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.
Best 40-inch TVs at a glance
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
Best 40-inch TV overall
HisenseRrp: £249.00
Price: £229.00
It’s a rarity to find QLED technology in a 40-inch TV. This is a step up from the standard LED panels found in most TVs of this size and it means an improvement in brightness and the overall colour quality of the display. For it, you’ll usually need to go for a 43-inch TV or larger, with the bump up in price which that entails. Not here though. This Hisense television doesn’t just boast QLED, but also Dolby Atmos sound, an easy-to-use interface and Alexa integration. Taken together it’s an impressive, affordable package which we don’t think is surpassed.
The remote which accompanies the 40A5NQTUK provides one-touch access to a variety of apps, including the VIDAA smart TV platform. It’s a simple, fast and comprehensive navigation which also features an Art Mode. With this you can have a masterpiece of your choice as a screensaver for when you’re not actively watching. But whether for van Gogh’s Sunflowers or Apple TV’s Severance, you’ll be the owner of a TV which can do justice to lights and darks thanks to HDR (High Dynamic Range) and an impressive AI processor.
Pros
- Superior picture quality thanks to QLED technology
- Dolby Atmos sound
- A good array of smart features and ports
Cons
- Room for improvement when it comes to audio – invest in a Dolby Atmos soundbar
| Screen | QLED |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| HDR (extra colour range) | HDR10, Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, screen mirroring, HDMI, USB, 3.55mm headphone jack |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio (MS12), DTS |
| Smart features | Vidaa U6, VIDAA Voice, compatible with Google Assistant speakers |
| Energy rating | F |
| Dimensions | 51.8 x 90.5 x 8.9cm |
| Weight | 5.5kg |
Rrp: £249.00
Price: £229.00
Best budget 40-inch TV
RCAFor a budget option which still offers plenty, the RCA Roku RK40FQ1 is worthy of your consideration. We’ve tested the Roku interface, it’s a feature of one of our best TVs overall, and found it to be accessible and easy to adjust. Also, and perhaps most importantly, it displays no obvious lag – a risk the cheaper you go with your TV choice.
Most 40-inch TVs will benefit from the addition of a soundbar and this RCA telly is no different. However, Dolby Audio and DTS Studio Sound mean that there’s still solid support on this front and there are several options when it comes to what to listen to (and watch, you can see what channels Roku offers here). When you do settle down to a series or movie, you’ll benefit from the HDR technology at play. We rate this for the wider colour palette and greater range of tones it delivers. Several ports (including three HDMIs), a slim design and the accompanying Roku app all cement our confidence in the value of this TV.
Pros
- Intuitive Roku interface
- HDR for enhanced picture quality
- At under £165, it’s great value
| Screen | LED |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| HDR (extra colour range) | HDR |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, RF Input, RJ45, Optical |
| Audio | Dolby Audio and DTS Studio Sound |
| Smart features | Roku OS |
| Energy rating | F |
| Dimensions | 55.7 x 89.2 x 18.8cm |
| Weight | 6.97kg |
Best Samsung 40-inch TV
SamsungPrice: £179.00
The screen’s the thing with Samsung, and the advanced technology for which the brand is known is the reason the UE40T5300AEXXU features here. Extras like PurColour deliver natural shades while the overall picture is improved thanks to the Samsung Hyper Real Engine.
Despite this, the base refresh rate of 50Hz is lower than most TVs in this list. Why does that matter? Well, the higher the refresh rate the smoother any on-screen motion will be. That’s why 60Hz for movies or fast-moving sports action is better than 50Hz, with 120Hz or more being ideal – especially for gamers (but you’re not likely to find the latter on sets smaller than 43 inches). It’s also lacking other elements which crop up elsewhere, like a headphone jack and Bluetooth connectivity. However, we do appreciate the presence of voice control for Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Plus, for PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch owners there’s a Game Mode which will optimise settings for an improved, immersive experience.
Samsung also point out that screen mirroring allows this TV to double as a monitor for your computer work. Not necessarily a conventional way of using a 40-inch set, but maybe something to look into if you’re operating within a limited space and don’t want lots of pieces of kit reducing this further.
