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- Best overall: LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI C5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA)
- Best budget: Roku 43-Inch Select Series 4K TV (43R4A5R)
- Best premium: Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA)
- Best for OLED gaming: Samsung 42-Inch Class S90F OLED 4K Smart TV (QN42S90FAFXZA)
- A 43-inch TV gives you more screen-size choices, while 42-inch OLED models deliver deeper blacks and sharper contrast.
- The LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI C5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA) is the best all-around OLED pick for mixed viewing and gaming.
- The Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA) is a strong pick for bright rooms and daytime viewing.
- The TCL 43-Inch Class Q651G QLED 4K Google TV (43Q651G) balances 43-inch size, 4K resolution, and a simple streaming interface.
- Compare refresh rate, HDMI inputs, room brightness, and viewing distance before choosing a Black Friday 2026 TV.
Choosing between a 43-inch TV and an OLED TV for Black Friday 2026 comes down to room size, lighting, and what you watch. A 42-inch OLED is technically a little smaller than a 43-inch TV, but the bigger difference is the display: OLED pixels light independently for deep blacks, while LED and QLED TVs often bring stronger brightness and a wider range of 43-inch options.
We researched and compared specs, reviews, and owner feedback to find useful picks across both categories. My pick for most people is a 42-inch OLED for a bedroom or gaming setup, but a bright-room viewer should look closely at premium LED models. The guide below highlights what each TV does well, what to check before buying, and where each option fits.
How We Picked
- Compared display type, resolution, refresh rate, and available screen sizes.
- Checked HDMI input counts and gaming features for console and PC setups.
- Considered brightness and reflection handling for rooms with daylight or overhead lighting.
- Reviewed owner feedback and smart TV platform features for everyday streaming.
- Selected models across OLED, QLED, and LED categories to serve different room and budget needs.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Screen size | Refresh rate | HDMI 2.1 inputs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI C5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA) | All-around OLED viewing and gaming | 42 inches | Up to 144Hz | 4 |
| LG 42-Inch Class OLED B5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42B5PUA) | OLED picture quality at a more accessible tier | 42 inches | Up to 120Hz | 4 |
| Samsung 42-Inch Class S90F OLED 4K Smart TV (QN42S90FAFXZA) | Gaming and colorful HDR viewing | 42 inches | Up to 144Hz | 4 |
| Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA) | Bright rooms and high-refresh gaming | 43 inches | Up to 165Hz | 4 |
| Samsung 43-Inch Class Q60D QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43Q60DAFXZA) | Everyday streaming and casual viewing | 43 inches | 60Hz | 0 |
| TCL 43-Inch Class Q651G QLED 4K Google TV (43Q651G) | Streaming apps and easy setup | 43 inches | 60Hz | 0 |
| Roku 43-Inch Select Series 4K TV (43R4A5R) | Simple streaming and guest rooms | 43 inches | 60Hz | 0 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI C5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA)
The LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI C5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA) is the best overall 42-inch OLED for movie fans and gamers, with a 144Hz refresh rate and four HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for: All-around OLED viewing and gaming
- Screen size
- 42 inches
- Resolution
- 4K, 3840 × 2160
- Refresh rate
- Up to 144Hz
- HDMI 2.1 inputs
- 4
- OLED contrast delivers rich blacks in dark scenes.
- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs suit consoles and PC gaming.
- webOS provides access to major streaming apps.
- OLED brightness is less suited to very sunny rooms.
- A 42-inch screen is not a large-room centerpiece.
Is the LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI C5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI C5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA) is a compelling Black Friday 2026 choice for buyers who want OLED contrast, 4K detail, and up to 144Hz gaming in a compact screen size.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
LG 42-Inch Class OLED B5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42B5PUA)
The LG 42-Inch Class OLED B5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42B5PUA) is the best value-focused OLED for viewers who prioritize contrast, with a 120Hz panel and four HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for: OLED picture quality at a more accessible tier
- Screen size
- 42 inches
- Resolution
- 4K, 3840 × 2160
- Refresh rate
- Up to 120Hz
- HDMI 2.1 inputs
- 4
- Self-lit OLED pixels create deep black levels.
- 120Hz refresh rate supports smooth gaming.
- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs offer flexible connections.
- Bright rooms favor a higher-brightness LED TV.
- The B5 offers fewer premium picture features than the C5.
Is the LG 42-Inch Class OLED B5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42B5PUA) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The LG 42-Inch Class OLED B5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42B5PUA) is worth considering for buyers who want OLED blacks and 120Hz gaming without stepping up to a higher-tier model. The LG 42-Inch Class OLED B5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42B5PUA)'s four HDMI 2.1 inputs support a versatile setup.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Samsung 42-Inch Class S90F OLED 4K Smart TV (QN42S90FAFXZA)
The Samsung 42-Inch Class S90F OLED 4K Smart TV (QN42S90FAFXZA) is the best OLED pick for fast gaming and vivid color, with a 144Hz refresh rate and four HDMI 2.1 inputs.
Best for: Gaming and colorful HDR viewing
- Screen size
- 42 inches
- Resolution
- 4K, 3840 × 2160
- Refresh rate
- Up to 144Hz
- HDMI 2.1 inputs
- 4
- OLED technology gives dark scenes strong contrast.
