Best Portable TVs

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 14, 2023
On picnics, in traffic jams and many other circumstances, a portable TV can come in extremely useful. The main advantage of a portable ...Read more
PROS

This TV has digital noise reduction and several picture modes, such as Standard, Dynamic, and others. It also features a built-in DVD player and the ability to connect a USB flash drive.

CONS

The instructions are not always accurate.

OUR VERDICT

With the HDMI, USB, and AC/DC ports, you can freely use your Firestick or similar hardware to watch thousands of channels and apps. Gamers can also connect this TV as a second or first monitor.

detailed parameters
Screen Size

13", 1280 x 800 (16:9)

Display Resolution

TV-tuner, Music/photo/video playback from USB flash drives and SD cards, Built-in DVD

Display Technology

AC Power Adapter

Connection Options

HDMI-in, VGA, PC-Audio, RF, Headphones-in, Coaxial output, CVBS Input

Antenna

Remote control included

Package

1 year

PROS

The back panel features VESA 100 x 100 mounting holes that can be used for the stationary installation of the monitor.  The 14-inch screen of the TV also proved to be a good alternative to smaller options available for the same price.

CONS

The viewing angle is somewhat limited.

OUR VERDICT

Although it is marketed as a portable model, the sheer size of the screen makes it best used for a camper van or an RV mounted on the wall. However, it can fit nicely in a truck cabin just as well.

detailed parameters
Screen Size

14", 1280 x 800 (16:9)

Display Resolution

TV-tuner, Music/Photo/Video playback from USB flash drives and SD cards

Display Technology

Built-in rechargeable battery (cigarette lighter plug and wall plug included)

Connection Options

Antenna-in, HDMI-in, VGA-in, AV-in, Headphones out, SD slot, USB-port

Antenna

Removable stand, TV antenna, Remote control included

Package

1 year

PROS

This ultralight and stylish TV is equipped with HDMI, SD, MMC, USB, VGA input, and a built-in tuner. The ultra clear 14-inch widescreen format provides accurate color reproduction.

CONS

The remote is very fragile.

OUR VERDICT

This TV can be conveniently put in the living room, nursery, or kitchen. It doesn't take up much space and will easily fit into any design. The built-in antenna allows you to catch local and national channels for free.

detailed parameters
Screen Size

14", 1366 x 768 (16:9)

Display Resolution

TV-tuner, Music/photo/video playback from USB flash drives and SD cards

Display Technology

Built-in rechargeable battery (cigarette lighter plug and wall plug included)

Connection Options

VGA-in, AV-in, AV-out, HDMI-in

Antenna

Removable stand, TV antenna, Remote control included

Package

1 year

PROS

An ergonomic TV with a built-in battery and enhanced compatibility with various video formats. The USB/SD inputs for external audio/video playback and two AV inputs make it even more versatile.

CONS

The speakers are pretty quiet.

OUR VERDICT

This TV offers full support for Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, Roku, Slingbox, Chromecast, DVD players, and of course new and old generation consoles. It is suitable for installation in the car, small rooms, and camping.

detailed parameters
Screen Size

13.3", 1920 x 1080 (16:9)

Display Resolution

TV-tuner, Music/photo/video playback from USB flash drives and SD cards

Display Technology

Built-in rechargeable battery (cigarette lighter plug and wall plug included)

Connection Options

VGA-in, AV-in, AV-out, HDMI-in, Headphone jack, SD slot, USB port

Antenna

3 antennas, Control for kids car travel

Package

2 years

PROS

This TV comes with a full range digital TV tuner with ATSC/NTSC support. Connect USB/SD for external audio/video playback. The 12V input, headphone jack, built-in dual speaker, and double-sided stand are also included.

CONS

An outdated screen resolution format.

