What are the features that make for the best 32-inch TV for gaming? First and foremost, your 32-inch TV should offer a high level of gaming performance. Consider models that give you a quick response time, high native refresh rate, and low input lag. With these features, you’ll get a smooth gaming experience for all of your favorite games.
Next, you’ll want a TV that offers good image quality. While you can play video games at any screen resolution, the best models offer 1080p or 4K resolution quality. This way, you’ll see even the most minute details to give you that competitive edge you need. The best TVs offer these features and more.
Finally, 32-inch gaming TVs should provide all of the relevant connectivity you need to hook up to all of your devices. HDMI connectivity is a must, but you may also want to consider USB ports and optical audio inputs for greater versatility.
Keep reading to learn more about the best 32-inch gaming TVs and how to find the right one for your gaming setup.
Top 32 inch TVs for Gaming
#1 TCL 32S327 32-inch Smart LED TV
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This casual use TV supports gaming through an optimized Game Mode and streaming courtesy of its built in Roku TV platform.
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- Great contrast
- Game Mode for optimized gaming performance
- Roku TV platform for access to streaming content
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- Low brightness level
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The TCL 32S327 is a 32-inch Smart LED TV that comes with access to a wide range of streaming channels and content courtesy of its built-in Roku TV platform. The platform offers up to 500,000 movie titles and TV shows for streaming, so users will always have the option to find something entertaining to enjoy. Unfortunately, it has a very low brightness level, so viewing in well-lit environments might be difficult.
Its Full HD display renders colors pretty well, and thanks to an impressive contrast ratio, dark scenes remain sharp and well detailed. Gamers will also like that it has a Game Mode that players can switch to so as to optimize the TV for ideal gaming performance, but this is limited to casual gaming. Its 1080p resolution also delivers great picture quality, and with support for Wireless connectivity, the TV connects to the Internet without much fuss.
#2 Samsung QN32Q50 32-inch Series Smart TV
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This TV is an excellent pick for users that want to enjoy sharp and vivid images when gaming, thanks to its 4K resolution and rich color.
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- Excellent color reproduction
- Low input lag for gaming
- Support for HDR content
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- Narrow viewing angles
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The Samsung 32Q50 Series TV is a Smart 32-inch TV fitted with a 4K UHD processor that delivers excellent 4K picture quality. The TV has thin bezels and a flat back for a clean look, and thanks to Quantum Dot technology, it can accurately display over a billion colors for a rich, realistic picture. The TV’s impressively low input lag makes it great for gaming, but unfortunately, its narrow viewing angles make it unsuitable for group viewing.
Nonetheless, the display also features a simple on-screen guide that allows easy navigation and makes it easy to find anything across a wide range of movie and TV show titles. Its wide range of input options is also impressive, and with support for HDR, the content on this display looks pretty close to realistic standards. For those who value convenience, the TV also comes with a Bixby AI assistant and a decent sound output of 20 Watts for good audio.
#3 Toshiba 32LF221U21 32-inch Smart HD TV
Award: BEST FOR VIVID GAMING VISUALS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This TV’s 4K resolution, Fire TV platform, and decent gaming features make it ideal for users who tend to switch between casual gaming and streaming.
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- Super low input lag for gaming
- Fire TV built-in for access to hundreds of streaming titles
- Great sound
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- No support for Dolby Vision HDR content
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The Toshiba 720 pixel TV is an ideal option for anyone that needs a basic TV for general watching. Its 720p resolution is good enough to provide decent picture clarity, and its Quad-Core CPU keeps it snappy with the responses and search queries. It comes with Fire TV built-in, and this provides access to over 500,000 streaming channels for wholesome entertainment. Its only major issue is the lack of support for Dolby Vision HDR content.
Casual gamers will like how lower its input lag gets when switched to Game Mode, as this allows for significantly faster responsiveness. Its support for dual-band Wi-Fi means no buffering when connected to a fast and stable Internet source, and with DTS TruSurround sound processing technology onboard, buyers can expect to enjoy an immersive listening experience.
#4 Insignia NS-32DF310NA19 32-inch Smart HD TV
Award: BEST FOR LIGHT GAMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Insignia TV offers a Game Mode that gamers might appreciate due to increased responsiveness during gameplay.
