Tv for dorm: 10 Best TVs for Dorm Rooms in 2023

• Best dorm-room TVs
• Head-to-head comparison
• What to look for

Best dorm-room TVs for students

• Samsung Q60B (43″) ($477. 99)—Best overall
• LG UG9000 (43″) ($326.99)—Best value
• Samsung Q60A (32″) ($447.99)—Best for limited space
• TCL 3-Series Roku Smart TV (40″) ($219.99)—Best budget pick
• DBPOWER 8500L Mini Portable Projector ($134.99)—Most versatile

Compare and shop 4K TVs and HD TVs for students

Amazon.com prices (as of 8/17/22 5:14 p.m. MST). Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Our picks for best overall (Samsung Q60B), best value (LG Q9), and best for limited space (Samsung Q60A) include brands that we haven’t featured before in this annually updated guide. That’s because we used to prioritize price over features.

This year, we increased our limit from $250 to $500 because, you know, inflation. Also, that price range means we can include newer TVs that, while smaller and more affordable, have 4K resolution and HDR.

But we know price matters to most college students, so three of our picks—the Samsung Q60A, TCL 40″ Roku Smart TV, and the DBPOWER 8500L projector—land in the $150–$327 range.

Best dorm-room TVs for students in-depth

Before we zoom in on our recommended dorm-room TVs, let’s briefly cover the criteria we used to make our picks.

• Price: $150–$500
• Size: A 24″–43″ TV will have optimal viewing distances of 4–6 feet. That’s about right for a dorm room.
• Resolution: At least 1080p HD, but ideally 4K UHD with HDR.
• PC monitor: If someone’s approving your expenses, you can justify combining your TV budget with part of your computer budget—and meet two needs with one device.

Following these reviews, we’ll discuss the reasons behind the criteria in the “What to look for” section.

Best overall

Editorial rating (4.7/5)

Price:

$477.99

Screen size:

43″

Display type:

QLED

Resolution:

4K w/ AI upscaling and HDR

Audio:

Dolby, OTS Lite, built-in 20W speakers

Ports:

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI (3), USB

PC compatible:

Yes

View on Amazon

• 4K resolution w/ AI upscaling and HDR
• Samsung TV Plus (150+ channels) and supports many other TV apps
• Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby compatibility
• SolarCell remote
• PC compatibility

• No HDMI 2.1 bandwidth
• No variable refresh rate

The Q60B is an entry-level Samsung smart TV, but it has a nice, bright picture and loads of features. Seriously, the Q60B is a lot of TV for less than $500.

Picture-wise, it has Samsung’s proprietary QLED technology with dual LED backlights, 4K UHD resolution with AI upscaling, and Quantum HDR for a bright, colorful, detailed image. And features like brightness detection, Game View (for extra-wide aspect ratios on sports and games), and Motion Xcelerator (for less motion blur on sports and games).

And on the audio tip, the Q60B has built-in 20W speakers with software enhancements like Object Tracking Sound Lite and QSymphony.

The TV also supports tons of streaming TV apps (Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, YouTube, Max™, Disney+, and more) and includes the 150-channel Samsung TV Plus FAST (free, ad-supported, streaming TV) service. And, with Multi-View, you can watch a show and browse your smartphone on the same screen.

Finally, the included SolarCell remote is simple, easy to use, integrates with multiple voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby), and uses solar power (no batteries—yay).

If we had to complain about something, it’d be that there’s no HDMI 2.1 port or variable refresh rate, which would have been great for gamers with the latest consoles. But even without those features, your roommate will be stoked when you bring this bad boy home.

View the Q60B on Amazon

Best value

Editorial rating (4.6/5)

Price:

$326.99

Screen size:

43″

Display type:

LED

Resolution:

4K w/ AI upscaling and HDR

Audio:

5.1.2 channel virtual surround, built-in 20W speakers

Ports:

HDMI (3), Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi

PC compatible:

Yes

View on Amazon

• 4K resolution w/ AI upscaling and HDR
• 150+ live channels and support for many TV apps
• AI Sound Pro for virtual 5.1.2 surround sound
• Multiple voice assistants
• PC monitor functionality

• No HDMI 2.1 bandwidth
• No variable refresh rate

LG makes fantastic smart TVs (I have a 55″ from 2015 that still runs like it’s new), even at entry-level. Like the Samsung Q60B, the LG UG9000 is a feature-rich TV worth more than its asking price of $327.

