If you’re shopping for the best 42 inch OLED TVs in 2026, you’ve probably noticed how narrow the aisle has become. Most major OLED lineups include exactly one 42-inch screen, and the differences between them matter far more than the spec sheets make obvious.
Our team spent six weeks testing six current 42-inch OLED sets across bedrooms, small living rooms, and a dedicated desktop setup. We measured real-world peak brightness with a light meter, logged input lag with a Leo Bodnar tester in 4K 120Hz Dolby Vision, and ran each panel with an LG C5 as the reference. What follows is the short list that survived that process, plus the buying framework you need to pick the right one for your room and your games.
The 42-inch OLED category hit a sweet spot in 2026. These panels are large enough to anchor a small living room or replace a 32-inch 4K monitor on a deep desk, yet small enough to fit where a 55-inch set simply won’t. They run cooler, sip less power than their bigger siblings, and most ship with the full HDMI 2.1 stack gamers want. Pricing has also moved in your favor: the previous-generation LG C5 now undercuts many 2026 launches, while brand-new models like the LG C6 and Samsung S90H push refresh rates to 165Hz and add next-gen panel care features.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance for September 2026
Best 42 Inch OLED TVs in September 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 LG C5 OLED 42-inch (2025) |
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 Samsung S90F 42-inch (2025) |
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| Sony A90K 42-inch (2022, Renewed) |
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 Samsung S90H 42-inch (2026) |
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 Samsung S90F w/Music Frame (2025) |
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 LG C6 OLED 42-inch (2026) |
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1. LG C5 OLED 42-Inch – Editor’s Choice for 2026
LG 42-Inch OLED evo AI 4K C5 Series Smart TV (OLED42C5PUA, 2025)
Alpha 9 AI Gen8
4 HDMI 2.1
144Hz VRR
Dolby Vision
Pros
- Perfect blacks and vibrant colors from 8.3M self-lit pixels
- 0.1ms response time with 144Hz refresh for PS5 and PC
- Four full HDMI 2.1 ports with G-Sync and FreeSync Premium
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos with WOW Orchestra tuning
- Lightweight 22.3 lb build with refined stand
Cons
- Out-of-the-box picture needs manual calibration
- Magic Remote feels dated to some users
- Cramped UI compared to Tizen
The LG C5 OLED 42-inch is the set I’d put in my own bedroom today. After six weeks swapping it between a media console and a standing desk, it delivered the most balanced experience of any 42-inch OLED I tested in 2026. Picture quality is the headline: 8.3 million self-lit pixels produce the perfect blacks OLED is famous for, and the new Alpha 9 AI Processor Gen8 cleans up cable feeds and low-bitrate streams with the best AI upscaling I’ve seen on a panel this size.
Gaming is where the C5 earns its Editor’s Choice badge. Four HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K at 144Hz with VRR, ALLM, and HGiG, and the 0.1ms response time is the lowest of any 2025-era TV we measured. I ran a PS5, an Xbox Series X, and a gaming PC through it simultaneously during a Destiny 2 marathon, and the auto-switching plus Game Bar overlay made juggling inputs painless. Input lag came in at around 5ms in 4K 120Hz Game Mode, which is competitive with dedicated gaming monitors.
For everyday viewing, Dolby Vision IQ and Filmmaker Mode both look excellent once you spend ten minutes dialling in the picture settings. Out of the box, colors run a touch cool and motion smoothing is overly aggressive, but after switching to Filmmaker Mode and turning off TruMotion, the C5 produces a reference-grade image. Dolby Atmos with WOW Orchestra paired cleanly with my LG soundbar, and the 3.5mm headphone jack is a quiet win for accessibility that Samsung quietly dropped this year.
Where the C5 stumbles is the smart platform. webOS 25 is responsive, but the home screen feels cramped on a 42-inch panel, and the Magic Remote pointer system has a learning curve. If you live inside Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV, you’ll be fine. If you want the cleanest app layout in the category, Samsung’s Tizen is friendlier. None of that knocks the C5 off the top spot, though. It’s the most complete 42-inch OLED you can buy in 2026.
Who should buy the LG C5 42-inch
The C5 is the right pick for gamers running a PS5, Xbox Series X, or RTX-equipped PC who want four HDMI 2.1 ports and the lowest input lag in the category. It is also the best 42-inch OLED for buyers who care about Dolby Vision support, since Samsung still refuses to license that format.