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- Excellent contrast
- Fire TV platform offers wide range of content
- Game Mode that significantly reduces input lag
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- No support for HDR content
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The Insignia NS-32DF is a compact 32-inch display that uses LED display technology to deliver excellent picture quality, rich color, and deep blacks. Thanks to the Fire TV platform included in the display, content streaming is pretty forward and direct. With more than 1 million movies and TV titles up for viewing, it’ll be tough for most people to get bored with a stable Internet connection. One major disadvantage is the lack of support for HDR content.
Having a dedicated Game Mode and a low input lag for casual gaming does try to make up for this, and its compatibility with Alexa for voice control makes it just a bit more convenient to operate. Nonetheless, the TV remains an ideal pick for users who want to enjoy streaming or occasional gaming from time to time.
#5 Vizio D32h-J09 32-inch 720p Smart TV
Award: BEST FOR CASUAL GAMING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This TV’s Game-specific settings will give users a competitive edge, and with good contrast, players will maintain good field visibility even in dark scenes.
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- Fast response time and low input lag
- WatchFree+ streaming service provides tons of content
- Great contrast
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- No support for HDR content
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This Vizio D Series Smart TV is a 32-inch variant that boasts a crystal-clear 720-pixel resolution, as well as superior picture processing, thanks to its IQ Picture Processor. The TV Full-Array LED Backlight ensures uniform distribution of light on the screen and enhances contrast to improve the visibility in dark scenes. The TV also comes with SmartCast technology that makes it user-friendly, but its lack of support for HDR content may not please some buyers.
Courtesy of its WatchFree+ streaming service, streamers can enjoy hundreds of free channels, and for those who game, its V-game engine is sure to create the right conditions to create an edge over the competition. The TV also features Chromecast built-in, so users will be able to cast content from their devices onto the TV for viewing on a larger display.
#6 Sceptre X322BV-SR 32-inch 720p LED TV
Award: BEST FOR OLDER GAMING CONSOLES
WHY WE LIKE IT: This basic TV doesn’t have many bells and whistles, making it ideal for general use with older consoles.
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- High contrast
- VESA Mount ready
- Decent sound quality
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- No advanced gaming features
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The Sceptre X322BV-SR is a 32-inch 720p resolution display that offers decent picture quality for problem-free viewing, as well as a great contrast for deep, dark blacks. The display is VESA wall mount ready, but for those who would want to have it mounted on a tabletop, the two-pronged legs on both its ends ensure that it stays stable without any form of wobble. Its sound quality is good enough to maintain audibility during dialogue, but the lack of advanced gaming features may shun interest from pro players.
The display will work with older gaming consoles, and for those who might want to stream content, the TV will require them to purchase a separate streaming device such as a Firestick. The TV’s HDMI input will allow users to connect other content sources to the TV, and thanks to high contrast, the TV shouldn’t have any challenges handling dark scenes.
Beginner’s Guide to 32-Inch TVs for Gaming
What Are 32-Inch TVs for Gaming?
A 32-inch TV for gaming is a television with features and functionalities primarily intended to enhance your gaming experience. Everything from its screen resolution to its refresh rate is fine-tuned for improved gaming performance.
Like any other TV, it connects directly to your gaming console or other media device using an HDMI cord. Once connected, your TV will interpret the visual data coming from the gaming system and reproduce it on the screen in a way your brain can understand.
32-Inch TVs for Gaming vs. Traditional TVs
The main difference between 32-inch gaming TVs and traditional TVs becomes apparent when you consider their intended purpose. Conventional TVs offer features and specifications that work well for the broadest range of consumers. Gaming TVs, on the other hand, offer features targeted specifically at gamers.
This means that a gaming TV will usually offer better image quality, faster response times, lower input lag, and higher refresh rates than the vast majority of consumer televisions. In addition, the top products in this category will also offer features like a dedicated game mode or variable refresh rate to further enhance the gaming experience.
