While 55 “and 65” have been the most popular TV sizes, small TVs are still important to many individuals. These sizes are amazing for a secondary TV, as in a guest’s room or kitchen, or in other cases, for understudy residences.
Although you don’t usually have the most advanced features or the highest picture quality, there are also a number of smart TVs available in smaller sizes.
Some are available in smaller sizes, and below you’ll find our picks for the best small TVs available for purchase. See also our recommendations for the best 40 inch TVs, best 43 inch TVs, best 50 inch TVs.
Top Picks of This Year
1. Best Small TVs Overall: TCL 28S305 28 inch TV
The TCL S Series/28S305 2018 is the best small TV we’ve examined that’s available in a 28-inch size. Its small size makes it ideal for rooms with scarce space, such as a kitchen or a dorm room.
Dark blacks can be viewed due to the strong native contrast ratio, which increases the efficiency of dark spaces, but the overall picture quality is still average.
This small TV has a 720p resolution and is powered by the same excellent Roku TV smart technology used on high-end TCL models. There are a variety of applications and online services to select from. You’re likely to find what you’re searching for, and you can even stream files from your mobile device.
Unfortunately, this TV does not have a really large variety of colors and does not support HDR, but this is to be expected for the TV at this price point.
This could also not be the ideal option for watching sports or playing games, because its motion control is just decent and has no motion interpolation functionality. Ultimately, this is a mediocre TV, but it’s one of the better TVs available on this scale.
- Blacks are well reproduced
- Excellent smart features
- Cannot get bright
- Picture quality deteriorates at an angle
- Picture settings are very limited
Specs | Details |
---|---|
Brand | TCL |
Model | 28S305 |
Screen size | 28 inches |
Resolution | 720p |
Smart TV | Yes (Roku TV) |
Contrast ratio | 3000:1 |
Maximum brightness | 200 cd/m² |
Viewing angle | 178° |
Color gamut | Not specified |
HDR support | No |
Refresh rate | 60Hz |
Input lag | Not specified |
Speakers | 2 x 5W |
Connectivity | 3 x HDMI, 1 x USB, 1 x Composite, 1 x RF, 1 x Ethernet, 1 x Headphone jack |
Dimensions with stand | 25.3″ x 16.8″ x 7.3″ |
Weight with stand | 8.6 lbs |
2. Best small TV for gaming: Samsung QN32Q50RAFXZA
If you just have space for a 32-inch TV but also want something comparable to most 55 “or 65” models, the Samsung Q50/Q50R QLED QN32Q50RAFXZA is the best small TV we’ve reviewed so far. This is one of the first 4k 32 “TVs available and also supports HDR10 and HDR10+.
It’s the best small TV for gaming due to its excellent low input lag and decent response time, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have any advanced gaming apps like FreeSync. The overall picture quality is very good thanks to its outstanding contrast ratio and nice, dark blacks, given the absence of a local dimming feature.
Although its HDR peak brightness is disappointing, resulting in HDR content not showing as it should, its SDR peak brightness is good and will be able to combat glare and distortion in relatively light rooms. Thanks to its scale and ability to view chroma 4:4:4 correctly, it’s also a perfect option to act as a computer monitor, ideal for tight spaces like a room.
Unfortunately, like most TVs with a VA panel, the image degrades a bit when presented at an angle, so it’s better for setups where you’re sitting right in front of the TV. These are also several visible motion objects that may bother viewers of sports or action movies.
- Deep blacks.
- Impressive low input lag.
- The image degrades at an angle.
- Noticeable motion artifacts.
Specs | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Samsung |
Model | QN32Q50RAFXZA |
Size | 32 inches |
Resolution | 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) |
Panel Type | VA |
Backlighting | Edge-lit LED |
HDR Support | HDR10 and HDR10+ |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Smart TV | Yes, Tizen |
Inputs | 3 HDMI, 1 USB, 1 Ethernet, 1 RF, 1 Digital Audio Out (Optical) |
Audio | 2CH 20W, Dolby Digital Plus |
Dimensions with stand | 28.5″ x 18.8″ x 6.1″ |
Weight with stand | 11.7 lbs |
3. Best Small TV: VIZIO D-Series D24f-F1 24-Inch Smart TV
This 24-inch Vizio D-Series TV lets you download content from your favorite video applications and services to your mobile device. The main aspects of the TV include a 1080p LED control screen and support for DTS StudioSound.