Pros
- Google Assistant and Alexa compatible
- Dedicated Game Mode
- Samsung picture quality
Cons
- No headphone jack, an expectation when there’s also no Bluetooth connectivity
| Screen | LED |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 50Hz |
| HDR (extra colour range) | HDR |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI, USB, RF In, CI Plus |
| Audio | Dolby Digital Plus |
| Smart features | Samsung Smart Hub, Tizen OS, Alexa and Google Assistant compatible |
| Energy rating | F |
| Dimensions | 55.24 x 91.71 x 17.03cm (with stand) |
| Weight | 7.2kg |
Best 40-inch TV for gaming
PanasonicRrp: £298.99
Price: £279.00
Like the Samsung, the Panasonic TV-40S55AEY includes a Game Mode. This low latency option reduces the delay between a signal being sent to the TV and when it appears on screen. For gamers, this means that the desired in-game effect prompted by pressing a controller button is instantaneous. It might not be vital for something leisurely like Thank Goodness You’re Here!, but it can make all the difference if beat ’em ups, first-person shooters or racing titles are more your thing.
While it’s this feature which leads us to suggest that the TV-40S55AEY is the best 40-inch TV for gamers, it still has a 60Hz refresh rate. Dedicated gamers will want to opt for a display running 120Hz or higher (which will inevitably be larger and more expensive). However, there’s no lack of other factors which mean that this TV holds its own if instead used for watching series and films.
For one, it’s a Fire TV. With this built-in operating system users can gain access to Amazon Prime, and a wide array of other services like BBC iPlayer and Netflix, and enjoy them with ease. It also supports Apple AirPlay and Apple Home, meaning that iPhone or Mac owners can stream content directly from their devices to the display. Finally, Alexa’s present, meaning a more convenient viewing experience for anyone who likes to up the volume or change channel by voice alone.
Pros
- Low latency Game Mode for smooth gameplay
- Streaming made simple with the Fire OS
- Built-in Alexa and Apple compatibility
Cons
- Pricey for a 40-inch model
| Screen | LED |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| HDR (extra colour range) | HDR10, HLG |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, Ethernet, CI Plus, RCA, Coax, Headphone jack |
| Audio | DTS Virtual:X |
| Smart features | Fire TV OS, Alexa voice control, Easy mirroring |
| Energy rating | E |
| Dimensions | 57.4 x 90.2 x 23.5cm |
| Weight | 7.5kg |
Rrp: £298.99
Price: £279.00
Best 40-inch TV for sound
HisenseIt’s Hisense again. They’re one of our favourite brands because of their success at offering high-end features at low-end prices. The Hisense 40-inch 40E4NTUK is no different, and it ranks particularly highly for sound quality given that DTS Virtual
When it comes to the screen there’s less to shout about. It’s Full HD, but doesn’t feature HDR. However, we still appreciate the internal tech which enhances colour and optimises the overall picture quality. Plus, like the QLED Hisense above, it utilises the VIDAA OS to provide a user-friendly interface and easy access to streaming content.
Pros
- DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio at an affordable price
- Supports AirPlay 2 and Miracast
- Voice control compatibility (Alexa and Google Assistant)
| Screen | LED |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| HDR (extra colour range) | No |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, Ethernet, CI Plus, RCA, Coax, Headphone jack |
| Audio | Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X |
| Smart features | VIDAA Smart OS, Alexa and Google Assistant compatible |
| Energy rating | F |
| Dimensions | 56.5 x 90 x 18.6cm |
| Weight | 5.5kg |
Best 40-inch TV for films
Sharp Rrp: £199.99
Price: £179.99
Our best choice for film fans is ultimately going to be the TV with the most advanced display, and that’s the Hisense we’ve picked as the best 40-inch TV overall. However, we think this Sharp rivals it for that particular title due to its connectivity.
Bear with us on this one. Those who have, or want to develop, a passion for film will benefit from not limiting themselves to on-demand or live TV. As such, and in the absence of a decent 40-inch TV with a DVD player built-in, you’ll be wanting to dig out a player to connect. The most common number of HDMI ports on a 40-inch model is two, but there are three on the Sharp 2T-C40GD2725K. This means less chance of having to repeatedly connect and disconnect devices – whether a Blu-ray player, games console or streaming stick.