OUR VERDICT

Watch your favorite programs and series on the go. A perfect solution for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Easy to install in a small hotel room, dorm, or RV.

detailed parameters
Screen Size

7", 800 x 480 (4:3)

Display Resolution

TV-tuner, Music/photo/video playback from USB flash drives and SD cards

Display Technology

Built-in rechargeable battery (cigarette lighter plug and wall plug included)

Connection Options

TF-card, DC-in, AV-in, USB-port, Earphone jack, SD slot

Antenna

Antenna included, Remote control

Package

30 days

Watch TV on the Go

On a trip or in a traffic jam, a portable TV is your best friend. Take a look at the Supersonic widescreen HDTV + monitor unit. It’s high quality, conveniently compact, and supports Firestick or equivalent hardware.

To start with, this 13.3" portable TV offers the upscale 1080p picture quality. This means a crisp and well-detailed onscreen image with the right level of contrast. Get ready for amazing colors and a real HDTV experience wherever you may be (home, office, or your car).

But that’s not all; this unit features a strong noise reduction system, letting you enjoy a crisp and clear signal no matter what. You’re also free to choose from the various picture modes: Standard, Dynamic, and others. Nothing speaks “great customer service” like versatility, and Supersonic gives you exactly that.

Good, but what if you don’t want the TV – and want some DVDs? No need to stuff your bag with an additional device; the Supersonic unit comes with a built-in DVD player that supports multiple formats. With that said, it doesn’t overuse the energy, and your precious disks load fast and with no issues. (The USB flash drives are also supported.)

No Limit on Entertainment

This portable TV is equipped with such ports as HDMI, USB, and AC. Thanks to this feature, you’re free to use Firestick (or the likes of it) for accessing thousands of available channels. The apps such as Netflix, HBO, Showtime, and others also make the list, so get ready to stream your favorite shows in high quality.

Great news for RV owners: the Supersonic TV is AC/DC compatible and will find even more channels than you’ve expected. Sit back and enjoy your favorite programs in the comfort of your vehicle. And if you’d like to do some gaming, this device can be used as your second or first screen.

Does this model have any drawbacks? The sound could be a little louder, but you can plug in an external speaker, and voila, the problem is solved. Some inaccuracies in the instructions should be noted as well.

Finally, if you need a new PC monitor a.s.a.p., the Supersonic will take on this role. You’ll only have to connect it via a HDMI cable and pick the right settings.

As evident, this portable TV/DVD player is a dream come true if you’d like your TV and movies to always be at your hand.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0057INQX8

When 10 inches Isn't Enough

When 9 or 10 inches is simply not enough for you, your options are rather limited when looking for a good-quality portable TV. Fortunately, Tyler has something to offer and that is an enormous, 14-inch TFT TV box that can fit in most cars and trucks with ease.

As for a start, this small digital TV supports media and TV broadcasts in Full HD, which is not a small feat at all, especially in comparison with other products in the same price range. Since it’s a Full HD-capable device, it would be logical if it had an HDMI port, which it does. Owing to this, you can easily connect any multimedia device such as your phone, tablet, or even a gaming console if that’s what floats your boat. The standard TV playback is supported by an integrated antenna that can catch any broadcast in a 15-mile range. As an option, you can always connect a high-powered antenna via the respective port.

Just like other products on our list, this small TV from Tyler comes together with remote control. But this time around, it’s almost a fully-fledged model that enables switching audio and video modes, color settings, volume levels, and much, much more. On top of the IR controller, you still have access to standard buttons located on the front panel of the TV, which has its uses, especially if the remote runs out of power.

Non-Standard Solutions

Speaking of power, the small digital TV set features a built-in battery that holds up the charge for up to 2.5 hours straight, which is nice, considering its portable nature. Once it runs out of juice, you can use one of the two cables that come together with the monitor - a car lighter charging port or a standard DC adapter that can be plugged into any standard power socket.

Contrary to popular belief that TV speakers should be installed on the front plate of the screen, this appliance features stereo speakers on the back panel of the assembly that enables for a richer sound. However, since they are rather limited in both size and power, don’t expect a cinematic surround sound out of them. As an alternative, it is possible to connect headphones via a 3.5 mm jack located on the side of the TV. On top of that, the standard SD card, RCA, and USB ports are located on the same side as the headphone jack.

