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Hunting for a small screen for the kitchen counter, a guest bedroom, or a dorm desk doesn’t have to mean a frustrating, slow, or fuzzy panel. The challenge is that at this budget, you’re trading off picture sharpness, sound depth, and how smoothly the smart software runs — and the choice of operating system affects your daily experience more than any other single detail.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
The right $100 tv for you balances a smooth interface, enough ports for your gadgets, and a picture that doesn’t strain your eyes.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best $100 TV
At this price point, you are really choosing between a few key trade-offs. The single biggest decision is which smart platform runs the TV — because that’s the menu you’ll navigate every single time you sit down to watch something. Beyond that, you want enough HDMI ports for your gear and a screen size that fits your space.
Start with the operating system, not the brand
The software is what you interact with daily. Roku is known for being simple and speedy, which is why several picks here use it. Xumo offers free channels but has had some setup hiccups reported. Samsung’s Tizen and Hisense’s VIDAA are also options, each with their own app stores and quirks. Think about which apps you already pay for — Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu — and make sure they’re easy to find on the platform you choose.
Understand resolution and refresh rate on a small screen
Most budget sets are 720p, which looks perfectly fine on a 24-inch screen viewed from a few feet away. A 1080p panel, like one pick here offers, gives you a bit more sharpness. Refresh rate (measured in hertz, or Hz) tells you how smoothly motion appears — 60Hz is standard and fine for most shows, while 120Hz can look smoother for sports or fast action.
Check the ports before you buy
Count your gadgets. A cable box, a game console, a streaming stick, and a soundbar each need their own HDMI input. Most budget TVs offer at least two or three HDMI ports, plus a USB slot for media drives. If you use an over-the-air antenna, make sure the TV has a coaxial input. A headphone jack is a nice bonus that many smaller sets skip.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Resolution | Refresh Rate | HDMI Ports | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westinghouse Roku TV 24″★ Best Overall | Easy, reliable streaming | 720p | — | 3 | Amazon |
| Westinghouse Xumo TV 24″Premium Pick | Voice search & Bluetooth audio | HD | — | 3 | Amazon |
| Element E300AE24CG 24″Compact Performer | Fast, simple operation | 720p | 120Hz | — | Amazon |
| Samsung 32″ H5000F | Bedroom viewing with HDR | 720p | — | — | Amazon |
| ONN 24″ Roku (Renewed) | Bedroom or bar with wall mount | 720p | 60Hz | 3 | Amazon |
| Hisense 32″ A4 Series | Sharpest budget picture | 1080p | 60Hz | — | Amazon |
| Hisense 32″ QD4SR Hi-QLED | Gaming on a budget | HD | — | — | Amazon |
| Samsung UN32M4500 (Renewed) | Portable, flexible placement | 720p | — | — | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Westinghouse Roku TV – 24 Inch Smart TV
Our pick — 4.5★ from 1,500+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The set-and-forget pick that pairs a buttery-smooth Roku experience with a genuinely solid picture.
You get a 24-inch flat screen that runs Roku, a smart TV platform that’s about as close to simple to use as software gets. Owners say setup takes under 10 minutes using the single Roku remote, and the interface stays responsive where cheaper TVs start to lag. It’s a common recommendation for kitchen counters and small bedrooms because the size fits neatly in tight spots.
The panel delivers 720p progressive scan, which means less flicker and smoother fast-motion scenes than older 720i sets. You get 3 x HDMI inputs, plus a composite video input for older devices and an optical digital audio out for a soundbar. It works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, and you can cast from your phone using the Roku Mobile App or Apple AirPlay 2.
Reviewers consistently call out the build quality and picture clarity as the highlights, noting it’s a steal for the price. The main compromise is audio — several owners say the built-in speakers are fine for casual viewing but recommend an external soundbar for anything louder. A few also mentioned the picture settings are limited, with only a handful of brightness levels to tweak.
Compact Roku ease
- Roku platform is fast, stable, and easy to navigate
- Very lightweight, so it mounts easily on a 4-inch bracket
- Three HDMI ports cover a console, stick, and cable box at once
Limited 720p
- Built-in speakers are modest; a soundbar helps a lot
- Picture settings are limited to a few brightness levels
Small rooms: you want a dependable secondary TV that just works, with the least-frustrating interface at this price.
