Searching for a 42 tv at walmart is surprisingly tricky. You walk into the electronics section or scroll the app, and suddenly you’re staring at a sea of 43-inch screens. Where did the 42s go? Most people assume it’s just a rounding error, but in the display world, those decimals matter.
Honestly, finding a true 42-inch panel is like a treasure hunt. Manufacturers moved to 43 inches as the "standard" budget size years ago because it’s more efficient for glass cutting. But the 42-inch size hasn't died. It just got fancy.
The 42-Inch OLED Revolution
If you are looking for a 42 tv at walmart specifically for a bedroom or a high-end gaming desk, you aren't looking for a budget LED. You are looking for an OLED. Specifically, the LG C5 Series (the 2025 model) or its predecessor, the LG C4.
These are the heavy hitters. We're talking 4K UHD OLED evo displays with AI processors that make standard cable look like a movie theater. Unlike the cheap 43-inch sets, these 42-inch beauties feature a 144Hz refresh rate. That is a massive deal for gamers. You’ve got G-Sync, FreeSync, and VRR support. Basically, your PS5 or PC won't just look better; it will feel faster.
Walmart currently lists the LG OLED42C5PUA around $856.99 to $896.99, depending on the bundle. It's not a "budget" buy. It's an investment in your eyeballs.
Why You Keep Seeing 43-Inch TVs Instead
Walmart's shelves are dominated by brands like onn., Hisense, and Vizio. Here's the catch: they almost all measure 42.5 inches or 43 inches.
- onn. 42" 1080p FHD Roku Smart TV: This is one of the few that actually markets itself as a 42. It’s the house brand. It’s affordable—usually under $150. But it’s 1080p, not 4K.
- Samsung S90F 42" 4K OLED: This is a new player for 2025. Samsung is finally taking the small OLED market seriously to compete with LG. It sits right around $897.99.
- Vizio D-Series: Often labeled as 43", but the diagonal is actually 42.5".
The price gap is wild. You can spend $130 on a 1080p "good enough" screen for the kitchen, or you can drop $900 on a 42-inch OLED that doubles as a professional-grade monitor. There is almost no middle ground.
Gaming and the "Desk TV" Trend
The 42-inch size has found a second life as a "gigantic monitor." If you’re a gamer, a 43-inch LED is usually too slow. The pixels smear. The lag is real. But a 42 tv at walmart from the OLED category changes that.
Sony’s XR42A90K is another one to watch. Even though it’s an older 2022 model, it still floats around Walmart for $1,198. Why? Because it has a specialized stand for desks. It’s meant to sit right in front of your face.
The pixel density on a 42-inch 4K screen is significantly better than on a 55-inch. It’s sharper. Clearer. If you sit four feet away, the 42-inch is the sweet spot.
What to Look for Before You Tap "Buy"
Don't just look at the price tag. You have to check the panel type.
Most of the cheap 43-inch TVs at Walmart use VA or IPS panels. They're fine for the news. They're "kinda" okay for movies. But if you want those deep, inky blacks where the TV looks like it’s turned off during dark scenes, you have to go OLED.
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Also, watch the Smart TV platform. Walmart loves Roku and Google TV.
- Roku (onn., Hisense): Super simple. Great for kids or grandparents.
- Google TV (Sony, Hisense): Better for searching across apps. It feels more "modern."
- webOS (LG): A bit cluttered, but very fast.
Specific Models to Watch at Walmart (January 2026 Prices)
- LG 42" C5 OLED: $856.99 (The gold standard).
- Samsung 42" S90F OLED: $897.99 (The challenger).
- onn. 42" 1080p Roku TV: $128.00 (The budget king).
- Vizio 43" (42.5" diag) Quantum 4K: $228.00 (The middle ground).
The Misconception About 4K vs. 1080p
At 42 inches, do you actually need 4K?
Sorta.
If you're putting the TV in a bedroom across the room, 1080p is honestly enough. Your eyes can't see the difference between 2 million and 8 million pixels from ten feet away on a screen this size. Save your money and get the onn. or a cheap Hisense.
But, if this is for a small apartment living room or a gaming setup where you're close? 1080p will look "fuzzy." You’ll see the individual pixels. In that case, 4K is non-negotiable.
Final Verdict on the 42 TV at Walmart
The 42-inch TV is no longer a "basic" size. It has split into two distinct worlds. You have the super-budget 1080p units for under $150 and the ultra-premium 4K OLEDs for over $800.
If you see a "42-inch" TV for $300, it's probably actually a 43-inch LED. And that's fine! Just know that the true 42-inch panels are now reserved for high-end technology.
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Next Steps for Your Purchase:
- Measure your stand: If your furniture is exactly 38 inches wide, a 43-inch TV might hang over the edge. A true 42-inch is safer.
- Check the refresh rate: If the box says "Motion Rate 120," it’s actually 60Hz. If you’re a gamer, look for "Native 120Hz" or "144Hz" on the LG and Samsung OLED models.
- Compare in-cart prices: Walmart often hides the best deals for Samsung and LG OLEDs until you actually add them to your cart or reach the final checkout screen.