Best 32-inch TVs

Are you looking for the best 32-inch TVs to enhance your living space without compromising on quality? We know finding the perfect compact TV can be a struggle, so we’ve researched affordable options that deliver stunning picture clarity and durability. Prepare to experience an exciting transformation that meets your budget and style. Let’s dive into our expert guide and discover your ideal TV together.

Top 5 32-inch TVs:

1. TCL 3-Series – Best 32-inch TV Overall

 

 

Looking for a secondary TV that won’t drain your bank account. Well, you’re in luck! Meet the TCL 3-Series: Haven’t you always wished your budget-friendly superstar could give you a little more with your binge-watching – minus the frivolous fluff? A purist picture in a snazzy 32-inch size, it even comes with smart software — your choice of Roku or Android. It doesn’t have all the latest bells and whistles, but this little Joplin is heavy on muscle.

Now, let’s make one thing clear, though: if you’re looking for 4K resolution or HDR, you’re looking in the wrong place. Instead, the 32-inch model serves up a paltry 720p or 1080p, while its 40- and 43-inch cousins max out at 1080p, but don’t be misled; blacks are solid, color accuracy is pleasing, and backlight consistency is better than you’d have any right to expect from most TVs at this price level.

Just one little caveat: it’s not winning any contests for brilliance. This TV may not be your BFF in a sunny living room. (And you may notice some slight pixelation on the 720p edition, but the 1080p version is so low-investment that if you can find a good deal, just do it.

The real gem? The built-in Roku! A simple setup, and now this: a whole buffet of free channels, and you’re flying down the rabbit hole of entertainment in seconds. The TCL 3-Series may be an entry-level device, but it’s still a power player for your second screen!

 

2. Samsung Q60D – Best 32-inch QLED TV

 

 

Are you finally ready to take your TV game to the next level? Meet the Samsung Q60D, the fantastic 32-inch beauty that’s going to transform your living space with its gorgeous 4K image quality on a sleek QLED display. Q: How does the Q60D stack up against other, less expensive compact TVs?A: Well, while the other compact TVs may have remained stoned-aged, the Q60D is a thing of beauty with lots of features that are sure to make your friends wonder where you’ve been keeping it all this time!

Now, let’s discuss whether it really does live up to the hype. Sure, it may not have the mind-blowing contrast of those upscale models, but in this dimunitive package? It’s here to wow you in ways you never knew imaginable.

Are you a gamer? Well, hang on, because this TV has your back! Via Samsung’s Gaming Hub, you can now seamlessly jump head-first into cloud gaming nirvana – streaming your favorite games from Xbox, Luna, Nvidia GeForce Now, and others directly onto your new favorite screen.

Let’s not fool ourselves here though, the Q60D’s price tag is high enough to make some of us take a deep breath. But if you’re able to stretch those purse strings a bit, you’re making an investment in your entertainment that’s sure to pay off. Then are you ready to change the way you watch? The Samsung 60D is here for you to fall in love with!

 

3. Sony W830K Series – Best 32-inch Google TV

 

 

Ready to take your marathon game to the next level? Enter the 32-inch Sony W830K Series, a Google TV that’s going to be your next best friend on movie night (and also, let’s be honest, every other goddamn night). With a 720p resolution and crystal-clear picture, your shows will look even more ridiculous as your friends can no longer make fun of your fuzzy resolution.

Had it with squinting at the screen, attempting to decide whether that’s pizza or a flying saucer? Thanks to HDR color and contrast, each scene oozes with vibrant color that will have you questioning why you ever settled for anything less. And don’t forget about X-Reality PRO, which makes all of the above look spectacular, sharpening individual images, reducing noise, and bringing images to life with amazing texture, detail, and clarity.

Fast action scenes are giving you whiplash? Say no more! And with Intelligent Motion Handling powered by Motionflow XR, you don’t ever have to worry about a burry image.

Ready to welcome the future into your homes? Includes premium Google TV interface that organizes all your favorite content from Netflix and HBO Max to Disney+ into one simple, easy to use on screen interface. And if you’re feeling especially lazy, you can just tell your Alexa-enabled gadget to change the channel or turn down the volume, because remotes are so last century.

So, you are ready to transform your living room into the ultimate entertainment room? Take hold of the Sony W830K, relax and let Movie Night begin!