HD purists: you need room-filling sound without adding a soundbar.
2. Westinghouse 24-inch Smart TV, HD Xumo TV
The voice-first streamer that skips the typing and jumps straight to your next show.
This Westinghouse runs the Xumo platform, which gets you instant access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and more. The standout feature is the full-function voice remote — just speak a title, genre, or actor’s name, and the universal search digs across all your apps without menu-hopping. That’s a real time-saver when you’re settling in for the night.
You get a Bluetooth 5.1 chip (a modern wireless standard) for a more stable connection when you pair wireless headphones or a soundbar — noticeably more reliable than the older 4.2 version on some rivals. The panel’s 3000:1 contrast ratio delivers deeper blacks for better shadow detail., and Dolby Atmos support expands the sound stage for a more rich audio experience.. AirPlay 2 lets you mirror from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Buyers describe it as a great little bedroom TV that’s simple to set up and connects easily to Wi-Fi. Several noted the picture is clear and the volume is solid for the size. The recurring complaint is that the Xumo menu can feel sluggish compared to other platforms, and a few owners received the set without screws for the stand legs — though they fit tightly enough that the TV stays stable anyway.
Xumo built-in
- Voice remote with universal search across all streaming apps
- Bluetooth 5.1 gives you a more reliable wireless audio link
- Dolby Atmos makes a small TV sound bigger than it is
Basic features
- Xumo interface can lag, especially when launching apps
- Stand leg screws may not be included in the box
Streaming fans: anyone who wants hands-free voice search and clean wireless audio on a compact screen.
Feature seekers: those who demand a lightning-fast menu, since Xumo has a slower feel than Roku.
3. Element E300AE24CG – 24 Inch Class Genesis Series
The no-frills workhorse that prioritizes speed and responsiveness over flashy extras.
This Element is for people who just want a reliable screen that turns on and works. It runs the Xumo smart platform, and owners specifically praise how fast and responsive it is compared to older smart TVs they’ve owned — one described it as beating a prior Vizio and Insignia that were slow, glitchy, and prone to crashes. It’s a great fit for use with a Roku stick, an antenna, or an Xbox.
The panel is 720p with a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes motion look smoother during sports and gaming than the standard 60Hz found on most budget sets. The bezel-less design keeps the footprint small, ideal for a kitchen counter. It also includes a remote with a keypad and voice control, so you can search without typing.
The honest caveat is the screen itself — buyers report the colors look a bit washed out compared to pricier panels, though it remains perfectly watchable. Setup is straightforward, and the built-in speakers exceeded expectations for one owner who called the sound better than anticipated. The biggest risk here is the Xumo platform itself, which had a reported activation issue that led one buyer to return the TV.
Thrifty buyers: a fast, dependable secondary screen where you mainly use an external streamer or game console.
Smart TV needs: you want rich, vibrant colors from the start — this panel leans washed-out.
4. Samsung 32-Inch Class HD H5000F Smart TV
A brand-name 32-incher that brings HDR and military-grade security software to the budget aisle.
If you want a bigger screen and a trusted brand, this Samsung 32-inch class set delivers. It’s a 720p panel with HDR support, which expands the contrast between light and dark parts of a scene for more depth and color detail. That’s a meaningful upgrade over a basic budget panel, especially for a bedroom where you binge shows at night.
You get Samsung’s One UI smart platform built on Tizen, plus Samsung Knox Security adds a triple-layer defense against harmful apps and phishing sites while protecting your PINs and passwords.. Samsung guarantees 7 years of automatic OS updates to keep the software current.. Object Tracking Sound Lite creates a virtual top channel that places sound precisely in space for more rich action scenes..
Reviewers rave about the picture quality, describing it as having an exceptional 3D-like depth, and many use it in sewing rooms and bedrooms where it handles glare well. The setup is quick and easy. The honest downsides: the built-in audio is basic and benefits from a soundbar, and one owner reported the TV failed after about 3 months with frustrating customer service. A few also mention brief 1-4 second blackouts when switching apps.
