TCL 3 Series 32-Inch Class -Series 32" 2023 Review

A basic 32-inch TV that's all about the excellent Roku smart platform. Picture and sound are just okay, but it's super easy to use. For a bedroom or kitchen streamer under $130, it's a sensible buy.

The TCL 32-inch Roku TV is a basic, no-frills smart TV that gets the job done. It's a 1080p screen with Roku's excellent smart platform built right in, making it dead simple to stream Netflix or Disney+ right out of the box.

This is a TV for a bedroom, kitchen, or guest room where you just need something that works. Don't expect mind-blowing picture quality or booming sound. It's a functional piece of tech that prioritizes ease of use over performance specs.

Performance is exactly what you'd expect from a budget 32-inch TV. The 1080p picture is fine for casual viewing, but our database puts its picture quality in the 43rd percentile, so it's nothing special. The 60Hz refresh rate is standard, and gaming performance lands in the 26th percentile, so it's not for serious gamers. The audio, sitting in the 32nd percentile, is thin and lacks bass—you'll want a soundbar if you care about sound.

For between $112 and $130, it's hard to complain. You're paying for the Roku smart system and a functional screen, not for premium specs. If your goal is to get a reliable streaming box with a display attached for a secondary room, this delivers solid value. Just don't expect it to be your main home theater TV.

Compared to other budget options, this TCL wins on its smart platform. Roku is more intuitive and has more apps than many built-in systems from other brands at this price. However, if picture quality is your top concern, you might find slightly better panels from brands like Insignia or Hisense in the same size range, though their smart software often isn't as good. It's a classic trade-off: superior ease-of-use versus slightly better hardware.

Skip this if you're setting up a primary living room TV. The picture quality isn't great for movie nights, and gamers should look for a TV with a 120Hz panel and VRR. If you want a stunning home theater experience, this isn't it.

Buy this if you need a simple, affordable streaming TV for a small room and you don't want to fuss with external devices. The Roku interface is the star here, making it perfect for less tech-savvy users or spaces where convenience trumps all. It's a utility player, not a superstar.