Top 5 Basic TVs: A Comprehensive Guide & Expert Reviews

Do you remember the days when TV choices were simple? You had a few channels, maybe a VCR, and that was it. Now, the world of televisions is a jungle! You have smart TVs, streaming services, and endless tech jargon. Choosing a Basic TV shouldn’t feel like rocket science, but it often does. It’s tough to know what features you really need and which ones are just expensive extras.

This topic is relevant because most people still want a TV that’s easy to use. You don’t need all the bells and whistles if you just want to watch your favorite shows. The pain comes when you’re bombarded with technical terms and complicated menus. How do you find a good TV without getting ripped off? How do you know what to look for in a basic TV versus a fancy one?

This blog post will help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explain the key features to consider when buying a Basic TV. You’ll learn how to spot a good deal and avoid wasting money on things you don’t need. Get ready to become a smart TV shopper! Let’s dive into the essential features of a Basic TV.

Our Top 5 Basic Tv Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Basic Tv Detailed Reviews

1. INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-32F201NA23)

INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-32F201NA23)

Rating: 9.3/10

The INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV (NS-32F201NA23) is a smart TV. It has built-in Fire TV and a lot of cool features. You can stream movies and shows, and even use your voice to control it. This TV is a good pick for anyone who wants a simple and easy-to-use smart TV for their home.

What We Like:

  • The 720p resolution shows your favorite shows in HD.
  • The Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to control the TV. You can use your voice!
  • You can watch tons of movies and shows with Fire TV built-in.
  • It works with Apple AirPlay. You can share things from your Apple devices.
  • HDMI ARC lets you connect a soundbar easily. You don’t need extra cables.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The 720p resolution is not as sharp as some other TVs.

This INSIGNIA Fire TV is a good choice for a smaller room or a bedroom. It offers a lot of features for the price. You can enjoy many hours of entertainment with this TV.

2. Westinghouse 32 Inch TV

Westinghouse 32 Inch TV, 720p HD LED Small Flat Screen Non-Smart Television with HDMI, USB, VGA, & V-Chip Parental Controls, Monitor for Home, Kitchen, RV Camper, or Office

Rating: 9.3/10

Looking for a simple, reliable TV? The Westinghouse 32 Inch TV is a great choice. It’s a 720p HD LED flat screen. You can use it in your home, kitchen, RV, or office. It offers a clear picture and easy connectivity. This TV is ready for your needs.

What We Like:

  • The 720p HD resolution gives you a clear picture.
  • It has HDMI and USB ports. You can connect your devices.
  • You can use it with a cable box or an antenna.
  • Parental controls help you monitor what your kids watch.
  • It’s a space-saving TV. It fits in many places like a kitchen.
  • You can use it as a computer monitor.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It’s not a smart TV. You can’t stream directly. You need a streaming device.
  • The screen size is smaller than some other TVs.

The Westinghouse 32 Inch TV is a good value. It’s a simple and effective TV for many uses. It is a good TV for anyone who wants a basic TV.

3. INSIGNIA 42-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-42F201NA23)

INSIGNIA 42-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-42F201NA23)

Rating: 9.1/10

The INSIGNIA 42-inch Class F20 Series Smart Full HD 1080p Fire TV (NS-42F201NA23) is a smart TV. It has a 42-inch screen. You can watch your favorite shows and movies in HD. It has the Fire TV experience built-in, so you can stream a lot of content. This TV also comes with an Alexa Voice Remote. This lets you control the TV with your voice.

What We Like:

  • 1080p resolution gives you a clear picture.
  • The Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to control the TV.
  • You can stream many movies and shows with the Fire TV experience.
  • It works with Apple AirPlay. You can share content from your Apple devices.
  • HDMI ARC lets you connect to a soundbar easily.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users might want a 4K resolution.
  • The sound quality could be better.

This INSIGNIA Fire TV is a good choice for people looking for a smart TV. It has great features at a good price.

4. VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: X

VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV with DTS Virtual: X, Alexa Compatibility, Google Cast Built-in, Bluetooth Headphone Capable, (VFD40M-08 New)

Rating: 9.2/10

The VIZIO 40-inch Full HD 1080p Smart TV (VFD40M-08 New) is a great choice for your living room. It has smart features and a clear picture. You can stream your favorite shows and movies. This TV is ready to go with many great features.

What We Like:

  • You can access your favorite apps with VIZIO Home.
  • Watch free channels and movies with WatchFree+.
  • The Full HD picture has great clarity.
  • It works with Alexa.
  • You can use Bluetooth headphones.
  • The TV has a modern, thin design.
  • It supports HDR10 for better picture quality.
  • It has Google Cast built-in.

What Could Be Improved:

  • You need a VIZIO account to use the smart features.

This VIZIO TV is a solid pick for those wanting a smart TV experience. It offers a good picture and many useful features. The TV is a great buy for the price.