 

4. Roku Select Series – Best 32-inch TV for Picture Quality

 

 

Are you ready to get more out of your TV viewing with the Roku Select Series 32 streaming TV? Not just any TV: your new best pal in the land of streaming. Made by the smart people at Roku, this little baby delivers a wallop, bringing you a stunning view of everything without leaving a hole in your bank account.

With 32 inches, it’s destined to be a great companion to any small cozy living room or for a splash of style in your kitchen. Featuring LED display technology and a 720p resolution, this TV shows great detail in an image, plus has a crisp picture that’s just the right size for a bedroom or small living room.

You can sit back and stream without buffering interruptions, thanks to the fast Wi-Fi and apps that load faster than you can say “What should I watch next?” With a machine that offers a customized home screen, your favorite streaming apps are easily accessed front and center to boot the never-ending scroll circuit.

But wait, there’s more! You’ll have access to more than 400 live TV streaming apps and a library of free entertainment, including Roku Originals and hit movies. So whether you’re hitting the binges or catching up on the latest sports action, this TV is there for you. Get ready for endless hours of endless fun and your streaming dreams will come true with Roku Select Series—so forget about boring nights forever!

 

5. INSIGNIA F20 Series – Best Budget 32-inch TV

 

 

Ready to take your binge-watching to the next level without sending you to the poor house? Say “Hello” to the INSIGNIA F20 Series – The affordable 32-inch TV that doesn’t suck the savings out of your wallet! Featuring a crisp and clear 720p resolution, your favorite content will look spectacular—you’ll never even consider strolling to the cinema!

Wish you had a wizard all your own? OK, so with Alexa voice control, you kind of do! With Alexa Voice Remote, you can press a button and ask to search across apps, switch inputs and control your home entertainment. Just push the button and, voilà, you’re a content wizard — no magic wand necessary!

Enjoy the Alexa experience, built in – Fire TV Edition brings together live-over-the air TV and your favorite streaming content on the home screen. Be still my beating heart. Tens of thousands of channels and apps eager for your attention, all aching for that one little click!

Got Apple devices? No problem! With Apple AirPlay, you can stream video and audio to your television right from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac—no need to find cables strewn about to share your vacation photos, family videos, or digital music with the whole room.

And if you’re all about that sound, the HDMI ARC output will deliver all the audio to your sound bar of choice in your AV receiver, keeping your entertainment space looking neat and free of excess cables.

So, why wait? Boost your TV-game with the INSIGNIA F20 and turn every night into a movie night!

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a 32-inch TV:

TV shopping can be overwhelming, especially when selecting the perfect 32-inch model for your space. You need to evaluate factors like resolution, viewing distance, and connectivity options to ensure the TV fits your lifestyle and room layout. Your preferences for smart features, picture quality, and budget will also guide your decision. Understanding these elements will help you make an informed choice, maximizing your viewing experience and satisfaction with your new TV.

Ideal Viewing Distance and Room Layout

For a 32-inch screen, the optimal viewing distance ranges between 4 to 6.5 feet, allowing your eyes to comfortably take in the entire screen without strain. This distance ensures that details remain clear while preventing pixelation from being noticeable. Arranging seating within this range, with the TV placed at eye level, can transform your viewing experience. Additionally, room layout considerations like lighting and wall color play a significant role in minimizing glare and reflections on smaller screens.

Balancing Size with Screen Resolution and Quality

Matching your 32-inch TV’s size with an appropriate screen resolution enhances image clarity and sharpness. Full HD (1080p) is typically sufficient for this size, delivering detailed visuals without demanding excessive processing power or cost. However, moving to 4K resolution on a 32-inch screen might offer diminishing returns, as the pixel density is already high at standard HD viewing distances.

Delving deeper, a 32-inch display at 1080p provides around 69 pixels per inch (PPI), which creates a crisp image for most viewing scenarios. Opting for 720p on this screen can lead to visible pixelation, while 4K at this size packs in an incredibly dense pixel arrangement that your eye may not discern effectively unless you sit extremely close. Therefore, your choice should balance resolution benefits with cost and typical viewing distance to achieve the best image quality without unnecessary expenditure. Additionally, factors like panel type (IPS vs. VA) and HDR support can influence your viewing satisfaction beyond just screen size and resolution.

