iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
TechRadar’s current all-round pick is the LG 32LQ6300, a 32-inch Full HD smart TV with webOS and HDR10/HLG. It combines detailed, colorful picture quality with better-than-expected sound and capable casual gaming, although its dark-scene uniformity, fast-motion handling and busy home screen are drawbacks. The right alternative depends on your market and priorities: TechRadar names the Amazon 2-Series (2023) as its US budget choice, the TCL S5400 as its UK budget choice and the Samsung Q60D as its QLED choice.
Do not buy on the phrase “32-inch Roku TV” alone. Roku’s Select Series HD range includes both 720p and 1080p 32-inch models, so the exact SKU determines what you receive. This guide explains the differences, the checks to make before ordering and the compromises that matter most at this screen size.
Quick answer: which 32-inch TV should you buy?
| TV or range | Category | Market qualification | What is established | Main caution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LG 32LQ6300 | Best overall | TechRadar category; verify local listing | 32-inch Full HD (1080p) LED smart TV, webOS, HDR10/HLG; TechRadar praises picture, gaming and audio | Uneven dark tones, limitations with fast motion and a cluttered home menu |
| Amazon 2-Series (2023) | Best cheap TV | United States | TechRadar’s US budget pick | Exact screen specification, seller and availability must be checked on the local listing |
| TCL S5400 | Best cheap TV | United Kingdom | TechRadar’s UK budget pick | Regional model naming and specification need confirmation |
| Samsung Q60D | Best QLED | TechRadar category; verify region | TechRadar’s QLED recommendation | Exact 32-inch availability and specifications are not established here |
| Roku Select Series HD | Roku smart-TV option | Roku lineup; model-dependent | 32-inch variants exist in 720p and 1080p | “Roku TV” does not identify resolution; check the complete model code |
These are category labels from TechRadar’s guide, not universal laboratory rankings. TechRadar says it assesses clarity, contrast, color and ease of smart-TV use, but the televisions were not independently tested for this article. Prices, stock and regional model numbers can change, so treat the table as a shortlist rather than a guarantee that every listing is available in every country.
LG 32LQ6300: the strongest all-round choice
The LG 32LQ6300 is the clearest starting point if you want one small television for streaming, broadcast TV, occasional console play and general viewing. It has a 32-inch 1080p panel, LG’s webOS smart platform and support for HDR10 and HLG. TechRadar’s guide places it first overall because it combines a more detailed picture than many entry-level small sets with useful gaming performance and sound that is better than expected for the class.
#1 Best Overall
- 720p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
What the LG does well
- Full HD detail: Its 1,920-by-1,080 resolution gives it more pixels than a 720p set. At 32 inches, TechRadar considers the advantage less dramatic than it would be on a larger screen, but it remains useful for subtitles, menus and close-up viewing.
- Color and clarity: TechRadar describes the image as detailed and colorful. That makes the set suitable for films, television episodes and sports when viewed at a normal distance.
- Casual gaming: The guide calls it a solid small gaming TV. It does not establish next-generation gaming features for every regional version, so console owners should confirm refresh rate, input support and any game-specific modes in the exact listing.
- Audio: Small televisions often have thin-sounding speakers. The LG is described as a relative exception, with better-than-expected audio, although a separate soundbar remains sensible if dialogue intelligibility is a priority.
Where the LG falls short
- Dark-scene uniformity: TechRadar notes uneven black areas. In a dim room, shadow details or letterbox bars may not look equally dark across the panel.
- Fast motion: The guide reports limitations with fast movement. Sports viewers and players of high-speed games should inspect motion demonstrations or a retailer’s return policy rather than assume that every 32-inch screen handles panning equally well.
- Home-screen clutter: webOS offers a broad smart-TV interface, but TechRadar finds the home menu busy. If you prefer a minimal launcher, try the interface in a shop or check current screenshots before buying.
The model number matters. A television sold under a similar LG name in another country can have different tuners, ports, software or panel specifications. Match the complete model code, not just “32LQ6300,” with the listing for your region.
