My choice for the best 40-inch TV is the Samsung Q60C. It uses a dual-LED panel to produce warm and cool colors simultaneously for better detailing as well as bold images. It also works with object-tracking sound for audio that follows the on-screen action. You’ll get access to Alexa, Bixby, and Hey Google voice controls, as well as a solar-powered remote to help make your home a bit more eco-friendly.

While shopping for a new TV, no matter the size, it’s essential to keep in mind exactly how you’ll be using it. If you’re cutting the cord with your cable or satellite provider, you’ll want a model that offers a preloaded suite of popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, as well as the ability to download thousands more. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly secondary screen for your bedroom or kids’ playroom, you’ll have to decide if you want 4K or 1080p HD resolution. And while console gamers won’t exactly be spoiled for choice, it is possible to find 40-inch class TVs that offer some sort of VRR support as well as a 120Hz native refresh rate.

While testing and researching each 40-inch TV featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:

• Price: While a 40-inch TV is going to be much more affordable than its 65-inch, or larger, counterparts, there is still a somewhat wide range of price points to choose from. Each offers different sets of features, so every 40-inch model has been chosen for how much value it offers compared to its cost.
• Resolution: While TVs with native 4K resolution are commonplace, it’s still possible to find 40-inch models with only 1080p resolution. It’s important to double-check that the 40-inch model you’ve chosen is going to produce the resolution you want; you don’t want to have to go through the hassle of a return because of a simple mistake. The majority of my choices on this list are capable of 4K, though I did include a few alternative picks that were 1080p.
• Features: Just because you’ll get a smaller screen with a super-budget price tag doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice features you’ve come to expect as standard for home entertainment. Whether you get a 4K or 1080p model, each 40-inch TV featured on this list has been ensured to support popular streaming apps, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and support for virtual assistants like Alexa.

A 40-inch TV can be used as a monitor without many issues. Though I would only recommend doing this if you use your computer for casual web surfing, streaming, or typical office work. Since a TV usually doesn’t have the same refresh rate and latency as a monitor, it might not be the best choice for video editors or PC gamers.

Yes. With caveats. 

If you’re able to see your dorm room before you move in, either on a general campus tour or during student orientation, I highly recommend taking a tape measure with you to scout out potential spots for a TV. Because nothing is more frustrating than hauling your TV, and everything else you need for college, all the way to campus only to have to send it back home with your parents because it won’t fit where you planned.

A 40-inch model should fit most spaces, especially if you’re able to set it on top of a dresser or armoire. Make sure you confirm campus/dorm policy about wall mounting so you don’t incur repair charges or the wrath of your RAs. It may also be beneficial to leave your 40-inch TV at home (or the store if you haven’t purchased it yet) until you can rearrange your dorm furniture to optimize the space; you can always bring it back with you after a weekend home visit.

If you’re worried about fine details getting lost on a smaller screen, you shouldn’t be. Screen panel technology for televisions has advanced a lot since the first flat-panel and 4K models hit the market, and plenty of smaller screens are capable of producing clean, clear 4K resolution for streaming, gaming, and supported broadcast media. 

However, if you’re looking to save a bit of cash, a 1080p model will be a bit cheaper than one with 4K. And a 40-inch, 1080p TV is still a great option as a second screen in your bedroom, kitchen, or kids’ playroom.

While 40-inch TVs aren’t as abundant as they used to be, you can still find great options. You can also find excellent 42 and 43-inch models if you have the space. Here’s a short list of alternative choices that I thought were great: