Best 40-inch Smart TVs: Buying Guide

Last update: May 13th 2024
best 40-inch Smart TVs

One of the main advantages of best 40-inch Smart TVs You can sit at almost any distance from them and still enjoy the best picture quality. In this guide, we'll show you different 40- and 43-inch models so you can compare their size, features, and, above all, their price.

Since 40-inch Smart TVs work well in a variety of settings, it's a good idea to consider how you'll be using the TV. A budget 1080p model will work well in your bedroom or nursery, but you should consider a more expensive OLED model with the latest high dynamic range (HDR) technology if you plan to use the Smart TV in the living room for watching movies or gaming.

We've selected the best options based on size. Here you can find the best 40-inch Smart TVs and also the 43-inch ones. You can also compare with the best 32-inch Smart TVs.

Best 40-inch Smart TVs

Keep in mind that it's very difficult to find a 40-inch Smart TV with 4K resolution. That's why we've divided our selection into three in this size and three affordable 3-inch alternatives that do support 3K content.

TCL 40S5209

TCL 40S5209

This 40-inch TCL Smart TV is one of the best in terms of price and quality. It features an FHD resolution compatible with HDR and micro dimming to ensure sharp contrasts.

In addition to being able to control it by voice through the Google Assistant, it has the advantage of running Android TV. It's a fast and fluid system that will allow you to navigate streaming apps with ease.

On the other hand, it is compatible with Dolby Audio and its design is extremely slim, so it fits perfectly with any style of living room or bedroom you have at home.

Sharp 40FG6EA

Sharp 40FG6EA

Once again, among the best 40-inch Smart TVs, we find a somewhat basic model with enough features to enjoy large-format content. The Sharp 40FG6EA is a Full HD Smart TV with Android TV 11 that lets you download all your favorite apps.

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A true family entertainment center at a great price, featuring HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connections. We also selected it because its sound quality is quite good compared to other models of this size.

Sharp has included two 6W RMS speakers that will give you much improved, clear, and powerful audio for your home theater sessions with the family.

Hisense 40A4EG

Hisense 40A4EG

Another of the best 40-inch Smart TVs, also with FHD resolution, is this Hisense. Considering its price of under 250 euros, this is a fairly complete model.

It integrates DTS Virtual X with which we will have immersive audio where we will not need to add any external speakers, especially if you plan to use it in your room.

Additionally, its sports and gaming modes adapt quite well to the type of content you're viewing, always keeping in mind that we can't expect high-end results.

Perhaps the only thing we're not convinced about is its VIDAA U5 operating system, as some users claim it runs quite quickly and others prefer a clean Android TV. Regardless, for this price, it's undoubtedly a great 40" TV.

Which 40-inch Smart TV should I buy?

Ultimately, to decide which 40-inch Smart TV to buy, you'll need to consider your intended use. You've seen that in our selection, there are more basic models, mid-range models, and high-end models up to 48 inches, ideal for gaming.

If you want a TV that looks good, whether you're watching movies or sports, The TCL 40S5209 40 inch It's the best option. With an exceptionally thin bezel and a beautiful display that benefits from HDR10 support, it covers all the bases and is reasonably priced.

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Furthermore, the Panasonic 4-inch 40K is a superior option if you are serious about the resolution. Although you can always opt for slightly larger 43″ models to get some pretty advanced specs. It can even do double duty as one of the best gaming monitors that you have never used.

What to look for in a 40-inch Smart TV

best 40-inch Smart TVs

OLED, QLED, or LED displays: which is better?

When comparing the best 40-inch Smart TVs, you'll see terms like OLED, which refers to the technology used to display images.

  • The OLED panels They produce the best image quality, with excellent contrast and intense colors.
  • The QLED and LED panels They are cheaper, but the image may not be as bright and the contrast may be lower.
  • Advanced versions such as NeoQLED They offer a quality closer to that of OLED.
  • Technologies such as backlighting Mini LEDs can illuminate specific parts of the screen.

Screen resolution

Smart TVs with higher resolutions have better picture quality. If a TV's resolution is too low and you sit too close, you may be able to distinguish individual pixels in the image.

The best resolution for a 40-inch Smart TV is 4K, but there are some good budget-friendly 1080p options. Keep in mind that if you sit too close to a 40-inch 1080p TV, the picture won't look as good as it would on a 4K TV.

High Dynamic Range (HDR)

El High Dynamic Range (HDR) It is a feature that allows a TV to display a wider range of brightness and contrast, resulting in brighter colors, darker blacks, and better overall picture quality.

For HDR to work, you need an HDR video source and a television that supports itAdditionally, the TV must support the specific HDR standard used by the video content.

Look for a TV that supports at least HDR 10, and HDR10+, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) for the best possible picture and compatibility. If you already use one or more 4K streaming services or have a 4K Blu-ray player, check the specific HDR versions you need.

For example, if you watch a lot of 4K content on Netflix, it's especially important to look for a TV that supports XNUMXK. DolbyVision.

Pay attention to the connection ports

The number of HDMI ports you need will depend on the number of devices you want to connect, but most top-rated 40-inch smart TVs include at least three or four ports. If that's not enough, you can always add an HDMI adapter and connect as many devices as you want.

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It is also important to check what type of HDMI ports does the TV have. If you choose a Smart TV with a 120Hz refresh rate and want to watch 4K content at 120 frames per second (fps), you'll need to make sure your TV has at least one HDMI 2.1 port.

Older versions of HDMI are limited to carrying a 4K signal at 60 fps or a 1080p signal at 120 fps. Many TVs include a mix of the older ports along with one or two HDMI 2.1 ports.

How far should I sit in front of a 40-inch Smart TV?

The closest you should sit in front of a 4-inch 40K TV is approximately 1,5 meters. You won't be able to distinguish individual pixels at that distance, resulting in the best possible image quality. 

If your space allows, you can comfortably sit between 3 and 5 meters away. If you choose a budget model with a 1080p panel, you'll need to sit at least 2,5 meters away.

Our final recommendation

A 40-inch Smart TV is too small for most living rooms, so we've also included 43-inch models. TVs of this size are best suited for smaller spaces like bedrooms. 

If your sofa is a good distance from the TV, then a 4-inch 40K model may be perfectly fine. However, for a much larger space, it would be advisable to look at 50-inch or larger Smart TVs.

With this guide, we hope we've helped you learn a little more about Smart TVs of this size and the best models you can currently get.