When you do get around to watching a difficult to source B-movie or a limited edition steelbook you’ll do so on a TV which can more than hold its own. Enhanced contrast and colour depth come courtesy of HDR10 and HLG, while Dolby Audio support ensures stronger sound. Plus, there’s the Roku interface which we rate highly.
Pros
- HDMIx3 for convenient connectivity
- Roku OS with voice integration
- High Dynamic Range for extra brightness and contrast
Cons
- Audio features are best utilised with the addition of a soundbar
| Screen | LED |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| HDR (extra colour range) | HDR10, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, Headphone jack, RCA |
| Audio | Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus |
| Smart features | Roku OS, Apple AirPlay, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home |
| Energy rating | D |
| Dimensions | 56.5 x 89.2 x 23.2cm |
| Weight | 4.6kg |
Rrp: £199.99
Price: £179.99
Currys
Best 40-inch TV for streaming
AmazonRrp: £299.99
Price: £199.99
Amazon Prime is now a huge part of what the multinational has to offer, with shows like The Wheel of Time having huge budgets and a dedicated following. So, when Amazon release their own TVs, you know that streaming is going to be front and centre. That’s the case here with the Amazon Fire 40-inch 2-Series.
The Fire OS makes watching Prime easy, but it also provides straightforward access to other apps like Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Now, Paramount+ and more. Naturally, as an Amazon product, you’ll also be able to make use of Alexa to find content and control compatible home devices.
As with other TVs mentioned, we highly rate the inclusion of Dolby Audio. Not only does it mean better sound but it adds a degree of longevity if you don’t plan on switching to another set any time soon. The addition of Bluetooth in this Amazon Fire TV gives further cause for confidence. Connect a pair of compatible surround sound headphones to take advantage of the Dolby sound without disturbing others. Considering all of these features together, it’s a TV for the long-term.
Pros
- Integrated Fire TV OS with Alexa voice control
- Easy access to Prime video for Amazon members
- Bluetooth for wireless listening
Cons
- Limited brightness in brightly lit rooms
| Screen | LED |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| HDR (extra colour range) | HDR10, Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) |
| Connectivity | HDMI, Ethernet, USB |
| Audio | Dolby Digital Plus |
| Smart features | Fire OS, Alexa integration |
| Energy rating | E |
| Dimensions | 52 x 90.4 x 8.5cm |
| Weight | 5.9kg |
Rrp: £299.99
Price: £199.99
Best easy-to-use 40-inch TV
Bush Price: £169.00
The most expensive TV in this list isn’t extortionate; it doesn’t top £250. However, if you want to spend significantly less than that there’s this TV from Bush. We’ve seen it on sale for as low as £149.
The 40-inch 40FT24CA also deserves a mention due its simplicity. Owners report that it’s easy to set up and watch, helped in part by its TiVo interface which allows access to some of the most frequently used apps (though less than you’ll get with some other options listed here). Likewise, its refresh rate could be better. As with the Samsung above, it’s 50Hz (while the rest of the TVs we’ve picked out offer 60Hz).
Despite that, High Dynamic Range and Dolby Sound are both included in the specs – by no means a given at this price point. Plus, if you prefer a single central stand rather than feet at either side then you’re in luck. A small point but potentially an important one, depending on the spot you have in mind for your new television.
Pros
- Straightforward to use and good value
- HDR and Dolby Sound
- Sleep timer for automatic shutdown
Cons
- Some apps (like Now TV) are not included, and it’s not possible to add new ones
| Screen | LED |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 50Hz |
| HDR (extra colour range) | HDR10 |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, Headphone jack, Ethernet |
| Audio | Dolby Audio, DTS |
| Smart features | TiVo-based, Miracast |
| Energy rating | E |
| Dimensions | 57 x 90.2 x 23.5cm |
| Weight | 5.95kg |
Best 40-inch TV for freeview and freesat
PhilipsThis Philips 40PHS6009 stands out for its dual receiver capabilities. If you have a satellite dish and an aerial and want to make use of both then this is a good option. The arrangement gives you access to the slightly different channel lineups of Freeview and FreeSat. It’s also a solution if you live in an area with poor reception as you’ll be able to switch between the two to find the one that works.
