The best 32-inch TV for 2023: small screens for any budget
Editor’s note: April 2023
We’d pick Samsung’s The Frame as the best 32-inch TV because it’s a great mix of form and function. A bold QLED display delivers rich color reproduction along with HDR to bring out a high level of detail in movies and TV shows alike, while the design is much more palatable than you get from the vast majority of smaller TVs.
Matt Bolton, Senior Editor, TV & Audio
The best 32-inch TVs are smarter than you think. In fact, many of the best 32-inch TVs are packed with a stack of smart features, useful tech, and deliver strong picture performance.
Not everyone wants a Godzilla-sized screen and the idea that a 55-inch TV is now considered a standard size understandably doesn’t appeal to everyone. If you just don’t want an enormous screen or want something a little smaller for a bedroom or study, then the best 32-inch TVs have exactly what you’re looking for.
There’s another big benefit to 32-inch TVs: they’re much cheaper than their bigger siblings. When so many of us are watching our money to make sure we’re not spending more than we can afford, 32-inch sets are often very wise buys.
It’s worth pointing out that if you’re looking for the best 4K TVs you won’t find them at this size. That’s because at 32 inches you simply won’t get the benefit of all those extra pixels – so you’d be paying for something you can’t really see. These TVs have either HD or 1080p resolution and that’s more than sharp enough; we don’t think you get any benefit from 4K until you step up at least one size to one of the best 40-inch TVs. It’s much better to have HDR instead: that gives you much more dynamic and lifelike images no matter what display resolution you have.
The TVs we’ve recommended here have lots in common with their bigger siblings. Many of them have the same tech as more expensive models, and share the same smart TV interfaces. And unfortunately many of them also have the same problem as more expensive models, which tend to have fairly lackluster sound. That’s an easy fix: we’d definitely recommend investing in one of the best soundbars to truly bring things to life. The Sonos Ray is a particularly good affordable option that looks and sounds great and doesn’t visually overpower smaller-sized TVs.
Let’s discover the best 32-inch TVs you can buy right now.
The best 32-inch TV for 2023
(Image credit: Samsung)
Proving that small TVs can still be stylish, our top pick for the best 32-inch smart TV is the 2021 version of Samsung’s The Frame TV range. It has a customizable frame that makes it ideal for wall hanging, and it has a special Art Mode, where it blends into your home by displaying works of art when not in use for TV and movies.
There have been previous versions of the Samsung The Frame TV, but this latest 2021 version feels like an upgrade in the picture department. In larger sizes, its QLED screen is 4K resolution, but the 32-inch model is Full HD with HDR. Thanks to the QLED, you can expect wonderfully rich colors from The Frame TV, with Samsung making use of a Dual LED backlight system, bringing together two color temperatures to make sure contrast is even and rich.
During our testing, we found this TV remarkably easy to set up. This was thanks to the inclusion of Samsung’s fantastic One Connect box. This breakaway box connects to the screen with a single clear cable, and houses all of the connections you’ll need for external devices – but can hide them away somewhere out of sight.
Read our full Samsung The Frame TV (2021) review
(Image credit: Vizio)
Nội Dung Chính
2. Vizio D32h-D1 (US)
The best cheap 32-inch TV for US buyers
Specifications
Screen size:
32 inches
Resolution:
HD (720p)
Panel type:
LED LCD
Smart TV:
SmartCast
HDR:
No
View at Amazon
(opens in new tab)
Reasons to buy
+
Full array backlighting
+
Reasons to avoid
–
Remote is annoying to use
–
Sound quality isn’t top class
VIZIO pretty much rules the roost when it comes to great-value TVs in the United States, with the Vizio D-Series emerging as one of the best small TVs out there right now.
While the name might not exactly jump out at you, Vizio’s small screen hits dead center for balancing features and price. You don’t get a 1080p Full HD screen, but you get a full array LED backlight, which means a brighter image that’s easier to see during the day. You also get smart TV features full of the most popular streaming services (including Netflix, YouTube and Hulu) on the SmartCast platform, which is also used on Vizio’s high-end sets.
You’re getting a basic pair of 5W speakers built-in, so it might be worth plugging in some external audio hardware, but you’re getting a good feature list for such a small TV and small price – including two HDMI ports, one USB port, and HDMI ARC support for a soundbar.
This is an untested model, but if you’re looking for something smart, small and affordable at a 32-inch size, VIZIO’s small screen offers a lot for the price.
