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The best 40-inch TVs of 2026: Expert tested for smaller spaces

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While a 40-inch TV may not be the most popular size, both big and small brands offer excellent options with features you've come to expect as standard for home entertainment. These features include 4K resolution, enhanced audio and picture processing, higher refresh rates, and access to streaming services.

If you're willing to spend the money, a 40-inch class OLED TV is a great TV for gamers looking for a screen that can stand up to use with both PCs and consoles, with a 120Hz refresh rate and VRR support. A 40-inch TV is also a good option if you're looking for a budget TV, which often retails well under $1,000, barring OLED options.

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What is the best 40-inch TV right now?

The Sony Bravia 2 II is my choice for the best 40-inch TV you can buy. With a decent balance between price and features, you won't have to compromise on things like picture quality or app support in order to get a great TV at a good price. It features 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate for clean details and smoother motion while watching live sports or streaming fast-paced movies and shows. It even has exclusive VRR support for console gaming on the PS5.

Also: The best picks for 32-inch TVs: Top small TVs compared

In our February update, we replaced the Toshiba V35 with the TCL Q35F as our pick for the best budget 40-inch TV.

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The best 40-inch TVs of 2026

Show less View now at Amazon Why we like it: The Sony Bravia 2 II is a great option if you want a smaller-screen TV that still offers plenty of smart features as well as great picture and audio quality. You'll get 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, giving you smoother action for everything from live sports and streaming to console gaming. You'll also get exclusive VRR support for the PS5 to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. Who it's for: Whether you're a movie buff or avid gamer, the Sony Bravia 2 II offers decent picture quality for the price. It also packs in plenty of extra features like Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls, HDR support, and AI-assisted upscaling. Who should look elsewhere: While the Sony Bravia 2 II is an excellent model from a well-known brand, it's also on the higher side of affordable. If you're looking for something with a lower price tag, there are plenty of other options on this list. Sony Bravia 2 II tech specs - Screen size: 43 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: HDR10 | Audio: DTS:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant Also: The best Sony TVs you can buy Sony Bravia 2 II 43-inch Best 40-inch TV overall Why we like it: The Sony Bravia 2 II is a great option if you want a smaller-screen TV that still offers plenty of smart features as well as great picture and audio quality. You'll get 4K resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, giving you smoother action for everything from live sports and streaming to console gaming. You'll also get exclusive VRR support for the PS5 to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. Who it's for: Whether you're a movie buff or avid gamer, the Sony Bravia 2 II offers decent picture quality for the price. It also packs in plenty of extra features like Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls, HDR support, and AI-assisted upscaling. Who should look elsewhere: While the Sony Bravia 2 II is an excellent model from a well-known brand, it's also on the higher side of affordable. If you're looking for something with a lower price tag, there are plenty of other options on this list. Sony Bravia 2 II tech specs - Screen size: 43 inches | Panel type: LED | Refresh rate: 60Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: HDR10 | Audio: DTS:X | Voice controls: Alexa, Google Assistant Also: The best Sony TVs you can buy Read More Show Expert Take Show less

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