
So, you're in the market for a 43-inch TV and want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. With dozens of options boasting 4K visuals, smart features, and sleek designs, it can be tough to separate the truly great from the underwhelming.
Not to worry—we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we spotlight the best 43-inch TVs across different categories, from top-performing all-rounders to budget-friendly gems and even one model you might want to steer clear of.
We put hours into testing and analysing the latest 43-inch TVs, focusing on performance, ease of setup, picture and audio quality, smart features, and overall value.
After hands-on testing, the Amazon Fire TV 4-Series (43") earned our Editor’s Pick for its sharp 4K display, Alexa-powered interface, and seamless streaming experience—all at a great price. If you’re after more gaming features and premium video support, the Hisense 43E6NTUK is a stellar Runner-Up.
Need something more affordable? The Toshiba 43LF2F53DB delivers a strong smart TV experience on a budget. And if you want to avoid buyer’s remorse? We’ve included a model that didn’t make the cut so you can shop with confidence. Read on to find the best 43-inch TV for your space!
When shopping for a 43-inch TV, there are a number of features that should be considered non-negotiable in 2025. These aren’t premium add-ons—they’re baseline expectations for quality and performance in this category.
The design of your TV isn't just about looks—it impacts setup, room compatibility, and long-term usability. A good 43-inch TV should offer a mix of aesthetic appeal and functional design.
While not strictly essential, these extra features can greatly enhance the user experience and add future-proofing benefits. The best 43-inch TVs typically include at least a few of the following.
These benchmarks should help you confidently filter out underwhelming models and hone in on a 43-inch TV that offers lasting value, sharp visuals, and a great viewing experience.
The Amazon Fire TV 4-Series (43") is our top pick for best 43-inch TV thanks to its sharp 4K visuals, intuitive Alexa integration, and practical feature set. It’s a strong, everyday smart TV that delivers reliable performance in compact living spaces without pushing your budget.
We recently tested the 43” Fire TV 4-Series and were impressed by its solid combination of picture quality, smart features, and ease of use. Setup took a little longer due to initial software updates, but once complete, navigating the interface with Alexa was quick and smooth.
The 4K picture is vivid, especially when streaming HDR content, and the bezel-free design keeps the look clean and modern. While the onboard speakers are serviceable, we preferred connecting a soundbar for a fuller experience.
The TV handles everyday use well, from live TV to gaming and streaming.
Its versatility really stood out — we connected multiple devices, paired headphones, and even used smart lighting with Alexa. For secondary rooms or smaller homes, this TV is an ideal fit. It’s dependable, thoughtfully built, and packed with features you’d expect at a much higher price point.
The Hisense 43E6NTUK stands out as a feature-packed 43-inch TV, offering impressive picture enhancements, solid connectivity, and smart features at a competitive price. It’s ideal if you're looking for more future-ready functionality without breaking the bank.
We tested the Hisense 43E6NTUK and found it to be a well-rounded choice for everyday viewing, casual gaming, and streaming. The picture quality is sharp and punchy, helped by Dolby Vision and smooth frame handling. Fast-paced gaming was responsive thanks to VRR and ALLM.
The smart interface was quick and simple, offering everything from Netflix to Apple TV, with smooth navigation via voice remote. We liked the wide range of connectivity—HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2 all performed flawlessly.
Sound quality is acceptable out of the box but benefits from a soundbar. Its bezelless design looks premium, though the stand does need wider furniture. The TV is certified for low blue light, supports energy-saving modes, and setup was quick.
Overall, it’s a strong runner-up—reliable, polished, and packed with just the right extras for modern living.
The Toshiba 43LF2F53DB stands out as our top budget pick for the best 43-inch TV. It delivers reliable performance, impressive features, and smart connectivity—all at an affordable price.
For those looking for everyday entertainment without overspending, this model offers a well-balanced mix of quality and usability.
We recently tested the Toshiba 43LF2F53DB and were impressed by how much it offers for the price. The picture quality was sharp and vibrant, especially with HDR content. Micro Dimming and TRU Resolution made a noticeable difference in contrast, particularly in dark scenes.
Sound was more than adequate, thanks to Dolby Audio and DTS enhancements. While it doesn’t rival premium setups, it’s perfectly fine for daily viewing. The built-in Fire TV made accessing apps like Netflix and Prime Video effortless, and Alexa voice control added an extra level of convenience.