Trusted brand: buyers who want a big-name 32-inch screen with HDR and long-term software support for the bedroom.
4K hunters: you rely on excellent built-in sound, since this set really wants a soundbar.
5. ONN 24-Inch Class HD 720p Smart TV (Renewed)
A refurbished Roku TV that throws in a free wall mount and punches well above its price in picture quality.
This ONN set runs the same Roku platform as our top pick, which is a big win for reliability and ease of use. The real value-add here is the included free wall mount, letting you put the TV at the perfect viewing angle without spending extra on hardware. The 60Hz refresh rate keeps motion smooth during sports and gaming.
Connectivity is generous: you get 3 HDMI ports, 1 composite input, 1 USB slot, 1 optical audio out, a coaxial/cable input, and even a dedicated headphone jack. That last one is rare at this price and great for late-night viewing without waking anyone. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
For a renewed product, owners are impressed — it’s been praised for excellent picture and sound quality, with one noting they run it 8-10 hours daily for months without issue. It’s frequently recommended for trailers, bars, and bedrooms. The catch with refurbished units is consistency: a few owners mention one of two units failing within months, mismatched parts, or missing instructions, so check the condition carefully upon arrival.
Renewed bargain
- Free wall mount saves you extra cash
- Headphone jack is a rare, useful bonus
- Roku platform is simple and fast
Refurb risks
- Refurbished quality varies between units
- Low volume output is a minor gripe for some
Deal seekers: budget-conscious buyers who want a wall-mounted Roku TV with plenty of ports for a trailer or small bar.
Warranty worriers: you want a brand-new unit, since this is a refurbished model with some variance in what you receive.
6. Hisense 32-Inch Class A4 Series HD 1080p Smart VIDAA TV
The only 1080p panel in the lineup, giving you visibly sharper text and detail for the same money.
Here’s the pick for anyone who wants the sharpest possible image at this budget. This Hisense is the lone 1080p set in the roundup, meaning you get double the clarity of a 720p panel — a real difference when you’re reading on-screen text, watching sports, or playing games. On a 32-inch screen viewed from across a room, that extra resolution is noticeable.
The audio side is taken care of with DTS Virtual:X produces a virtual surround sound effect for a more rich viewing experience.. There’s also a dedicated AI Sports Mode that reduces blur during fast movement, plus a Noise Reduction feature that cleans up grainy, low-light scenes. It works with Apple AirPlay and Apple Home, and Alexa is built in for voice control.
Owners praise it as a great budget patio or bedroom TV with fast app navigation and a responsive operating system. Screen mirroring works well, and it even has a dedicated play/pause button on the remote. The trade-offs are real: the VIDAA OS has a smaller app selection than Roku, there’s no Bluetooth for wireless headphones, and one reviewer noted a dead pixel and some erratic brightness behavior after power cycles.
Clarity lovers: a sharper 1080p picture and virtual surround sound without leaving the budget tier.
App addicts: you need a wide app selection or Bluetooth audio, both of which this VIDAA model lacks.
7. Hisense 32-Inch Class QD4SR Series Hi-QLED HD Smart Roku TV
Blends Roku’s top-tier simplicity with Hi-QLED color and a gamer-friendly low-lag mode.
This Hisense pairs the beloved Roku OS with Hi-QLED color technology, which makes shades, scenes, and skin tones look more true-to-life than a standard budget LED. The slim bezel design keeps the focus on the screen. For gamers, The dedicated Game Mode cuts input delay to 16ms, a responsiveness rarely seen at this price for fast-paced matches..
You get 5,000+ free movies and shows plus 40,000+ hours of free content through Roku’s channels, so there’s plenty to watch without a cable subscription. The smart platform self-upgrades automatically, keeping your apps and features fresh. There’s also AI Sports Mode and Noise Reduction to clean up fast action and grainy footage.
Reviewers are consistently happy, calling it a great TV for the price with easy Roku setup and excellent Wi-Fi responsiveness. It’s frequently used in bedrooms and for gaming, with one owner noting it centralizes Netflix and Prime nicely. The recurring gripe is sound quality — several find the built-in speakers unsatisfactory, so budget for a soundbar. A couple also mentioned the picture looks best with a bit of tweaking.
