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

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo C4 Series Smart TV 4K Processor Flat Screen with Magic Remote AI-Powered with Alexa Built-in (OLED42C4PUA, 2024)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,442
Resolution
Smart Features
Refresh Rate

Most important from
919 reviews

Resolution
The picture quality is sensational, with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Smart Features
The TV handles demanding streaming platforms with ease, thanks to its fast processor.
Refresh Rate
Smooth and responsive gameplay makes it perfect for gamers.
Audio Quality
The sound quality, while decent, benefits greatly from an external soundbar or surround system.
Design
The form factor is incredibly thin and well-engineered, fitting well in any space.

The LG 42-Inch OLED evo C4 Series Smart TV offers impressive picture quality thanks to its 4K resolution and OLED technology, which provides vibrant colors and deep blacks with over 8 million self-lit pixels. The 144Hz refresh rate and features like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium make it a solid choice for gamers, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. The built-in a9 AI Processor GEN7 enhances the viewing experience with AI-driven upscaling for clearer images, making it suitable for various types of content, from sports to movies.

Additionally, it includes Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio-visual experience, further enhanced by FILMMAKER MODE for true-to-director's intent viewing. Connectivity is well-covered with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it easy to connect multiple devices. The design is sleek and modern, fitting well into most living spaces.

The smart features are robust, with webOS 24 and LG Channels providing access to numerous streaming apps and 300+ free channels. The Magic Remote with built-in Alexa adds convenience, allowing voice control and easy navigation. The built-in speakers, while decent, may not satisfy audiophiles looking for top-tier sound quality. This LG TV is a great option for those prioritizing picture quality, gaming capabilities, and smart features.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,442
Resolution
Smart Features
Refresh Rate

Most important from
919 reviews

Resolution
The picture quality is sensational, with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Smart Features
The TV handles demanding streaming platforms with ease, thanks to its fast processor.
Refresh Rate
Smooth and responsive gameplay makes it perfect for gamers.
Audio Quality
The sound quality, while decent, benefits greatly from an external soundbar or surround system.
Design
The form factor is incredibly thin and well-engineered, fitting well in any space.
#3

LG C3 Series 42-Inch Class OLED evo 4K Processor Smart TV for Gaming with Magic Remote AI-Powered OLED42C3PUA, 2023 with Alexa Built-in

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Smart Features
Connectivity

Most important from
1983 reviews

Resolution
The picture quality is jaw-dropping with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and incredible detail that make every scene and game look lifelike and immersive.
Smart Features
Great picture and sound. Easy to sign in and add apps, and it works well with a Firestick.
Connectivity
As a gamer, I couldn’t be happier with the performance. The near-instantaneous response time and support for HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM make it perfect for gaming.
Audio Quality
The speakers are pretty nice too and sometimes I don’t realize that my Sonos sound bar isn’t on until I notice the lack of bass.
Design
The sleek design looks fantastic in my living room, and the brightness is excellent even during daytime gaming sessions.

The LG C3 Series 42-Inch OLED evo 4K Smart TV is well-suited for those seeking a high-quality viewing experience on a budget. The 4K resolution powered by the a9 AI Processor Gen6 ensures vivid and sharp picture quality, enhanced by the Brightness Booster for better visibility in well-lit rooms. The ultra-slim design with an almost invisible bezel allows it to blend seamlessly into any space when not in use, displaying artwork or photos for a stylish look.

Smart features like WebOS 23 and LG Channels simplify content access and streaming, with over 300 free channels available and easy navigation using the Magic Remote and Quick Cards. For gamers, the TV offers an impressive 0.1ms response time and a 120Hz refresh rate, along with gaming enhancements like NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR for smooth gameplay. The four HDMI 2.1 inputs provide ample connectivity for various gaming consoles and devices.

Audio quality is elevated with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, delivering immersive sound and visuals, particularly in FILMMAKER MODE. However, while the TV excels in performance, its categorization as 'cheap' might be misleading as OLED technology typically comes at a higher price point compared to other display types. Additionally, full advantage of its features may require a strong internet connection, and the reliance on AI for picture and sound settings might not suit everyone's preferences. The LG C3 Series offers premium features and performance, though it may stretch the budget for those strictly seeking a lower-priced option in the 42-inch smart TV category.

Rating
9.4
Resolution
Smart Features
Connectivity

Most important from
1983 reviews

Resolution
The picture quality is jaw-dropping with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and incredible detail that make every scene and game look lifelike and immersive.
Smart Features
Great picture and sound. Easy to sign in and add apps, and it works well with a Firestick.
Connectivity
As a gamer, I couldn’t be happier with the performance. The near-instantaneous response time and support for HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM make it perfect for gaming.
Audio Quality
The speakers are pretty nice too and sometimes I don’t realize that my Sonos sound bar isn’t on until I notice the lack of bass.
Design
The sleek design looks fantastic in my living room, and the brightness is excellent even during daytime gaming sessions.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap 42 Inch Smart Tv

Choosing the right 42-inch smart TV involves understanding various specifications that can impact your viewing experience. It's important to consider what features are most important to you, such as picture quality, smart features, and connectivity options. By understanding these key specs, you can make an informed decision that best fits your needs and preferences.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the picture on the screen. Higher resolution means more pixels, which generally translates to a clearer and more detailed image. Common resolutions include Full HD (1080p) and 4K (2160p). If you want a sharper image and plan to watch a lot of high-definition content, a 4K TV might be the best choice. However, if you mostly watch standard HD content, a 1080p TV can still provide a good viewing experience.
Smart FeaturesSmart features refer to the TV's ability to connect to the internet and run apps like Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services. These features can vary widely between models, with some offering more apps and better user interfaces than others. If you plan to use your TV for streaming, look for one with a robust smart platform that supports the apps you use most frequently. If you don't use streaming services often, basic smart features might be sufficient.
Refresh RateRefresh rate is the number of times per second the image on the screen is refreshed. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). Common refresh rates are 60Hz and 120Hz. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother motion, which is particularly important for fast-paced content like sports and action movies. If you watch a lot of such content, a TV with a higher refresh rate might be beneficial. For regular TV shows and movies, a 60Hz refresh rate is usually adequate.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to the types and number of ports available on the TV, such as HDMI, USB, and audio outputs. More connectivity options allow you to connect various devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and sound systems. Consider what devices you plan to connect to your TV and ensure it has enough ports to accommodate them. If you have multiple devices, look for a TV with several HDMI ports.
Audio QualityAudio quality is important for an immersive viewing experience. While most TVs come with built-in speakers, the quality can vary. Some TVs offer advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos for better sound. If audio quality is important to you, consider a TV with good built-in speakers or plan to invest in an external sound system. If you are not too concerned about audio, the standard built-in speakers might be sufficient.
DesignDesign includes the physical appearance and build quality of the TV. This can affect how the TV looks in your living space and how easy it is to set up. Slimmer designs and thinner bezels can provide a more modern look and take up less space. Consider the aesthetics of the TV and how it will fit into your room. If design is important to you, look for a TV that complements your home decor.

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