- 144Hz refresh rate suits compatible gaming systems.
- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs simplify device connections.
- Samsung TVs do not support Dolby Vision.
- The 42-inch size works best at a desk or close viewing distance.
Is the Samsung 42-Inch Class S90F OLED 4K Smart TV (QN42S90FAFXZA) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung 42-Inch Class S90F OLED 4K Smart TV (QN42S90FAFXZA) is a strong Black Friday 2026 OLED for gamers who want a compact 42-inch screen, up to 144Hz refresh, and four HDMI 2.1 inputs.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA)
The Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA) is the best 43-inch TV for bright rooms and high-end gaming, with a 165Hz refresh rate.
Best for: Bright rooms and high-refresh gaming
- Screen size
- 43 inches
- Resolution
- 4K, 3840 × 2160
- Refresh rate
- Up to 165Hz
- HDMI 2.1 inputs
- 4
- Mini LED backlighting supports bright, punchy viewing.
- 165Hz refresh rate supports high-frame-rate gaming.
- Four HDMI 2.1 inputs provide room for several devices.
- LCD black levels do not match OLED in a dark room.
- Advanced features make this more TV than casual viewers need.
Is the Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA) suits bright rooms, sports, and gaming. The Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA)'s 43-inch 4K screen and 165Hz refresh rate make it a versatile alternative to a compact OLED.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Samsung 43-Inch Class Q60D QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43Q60DAFXZA)
The Samsung 43-Inch Class Q60D QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43Q60DAFXZA) is the best straightforward Samsung 43-inch pick for streaming and everyday TV, with a 60Hz 4K panel.
Best for: Everyday streaming and casual viewing
- Screen size
- 43 inches
- Resolution
- 4K, 3840 × 2160
- Refresh rate
- 60Hz
- HDMI inputs
- 3
- QLED color adds vibrancy to everyday shows and sports.
- Tizen smart TV features support popular streaming apps.
- 43-inch size fits bedrooms and smaller living spaces.
- 60Hz is less suited to high-frame-rate gaming.
- No local dimming means weaker dark-room contrast than OLED.
Is the Samsung 43-Inch Class Q60D QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43Q60DAFXZA) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung 43-Inch Class Q60D QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43Q60DAFXZA) is a practical choice for streaming, regular TV, and casual gaming. Choose a faster 120Hz-or-higher model for high-frame-rate console or PC play.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
TCL 43-Inch Class Q651G QLED 4K Google TV (43Q651G)
The TCL 43-Inch Class Q651G QLED 4K Google TV (43Q651G) is the best 43-inch choice for shoppers who value streaming features, with a 60Hz 4K screen and Google TV.
Best for: Streaming apps and easy setup
- Screen size
- 43 inches
- Resolution
- 4K, 3840 × 2160
- Refresh rate
- 60Hz
- HDMI inputs
- 3
- Google TV gathers streaming apps in one interface.
- QLED color gives films and shows lively color.
- 43-inch size suits compact rooms and desks.
- The 60Hz panel is not built for high-refresh gaming.
- HDR impact is more limited than on premium Mini LED TVs.
Is the TCL 43-Inch Class Q651G QLED 4K Google TV (43Q651G) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The TCL 43-Inch Class Q651G QLED 4K Google TV (43Q651G) is a solid match for streaming-focused buyers who want 4K resolution and Google TV in a compact 43-inch size. Fast-action gamers should choose a higher-refresh model.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Roku 43-Inch Select Series 4K TV (43R4A5R)
The Roku 43-Inch Select Series 4K TV (43R4A5R) is the best simple smart TV for casual viewers, with a 43-inch 4K screen and Roku TV streaming platform.
Best for: Simple streaming and guest rooms
- Screen size
- 43 inches
- Resolution
- 4K, 3840 × 2160
- Refresh rate
- 60Hz
- HDMI inputs
- 3
- Roku TV keeps app navigation approachable.
- 4K resolution suits current streaming content.
- A 43-inch screen works well in smaller rooms.
- The 60Hz panel lacks premium gaming features.
- Picture contrast and HDR are less advanced than OLED.
Is the Roku 43-Inch Select Series 4K TV (43R4A5R) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Roku 43-Inch Select Series 4K TV (43R4A5R) is a sensible option for casual streaming, guest rooms, and viewers who prefer Roku TV. Buyers seeking deep OLED blacks or high-refresh gaming should compare the premium picks.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Is a 43-inch TV or a 42-inch OLED better for Black Friday 2026?
A 42-inch OLED is better for dark-room contrast, while a 43-inch LED or QLED TV is often better for bright rooms and varied viewing needs. The one-inch size gap is small; panel technology and room lighting make a larger difference.
OLED pixels turn off individually, producing near-black scenes without a backlight glow. The LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI C5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA) and Samsung 42-Inch Class S90F OLED 4K Smart TV (QN42S90FAFXZA) also offer fast refresh rates for gaming. For daytime viewing, the Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA) uses Mini LED backlighting to deliver a brighter presentation. Skip it if you need a large screen for a big living room: both sizes are compact.
