Buying guide for best 32-inch TVs
Size isn’t everything, even when it comes to TVs. For all the big movie blockbusters and detailed games available for on-screen entertainment, sometimes you need a TV for a cozier space. The best way to properly enjoy all your content is to match size to space and power to purpose.
Thirty-two-inch TVs can provide just as much clarity, detail, and color as larger options. Instead of serving a large room, these smaller models can be enjoyed in bedrooms, guest rooms, or even dorms. One particular advantage of a smaller TV is its low cost. Yet these TVs don't lack power or features and easily allow their owners to consume live sports, video games, and Hollywood spectacles.
With affordable prices and no shortage of quality, a 32-inch TV may be right for your needs. Our guide will look at the many options available and factors to consider when shopping for one of these TVs.
As companies continue to innovate, high-end TVs, particularly larger ones, become cheap quite quickly. A higher-end 32-inch TV with newer features can serve as a bridge for a couple years before investing in something more substantial.
Key considerations
Usage
While a 32-inch TV doesn’t work as a central entertainment hub for friends and family to gather around in a living room, it may serve several useful purposes. Such a screen size is viable in a guest room, kid’s bedroom, or a playroom, where a smaller display can provide casual entertainment.
It may also be useful in dorms, where space is limited and versatility comes in handy. A 32-inch TV can double as a computer monitor for those with smaller laptops. 32-inch TVs are also low in price for those on a budget.
A 32-inch TV provides ample viewing space for one or two people, though it’s not ideal for three or more adults in most cases.
Smart system
All major TV brands make 32-inch TVs. Each brand incorporates a smart system in their TVs, but the top-tier companies include their own platform. The two most popular smart platforms are LG’s webOS and Samsung’s Tizen. These platforms generally are faster and more intuitive and offer easier access to apps.
Budget-friendly brands like Hisense, TCL, and Insignia use third-party platforms. The main options are Roku TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV. Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay are commonly built in as well.
A smart platform allows access to popular streaming services like Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime to watch your favorite TV shows and movies.
Resolution
Most 32-inch TVs are either standard high definition (1280 by 720 pixels) or full HD (1980 by 1020 pixels), with FHD offering more detail and better picture clarity. For most users, a full HD TV is ideal; the size of the screen doesn’t necessarily warrant greater resolution.
Some brands offer 32-inch TVs with 4K UHD resolution, which provides four times the detail. These 4K, or ultra HD TVs upgrade the quality of the picture, but they are at their best when serving up native 4K content. You’ll want a subscription to a 4K streaming tier or a console that is 4K compatible or plays 4K discs. Prices increase along with resolution.
Panel type
Most 32-inch TVs feature standard LED technology: a backlight produces images on screen. Full-array backlit TVs are affordable but lack brightness, contrast, and color fidelity on their own. Some manufacturers offset these drawbacks with their own technology.
For example, some Samsung 32-inch TVs feature quantum-dot LED technology, or QLED, to improve brightness and increase the color spectrum.
We look for 32-inch TVs with versatile and user-friendly operating systems that support the most popular streaming apps.
Audio quality matters in a TV. We research this aspect of every 32-inch set on our list.
In our research, we look for bright TV screens with exquisite image quality. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice a good picture when you buy a smaller TV.
We frequently review TVs from reputable manufacturers. Established companies are often more likely to have in-depth quality control and construction standards.
When researching 32-inch TVs, we carefully note the width of the viewing angles so buyers understand exactly what they’re getting.
Color gamut coverage, which allows for vivid hues and a richer viewing experience, is an important feature we consider when evaluating 32-inch TVs.
Many of the 32-inch TVs we consider for our shortlist are smart TVs. For a decent price, consumers can get a quality smart TV that fits their size requirements.
As we search for the best 32-inch TVs for our shortlist, we look at smart TVs with voice control, as many consumers appreciate this convenience.
For gaming and watching live sports, some TV resolutions are better than others. We keep this in mind when selecting TVs for our shortlist and documenting our recommendations.
When investigating 32-inch TVs, we place high value on those with high contrast ratios, wide color gamuts, and deep black levels.
