Which is the best 32-inch LCD TV?
Our constantly updated list of the best 32-inch TVs in the world.
Which is the best 32-inch TV?
Most living rooms can't physically take a TV much bigger than 32-inch, making this size by far the best for a lot of people in the UK.
But within this size division, there's plenty of choice. A basic HD-ready set can be found for less than £300 is you search hard, though it's just as easy to spend over £2k.
There's only one certainty at this size - your new TV will be a LCD TV. If you're lucky it could have LED backlighting, but it won't be a plasma; LG used to make plasmas at this size, but there's not one on sale currently.
A typical circa £500 purchase will sport a Full HD screen, have at least three HDMI inputs, and some kind of 100Hz scanning, though the latter feature varies so much in effectiveness that you've simply got to see it in action in the shop before you shell out any extra cash.
Full HD, media streaming and even built-in Freesat HD or Freeview HD - it's all possible on these small TVs.
Freeview HD is on some of these TVs, but not all. If you've got Sky or Virgin, of course, a Freeview HD tuner is mere frippery, and worse, will add unnecessarily to the cost. And besides, if you're not among the 50 per cent of the UK population that can receive Freeview HD broadcasts yet - and are set on finding a subscription-free hi-def solution - you're better off going for a TV with a built-in Freesat HD tuner.
Toshiba 32HL833B - £320
This back-to-basics edge LED-backlit model redefines the budget LCD TV
Edge LED backlighting and full HD resolutions were considered high-end features only a couple of years ago, so to see them on this sub-£500 screen is quite something. Toshiba's entry level 32-incher may lack the latest web, 3D and Freeview HD goodies, but this slim HL Series set has more than enough technology for many.
The lowlights are just two HDMIs, poor audio and the lack of Freeview HD, though great colour saturations, decent sharpness and contrast do enough to deliver a sense of cinema that bely its price. DivX playback is handy and the detail in Blu-ray is superb, while DVD and Freeview are watchable on this good value, efficient TV that delivers the basics well
Sharp LC-32LE210E - £345
Cute and good value edge-lit LED set sadly lacking Freeview HD
Sharp's latest 32-inch TV is LED-powered and is cheap to boot. The edge-mounted backlight enables a depth of 46mm, about half as thick as a comparable CCFL-lit set. A good value TV that ignores Freeview HD and 100Hz, this Sharp gets away with it because of its high quality LED panel, novel record-to-USB functions, and low online price; one for those on a budget and just after the basics.
Sony KDL-32CX523 - £349
You call this entry level? Smooth images, smartphone control and BBC iPlayer on this great value Bravia
This is one exciting package from Sony. A combination of a basic LCD panel with an integrated Freeview HD tuner ought to suit the mass market just fine, but there's more; surprising extras include smartphone app control, USB recording, wireless connectivity (via an add-on dongle), Bravia Internet Video (including BBC iPlayer, Sony's own Qriocity hub, and Lovefilm) and a new incarnation of the Xross Media Bar user interface, all alongside a full HD resolution. You won't, however, find 3D playback or 100Hz scanning.
With the possibility of Skype video calling (if an add-on camera is bought), too, the KDL-32CX523 has the potential to go way beyond its entry level roots.
Philips 32PFL7605 - £410
Excellent value edge LED TV lacking only an HD TV tuner
Philips' 32PFL7605H is the latest in a procession of startlingly affordable, relatively small edge LED TVs – and here it means no significant compromises to performance. The set also manages to cling to an impressive roster of features despite its affordability, with highlights being its potent video processing mix and its online capability, especially open web access. Freeview HD is missing – a huge oversight, but virtually the only one in an otherwise unbeatable performance if judged purely on value.
LG 32LV550T - £439
Impressive mid-range TV with bags of features and enjoyably cinematic 2D performance
The 32LV550T is a well-made TV with tons of features that sells for an exceptionally aggressive price. It's better looking than most 32-inch sets and its connections wouldn't look out of place on a flagship TV – so don't be fooled by the lack of 3D.
Edge LED lighting is unusual at this price, and though you'll have to do without a Freeview HD tuner, it also includes full HD resolution, 100Hz, TruMotion processing and endorsement by the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF). No wonder, since with judicious calibration the 32LV550T is an engaging and natural picture performer.
Add LG's Smart TV system, extensive DLNA PC network compatibility (including the fabulous Plex interface that makes home networking a lot easier), USB multimedia playback and optional Wi-Fi, and the smallest member of the LV550T range makes a big splash.
Panasonic TX-L32E30B - £490
Sophisticated and often excellent mid-range 32-incher with Viera Connect, but no 3D
If Panasonic'sTX-L32DT30Bis a bit rich for you, how about this near-identical Edge LED TV? 3D goodies are stripped away, but DLNA capabilities, USB recording/playback, and the refreshed Viera Connect online service remain.
Black levels aren't reference-level, but this set is far easier on the eye than most previous Panasonic mid-range sets, and is better built than similarly specified models from other brands.
Pictures are naturally coloured and sharp, multimedia options are extensive and the viewing angle is wider than most on this two dimensional darling.
Sony KDL-32EX524 - £539
With clever features and decent pictures, we're left wondering if the price tag is a misprint
Part of Sony's EX Series, this all-rounder is stuffed full of features, but stays at a reasonably wallet-friendly price.
Able to deliver hi-def pictures and play content from a variety of sources – including USB devices, networked computers, Blu-ray players and from Sony's magnificent Bravia Internet Video portal – the below-par build quality is the only reason we could find for its low price.
The smartphone app control is a nice extra, and though we spotted some motion blur, judder and average contrast, the KDL-32EX524 punches above its price tag with a generous array of features and decent all-round picture performance
Philips 32PFL9705
Direct LED and peerless picture quality make this one of the finest 32-inch sets ever made
Philips likes to push boundaries with its flagship 9000 Series TVs and it's done this again in grandstanding style with the 32PFL9705. What's more, it's done it on two fronts.
In feature terms, its expanded its multimedia support with the unique MediaConnect system, offering a really great way of getting your TV and PC to work together for people not comfortable with the usual more inscrutable TV file streaming approaches.
The other area where the 32PFL9705 breaks new ground is with its picture quality. The use of direct LED lighting with local dimming really does make the set the best 32-inch LCD TV the world
Panasonic TX-L32DT30B - £749
Impressive multimedia options, but is 32-inches too small for a 3DTV?
"3D is all about immersion", they say, "the bigger the better". So why do we love this, one of the smallest active 3D TVs we've tested so far?
Panasonic's first-ever non-plasma 3DTV, this Active 3D LCD TV is built around the brand's latest IPS Alpha panel technology. Multimedia tools number DLNA support, file playback from USB drives, recording of Freeview HD to powered USB HDDs or thumb drives, and Panasonic's new BBC iPlayer-endowed Viera Connect online portal. That's some combo.
Best of all, the set's 3D performance is superb; the LCD panel used is so quick that 3D looks clean and free of crosstalk. Sharp and colourful images are joined by that rarest thing on skinny flatscreen TVs – decent sound quality. Pricey, but worth it, is our conclusion.
