A 43-inch gaming TV is the ideal choice for players who sit closer to the screen or use their TV as a desk or bedroom gaming display. At this size, motion clarity, low input lag, and refresh rate stability matter more than raw screen brightness. In early 2026, the best 43-inch options are no longer compromised small TVs, but fully featured gaming displays with OLED or Mini-LED panels, HDMI 2.1 support, high refresh rates, and reliable VRR.
This guide highlights the three best 43-inch-class TVs for gaming in 2026. The “43-inch class” here refers strictly to true 42–43-inch models, making these picks ideal for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and high-refresh-rate PC gaming. Rankings are based on real-world gaming performance, focusing on input lag, refresh rate consistency, VRR behavior, motion clarity, and HDR impact rather than marketing specs alone.
1. Best Overall 43-Inch Class Gaming TV — Samsung QN42S90FAEXZA
The Samsung QN42S90FAEXZA, part of the Samsung S90F lineup, is technically a 42-inch TV, but it clearly belongs in the 43-inch class for real-world shopping and gaming. It’s the most complete compact gaming TV you can buy in 2026, combining OLED-level contrast with elite gaming responsiveness—making it especially well suited for competitive and fast-paced games.
As a QD-OLED display, it delivers perfect blacks, instant pixel response, and exceptionally clean motion. Fast camera pans stay sharp, fine textures remain visible during movement, and motion blur is virtually nonexistent — advantages that matter even more at smaller screen sizes viewed up close.
For gaming features, it supports HDMI 2.1, 4K gaming up to 144 Hz, and rock-solid VRR support. Samsung’s Game Bar remains one of the best gaming dashboards available, allowing real-time monitoring of refresh rate, VRR status, and latency without leaving your game.
Best for: Gamers who want the best overall 43-inch gaming experience with OLED contrast and elite responsiveness.
| Samsung QN42S90FAEXZA (42-inch Samsung S90F) Price | Check Price on Amazon |
2. Best Mini-LED 43-Inch Gaming TV — Samsung QN43QN90FAFXZA
The Samsung QN43QN90FAFXZA, from the Samsung QN90F series, is the best Mini-LED gaming TV available in the 43-inch size. It’s the right choice for gamers who play in brighter rooms or prefer stronger HDR highlights over OLED black levels.
Its Mini-LED backlighting delivers significantly higher peak brightness than OLED, making explosions, specular highlights, and bright game environments look more impactful. While it can’t match OLED’s pixel-level black control, contrast remains excellent for an LED-based panel at this size.
For gaming, it supports HDMI 2.1, 4K at 144 Hz, and dependable VRR performance. Motion handling is clean, input lag is low, and Samsung’s gaming tools remain consistent across its premium lineup — making this a strong non-OLED alternative.
Best for: Gamers who want Mini-LED brightness with 144 Hz gaming in a compact 43-inch size.
| Samsung QN43QN90FAFXZA (43-inch Samsung QN90F) Price | Check Price on Amazon |
3. Best Budget 43-Inch Gaming TV — Hisense 43QD6QF
The Hisense 43QD6QF, part of Hisense QD6QF, is the best budget-friendly option for gamers who want a 43-inch TV with low input lag and modern console features at the most affordable price point.
It uses a QLED panel that delivers better color brightness and contrast than standard LED TVs, which helps games look more vibrant than typical entry-level models. However, this TV is built around a native 60 Hz refresh rate, meaning it’s designed primarily for 60 fps console gaming, not high-frame-rate competitive play.
Despite the 60 Hz panel, it still supports key gaming conveniences like HDMI 2.1 features such as ALLM and VRR-style frame syncing for supported consoles, helping reduce tearing and input delay during gameplay. Motion won’t be as smooth as 120 Hz or 144 Hz TVs, but responsiveness remains solid for casual and story-driven games.
The Fire TV platform is fast and simple, especially for gamers already invested in the Amazon ecosystem.
Best for: Budget gamers who play at 60 fps and want a responsive 43-inch QLED TV without overspending.
| Hisense 43QD6QF (43-inch Hisense QD6QF) Price | Check Price on Amazon |
Quick Buying Tips for 43-Inch Gaming TVs (Early 2026)
- 43-inch TVs are ideal for close-distance gaming, including desks and bedrooms
- HDMI 2.1 matters most for features like ALLM and VRR, not just refresh rate
- 144 Hz and 120 Hz are ideal for competitive and PC gaming
- 60 Hz TVs are best suited for casual console gaming and story-driven titles
- At this size, input lag and motion handling consistency matter more than raw brightness
Quick Summary
If you want the best all-around 43-inch gaming TV, Samsung’s QN42S90FAEXZA takes the top spot with QD-OLED contrast, instant response times, and a polished gaming feature set. If you prefer brighter HDR and Mini-LED performance, Samsung’s QN43QN90FAFXZA is the best non-OLED option with 144 Hz gaming support. For value-focused buyers, Hisense’s 43QD6QF delivers essential gaming features at the most accessible price in this size class.
| Rank | Model | Panel Type | Native Refresh Rate | Key Gaming Features | Smart Platform | Best For | Check Price |
| 1 | Samsung QN42S90FAEXZA | QD-OLED | 144 Hz | HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible | Tizen | Best overall 43-inch gaming TV | Amazon.com… |
| 2 | Samsung QN43QN90FAFXZA | Mini-LED QLED | 144 Hz | HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible | Tizen | Best Mini-LED 43-inch gaming TV | Amazon.com… |
| 3 | Hisense 43QD6QF | QLED | 60 Hz | HDMI 2.1 (ALLM), low input lag | Fire TV | Best budget 43-inch gaming TV | Amazon.com… |