The main aspects of the TV include a 1080p LED control screen and support for DTS StudioSound. You can also monitor the TV with your voice using your Google Assistant-powered phone.
- Wide viewing angle
- Poor picture quality
- Low brightness
- Mediocre handling of motion
Model | VIZIO D-Series D24f-F1 24-Inch Smart TV |
---|---|
Screen size | 24 inches |
Resolution | 1080p |
Screen Type | LED |
Smart TV | Yes |
Supported Sound Technology | DTS StudioSound |
Voice Control | Google Assistant |
Viewing angle | Wide |
Picture Quality | Poor |
Brightness | Low |
Motion Handling | Mediocre |
4. Best Small 4K TV: Samsung NU7100 4K Smart TV
While many TV manufacturers are no longer building a complete set of features into 40-inch versions, Samsung’s excellent picture performance and smart functionality also allow you to find options at an ideal size for smaller living spaces.
Take the 4K (or Ultra HD) display NU7100 of 3840 x 2160 pixels. The 39.5-inch diagonal screen may not provide 4K with the same impact it would have on bigger TVs, but you will still have unmatched levels of detail and lightness.
The Samsung NU7100 is the best small 4K TV. It has great picture quality with a good native contrast ratio. But needs more advanced features to improve the effectiveness of the darkroom such as local dimming.
But the response time is only average so some blur is noticeable behind objects that move quickly. The picture lacks accuracy when viewed at an angle, so the perfect image is seen for those directly in front of the screen.
The NU7100 model from Samsung has the same interface as the Samsung NU8000, except for the voice assistant from Google assistant. The interface is easy to access and works well, although when accessing the interface from within an app, there are some problems with time delay. There are ads, like all Samsung TVs, so they can’t be removed.
- Excellent low input lag.
- Good uniformity.
- Limited HDR capabilities.
- Picture quality degrades when viewed at an angle.
Model | VIZIO D-Series D24f-F1 24-Inch Smart TV |
---|---|
Screen size | 24 inches |
Resolution | 1080p |
Screen Type | LED |
Smart TV | Yes |
Supported Sound Technology | DTS StudioSound |
Voice Control | Google Assistant |
Viewing angle | Wide |
Picture Quality | Poor |
Brightness | Low |
Motion Handling | Mediocre |
5. Best Small 4k TV: Vizio M437-G0
The Vizio M7 Quantum Series 2019 M437-G0 is the best small 4K TV we’ve ever reviewed. This flexible TV works well, regardless of the video you’re viewing. It’s decent building quality, and it’s got slim bezels that aren’t distracting.
The VA panel has an excellent contrast ratio and striking black uniformity, rendering it a perfect option for dark spaces. There is also a complete-length local dimming option that further enhances its contrast; however, it causes some visible blooming around bright objects in dark scenes, particularly around subtitles.
Sadly, like most VA panels, its viewing angles are sub-par, which is less ideal for large rooms with wide seating arrangements. Out-of-the-box, this TV’s color quality is remarkable. This has an outstanding broad variety of colors, which is perfect for HDR content, but the TV’s peak brightness is average and soon won’t really render pop highlights. Response time is great and there is an optional black frame placement feature that will help reduce the appearance of motion blur.
- Excellent low input lag.
- Great color accuracy.
- Excellent color gamut.
- The image degrades at an angle.
- Local dimming performance is just decent.
Model | Vizio M7 Quantum Series 2019 M437-G0 |
---|---|
Screen Size | 43 inches |
Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
Panel Type | VA |
Backlighting | Full Array Local Dimming |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Smart TV Software | Vizio SmartCast |
HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG |
Peak Brightness | 400 nits |
Color Gamut | 98% DCI-P3 |
Contrast Ratio | 5000:1 |
Viewing Angle | 176° |
Input Lag | 14ms |
Variable Refresh Rate | No |
Speakers | 2 x 10W |
HDMI Ports | 4 (1 ARC) |
USB Ports | 2 |
6. Best Small Smart TV: TCL 43S525
Whether you have a small TV with excellent smart apps, TCL 5 Series/43S525 2019 is the best small smart TV. It’s a good UHD LED TV with a broad variety of colors, excellent darkroom output, and an outstanding low input lag for gaming or uses as a PC monitor.