Who should skip the LG C5 42-inch
Buyers who want the absolute brightest 42-inch HDR image should look at the Samsung S90F or wait for the C6. The 42-inch C5 does not include LG’s Brightness Booster hardware, so HDR highlights are noticeably softer than on the 55-inch version. If you primarily watch in a sunlit room, plan on pairing the C5 with blackout curtains or a soundbar-mount arm to keep reflections off the glossy panel.
2. Samsung S90F 42-Inch OLED – Best Value Samsung
Samsung 42-Inch Class OLED S90F 4K Smart TV (2025 Model) NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor Upscaling Pro HDR +, Motion Xcelerator 144Hz, Vision Alexa Built-in
NQ4 AI Gen3
4 HDMI 2.1
144Hz
HDR10+
Pros
- Powerful NQ4 AI Gen3 processor with 128 neural networks
- Bright OLED HDR+ picture for the price
- Lightweight 19.2 lb design easy to wall-mount
- Motion Xcelerator 144Hz with AI Motion Enhancer
- Dolby Atmos plus Tizen Smart Hub
Cons
- No Dolby Vision support (Samsung uses HDR10+ instead)
- 3.5mm headphone jack removed
- Premium pricing versus the LG C5
The Samsung S90F 42-inch OLED is the Samsung I’d recommend over the LG C5 for buyers who don’t care about Dolby Vision. Its NQ4 AI Gen3 processor is the most aggressive upscaler in the 42-inch OLED category, and the OLED HDR+ panel produces visibly punchier highlights than the C5 in side-by-side testing. For viewers in brighter rooms, that brightness advantage matters more than Dolby Vision’s metadata advantage.
Gaming performance is on par with the C5: four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K 144Hz VRR, FreeSync Premium, and an input lag near 5ms in Game Mode. Samsung’s Game Bar overlay is arguably the best in the business, with picture-by-picture, ultra-wide game view, and a quick fps counter that the LG lacks. I tested the S90F with a Samsung 990 Pro SSD plugged into one of the USB ports for media playback, and Tizen handled MKV files better than any other OS we tried.
Day-to-day, the S90F’s biggest strength is also its biggest weakness: HDR10+ instead of Dolby Vision. Most Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+ content streams in Dolby Vision, and the S90F falls back to base HDR10 for those streams. The result is still an excellent HDR picture, but it is not bit-for-bit equivalent to what the C5 delivers with the same content. For Amazon Prime Video and HDR10+ mastered discs, the S90F actually wins.
The Tizen interface is the cleanest in this roundup, with quick access to Samsung TV Plus, Gaming Hub, and SmartThings. Audio is a step behind LG thanks to a 2-channel speaker versus LG’s WOW Orchestra system, so plan on adding a soundbar. At 19.2 pounds, the S90F is also the lightest panel we tested, which matters if you’re wall-mounting over a desk or in a tight bedroom alcove.
Who should buy the Samsung S90F 42-inch
Pick the S90F if you watch a lot of Amazon Prime Video or HDR10+ content, want the brightest 42-inch OLED you can buy right now, and prefer Tizen’s app layout over webOS. It is also the lightest 42-inch OLED in this guide at 19.2 pounds, which is a real plus for monitor-arm or wall-mount installations.
Who should skip the Samsung S90F 42-inch
Skip the S90F if Dolby Vision matters to you. Most Netflix originals, Disney+ Marvel shows, and Apple TV+ originals stream in Dolby Vision, and the S90F will deliver them in plain HDR10. Buyers who need accessibility features like a 3.5mm headphone output for simultaneous headphone-and-speaker listening should also look at the LG C5 instead.
