42 Inch Televisions

Discover 42" TVs and 42” Smart TVs at EE, featuring premium OLED technology from LG. With 4K Ultra HD resolution, exceptional picture quality and advanced gaming features, explore compact yet immersive televisions perfect for discerning viewers. 

Summer of sport with EE

Discover TV and home entertainment designed for sport and live action. From compact screens to cinema-sized displays, enjoy every match like you're pitchside. Plus, get a chance to win Home Nations tickets. When you buy a TV from EE between 15 May and 19 July, get automatic entry to win a pair of tickets to a Home Nations fixture between September and December 2026. No forms to fill in, no extra steps -  just choose your TV and you're in. If you'd rather not be entered into the draw, simply fill in your details here and we'll opt you out.  This competition is open to UK residents aged 18 or over who are current EE customers. See full terms and conditions for complete eligibility details. 

Whether you support England, Scotland, Cymru or Northern Ireland, this is your chance to experience the atmosphere, passion and excitement of international football live from the stands. Watch the best players battle it out as the home nations compete in what promises to be an unmissable fixture. 

Learn more about 42" TVs and 42” Smart TVs 

Our 42" TVs represent the premium compact television category, ideal for smaller living rooms, bedrooms or desktop gaming setups where space is limited but picture quality cannot compromise. Featuring LG's cutting-edge OLED technology, these 42 Smart TVs deliver perfect blacks, infinite contrast and stunning 4K Ultra HD resolution with self-lit pixels for unparalleled viewing experiences. With comprehensive smart features, gaming-optimized specs including 120Hz refresh rates and HDMI 2.1, plus elegant silver designs, 42" OLED screens provide cinema-quality performance at viewing distances of 5-7 feet. Perfect for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate picture quality in compact form factors. 

Things to consider 

When considering 42" TVs and 42” Smart TVs, understanding the unique advantages of this premium compact size helps ensure optimal viewing experiences for your specific space and needs. 

• OLED technology premium: 42" TVs at EE feature OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology, where each pixel produces its own light for perfect blacks, infinite contrast and exceptional colour accuracy. OLED provides superior picture quality compared to LED/LCD at any size, making 42" OLED screens ideal for film enthusiasts and gamers who prioritise visual fidelity in compact spaces. 

• 4K resolution at close viewing: at 42" with 4K Ultra HD, you can sit closer (5-7 feet) while appreciating every detail without seeing pixels. This makes 42" TVs perfect for desktop gaming, small home cinemas or bedrooms where seating proximity enhances immersion. The pixel density at this size delivers razor-sharp images for PC gaming, 4K streaming and Blu-ray films. 

• gaming performance features: premium 42" models include gaming-optimised features like 120Hz refresh rates, HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Xbox Series X, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and ultra-low input lag. These specifications make 42" OLED TVs exceptional gaming displays, rivalling dedicated gaming monitors while offering superior HDR and smart TV functionality for versatile entertainment. 

• space and placement considerations: measure your intended space carefully as 42" TVs suit compact rooms, alcoves or desktop setups where larger screens overwhelm. Consider viewing distance (optimal at 5-7 feet), furniture height for comfortable eye-level viewing and whether wall-mounting (check VESA compatibility) or stand placement better suits your space constraints. 

• investment and value proposition: 42" OLED TVs command premium prices (£1,000+) due to advanced display technology. Evaluate whether OLED's superior picture quality, gaming features and build quality justify investment for your usage. Consider warranty coverage, expected lifespan and whether premium features align with your viewing habits-casual viewers may find better value in larger LED alternatives. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

Why choose a 42" TV instead of larger screens? 
42" TVs offer the optimal balance for compact spaces where larger screens overwhelm, including smaller bedrooms, home offices, desktop gaming setups and cosy living rooms. At 5-7 feet viewing distance, 42" with 4K resolution provides immersive experiences without requiring extensive space. OLED models at this size deliver premium picture quality previously only available in larger, more expensive screens, making 42" ideal for quality-focused viewers with spatial constraints. 
 