Other notable choices by market and feature
Amazon 2-Series (2023): US budget category
TechRadar assigns the Amazon 2-Series (2023) its “best cheap TV (US)” category. That label answers a United States budget-shopping question; it is not a claim that the same model is the best low-cost television worldwide. Before ordering, confirm the screen size, resolution, operating system, tuner compatibility, warranty terms and seller. The available evidence does not establish a single specification sheet that applies to every regional listing, so do not infer those details from the series name alone.
TCL S5400: UK budget category
The TCL S5400 is TechRadar’s “best cheap TV (UK)” selection. The United Kingdom label is important: televisions with similar names can differ between UK and European markets, and stock can disappear between review updates. Check the complete UK model code, tuner standard, smart-TV software and included warranty. If a retailer lists a different suffix, treat it as a separate product until its specification page confirms otherwise.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Samsung Q60D: QLED category
TechRadar identifies the Samsung Q60D as its “best QLED TV” in the guide. QLED is a display category rather than a promise that every size in the family is identical. Confirm that the exact 32-inch version is sold in your market and check its resolution, HDR support, refresh rate and connections. The cited material does not establish those details for every Q60D size or region, so a larger Q60D listing should not be used as proof for a 32-inch one.
Rank #2
- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 32" flat screen TV with bright 1080p Full HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
Roku Select Series HD: verify the SKU before buying
Roku’s official lineup lists several 32-inch Select Series HD televisions. Some are 720p and others are 1080p. “Select Series HD” therefore describes a family, not one fixed panel specification. Use the manufacturer’s product finder or the retailer’s full model code to identify the resolution of the specific set in your cart.
Roku OS is the defining software platform for these models. Its menus and app availability may suit you better than webOS, but the practical choice depends on the services supported in your country. Check the local app store and any broadcaster or streaming services you use before purchase.
How much resolution matters at 32 inches
The cited buying guidance says that most 32-inch televisions are 720p or 1080p rather than 4K, and that the extra pixel count is less noticeable at this size. That is a viewing-distance observation, not a guarantee. A person sitting close to the screen, reading small text or using the TV as a monitor can notice the difference more readily than someone watching from across a room.
720p
A 720p panel has fewer pixels than Full HD. It can be perfectly serviceable for a bedroom, kitchen or occasional television use, especially when viewed farther away. Text, subtitles and fine interface elements are the areas most likely to look less crisp when the screen is close to you.
Rank #3
- EXPANDED CONTRAST FOR ENHANCED VISUAL DETAIL: Get expanded contrast between the lightest and darkest parts of a scene for a wide spectrum of colors, enhanced detail and depth.
- MOTION-BASED SOUND: Feel like you're in the middle of the action with sound that follows objects on screen. Featuring a virtual top channel, every sound is precisely placed in space, placing you in the heart of the scene.
- SECURES PERSONAL DATA** WITH TRIPLE-LAYER PROTECTION: Your TV experiences are secured. Samsung Knox Security defends against harmful apps and phishing sites while keeping sensitive data, such as PINs and passwords, secure. It also safeguards your IoT devices connected to your TV.
- YOUR TV SCREEN, TAILORED TO YOU: Stream your favorite movies and shows and access your favorite apps and games on an intuitive smart TV platform* , with personal data secured by Samsung Knox.** Plus get 7 years of automatic OS updates.***
- A WORLD OF CONTENT AT YOUR FINGERTIPS. NO SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED: Watch 2,700+ free channels including 400+ Samsung TV Plus premium channels and on free streaming apps. Enjoy national and local news, sports, movies and more. Explore new content being added regularly.
1080p (Full HD)
Full HD provides the 32LQ6300’s 1,920-by-1,080 pixel grid. It is the safer choice for mixed use, PC-like menus, subtitles and console gaming when the price difference is modest. It does not automatically guarantee better contrast, motion or sound; those characteristics depend on the whole television.