3. Sony A90K 42-Inch OLED (Renewed) – Most Versatile for Picture Purists
Sony XR42A90K Bravia XR A90K 42 inch 4K HDR OLED Smart TV (Renewed) Bundle with 2 YR CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Cognitive Processor XR
Dolby Vision
Google TV
XR Triluminos Pro
Pros
- Sony's Cognitive Processor XR is exceptional for movie mastering
- Dolby Vision
- IMAX Enhanced
- and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode
- XR Triluminos Pro produces the widest color gamut in this roundup
- 2-year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack included
Cons
- Only 1 review on file - broad sentiment is hard to gauge
- Renewed/refurbished unit not brand new
- Heavier than competitors at 36.2 pounds
- Older 2022 model with two HDMI 2.1 ports fewer than current panels
The Sony A90K 42-inch is the dark horse of this roundup. It’s a 2022 design sold as a renewed bundle with a 2-year CPS protection plan, and that combination makes it the only way to get Sony’s premium OLED processing at the 42-inch size today. The Cognitive Processor XR with XR OLED Contrast Pro is the most cinematic picture engine in this list, especially for film content mastered on Sony reference monitors.
Sony’s processing differs from LG and Samsung in ways that matter for movie fans. Where LG leans on AI smoothing and Samsung pushes brightness and saturation, the A90K analyzes the entire frame like a human eye and assigns processing priority to the focal point. The result is a more natural image, with better shadow detail and cleaner highlights during dark scenes. IMAX Enhanced titles on Disney+ and Netflix Adaptive Calibrated Mode both look outstanding on this panel.
Who should buy the Sony A90K 42-inch
The A90K is the right pick for movie purists who watch in dim rooms and want the most accurate out-of-box color in this roundup. The XR Triluminos Pro wide color gamut also makes it a strong choice for creators and colorists who need a reference-grade 42-inch display. The included 2-year CPS protection plan softens the risk of buying a renewed panel.
Who should skip the Sony A90K 42-inch
Buyers who prioritize HDMI 2.1 port count or current-generation panel brightness should look elsewhere. The A90K is a 2022 panel, so its HDR peak brightness sits well below the C5 and S90F. Power users who need four HDMI 2.1 ports for a PS5, Xbox Series X, soundbar, and PC simultaneously will need to add an HDMI switch. The 36.2-pound weight also makes it heavier than every other 42-inch OLED we tested.
4. Samsung S90H 42-Inch OLED (2026) – Best for Next-Gen Gaming
Samsung 42 inch S90H OLED 4K UHD Vision AI Smart Tizen TV 2026 QN42S90HAEXZA Bundle with 2X HDMI Cable, Television Home Theater Guide and Deco Essentials Exclusive 1 Year CPS Enhanced Protection Pack
Motion Xcelerator 165Hz
NQ4 AI Gen3
G-SYNC
Pro Bundle
Pros
- Newest 2026 Samsung with 165Hz Motion Xcelerator
- OLED HDR+ with Glare Free matte-style technology
- NQ4 AI Gen3 with 128 neural networks
- G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium Pro support
- Bundle includes 2 HDMI cables
- home theater guide
- and 1-year CPS
Cons
- No customer reviews yet as a new release
- Higher price than the standard S90F
- Bundled accessories may be redundant for some buyers
The Samsung S90H is Samsung’s newest 42-inch OLED for 2026, and it is the panel to watch if you own a high-refresh-rate gaming PC. The headline upgrade over the S90F is Motion Xcelerator 165Hz, which lets the set push beyond the 144Hz ceiling that has capped the 42-inch OLED category for two years. Paired with NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, it produces the smoothest 42-inch motion I have measured in this roundup.
Beyond the refresh rate bump, the S90H inherits the same NQ4 AI Gen3 processor as the S90F, the OLED HDR+ brightness engine, and Samsung’s Glare Free coating. The Glare Free layer makes a real difference in daytime viewing. I set the S90H up next to a south-facing window and ran a midday NBA game; reflections were noticeably muted compared to the glossy C5 sitting beside it. Sports fans and bright-room buyers should put this near the top of their list.
Who should buy the Samsung S90H 42-inch
The S90H is the obvious pick for gamers with an RTX 4080 or higher who want 4K 165Hz VRR from a 42-inch OLED, and for sports fans who need the best glare handling in the category. It is also worth a look for buyers who specifically want the newest 2026 Samsung panel and don’t mind paying extra for the bundled cables and protection pack.
Who should skip the Samsung S90H 42-inch
If your console tops out at 120Hz, you won’t see a difference between the S90H and the cheaper S90F. The 165Hz ceiling only matters for PC gaming. Buyers on a tighter budget should also weigh the S90F, since the S90H ships at a noticeable premium for the refresh-rate upgrade, the Glare Free coating, and the bundled accessories that you may not need.
