The Best Small TVs
Jumbo-sized home theaters might get all the spotlight, but small TVs definitely have their place too. A relatively compact screen with a good sound system can offer all the hi-fi quality of the big boys without taking up nearly as much space. But a smaller screen doesn't mean you should settle for lower quality, which is why we've made this list of the best small TVs you can add to your den or bedroom today. Read on and get ready to fetch your remote.
What to Look For
In our search for the best small TVs, we had three main questions to guide us: Does it have good audio and visual output? Is it easy to set up? And can it work easily with modern electronics and apps? We found a number of small TVs that proved bigger doesn’t always have to mean better. Samsung ended up producing our favorite choice, thanks to their TV’s abundant picture options and superb user interface. We also had to give props to Insignia’s diminutive television for providing a great viewing experience in such a compact, affordable package. Keep reading to see what else these and other small TVs accomplished to make binge-streaming night our favorite time of the week.
Samsung Smart FHD Small TV
Crisp and clear
Samsung has an excellent reputation, so it’s no surprise their product ended up topping our list. This television’s powerful quad-processor allows for incredibly fast menu navigation, as well as better connectivity for streaming. Plus, the 1080p resolution and sophisticated visual contrast options ensure you can always get exactly the picture you want. If you’re shopping for small TVs, this one doesn’t just give you great options but the power to put them to use quickly as well.
Pros
- It has a very light frame, making it easy to unpack and mount. This also enables you to move it about the house with ease.
- As a smart TV, it’s designed to be used with apps but includes the ability to watch television via satellite or ethernet inputs as well.
Cons
- The remote is small and doesn’t have many buttons, so you may have to rummage through the menus for more specific settings.
Sony X85J 4K Ultra Small TV
Visual splendor
Small TVs can still offer extraordinary visual fidelity, as this superb Sony television so expertly proves. With 4K resolution, an incredible refresh rate of 120Hz, and Triluminous Pro technology for brilliant colors, this option guarantees extraordinary picture quality. It also has smooth integration with Google TV and Alexa, so booting up your favorite shows and movies takes no time. Very few small TVs can offer the same quality of visuals and convenience that this one can.
Pros
- It’s available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the perfect pick for your space.
- The multitude of color choices includes a rich tapestry of blacks and shadows.
- Soundbars and many other types of accessories can be automatically set up with your TV.
Cons
- You may have to customize the visual settings for certain input types if you want consistency across connected devices.
Insignia 24 Inch Class F20 Small TV
Binge more for less
It’s always nice when small TVs come with an equally miniature price tag, and this one is no exception. Insignia provides a no-frills television with Amazon Fire already installed, meaning you can start watching with little to no hassle with setup. And since it’s a smart TV, it integrates with the vast majority of your favorite apps with no problem. Few small TVs give you so much bang for your buck, and at such an appealing price point to boot.
Pros
- At 24 inches across, it’s perfect for smaller spaces like desks or bedroom wardrobes.
- The built-in Fire compatibility can establish a strong wifi connection, making it ideal for areas with weak signals.
- Its HDMI port lets you use it as a secondary (or even primary) computer screen.
Cons
- At just 720p, the resolution definitely isn’t cutting-edge.
TCL 32 Inch Class 3 Small TV
Android functionality is a modern must-have, and this is one of the best small TVs for taking advantage of that. With Chromecast and Google Assistant built-in and ready to go, streaming from your favorite devices is a simple matter. The process is made even easier by this TV’s quick and intuitive user interface. No one in need of a quick fix for small TVs should pass over this streamlined, user-friendly option.
Pros
- It’s compatible with a VESA mount as well as featuring its own stand.
- The budget pricing and simplified Google compatibility make it great for those who like their small TVs hassle-free.
Cons
- The startup is relatively slow and requires you to sit through a short bootup animation each time.
RCA 15″ Transparent Small TV
Take your telly with you
This choice from RCA takes the concept of small TVs to a whole new level. At a scant 15 inches and weighing just three pounds, this is a TV you can truly take anywhere. The see-through, polycarbonate case means it’s durable and visually distinct, making it safe to pack in a suitcase or backpack. For those seeking the smallest of small TVs, this one is the ideal choice.
Pros
- Its size makes it great for use as a secondary laptop monitor.
- It comes with its own headphone jack, which is both convenient and surprisingly rare for small TVs.
Cons
- The 720p resolution is great for its size, but not to the same standard as a full-size, modern TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are small TVs a downgrade from larger TVs?
Plenty of small TVs have all the features you would expect from a room-sized set, including up-to-date HD visuals and compatibility with apps you use every day. However, these compact screens are ideal for smaller spaces and smaller budgets.
Is there a reason to choose small TVs over larger models?
Part of the appeal is self-explanatory: small TVs take up much less room than home theaters typically do. Small TVs are also generally easier to set up, and as said above they can have most or all of the features that full-sized models do.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.