10 Best 42 Inch Tvs 2026 in the United States

The SAMSUNG 43-Inch Class QLED Q7F Series is a solid choice if you're looking for a TV just above the 42-inch mark with sharp 4K resolution and vibrant colors. Thanks to Quantum HDR and nano-sized Quantum Dots, it delivers over a billion colors that remain bright and accurate even in complex scenes, making movies and shows visually impressive. Its 60Hz refresh rate is standard and fine for most everyday watching and casual gaming, but it might not satisfy those wanting super-smooth motion for fast-paced games or sports.

The built-in Q4 AI Gen1 processor helps enhance picture quality by upscaling lower-resolution content, which is great if you watch a mix of HD and 4K sources. Smart TV features are strong here, with access to thousands of free channels and popular apps, plus Alexa built-in for voice control. Connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, multiple HDMI ports, USB, and Ethernet cover all typical needs for streaming devices, gaming consoles, or soundbars. Sound quality is decent with Object Tracking Sound Lite providing clearer and more immersive audio, though for audiophiles external speakers or soundbars may still be desired.

Samsung Knox security helps protect your personal data and connected smart devices. At around 43 inches, this TV suits small to medium rooms well while balancing picture quality with smart features effectively. If you need a higher refresh rate for competitive gaming or are sensitive to sound quality, additional accessories or other models might be preferable.

The SAMSUNG 42-Inch Class OLED S90F is a premium 4K smart TV that shines with its OLED display, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors that bring out detailed and bright images. Its 4K resolution combined with the advanced NQ4 AI Gen3 processor means it can upscale lower-quality content very effectively, making everything look sharper and more vivid. For sports and gaming fans, the TV supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and even up to 144Hz VRR, which helps reduce motion blur and screen tearing for fast action scenes. HDR performance is boosted by AI, turning standard content into something closer to HDR quality, enhancing brightness and color. Connectivity options are solid with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, multiple HDMI ports, USB, and Ethernet, allowing easy connection to various devices. The built-in speakers offer good sound, although audiophiles may want an external system for richer audio. Viewing angles are generally excellent thanks to OLED technology, so the picture stays consistent even if you're not sitting directly in front of the screen.

While the 120Hz refresh rate is excellent for most uses, it doesn’t quite hit the peak 144Hz natively, which might matter to some extreme gamers. Also, the TV is relatively light and compact, making it easy to place in many rooms. This model suits users looking for a bright, sharp display with smart features and smooth motion handling, especially those who enjoy gaming and fast-paced sports. It represents a strong choice if you want a high-quality 42-inch TV without compromising on picture quality or smart capabilities.

The LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo C4 Series Smart TV stands out in the 42-inch TV category, primarily due to its impressive OLED technology that delivers rich, vibrant colors and deep contrasts thanks to self-lit pixels. With a 4K resolution and a refresh rate up to 144Hz, it offers smooth visuals ideal for both movie watching and gaming. This model is particularly appealing for gamers, featuring NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium, which minimize lag and enhance gameplay, along with a dedicated Game Mode. The a9 AI Processor Gen7 optimizes picture quality automatically, ensuring you get the best experience no matter what content you’re watching.

Smart features are robust with webOS 24, allowing easy access to numerous streaming services and over 300 free channels with LG Channels. The built-in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies enhance your viewing and sound experience, creating an immersive home theater effect. Plus, the Magic Remote adds convenience for navigation.

However, the TV is not without its drawbacks. While the sound quality is decent, some users might find it lacking compared to dedicated sound systems, especially for larger rooms. Additionally, being a newer model, it may come at a higher price point than some competitors in the market, which could deter budget-conscious buyers. Its size also limits its suitability for larger living rooms, making it better suited for smaller spaces.