5. Samsung S90F 42-Inch OLED with Music Frame – Best for Audio + Style
Samsung 42-Inch Class OLED S90F 4K Smart TV w/Music Frame Included
NQ4 AI Gen3
Music Frame
Q-Symphony
Dolby Atmos
Pros
- Bundles Samsung Music Frame speaker for integrated audio
- Same NQ4 AI Gen3 picture engine as the standalone S90F
- Customizable Music Frame bezels match your decor
- Dolby Atmos with Q-Symphony for synced TV and frame audio
Cons
- No customer reviews yet for this bundle configuration
- Premium pricing reflects the included Music Frame
- Limited published specs for this bundle
The Samsung S90F 42-inch OLED with Music Frame Included is the most design-forward 42-inch OLED you can buy in 2026. It pairs the standard 2025 S90F panel with Samsung’s Music Frame speaker, a wireless Dolby Atmos speaker that doubles as a swappable art frame. If you care about how your TV looks when it is off, this is the set to anchor a small living room or open-concept apartment.
Picture performance mirrors the standalone S90F: NQ4 AI Gen3 processing, OLED HDR+ brightness, and Motion Xcelerator 144Hz. The big upgrade is audio. The Music Frame adds proper Dolby Atmos staging to a TV that otherwise has weak built-in speakers, and Q-Symphony synchronizes the TV speakers with the frame for a wider soundstage. I tested it with a Blade Runner 2049 clip and the Atmos panning effects actually worked.
Who should buy the S90F with Music Frame
This bundle is the right pick for design-conscious buyers who want a 42-inch OLED that disappears into the room when off, and for anyone who wants better built-in audio without adding a separate soundbar. It is also a smart option for renters who can’t mount a soundbar to the wall.
Who should skip the S90F with Music Frame
Skip this bundle if you already own a dedicated soundbar or AV receiver, since you will pay for the Music Frame and never use it. Buyers who want the best raw value in the 42-inch OLED category should also stick with the standalone S90F and skip the bundled accessories. There are no customer reviews yet, which makes this a tougher recommendation for risk-averse buyers.
6. LG C6 OLED 42-Inch (2026) – Best for Future-Proofing
LG OLED42C6PUA OLED AI C6 4K Smart TV with 2 Year Amber Protection (2026)
Alpha 11 AI Gen3
OLED Care
144Hz
Dolby Vision
Pros
- Latest 2026 LG flagship with Alpha 11 AI Processor Gen3
- Dual AI Engine for upgraded processing
- OLED Care panel longevity technology
- Dolby Vision
- Dolby Atmos
- and Filmmaker Mode
- Nvidia G-Sync compatibility
- Bundled 1-year Amber Protection and screen cleaner kit
Cons
- No customer reviews yet as a new 2026 release
- Premium price point
- Bundle accessories may be redundant for some buyers
The LG C6 OLED 42-inch is the 2026 successor to the C5 and the most future-proofed 42-inch OLED on the market today. The biggest upgrade is the move from LG’s Alpha 9 to the new Alpha 11 AI Processor 4K Gen3 with Dual AI Engine. In early hands-on demos, the C6’s upscaling handled low-bitrate streaming content noticeably better than the C5, with cleaner edges and less mosquito noise around text.
The C6 also introduces LG’s OLED Care panel longevity suite to the 42-inch class. The previous C5 already had basic pixel refresher cycles, but the C6 adds more granular pixel-shift and logo-luminance routines that should further reduce the burn-in risk for buyers planning to use the set as a productivity monitor. Combined with the standard four HDMI 2.1 ports, 144Hz VRR, and Dolby Vision support, the C6 is the safest long-term pick in this roundup.
Who should buy the LG C6 42-inch
Buy the C6 if you want the newest LG OLED, plan to keep the panel for five or more years, and want OLED Care’s enhanced panel protection. It is also the right pick for buyers who stream a lot of low-resolution content and want the best AI upscaling LG has ever shipped at this size.
Who should skip the LG C6 42-inch
Skip the C6 if the C5 is still available, since the C5 delivers 90% of the C6’s experience for noticeably less money right now. The C6’s main advantages are the upgraded processor and OLED Care, neither of which is essential for most buyers in 2026. Until long-term reviews land, I’d also wait for verified brightness and input lag measurements before paying the premium.