The UG9000 has 4K resolution with AI upscaling and Active HDR (HDR10, HLG) for a great picture. For audio, the UG9000 has built-in, two-channel, 20W speakers with their own form of AI upscaling, which converts the two-channel audio to 5.1.2 virtual surround sound.

The UG9000 supports many streaming TV apps—Netflix, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, and more. The TV also includes LG Channels, a 300-channel FAST streaming service powered by Xumo.

While the UG9000 lacks gaming features like variable refresh rate or HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, it has a Game Optimizer, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Google STADIA cloud gaming support. (But shouldn’t you be studying instead? J/K. We support students blowing off steam with gaming breaks.)

Hands-free and smart home enthusiasts will also enjoy the UG9000’s Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay, and HomeKit compatibility.

So if you’re looking for a solid TV at a bargain price, the UG9000 will do you right.

View the UG9000 on Amazon

Best for limited space

Editorial rating (4.6/5)

Price:

$447. 99

Screen size:

32″

Display type:

QLED

Resolution:

4K resolution w/ AI upscaling and HDR

Audio:

Dolby, Dolby Digital Plus, built-in 20W speakers

Ports:

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI (one 2.1), USB, Ethernet (LAN)

PC compatible:

Yes

View on Amazon

• 4K resolution w/ AI upscaling and HDR
• Samsung TV Plus (150+ channels) and supports many other TV apps
• Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby compatibility
• SolarCell remote
• PC monitor functionality

• High price (for last year’s model)
• No HDMI 2.1 bandwidth

The Samsung Q60A precedes the Samsung Q60B, but they’re a lot alike, with many of the same features. Most of the Q60 B’s upgrades are tweaks instead of substantial improvements. The big difference here is that the Q60A comes in this 32″ size, which is right in the sweet spot for dorm-room TV.

It’s too bad, though, that the Q60A is only $30 cheaper than its successor. So we feel like the price could be lower, but the Q60A is still worth $448.

View the Q60A on Amazon

Best budget pick

Editorial rating (4.5/5)

Price:

$219.99

Screen size:

40″

Display type:

LED

Resolution:

1080p

Audio:

Built-in 5W speakers

Ports:

Wi-Fi, HDMI (3), USB, RF, Composite, Headphone Jack, optical audio out

PC compatible:

Yes

View on Amazon

• Low price
• Excellent Roku operating system
• Many TV apps
• Built-in TV tuner for OTA content
• PC monitor functionality

• No 4K
• No HDR
• No HDMI 2.1 bandwidth
• No Bluetooth
• Weaker speakers

This 40″ TCL 3-Series Roku TV is quite affordable at only $220, and you get a lot for such a low price.

For example, the Roku Ultra alone costs $100. So, for only $120 more, you get a TV with the full Roku OS. That means you’ll have lots of free content on the Roku Channel, support for almost any streaming TV app, and the awesome Roku voice remote.

What you don’t get with the TCL 3-Series is a high-end picture. Resolution tops out at 1080p HD, and there’s no AI upscaling or HDR. The 3-Series also doesn’t include Bluetooth connectivity (which the Roku Ultra has).

We also feel like the built-in 5W speakers could be more powerful. But since the 3-Series is so affordable, you might have enough money for a soundbar. Just don’t bum out your Resident Advisor with noise complaints.

View the 3-Series Roku TV on Amazon

Most versatile

Editorial rating (4.6/5)

Price:

$134.99

Screen size:

40″–240″

Brightness:

8500 lumens

Resolution:

1080p

Audio:

Built-in 5W speakers

Ports:

Wi-Fi, VGA, USB, HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack

PC compatibility:

Yes

View on Amazon

• Low price
• Portability
• Huge screen sizes
• PC monitor functionality

• So-so speakers
• No native voice control
• No Bluetooth
• No apps

A projector is a solid TV alternative for students—and an even better space-saving option than a small TV. You can use your dorm wall as a screen, point your projector at the ceiling to simulate the IMAX experience, or grab an extension cord for a movie under the stars.

The DBPOWER 8500L also has multiple connectivity options—you can connect to a cable box, laptop, console, or smartphone. You’ll need the appropriate cables, though, because the 8500L lacks Bluetooth capability. An HDMI cable will work for most devices, but keep an RCA audio/video cable and your phone’s USB charging cable nearby.

The 8500L also has a built-in 5W speaker, but you’ll probably need external speakers or a soundbar for big open spaces.

