VIZIO VIZIO 32-inch HD Smart TV 720p LED w/Alexa Review

The VIZIO 32-inch HD Smart TV is a basic, budget-friendly option for secondary rooms. For around $100, you get a functional smart platform with casting support, but the 720p resolution looks dated. It's a good value if you just need a simple screen for streaming in a bedroom or kitchen.

Looking for a small, cheap TV for a bedroom, kitchen, or dorm? The VIZIO VHD32M-08 is a 32-inch 720p smart TV that usually hovers around the $100 mark. It's built for basic streaming and cable replacement in tight spaces, not for a home theater setup. The built-in VIZIO OS gives you access to apps and free channels, and it works with Alexa, AirPlay, and Chromecast for easy casting from your phone.

Let's be real about performance: this is a 720p TV in a 4K world. Its display specs land in the 5th percentile in our database, which means it's at the very bottom for screen tech. Picture quality scores in the 43rd percentile, so it's fine for casual viewing but don't expect vibrant HDR or deep blacks. The 60Hz refresh rate is standard for budget TVs, and gaming performance is in the 26th percentile, so it's okay for casual games but not for fast-paced competitive titles. The audio, in the 32nd percentile, is what you'd expect from a thin TV: you'll probably want a soundbar.

For $100, you're getting a functional smart TV, which is hard to beat. The value is all about managing expectations. You could spend a bit more for a 1080p TCL or Hisense model and get a noticeably sharper picture, but you'd also be spending 50-100% more. If your budget is absolutely locked at $100 and you need a TV now, this is one of the few new, name-brand options.

The most direct competitor is something like the TCL 32S330, a 32-inch 720p Roku TV. The VIZIO has a slight edge in smart features with its built-in casting, but the Roku interface is often considered more polished. If you can stretch your budget to $150-$180, stepping up to a 1080p model like the Insignia F30 or a larger TCL Series 3 is a massive upgrade in clarity. Compared to the high-end competitors listed (like Sony BRAVIA or LG OLED), there's no comparison; those are for entirely different use cases and budgets.

Skip this TV if you want a primary display for movie nights, care about sharp picture quality, or are a console gamer. The 720p resolution is a deal-breaker for those uses. Also, avoid it if you hate creating accounts for your gadgets. For those users, look at a basic 1080p Roku TV or consider a used 1080p model from a reputable brand in the same price range.

Should you buy this? Only if you need the absolute cheapest new TV possible for a secondary room where picture quality isn't a priority. It's perfect for a garage, kid's playroom, or a kitchen where you're mostly listening to the news. For a primary TV, even in a small apartment, we'd recommend saving a little more for a 1080p model. The 720p resolution is this TV's biggest limitation, and it shows.