Best 32”-42” LED TV

Top 10 Budget 32”,37”,40”,42” LED TVs 2025

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The small LED TV category is still very important to the average North American consumer. We’ve included a solid list of the Best LED TVs for 2012 based on the following qualitative and value criteria:

  • 1)Solid Picture Quality based on:
    • A) Not too much motion lag
    • B) Somewhat decent side angle viewing
    • C) Color saturation and realism
  • 2)Features Set (Internet, menu, remote, function)
  • 3)Plenty of HDMI inputs
  • 4)Appearance
  • 5)Price/Value per size and quality
  • 6) Sound Quality
  • 7) Consistent Long Lasting with 1 year warranty

(W x H x D): 29.1″ x 17.5″ x 1.9″ without stand
11 lbs.
1080p Resolution
60Hz Refresh Rate
Clear Motion Rate 120
2 HDMI

At less than $300 this is going to be a crowd-pleaser all year. Appearance and design are also much better than the competition in the 32 inch size range…Read More


LG 42LN5400  8.5/10

38.11″ x 22.28″ x 3.11″ without stand
$599
120Hz Trumotion (manipulated 60Hz)
1080p Full HD resolution
2 HDMI Inputs/ 1 USB

The LN5400 series features direct lit LED backlighing rather than the more common edge lit LED variety. It can help produce a better picture through local dimming…Read More


Vizio E320i-B2  8.5/10

32″ diagonally
720p
2 HDMI, 1 USB inputs
60Hz Full-Array LED Smart TV
28.58”W x 18.65”H x 6.83”D

The Vizio E320i-B2 is a worthy entry-level LED TV for a great budget price (the high $200 range). As a perk, it includes a range of upgrades, such as the full-array LED backlighting, which enhances the contrast…Read More


32 inches diagonally
1080p
60Hz LED TV

As a replacement for last year’s F5500 series, the Samsung UN32H5500 LED TV sees some significant improvements, mainly in the form of the quad core processor powering the Smart TV features. We saw a marked improvement…Read More


Vizio M401i-A3  8.5/10

36.28” W x 21.54” H x 2.02
120Hz refresh rate
$498
3 HDMI/1 USB

The picture on this TV will depend a lot on the picture mode you select. We recommend you use the “Calibrated” Picture Mode if you are not going to professionally calibrate…Read More


40″ diagonally
1080p
Full-Array LED Smart TV

At about $450, the Vizio E400i-B2 is a worthy contender for a budget LED TV. As a perk, it includes a range of upgrades, such as the full-array LED backlighting, which enhances the contrast and uniformity of the picture…Read More


LG 32LB5800  8/10

31.5″ diagonally
Triple XD Picture Processing Engine
8 Picture Modes
3 HDMI and 3 USB Ports
28.82″ x 16.97″ x 2.19″

The LG 32LB5800 is another valid budget TV, typically around $400, that has a 1080p LED backlit display, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a bare-bones Smart TV platform. To account for the lower price, the refresh rate…Read More


40 inches diagonally
1080p
60Hz LED TV

The Samsung UN40H5500 LED TV, like the Samsung UN32H5500, sees some significant improvements over last year’s F5500 series, mainly with the quad core processor powering the Smart TV features. We saw a great…Read More


JVC EM42FTR  7.5/10

42” diagonally
1080p LED TV
Roku Included Smart TV
3 HDMI inputs
60Hz panel

If you’re looking for an inexpensive LED TV to go in a guest bedroom or kitchen, then you’ll likely be happy with the JVC EM42FTR, a 42-inch 1080p TV for $439. The best perk about this TV is that it includes a Roku…Read More



 

LED/LCD TV Buying Guide / Articles

Budget 32” to 42” LCD TV Buying Guide

What features and performance attributes to look for in a discount small LCD or LED TV

Picture Quality
No matter what, you can never overlook the #1 top feature in a TV and that is picture quality. Black levels, off-center viewing angle contrast, picture brightness, clean image edges. These are all attributes to look for in choosing an LCD TV.

Sound Quality
This often overlooked feature is super important if you will not be using an external surround sound system with your TV. Lately, some of the manufacturers have come around to improving sound quality with new systems and speakers.

Inputs
HDMI inputs and USB inputs are increasingly important in todays TVs. Make sure yours has these in abundance.

Menu/Remote Control Function
This should be easy and simple to use. Two clicks should put you on the picture settings controls or wherever you want to be. It should also be intuitive to use without having to look at the manual.

Consistent Long Lasting Performance
This is another often overlooked category with some of the lesser 2nd and 3rd tier brands. The price might seem right until a year down the road when the TV stops working due to a power supply problem or video board issue.

Parts Availability/ Warranty
The top tier manufacturers stand by their products better and they are easier to have repaired. They also come with a 1 year warranty as opposed to the 90 day warranty some of the lesser brands have. All the TVs in this list have a 1 year warranty. For a good solid TV warranty extension see dtvexpress.com.

Price and Features
When it comes to price, you have to know the features you can live without. Is 3D important – you will pay more. Is a high Hz rate important – you will pay more. Smart TV, same situation. Great HD picture, same. Know what features you really do want and what you can live without if you want to save money.

Steve Holdgren Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

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