Thanks to its smart Roku interface, this TV has fantastic smart apps. Hundreds of entertainment channels (apps) are open, and you won’t need to worry about having an extra streaming device like Apple TV attached to your TV. You can also access files directly from your mobile device, similar to Chromecast.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a local dimming feature and doesn’t allow interpolation of motion. This can’t get really vivid, so when shown at an angle, the picture degrades. Overall, however, it’s the best small smart TV that uses one of the easiest and most efficient smart systems available.
- Deep, uniform blacks
- Outstanding low input lag
- Image degrades at an angle
- PWM flicker at low brightness levels
Brand/Model | TCL 5 Series/43S525 |
---|---|
Screen Size | 43 inches |
Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) |
Panel Type | VA |
Smart TV | Roku TV |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
Input Lag | 15.2 ms |
Contrast Ratio | 6000:1 |
Viewing Angle | 178° |
Local Dimming | No |
Motion Interpolation | No |
Peak Brightness | 300 nits |
7. Best Small TV for Gaming: Samsung RU7100 Smart TV
This Samsung option is one of the most affordable 4K TVs currently offered by the manufacturer. This has a decent contrast ratio and a low input lag that helps you to experience a stunning high dynamic range of video.
It’s equipped with three HDMI ports and two USB jacks, and runs Samsung’s Tizen Smart TV software, enabling you to access and display all your favorite shows from a range of devices.
We believe that the 43-inch display is the ideal balance of being compact enough for most installations, but large enough to enjoy what 4K content has to deliver.
- Excellent low input lag.
- Good uniformity.
- Poor HDR peak brightness.
- Image degrades when viewed at an angle.
Model | Samsung RU7100 Smart TV |
---|---|
Screen Size | 43 inches |
Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) |
Display Type | LED |
Smart TV | Yes, Tizen |
HDMI Ports | 3 |
USB Ports | 2 |
Contrast Ratio | Decent |
Peak Brightness | Poor (for HDR) |
Viewing Angle | Image degrades when viewed at an angle |
Input Lag | Excellent |
8. Best Budget Small TV: Samsung UN32M5300
Samsung has been a leader in 32-inch TV for years, and the UN32M5300 is currently the top-of-the-line model.
Why? Why? It provides complete 1080p videos and its Tizen operating system at a price that most people can manage. It allows you exposure to lots of games, plus the built-in Wi-Fi TV prevents you from having to plug it into your router.
Yes, the UN32M5300 doesn’t have the most link ports in the world, with only two HDMI slots to choose from. But yeah, the tiny sacrifices are worth it.
- The image remains accurate when viewed at an angle
- Picture quality is below average
- Blacks appear gray and blotchy in a dark room
Brand | Samsung |
---|---|
Model | UN32M5300 |
Screen Size | 32 inches |
Resolution | 1080p Full HD |
Smart TV | Yes |
Operating System | Tizen |
Number of HDMI Ports | 2 |
Wi-Fi | Yes |
Viewing Angle | 178° |
Contrast Ratio | Typical 5000:1 |
Brightness | Typical 250 nits |
Color Gamut | 70% (NTSC) |
Audio | 10W speakers, Dolby Digital Plus |
Dimensions (with stand) | 29.2″ x 18.5″ x 5.7″ |
Weight (with stand) | 9.5 lbs |
Final Thoughts
FAQs
What is the smallest TV that supports 4K?
The smallest TV that supports 4K resolution is currently a 24-inch TV offered by Philips, model number 242E1GAJ. However, it’s important to note that the benefits of 4K resolution may not be fully realized on such a small screen size, as the difference in pixel density may not be as noticeable compared to larger screens.
What is the downside of a 4K TV?
One of the main downsides of a 4K TV is that it requires a larger screen size and closer viewing distance to fully appreciate the increased resolution. If you have a small TV or sit too far away from the screen, you may not notice a significant improvement in picture quality.
Additionally, not all content is available in 4K, so you may not be able to take full advantage of the technology.
4K TVs also tend to be more expensive than their 1080p counterparts. Finally, some viewers have reported that certain types of motion can appear juddery or unnatural on 4K TVs, although this is less of an issue with newer models that have improved motion smoothing technology.
What new technology is coming for TVs?
QD-OLED tech increases color gamut and color brightness to a degree not possible with QLED or OLED technology. Thanks to QD-OLED, we can see colors that we’ve never seen on TVs before. The deep black levels of OLED are mixed with the brightness levels only seen on QLED TVs, giving us the best of both worlds.