Buying Guide for the Best 43 Inch Televisions
Choosing a 43-inch television is all about balancing the size, picture quality, features, and how it fits into your space and lifestyle. Since a 43-inch TV is considered medium-sized, it's a great choice for bedrooms, apartments, kitchens, or even as a secondary TV in living rooms. To make the best choice, it's important to understand the key specifications, what they mean, and how they relate to your viewing habits and needs.ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen, typically measured as Full HD (1080p) or 4K Ultra HD (2160p) for TVs of this size. Higher resolution means sharper images and more detail. Full HD is sufficient for casual viewing or if you sit farther from the TV, while 4K brings out finer details, especially noticeable if you watch high-quality content or sit closer to the screen. You should consider what you watch most often and how close you sit; if you use streaming services in 4K or enjoy gaming, a 4K TV will be a better fit.
Panel TypeThe panel type influences color, contrast, and viewing angles. Common types include LED, IPS, and VA. LED panels are widely used and offer good brightness. IPS panels provide wider viewing angles and more accurate colors, which is useful if multiple people watch from different sides. VA panels tend to have deeper blacks and higher contrast but narrower viewing angles. If you often watch TV with a group or from various positions, choose an IPS panel. If you prefer deep blacks for movies and typically watch from directly in front, a VA panel might suit you.
Refresh RateThe refresh rate is how many times per second the image updates, measured in Hertz (Hz), usually 60Hz or 120Hz for TVs. A higher refresh rate leads to smoother motion, important for fast-paced content like sports or video games. For most casual viewers and standard TV shows, 60Hz is perfectly adequate. However, if you’re a gamer or love watching action-packed movies, look for 120Hz for a smoother experience.
Smart TV FeaturesSmart TV features allow your television to connect to the internet and run apps for streaming shows, movies, and music. Some TVs come with robust operating systems that offer a wide range of apps and voice control, while others might have basic functionalities. If you want to easily access popular streaming services, look for a TV with a well-supported smart platform. If you already use a separate streaming device, the built-in smart features may be less important.
Input/Output PortsPorts determine what devices you can connect to your TV, such as game consoles, streaming boxes, sound systems, or Blu-ray players. Key ports include HDMI for most modern devices, USB for media playback, and sometimes optical or ARC for external audio. Some TVs have more ports than others. Think about what you plan to connect; if you have several devices, pick a TV with multiple HDMI ports. It's always wise to have at least one extra port for future needs.
Audio QualitySound quality can vary significantly between TVs, and thin designs often limit built-in speaker performance. Some TVs include enhanced audio features like Dolby or DTS support, but these may not replace the experience of separate soundbars or speakers. If you care about immersive sound, consider the TV’s audio features or whether it has good connections for a soundbar or external speakers. For casual use, built-in speakers may be just fine.
Design and StandThe design affects both the look of the TV and how it fits into your room. Slim bezels offer a more modern appearance, and the type of stand or possibility of wall-mounting determines installation flexibility. If space is tight or you want a clean setup, check the depth of the TV and the style of the stand. Make sure it fits your furniture or the wall mount you plan to use.