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In This Guide: Compare Best Small TVs | Small TV: Buying Guide | Enhancing Your Viewing Experience | FAQs
TOH Team Take:
- The best small TV in 2024 is the LG C4 42″ due to its outstanding image quality, quick processing ability, and slim profile.
- Top-rated small TVs cost a couple of hundred dollars on average, but prices can vary from about $100 to over $1,000 depending on brand name and picture quality.
- Small TVs solve a variety of different problems, whether that’s providing entertainment in the dorm room, allowing you to watch your show on the go, or simply giving you the ability to have a TV in a small space.
If you’re looking for a source of entertainment that can fit in tight spots around your home, small TVs are your answer. Though you don’t get as big of a picture as larger TVs, smaller models are easy to transport from room to room, as well as easy to fit in novel locations, such as in an outdoor kitchen. To help you find the right model for you, we researched the best small TVs for your home and on the go.
Small TV Reviews
Before our experts review the best small TVs in 2024, it’s worth comparing key features at a glance below:
Compare Best Small TVs
| Product | Resolution | Refresh Rate | HDMI Ports | Weight | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG C4 42″ | 4K | 120 Hz | 4 | 22.3 pounds | ||
| Samsung 32″ QLED | 4K | 60 Hz | 3 | 16.8 pounds | ||
| Samsung 43″ Class DU8000 Series Crystal UHD Smart Tizen TV | 4K | 60 Hz | 3 | 25.6 pounds | ||
| TCL 32-Inch TV | 720p | 60 Hz | 3 | 8.2 pounds | ||
| Tyler 14-Inch Portable TV | 1080p | Not listed | 1 | 4.7 pounds | ||
| Tyler 7″ Portable TV | 720p | Not listed | 1 | 2.2 pounds | ||
| INSIGNIA 43-Inch TV | 4K | 60 Hz | 3 | 17.2 pounds | ||
| TCL 43-Inch TV | 4K | 60 Hz | 2 | 15.4 pounds | ||
| Product | Resolution | Refresh Rate | HDMI Ports | Weight |
Discover our top recommendations for the best small TVs on the market in 2024.
Best Small TV
LG C4 42″
- $899.99
- $1,499
- 40% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh rate: 120 HZ
- HDMI ports: 4
Pros and Cons
✔ Features 100% color volume and color fidelity
✔ Includes Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for wrap-around sound
✔ Includes access to over 300 free LG channels in a variety of genres
✘ Has a high price point
✘ Some customers felt the brightness was inadequate
What Customers Are Saying About The LG C4 42″
Customers are impressed with the LG C4 OLED 42″ TV and love the excellent sound quality and vivid image quality. Others were blown away by its connectivity and smart features, as well as its super-slim screen. On the other hand, there were some reviewers who felt that this TV’s remote and navigation menu were difficult to use.
Best Small TV for Gaming
Samsung 32″ QLED
- $429.99
- $499.99
- 14% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh rate: 60 HZ
- HDMI ports: 3
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes with Motion Xcelerator to minimize blur and improve image clarity
✔ Includes battery-free, solar-powered remote
✔ Has a slim design that helps naturally blend in with your wall
✘ Motion sensing can sometimes be lacking
✘ Some customers might prefer a traditional battery-operated remote
What Customers Are Saying About The Samsung 32″ QLED
Our team finds that customers who are impressed with the Samsung 32-Inch QLED TV appreciate its clear picture, variety of smart features, and stylish design. However, there were a few reviewers who felt that the sound quality was not up to their expectations, and others claimed that the smart TV software sometimes glitched or ran too slowly.
Best Budget Small TV
Samsung 43″ Class DU8000 Series Crystal UHD Smart Tizen TV
- $379
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh rate: 60 HZ
- HDMI ports: 3
Pros and Cons
✔ Uses Samsung Motion Xcelerator technology to make automatic adjustments to moving images
✔ Is a good value for the size and technology
✔ Has a slim design that takes up minimal space
✘ Lacks contrast levels or shadow details, which some other similar TVs have
✘ Some customers found the sound quality to be lacking without a soundbar
What Customers Are Saying About The Samsung 43″ Class DU8000 Series Crystal UHD Smart Tizen TV
Customers who give the Samsung 43″ Class DU8000 Series Crystal UHD Smart Tizen TV a positive review are impressed with its bright colors and vibrant picture quality. Several customers comment on how fast the refresh rate is and how well it shows sports and movies. However, there were some complaints from customers about the slowness of the Samsung TV platform, with several saying there were noticeable lags. Others felt the sound quality was lacking.