5. TOSHIBA 32-inch Class V35 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV with Voice Remote with Alexa (32V35KC)

TOSHIBA 32-inch Class V35 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV with Voice Remote with Alexa (32V35KC)

Rating: 8.6/10

The TOSHIBA 32-inch Class V35 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV (32V35KC) is a smart TV that brings all your entertainment together. It has a built-in Fire TV experience, which means you can easily watch live TV, stream movies, and use your favorite apps. The TV also comes with a voice remote, so you can control everything with your voice using Alexa. Plus, it supports Apple AirPlay, so you can easily share content from your Apple devices.

What We Like:

  • Fire TV makes it simple to find what you want to watch.
  • The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you control the TV with your voice.
  • You can watch over a million movies and TV shows.
  • DTS Virtual:X technology creates great sound.
  • AirPlay lets you share content from your Apple devices.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Content availability can change.

Overall, the TOSHIBA 32-inch Class V35 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV is a good choice if you want a smart TV with many features. This TV is great for anyone who wants a simple and easy way to watch their favorite shows and movies.

Your Guide to Buying a Basic TV

So, you want a new TV? Great! This guide helps you pick a basic TV. We will cover what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make the best choice.

Key Features to Look For

When buying a basic TV, focus on the important stuff. Don’t get lost in fancy features you don’t need. Here are some key things to consider:

  • Screen Size: How big should your TV be? Measure the space where the TV will go. A bigger screen is fun, but it needs to fit! Also, think about how far you will sit from the TV. A good rule is to sit about 1.5 to 2.5 times the screen size away. For example, if you have a 32-inch TV, sit about 48-80 inches away.
  • Resolution: This means how clear the picture is. Look for at least 720p resolution. 1080p (Full HD) is even better! This means more pixels, so the picture looks sharper.
  • Connectivity: Make sure the TV has the ports you need. You’ll want HDMI ports to connect devices like a game console or Blu-ray player. Also, you might need a USB port to play videos from a flash drive.
  • Sound Quality: Basic TVs often have basic speakers. If you want better sound, you might need to buy a soundbar separately.
  • Smart TV Features (Optional): Some basic TVs are smart TVs. This means they can connect to the internet and have apps like Netflix and YouTube. If you already have a streaming device, you might not need this feature.
Important Materials

What is the TV made of? Here are some materials to consider:

  • The Screen: The screen is usually made of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology. Sometimes it uses LED backlighting. LED TVs are often brighter and use less power.
  • The Frame: The frame is usually plastic or metal. Metal frames can be more durable.
  • The Stand: The stand holds the TV up. Make sure it is stable! You can also mount the TV on a wall.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Here’s what makes a good basic TV and what to watch out for:

  • Picture Quality: The resolution and panel type (like LED) affect picture quality. Higher resolution and good backlighting make the picture look better.
  • Build Quality: Check the TV’s build quality. A well-built TV will last longer. Look for solid materials and a sturdy stand.
  • Sound Quality: As mentioned, sound can be a factor. If you want great sound, you’ll likely need an external soundbar.
  • Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making reliable TVs. Do some research and read reviews.
  • Price: You usually get what you pay for. More expensive TVs often have better features and picture quality. But, you can find good deals on basic TVs!
User Experience and Use Cases

How will you use your new TV? This helps you make the right choice.

  • Daily Use: A basic TV is great for watching TV shows, movies, and news.
  • Gaming: Some basic TVs are good for gaming. Make sure the TV has a good refresh rate (how fast the picture changes).
  • Bedroom or Small Spaces: Basic TVs are perfect for bedrooms or smaller living areas.
  • Guest Room: A basic TV is a good choice for a guest room. It provides entertainment without breaking the bank.
  • Easy Setup: Basic TVs are usually easy to set up and use. Just plug it in and connect your devices!

Basic TV FAQ

Q: What does “resolution” mean?

A: Resolution is how sharp the picture is. Higher resolution means a clearer picture.

Q: What is the difference between 720p and 1080p?

A: 1080p has more pixels than 720p. So, 1080p looks sharper.

Q: Do I need a smart TV?

A: Not always! If you already have a streaming device (like a Roku or Fire Stick), you don’t need a smart TV.

Q: What are HDMI ports for?

A: HDMI ports connect devices like game consoles and Blu-ray players to your TV.

Q: What does “refresh rate” mean?

A: The refresh rate is how fast the picture changes. A higher refresh rate is better for fast-moving images, like in video games.

Q: Can I connect headphones to a basic TV?

A: Some basic TVs have a headphone jack. Check the specifications.

Q: What should I do if the sound is bad?

A: You can buy a soundbar. It makes the sound much better.

Q: How do I know what size TV to buy?

A: Measure the space where the TV will go. Consider how far you will sit from the TV.

Q: Can I mount a basic TV on the wall?

A: Yes! Most basic TVs are wall-mountable. You will need a wall mount.

Q: Where can I buy a basic TV?

A: You can buy a basic TV at many stores like Best Buy, Walmart, and online retailers like Amazon.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Leave a Comment