We’ve found the very best 43-inch smart TVs for you, ideal for transforming your evening's entertainment if your 32-inch TV starting to look a little small for your room. Just like a 40-inch TV, even the best 43-inch TV isn’t that big compared to many these days. But it isn’t too small either, and that makes them great for viewing from a distance of around seven feet. Likewise, that's the sort of viewing distance you might have in your living room or bedroom.
As with most entertainment gadgetry these days, there's a lot of it to choose from. We've looked at models from leading brands like Samsung and Philips, but also some of the exciting newer brands like Hisense that famously give a lot of quality features at an affordable price. There's also plenty of choice when it comes to 4K TVs - the latest in high resolution.
Early Black Friday deals on 43-inch smart TVs
Early Black Friday deals are popping up on 43-inch smart TVs. Want to grab a bargain? These are the retailers that have the best deals right now, or keep scrolling to continue reading our buyer's guide.
Shop Black Friday 43-inch smart TVs deals on: AO.com | Very | Argos | John Lewis | Currys | Appliances Direct
Save £200: Hisense 43A6NTUK, 43-inch, 4K HDR, Smart TV WAS £429, NOW £229
Save £160: Samsung The Frame WAS £899, NOW £739
Save £120: Samsung QE43QN90D WAS £899, NOW £779
Save £110: Philips PUS8309 43" 4K Ultra HD Smart TV [2024] WAS £399, NOW £289
Save £50: Panasonic TB-43W60AEY LED HDR 4K Ultra HD Smart TV WAS £349, NOW £299
Of course, the best 43-inch smart TVs will provide fantastic picture quality, including plenty with the highest 4K resolution. Plus, being smaller, they're a lot more affordable than 50-inch TVs and 60-inch TVs. Although, if you do have the budget and space, the larger the set, the more fantastic your viewing experience will be. But for the rest of us, a feature-packed 43-inch set is the way to go.
So, are you ready to discover how much high-tech entertainment can be packed into a 43-inch smart TV? You might be surprised. Our pick of the best is coming up next.
Best 43-inch TVs at a glance:
• Best overall 43 inch smart TV: PHILIPS Ambilight 43PUS8109 4K LED Smart TV – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best value 43 inch smart TV: Panasonic TX-43MX650B, 43 Inch 4K Ultra HD LED Smart TV – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best 43 inch smart TV for adaptive sound: Samsung DU8000 43" 4K Ultra HD Smart TV [2024] - UE43DU8000 – Buy now on AO.com
Best 43-inch smart TVs
Best overall 43 inch smart TV
PHILIPSThe PHILIPS Ambilight 43PUS8108/12 43" Smart 4K Ultra HD HDR LED TV with Amazon Alexa is packed with amazing enhanced features such as optimised Cinematic sound with Dolby Atmos, 1 60 Hz refresh rate, and Ambilight LED lighting for immersive entertainment. Ambilight is a Philips technology that produces a glow of light from the back of the TV. The glow changes in colour to match the dominant colour of whatever you're watching. It might seem like a gimmick, but it does create an extra level of immersion.
Pros
- Great picture performance
- With Amazon Alexa
- Ambilight creates a seamless, borderless experience
Cons
- Takes a while to set up
- The TV will need to be placed near a wall for the Ambilight to be fully effective
| Screen: | 43-inch 4K UHD LED screen; HDR10+ |
| Refresh rate: | 60Hz |
| Connections: | HDMI 2.0a x 3 (eARC compatible x 1), USB 2.0 x 2 |
| Audio: | Dolby Atmos |
| Internet: | WiFi built-in; Ethernet |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| OS: | Titan |
Best value 43 inch smart TV
Panasonic This 43-inch TV from Panasonic provides sleek looks and a smooth 4K UHD image. The latter is thanks to the inclusion of Dolby Vision and HDR for a wider colour palette. Also, the TV is optimised for natural colour and contrast, giving greater image depth and a true-to-life picture. There are also dedicated picture modes for Cinema, Dynamic, Natural, Sport, and Games; Just turn on the one you prefer (or tweak picture settings manually if you like to fine-tune things). Sheer image quality is bound to be at the forefront when you're watching this Panasonic TV, whether you're enjoying Freeview or streaming a movie.
The Panasonic also comes with decent speakers, surround sound, and Dolby Atmos; all working together to bring your TV and movies to life.