QLED color pop
- 16ms Game Mode keeps your reactions sharp
- Roku interface is the easiest to navigate
- Hi-QLED makes colors pop more than standard LEDs
Roku quirks
- Sound quality is weak, so a soundbar is recommended
- Free content is huge but quality varies
Vivid displays: a Roku-powered bedroom or gaming TV where low input lag and good color matter more than anything else.
Simple setups: you want great audio straight from the box, since the speakers are its weakest link.
8. Samsung UN32M4500BFXZA 720P Smart LED TV, 32″ (Renewed)
A certified-refurbished Samsung that’s light enough to move from bathroom to bedroom without a second thought.
This renewed 32-inch Samsung is for the buyer who values portability and a trusted name. Owners call it very light and portable, making it a favorite for bathrooms, kitchens, and any spot where you might want to relocate the screen. It’s powered by a Quad-Core Processor, which gives you a fluid browsing experience and faster switching between apps and streaming content.
The 720p HD picture delivers 2x the clarity of a standard-definition set, and The 1500:1 contrast ratio enhances dark scenes with deeper blacks.. It’s a smart TV with access to live TV, video on demand, apps, and social media all in one easy-to-browse interface. Connectivity is simple with built-in Wi-Fi.
Reviewers are delighted, with one using it for a PS5 and noting it “runs continuously has nt failed yet” — a strong vote of confidence for a budget panel. Another called it excellent value with many features usually found on pricier sets. As a renewed product, the main caveat is that you’re getting a refurbished unit, so cosmetic condition can vary, and there are fewer reviews here than on our top picks to gauge long-term consistency.
Budget Samsung: someone who wants a big-brand 32-inch screen that’s easy to move between rooms while staying affordable.
New only: its refurbished condition, since there’s less review data to confirm what you’ll receive.
Understanding the Specs
Resolution: 720p vs 1080p
The number tells you how many pixels make up the picture. 720p has about 921,600 pixels, which looks perfectly sharp on a 24-inch screen from a normal viewing distance. 1080p has over 2 million pixels, so text and fine details look visibly crisper, especially on a 32-inch panel. If you sit close to the screen or use it as a computer monitor, prioritize 1080p.
Smart Platform: Roku vs Xumo vs Tizen vs VIDAA
This is the operating system that runs your apps and menus. Roku is widely considered the easiest to use, with a simple grid layout and speedy performance, which is why several picks here use it. Xumo offers lots of free channels but has a slower feel. Samsung’s Tizen and Hisense’s VIDAA are both capable but have their own app stores and quirks. Match the platform to the apps you already pay for.
Refresh Rate: 60Hz vs 120Hz
Refresh rate, measured in hertz, is how many times the screen updates per second. 60Hz is standard and handles TV shows and movies fine. 120Hz doubles that, making fast motion like sports and action games look smoother with less blur. If you game or watch a lot of sports, a 120Hz panel is worth seeking out, though most budget sets stick to 60Hz.
Ports: HDMI, USB, Optical, Coaxial
Ports determine what you can plug in. HDMI is the modern standard for consoles, cable boxes, and streaming sticks — more is better. USB lets you play media from a flash drive. Optical audio sends digital sound to a soundbar or receiver. Coaxial is for a traditional cable or over-the-air antenna. A headphone jack is a rare and useful bonus for private listening.
FAQ
Is 720p good enough for a small budget TV?
What is the difference between Roku TV and Xumo TV?
Will a $100 TV work with my gaming console?
How do I connect a soundbar to a budget TV?
Can I mount these TVs on a wall?
What is Apple AirPlay and why do I need it?
Are renewed or refurbished TVs worth buying?
How long should a budget smart TV last?
Can I watch free live TV channels without cable?
What is Dolby Atmos and does it matter on a small TV?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Across the board, the $100 tv winner is the Westinghouse Roku TV because it pairs the most reliable, easiest-to-use streaming platform with a solid 720p picture and three HDMI ports for future-proofing. If you want voice search and Bluetooth 5.1, grab the Westinghouse Xumo TV. And for the sharpest 1080p picture and gamers who value low lag, the Hisense QD4SR Hi-QLED is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.