Finally, the TTV705-14 from Tyler will come in handy if you need a Full HD TV in your car, truck, camper van or RV and won’t take all the space on the dashboard. Fairly simple in installation and easy to use at the same time, it can certainly elevate your expectations of what a car TV set can manage.

Last updated price $144.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B07MC9KHK3

Powerful but Lightweight

Want a quality portable TV for your RV or vacation spot? Enter the Trexonic 14-inch model that captures more channels and gives you entertainment wherever you may be.

Let’s start with the fact that you won’t have to pack an extra bag for your adventures. The Trexonic is very compact but at the same time doesn’t compromise on the viewer experience.

Weighing only 2.2. pounds, this TV is easy to transport and set up anywhere you’d like. At the same time, the quality LCD screen offers the 1366 x 768 resolution and a bright, crisp onscreen image. In fact, the colors in this model are compatible to those in a 40-inch TV. Now you can relax in the car or on the porch – and enjoy the favorite channels without being tied to your living room TV set.

As for the sound, it’s also quite decent, so long as you remember that this is a portable TV model. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to hear everything clearly and even watch music programs with comfort. This TV was designed to impress, and that’s exactly what it’s doing. Give yourself a welcome break from life by installing it in your summer house or RV.

Use It Where You Want It

This portable TV comes with an HDMI input, as well as SD, MMC, USB, VGA, and an integrated digital tuner. There’s also a headphone jack if you want the best sound quality that you can get. The telescope antenna is detachable and catches many local channels with no problem. Sports, news, or weather, everything will be at hand just where you are now.

Nobody wants to get up to switch channels. The Trexonic features a remote control, and while it’s working fine, don’t drop it on the hard floor, as it’s very fragile. Unlike the sturdy back stand; it’s hard mounted and adjustable for an ideal viewing angle. The stand is made of metal and won’t damage the TV by breaking on it.

The Trexonic is rechargeable, so you can run it on an internal battery as a fully independent device. Alternatively, use the AC power supply and watch it for as long as you want. This portable device allows you to access your favorite content on a camping trip – or on your porch. You can even put it in front of your treadmill and take the workouts to the next level of comfort.

Overall, the Trexonic LED TV is your portable entertainment source for all occasions.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07JB41X6L

High Quality Entertainment

If you’re looking for a quality portable TV that supports most popular video formats, the Tyler unit may be your number one choice. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this model so great.

Tyler is a 13.3" widescreen LED HDTV designed to fit into small areas, such as a dorm room, kitchen, or RV. It weighs the total of 3.94 pounds, which makes transporting it easy and comfortable. Why not take an entire TV with you to a summer house or forest cabin? You deserve the best free entertainment wherever you may go.

This TV features HDMI and USB/SD inputs if you want to play external video or audio. The dual AV input will allow you to connect a DVD player or a gaming system. This TV also has a full band TV turner, an RCA adapter, and a handy remote control. The latter boasts an ergonomic design with a slipper top part, which makes holding it more comfortable.

When it comes to compatibility, this portable TV excels with multiple supported video formats. AVI, MPEG, H.264, FLV, MKV, and many more are on the list, as well the popular image and audio formats. If you want to watch some family videos or open a photo album from your last vacation, simply opt for this device.

A Versatile Device

Want to expand the possibilities of your portable TV? Great news; it’s compatible with Firestick, Apple TV, Roku, and more. Gain access to thousands of channels – or simply use the TV as your gaming monitor. And if something happens to your PC display, no need to wait for a replacement; just plug in the Tyler and use it with your computer.

If you’re not the type to watch TV in headphones, keep in mind that this model doesn’t give you the really loud sound even at the highest setting. In comparison, the regular TVs can offer 100 volume levels, while the Tyler only provides 20. Still, it’s a small price to pay for the portability of this device.

Easily overcome the power outage situations and continue watching even when the lights are down. This TV comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that offers 4 hours of runtime. You can go on following a match (or beating a level) as if nothing happened, using the battery only mode.