Pros
- Good processor
- Excellent picture quality
- Bluetooth for connecting speakers and more
- Dedicated settings and modes
- Google Assistant compatible for voice control
Cons
- Stand fiddly to fit
| Screen: | 43-inch 4K UHD LED screen |
| Refresh rate: | 60Hz |
| Connections: | HDMI 2.1 x3; USB 2.0 x2, Optical out |
| Audio: | Dolby Atmos; Cinema Surround |
| Internet: | WiFi built-in; Ethernet |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| OS: | Internet VOD |
Best 43 inch smart TV for adaptive sound
Samsungao.com
The Samsung UE43DU8000 is ultra-clear with a Dynamic Crystal Colour display, bringing realism and deep colours. The 4K Ultra HD resolution ensures every detail is sharp, and Adaptive Sound enhances to increase image clarity and sound. Object Tracking Sound LITE makes the audio match the on-screen action. As you'd expect from Samsung, this TV really packs a visual punch at an affordable price.
For the optimal entertainment experience, this TV can be voice-controlled using Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant and Samsung's SmartThings app.
Customer reviews praise this TV for its value for money, and sound and picture quality. Comments indicate that the TV is easy to set up and all the major streaming apps are built-in as standard.
Pros
- Ultra-clear display with Dynamic Crystal
- Colour for realistic and vibrant colours
- 4K Ultra HD resolution for sharp details
- Adaptive Sound enhances audio and aligns with on-screen movement
Cons
- Low energy rating
| Screen: | LED, 4K Ultra HD, HDR10+, 3840 x 2160 |
| Refresh rate: | 60Hz |
| Audio: | Adaptive Sound, OTS Lite, Q-Symphony |
| Internet: | Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| Connections: | Ethernet (LAN), Aerial input DVB-T2C, USB |
| OS: | Tizen |
Best mid-budget 43 inch smart TV
SamsungThe Samsung TU7100 has everything you need for a solid 4K experience with no extra frills. The UHD 4K resolution is coupled with Samsung's Crystal Colour processing to create a bright and sharp HDR10+ image. Additionally, the Crystal Processor 4K optimises both the visual and audio performance to match the media you're playing.
One of the best parts about this affordable TV is the user experience. The Tizen OS and smart menus are straightforward to navigate - plus there are many entertainment options with the likes of Amazon Prime, Netflix, Apple TV and BBC iPlayer.
Samsung is of course also a smartphone manufacturer, so it should come as no surprise that the phone and screen-mirroring functions are fantastic. This gives you the option to control certain TV features from your smartphone.
Pros
- Affordable Samsung TV
- Nice smart OS
- 4K UHD resolution
Cons
- Limited connections
- Average sound
| Screen: | 43-inch 4K UHD LED screen HDR10+, HLG |
| Connections: | HDMI x2; USB x1 |
| Audio: | Dolby Digital Plus |
| Internet: | WiFi built-in; Ethernet |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| OS: | Tizen |
Best-designed 43 inch smart TV
Samsung www.johnlewis.com
If you're looking for a stylish 43-inch TV then The Frame should definitely be a contender. When not in use, the TV's 4K QLED non-glare screen goes into 'Art Mode', instead displaying an attractive piece of art within a frame. It looks realistic enough to fool people into being captivated by what they think is beautiful artwork. On an everyday level, this really does double up as a way to enjoy the work of your favourite artists.
As well as looking great, The Frame has some brilliant features too. These include Dolby Atmos surround sound for a cinematic-like experience, a ton of apps for you to explore, streaming your favourite shows and more. The screen even automatically adjusts its brightness settings depending on the time of day, so it's gentle on the eyes. It comes with a slim TV mount, so you can fix it to your wall straight away.
Pros
- Sleek design that blends into surroundings
- 4K QLED screen
- Art Mode
Cons
- Frame feature not ideal for energy consumption
| Screen: | 43-inch 4K QLED LED screen |
| Refresh rate: | 120Hz |
| Connections: | HDMI 2.1 x 4, USB 2.0 (Type A) x 2 |
| Audio: | OTS, Q-Symphony |
| Internet: | WiFi built-in; Ethernet |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| OS: | Tizen |
Best 43-inch smart TV under £250
![Hisense A6NTUK 43" 4K Ultra HD Smart Freely TV [2024]](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/9/2024/11/Hisense-A6NTUK-43-4K-Ultra-HD-Smart-Freely-TV-2024.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
Hisenseao.com
This TV from Hisense is brilliant for refining sports and action as it handles fast-moving content extremely well. The excellent upscaling ensures that even old film and TV content look up to scratch by using its clever tech to make those old pictures larger without getting blocky. Stunning extra colour depth and contrast are delivered by Dolby Vision HDR. The VIDAA OS contains all the major streaming apps such as Netflix, and the sound is more than decent for smaller rooms thanks to DTS Virtual X sound.