4K
A 4K label alone should not drive a small-TV purchase. The cited guide does not establish a universal 4K recommendation for this size. If you find a 4K 32-inch model, compare its actual panel quality, smart platform, inputs and price with a good 1080p alternative rather than paying for pixels you will not see from your usual seat.
The five comparisons that matter most
1. Picture, contrast and HDR
Resolution is only one part of picture quality. Compare color accuracy, contrast, shadow consistency and how the set handles HDR. HDR10 and HLG support, as listed for the LG, means the television can accept those formats; it does not indicate a particular brightness level or guarantee a dramatic HDR effect. Look for demonstrations in both bright and dark scenes, and pay attention to whether the corners or edges look different from the center.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2. Motion and gaming
For games, verify the exact refresh rate and input features rather than relying on a “gaming” label. The LG is described as capable for gaming but not as a next-generation feature leader, and TechRadar reports difficulty with fast motion. If your priority is a current console, check supported resolutions, automatic low-latency behavior, variable-refresh support and the number of suitable HDMI inputs in the regional specification. Those details are not established for every candidate in the shortlist.
Rank #4
- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 24" flat screen TV with bright 720p HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
3. Smart-TV software
webOS on the LG and Roku OS on Roku models are different experiences. Compare the services you actually use, search speed, advertising or recommendation rows, voice-control behavior and the ease of changing inputs. App catalogs vary by country and can change over time. A television that has the right panel but lacks one essential local app may be a worse purchase than a slightly less impressive screen with the software you need.
4. Sound and dialogue
TechRadar says sound quality falls short overall among the small TVs in its guide, with the LG standing out as better than expected. If you watch news, drama or foreign-language content, listen for clear speech rather than only maximum loudness. A compact soundbar is an optional category-level upgrade when dialogue is hard to understand; no specific soundbar model has been evaluated here. Confirm that the television offers the audio connection your intended speaker uses.
5. Price and availability
Prices and stock are volatile, and a regional model may not be interchangeable with an identically named set elsewhere. Roku’s finder shows starting prices and retail-finding options, but a displayed starting price is not a permanent offer. Compare the total delivered cost, warranty, return period and seller identity. A low headline price is less attractive if the listing has the wrong resolution or an unsuitable tuner.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
A step-by-step buying process
- Write down the use case. Decide whether the set is for streaming, broadcast television, a bedroom, a desk, a games console or a secondary display. This determines how much you should prioritize text sharpness, motion and inputs.
- Measure the space. Check the available width, stand depth, wall-mount position and viewing angle. Include room for cables and ventilation; a 32-inch diagonal does not describe the stand’s full footprint.
- Choose a minimum resolution. Select 1080p when you sit close, read small text or want a safer all-purpose choice. Consider 720p when the screen is viewed farther away and the lower price is meaningful.
- Identify the operating system. Choose between the platform on the shortlisted model and the app catalog available in your country. Do not assume that an app offered on one regional version is present on another.
- Check the exact model code. Copy the complete code from the manufacturer or retailer. This is essential for Roku Select Series HD, where 32-inch variants can be 720p or 1080p, and for LG, TCL and Samsung families that use regional suffixes.
- Verify gaming and motion specifications. If you play fast games or watch sports, confirm refresh rate, latency-oriented modes, supported input formats and the return policy. The LG’s positive gaming assessment does not establish every current-console feature.
- Listen to the audio plan. Decide whether the built-in speakers are sufficient. If not, verify the TV’s compatible audio output before adding a soundbar.
- Price-check the complete package. Include delivery, taxes, wall-mount hardware, extended warranty and any sound equipment. Recheck stock and the seller immediately before payment.
- Save the listing. Keep a copy of the model code and specification page. It makes returns easier if the delivered television has a different resolution, tuner or software region.
What to check when the TV arrives
- Read the carton and rear label to confirm the full model code and screen size.
- During setup, select your country or region accurately so the tuner, language options and app catalog are configured correctly.
- Open the system-information screen and compare the software and model details with the listing you purchased.
