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If you’re shopping for the best small TV, you’re focusing on models around 43 inches or smaller. Maybe you have a smaller room and want to avoid overwhelming the space by picking a TV that’s the perfect size. Or you simply don’t want a larger display. Whatever the reason, you’ll choose between models ranging from roughly 24 to 43 inches.
While smaller, you can still find key options like a 4K display and native support for attractive smart features, such as streaming channels. Meanwhile, other options which might be important to more particular shoppers, like gamers or cinephiles, are still available — such as better refresh and frame rates and OLED or QLED displays that offer rich colors and viewing angles. However, don’t be surprised if you have to pay a bit more to get those features which are often standard or more widely available on larger televisions.
Keep reading our best small TVs buying guide to learn more. And if you think you might want a larger television, start your search with our picks for the best TVs.
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: It features a built-in streaming platform and supports voice control through Alexa. It also has a wide range of ports and great audio processing thanks to its DTS TruSurround sound technology.
The Toshiba 31.5-inch Smart HD display is ideal for users who don’t want their TVs to take up too much space. It has Amazon’s Fire TV platform built-in, so users will be able to access a wide range of more than 500,000 movies and TV episodes for their enjoyment. They’ll be able to stream content from popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney. Once they press the microphone button on the included remote, they’ll also be able to issue voice commands. Unfortunately, it does not support HDR content.
This display also has a fairly decent range of inputs. It features three HDMI ports, a USB input, and a Digital Optical out for home theater and stereo outputs. With support for dual-band WiFi connectivity, users aren’t likely to have issues with streaming and buffering. With excellent audio courtesy of its DTS surround sound software, users will also enjoy the exceptional sound.
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: It offers great sound courtesy of its DTS TruSurround sound technology and features a built-in streaming platform for access to a wide array of content. It supports voice control through Alexa and has a decent variety of inputs.
Released in 2018, the 32-inch Insignia F20 display is a Smart HD TV that has decent picture quality thanks to a 720p resolution. It also features the Fire TV platform built-in so that owners can access a wide range of streaming channels and on-demand content. The display also has multiple device input and output options since it comes with three HDMI ports, one USB composite input port, one ARC port, and an antenna cable input/output port. Still, it does not come with support for HDR content.
The display also offers great sound thanks to its use of DTS TruSurround sound technology and allows for voice control through the included Amazon Alexa remote. Its multiple HDMI ports make it possible for users to connect their gaming consoles, and its USB ports make it convenient to play media files or even plug in other streaming sticks for an even more comprehensive array of content.
Award: BEST FOR GAMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It has gaming-oriented features that make it ideal for gameplay and HDMI 2.1 ports that allow users to connect next-generation gaming consoles. It also has a non-subscription streaming service and support for smart home integration through Alexa or Google Home.
The Vizio 24-inch D-Series display is a compact Full HD TV with a full-array LED backlight to deliver superior light uniformity. Its V-gaming engine optimizes its settings for gaming, and since it also comes with Variable Refresh Rate with AMD FreeSync technology, the display can adjust its frame rate to match that of the connected GPU to ensure that the display is capable of butter-smooth motion. Unfortunately, the display does not support HDR content.
Couch potatoes will love the wide range of movie and TV titles that its built-in WatchFree+ service will provide access to, and since it also comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports, the display will accommodate next-gen consoles for problem-free gaming. With built-in support for Chromecast, users will also be able to mirror content from their smartphones or tablets onto the TV, and those who opt to download the SmartCast mobile app will also be able to use their phones or issue voice commands to the display.
Award: BEST FOR EASE OF USE
WHY WE LIKE IT: It runs on an easy-to-navigate streaming platform and supports dual-band connectivity for lag-free streaming. It supports voice control through Google Assistant or Alexa and has decent picture quality.
This 32-inch TCL display is based on the Roku TV streaming platform and offers access to popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney plus. The platform is also pretty easy to navigate, and since it can be integrated into Smart Home hubs such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, users will be able to issue voice commands for quick and convenient navigation. Still, its lack of support for HDR content may be off-putting to some.
