Even though large-screen 4K TVs are all the rage these days, there's still a huge market for compact TV sets with a screen size of 43 inches or less. Whether you're shopping for a TV to put in your guest room, apartment, or dormitory, I've researched and evaluated more than 40 different small TVs from the likes of Samsung, Vizio, and LG, among others.
The biggest factor in your smart TV buying decision will likely be its screen size. Screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner. Normally most people would agree that bigger is better, but a big TV won't do you much good if you don't have room for it.
Resolution refers to the number of pixels that compose your TV's picture. Small TVs (around 32-inches) typically have a 720p resolution. Resolution is important to keep in mind because it helps increase the clarity of the image.
Refresh Rate
This figure is expressed in Hertz (Hz). It tells you how many times per second a new frame can be put on the screen. 60 Hz TVs refresh the display image 60 times each second. A higher refresh rate makes for a smoother motion for live sports and video games. I recommend shopping for TVs with 120 Hz refresh rates.
Panel Type
Just like back in the day when you had to decide on an LCD or plasma display, now, you have to pick from an organic, light-emitting diode display (OLED), liquid crystal display (LCD), and a LED or quantum dot LED TV (QLED). It's worth mentioning that OLEDs can't get as bright as LCD, LED, or QLED TVs, so they are more susceptible to reflections in bright rooms.
Operating System
Similar to shopping for a smartphone and deciding between Android (Google) or iOS (Apple) operating systems, smart TVs run different operating systems, too. Sony TVs run Google TV, Samsung TVs use an OS called Tizen, and LG models use webOS, to name a few. I prefer Google TV and Roku TV to other operating systems since they are more intuitive and not as ad-filled.
HDMI Ports
I recommend shopping for a TV with at least three HDMI ports, which are the jacks that you'll plug external devices into, like video game consoles and streaming devices. If you game a lot or are an audiophile, you should shop for a TV with HDMI 2.1 ports, which have more bandwidth.
I spent 100-plus hours researching and comparing the best small TVs on the market. Our recommended models will not only fit in where you need them to but also offer the best picture and audio quality. They come with all the ports you could possibly need for your video game consoles and home theater system. Here are the most reliable small TVs you can buy.
This smart TV from TCL features a sleek design, a LED display panel, and a built-in Roku streaming player. The latter allows the TV to stream content from popular services such as Amazon, HBO, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and ESPN.
The TCL 32S327 can play media files from a USB stick, too, and it allows users to purchase new movies directly from the device —since it has Wi-Fi connectivity.
This is a solid small TV pick that offers a Full 1080p HD picture and runs one of the smartest platforms in the business. It packs three HDMI jacks, while most other TVs in the same price range only have two. If you're itching for 4K and have the room to go bigger, you should opt for the 43-inch TCL 4-Series TV.
This 24-inch Vizio D-Series TV allows you to cast content from your favorite streaming apps and services via your mobile device. Key features of this small TV include a 1080p LED display panel and Dolby Atmos audio support.
You can also control the TV by using your voice through your Google Assistant-powered smart speaker. The TV conveniently has AirPlay 2 onboard for easily mirroring your iPhone's display.
Unfortunately, the Vizio D-Series is oftentimes difficult to find in stock. If it's unavailable, Insignia's 24-inch F20 Series TV is a decent alternative, but it doesn't offer the same AirPlay 2 functionality.
A perfect option for a small kitchen, this LG TV comes in silver to match all your stainless steel appliances. This small TV option has a 24-inch HD display panel and basic functionality. But it has just a single HDMI port for installing a streaming device or video game console, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
The TV's Triple XD Engine helps create stunning, lifelike image quality. It's worth mentioning that the similarly priced 24-inch VIZIO D-Series TV I previously mentioned is priced the same and offers a higher resolution, which means it has better image quality. But if aesthetics matter most, the LG looks better.
This is the newest 32-inch TV that TCL offers. It's also Wirecutter’s top small TV pick. The only reason I didn't name it as our best overall pick is because it features a lower, 720p resolution. (The number of pixels that make up a 720p image is about 1 million, compared to a 1080p image's 2 million pixels.) Because of this, a 1080p display produces a lot more detail than a 720p one.
But if you want the latest, most-futureproof smart small TV, this model is your best bet. It runs either the Roku platform or Android TV, has three HDMI ports, and offers good picture quality for a fantastic value.
This smart TV from Toshiba was developed in collaboration with Amazon. It runs a full-fledged version of FireOS, so you have access to over 15,000 channels and apps without the extra expense of a streaming box. Its remote control has Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa, built right in so you can control TV playback, use smart home devices, launch apps, search for shows, play music, and switch inputs — all with your voice.
