10 Best Cheap 42 Inch Smart Tv 2025 in the United States

The LG 42-Inch OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV offers stunning picture quality with its OLED technology, giving you perfect blacks and vibrant colors that really stand out, even in well-lit rooms. Its 4K resolution combined with AI Super Upscaling means your shows, movies, and sports will look sharp and clear. The 120Hz refresh rate helps with smooth motion, which is great if you watch a lot of fast action or play games.

Speaking of gaming, this TV is packed with features like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, making it a strong choice for gamers who want responsive and blur-free gameplay. Connectivity is solid with multiple HDMI 2.1 ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet, so you can easily hook up your devices and stream content. The built-in Dolby Atmos sound and LG’s AI audio enhancements deliver immersive audio, although the built-in speakers might not match a separate sound system. The webOS smart platform is user-friendly and includes built-in voice assistants like Alexa, making navigation simple and smart.

Design-wise, this TV has a sleek, modern look with a slim profile that fits nicely in most living spaces. Since this is an OLED with advanced features, it generally comes at a higher price compared to typical budget 42-inch smart TVs. For those looking for premium image quality and solid smart and gaming capabilities in a 42-inch size, the LG C5 is an excellent choice even if it costs more than basic models.

The Toshiba 43" C350 Series Smart Fire TV stands out as a strong choice for those seeking a budget-friendly 4K smart TV around the 42-inch size. It offers a crisp 4K UHD resolution paired with Toshiba’s REGZA Engine ZR and AI 4K Upscaler, which work together to enhance picture clarity even for non-4K content. This means you get sharp and vibrant images that make movies, sports, and games look better than many TVs in its price range. The 60 Hz refresh rate is standard for budget models and is supported by features like Ultimate Motion and Sports Mode, which help reduce motion blur during fast scenes, although it may not be ideal for more demanding gaming or very fast action.

Speaking of gaming, the Game Mode supports useful technologies such as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), making it a decent option for casual gamers. Smart functionality is powered by Fire TV, giving users easy access to popular streaming apps and Alexa voice control through the included remote. It also supports Apple AirPlay, adding flexibility for streaming from Apple devices. Connectivity is straightforward with built-in Wi-Fi, while the number and types of HDMI or wired ports are basic, which might limit connections if multiple devices are used simultaneously. Audio is enhanced by Dolby Atmos, offering immersive sound that complements the vivid visuals, a nice touch for a budget TV.

The design is simple and functional, fitting well in most living rooms without being flashy. This TV performs well for everyday viewing and streaming, though those wanting ultra-smooth motion for fast gaming or a wider array of ports might find it somewhat basic. It is a solid pick for users who want a good-looking 4K picture, smart streaming ease, and decent sound without spending much.

The Insignia 43" Class F50 Series is a strong contender if you're looking for an affordable 42-inch smart TV with solid features. It delivers true 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR10 support, which means you get sharper, more colorful images compared to regular HD TVs. The screen refreshes at 60Hz, which is standard for many budget TVs—good enough for everyday TV shows and movies but not ideal if you want super smooth motion for fast sports or gaming.

On the smart features side, it runs Fire TV, giving you easy access to popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, plus lots of free content through ad-supported channels. It also works as a smart home hub and supports Apple Airplay, so you can stream from your phone or control other smart devices. In terms of connections, it covers the basics well, including 3 HDMI ports, USB, optical audio, headphone jack, and Ethernet, which means hooking up game consoles, soundbars, or other devices is straightforward. The built-in DTS Virtual-X sound tries to create a richer audio experience, but keep in mind that built-in TV speakers usually won't replace a dedicated sound system if you want deep, powerful sound. The inclusion of HDMI eARC means it can send higher quality audio to compatible soundbars or receivers.

Design-wise, it’s relatively slim, wall-mountable, and has a simple setup with parental controls, which is handy for families. Weighing about 25 pounds, it’s neither too heavy nor too light. Some limitations include the 60Hz refresh rate, which might show motion blur in fast scenes, and while the picture quality is good for the price, it won’t match high-end TVs in brightness or color accuracy. Also, the remote and Fire TV interface might take a bit to get used to if you’re new to smart TVs. For those seeking a budget-friendly 43-inch TV with 4K resolution, solid smart features, and good connectivity options, the Insignia F50 Series provides great value without unnecessary extras.