What makes OLED better than LED at 42"? 
OLED technology features self-lit pixels that can turn completely off for perfect blacks, infinite contrast ratios and no backlight bleed-delivering superior picture quality to LED/LCD displays regardless of size. At 42", OLED provides wider viewing angles, faster response times for gaming and richer colours with greater accuracy. While LED TVs cost less, OLED's visual advantages are particularly noticeable in smaller screens where viewing proximity emphasizes picture quality differences. 

Is 42" good for gaming? 
Yes, 42" OLED TVs are excellent for gaming, especially desktop or close-proximity console gaming. Premium models feature 120Hz refresh rates, HDMI 2.1 for PS5/Xbox Series X at 4K 120fps, VRR to eliminate screen tearing and ultra-low input lag (often under 10ms) rivalling gaming monitors. OLED's instant pixel response prevents motion blur, while perfect blacks enhance HDR gaming experiences. The compact size suits gaming desks while providing larger display area than typical 27-32" monitors. 

What viewing distance works best for 42" 4K TVs?
Optimal viewing distance for 42" 4K TVs is 5-7 feet (approximately 1.5-2.1m). At these distances, you appreciate 4K detail and HDR effects without seeing individual pixels, while the screen fills sufficient field-of-vision for immersion. Closer viewing (3-4 feet) works well for desktop PC gaming where monitor-like proximity maximizes detail perception. Sitting beyond 8 feet diminishes immersion benefits and makes larger screens more suitable. 

Can 42" TVs wall-mount easily? 
Yes, 42" TVs are among the easiest sizes to wall-mount due to lighter weight (typically 10-15kg for OLED models) compared to larger screens. Most 42" models use standard VESA mounting patterns (200x200mm or 300x300mm). Before mounting, verify wall type supports the weight, ensure bracket compatibility with your TV's VESA pattern and consider cable management for clean installation. Many find DIY wall-mounting manageable at this size versus larger, heavier televisions. 
 

Do 42" OLED TVs suffer burn-in? 
Modern OLED TVs include multiple technologies minimizing burn-in risk, including pixel refreshers, logo dimming and screen shifters. For varied content (films, games, streaming), burn-in is minimal concern with normal use. Static images displayed continuously for thousands of hours (like news channel logos or PC desktops) pose higher risk. Enabling built-in protection features, varying content and avoiding maximum brightness for static elements virtually eliminates burn-in for typical home entertainment usage. 
 

How do 42" TVs compare to computer monitors? 
42" TVs offer significantly larger viewing area than typical 27-32" monitors while OLED models match or exceed monitor colour accuracy and response times. Key differences: TVs include tuners, smart platforms and remote controls; monitors often feature higher refresh rates (144Hz+) and DisplayPort connections. For gaming, 42" OLED TVs provide superior HDR, perfect blacks and larger screen real estate, while monitors offer more desk-optimized ergonomics. Consider usage patterns-multimedia and console gaming favour TVs, competitive PC gaming favours monitors. 
 

What smart features do 42" TVs include? 
42" Smart TVs feature comprehensive streaming platforms (LG uses webOS) with built-in Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and other apps. Expect Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth for audio devices, voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa), screen mirroring (AirPlay 2, Chromecast) and USB media playback. Premium models add AI picture processing, automatic genre detection and gaming optimizers. Smart features enable cord-cutting while consolidating entertainment sources through intuitive interfaces accessible via dedicated remotes. 

Are 42" TVs energy-efficient? 
OLED TVs consume less energy than LED equivalents when displaying darker content due to pixel-level dimming-black pixels use zero power. However, bright scenes can consume more energy. 42" OLED typically rates E-F energy class, using approximately 65-85 watts during typical viewing. Actual consumption varies by content brightness and picture settings. Eco modes reduce power draw, while automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light optimizes energy efficiency without compromising viewing experience. Annual running costs typically range £30-50 for moderate usage. 

What warranty and support comes with 42" TVs? 
New 42" TVs typically include manufacturer warranties covering 1-2 years for parts and labour against defects. Premium models may offer extended warranties or specific OLED panel guarantees. Retailers like EE may provide additional protection plans. Register products promptly, retain purchase receipts and understand warranty terms-typically excluding accidental damage, burn-in from misuse or cosmetic issues. Manufacturer support includes firmware updates, troubleshooting assistance and service centres for repairs. Consider extended warranty for expensive OLED models providing peace of mind.