The Best TVs for Small Spaces
TVs have been getting bigger by the year, but that doesn't mean our living spaces have magically expanded. For city folks that are shacking up in apartments and condominiums, you might consider forgoing the 82-inch model for something a little more functional -- something you can fit on your kitchen counter or your mini work-from-home space. We're here to tell you that you don't need to trade quality for size with the following list of top-notch TVs. Many of these TVs clock in at 32 inches, but their features can vary widely from a built-in DVD player to Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa integration. Read on to get a clearer picture of what you're buying.
Insignia 32-inch Fire TV Edition
Smart TV Goodness
This TV is as smart as they come, making your life easier and your leisure-time even more relaxing. Amazon’s Alexa has the power to complete voice-activated searches, allowing you to queue up content and control your smart home with quick commands. Fire TV can access all your favorite streaming services, but for those of you that haven’t cut the cable yet, this TV does double duty. Just connect the cable (or an antenna) and Alexa will add available channels to your home screen. The Insignia 32-inch Fire TV Edition takes the cake with its entertainment and smart-home potential.
Pros:
- Seamless integration of over-air channels with streaming platforms
- Amazon Alexa compatibility
- Multiple input/output options, including 3 HDMI, antenna/cable input, and Ethernet input
Cons:
- The 720p resolution not as crisp as competing 1080p models
LG 22-inch 2017 Model
Life's Good with this TV
Life looks really good on this LG 22-inch LED model, even if it is on a smaller screen than you might be used to. The full 1080p display is enabled with “in-plane switching” (IPS) to maximize clarity and color while viewing the screen from virtually any angle. This makes it an ideal TV for the mobile and multi-tasking viewer. Better yet, the Triple XD processor ensures proper depth of color, meaning you won’t get any washed-out black screens. Though there are no smart capabilities in this LG model, you can always plug your laptop into the HDMI to stream your favorite shows.
Pros:
- Full 1080p HD resolution
- LEDs are more energy-efficient than traditional LCD screens
- Can double as a reasonably-sized computer monitor by utilizing HDMI input
Cons:
- No smart TV capabilities, limiting this TV to cable/antenna or HDMI input
- Limited input/output ports
Sceptre 19-inch
Small But Mighty
Though this Sceptre 19-inch TV is one of the smallest on our list, it certainly talks (and walks) a big game. The screen resolution is solid for its size at 720p, but it’s the input and output ports that really make this model our most versatile. On-air TV fans can plug in their cable or antenna while cable-cutters will be equally happy after plugging in their laptops or gaming consoles via VGA or HDMI. Perhaps most surprising about this 19-inch powerhouse is its integrated DVD player so you can finally bust out those family favorites gathering dust in the DVD bin.
Pros:
- Extensive input options including cable/antenna, HDMI, VGA, and USB
- Built-in DVD player
- Output audio option for more private viewing
Cons:
- The DVD player is not Blu-ray equipped
TCL 32-inch Smart TV
Smart and Savvy
Compatible with both Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant, this TCL 32-inch TV provides the best of both smart worlds. The built-in Roku TV feature allows access to 5,000 streaming channels and over 500,000 movies and TV episodes. Your favorite show can be watched in crisp, full 1080p resolution and the strong Wi-Fi connection ensures that buffering won’t get in the way. You can also plug in your gaming console using one of the three HDMI ports. Heck, you can even connect via antenna, as well. This smart TV covers almost every base imaginable, making it the most integrated model on this list.
Pros:
- Plays nicely with both Alexa and Google assistant
- Connections include 3 HDMI, USB, composite audio/video, and RF antenna
- Full 1080p HD resolution
Cons:
- No Ethernet input option for faster streaming
Samsung 32-inch Smart TV
And the Award Goes to...
Though all of the models we’ve listed could be nominated for “Best Picture,” the Samsung 32-inch Smart TV is the clear winner. It boasts a full 1080p HD resolution that is twice as clear as a standard HD TV. Samsung has built up the viewing experience in several ways, from the Ultra Clean View software to the Micro Dimming Pro which makes whites cleaner and blacks deeper. Coupled with smart capabilities and a plethora of audio/video input connections, this TV’s screen resolution makes it an award winner in everyone’s book.
Pros:
- Inputs include 2 RF (cable and satellite), 2 HDMI, component video, composite AV, USB, and Ethernet
- Quad-Core processor provides a fluid browsing experience
- Wi-Fi also available as a connectivity option
Cons:
- The LCD screen is less energy efficient
- Samsung smart TV interface is slightly more clunky than competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what input/output connectivity I need?
This depends on what you’re going to use your TV for. If you cut your cable, you’re probably going to want a TV with USB or HDMI input options so you can connect your gaming console, computer, or streaming hardware (e.g. Apple TV, Fire Stick, Chromecast). But if you’re still an avid consumer of your local nightly news, be sure to check for RF cable inputs.
Can you really tell the difference between 720p and 1080p?
Admittedly, it’s usually a bigger deal on larger screens — the larger the image, the clearer the difference in pixels will be — but for anyone paying close attention, 1080p will always provide a clearer and more vibrant image. Take a look at the TV you currently have and get a sense of your viewing preferences. There are plenty of reasonable 1080p models on the market, especially in the smaller size range, many of which we’ve mentioned above.
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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.