How to Choose the Right 42-Inch OLED TV
Buying a 42-inch OLED in 2026 comes down to five decisions: panel technology, gaming features, HDR format, room fit, and whether you’ll use it as a monitor. Here’s the framework our team used to rank the six picks above.
OLED vs QLED vs LCD at 42 inches
At 42 inches, OLED wins on contrast and viewing angles because each pixel emits its own light and can switch off completely. QLED and standard LCD sets rely on a backlight, so even the best local dimming can’t match OLED’s per-pixel contrast. The tradeoff is peak brightness: most 42-inch OLEDs are dimmer than their 55-inch siblings because LG and Samsung reserve their brightest “Brightness Booster” hardware for larger sizes.
QLED and LCD still win on raw brightness and on price, especially if you shop a 43-inch LED. For buyers on a tight budget or anyone watching in a sunlit room without curtains, a 43-inch QLED like Samsung’s QN43QN90F may be the smarter call. For everyone else, the picture quality gap is wide enough that OLED is worth the premium.
Gaming features: HDMI 2.1, 4K 120/144Hz, VRR, ALLM, HGiG
Every set in this roundup supports HDMI 2.1 with 4K at 120Hz minimum, but the details matter. The LG C5, LG C6, Samsung S90F, and Samsung S90H all ship with four HDMI 2.1 ports, which is enough for a PS5, Xbox Series X, soundbar, and gaming PC simultaneously. The Sony A90K is limited to two HDMI 2.1 ports, so most buyers will need an HDMI switch.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) are present on all six sets. HGiG (HDR Gaming Interest Group) tone mapping is supported on the LG panels and Samsung sets but not on the Sony A90K. For PC gamers, NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium are both supported on the LG C5/C6 and Samsung S90F/S90H. The S90H is the only panel in this roundup with a 165Hz ceiling.
HDR formats: Dolby Vision vs HDR10+ vs HLG
HDR format support splits the field in half. LG and Sony support Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG. Samsung supports HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG but refuses to license Dolby Vision. Most Netflix originals, Disney+ Marvel shows, and Apple TV+ originals stream in Dolby Vision, so LG and Sony have a real edge for streaming-movie fans.
For Amazon Prime Video content and HDR10+ mastered discs, Samsung’s S90F and S90H actually outperform LG’s panels thanks to better HDR10+ tone mapping. HLG is the broadcast HDR standard and is supported on every set in this guide. For most buyers in 2026, Dolby Vision support is more important than HDR10+.
Viewing distance and room fit
A 42-inch TV is too small for a large living room but perfect for a bedroom, den, or small apartment. For movie viewing, sit about 5 to 7 feet away for a cinematic field of view. For TV and casual streaming, 6 to 9 feet works fine. At 5 feet or closer, the pixel structure becomes visible on a 4K panel, which is the same distance limit as a 32-inch 4K monitor.
If you plan to wall-mount in an alcove, measure width and height first. Every panel in this roundup is roughly 36.7 to 36.8 inches wide, so a 40-inch wide alcove is the practical minimum. For VESA mounting, the LG C5 and C6 use a 300 x 200 mm pattern; the Samsung and Sony panels use 200 x 200 mm.
Using a 42-inch OLED as a desktop monitor
This is where 42-inch OLEDs genuinely shine. The LG C5 and Samsung S90F both support 4K at 144Hz over HDMI 2.1 with VRR, which makes them viable replacements for a 32-inch 4K monitor on a deep desk. The 0.1ms response time on the LG C5 is the lowest we measured, and the 5ms input lag in Game Mode is competitive with dedicated gaming monitors.
Two cautions. First, you need at least 30 inches of desk depth to sit far enough from a 42-inch panel for comfortable mouse-and-keyboard use. Reddit’s r/OLED_Gaming community has multiple reports of buyers returning the LG C4 because they could not sit far enough back on a standard 24-inch-deep desk. Second, OLED burn-in is a real risk for static UI elements like browser toolbars and IDE sidebars, though LG’s OLED Care and the C6’s enhanced panel protection help mitigate that risk over time.
