Toshiba V35 Series 40V35RU 40"

The Toshiba 40V35RU is a 40-inch 1080p Fire TV that punches above its price tag for casual use. Picture quality is solid for FHD, setup is painless, and owners love the value. Just don't expect 4K or high-end gaming features, and shop around since prices swing from $65 to $143.

Picture quality lands in the middle of the pack at the 36th percentile, which sounds rough until you remember this is a sub-$150 FHD panel. The Direct LED backlight keeps brightness even, and the REGZA Engine does a decent job cleaning up 1080p content. Gaming is a 60Hz affair with Game Mode and HDMI 1.4, so don't expect 4K120 or VRR. Audio sits at the 60th percentile, and DTS Virtual:X gives the 14W speakers a little more room to breathe than you'd expect. The display itself is the weak spot, bottom 6th percentile, but that's mostly because it's a 1080p panel in a 4K world.

Against the TCL S5-Series 43S551G and Roku Select Series 43R4E5, the Toshiba gives up 4K resolution and a few inches of screen real estate. But it fights back with Fire TV built in, which is a big deal if you're already in the Amazon ecosystem. The Samsung F6000F Series is smaller at 32 inches, so the Toshiba wins on size for similar money. The Insignia F50 Series is the closest match on price, but the Toshiba's user sentiment score of 85/100 suggests owners are happier with their purchase overall.

This is where the 40V35RU earns its keep. Prices across US listings swing from $65 to $143, a $78 spread that's worth paying attention to. At the low end, this is an absolute steal for a secondary screen. At the high end, you're creeping into 4K territory and should probably hold off. Best Buy has the most listings, so keep an eye on their open box deals if you want the best price.

The Toshiba 40V35RU is a 40-inch 1080p Fire TV that knows exactly what it is: a cheap, easy, no-drama screen for bedrooms, garages, and kitchens. It runs the REGZA Engine, supports HDR10 and HLG, and packs DTS Virtual:X into a 14W stereo setup. Nothing here will blow your socks off, but it's not trying to.

Skip this if you want 4K, serious HDR, or a big-screen home theater experience. The 1080p panel and HDMI 1.4 ports will frustrate anyone trying to push a PS5 or Xbox Series X through it. If you sit closer than six feet, the lower resolution will be noticeable. And if you're spending over $120, you're better off saving a bit more for a 43-inch 4K set from TCL or Insignia.

If you need a cheap, reliable 1080p screen for a bedroom, garage, or kitchen, the Toshiba 40V35RU is a no-brainer. It's not a home theater centerpiece, and it's not a serious gaming display. But for casual streaming, YouTube, and background TV, it nails the basics and costs less than a nice dinner out.