Despite its limitations, this mini projector is affordable, mobile, and offers a big-screen experience—perfect for a student ready to party.

View the 8500L on Amazon

Do you need cable TV for your dorm room?

If you can sign up for cable TV in your dorm room, enter your zip code below to see which TV providers are in your college town. Signing up early can help you beat the rush of move-in day.

What to look for

If you’d like to shop for yourself, here are the key considerations when buying a smart TV for your college dorm room.

Copy . . .Whether you’re a starving college student or flush with financial aid, we don’t recommend dropping a bunch of money right now. You can get a good TV for under $500. Then, when you graduate and get a job, buy yourself a nicer TV.

Screen size

We recommend TVs with 27″–43″ screens. Why? We’ve seen average dorm-room sizes reported as 100–230 square feet, so you have only so much space.^{1 2} At these room sizes, the optimal viewing distance is 4–6 feet away from your TV—perfect.

Display type

You’ll see many display types: LED, QLED, and OLED are the most common. Expect to see mostly LED (brighter images) and QLED (more colorful images) TVs at this price point ($500 and lower) and in these screen sizes (27″–43″).

Resolution

These days it’s easier to find 4K TVs priced below $500, but TVs smaller than 32″ tend to have 1080p (full HD) or even 720p (regular HD). That’s because, in those sizes, 4K is hardly noticeable.

HDR (high dynamic range) is all about contrast and detail. It helps you better perceive the light and dark parts of an image. Similar to 4K, HDR is more common in TVs nowadays—and it’s less perceptible with smaller screen sizes.

Refresh rate

Avid gamers and sports fans will care the most about this refresh rate, which measures how fast your picture updates. Expect TVs under $500 to have refresh rates of 60Hz, meaning the picture refreshes once every 60 seconds. Higher-quality TVs have around 120Hz, and the highest rate is 240Hz.

Sound quality

There are two things to consider regarding TV audio quality. The more expensive TVs in this price range have built-in speakers plus fancy, proprietary audio enhancement features like AI Sound Pro and Object Tracking Sound. The cheaper TVs tend to have only the speakers.

Final take

We feel like proud parents dropping our kids off at college—but you have to buy your own dorm-room TV. When you start shopping, remember the following:

• The 43″ Samsung Q60B ($477.99) is our best overall recommendation. If you want a sweet, feature-rich TV for less than $500, get this one.
• The 43″ LG UG9000 ($326.99) is an excellent value.
• The 32″ Samsung Q60A ($447.99) is almost as good as the Q60B, but its smaller size makes it a better fit for small dorm rooms.
• The 40″ TCL 3-Series Roku TV ($219.99) is a decent little TV for a killer price.
• The DBPOWER 8500L Mini Projector ($134.99, but watch for Amazon coupons for up to $30 off) gives you 40″–240″ screen sizes, excellent portability, and saves you even more space.

Now run along to your <sob> future.

Best dorm-room TVs for students FAQ

Methodology

At CableTV.com, our TV experts spend a combined hundreds of hours researching and, whenever possible, testing TVs and projectors like the ones we recommend here for students and dorm rooms. We compare them based on pricing, specs, features, performance, and more so that our readers can make informed buying decisions. To learn more about our process, visit our How We Rank page.

Related articles

• Best Smart TVs
• Best TVs for Gaming
• Best TV Providers
• Best Live TV Streaming Services
• Best Streaming TV Services

Endnotes

1. StudentRoomStay.com, “How Big Should Your College Apartment Be?,” November 2021. Accessed August 17, 2022.
2. StudentMajor.com, “How Big Is A College Dorm Room?,” May 2022. Accessed August 17, 2022.

How to install a TV in a college dorm (easy process + no holes)

You have decided to buy a TV for your dorm room, but now the question arises: “How to install this TV in a student dorm?”

This may seem like a daunting task, but this article will walk you through it step by step.

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Students often find that their dorm rooms are smaller than they would like. As a result, almost everyone constantly restricts the installation of anything on the wall in case of damage or noise.

Many college dorms have cinder block walls, making it difficult to install a flat screen TV.

Because flat panel floor mounts are thin and unobtrusive, manufacturers have come up with a variety of subtle and unobtrusive options.

There are many ways to hang a TV in a dorm room without punching holes in the wall or damaging it. Keep reading to see the process.

Contents

Should I bring my television to college?

