The Best 40-inch TVs In 2025: Premium Screens For The Lowest Price

Let us all bask in television's warm, glowing, warming glow. So exhorted Homer Simpson. Granted, not a character known for his shrewd decision-making, but on this point we agree. Where we differ is in his enthralment with the likes of Panaphonics and Sorny. We've avoided inferior knockoffs when it comes to our choice of the best 40-inch TVs and have instead plumped for recognisable and respected brands.

While the appeal of traditionally broadcast shows may be waning, it only takes one programme to capture the nation's imagination and become appointment viewing. When that happens, you'll be left looking for a quality gogglebox to gather around. Plus, even watching on demand can be improved with a set which considers the shades, sounds and other specifics of the latest films and TV productions. Settling in for a Black Mirror binge on a phone or laptop simply won't do justice to Charlie Brooker's expansive, mind-bending visions of the near future.

A 40-inch television solves this problem and is the clear option if your budget or space means that a 55-inch TV or larger is out of the question. But cheaper and smaller shouldn't mean shoddy picture and subpar audio. Pick wisely and you won't need to make concessions when it comes to these essentials. You might even find that you own a piece of kit which offers some modern features that you're not used to, but which you'll wonder how you went without.

We know what the best TVs should include and have done the research to ensure your new purchase doesn't miss the mark. The models below tick all the boxes – there's our best overall pick and the best budget 40-inch TV, as well as screens for gamers, blockbuster fans and steadfast streamers who want to get the most out of their Netflix, Prime or Apple TV+ subscriptions. Read on to see which one will work for you, then find out the answers to some of the telly questions we're most frequently asked.

How we chose the best 40-inch TVs

We select the best TVs off the back of research, hands-on reviews and our collective knowledge as consumer tech journalists. Important factors for us include the overall reputation of a brand, price, user feedback and how different televisions reflect different use cases. For a 40-inch TV we pay particular attention to identifying sets which offer a good balance when it comes to display quality, picture resolution, audio features and overall build and design. We also suggest screens with decent connectivity options and a range of smart capabilities. Our breakdowns of specifications include further information about these aspects, as well as the energy rating of each choice. We've provided an additional explanation of how we test and recommend if you'd like to read more about this process and what our ratings mean.

All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

Best 40-inch TVs in 2025

Expert's choice: Best 40-inch TV of 2025

For its QLED technology, Dolby Atmos sound and notable smart TV features (including voice control), the Hisense 40A5NQTUK is our choice of best 40-inch TV. Although it comes with a higher RRP than other televisions we've highlighted, it's justified. While you'll need to spend more than £200 you'll be getting a TV which won't quickly become dated.

From our other choices, we'd like to give special mentions to the Amazon Fire 2-Series and TCL 40SF540K, both of which have Bluetooth for connecting compatible devices. The ability to listen to movies or TV shows via wireless headphones may not be at the forefront of your considerations but, as this is a TV size which is often chosen for bedrooms, we think it should be.

What to look for in a 40-inch TV

Before purchasing a new TV you'll want to think about where it'll be going and how you'll be using it. You can afford to go cheaper if your 40-inch set is just for casual viewing. However, if it's going to be your main TV, and your only option for everyday shows as well as movie epics, then it'll be worth investing in a model with the sort of specs which will make all the difference.

Screen size and specs

A 40-inch set is harder to come by than some other sizes. You'll find far more models if scaling down to 32-inches TVs. At this size you may have to make concessions when it comes to resolution. However, there have been advances on this front, meaning that it's not necessary to settle for Half HD – there are even some QLED models out there like the Hisense 32A5NQTUK. Likewise, you'll also discover greater variety if you choose to go slightly larger and spend your money on a 43-inch TV. In this category, QLEDs are even more frequently seen and it also offers up entirely new options (like the Sky Glass, for instance).

So, measure up your space and see what it can accommodate. If 40-inches is the TV size for you then we advise not settling for anything less than a Full HD smart TV which provides access to both live television and great on-demand options. You'll also want to check what additional features and integration are on offer. For example, does it have HDR (High Dynamic Range) to boost picture quality even further? Given that there's often not a great gulf in price between 40-inch models, it's worth getting the most for your money.

Sound: What to expect and how to improve it

TVs below a certain size and price are likely to struggle to produce the sort of sound that you'll find acceptable. This is largely inevitable given the limited room inside very slim units – it's not easy to incorporate quality, powerful speakers, and certainly not at a budget price. Occasionally we'll test a TV which doesn't necessitate the addition of another speaker – like the Sony Bravia 8 – but it's usually advisable.

It's for this reason that we emphasise the benefit of choosing a television which incorporates Dolby Audio or DTS, which you can read more about in the terminology guide below. Having this feature means that the sound that the TV produces is improved, but also that you can take further advantage of this through adding a compatible soundbar. Our choice of the best soundbars will frequently include Dolby Atmos to offer a more pleasant listening experience which better reflects the intentions of the creators of the films and shows you watch.

