Gone are the days when a 14-inch screen was the centerpiece of the living room, captivating families with the wonders of television. The perception of TV sizes has dramatically shifted, positioning a 43-inch screen as a quaint counterpart to its increasingly colossal cousins.

Once upon a time, the early 2000s celebrated the 42-inch screen as a marvel of its age. However, the relentless quest for larger displays has seen the advent of 55-inch, then 65-inch, and even proposals of 100-inch screens dominating our living spaces. Amidst this size escalation, the modest 40-inch to 43-inch TVs found themselves left by the wayside, often overlooked for models boasting newer technologies and larger dimensions.

Yet, this narrative is witnessing a vibrant revival. The 42-inch OLED and 43-inch QLED TVs have burst onto the scene, offering cutting-edge technology and a viewing experience that contends fiercely with their larger counterparts. This resurgence provides a beacon of hope for those who prefer their entertainment in a more compact package without compromising on quality.

And let's not forget, the realm of 43-inch TVs isn't limited to the high-end market; there's a wide array of affordable options. However, the quality among these budget-friendly models can vary significantly, urging discerning viewers to tread carefully and avoid making choices based solely on brand recognition.

Fortunately, our expert TV reviewers have taken on the task of evaluating every significant model in this size bracket amongst others. Their meticulous efforts ensure that only the top performers grace our recommendations. For insights into our comprehensive review process, feel free to visit how we test these TVs.

A speedy checklist for readers

Top picks for 40-43-inch TVs in Canada

1. LG OLED42C3

Discover affordable OLED technology with compact designs, enhancing your viewing experience without breaking the bank.

specification

• Screen size: 42 inches
• Type: OLED
• Resolution: 4K
• HDR formats: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Operating system: webOS 22
• HDMI inputs: x4, all 2.1 48Gbps
• Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM, HGiG, Dolby Vision gaming
• ARC/eARC: eARC
• Optical output: Yes
• Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 54 x 93 x 4.1cm

reasons to buy

• + Clear, vivid detail
• + Stunning contrast
• + Top-notch gaming experience

reasons to avoid

• - Small improvement in C2
• - Sound quality needs enhancement
• - Subtle shadow detail missing

LG recently unveiled an exciting new lineup of C4 OLED TVs, setting the stage for the next generation of home entertainment. While we eagerly await these latest models, the 42-inch C3 OLED remains a top choice for anyone looking for a high-quality 'small' TV experience.

This model is the epitome of an ideal balance between price, features, and performance. It's tough to find another TV in this size that comes so well-equipped. With four HDMI ports supporting up to 48Gbps 2.1, it's fully ready for 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM - making it a haven for gamers. The implementation of HGiG ensures more precise HDR rendering in many games, and the Dolby Vision game mode is a boon for Xbox Series X/S owners, supporting up to 4K/120Hz.

The latest iteration of webOS enhances the user experience, combining speed with a wide range of apps, while maintaining ease of use for optimal picture quality tuning.

The TV's picture quality is simply stunning. OLED technology delivers unparalleled contrast, with the C3 outshining competitors such as the Sony A90K. Colors are both vibrant and natural, and detail is enhanced by the high pixel density afforded by the 4K resolution on a 42-inch screen. Sharpness is top-notch, offering a truly immersive viewing experience.

While the C3's audio performance might not impress, investing in a good sound system, like a soundbar, is something we generally recommend for any TV purchase, so this doesn't detract significantly from the TV's overall appeal.

Top 40-43-inch TVs with superior sound for Canadian viewers

2. Sony XR-42A90K

Discover the unmatched clarity and colour of our compact OLED TV - your smart choice for vibrant, immersive viewing experiences in any space.

specification

• Screen size: 42 inches (also available in 48in)
• Type: OLED
• Backlight: n/a
• Resolution: 4K
• HDR formats supported: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Operating system: Google TV
• HDMI inputs: 4 (2 x 48Gbps HDMI 2.1)
• Gaming features: 4K/120, VRR, ALLM
• ARC/eARC: eARC
• Optical output: Yes
• Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 55 x 93 x 5.7cm

reasons to buy

• + Ultra-clear, detailed visuals
• + Smooth motion
• + Great for gamers

reasons to avoid

• - Less vivid color display
• - Some darker detail loss
• - Not optimal for gaming

Enhancing your home entertainment setup often starts with the perfect TV, but the cherry on top? A top-notch soundbar. However, when space is at a premium, the Sony XR-42A90K shines, delivering unmatched audiovisual harmony in a compact package. Its innovative screen actuators bring the action to life with sound that's as clear as it is detailed, though a tad light on the bass. For those craving deeper beats, pairing it with one of our highly recommended soundbars elevates the experience.

The Sony A90K not only excels in audio but dazzles with its visual performance too. Sporting the same high-caliber panel as the LG C3, it offers true-to-life colors that pop when they need to and subtlety in spades when required. It might not outshine the LG C3 in brightness, but it compensates with stunning clarity, depth, and a three-dimensional feel that's second to none, thanks to Sony's masterful image processing. Its motion handling remains unparalleled, ensuring silky smooth transitions that keep you glued to the screen.

For gamers, the A90K comes equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, supporting 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM for a seamless gaming experience—although it's a hair shy of perfection without HGiG mode and a dedicated Dolby Vision game setting. While it trails slightly behind the LG C3 for gaming, it's an exceptional option for cinematic adventures, albeit with a premium price tag.

And for those wondering about the future of the A90K series, rest easy. There's no successor on the horizon just yet. While the 2022 models, the A80K and A95K, have made way for the A80L and A95L, the 42-inch and 48-inch A90K TVs continue to secure their spot in Sony's lineup, promising another year of outstanding performance.