Is OLED worth choosing over QLED for a 43-inch TV?
OLED is worth choosing over QLED when deep blacks and precise contrast matter more than screen brightness. For films in a dim room, OLED delivers clean dark scenes and avoids the glow that can appear around bright objects on some LCD screens.
QLED is a better fit for rooms with daylight, casual TV, and viewers who want a 43-inch model. The Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA) pairs Mini LED backlighting with a high refresh rate, while the Samsung 43-Inch Class Q60D QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43Q60DAFXZA) targets everyday viewing. Think about your usual lighting and content, not just the panel label.
Which screen size works best for a bedroom or desk?
A 42-inch OLED or 43-inch TV works best in a bedroom, dorm, or desk setup viewed from a few feet away. The one-inch difference between the categories is too small to drive most buying decisions.
For a monitor-like setup, the LG 42-Inch Class OLED B5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42B5PUA) and Samsung 42-Inch Class S90F OLED 4K Smart TV (QN42S90FAFXZA) bring high refresh rates and 4K detail. A 43-inch model such as the TCL 43-Inch Class Q651G QLED 4K Google TV (43Q651G) gives you a bigger option set and a dedicated streaming interface. Measure the stand, cabinet, and viewing distance before ordering.
Which Black Friday 2026 TV is best for gaming?
The LG 42-Inch Class OLED evo AI C5 Series 4K Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA) and Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA) are the strongest gaming picks in this guide, with refresh rates up to 144Hz and 165Hz respectively.
Both models include four HDMI 2.1 inputs for current consoles, gaming PCs, and other devices. Choose OLED for dark-room contrast and responsive-looking motion; choose the QN90F for a bright room and a 43-inch screen. Models such as the Roku 43-Inch Select Series 4K TV (43R4A5R) run at 60Hz, which suits casual play but does not provide the same high-refresh experience.
What should you prioritize when comparing 43-inch TVs and OLED TVs?
Compare panel type, refresh rate, HDMI inputs, and room lighting before deciding between a 43-inch TV and a 42-inch OLED. Those specifications have a greater effect on everyday use than the one-inch diagonal-size difference.
OLED is a strong fit for film fans and dark rooms; QLED and Mini LED are sensible for bright spaces. Gamers should look for a 120Hz-or-higher panel and HDMI 2.1 inputs, while streaming-first shoppers should check the app platform. The TCL 43-Inch Class Q651G QLED 4K Google TV (43Q651G) and Roku 43-Inch Select Series 4K TV (43R4A5R) emphasize approachable streaming. Confirm the exact model code and input layout on the product listing.
Buying Guide
Match the panel to your room
Choose OLED for a darker room and strong black levels. Choose a bright QLED or Mini LED model for sunny rooms, daytime sports, and overhead lighting.
Check refresh rate for gaming
A 60Hz TV suits streaming and casual gaming. A 120Hz-or-higher panel gives compatible consoles and gaming PCs smoother motion, with HDMI 2.1 inputs needed for the full feature set.
Measure the setup
Measure cabinet width, stand depth, wall space, and seating distance. A 42-inch OLED and 43-inch TV have nearly identical screen dimensions, but their feet and mounts differ.
Compare smart TV platforms
Check whether the TV platform has your preferred apps and voice controls. Google TV, Roku TV, Tizen, and webOS each organize streaming and connected devices differently.
Shop the exact model code
Compare the full model name and suffix when reviewing Black Friday 2026 listings. Confirm screen size, refresh rate, HDMI count, and panel type so a similar-looking variant does not surprise you.
FAQ
Is a 43-inch TV bigger than a 42-inch OLED?
Yes. A 43-inch TV has a one-inch larger diagonal than a 42-inch OLED, though the practical size difference is small. Stand dimensions and bezel design affect the total footprint, so measure your furniture or wall before choosing.
Is OLED better than QLED for movies?
OLED is usually the stronger fit for movies in a dark room because individually lit pixels create deep blacks and precise contrast. QLED is a better match for bright rooms, where higher screen brightness helps the picture remain easy to see.
Is a 43-inch TV good for PS5 gaming?
Yes. A 43-inch TV is a comfortable size for many gaming setups, but choose a model with a 120Hz-or-higher refresh rate and HDMI 2.1 inputs for advanced PS5 features. A 60Hz model suits casual play and standard viewing.
Should I buy an OLED TV for a bright room?
An OLED TV works in a bright room, but a bright QLED or Mini LED TV is often easier to view in direct daylight. For a room with curtains or controlled lighting, OLED remains an excellent option for films and games.
What is the best 43-inch TV for Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung 43-Inch Class QN90F Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (QN43QN90FAFXZA) is the strongest 43-inch pick here for bright rooms and high-refresh gaming. The TCL 43-Inch Class Q651G QLED 4K Google TV (43Q651G) is a simpler streaming-focused alternative.
Is 42-inch OLED good as a computer monitor?
Yes. A 42-inch OLED provides a large 4K desktop with strong contrast and fast refresh rates on compatible models. Check desk depth, text clarity settings, and the manufacturer’s guidance for static images before using an OLED as a primary monitor.