Setting it up was straightforward. Within minutes, we were connected and ready to stream. Its compact, stylish design also means it fits well in any space.
If you're after a fuss-free, dependable 43-inch TV that covers all the essentials without breaking the bank, this Toshiba model is a top choice.
The Samsung DU7110 43" Crystal UHD Smart TV is a standout choice if you're after crisp 4K viewing, easy-to-use smart features, and responsive performance. With its slim design, intuitive setup, and built-in gaming related features, it’s ideal for modern homes wanting strong value without compromise.
We recently tested the Samsung DU7110 and were impressed by its balance of performance and usability. Setup was fast—within minutes, we were browsing streaming apps and checking out the Gaming Hub.
The picture is clear and colourful, especially in 4K and HD modes, though SD content looked less refined. Sound is strong enough out of the box, but a soundbar improves things further. The interface feels smooth, apps launch quickly, and switching sources is intuitive.
While there’s no HDR and no solar remote, neither held back the experience. For a TV in this price range, the DU7110 packs a lot in.
We recommend it for living rooms, bedrooms, or anywhere you need a capable, compact, smart impressive TV with good image quality, voice-ready features, and console-free gaming built right in.
The CHiQ U43QM9K is a well-rounded 43-inch 4K Smart TV that combines excellent image quality, intuitive smart features, and smart home compatibility. We found it delivers an impressive viewing experience that feels premium—without the high-end price tag.
We recently tested the CHiQ U43QM9K and were genuinely impressed by its QLED panel. The picture quality rivals higher-end brands, with strong contrast and vivid colour—especially noticeable during nature documentaries and fast-paced scenes.
The TV’s brightness is also excellent, keeping visuals clear even in daylight.
Streaming was seamless thanks to the built-in Roku TV, and navigating between apps felt intuitive and fast. We also appreciated the compatibility with voice assistants, making basic functions hands-free and simple.
The sound quality exceeded our expectations for this price range. Dolby Audio gave dialogue and music plenty of clarity and depth, though we’d still suggest pairing with a soundbar for movie nights.
Its frameless design looks elegant on the wall or stand, and HDMI 2.1 ensures it's future-ready for gaming and 4K playback. If you’re looking for a value-packed 43-inch TV, this one stands out.
We tested the Panasonic TV-43W80AEY W80 Series 43" 4K Ultra HD and, despite some highlights, this is one we’d recommend avoiding.
On paper, it looks promising—picture quality is sharp thanks to the HCX Processor, colours are rich, and 4K visuals look great with support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The sound is decent too (especially with Dolby Atmos), though we’d still suggest a soundbar for the best experience.
But that’s where the positives end.
The overall user experience is dragged down by sluggish performance. The built-in Fire TV is noticeably slow, and switching between apps or back to live TV often involves several seconds of dead screen time.
Freely—meant to replace Freeview—performs even worse, with delayed channel loads and constant lag. You can’t pause, rewind, or record live TV either (a glaring omission in 2025), and Alexa commands are unreliable at best. Even the remote is clunky and unintuitive.
Although it offers a few premium features, they’re ultimately overshadowed by poor execution. It feels more like a budget TV hiding behind a premium spec sheet. If you’re looking for a smooth, responsive experience or a reliable smart TV hub, this isn’t it.
In our view, this is one of the most disappointing TVs we’ve tested.
Finding the best 43-inch TV takes more than just watching a few shows. We examined each model from the moment it came out of the box through hours of usage and feature testing. Here’s exactly how we evaluated every contender to ensure only the top performers made our list.
We began by assessing the initial setup process. Packaging quality mattered—was the TV protected properly and was the material environmentally responsible? From there, we evaluated how easy it was to attach the stand or prepare the unit for wall mounting.
Setup instructions were also put to the test, as was the time taken from powering on to reaching a ready-to-use home screen. Some models required immediate software updates, so we measured how long that took and how smoothly the process ran.
Picture quality was a key focus. We tested brightness and contrast in various lighting conditions and evaluated colour accuracy across a mix of content, from documentaries to cinematic scenes. Each TV was assessed for its ability to upscale lower-resolution video and deliver sharp 4K playback.
For models with HDR support, we reviewed HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision performance, particularly in darker scenes and shadow detail. Motion handling was also examined using fast-paced content like sports and action sequences to identify any blur, judder, or ghosting issues.
