Best 43-inch TVs for 2021
If you have the space, CNET recommends buying at least a 55-inch 4K TV screen. They’re affordable, and every inch of screen real estate is a good thing. But if you’re on the hunt for a new television and you’re limited by size and budget, a 43-inch TV screen is definitely a better option than 32- or 40-inch models — you get more screen for just a little more money.
A 43-inch screen will save you $100 or more compared to a 55-inch TV, and 43 inches is still big enough that you’ll have a good viewing experience. Also worth noting is that many 43-inch TVs have excellent smart TV suites built-in, so you don’t need to purchase a separate streaming device. You can even control 43-inch models with a voice command.
The following list represents the best TVs in the 43-inch screen size we can recommend.
At this size, where 4K TV image quality isn’t a priority for manufacturers, we prize smart TV functionality first. If all you’re looking to do is watch your TV shows or hook up a gaming console, these definitely fit the bill.
BEST OVERALL
TCL 43S435: Remember how we said smart TV functionality is king at this size? Roku is our favorite platform for live TV streaming app options like Netflix, YouTube and the rest, and it’s even better baked into the TV, as with this TCL 4Series 43-incher. Even though it has 4K resolution with HDR, its picture quality is no great shakes, and even marginally worse than the Vizio below. But for most people, this Ultra HD 4K TV with smart features is perfectly fine.
BEST RUNNER-UP
Vizio V435-J: Vizio’s latest 2021 version of the V-series features the company’s all-new voice remote, an extra the TCL 4-Series lacks. It also has a few more options for adjusting picture settings than that TCL does. Image quality on the two was basically a wash in our tests, however, and we liked Roku’s smart TV system better overall.
BEST WITH ALEXA
Toshiba 43C350: This Toshiba features Amazon’s Fire TV system built-in, making it a direct competitor to the TCL’s Roku system. In general we like Roku better than Fire TV, thanks to superior menus and search, but this Toshiba LED TV with smart features has one cool extra the TCL lacks: builtin Alexa, available by talking into the remote control.