The display’s range of inputs is also pretty standard. It includes three HDMI ports, one USB port, a headphone jack, and optical audio out port for connecting to a home theater system or any other surround sound solutions. The display can connect to a dual-band WiFi network to enable lag-free streaming, and with a 1080p picture resolution, the picture quality is also pretty decent. Downloading the Roku TV app will allow users to issue voice commands to the TV and also stream supported channels on the go.
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Award: BEST FOR PORTABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Its small size allows it to be used in different situations, and since it also has a 1080p resolution, it delivers excellent picture quality.
The 13.3-inch SuperSonic SC-1311 is a very compact display that is great for users that need a TV that has a small footprint. Released in 2020, this small TV boasts a 1080p Full HD resolution and has a decent array of ports that allow users to connect streaming sticks and access an extensive database of streaming services. Its HDMI cable will also allow users to convert the TV into a second monitor if connected to a computer. However, it cannot connect to the Internet because it is not a smart TV.
The display also has a USB port that owners can use to plug in their flash drives and play media from them, and with a stand that has a pretty small footprint, finding a spot to place it shouldn’t be very difficult to do.
Award: BEST FOR GENERAL VIEWING
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is okay for use as a general display, and thanks to its Triple XD engine, images are sharp and appear lifelike. It features a HDMI and USB port for external connectivity and has a slim side profile.
The LG 24LJ4540 is a 24-inch 720p display that is pretty well designed and has a slim side profile. Thanks to LG’s proprietary LED backlight technology, this display gets bright enough for comfortable viewing and is capable of fantastic image clarity. The display is also great for users who prefer a display that doesn’t have many bells and whistles. Since it comes with one HDMI and USB port, owners will be able to plug in a streaming stick for access to a wide range of streaming channels or even connect it to a monitor for it to be used as a second display. Unfortunately, it has no smart functionality.
This LG display comes with a built-in Triple XD the engine that allows it to process images and deliver a more natural and lifelike picture, and also has two built-in speakers that have a total wattage of 3-watts.
As the name implies, small televisions are smaller than bigger models. These days, 55- and 65-inch televisions like the best Samsung TV tend to be the preferred option for shoppers. These offer a better viewing experience in standard and larger-sized rooms, like living rooms, family rooms, and open floor plan home designs where kitchens and living rooms tend to be connected. In this case, you may want the best small TV for the kitchen.
Besides being a great budget or entry option for someone who simply needs a television, they’re also ideal for smaller spaces. Usually, if you’re shopping for a smaller model, you’re most likely looking for a 32-inch TV or something as large as 43 inches when measured diagonally from bezel to bezel. So, don’t be surprised if you find 40- and 42-inch TVs included in this segment. Whether you’re trying to find a television for your enclosed patio or a small guest bedroom, these models make more sense than picking one of the larger options.
Televisions come in a range of sizes. The biggest difference between a small TV and other televisions is size. As mentioned previously, a small TV is usually defined as anything under 43 inches. Meanwhile, the most popular options are either 55- or 65-inch televisions.
These tend to be the flagship models that TV manufacturers release. So this means that these models often tend to have the latest technological innovations or upgrades. Meanwhile, you can find smaller televisions that offer premium features, but they usually come in a higher price range.
Most small TVs have 4K display support as 4K tends to be a basic standard. However, options like QLED or OLED tend to require upgrading to a pricier model. And the same can be said for better display features and enhanced refresh rates.
However, you can still find connected features, including built-in apps for streaming services, like Hulu, Apple+, Netflix, and others. Likewise, you can even find models compatible with voice assistants like Alexa or Siri. As with larger options, small TVs can be easily wall-mounted but also come with detachable stands so that you can set them on an entertainment center or table.