I think that this TV from Toshiba is an excellent value, considering its great picture, slew of smart features, numerous ports, voice controls, and ease of use.
Editor's Note: Samsung announced this TV's successor at CES 2022, and it is now available for pre-order.
If you're looking for a best-in-class, HDR-compatible smart TV that offers a truly incredible, lifelike picture and stellar audio, look no further than this option from Samsung. It packs all of your favorite streaming apps, has voice controls, and supports AirPlay 2, so content can be cast from your smartphone or tablet directly to the TV.
This option is an extremely sharp-looking and feature-filled model with excellent picture quality, but it's pricier than most other small TVs. If you want the best picture quality in a small TV, though, this model is tough to beat and worth splurging for.
This basic small TV from Samsung is equipped with a 32-inch 1080p LED display that offers a more detailed picture compared to other models, since many small TVs only have a 720p resolution. My biggest complaint is that this model has just two HDMI ports, while others in its price range offer at least three ports.
On the plus side, the TV has Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows it to stream video or music from many popular services, including Netflix, Amazon, and Spotify. Samsung sells a similar variant of this TV that comes in a 40-inch size as well.
Editor's Note: This TV's successor is now available for preorder. The newer model has an improved display that isn't as reflective and not as susceptible to glare.
The Frame, which doubles as a gorgeous art exhibition when you're not watching your favorite shows, is a fresh new take on a high-end TV by Samsung. When in art mode, the small TV can display 100 gorgeous free works of art, as well as your personal photos.
As its name suggests, the TV looks like a frame when mounted on the wall. Users also have the option to change the TV's wood frame to better match their home decor. The Frame also comes bundled with Samsung's brand-new, no-gap wall mount, so it sits flush against your wall.
When it comes to picture quality, the 32-inch Frame features a full HD resolution, so it's much more vivid than most small televisions. If you want a unique television that is unlike any other, you can't go wrong with the Frame. If you want even more pixels and a bigger screen, consider opting for the slightly larger 43-inch variant.
This 43-inch TV by Hisense features four HDMI inputs, while most other small TVs only have one or two. The display offers a crisp 4K Ultra HD resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate with minimal motion blur, which means that it's a good choice for gamers, too.
It also has a built-in Android TV streaming device so you can watch your favorite shows and movies online. You can control it with your voice since it has a built-in microphone. (If voice control isn't your thing, though, the microphone can be disabled.)
This affordable TV features an eye-pleasing design with small bezels, two HDMI ports, and a 32-inch 720p LCD display panel with solid image quality and support for active HDR. This small TV's zippy processor helps it produce images that are detailed, full of color, and lifelike.
Plus, it runs the manufacturer's webOS smart TV platform, which supports all major streaming services — including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO, and YouTube, among others.
Available Screen Sizes: 48, 55, 65, 77, and 83 inches
Panel Type: OLED
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
HDMI Ports: 4
Model # OLED48C1PUB
The C1 series of 4K OLED TVs by LG are the best options for most buyers today. They offer sleek design, industry-leading picture quality and processing, a rich set of connectivity settings, and LG's feature-packed smart TV platform.
Compared to the similarly priced Sony MASTER Series A9S model, the LG has an edge for its more futureproof connectivity options, its support for variable refresh rates (which comes in handy for next-generation gaming consoles), and its useful Dolby Vision IQ feature, which automatically adjusts the picture to match the light in your room.
If you can afford it, the C1 series is the best small TV money can buy. It delivers a surprisingly robust 2.2-channel Dolby Atmos audio experience. You can also cast video from your iPhone or tablet using AirPlay 2, plus search for content and perform tasks with voice commands.
This option from Samsung is one of the most affordable 4K TVs the manufacturer currently offers. It has a good contrast ratio and lets you watch stunning high-dynamic-range content. It’s equipped with three HDMI ports and two USB jacks, and it runs Samsung’s Tizen Smart TV platform, so you can download and stream all your favorite shows from numerous apps.
I think its 43-inch size is the perfect balance between being small enough for most setups and large enough to experience all that 4K content has to offer. Because of its low input lag and excellent motion handling, this model is ideal for gamers.
If you have a bigger budget and don't mind a larger screen, opt for Samsung's 43-inch Q60B Series QLED model, which delivers a better and more immersive picture.
Brandon CarteSenior Electronics EditorBrandon Carte has been the technology editor at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been covering the latest gadgets and scouring the internet for the greatest deals; His tech reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com and USA Today.
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