Our constantly updated list of all the best 32-inch TVs in the world
The 32-inch LCD TV is one of the most popular consumer electronics products in the UK.
It's the most popular TV size by far, mainly because many British living rooms can't physically take a TV much bigger than 32-inches in size.
And what's more, with HD sources now widespread, 32 inches makes the perfect second-TV size for a bedroom or study.
Within the 32-inch division there's plenty of choice, too. A basic HD-ready set like the Toshiba 32HL833B below can be found for less than £300 if you search hard, though it's just as easy to spend over £2k.
But there is one certainty at this size - your new TV will be an 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 any more.
A typical £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.
So what's the best 32-inch LCD TV for you? Read on to find out...
Toshiba 32HL833B
A back-to-basics edge LED TV
£290: 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-£300 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 belie 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.
Read: Toshiba 32HL833B review
LG 32LV550T
Impressive mid-range TV with bags of features
£448: 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 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.
Read: LG 32LV550T review
Toshiba 32RL858B
A great value 32-inch TV
£370: Toshiba has been quietly but surely making the budget end of the TV world its own in recent years, and the 32RL858 is a perfect example of just how much Toshiba has learned, and why the brand is now hard to beat for anyone on the hunt for a good TV for not much cash.
The TV looks much better than most budget models, with its unusual silver look, exceptionally narrow bezel and ultra-slim rear. It's also got way more features than most budget TVs - most notably a Freeview HD tuner, Full HD resolution, 100Hz motion processing, smart TV functionality and network multimedia playback capability.
Best of all, though, is its picture quality, which neatly sidesteps nearly all the usual problems associated with budget TVs.
Read: Toshiba 32RL858B review
Toshiba 32DB833
A TV with built-in Blu-ray player
£487: If you're in the market for a second-room TV that combines a degree of multimedia support (via USB and recordable discs), TV and Blu-ray in one attractive-looking and impressively affordable package, Toshiba's 32DB833 is well specified for the job and better than you'd expect for the money.
Its shortcomings in the contrast and sound departments make it potentially more problematic as a main living room TV, but it could still be considered if money's tight and you fancy 'going fully HD' in one fell swoop.
Read: Toshiba 32BD833 review
Panasonic TX-L32E30B
Sophisticated mid-range 32-incher
£450: If Panasonic's TX-L32DT30B is 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.
Read: Panasonic TX-L32E30B review
Samsung UE32D5000
Affordable LED TV that delivers superb pictures
£345: The UE32D5000's status as a showpiece living-room TV is undermined by the lack of features, such as 3D, Smart Hub, Wi-Fi and Freeview HD, but if you want to bring full HD into the kitchen or bedroom – where HD pictures and fancy functions might not be as essential – then the UE32D5000 is a terrific choice, particularly at such a knock-down price.
Throw dashing looks, DLNA, a top-notch operating system, and excellent picture quality into the mix and life looks even rosier for this cracking 32-inch set.
Read: Samsung UE32D5000 review
Sony KDL-32EX524
Clever features and decent pictures
£390: 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.
Read: Sony KDL-32EX524 review
Sony KDL-32EX723
Neat tricks from this mid-range smart TV
£380: Internet, 3D and full HD-ready, this mid-ranger from Sony comes packed with tech including Motionflow XR 200 motion processing and the new X-Reality picture processing engine.
Both contribute to SD and HD pictures that look sharp and detailed, the former ridding images of blur while retaining a natural look. Black levels are spot on, though there is one snag – 3D images are dominated by excessive crosstalk – so, sadly, we wouldn't recommend this set if you're into 3D.
Still, superb 2D and the excellent Bravia Internet video platform make this a great, if slightly overpriced, all-round Edge LED set.
Read: Sony KDL-32EX723 review
Panasonic TX-L32ET5B
A passive 3D model from Panasonic!
£700: While 3D is unlikely to be the prime motivational factor for anyone buying a 32-inch TV, we think Panasonic has played a bit of a blinder on this one, making 3D much less of a faff, more affordable and perfectly enjoyable.
Sure it has one or two operating niggles, but these are pretty much minor concerns. This is a highly competent multimedia and connected TV, while from Blu-ray movies to daytime TV and HD sports, the Panasonic TX-L32ET5B consistently serves up first-rate images. And ultimately, that's what counts most when telly shopping.
Read: Panasonic TX-L32ET5B review
Panasonic TX-L32E5B
Smart looks, smart pictures and smart TV on this Edge LED stunner
Achieving greatness with almost all sources, and with no discernable weaknesses in the picture department, it's left to the TX-L32E5B to assert its all-round worthiness with some engaging smart TV shenanigans and reliable handling of digital files.With profound blacks, natural colours and impressive hi-def sharpness, and a judder-free performance with Blu-ray, this TV is a worthy addition to any living room or bedroom after that extra slab of quality where it counts.
It also helps prove that IPS LCD panels are at their best in smaller sizes.
Read:Panasonic TX-L32E5B
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