A 43-inch TV is a good choice for people who want a compact display for an area with space limitations. They're great for bedrooms, dorms, small living rooms, and apartments.

Alternatively, some models also work well as computer monitors. Though small for a TV, 43 inches is large for a monitor, so certain TVs this size are a good fit for people who want a big screen on their desk.

However, 43 inches is not the best choice if you want to place a TV on a wall or media console in a medium- or large-sized room, as this size is too small to offer an immersive viewing experience from a typical viewing distance. For larger TV recommendations, check out our other size-specific guides:

• Best 50-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best 85-inch TVs
• Best 100-inch TVs

Although the selection is smaller than it used to be, all major TV brands still sell display models in the 40- to 43-inch class. If you're looking for a high-end TV in that range, we generally recommend focusing on options from Samsung, LG, and Sony. Those companies make 42-inch OLED TV models that offer excellent image quality, though they are pricey for their size.

For a budget-friendly 43-inch TV, we recommend considering brands like TCL, Roku, Hisense, and Onn, which offer affordable entry-level models in this size.

For more brand-specific display recommendations, check out our other buying guides:

• Best Sony TVs
• Best LG TVs
• Best Roku TVs

Even the best 43-inch TVs usually have mediocre audio quality. Companies need to keep speaker drivers small to fit them within compact panels, and these tiny built-in speakers often lack bass and depth.

For better performance, we recommend pairing your TV with a soundbar or speaker system. Smaller models are a better fit for 43-inch TVs, and you can find some affordable, compact options in our various buying guides:

• The best soundbars
• The best budget soundbars
• The best soundbars with subwoofers
• The best Dolby Atmos soundbars
• The best Bose soundbars
• The best Sonos soundbars
• The best surround sound systems