Beyond this, it’s compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you’re covered irrespective of which smart home system you’ve opted for. Its Full HD resolution and HDR support also ensure vibrant and sharp images, while the Titan OS smart platform provides access to a variety of apps for live TV and on-demand. While it might not rival other TVs we’ve highlighted here for ease of setup, it remains a good 40-inch set from a trusted brand and will be of particular interest to those who prioritise access to live television.
Pros
- Dual receiver for Freeview and Freesat
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Lower than average energy rating
Cons
- Design of remote control makes setup more complex than necessary
| Screen | LED |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| HDR (extra colour range) | HDR10, HLG |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, Ethernet |
| Audio | Dolby Digital |
| Smart features | Titan OS |
| Energy rating | D |
| Dimensions | 56.4 x 89.2 x 22.6cm |
| Weight | 5.5kg |
Best 40-inch TV for bedrooms
TCLRrp: £239.00
Price: £168.00
Another TV with Fire OS which generally offers a lot for the price is the TCL 40SF540K. Like the Panasonic and Amazon options above, this system ensures smooth navigation through different menus and a host of streaming apps for your convenience. Spotify subscribers can even use it to queue up a playlist, with music being well-served by the presence of theatrical Dolby sound.
We’ve chosen it as the best 40-inch TV for bedrooms because it has Bluetooth. It means that you can connect a pair of wireless headphones and listen late into the night without keeping anyone else awake. The Bluetooth is version 5.0 too, offering a more stable connection than previous Bluetooth iterations as well as support for high-res audio for superior quality music.
No matter what room it ends up in, we think it’ll look great thanks to the slim bezels. These make the display appear even larger, with the images on it being pleasingly crisp thanks to HDR. Like many LED TVs, the picture quality may diminish when viewed from sharp angles. Still, all in all, it’s a well-rounded, feature-packed option.
Pros
- Great connectivity, including Bluetooth – ideal for solo listening in a shared space
- Fire OS provides easy navigation
- Minimal bezel makes display look larger
Cons
- Like most 40-inch TVs, sound will be improved by purchasing a soundbar
| Screen | LED |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| HDR (extra colour range) | HDR10, HLG |
| Connectivity | HDMI, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth |
| Audio | Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual X, DTS-HD |
| Smart features | Fire OS, Miracast, Voice control |
| Energy rating | F |
| Dimensions | 56 x 89.2 x 18.5cm |
| Weight | 5.14kg |
Rrp: £239.00
Price: £168.00
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 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?
©Harvey Isitt/Empire
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
OS (Operating System)
Different TVs will offer different operating systems, including Roku ©Chris Duffill / Empire
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.
Best 40-inch TVs FAQs
Is 4K worth it on a 40-inch TV?
It may be a desirable feature, but you’re unlikely to find a 40-inch TV with 4K. Our selection of the best 40-inch TVs include sets with great specs, but 4K isn’t among them. For that you’ll need to broaden your search. At 43-inches you’ll start to discover televisions which promise 4K. And yes, we do think that it’s worth it even on a smaller TV as it delivers four times the detail of a Full HD display. However, don’t forget to look at the entire product description – you might find that other important elements like QLED and a high refresh rate are missing. For a couple of 43-inch 4K TVs which don’t scrimp on the essentials at this size, we recommend the Samsung Q60D and the Hisense 43A7NQTUK.
How far should you sit from a 40-inch TV?
The ideal viewing distance for a 40-inch TV is around 1.5 metres (approximately 5ft). You can work out the best viewing distance for a television of any size by multiplying the TV’s size (diagonal width) by 1.5.
What size room is a 40-inch TV good for?
Once you know how far you should be sitting from the TV you’ll have a good idea of whether the space that you’re thinking about for it does the job. However, a lot of other factors play their part. Does the room already contain a lot of objects? Is there plenty of natural light? Where are the plug and aerial sockets? Ultimately you’ll be the best judge of the right size TV for your home, but we think that a 40-inch TV is certainly worth considering for small to average size living rooms and bedrooms.
Is a 40-inch TV too small for a living room?
No, a 40-inch TV can fit nicely into a living room. It’s all to do with the size of the space and how you’ll be using the TV. For a truly immersive experience you’ll want to increase the size of the screen and also check which features are included – Dolby Atmos sound and OLED technology, for example. However, a 40-inch TV can work perfectly well for casual viewing in some living rooms, as well as bedrooms, studies and elsewhere.
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.
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