Another asset of this TV is that it has Alexa voice control built-in for extra flexibility. The processor isn't in the same tier as the ones from Sony and Samsung, but for this price tag, this TV has many great things on offer.
Pros
- Sub-£300 4K UHD
- Smart assistant support
- Good upscaling
Cons
- Lacks refinement of higher-priced units
| Screen: | 43-inch 4K UHD LED screen; Dolby Vision HDR |
| Refresh rate: | 60Hz |
| Connections: | HDMI 2.0 x3 (ARC compatible x1); USB 2.0 x2 |
| Audio: | DTS Virtual X Sound |
| Internet: | WiFi built-in; Ethernet |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| OS: | VIDAA U5 |
Best Sony 43 inch smart TV
Sony www.argos.co.uk
The Sony 43 Inch KD43X75WL Smart 4K UHD HDR LED Freeview TV is loaded with cutting-edge tech. It sports the latest 4K technology and picture processing for ultra-smooth playback, alongside some fantastic voice command features for instant access to your favourite shows. Paired with some excellent built-in Dolby Atmos speakers for true cinematic immersion, you'll be all set to experience your favourite films like never before.
Pros
- The X1 processor is superb
- Motionflow XR 400, so a smooth image
- Will suit any interior
Cons
- May require a soundbar for a supreme sound experience
| Screen: | 43-inch LED 4K UHD screen; HDR |
| Refresh rate: | 100 - 120Hz |
| Connections: | HDMI 2.1 x4; USB x2 |
| Audio: | Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround |
| Internet: | WiFi built-in; Ethernet |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| OS: | Android TV |
How do I choose the best 43-inch TV for me?
Picture quality
If you're looking for the absolute best picture quality available for a great price, we'd recommend going for a 4K TV. It's four times the picture quality of full HD. Another feature you'll come across is 'HDR'. This stands for High Dynamic Range. It means the TV can display more colours than a standard set for more accurate and deeper colours. And so, HDR10+ is a step up from normal HDR in much the same way.
Smart features
If you want to watch shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, you'll need access to smart features. Luckily most modern TVs are now smart TVs.
Speakers
Ideally, your TV setup won't just deliver awesome visuals - you'll also want the cinematic sound to go with it. We recommend that you look out for Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound that'll fill the room.
Is a 43-inch TV a good size for the lounge?
A 43-inch TV is a perfect size for the lounge, and while it won't be huge, it's still a fantastic choice for any home. If you're looking for something a little bigger though, we'd recommend looking into a 50-inch, 55-inch, 60-inch. And if you want to take your picture quality to the next level, consider an OLED or QLED TV for the ultimate viewing experience.
Best 43-inch smart TVs FAQs
What can a smart TV do?
If you're looking for a TV that provides more than just live television through an aerial or satellite dish, a Smart TV connects to the internet directly to receive content. You won't need a secondary streaming device like an Amazon Fire Stick or a separate set-top box. Smart TVs usually come set up with well-known catch-up streaming apps like BBC iPlayer and ITVX, as well as subscription services such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. A Smart TV also offers users access to other internet services and apps, such as social media, news, weather and other internet browsers.
What size TV do I need?
This really is based on how much space you have in your room, and then how far you will be sitting from it. Here’s a rough guide to give you an idea of the minimum distance you should have from your TV when viewing HD content:
40 inches - 80 inches (6.7 feet)
50 inches - 100 inches (8.3 feet)
60 inches - 120 inches (10 feet)
75 inches - 150 inches (12.5 feet)
Resolution guide:
There are variations in resolutions, but the higher the number of pixels the better. Here are some of the most common ones:
HD: 1280×720
Full HD: 1920×1080
Ultra HD/4K: 3840×2160
What is Freeview Play?
Freeview Play provides on-demand and catch-up television streaming. It also allows you to search in the TV guide to see what’s upcoming and backward to stream shows from the previous week. It effectively combines the functionality of the catch-up elements of apps like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and All4 and merges them with broadcast TV for an easy user experience.
What is the refresh rate?
Refresh rate refers to the number of times a TV screen refreshes the entire image per second. Thus, a high refresh rate is best for sports, gaming or watching action movies - things that move fast, like a football, will have less motion blur at higher refresh rates. The refresh rate is measured in Hertz or Hz. A 60Hz TV will refresh an image 60 times. And, the best 43" smart TVs might have a 120Hz TV that will refresh an image 120 times.
What are the best apps to download for a Smart TV?
When you get a Smart TV, you may be wondering what you need to do when you set it up. In terms of subscription streaming and catch-up apps, we’d recommend you download Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube and Spotify. Some of these may already be installed.
It is good to note that you will need a WiFi or Ethernet connection and a stable internet connection in order for these apps to work properly.
Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.