TVs in this category are also locked in at the 32-inch screen size, whereas traditional TVs come in sizes ranging anywhere from 22 inches to 85 inches or more. Looking for a smaller good-quality traditional TV? Look no further than the best 24 inch TV.
How 32-Inch TVs for Gaming Work
32-inch TVs work in the same way as traditional televisions like the 40 inch TVs. It connects to a gaming console or other media device using a compatible display cable. Once connected and powered on, your TV will display the visual signals coming from your gaming console.
Modern TVs most commonly use liquid crystal display (LCD) technology to reproduce the images and colors coming from your gaming console. LCDs feature two panels of glass with a material called liquid crystal housed between them.
Once you turn on your TV, it uses an electric current to rearrange the liquid crystal in a way that filters and shapes light to reproduce images, color, and text. Most LCD panels use either cold cathode fluorescent light (CCFL) panels or light-emitting diode (LED) arrays for backlighting.
Do You Really Need a 32-Inch TV for Gaming?
If you play video games on a console instead of a gaming PC, then you’ll want to consider gaming TVs instead of gaming monitors. For most console gamers, a 32-inch screen tends to hit the sweet spot in terms of size.
So, whether you’re looking to upgrade your current gaming setup or catch up with the latest TV display technology to enhance your gaming performance, a 32-inch TV for gaming is an excellent choice.
Is a 32-Inch TV for Gaming Worth Buying?
- You’re a Competitive or Casual Console Gamer: 32-inch gaming TVs are perfect for console gamers of all varieties. The smaller screen size is perfect for competitive gamers who need to see everything happening on the display without craning their neck. It’s also great for casual gamers who want to reduce overall eye strain.
- You Have Limited Space for a TV: This size TV works best in small spaces. If you don’t have a ton of space in your gaming room, the 32-inch screen size is ideal. TVs in this size range are also great for student dorms or studio apartments.
- You Want to Save Money: 32-inch gaming televisions are incredibly affordable, especially when compared to screen sizes larger than 50 inches. If you’re on a tight budget or if you’re saving for something else, you can rest assured that buying a 32-inch TV won’t break the bank.
Why a 32-Inch TV for Gaming May Not Be For You
- You’re a PC Gamer: If you use a gaming PC instead of a gaming console, then you’ll likely want to avoid the TV category altogether and opt for gaming monitors. Televisions tend to lag behind monitors in terms of response time and input lag.
- You Want a More Cinematic and Immersive Experience: A display of this size typically doesn’t give you a truly immersive or cinematic gaming experience, especially when compared to larger TVs. If you want something more immersive, we recommend purchasing at least a 55-inch option.
- You Want More Variety in Your Product Choices: As display technology becomes more affordable, television manufacturers are starting to offer fewer 32-inch options. You may not find a wide variety of 32-inch TVs from which to choose. If you like having more variety or you can’t find an option from the brand you prefer in this size range, then you may need to consider alternatives in other sizes.
How Long Will a 32-Inch TV for Gaming Last?
A TV’s lifespan is typically measured in the length of time it takes for the backlighting to dim past the point of usability. According to display industry professionals, like those at Visual LED, a standard LCD TV should last you anywhere between 30,000 and 60,000 hours. LED TVs should last you anywhere between 60,000 and 100,000 hours.
How to Choose the Best 32-Inch TV for Gaming
Choosing the best 32-inch TV for gaming doesn’t have to be difficult. All you will need to do is determine which features are the best match for your gaming needs and personal preferences, such as quality, gaming-specific functionality, and connectivity options.
Keep reading to learn more about the main factors to consider when researching the top 32-inch TVs for gaming.
32-Inch TV for Gaming Key Factors to Consider
1. What screen resolution is best for gaming on a 32-inch TV?
Your television’s screen resolution is a measurement of how many pixels are present on the display. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and sharp the image on your TV will appear.
Let’s take a look at the most common screen resolutions for 32-inch gaming TVs:
- 720p resolution: A TV with a 720p screen resolution offers 1280×720 pixels. A 720p screen is still considered high definition, but most gamers will recognize a noticeable fuzziness to the overall picture quality. We recommend avoiding 720p HD resolution whenever possible, even with the lower price these TVs offer.