- Test every HDMI input you intend to use, including the console or streaming device, before the return window closes.
- Display a dark scene and a bright scene at normal settings. Look for persistent bright spots, unusually uneven blacks, dead pixels or motion artifacts.
- Play clear dialogue and music at several volumes. If speech is difficult to follow, adjust the sound mode before deciding whether an external speaker is necessary.
- Check the apps you rely on, sign in only after confirming the correct region and install available system updates.
Common problems and practical fixes
The listing says “32-inch Roku TV” but does not show resolution
Stop and locate the full SKU or manufacturer specification. The Select Series HD family includes both 720p and 1080p sets, so the generic phrase is insufficient. If the seller cannot identify the code, choose a listing that does.
Best Value
- Hi-QLED Color: Hi-QLED technology makes every shade, scene and skin tone look true-to-life, rendering every scene convincingly real, just as the creator intended.
- Roku OS: America's #1 TV streaming platform. Watch. Stream. Play. Listen. Laugh. Repeat. Kick back and enjoy streaming movies and TV episodes, plus live - streaming news, TV, sports and more, across thousands of free and paid channels. Start streaming your favorite shows.
- Customized User-Friendly Interface: The interface prioritizes intuitive navigation through grid-based layouts and unified iconography, enabling one-tap access to core functionalities (live streaming/on-demand/settings). Key streaming platforms are prominently displayed, minimizing navigation steps to optimize family leisure time.
- Endless Free Entertainment, All in One Place: 5,000+ Free Movies & Shows, 40,000+ Hours of Free Content. Your go-to streaming destination for free live TV, shows, and movies.
- Roku TV Smart System, Self-Upgrading, Always Fresh: Get the newest apps, features, and more with automatic software updates.
The picture looks soft despite buying a 1080p model
Check the source first. A low-resolution broadcast or streaming setting cannot create Full HD detail. Confirm that the device output and the TV input are using the intended resolution, then sit at your normal distance and compare menus or native-resolution content.
Dark scenes look patchy on the LG
Some uneven dark tones are a documented limitation of the 32LQ6300. Try a neutral picture mode and moderate backlight settings, but do not expect adjustments to eliminate panel-uniformity variation. Use the retailer’s return process if the issue is severe for your room.
Fast sports or games look blurred
Confirm that motion processing and game mode are configured appropriately, then test different sources. The LG guide notes limitations with fast motion; if the result remains distracting, return the set rather than assuming a firmware update will change the panel’s response.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The home screen feels crowded
That is a webOS usability trade-off noted by TechRadar. Remove unused shortcuts where the software permits, pin the inputs and apps you use most and consider a separate streaming device if its interface is a better fit.
Dialogue is hard to understand
Try the television’s dialogue or standard sound mode, lower excessive bass and check that the source is not sending an incompatible surround format. If speech remains unclear, a compact soundbar can be a sensible add-on; choose one that matches the TV’s available audio output.
How to choose between the shortlist
- Choose the LG 32LQ6300 when you want the most balanced documented combination of Full HD detail, smart features, casual gaming and relatively strong built-in audio, and you can accept its dark-scene and menu compromises.
- Choose the Amazon 2-Series (2023) when you are shopping in the United States and your priority is the budget category identified by TechRadar. Verify every listing detail before checkout.
- Choose the TCL S5400 when you are in the United Kingdom and want TechRadar’s UK budget recommendation, subject to checking the exact local suffix and current stock.
- Choose the Samsung Q60D when QLED is your priority and the precise 32-inch regional model meets your resolution, input and software requirements.
- Choose a Roku Select Series HD model when Roku OS and its app ecosystem suit you, but select by model code and resolution rather than by the family name.
Bottom line for 2026 buyers
The LG 32LQ6300 is the safest general recommendation in the cited guide, but “best 32-inch TV” is not one universal specification. Resolution, market, operating system, motion performance, sound and exact model code can change the answer. Start with your room and use case, verify the regional SKU, and treat TechRadar’s category labels as a shortlist that still requires a final specification and price check.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
