The smart TV market is an exciting place, but the increasingly complex feature lists, rocketing resolutions and formidable screens sizes aren’t for everyone. A 32-inch TV is the perfect size for anyone looking to access the best movies, series and video games on a modestly sized and fairly priced TV set.
The manageable size of a 32-inch TV makes it the ideal choice for bedrooms, kitchens, studies and smaller living rooms. Many TVs in this size have access to Freeview channels and plenty of interfaces for connecting up Blu-ray players, media streaming devices and game consoles. Some of the more expensive units come with smart TV tech, too, which opens the door to a wide array of on-demand and streamed entertainment from services like Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.
To help you find the very best 32-inch TVs, we’ve rounded up the best options on the market. Read on to find out more.
What we look for in the best 32-inch TVs:
Connectivity
Unless you’re just happy to watch whatever is on terrestrial TV, connectivity is a hugely important factor in deciding on a new set. Multiple HDMI interfaces allow for Blu-ray players, game consoles and media streaming devices to be connected. USB ports will allow pictures and video files to be played and even allow for live TV pausing and recording on compatible TVs.
Smart TVs can connect to the internet. This grants access to streaming services and social media and news apps. Bluetooth connectivity is sometimes found on 32-inch TVs too, which allows for wireless speakers to be used.
Screen Tech
Due to their small frame and low cost, 32-inch TVs don’t carry high resolutions found on 50-inch TVs: it's a mix between 720p and 1080p. Many TV manufacturers will bundle technology to get the most out of the screens, including HDR, which ups the quality of contrast to create a more impactful image, or motion-smoothing systems that help reduce the blur of fast-moving scenes.
If you’re looking for a small and sharp screen for gaming, consider looking at one of the best gaming monitors, where 4K resolutions are squeezed onto smaller screens.
Smart Features
Not all 32-inch TVs are smart TVs, but those that are grant access to a remarkable amount of content. Some of these TVs also include voice control with features like Amazon Alexa. These features make operating the TV a quick and easy process and can have a TV become part of a smart home set up via auxiliary smart devices, like the Echo Show.
Those TVs that are not smart can be made so through the quick and cheap addition of a media streaming device, like the Fire TV Stick or Roku Express HD.
Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.
The best 32-inch TVs:
TCL 32ES568
Samsung UE32T5300
Toshiba 32LL3A63DB
Sony BRAVIA KDL32WE613
LG 32LM630PLA
Philips 32PHT
Neat and affordable, the TCL is a smart choice for anyone wanting to balance quality with cost. While the 720p screen and supporting tech deliver a good image, the real strength is the Android smart TV OS. Weu2019re big fans of the Google-based OS, not only because it provides access to the best streaming services but also because of the Chromecast screen-sharing feature. This allows users to display content from a smartphone, multiplying the TVu2019s convenience and entertainment potential tenfold. Specifications: Image Tech: 720p Audio Tech: Dolby Native Refresh Rate: n/a Connections: HDMI x2, USB 2.0 x1, WiFi, ethernet, Bluetooth
The UE32T5300 is an accomplished offering from Samsung, boasting a 1080p screen and HDR tech that helps images pop. Adding to this pleasing combination is Ultra Clean View, a system that takes care of the colour representation to welcome effect. Another real strength of this TV is the Tizen OS, which is super easy to use and carries all the essential services, including Prime Video, Netflix and Disney+. Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Bixby. Specifications: Image Tech: 1080p LED Backlit Audio Tech: 2 speakers, 10W, Dolby Audio Processing Native Refresh Rate: 60Hz Connections: HDMI 2.0a x2, USB 2.0 x1, WiFi, ethernet, optical x1
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With a tiny price-tag, full-HD screen, three HDMI connections and a user-friendly Linux-based interface, the Toshiba 32LL3A63DB is a compelling television. In addition to being a solid standalone TV, it can link with an Alexa device, and a USB connection will be able to pause live Freeview programming, too. Specifications: Image Tech: 1080p LED Backlit Audio Tech: 2 speakers, 6W, Dolby Audio Processing Native Refresh Rate: 50Hz Connections: HDMI 1.4 x3, Component x1, USB 2.0 x2, WiFi, ethernet, 3.5mm audio out x1, coaxial x1, optical x1
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The Sony BRAVIA range is known for delivering the goods, and the KDL32WE613 keeps to this tradition. Even though it landed in 2017, itu2019s an excellent TV with accomplished image-improving technologies. The 720p image is supported by HDR and X-Reality PRO, which helps the visuals pop and be crisp and consistent. Freeview Play is built-in, and all of the major streaming apps are present. Specifications: Image Tech: 720p LED edgelit, Motionflow XR 400Hz Audio Tech: 2 speakers, 10W, Dolby Digital Native Refresh Rate: 50Hz Connections: HDMI x2, SCART x1, USB 2.0 x1, USB 3.0 x1, WiFi, ethernet, optical x1
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Amongst a well-stocked smart OS and Alexa support, the LG 32LM630PLA is loaded with HDR and image processing cores. The result is a TV with great user functionality and a crisp, popping image that adds vitality to whatever is displayed. Audio is taken care of by LGu2019s Virtual Surround Sound technology and there are three HDMI interfaces for plenty of connectivity, too. Specifications: Image Tech: 1080p LED directlit Audio Tech: 2 speakers, 10W, Virtual Surround Sound Native Refresh Rate: 50Hz Connections: HDMI 1.4 x3, WiFi, ethernet, Bluetooth, component x1, composite x1, optical x1
The Philips 32PHT is cheap and reliable. Though basic, it has a robust build quality and some tech features that help boost the image quality. Most notably, Philip's Pixel Plus HD helps maximise any media source's performance on the set, so older programs, films and games look more pleasing to the contemporary viewer. Freeview is built-in, but streaming devices like the Fire TV Stick and Roku Express are needed for streaming. Specifications: Image Tech: 720p Audio Tech: n/a Native Refresh Rate: n/a Connections: HDMI x2, USB 2.0 x1
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