How do you make friends in college? Get a TV! I’m so for real, the way to make friends in college is to put yourself out there. One easy way to do that is to get a TV and put it in the common area so that a group of people can watch the latest trending show, the night of UFC fights, or the best documentaries that are streaming. Here is a list of the 10 Best TVs for Dorm Rooms to find the perfect fit.
This post is about the best TV for a dorm room, including a quick run down of the types of dorm rooms & the best size TV for dorm room. *Updated August 2025*
Congratulations on your college acceptance! If you are an incoming freshman or a supportive parent, we know lots of decisions are being made right now.
Even in this age of computers, with a lot of kids watching shows on their laptops, you will want a TV in the dorm. It helps you make new friends!
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If you are getting college ready, we have a whole section of the blog dedicated to you!
This includes the best computers for computer science & STEM majors, as well as the best computers on a budget; and all the things you need for your dorm room. This includes what you need to create a super cozy dorm room bed, best dorm room TV, figuring out the best dorm room a/c unit, and more.
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FAQs: Dorm Room TVs
A 24 to 32-inch TV is the sweet spot for most dorm rooms. Anything bigger can totally take over your tiny space! Check out the images and examples in this post for TV setups that actually fit on a dorm desk or dresser. If you’re sharing with a roommate or have a common area, you can go a little bigger, but keep those measurements in mind before clicking add to cart.
Yes! You can almost always bring a smart TV to your dorm! Most colleges are cool with it, especially since students stream everything these days. Just double check your college’s housing rules (some have weird size limits), and make sure your smart TV can connect to campus Wi-Fi. We have heard that in some places you’ll need to register your device or use a streaming stick? Which is weird at icky to us, but worth mentioning. I included a bunch of Smart TV options in the list below, so you can pick what fits your setup best!
This one trips up almost everyone! College Wi-Fi is sketchy at the best of times, plus some dorm Wi-Fi needs you to register the TV’s MAC address or connect through a special portal. Ugh. Pro tip: Look for TVs that support “hotel/dorm” mode or bring a streaming stick that’s easy to set up. Scroll through the TV reviews and tips in this post. Lots of these models make Wi-Fi setup way less painful!
It really is. For a lot of reasons, but one big one is it will get out out of your room and away from your laptop for a while. You have to put yourself out there to meet people, and that is what makes college so much more rewarding. Watching shows and movies on a bigger screen is just a better vibe for movie nights, gaming, or making new friends (people WILL show up if you have a TV!). Plus, some dorm setups look way cuter with a little TV on the shelf, and you’ll see tons of inspo pics right here in this post. Laptops are great for solo streaming, but a TV turns your dorm into the “hangout room.”
What Is The Perfect Graduation Gift? A TV for Dorm Room!
Most kids will be venturing out on their own for the first time when they move into their college dorm room. Doing a little research to get them the best TVs for a dorm room will be a great gift idea for graduation!
It will be a gift they will love to have when they head off as college students, and beyond. Once they get done school, it will be perfect to have in their first tiny little apartment. as they are making their way in the world.
What Is The Best Size TV For Dorm Room?
To determine the best TV for a dorm room, one of the first things we recommend you do is go to your specific college website and look at the type or style of dorm they have.
That way you will know the type of style or dimensions of the room you will have, to get the best size tv for dorm room.
Dorm Room Styles
Typically, colleges or universities will require students to live on campus for at least the first year or two. Sometimes they require it for all four years! So, it is important to check out what your school’s requirements are, and then to check out the types of dorms they offer so you can get the perfect tv for the type of dorm you will be living in.
When you think of dorms you think of a tiny dorm room with two beds and very little space. When we started doing college tours (which we HIGHLY recommend) we definitely saw several of these, but we were also surprised to see other options or configurations available – even for freshman dorms.
In fact, this was a bit of a deciding factor in choosing a school. When it came down to two schools, with everything else being equal, this tipped the scales towards that school. It had apartment style dorms, meaning it was a four bedroom apartment with a kitchen and living room space. Living in an apartment rather than a a single small room was definitely preferred for our incoming freshman.
Here are the typical styles of dorm rooms and the ideal TV size for each:
Standard Dorm Room (100-150 sq. ft.):
- Most common dorm room size.
- Ideal TV size: 24″ to 32″
Double Room (150-200 sq. ft.):
Suite-Style Dorm (200+ sq. ft.):
- Offers more living space, sometimes with a common area shared by suite mates.
- Ideal TV size: 40″ to 50″ or larger, depending on the shared space
What to Consider When Choosing a TV Size:
- Viewing Distance: The recommended viewing distance for HDTV is 1.5 times the screen diagonal. So, for a 32-inch TV, the ideal viewing distance is about 5 feet.
- Room Size and Layout: A larger TV might overwhelm a small dorm room, while a tiny screen might be difficult to see from across a larger space.
- Number of Viewers: If you plan on sharing the screen with roommates, a larger TV might be more suitable.
Smart TVs vs. Standard TVs for Dorms
It is amazing to see all the TV features in this current digital age. When shopping, you will have lots of choices between smart TVs and standard TVs.
