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10 Best Cheap 42 Inch Smart Tv 2025 in the United States

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#1

Winner

LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo C4 Series Smart TV 4K Processor Flat Screen with Magic Remote AI-Powered with Alexa Built-in (OLED42C4PUA, 2024)

The LG 42-Inch OLED evo C4 Series Smart TV offers impressive picture quality thanks to its 4K resolution and OLED technology, which provides vibrant colors and deep blacks with over 8 million self-lit pixels. The 144Hz refresh rate and features like NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium make it a solid choice for gamers, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay. The built-in a9 AI Processor GEN7 enhances the viewing experience with AI-driven upscaling for clearer images, making it suitable for various types of content, from sports to movies.

Additionally, it includes Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio-visual experience, further enhanced by FILMMAKER MODE for true-to-director's intent viewing. Connectivity is well-covered with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and four HDMI 2.1 ports, making it easy to connect multiple devices. The design is sleek and modern, fitting well into most living spaces.

The smart features are robust, with webOS 24 and LG Channels providing access to numerous streaming apps and 300+ free channels. The Magic Remote with built-in Alexa adds convenience, allowing voice control and easy navigation. The built-in speakers, while decent, may not satisfy audiophiles looking for top-tier sound quality. This LG TV is a great option for those prioritizing picture quality, gaming capabilities, and smart features.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Resolution
The picture quality is sensational, with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Smart Features
The TV handles demanding streaming platforms with ease, thanks to its fast processor.
Refresh Rate
Smooth and responsive gameplay makes it perfect for gamers.
Audio Quality
The sound quality, while decent, benefits greatly from an external soundbar or surround system.
Design
The form factor is incredibly thin and well-engineered, fitting well in any space.
#2

Sony 43-Inch Class 4K Ultra HD BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV with Google TV, Dolby Vision HDR, and Exclusive Features for PlayStation®5 (K-43S30), 2024 Model

The Sony 43-Inch Class 4K Ultra HD BRAVIA 3 LED Smart TV offers impressive features for its category. Its 4K resolution and Triluminos Pro technology provide excellent picture quality with vibrant, lifelike colors. The Google TV integration ensures easy access to numerous streaming apps, and the inclusion of Google Assistant allows for convenient voice commands.

The TV also supports high-quality audio with its X-Balanced Speaker and Dolby Atmos, enhancing the viewing experience. PlayStation 5 users will appreciate the exclusive features for gaming, like Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode, which optimize picture settings for games and streaming. Additionally, the Motionflow XR technology ensures smooth action scenes with a 60 Hz refresh rate, although higher refresh rates would be better for fast-paced gaming.

Connectivity options are robust, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet, and multiple HDMI ports. The design is sleek with a minimal bezel, fitting well in modern living spaces. However, the product might not be the cheapest option available, and its larger-than-42-inch size could be a minor drawback if you're specifically looking for a 42-inch TV. Despite this, the Sony K-43S30 is a solid choice for anyone seeking a feature-rich smart TV, especially gamers and movie enthusiasts.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Resolution
The picture quality is excellent, providing vibrant and lifelike colors.
Audio Quality
Sound quality is decent, but pairing it with a Sony soundbar and subwoofer takes it to the next level.
Design
The TV is lightweight enough to be mounted on an industrial rolling media cart, making it versatile for different spaces.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap 42 Inch Smart Tv

Choosing the right 42-inch smart TV involves understanding various specifications that can impact your viewing experience. It's important to consider what features are most important to you, such as picture quality, smart features, and connectivity options. By understanding these key specs, you can make an informed decision that best fits your needs and preferences.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the picture on the screen. Higher resolution means more pixels, which generally translates to a clearer and more detailed image. Common resolutions include Full HD (1080p) and 4K (2160p). If you want a sharper image and plan to watch a lot of high-definition content, a 4K TV might be the best choice. However, if you mostly watch standard HD content, a 1080p TV can still provide a good viewing experience.
Smart FeaturesSmart features refer to the TV's ability to connect to the internet and run apps like Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services. These features can vary widely between models, with some offering more apps and better user interfaces than others. If you plan to use your TV for streaming, look for one with a robust smart platform that supports the apps you use most frequently. If you don't use streaming services often, basic smart features might be sufficient.
Refresh RateRefresh rate is the number of times per second the image on the screen is refreshed. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). Common refresh rates are 60Hz and 120Hz. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother motion, which is particularly important for fast-paced content like sports and action movies. If you watch a lot of such content, a TV with a higher refresh rate might be beneficial. For regular TV shows and movies, a 60Hz refresh rate is usually adequate.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to the types and number of ports available on the TV, such as HDMI, USB, and audio outputs. More connectivity options allow you to connect various devices like gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and sound systems. Consider what devices you plan to connect to your TV and ensure it has enough ports to accommodate them. If you have multiple devices, look for a TV with several HDMI ports.
Audio QualityAudio quality is important for an immersive viewing experience. While most TVs come with built-in speakers, the quality can vary. Some TVs offer advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos for better sound. If audio quality is important to you, consider a TV with good built-in speakers or plan to invest in an external sound system. If you are not too concerned about audio, the standard built-in speakers might be sufficient.
DesignDesign includes the physical appearance and build quality of the TV. This can affect how the TV looks in your living space and how easy it is to set up. Slimmer designs and thinner bezels can provide a more modern look and take up less space. Consider the aesthetics of the TV and how it will fit into your room. If design is important to you, look for a TV that complements your home decor.

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