Best Small Roku TV
TCL 32-Inch TV
- $184.42
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Resolution: 720p
- Refresh rate: 60 HZ
- HDMI ports: 3
Pros and Cons
✔ Includes leg stands to set up the TV without a wall mount
✔ Has six inputs, including three HDMI ports
✔ Offers a generous screen size that’s still small enough to occupy minimal space
✘ Has a lower resolution display than other small TVs at 720 pixels (p)
✘ Has sensitive buttons on the remote control
What Customers Are Saying About The TCL 32-Inch TV
Overall, customers think that the 32-Inch Roku TV is the perfect size for their needs—large enough for a solid viewing experience but compact enough for a tight space. Reviewers also say that it’s a solid price, especially considering its smart features. Critical feedback mentioned longevity issues. Other users said that the TV didn’t respond if the remote control wasn’t perfectly lined up with the screen.
Best Small TV for Kitchen
Tyler 14-Inch Portable TV
- $104.95
- $149.95
- 30% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Resolution: 1080p
- Refresh rate: N/A
- HDMI ports: 1
Pros and Cons
✔ Runs on a built-in battery that lasts for up to four hours on a single charge
✔ Compatible with streaming devices
✔ Has illuminated side buttons to control or adjust the screen at night
✘ Takes a considerable amount of time to charge the battery
✘ Rests on an unstable TV platform
Tyler Portable TV (14-Inch): What Customers Are Saying
Happy customers appreciate that they could take the Tyler 14-inch Portable TV on the road, in the yard, and virtually anywhere else without needing immediate access to an outlet. They also like the TV’s cheap price. On the other hand, some users complained about how slow charging the battery was.
Best Portable TV
Tyler 7″ Portable TV
- $129.95
- $139.95
- 7% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Resolution: 720p
- Refresh rate: N/A
- HDMI ports: 1
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a built-in digital tuner to receive local TV channels
✔ Weighs just over 2 pounds
✔ Includes numerous accessories: wall and car chargers, two mounts, three tuners, and a remote
✘ Sound from speakers is often described as weak
✘ Only has three color and brightness presets
What Customers Are Saying About The Tyler 7″ Portable TV
We find that most customers are impressed with the Tyler 7″ Portable TV, saying it offers good value for the money and praising the fact it allows them to watch TV in a variety of situations. Among negative reviews, short battery life and poor reception from the included antennae were common complaints.
Best Small TV for Bedroom
INSIGNIA 43-Inch TV
- $169.99
- $199.99
- 15% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
- HDMI ports: 3
Pros and Cons
✔ Supports HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC for improved audio experience
✔ Features Fire TV
✔ Includes Amazon Alexa voice control
✘ Doesn’t have as lightweight or compact of a build as other small TVs in this review
✘ Some customers received damaged TVs
What Customers Are Saying About The INSIGNIA 43-Inch TV
Customers left positive reviews for the INSIGNIA 43-Inch TV based on its good picture quality, easy setup, and overall value. Many also the cite the INSIGNIA TV’s color saturation and contrast level. However, some customers complain about issues utilizing the warranty and their general experience dealing with customer service representatives.
Best Small 4K TV
TCL 43-Inch TV
- $287.07
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Resolution: 4K
- Refresh rate: 60 HZ
- HDMI ports: 2
Pros and Cons
✔ Has three HDMI inputs, including an Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) one for better sound quality
✔ Offers built-in Google Assistant to support convenient voice control features
✔ Comes at a competitive price
✘ Has a 60-hertz (Hz) refresh rate, which is slower than the 120-Hz refresh rate of most other 4K TVs on the market
✘ Has a cluttered operating system
What Customers Are Saying About The TCL 43-Inch TV
Positively, customers who left a review for the TCL 43-inch TV are impressed with its 4K resolution, especially considering that it is within the same price range as 1080p TVs. Satisfied users also appreciate the access to thousands of applications through the Google TV operating system. Negatively, some customers had issues with the color bleeding from the display and some had input lag issues with the Google or Roku displays.
