Once relegated to dorms and kitchens, 43-inch televisions now boast large enough displays for small living spaces while remaining highly affordable. Major manufactures like TCL, Vizio and Hisense all court buyers on tight budgets with basic but capable LED-backlit LCD models. This comprehensive guide explores stellar picks showcasing surprising performance and features without breaking budgets.
Best Budget
TCL sells admirably equipped 43-inch sets at prices far below rivals. Images avoid major errors and built-in Roku TV offers a sublime smart platform that saves needing a streaming stick. While no technical showcase, satisfyingly solid performance makes it impossible to criticize the pricing.
Pros:
- Built-in Roku TV delivers loads of apps
- Accurate enough colors and skin tones
- Smooth motion handling avoids jarring artifacts
- Includes 3 HDMI and single USB input
- Extremely wallet-friendly price point
Cons:
- Maximum brightness lags pricier models
- Chassis and stands feel somewhat cheap
- Lacks high dynamic range format support
For cash-conscious buyers wanting good enough picture plus streaming versatility, TCL 4 Series models deserve serious consideration.
Best Budget Image Quality
Competing directly against TCL, scrappy Vizio aims to lead entry-level television performance with models like the picture-for-pound superior V-Series. Local dimming and quantum dot color tuning help it outclass other discount displays. Integrated SmartCast software proves far weaker than alternatives.
Pros:
- Excellent color accuracy for the price tier
- 50 dimming zones boost contrast over cheaper models
- Packs gaming amenities like FreeSync VRR
- Sturdy traditional stand supports soundbars
- Usually discounted below regular asking prices
Cons:
- SmartCast needs a streaming stick to shine
- Unremarkable peak brightness
- Only high dynamic range format is HDR10
Buyers wanting unexpectedly good images from an affordable television will appreciate Vizio V-Series models – but should budget for a Roku stick too.
Best Budget Design
Value-first Chinese manufacturer Hisense makes maintaining low sticker prices a cornerstone of their television identity without fully sacrificing style – as perfectly exemplified by the admirable Hisense A6H. Slim bezels surround a sharp Google TV-powered display while integrated speakers aim to simulate surround effects.
Pros:
- Premium hairline-brushed metallic finish
- Integrated Google TV offers loads of apps
- Support Dolby Vision high dynamic range
- Bluetooth and DTS Virtual:X audio
- Usually discounted below regular MSRP
Cons:
- Merely average color accuracy
- Subpar black level performance
- Smart TV can feel slightly laggy
For bargain hunters wanting midrange finesse like a sharp Google TV experience alongside highly appealing exterior aesthetics, the Hisense A6H punches above other cut-rate contenders.
Best Step-Up
Premium television manufacturer Samsung tempts intermediate buyers with Q60B Series QLED televisions. Quantum dot luminosity combines with effective frame-dimming to lift contrast and color vibrancy markedly over standard LED-backlit sets. The impressive results justify moderate price premiums over barebones models.
Pros:
- Quantum dot coloring pops nicely
- Solid brightness and black levels
- Sleek, razor thin panel design
- Intuitive solar-powered remote
- Extensive smart features and apps
Cons:
- Overly aggressive local dimming causes blooming
- Smart Hub interface pushes advertisements
- Lacks Dolby Vision high dynamic range
Discerning viewers wanting excellent LED-LCD image quality with Samsung’s gorgeous styling should admire the universally appealing Q60B quantum-dot 4K television series.