Top affordable 40-43-inch TVs for Canadian viewers

3. Hisense 43A6KTUK

Experience unparalleled clarity and cost-effectiveness with our top-rated TV, designed to enhance your viewing experience without breaking the bank.

specification

• Screen size: 43 inches (also available in 50, 55, 58, 65, 70, 75 and 85 inches)
• Type: LCD
• Resolution: 4K
• HDR formats supported: HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision
• Operating system: VIDAA
• HDMI inputs: 3
• Gaming features: ALLM
• ARC/eARC: eARC
• Optical output: Yes
• Dimensions (hwd, without stand): 56 x 96 x 7.4cm

reasons to buy

• + Affordable pricing
• + Deep, rich blacks
• + Vibrant, natural colors

reasons to avoid

• - Appears less sharp
• - Narrow view
• - Dim display

In an era where affordability meets quality, the Hisense 43A6KTUK challenges the norms with its surprisingly robust features for a modest £229 price tag in the UK. It proves that great quality doesn't always have to break the bank.

The Hisense 43A6KTUK isn't just about its friendly price; it's packed with a 4K panel that supports HDR, including Dolby Vision. Its advanced AI assists in picture processing to deliver crisp visuals, while the smooth and straightforward VIDAA smart TV interface offers all major streaming and catch-up services at your fingertips. Plus, compatibility with Apple Airplay and Google Home devices adds a layer of convenience for the user.

Picture quality doesn't take a back seat despite the accessible price. The TV displays unexpectedly vibrant colour and strong contrast, offering balanced and realistic hues. While it might not be the brightest screen and motion handling could be more precise, it manages to minimize greyness even when viewed from sharp angles. Overall, it impressively outperforms its price category.

The audio experience is equally commendable, producing a broad soundstage and ample volume, a feat not commonly observed in budget-friendly TVs. Although its design leans towards the bulkier side, its back houses most of that bulk, keeping it out of sight and out of mind once set up.

Considering its compelling blend of affordability, functionality, and performance, it's tough not to appreciate the Hisense 43A6KTUK as a stand-out choice for those seeking value without compromising on quality.

Choosing the best 40-43-inch TV for Canadian viewers

When you're in the market for a new TV, one of your primary decisions involves choosing between panel technologies. OLED and QLED stand out as the front-runners in today's TV tech race, each bringing its unique advantages to the table.

OLED TVs are known for their unparalleled black levels and outstanding contrast, made possible through self-emissive pixel technology. This allows each pixel to independently light up or turn off, delivering those perfect dark scenes. However, they generally don't shine as bright as their LED-backlit peers. On the flip side, types like QD-OLED and MLA OLED are expanding the horizons with enhanced brightness and size variety, though certain sizes like 42-inch are still on the wishlist.

QLED TVs, employing LED or Mini LED backlighting and leveraging Quantum Dots, dazzle with enhanced color vibrancy and superior brightness. It's worth noting, though, in the quest for luminosity, blacks might not be as deep when compared to their OLED counterparts.

Considering their compact size, small TVs might not pack a punch in the audio department. Integrating a Dolby Atmos soundbar or an AVR with a home cinema speaker setup can significantly enhance your audio experience, making up for the in-built speaker's shortcomings. For those preferring a more minimalist setup, opting for built-in audio might suffice, despite the trade-off in sound quality.

For gamers, the appeal of these TVs often lies in their suitability as monitor replacements, thanks to both excellent picture quality and comprehensive feature sets. Ensuring compatibility with the latest gaming features like 4K/120Hz over HDMI 2.1, VRR, and ALLM will elevate your gaming experience, particularly on next-gen consoles like the Xbox Series X and PS5.

Frequently asked questions

Our approach to TV testing for Canadian viewers

Delving deep into the world of modern TVs reveals a multifaceted gadget capable of A/V wizardry. Whether it's streaming your favorite series in ultra-high definition, immersing yourself in HDR content, or enriching your gaming experience with state-of-the-art features, a modern TV is designed to handle it all. Our thorough evaluation process ensures that each TV meets our exacting standards for both picture and sound quality across a plethora of content formats.

Streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Spotify, and Disney+ are meticulously checked to guarantee optimal performance in video and audio output. This meticulous attention ensures that features like Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are fully operational, providing an unmatched viewing experience.

Our hands-on testing extends to advanced gaming features through consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X, ensuring compatibility with 4K/120Hz, VRR, and more. We delve into the specifics of gaming modes and HDR tone mapping to deliver a flawless gaming experience.

Our review process is exhaustive and aimed at extracting the best performance from each TV. By refusing to settle for default settings, we tweak and tune until the perfect picture and sound quality is achieved. This commitment ensures that any TV we recommend is poised to dazzle right out of the box.

Despite the availability of advanced external sound systems, we recognize the importance of a TV's built-in speakers for many. Thus, we rigorously test audio capabilities across a wide spectrum of content, ensuring your viewing experience is sonically superb, even without additional equipment.

With cutting-edge facilities and a team of dedicated experts, our testing methodology is thorough and consistent, embodying the collective expertise of our reviewers. This collaborative approach to review ensures that when we recommend a TV, it represents the pinnacle of what's available, guaranteeing satisfaction.

In summary, when you choose a TV based on our recommendations, you're making a decision informed by extensive, expert-led evaluation and testing. We're committed to guiding you towards the best viewing experiences the market has to offer, ensuring each recommendation is a testament to excellence in the world of consumer electronics.

Latest developments in Canada

Explore Our Curated Content

Delve into our specially curated list of resources designed to enrich your understanding and enhance your knowledge. We've compiled an essential guide to keep you informed and engaged with the latest trends and insights.