Even though many people use external sound systems, built-in audio still plays an important role. We tested the full volume range during movie scenes, live sports, and dialogue-heavy TV shows to check clarity and dynamic range.
Special attention was given to how clearly dialogue came through and whether the sound profile felt balanced or too flat. For TVs boasting Dolby Atmos or DTS Virtual:X, we explored how immersive the sound felt without additional equipment.
A TV’s smart interface can make or break the user experience. We looked at the responsiveness of menus, the ease of switching between apps, and how intuitive it was to navigate.
Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant were tested for accuracy and integration, especially with smart home commands.
We also checked for the availability of essential streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, and explored how easy it was to cast or mirror content from a smartphone or tablet.
We plugged in a range of devices to evaluate flexibility. HDMI ports were inspected not just for quantity, but for support of newer standards like HDMI 2.1 for gaming. We also tested Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairing with headphones, soundbars, and other accessories.
USB ports were checked for media playback and file format compatibility, and Ethernet ports were tested for those who prefer wired connections for more stable streaming.
For TVs promoted as gamer-friendly, we ran additional tests. Input lag was measured with response tools and compared to expectations from gaming monitors. We confirmed support for Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), especially important for console users.
Where available, we tested the TV’s ability to handle 4K resolution at higher refresh rates like 60Hz or 120Hz, depending on the advertised capabilities.
We evaluated how well the TV functioned during everyday use. Built-in TV tuners and EPGs (electronic program guides) were assessed for ease of channel setup and navigation.
The design and comfort of the remote control were also considered—how it felt in hand, the responsiveness of buttons, and how clearly it was labeled.
We tested how easy it was to switch between profiles, access parental settings, and maintain smooth streaming across various platforms without glitches.
Power consumption was measured in different settings such as Standard, HDR, and Eco modes. TVs with features like auto-brightness or sleep timers were evaluated for how intelligently they adjusted to the environment.
We also took note of the materials used in both the TV and its packaging, looking for certifications or markers of environmentally conscious design.
While long-term durability is difficult to measure over a short period, we looked for early signs of reliability. We checked if the brand had a solid track record of consistent software updates and whether firmware seemed well supported.
Manufacturer warranties were also considered, along with verified user feedback highlighting common praises or complaints across platforms.
Lastly, we compared all features and performance against price. Some TVs justified their cost with outstanding quality and innovation, while others offered nearly the same experience at a lower price.
We paid close attention to whether buyers were getting strong overall value or simply paying for a well-known brand name.
Yes, a 43-inch TV is good for a small room. Its compact size offers a balanced viewing experience without overwhelming the space. It’s ideal for bedrooms, small living rooms, or offices, providing ample screen real estate while still fitting comfortably on modest furniture or wall mounts.
A 43-inch smart TV typically uses between 50 to 100 watts, depending on brightness settings, usage patterns, and energy-saving modes. Over the course of a year, regular use could average around 80–150 kWh.
Newer premium models with energy-efficient features consume even less electricity during normal operation.
For a 43-inch TV, a stand that is at least 40 to 50 inches wide is recommended. This ensures the base fits securely and provides space for accessories or soundbars. It’s also important to consider the depth and weight capacity of the stand to support the TV safely.
The ideal viewing distance from a 43-inch TV is typically between 5.5 and 7 feet. This range allows you to enjoy sharp image quality without straining your eyes or noticing individual pixels. The exact distance may vary slightly based on screen resolution and personal comfort.
We hope our guide to the best 43-inch TVs has helped you narrow down the ideal screen for your home setup. Choosing the right TV can be tricky with so many feature-packed options out there—but whether you're after premium performance or great value, there's something here for everyone.
Our top recommendation is the Amazon Fire TV Omni 4-Series (43"), thanks to its crisp 4K visuals, intuitive Alexa integration, and smooth everyday performance.
The Hisense 43E6NTUK impressed us too, especially for gamers and smart home users, while the Toshiba 43LF2F53DB proved a fantastic choice for the best budget TV.
That said, not every TV made the cut. The Panasonic TV-43W80AEY looked good on paper but fell short in real use, with sluggish performance, frustrating lag, and poor usability. It's one we recommend avoiding.
Already picturing your new setup? Or still deciding? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!