(Image credit: LG)
3. LG 32LQ63006
Smart features, HDR and Full HD make this a compelling combination
Specifications
Screen size:
32 inches
Resolution:
HD (720p)
Panel type:
LED LCD
Smart TV:
webOS
HDR:
HDR, HDR10 Pro, HLG
Reasons to buy
+
Excellent HDR including HDR10 Pro
+
We love webOS
+
Google, Alexa, AirPlay and HomeKit compatible
Reasons to avoid
–
Ports are HDMI 1.4
We don’t have a full review of this new LG Smart TV just yet, but from what we’ve seen so far of its Full HD resolution with impressive HDR it’s a typically solid LG with one of the best Smart TV interfaces around. The Alpha 5 Gen 5 processor does a good job of handling motion and skin tones without making things look overly processed, there’s excellent smart assistant support, and the Game Optimiser automatically adjusts the picture settings for the best gaming experience. There’s built-in Freesat HD as well as Freeview Play for catching up on the week’s TV, and while LG’s AI sound isn’t going to give dedicated Dolby Atmos soundbars sleepless nights it does a decent job of expanding the audio in movies and games.
But it’s the HDR that’s the big selling point here: it’s one of the first things many manufacturers leave off the spec sheet when they’re making more affordable TVs, but even at 32 inches / full HD resolution it makes a huge difference to how movies in particular look. This LG is noticeably sharper and more intense than most HD TVs.
(Image credit: Toshiba)
4. Toshiba 32WK3C (UK)
The best cheap 32-inch TV for UK buyers
Our expert review:
Specifications
Screen size:
32 inches
Resolution:
HD (720p)
Panel technology:
LED LCD
Smart TV:
Toshiba Smart Portal
HDR:
HDR10, HLG
Check Amazon
(opens in new tab)
Reasons to buy
+
Surprisingly good images
+
Built-in Alexa support
Reasons to avoid
–
Not Full HD
–
Alexa’s voice is a bit hoarse
The Toshiba WK3C Alexa TV combines straightforward TV viewing and voice assistant functionality in one very affordable package, making it one of the best 32-inch TVs out there.
The built-in (and hands-free) Alexa support covers what you’d get from one of the best smart speakers or one of the best smart TVs. During our testing, we had no trouble using the Amazon voice assistant to summon apps, look for content, or power the television on and off – though it’s an always-on affair, without the easy mute functions of an Amazon Echo.
The picture is surprisingly good, too, given the price and limitations of this HD resolution set. The processor handles HD sources, or those downscaled from 4K, very well. There’s a trace of motion judder that occurs across moving backgrounds, pictures far better in the foreground in general, but it’s a small issue that’s not overly noticeable on such a small TV. Freeview Play support is a great addition for UK viewers too.
All in all, the Toshiba WK3C is something of a steal for those who don’t need a higher-resolution screen. Just keep in mind that you’re only getting HD (720p) resolution on both the 24-inch and 32-inch sizing options.
Read our full Toshiba WK3C Alexa TV review
(Image credit: TCL)
5. TCL 3-Series Roku TV (US)
The best 32-inch TV for smart TV features
Average Amazon review:
(opens in new tab)
Specifications
Screen size:
32-inch
Resolution:
1920 x 1080
Panel type:
LED
Smart TV:
Roku TV
HDR:
No
View at Macy’s
(opens in new tab)
View at Best Buy
(opens in new tab)
Check Amazon
(opens in new tab)
Reasons to buy
+
3 X HDMI ports
+
Roku platform built-in
Reasons to avoid
–
Dim output compared to rivals
–
No HDR on offer
The TCL 3-Series isn’t the most technically impressive model in our best TCL TVs guide, but it does offer a lot for the price. At a 32-inch size, this small TV packs in Full HD resolution, direct full-array dimming (no edge lighting then) and even the excellent Roku operating system found on a host of other TCL TVs.
Roku is the saving grace of this cheap TV, adding a sleek and well-organized smart platform with substantial app support: Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV Plus, Hulu, and more. Three HDMI ports give you a lot of connectivity options too, while the 60Hz panel doesn’t hurt either.
TCL TVs have a tendency towards quite aggressive overprocessing and high contrast images, which will only be more prominent on its cheaper screens – but for an affordable model that won’t be a nightmare to navigate, the 3 Series is a good bet for one of the best 32-inch TVs.