Features
HDR
High dynamic range (HDR) is available on some newer or high-end TVs. HDR provides brighter colors and deeper blacks. For those watching more recent films and playing newer games, HDR will enhance your viewing experience. However, it’s not as often found on smaller screens and typically pairs with 4K resolution.
Voice control
Some TVs can be controlled by your voice. Generally, this feature will use Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, to find movies, change inputs and start watching. You can also operate using the remote control and potentially an app on your smartphone.
Connections
Take note of how many inputs the TV has and what they cater to. HDMI features on most TVs, used to connect a Blu-ray player, DVD player, soundbar, or gaming console. Most 32-inch TVs have two HDMI inputs, though more expensive models may include three.
USB is also common. An optical output allows for a strong digital audio. Other models may include an Ethernet port or a cable input.
DID YOU KNOW?
Screen size is measured diagonally. When measuring your own space, though, for a TV, seek out the length, width, and weight.
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Accessories
Soundbar: JBL 2.1 Channel Soundbar
We suggest enhancing the audio of your TV with a quality soundbar. JBL’s model provides immersive sound and rich bass at a decent price.
HDMI cable: Monoprice HDMI Cable
HDMI is a reliable means to quickly transfer quality audio and video. This option by Monoprice is optimized for 4K and offers the best bang for the buck of HDMI cables on the market.
Your TV screen is likely to accumulate dust over time. Easily wipe it away with a soft cloth, preferably microfiber. Do not wet the cloth and avoid using any harsh chemicals that can ruin the display.
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32-inch TV prices
Inexpensive: You can find a 32-inch TV from a budget-friendly brand for under $150. These will be HD or FHD and include a variety of inputs.
Mid-range: Most 32-inch TVs, including both higher-end and budget-friendly brands, cost between $150 and $300.
Expensive: For over $300, you'll find high-quality 32-inch TVs, including 4K options from premier brands.
TV’s don’t really go smaller than 32 inches. If this size is too big, look for monitors instead, which can connect to a PC or laptop and provide access to streaming and gaming.
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Tips
- Enhance sound. Your 32-inch TV may have decent sound, but the ceiling is limited. Invest in external speakers, a small soundbar, or high-quality headphones to best enjoy your entertainment.
- Mount up. A stand takes up space and requires you to have a platform on which to place the TV. A wall mount not only saves space, but allows the TV to be tilted or turned to accommodate viewers.
- Avoid refurbished TVs. Though cheaper, there is always a risk involved when buying a refurbished TV. If there is no warranty and the components installed can’t be verified by the seller, the savings just aren’t worth the chance with a smaller TV.
- Optimal viewing distance is 5 feet. To best enjoy content from a 32-inch TV, you'll want to sit between 4 and 6 feet away. If your space is much larger, such a small TV likely won’t suffice.
Refresh rate is useful for reducing motion blur for live sports and fast-paced action movies. If this content appeals to you, seek out models that enhance the native 60Hz refresh rate.
FAQ
Q. Does my 32-inch TV include access to popular streaming apps?
A. Most TVs, regardless of the smart platform, come with popular apps preinstalled, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube. You’ll be able to download additional apps, though some more niche options may not be available across all systems, especially on older TVs.
Whether you can stream content will depend on whether the app requires a subscription. Some services offer a limited free trial.
Q. Is my 32-inch TV suitable for gaming?
A. For casual gamers, particularly those on a budget, a 32-inch TV will suffice. If you are playing newer games with stunning visuals and vast worlds, you may want not only a larger TV, but a more powerful one as well.
Refresh rate is the number of times a screen refreshes in a second. Most 32-inch TVs offer 60 Hertz (Hz). A native 90 Hz or 120 Hz refresh rate is recommended for those playing newer games or competing online.
Some companies may simulate a 120 Hz or even 240 Hz refresh rate with their own technology. This reduces lag and motion blur.
Q. When is the best time to purchase a TV?
A. While the holiday season provides a great opportunity to find a quality option on sale, you’ll find TVs on sale throughout the year, particularly 32-inch TVs. Consider buying at the start of a year as you may find a good deal on the previous year's models that are still up to date.