The Color Spectrum and Brightness Levels

You’ll notice that QLED models often excel in brightness, reaching up to 1,500 nits or more, which is beneficial in brightly lit environments. OLED displays, though typically capping around 750 nits, compensate with near-perfect black levels and infinite contrast ratios, dramatically enhancing dark scenes. LED TVs vary widely but tend to fall between these ranges. The expanded color gamut on QLED screens means richer and more saturated hues, which can make a significant difference if you watch vibrant content like animated movies or sports.

Longevity and Energy Efficiency Considerations

OLED panels are susceptible to burn-in after long static image exposure but generally last around 100,000 hours, while LED and QLED TVs boast longer lifespans with less risk of screen degradation. Energy consumption varies as well; OLEDs consume less power when displaying darker images due to pixel-level lighting, whereas QLEDs and LEDs might use more energy overall, particularly at higher brightness settings. Factoring in your typical viewing habits can help optimize both durability and electricity costs.

Extending beyond basic energy use, OLED’s efficiency stems from its ability to turn off individual pixels, dramatically lowering power draw during dark scenes—beneficial if you favor movies in dim environments. Conversely, QLED and LED TVs maintain full backlight, sometimes leading to increased energy use but offering brighter images that withstand ambient light better. Lifespan differences impact long-term value; for instance, prolonged static interface menus on OLEDs might accelerate wear, making screensaver use or varied content vital. Understanding these nuances enables informed decisions for your daily viewing experience and overall cost-effectiveness.

Must-Have Ports for Future-Proofing

Look for at least three HDMI ports supporting 4K passthrough and ARC/eARC functionality to connect external sound systems effectively. USB 3.0 ports not only deliver faster data transfer but also support external hard drives for media playback or recording. An Ethernet port combined with robust Wi-Fi (5GHz or Wi-Fi 6) ensures stable streaming. Legacy ports like optical audio and composite inputs add versatility for older devices, extending the life of your setup.

The Value of Smart TV Capabilities

Smart TV platforms like Roku, Android TV, or Tizen provide instant access to Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services without extra devices. Integration with voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant allows hands-free control, from adjusting volume to searching content. Regular software updates enhance security and add new features, keeping your entertainment fresh and responsive to evolving digital standards.

Delving deeper, smart TV capabilities unlock personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits, making content discovery effortless. Features like multi-user profiles, app store access, and compatibility with streaming peripherals enable customization tailored exactly to your preferences. You might also find advanced screen mirroring and casting options, facilitating smooth interaction between your smartphone and TV for a versatile multimedia experience.

Warranty and Insurance Options

Extended warranties and insurance plans offer peace of mind but can significantly increase your total spend. Standard warranties cover about a year, but expanding coverage for two to three years often costs 10-15% of the TV’s original price. Consider if you’re prone to accidents or if the model has a history of hardware issues before opting in, so you pay only for protections you’re likely to need.

Accessories and Installation Expenses

Necessary extras like wall mounts, HDMI cables, and potentially professional installation add to your outlay. Even if you plan a DIY setup, high-quality brackets or specialized mounts for tilt and swivel may be required, costing between $40 and $120. Plus, if you need a professional to install or calibrate the TV, expect labor fees in the range of $70 to $150 depending on complexity.

Beyond the TV itself, accessories and installation often represent the largest hidden investment. High-grade HDMI cables supporting 4K HDR can cost upwards of $25, while a recommended wall mount specific to your 32-inch model might be $60 on average. Installation costs vary widely based on your location and the need for cabling or reinforcement; hiring a professional ensures secure mounting and optimal viewing angles but can add around $100 to your budget. Weigh these costs against the benefits of a polished, safe setup to decide what fits your needs and DIY comfort level.

Conclusion

Drawing together the key points, before buying a 32-inch TV, you should evaluate your viewing space, desired resolution, connectivity options, and budget to ensure it fits your lifestyle perfectly. Considering the TV’s smart features and sound quality will enhance your overall experience. By carefully assessing these factors, you can select a model that meets your entertainment needs and provides great value for your money. Taking the time to weigh these elements helps you make an informed decision that you’ll be satisfied with in the long run.