All in all, the Tyler TV is a treasure if you want to view multiple media formats – and do it on the go. The traditional portable TV experience is also on the level; you can use this device just about anywhere, from an RV to a vacation house.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07T9197KQ

Save Up & Enjoy

Need a good but not overpriced portable TV? Consider getting the Milanix for your home, RV, or summer house. The happy owners will be able to watch TV or movies anywhere and anytime.

Let’s start with the display specs. The Milanix is equipped with a 7" LCD one, and yes, it’s not ultra HD with the modest 800 x 480 resolution. However, this is a portable TV, and if you don’t mind it being on the cheaper side, no problem then. You’ll still be able to enjoy your viewing experience, even if with lesser picture quality.

As for the sound, it’s decent and on par with other portable TV models. The Milanix has dual rear speakers, and part of the problem lies in their placement. If you’re not expecting anything hi-end, then it should be fine for shows, games, and movies; or use the headphone jack for louder and clearer sound.

The built-in antenna of this TV is where it truly excels. You’ll be surprised at how many local channels you’ll pick while camping or at home. Why overpay for entertainment when you can have it free and at any convenient location? The Milanix knows the right answer to this question.

Watch Anything You Want

This TV fully supports the USB and SD card input. This way, you’re not confined to only TV shows; watch your favorite movies, vacation videos, or just about anything you’d like. Coaxial antenna can also be linked for your comfort. And if you want to check out some photo albums, absolutely no problem; this device allows you to view them on the screen. Feel free to try the popular media formats – and find out that the TV can play them.

This model can be put on a hands-free stand or wall mounted, whichever you prefer. The stand is removable and offers a nice viewing angle. Alternatively, put it up in your RV and enjoy a home-like TV experience. The wireless remote control is always at your hand, although some users may find the buttons a bit hard to push.

The battery in this unit will allow you to enjoy games and shows even where there is no power source. Watch TV while you’re camping, fishing, or relaxing on a beach. This model can last up to 3.5 hours on a single charge, and when you need to power it up, choose from a USB cable, a 12V car cord, or a wall jack.

Summing up, this portable TV is more of a basic model, but if you don’t aim sky-high, you’ll get your money’s worth.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00WROITOG

What Is a Portable TV?

These days TVs aren't a novelty and can be found in just about any home. You can find large TVs with a screen diagonal up to 85 inches, curved TVs and many other varieties to fit any room interior and personal needs. Besides that, there are portable models designed to be carried around and/or to be mounted inside vehicles that give the flexibility to watch your favorite shows or movies anywhere you go, be it a picnic at the park, a break during work hours, or a long family trip.

The advantages of portable TVs are pretty obvious: they can be moved from place to place and provide you with a source of entertainment no matter where you go. In this review, you can find the selection of the best 5 portable TVs along with the key features that should be taken into account when making a choice. Here you can find budget-friendly models as well as top-tier car TVs designed to be connected to phones, tablets, or even fully-fledged gaming consoles at a whim, all of them being ideal for use on the go.

At the same time, if you are looking for a device to play DVDs or CDs, we recommend checking out our car DVD players review. Conversely, a reliable backup camera that operates wirelessly is also a great option to have in your vehicle, especially if it doesn’t have one from the factory.

Best Portable TVs

What Features to Compare

Image Quality

First things first, you should consider image characteristics such as screen size and image resolution. More often than not, portable TVs have about the same screen size as a tablet, ranging from 7 inches all the way up to 15 inches, so they can be easily embedded in a car and feature 800x480 pixels of image resolution, which is considered the optimal rate comfortable for viewing.

The next parameter to consider is the aspect ratio (standard and widescreen). In case you are not a fan of streaming media, the ratio of 4:3 will be fine. For a more detailed picture, though, it is better to opt for 16:9, which enables better quality of video content. 

Also, check out display technologies. In general, portable models use active panels like TFT which give them good brightness, high contrast, and short response time. However, it's worth pointing out that the quality of image might change at times, depending on the viewing angle, and get lighter or darker. This is a common issue for portable TVs and is to be expected.