And while we haven’t reviewed this model ourselves, we’ve seen enough TCL TVs to get a good sense of what’s on offer.
(Image credit: Cello)
6. Cello Smart Android TV (UK)
The best cheap 32-inch TV with 1080p resolution
Our expert review:
Specifications
Screen size:
32 inches
Resolution:
Full HD (1080p)
Panel type:
LED LCD
Smart TV:
Android TV
HDR:
No
Check Amazon
(opens in new tab)
Reasons to buy
+
Decent picture compared to rivals
+
Android TV built-in
Reasons to avoid
–
Limited viewing angles
–
Feeble sound
Cello might be a humble British TV brand, but it knows how to cater to those on a tight budget and those in need of a smaller-than-standard screen. The Cello Smart Android TV starts at just £179 for a 24-inch size, and comes in at £199 for a 32-inch TV size.
For that price you’re getting Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, and surprisingly comprehensive smart TV features. The Cello Netgem smart TV that used to be in this guide made do with a very basic operating system – without even Netflix support – and the move to Android for the latest TVs from this range can only be an improvement.
Sure, there are better interfaces than Android for higher-end sets, but it’s highly unusual at this price, packing in Chromecast, Google Assistant support, and the best streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Rakuten. You even have Freeview Play – for the UK’s terrestrial broadcaster catch-up services.
Picture performance is decent for the price, too, with consistently lit pictures and generally smooth motion from HD/SDR sources.
Read our full Cello Smart Android TV review
The best 32-inch TVs 2023: FAQ
(Image credit: Freeview)
What are the perks of a small 32-inch smart TV?
Size isn’t everything, as the best 32-inch TVs can attest to. Many of these smaller screens offer much sharper 720p or 1080p picture quality thanks to their compact display. This means there’s much less risk of the displayed image appearing blurry as a result of poor upscaling on a larger 4K-capable TV. Some even offer HDR, injecting that smaller, sharper screen with a burst of color.
The smaller size of a 32-inch TV also means that they’re offered a good degree more in the way of portability. Need to move the TV to a different room or house? It’s far more manageable with a smaller 32-inch TV than with a 4K giant.
How much does a 32-inch smart TV cost?
Prices vary between brands, but even the best 32-inch TVs are cheaper than even the most basic, entry-level 4K tellies. Prices can also vary depending on what features you’re looking for.
UK buyers on a budget might look for the Cello Smart Android TV, which costs £199 for a ‘gets-the-job-done’ level experience. For something a tad more premium, the HDR-capable Sony KDL32WE613 will cost you around £259 for the 32-inch model.
In the US, the Vizio D-Series’ 32-inch model, which is our top choice at the moment, is somewhat equivalent to the Cello Smart Android TV, costing just $179 for a basic, but functional experience. The TCL 3-Series is similarly affordable at $219 but with a few quality features like full 1080p HD, 3 HDMI ports and loads of streaming apps built in.
What to look for in a 32-inch smart TV
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Shopping for a new TV can feel pretty overwhelming these days: there are so many different technologies and each manufacturer seems to put all kinds of acronyms in their product descriptions to make things feel even more confusing. Never fear. That’s why we’re here.
Other than the price, there are only a few really crucial things you need to consider when you’re shopping for a 32-inch TV. The first is resolution, which is how many dots – pixels – the screen is made of. The more dots, the better the picture. At this size you’ll see models described as HD or Full HD. The latter is better. HD resolution is the same as a DVD disc, so the screen has 720 rows of pixels from top to bottom. Full HD has 1,080. That means more detail, especially if you’re sitting fairly close to the TV.
You’ll see the acronym QLED on a lot of sets, especially ones from Samsung. QLED is a modern TV technology that’s designed to deliver even crisper, brighter images than standard TVs, and while it’s not as good as the OLED displays you’ll find in high-end TVs it comes impressively close for considerably less cash. We like it a lot.
There are two more acronyms to look for: HDR and HDMI. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and it means that the contrast between the lightest and darkest bits of the picture is very dramatic. That’s great for movies and for gaming. And HDMI refers to the most important connection the TV has, which is the HDMI sockets it has for connecting external devices such as games consoles, Blu-Ray players, soundbars and other fun things. If you want to get the best possible gaming performance, look for a TV with at least one HDMI 2.1 connector.
Original reporting in this article was by John Archer.