Aside from size and a lack of some premium features, small TVs work exactly like any other LED television. An LED display is the current standard technology. The acronym “LED” stands for light-emitting diode, and it allows for televisions to be significantly thinner, unlike the now obsolete cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions that were oversized and clunky.
LEDs work by shining light through liquid crystals and other internal components to create images on your screen. In recent years, they have improved markedly and even evolved to include more advanced technology options, like OLED and QLED.
OLED (organic light-emitting diode) uses material that glows when in the presence of electricity rather than a simple light crystal. Similarly, QLED (quantum dot light-emitting diode) relies on nanoparticles to create colors rather than white LEDs. As a result, OLED and QLED are considered superior because of their enhanced color accuracy and ability to support wider viewing angles.
Not everyone needs a large 65-inch television in their home. Many people will opt for a small TV over a larger model any day because of the expense or because it’s not compatible with where you want to house it. So, if you’re looking for a TV to go in a small bedroom, a small TV is a good option.
No matter the size, your LED TV isn’t going to last forever. However, factors like build quality, features, and of course, user behavior can impact your individual experience. Even with that in mind, the average LED television should last 40,000 to 60,000 hours.
In some cases, you can find premium brands that promise up to 100,000 hours. Converted into years, the average television will last from 4.5 to almost 7 years, with premium models surviving 10 years before you feel you need to replace them.
Even smaller TVs can come standard with connected features, which means that from time to time, you’ll need to perform firmware updates to keep the operating system (OS) working properly. But problems with the OS may mean you’ll need to upgrade your model earlier than intended. Likewise, the manufacturer will eventually stop releasing firmware updates for older models.
Still, user behavior is usually the most significant factor determining how long your TV will last. Bad choices, like setting your television to maximum brightness or leaving still images on your screen for too long, will significantly lower a television’s lifespan. Adjust your picture settings to set the backlight to 75% or less if you want to get the most out of your TV.
Selecting a small TV is no different than buying a larger model. Still, you’ll need to think about a few things as you shop, such as where you’ll place it, panel technology, and whether you want a smart platform TV.
TVs that measure 43 inches or smaller need to be placed or mounted in the right location so that they make sense. Put them in a room that’s too large, and they look dinky. So, in most cases, if you’re looking at a small TV, you should plan to house it (either on a stand or mounted) in a space where it doesn’t overwhelm or look overwhelmed by the surroundings.
At a minimum, you will be using this television to watch movies or shows. But if you’re a gamer, other specifications are equally important such as display image quality and sound quality, HDMI connections or a USB port to support a streaming device, and refresh rates. Just keep in mind that small TVs usually don’t come standard with premium features. But if you have your heart set on this, be prepared to spend more money.
Gamers should focus on televisions with HDMI 2.1 ports that are compatible with a game console. These ports can support a variable refresh rate, and most games will need at least 120 hertz to avoid dropped frames or input lag.
LED technology is the standard, so we’re not talking about plasma versus LEDs. However, LED technology has evolved to include better display options, such as OLED and QLED. Both technologies offer true color accuracy, better viewing angles, and exceptional picture quality. This means that colors and scenes won’t be washed out even if you’re viewing your television from a more extreme angle. Meanwhile, darker scenes that are mostly black or dark blue will still look crisp, and you won’t struggle to decipher what’s happening in the scene.
These days, connected TVs (also known as smart TVs) are pretty standard, even on small models. But you should pay attention to what apps or streaming platforms are preloaded onto the television, such as Roku TV or Google TV. You can easily add additional apps in most cases, as most smart TVs will allow you to access an app store.
At a minimum, you’ll want HD resolution but can expect to get 4K picture quality even on small TVs. However, serious cinephiles and picky display fans will want to prioritize a television that offers 120 hertz, a peak brightness of roughly 1,000 nits, and either Dolby Vision or HDR10+.
Similar to connected streaming apps, voice support has become a standard feature for television remote controls. Whiles this might be a proprietary voice assistant, many televisions can also be integrated with your mobile device and smart voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.