Connection Options

The other thing that is important to pay attention to when choosing a portable TV is connection options. They should include a USB port to playback media files stored on external memory cards and a built-in card reader for SD, MS and MMC memory cards. It's best to go for a model that can read such formats as AVI, DivX, MPEG 1/2/4, MP3, and JPEG.

The availability of composite A/V inputs/outputs is also essential providing you with the opportunity to connect external audio and video devices.

As for TV signal reception, make sure the TV you choose has a built-in digital tuner so you can convert the signal into a high-quality picture. Most any portable TVs have built-in antennas to receive a TV signal from a TV-tower or a re-transmitter (within the city or surrounding area). For anyone needing stronger signal reception capable of going out of this area, an external antenna is required, preferably with an amplifier.

Power Source

Next thing to consider is what power source a TV requires. As a rule, portable TVs are designed to be powered via a car socket allowing you to take them with you on trips. That said, some models may also be powered by batteries, which may come in handy when you go on a picnic and have no car adapter on hands. The latest models offer the third option - a special docking station. By using this station, the TV can provide you with up to 150 hours of playtime. One other benefit of this docking station is that it features its own sound system which can enhance the quality of sound of a portable TV, a great option considering that the maximum power of most embedded speakers is 2W at best.

Package

Finally, you should pay attention to the package included with purchase. Make sure that a TV has a good antenna. Then find out if a remote control comes included (you don't want to buy it separately). Most portable TV models come including stands allowing you to mount them in a headrest and a special cover letting you transport and store your TV conveniently if need be. Aside from these things, make sure to check if the package contains an A/V cable, power adapter, car adapter, headphones, batteries, and instruction manual.

Did you know?

Television is an everyday part of our life, just as much radio was a staple of American homes in the 20th century. And though we might view it as mundane, there are some facts about your home television set and what’s on it that might surprise you. Let’s take a brief look at a few.

Older Than It Looks

If you had to guess, when would you say television was invented? We’re betting you wouldn’t go any higher than the 1920’s at most and that makes sense. After all, there were barely any movies before that point so why would there be television sets. That’s not the right answer, though, as TV, at least in its initial form, predates film by a few decades. The very first mechanical television models started to pop up way back in the early 19th century, far from what most people assume. But if we’re talking about the more familiar electronic models, they only appeared in 1927 and even then only as a prototype. Not just far from the modern-era sets but far from a workable appliance. Still, just a short ten years later the technology improved and electronic television sets started to spread across American households.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

There are hundreds of long-running series that are available on TV even now but while something like The Simpsons may seem ever-present, there are shows that have been on the air longer than the iconic cartoon. For one, our British friends have been enjoying (or despising) the record-breaking soap opera Coronation Street since 1960 with several cast members passing away and anniversary episodes aplenty. As for the off-air options, there’s the legendary Gunsmoke, an old western that lasted 20 whole years, not to mention its pre-television years when it made rounds on the radio. And, since we’ve mentioned The Simpsons it’s only fair to point out that it’s a record breaker in the USA only. The title of the actual longest-running animated series has been taken by a Japanese cartoon Sazae-san. This series has over 7000 episodes and has been on the air since 1969, almost as long as Coronation Street.

The Whole World is Watching

Now, not every show is destined to last for decades. However, there are other metrics of success and viewership is certainly one of them. If we exclude sporting events such as the Super Bowl game and Olympics, only counting scripted shows, we’d have to name the groundbreaking classic M*A*S*H. Its finale had 105.9 million viewers glued to the screen on initial broadcast. For reference, the Apollo 11 (aka the first ever people landing on the Moon) gathered somewhere around 125-150 million viewers. The only other scripted drama to reach anywhere near such numbers was the eighth episode of Roots, which gathered precisely 100 million viewers on its initial showing. No other show has managed to drum up nine-digit numbers besides these two, though the numerous Super Bowls have been reaching these records nearly every year. And, just to give you an idea of what that kind of viewership means, there are shows on air even now that are struggling to reach 0.5 million viewers. M*A*S*H and Roots weren’t just outliers, they were phenomenal successes and seminal events.

Sources:

Other reviews