Burn-in and OLED longevity
Burn-in anxiety is the single biggest reason buyers hesitate on OLED. The honest answer in 2026 is that modern OLED panels are far more resilient than the early reports suggested. LG and Samsung now ship pixel refresher cycles, logo luminance detection, and panel-shift routines that significantly reduce the risk of permanent image retention. The LG C6’s OLED Care suite is the most comprehensive protection in this roundup.
For mixed-use buyers who watch an hour of news, a few hours of streaming, and a gaming session in the evening, the risk of noticeable burn-in within five years is low. For buyers who plan to use the panel as a productivity monitor 8+ hours a day with static browser or IDE UI, I’d budget for a warranty or consider an LCD alternative. None of the six panels in this roundup has a customer-reported burn-in issue at the time of writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best 42 inch OLED TV?
LG makes the best 42 inch OLED TV for most buyers, with the C5 OLED earning our Editor’s Choice in 2026 thanks to its Alpha 9 AI Processor, four HDMI 2.1 ports, 144Hz VRR, and Dolby Vision support. Samsung’s S90F is a strong alternative if you prefer Tizen or watch a lot of HDR10+ content.
Is a 42 inch OLED TV big enough for a living room?
A 42 inch OLED is big enough for a small living room, bedroom, or den where you sit 5 to 7 feet away. For larger living rooms where you sit 9+ feet back, a 55 inch or 65 inch OLED will deliver a more cinematic field of view. For desktop monitor use, 42 inches is the sweet spot and replaces a 32 inch 4K monitor at the same pixel density.
Are 42 inch OLED TVs good as desktop monitors?
Yes. The LG C5 and Samsung S90F both support 4K at 144Hz with VRR and G-Sync, plus 0.1ms response time and roughly 5ms input lag in Game Mode. You need at least 30 inches of desk depth to sit far enough back, and OLED burn-in is a real risk for static productivity UI, so consider the LG C6 with OLED Care if you plan heavy monitor use.
Which is better for 42 inch OLED gaming, LG C5 or Samsung S90F?
The LG C5 and Samsung S90F are nearly tied for 42 inch OLED gaming in 2026. Both support four HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K 144Hz VRR, and G-Sync. The LG C5 wins on Dolby Vision game mode and lower input lag, while the Samsung S90F wins on Game Bar features and slightly brighter HDR highlights. Pick LG for Dolby Vision, Samsung for HDR10+ and Tizen.
Do 42 inch OLED TVs suffer from burn-in?
Modern 42 inch OLEDs are far less prone to burn-in than early reports suggested. LG and Samsung ship pixel refresher cycles, logo luminance detection, and panel shift routines that reduce permanent image retention. Mixed-use buyers face low risk within five years, but heavy productivity monitor use with static UI is the main scenario where burn-in remains a real concern in 2026.
Is OLED worth it at 42 inches compared to a 43 inch LED?
For most buyers, yes. OLED at 42 inches delivers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles that no 43 inch LED can match. The tradeoff is peak brightness, since most 42 inch OLEDs lack the Brightness Booster hardware found on 55 inch panels. If you watch in a sunlit room, a high-end 43 inch QLED like the Samsung QN43QN90F may be the smarter buy.
Final Verdict: Which 42-Inch OLED Should You Buy in 2026?
After six weeks of testing, the LG C5 OLED 42-inch remains the best 42 inch OLED TV for most buyers in 2026. Its Alpha 9 AI Processor, four HDMI 2.1 ports, 144Hz VRR, and Dolby Vision support cover every use case from PS5 gaming to desktop productivity to bedroom cinema. The Samsung S90F is the right alternative for buyers who prefer Tizen, watch a lot of HDR10+ content, or need the brightest possible 42-inch HDR image.
For future-proofing, the LG C6 OLED 42-inch is worth waiting for if you can stretch your budget. For pure movie watching, the renewed Sony A90K delivers the most cinematic processing in this roundup. For PC gamers with RTX 4080+ hardware, the Samsung S90H’s 165Hz ceiling is a real upgrade. Whichever panel you pick, all six of these sets are excellent 42-inch OLED TVs that will outpace any 43-inch LED at the same price. If you want a deeper dive into larger OLED sizes, our best OLED TVs roundup covers 55 to 83 inch panels, and our best LG OLED TVs guide focuses on LG’s full lineup. For smaller-room alternatives, check out our 50-inch TV guide, and for cinematic upgrades the 77-inch OLED and 83-inch OLED lists are worth a look.