If you invest in additional speakers it's also worth bearing in mind that the placement of these can significantly impact the quality of the sound. U-turn Audio provides a helpful guide to how to position your speakers for the best audio. In a nutshell, if you're using bookshelf speakers these should be around a metre apart, and around 2.5 metres for floorstanding speakers. Speakers of all types should be more than half a metre away from a wall if at all possible. This will minimise the chance of the sound becoming distorted. Of course, with a 40-inch TV you're likely to limit yourself to a budget soundbar, and these are designed to sit in front of the unit and will do exactly what they're supposed to from that spot. Don't forget to think about the space available to you though if you're considering a bigger setup with some of the best home cinema speakers.

Smart tech: Transformative or too much?

Many TV brands will promote a plethora of additional features in the hope that they'll convince you to part with your cash. Some of these will be genuinely beneficial even if you intend to use your new TV in a very limited, conventional sense i.e.: watching live television on and off throughout the week. Among these, we'd point to an easy-to-use remote control, a clear EPG (Electronic Programme Guide), lack of lag when navigating between menus and a suitable number of ports so that you can connect other devices if required.

Beyond this, there will be some smart tech inclusions which can be incredibly useful. However, this will depend on how you use your existing TV or what you hope to achieve from upgrading. Also, don't discount the possibility that once you're presented with new tech you might find that you start using it even if you'd never previously given it a second thought. A greater dive into the specifications of different models or a slight increase in your budget could mean that you at least have the option to use your new purchase in a greater variety of ways.

If your home is already a 'smart' one then a TV with Alexa or Google Assistant integration will ensure that it can become part of a wider system. Don't want to miss out when shows like Adolescence become part of the national conversation? You should double-check what operating system the TV uses and whether the relevant streaming service is available. It's unlikely that Netflix won't make an appearance, but that can't be said for all apps. If on-demand isn't currently a big part of your viewing it might become so. Services like Curiosity for documentaries or Crunchyroll for anime aren't necessarily going to appear immediately when turning on your TV for the first time. If you want access to them, make sure that they can be added and easily enjoyed.

Production and parts

The panels, chips, processing units, electronics and plastics used to build a television are typically made in Asia. However, final assembly takes place all over the world. It doesn't feature in our roundup above due to the lack of a suitably impressive 40-inch option, but as far as we're aware Cello Electronics is the only LED TV brand that still manufactures products in the UK.

In terms of market share, Samsung leads and has done so for some time. However, LG, TCL and Hisense are not far behind. You may want to take this into consideration when thinking about the availability of parts for your television should it require repair. In the same vein, manufacturers and retailers will offer varying degrees of support in the event that there's a problem with your new buy. If length of warranty is important to you, some websites (like Appliances Direct) will filter TVs to highlight this. Five years is usually the most that can be expected – this will tend to be offered with purchase of some Samsung, LG and Sony TVs.

Finally, when considering the environmental impact of your telly, a company's transparency about this information will be indicative of the extent to which it's factored into its processes. If eco credentials are hard to find it isn't a good sign. When it comes to your own considerations on this front, going for a used TV is always an option – if buying from Amazon there's the dedicated Amazon Renewed section. Familiar sites like eBay can also help in your search. It's possible to buy direct from the brand in some cases (we've found our best 40-inch TV for gamers on the official Panasonic outlet, for instance). Plus, if you're upgrading and want to get rid of your old set then retailers like Currys offer a recycling service.

TV terminology

We've used some shorthand as part of our analysis of the technology which can be found in 40-inch TVs. Some words will be more familiar than others. Read on for a breakdown of the terms which will help you decide which TVs are worth investing your time and money in.

LED, QLED and OLED

These terms refer to the screen technology of a TV. There are differences between each, some more slight than others.

What is LED?: LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. It refers to the technology used to create the picture. The screen is made up of liquid crystals that don't produce light on their own. Behind the screen is a light source that shines through these liquid crystals. For years it was the standard for TV screens. It's since been superseded by QLED and OLED, but is still commonly used in smaller or cheaper televisions.

What is QLED?: QLED stands for Quantum Dot LED. It can be thought of as an evolution of LED displays. QLED TVs have a backlight, an LED layer, and a layer of tightly-packed quantum dots in between. Those dots enhance both colour and luminance before the backlight reaches the LED panel. This improves the overall colour range and can make the picture appear to be sharper (although it's not actually sharpening the image – it's the extra vibrancy and colour accuracy that does that). Since illumination comes from the backlight (which the Quantum Dots and LED layers need to become visible) it can be considered a transmissive lighting method rather than the self-illuminating pixels of an OLED TV.

