The 5 Best Small TVs - Summer 2022 Reviews

The best small smart TV you can get in a 32 inch size is the Samsung QN32Q60AAFXZA. Lately, 32 inch TVs are becoming harder to find, but luckily this model is available in this size, and it performs like the 55 inch model we tested. With a 4k resolution, it has a high pixel density that results in crisp images, which is important if you want to use it as a PC monitor, and it displays proper chroma 4:4:4 in PC Mode for clear text.

It's a basic entry-level TV with decent overall performance, but it lacks many extra features. It has a VA panel that performs well in dark rooms thanks to its near-infinite contrast ratio, and it has excellent black uniformity with minimal blooming around bright objects. However, it lacks a local dimming feature to further improve the contrast. You won't have any issues watching cable TV or if you stream content because it upscales lower-resolution content with issue, and the Tizen OS interface is user-friendly.

Unfortunately, it doesn't support any extra gaming features like HDMI 2.1 bandwidth or VRR support, so you're limited to 4k @ 60Hz gaming if you have a console. Its motion handling isn't the best either, as there's some blur behind fast-moving objects, but it still has low input lag for a responsive gaming experience. Also, it displays a wide range of colors in HDR, but highlights don't pop. Regardless, it's the best 32 inch TV you can get.

The best small TV in a 43 inch size is the Sony KD-43X85J. It's a well-rounded mid-range model with a few extra features, especially for gaming. It's a good choice for both dark and bright environments, and the built-in Google TV has a ton of apps available to download if you want to stream content directly from the TV. Although we tested the 55 inch size, the results are also valid for the 43 inch model.

If you tend to watch movies in the dark, its VA panel has a high native contrast ratio for deep blacks. On the other hand, visibility won't be an issue in bright rooms because it has impressive peak brightness and decent reflection handling. It has a 120Hz panel with HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, so you can easily play 4k games up to 120 fps from either the Xbox Series X or PS5. It also has variable refresh rate (VRR) support to reduce screen tearing as long as it's on the latest firmware. Input lag at 120Hz is low, and even though it increases a bit with 60Hz content, it's still good enough for competitive gamers.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have a local dimming feature to improve the contrast. Also, while its HDR brightness is decent, and enough to deliver a satisfying HDR experience, really small highlights don't pop the way the creator intended. It also has a narrow viewing angle, so the image looks washed out from the sides. Regardless, it's the best 43 inch TV you can get.

If you prefer something with a wide viewing angle, then look into the Sony KD-43X80J. It's a lot more basic than the Sony X85J, and you won't get as many gaming features like HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. It also has worse dark room performance because of its IPS panel's low contrast ratio, but the wide viewing angle makes it a great choice if you want to watch shows or the big game with a few friends around. Motion looks smooth thanks to its quick response time, and it has a flicker-free backlight that helps reduce eye strain. Unfortunately, while it displays a wide color gamut for HDR content, it doesn't make highlights pop.

If you want one of the best 43 inch TVs, the X85J is a good choice as it has lots of features, but if you want something smaller with a wider viewing angle, check out the X80J. Like the X85J, we tested the 55 inch model of the X80J, and the results are valid for the 43 inch version.

The Hisense 43A6G is the best small smart TV in the budget category. It's an okay overall TV that you can get in a wide range of sizes, from 43 to 85 inches, but not all perform like the 65 inch model we tested. The unit we tested has an IPS panel, which the 43 inch version also has, so the results are valid, but other sizes have VA panels and perform differently. It's a well-built TV and has a nice style that should look good in any setup.

Having a TV with an IPS panel, like this one, is good for wide seating arrangements because it has a wide viewing angle, and the image remains accurate when viewing from the side. It's also a decent choice for a room with a few lights around because it has decent reflection handling, but it doesn't get bright enough to fight a ton of glare. The built-in Android TV smart platform is similar to the Google TV platform on the Sony X85J, as it has a large selection of apps available to download.

Sadly, its dark room performance leaves a lot to be desired. IPS panels have a low contrast ratio, so blacks look gray, and without a local dimming feature, this TV doesn't look good in dark rooms. Even in terms of HDR, it doesn't get bright enough to make highlights pop. If that doesn't bother you, it's one of the better small TVs you can get for a low price.

If you want a TV to use in a dark room, look into the Vizio V435-J01. The Vizio SmartCast system isn't as good as the Android TV on the Hisense A6G because it feels laggier and doesn't have an app store, so you can't download extra apps besides the pre-installed ones. However, it has a different panel with a much better contrast to display deeper blacks, and the black uniformity is incredible. It doesn't get bright, so it struggles in really bright environments, but it has decent reflection handling. It's a good choice for watching shows and movies in 1080p or 4k, but unfortunately, it doesn't upscale 480p or 720p content as well as other 4k TVs.

If you're on a budget and want one of the best small smart TVs, you should be happy with the Hisense. If you prefer a better contrast, then look into the Vizio. We tested the 65 inch model of the Vizio, and the results are also valid for the 43 inch version.