Here are the main differences between the two:
Smart TVs:
- Pros: Connect to the internet through college Wi-Fi, offering access to streaming services, social media, and potentially gaming features.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than standard TVs.
Standard TVs:
- Pros: More affordable option.
- Cons: Limited functionality compared to smart TVs. Requires a separate device (like a streaming stick) to access streaming services.
Considering most colleges offer free Wi-Fi, smart TVs can be a convenient option for dorm rooms. However, if you are on a tight budget, a standard TV with a separate streaming stick can still provide access to your favorite shows and movies.
Cost Variations
- Standard TVs: Range from around $100 for smaller sizes up to $300 for larger options.
- Smart TVs: Typically start around $150 for smaller sizes and can go up to $1000 or more for larger, high-end models with all the latest features.
Lets Get To The Fun Part – Picking the perfect dorm room TV!
Westinghouse 24″ HD Smart Roku TV
Looking for a budget-friendly option that packs a punch? This 24-inch Roku Select Series TV is a steal. It features easy streaming with the Roku® OS and a smaller size that is a good choice when you don’t have much space. fits perfectly on a desk or small shelf. Ideal for smaller dorm rooms and the good news is it will transition perfectly to small apartments or to a guest room.
TCL 32-inch 720p Roku Smart TV:
Another excellent choice for the budget conscious, this 32-inch TCL Roku TV offers smooth streaming and a crisp picture. The size makes it perfect for the small space in dorm rooms (this brand is pictured here in the girls dorm room photos), and the built-in Roku® device means easy access to all your favorite channels.
Hisense 32-inch 720p Android Smart TV:
Hisense H 32-inch TV with built-in Android TV™ is the best choice for Android users (there is also a Roku option). Access all your favorite apps and streaming services with ease, and the smaller TV size makes it the best fit for dorm rooms with limited space.
VIZIO V-Series 24-inch SmartCast TV:
This 24-inch SmartCast TV from VIZIO is another great deal with a smart TV platform & user-friendly interface. Stream your favorite shows and movies with ease, and the smaller TV size is perfect for tiny dorm rooms or minimalist setups.
Samsung Class QLED QN32Q60A Series 32-inch Smart TV:
Looking for a step up in picture quality? This 32-inch QLED display TV from Samsung boasts stunning visuals & brilliant colors, perfect for movie nights or watching those nature documentaries in all their glory. The size is still ideal for dorm rooms, but the great picture quality kicks it up a notch.
Insignia NS-32DF201NA21 32-inch 720p Fire TV Edition Smart TV:
Fire TV™ fans, this one’s for you! This 32-inch Toshiba Smart TV integrates seamlessly with your Fire TV ecosystem, making it easy to access all your favorite content. The 32-inch small size is ideal for dorm rooms, and the Fire TV integration streaming apps is a major plus.
Samsung The Frame (2022): 32-inch QLED TV:
Dorm room double-duty? This 32-inch Frame TV from Samsung might be your perfect match. When not in use as a great tv, it transforms into gorgeous wall decor. You will class up your dorm decor! Plus, it boasts stunning QLED picture quality so when you are watching your favorite shows or playing video games, the visuals will be immaculate.
LG OLED42C2 Series 42-inch OLED TV:
Stepping up a level in terms of screen size as well as picture quality, this 42-inch OLED TV from LG C is incredible. OLED TVs have superior contrast and deep blacks in terms of visuals, making it a gorgeous screen to watch. While the price point is higher, the great picture makes it worth it.
Sceptre E24F-LED 24-inch Full HD 1080p LED TV:
Looking for a super compact TV to fit on a small dorm room desk or shelf? This 24-inch Sceptre TV offers a space-saving design with a Full HD 1080p resolution. This upgrade in resolution provides sharper picture quality compared to 720p models, making it a great choice for watching movies or playing games. While it also doesn’t have built-in smart features, it’s perfect for dorm rooms that already have a separate streaming device or game console hooked up.
Amazon Fire TV 32″ 2-Series HD Smart TV with Fire TV:
This 32-inch Amazon Fire TV is a user-friendly option perfect for dorm rooms. It features a 720p resolution and built-in Fire TV, offering access to a wide variety of streaming services and channels. The included Alexa Voice Remote allows for hands-free control, making it a breeze to navigate your favorite shows and movies. The 32-inch size is ideal for dorm rooms, and the Fire TV integration makes it a simple and affordable choice for entertainment.
All these TVs and everything else you need for college is linked in our storefront!
🔝 Back to Top10 Best TVs for Dorm Rooms: What Size to Buy for College
We hope this post on the best TV for dorm room has been helpful in finding the perfect type of TV and the best size TV for your dorm room.
Best of luck to you or your favorite graduate!
Looking for more graduation and college prep ideas? Check out our unique graduation gift guide, shop for the perfect white graduation dress, and be inspired to take amazing cap and gown photos just using your smartphone!
We have a whole section dedicated to graduation & back to school, so definitely check that out!
This includes the best computers for computer science & STEM majors, as well as the best computers on a budget; and mother & daughter approved dorm room essentials, including the things you need to create a super cozy dorm room bed. Be sure to check it out!
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