips 40PHS6009. Despite its promising spec sheet, it underdelivered with frustrating setup issues, laggy performance, and unreliable smart features.

So, have you found your next TV, or are you still weighing up the options? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!