What is OLED?: OLED stands for Organic LED. They don't have a backlight layer – each pixel emits its own light. This allows for excellent contrast, since each individual pixel can be turned off completely if needed. They are recognised for their ability to produce excellent, deep blacks.

The debate around QLED vs OLED will not be relevant when it comes deciding which 40-inch TV to buy as you won't find an OLED TV of this size. LEDs will be the prominent among the 40-inch sets on sale, with some QLEDs also featuring.

Dolby sound

Ray Dolby founded Dolby Laboratories in 1965. At that time movies and television generally featured only one channel of sound. This means only one stream of audio going to a specific speaker or direction. Advancements in this area increased the number of channels.

2.0 refers to stereo sound, with audio coming from a left and right speaker. The first digit denotes the number of channels in a system, while the second refers to the presence of a subwoofer. A 5.1 configuration indicates basic surround sound. Broadly speaking, the higher the number, the more immersive the sound experience.

What is Dolby Digital?: A multi-channel audio system, typically 5.1 surround sound.

What is Dolby Digital Plus?: An upgrade on Dolby Digital, offering up to 7.1 surround sound.

What is DTS Digital Surround? A surround sound format that can sound slightly better than Dolby Digital in ideal setups due to a higher bitrate (the amount of data processed per second).

What is Dolby Atmos?: Dolby Atmos is 3D sound that moves around you, including overhead. Instead of assigning sound to a channel (like a left speaker or right speaker), Atmos treats certain sounds – like a voice, bird, or helicopter rotor – as independent objects that can be precisely placed and moved anywhere in space.

What is DTS? Developed by Dolby competitor Digital Theater Systems, DTS is similar to Dolby Atmos in that it provides cinematic, 3D sound.

OS (Operating System)

A TV's operating system is the software it runs to make it a smart TV. It's similar to how Windows might run on a computer, or Android on a mobile phone. With an OS a TV can connect to the internet and download and run apps like Disney+ or YouTube. Different brands will use different systems. VIDAA might run on Hisense, while Tizen runs on Samsung, for example.

Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the image displayed on a TV screen. The higher the resolution, the clearer and more detailed the picture.

Standard Definition (SD, 480p): An older definition, less routinely seen.

High Definition (HD, 720p): Also known as Half HD, this was an improvement on SD, but largely replaced by Full HD.

Full HD (1080p): Commonly found on modern TVs, particularly 40-inch models.

Ultra HD (UHD)/4K (2160p): There is a slight difference between UHD and 4K (with the latter being 4096 x 2160p, rather than 3840 x 2160p) but the terms are often used interchangeably. UHD is beneficial for larger screens and is increasingly the expectation for recently released 65-inch TVs and larger.

8K (4320p): The most-advanced technology available in consumer TVs. Available on larger screens at a premium price.

Refresh rate

The refresh rate of a TV is measured per second in Hertz. If a TV has a 60Hz refresh rate (common for 40-inch models) the screen refreshes 60 times per second. The more times per second the screen refreshes, the smoother and clearer the image is, particularly during fast action sequences. However, you are unlikely to find a refresh rate above 60Hz on a smaller TV.

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

HDR is a technology intended to improve the contrast, colour and brightness of images on a TV screen. As such, it's a desirable feature for a more immersive viewing experience. It's primary feature, though, is the sheer number of colours available. Standard sets can display around 16 million colours, with HDR having over a billion. It's that extra colour range and accuracy that makes it so desirable for movie fans and gamers.

What is HDR10?: HDR10 is the most widely supported format of HDR. It uses static metadata, meaning the brightness and colour settings are applied once for the entirety of the image which is being watched. In the context of HDR, metadata refers to the instructions that are embedded in the content to help the display correctly interpret and show the picture.

What is HDR10+?: Unlike HDR10, HDR10+ uses dynamic metadata, adjusting settings frame by frame. This enhances overall picture quality.

What is Dolby Vision?: As with HDR10+, Dolby Vision uses dynamic metadata but is considered more advanced as it offers a greater depth of colour (if supported by the TV).

What is HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)?: HLG is a type of HDR which was designed specifically for live broadcasts. Unlike the examples above which use metadata to dynamically adjust settings, HLG does without this, making it easier to implement in live broadcasts without the need for additional processing or pre-encoded information. It was developed by the BBC in collaboration with the Japanese public broadcaster NHK.

Latest updates

This article was first published in April 2025. Future relevant additions and amendments will be noted here.

David Ker is a journalist with a decade's experience in print and digital publishing. He appreciates technology made with its environmental impact in mind and which presents him a further means to pursue his love of music, reading, games, TV and film. Above all, with so many options out there, he's interested in products that display something out of the ordinary and offer value for money. Hard to please, he assures Empire readers that he'll be a discerning critic on their behalf.