Small TV: Buying Guide
A small TV allows you to watch your favorite shows and movies when you’re on the go or in a room with limited space. Before you make a purchase, consider these factors that influence the user experience and performance of a small TV.
What Size TV Is Best For Small Space?
Our team found that the best size TV for small spaces are 32-inch and 43-inch TVs. This is because these TVs are large enough to include all of the smart features you may desire, yet are still compact enough to fit into small spaces. However, the size of your small space will ultimately determine what size TV is best for you.
How Much Is A Small TV?
After spending countless hours researching small TVs, we’ve found that you can expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars. While you can easily exceed the $1,000 mark when shopping for a small TV with the latest technology, you can also find plenty of very affordable TVs with decent picture quality and smart features for under $200.
Small TV Technology
Despite their size, some small TVs use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology to offer you a full array of built-in features. For example, they may include a built-in operating system that navigates Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other entertainment apps. Or, they could have a built-in voice assistant, such as Amazon Alexa, Samsung Bixby, or Google Assistant, for hands-free control.
Small TV With HDMI Connection
Small TVs usually offer a combination of HDMI, ethernet, and USB ports. Consider the external devices you want to use before you purchase a model. For example, if you’re a gamer who wants to connect an Xbox, PlayStation, and laptop, you need at least three ports.
Small TV Refresh Rate
The refresh rate refers to the number of times per second a TV’s image changes. This is measured in hertz (Hz), with most TVs having refresh rates between 60 and 120 Hz. The higher the refresh rate, the less motion blurring you notice as you’re watching sporting events and other fast-paced shows and movies.
Enhancing Your Viewing Experience With a Small TV
With the rise of 85-inch TVs, even televisions as large as 55 or 60 inches are starting to look small. If you opt for a “small” TV, you can still enjoy an immersive viewing experience at home. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most out of this TV:
- Use a wall mount with extending arms. Small TVs are lightweight, making them easy to mount to walls. A wall mount with arms that extend multiple feet offers more flexibility because you can bring the screen closer to where you’re sitting when you’re watching it and push against the wall when you’re done.
- Sit closer. Although sitting directly in front of a TV can cause eye strain, you may want to position your couch, chair, or bed a few feet closer—if possible—to your TV. Placement is an important part of integrating your TV into your space.
- Adjust the aspect ratio to fill the entire screen. Many older TV shows and movies were filmed using a 4:3 aspect ratio to conform to the square size of televisions at that time. As most televisions, including smaller models, are rectangular these days, you can adjust this setting to “stretch the screen.”
Best Rated Small TVs: Our Conclusion
The best-rated small TVs are compact, high-definition, easy to use, and reasonably priced. However, where you want to place your small TV and the features you value over others will ultimately determine which small TV is right for you. Below are our picks for the best small TVs:
- Best Small TV: LG C4 42″
- Best Small TV for Gaming: Samsung 32″ QLED
- Best Budget Small TV: Samsung 43″ Class DU8000 Series Crystal UHD Smart Tizen TV
- Best Small Roku TV: TCL 32-Inch TV
- Best Small TV for Kitchen: Tyler 14-Inch Portable TV
- Best Portable TV: Tyler 7″ Portable TV
- Best Small TV for Bedroom: INSIGNIA 43-Inch TV
- Best Small 4K TV: TCL 43-Inch TV
Small TVs: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about small TVs:
Can you buy a small smart TV?
Yes. Smart TVs with built-in streaming apps and services are available in all sizes. If you want your small TV to work right out of the box without configuring a satellite, cable box, or streaming device, we recommend purchasing a smart model.
Who needs a small TV?
We recommend a small TV if the layout of your space means that you have to sit close to the screen. Small TVs are also useful for their portability, affordability, flexibility, and simplicity.
What is the smallest LED TV size?
Twenty-four inches is usually the smallest size you can find for LED televisions. This size is akin to a large computer monitor.
Where should I put a small TV?
Here are some popular places where you might put small TVs:
- Bedroom
- Kitchen
- Garage
- Outdoor living space
- Camper
- RV
What brands sell high-quality small TVs?
In addition to the brands in this review, we also recommend:
- Sony
- Vizio
- Hisense
- Toshiba
- Samsung
- LG
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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