- 1080p resolution: A TV with a 1080p resolution offers 1920×1080 pixels. This is also called full HD resolution. This is the bare minimum screen resolution we’d recommend for gaming. All video games look great in full HD resolution.
- 4K resolution: A TV with 4K resolution offers 3840×2160 pixels. This is the highest resolution you’ll find in a 32-inch TV, and you can expect to pay more for it. The latest gaming consoles are capable of running games in 4K resolution, and the improvement from 1080p is impressive. If you have a next-gen console, we recommend purchasing a 4K gaming TV.
2. What factors affect your TV’s image quality?
The level of your TV’s image quality is based on things like color quality, contrast ratio, and brightness. Let’s take a look at these features and how they work:
- Color reproduction: In general, you’ll want to purchase a television with as broad a color gamut as possible. Look for TVs labeled as having wide color gamut compatibility. These products can produce a wider range of colors with more realistic color accuracy.
- Contrast ratio: For gaming, you’ll want a TV with as high of a contrast ratio as possible. This way, you’ll get deep blacks on the screen, which results in better picture quality during dark scenes.
- HDR: High dynamic range, also known as HDR, is a feature focused on producing brighter and more vivid colors. Most of your favorite games are HDR compatible. As such, we always recommend purchasing an HDR TV for the most immersive experience possible.
- Viewing angles: Your TV’s viewing angle refers to the angle at which you can still see the image clearly. It’s always best to purchase a TV with wide viewing angles so you always get the best view, whether you’re playing by yourself or with friends. In general, LED TVs provide the widest viewing angles.
- HDR: High dynamic range, also known as HDR, is a feature focused on producing brighter and more vivid colors. Most of your favorite games are HDR compatible. As such, we always recommend purchasing an HDR TV for the most immersive experience possible.
- Contrast ratio: For gaming, you’ll want a TV with as high of a contrast ratio as possible. This way, you’ll get deep blacks on the screen, which results in better picture quality during dark scenes.
3. What factors affect your TV’s gaming performance?
- Refresh rate: Your TV’s refresh rate is a measurement of how quickly it can update with a new frame each second. A higher refresh rate is better for fast-paced games, as it can minimize screen tearing and motion blur. A 60Hz refresh rate is fine for most games, but if you play competitively, you’ll want to consider a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Input lag: Your TV’s input lag is a measurement of how quickly it responds to the inputs you perform on your controller. For gaming, you’ll want to target a TV with an input lag lower than 50ms.
- Response time: Your TV’s response time is a measurement of how quickly it can switch between different colors. For gaming TVs, you’ll want to target a response time under 20ms.
- Adaptive sync technology: Many gaming TVs are starting to offer adaptive sync technology and a variable refresh rate, which enable your TV to sync its refresh rate with your gaming console’s graphics card frame rate. If you find a TV with this feature, we recommend purchasing it for the best gaming experience.
- Response time: Your TV’s response time is a measurement of how quickly it can switch between different colors. For gaming TVs, you’ll want to target a response time under 20ms.
- Input lag: Your TV’s input lag is a measurement of how quickly it responds to the inputs you perform on your controller. For gaming, you’ll want to target a TV with an input lag lower than 50ms.
4. What kind of connectivity options do you need for your gaming TV?
Most gaming consoles use an HDMI port to connect to your TV. As such, you’ll need to purchase an option with at least one HDMI port. If you’re playing on a new console like the PS5 or Xbox Series X, then you’ll want a TV with an HDMI 2.1 port. Older consoles use HDMI 2.0.
If you own multiple gaming consoles or other streaming devices, look for a TV with multiple connectivity ports. This way, you can just switch between different inputs on your TV instead of plugging in and unplugging devices.
You may also want to consider a model with a USB port. This way, you can connect to additional devices like flash drives and hard drives to play downloaded media.
5. What smart features should you consider for your gaming TV?
Most modern-day televisions offer some kind of smart functionality, which is just a fancy way of saying they can connect to the internet. The smart TV experience should be user-friendly and convenient. Common smart TV platforms include Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Google TV.
Since most game consoles connect to the internet on their own, you won’t miss out on much if you opt not to purchase a smart TV.