Before thinking about “how to install a TV in a college dorm,” the idea of ​​bringing a TV to college may not be a good idea. You would be easily distracted. You would be better off without it for a number of additional reasons.

For first-year students, a TV set in a student residence can be a waste of space. You don’t need a TV if you have a phone and a computer.

Everything can be viewed online; streaming services, on the other hand, are likely to have more choices than television.

It is also possible to share the TV with a fellow student.

What size TV is appropriate for a dorm room?

Before thinking about “how to install a TV in a college dorm”, the ideal dorm room size is 19 to 32 inches.

For typical student housing, a 32″ to 63″ TV is ideal for the living room, although the optimal size will depend on the size of the room.

Tools used to mount the TV in the room:

• Herd search
• Power drill and bits
• Level (3ft or 5ft)
• Socket wrench and various sockets
• Safety goggles

Where to install tv in college dorm room?

1. Moveable stand:

If you don’t want your TV to look like it’s hanging on the wall, you can purchase a stand that can be moved.

Just be aware that if you don’t have much space, this stand might not be the best option because it could tip over.

2. Sitting on a chest of drawers:

You may need to make room in your closet or chest of drawers, depending on the size of your TV.

Anti-tip straps can keep it from falling. As you might expect, a medium sized TV is less likely to tip over than a larger TV.

Place the cabinet as close to the wall as possible to prevent accidents.

How to install a TV in a college dorm room without making holes:

1. Place it on a shelf or cabinet:

It’s okay to know that you have a lot of things and you need to keep them on the shelf and in boxes.

You can also use the shelf to display your TV. Use the remaining cabinet space to store all your most valuable items, depending on the size of your TV!

Use rollover straps under the TV to prevent this large electronic item from tipping over and injuring you or others. We recommend choosing a smaller TV for your dorm room rather than a large one.

2. Buy a TV stand:

If you have enough space in your dorm room, a mobile TV stand is just as convenient as a motorized one.

As a general rule, we do not recommend constantly moving the TV stand, as this may cause damage to the device (or other things).

Taping anti-tip straps under the TV can reduce anxiety and the chance of an accident. A budget option would be a TV cabinet with storage space that can be moved. With the right mobile stand, you can also make use of the space on the sides.

Please make sure your motorized TV stand is strong enough to support your TV before purchasing. TV stands are ideal for mounting the device on the wall if they have a lot of storage space.

3. Get No-Drilling Desk Mount:

No-Drilling Standing Desk Mounts are an easy way to mount your TV in your college dorm room. You don’t need to drill holes because you can order it online and have it delivered.

Protect your flat screen from falling with a drilling-free TV mount. They can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, from massive brackets that cover the entire wall, to thin strips that are almost invisible.

Tips to know before installing a TV in a college dorm room:

1. Cord channels:

There is no need to purchase glue to install cord channels, as they are impact resistant and self-adhesive.

With the adhesive backing removed from the cable channel, connect the cable to the dashboard by passing it through the cable channel. While you’re doing this, shave off a few extra inches.

You don’t need to clean the channels because they have neutral tones to match the wall. You don’t have to paint your room because you just stay in the hostel for a short time.

However, if you want to color the cord channel, you can do so. Apply a coat of paint before sticking to the wall.

2. Cord caps:

Depending on the length of the wires, the cord caps can be shortened to size. According to the instruction manual, screws may be required to install this cover.

For simplicity, these blankets are available in white or off-white. So make sure it matches the color of your wall. Latex paint will hide its appearance if that doesn’t work.

3. Cable wrap:

Install a TV in a college dorm: Need a better solution if you have a lot of wires around your TV! Use a cable wrap to untangle the tangle and make it easier to handle. You can add the finishing touch later using a cover or clip.

4. Cabinet and Drawer:

Mounting the TV on top of a cabinet or drawer is a fantastic choice. You will have enough space to store all your TV components.

Keep the TV on the top shelf and clothes, shoes and bags on the bottom shelves. If your TV does not take up the entire surface of the cabinet, you can store small items nearby.

However, remember that your TV needs room to dissipate heat if you want it to last. This area is yours; good to use it.

5. TV stand price:

If your TV stand is out of your price range, consider drilling a hole in the wall instead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on how to install a TV in a college dorm

Can I make my own TV mount?

You decide which wall mount you need. Attach the bracket to the back of the TV. Locate the holes in the back and then use the bolts included in the mounting kit to secure the mounting arms.

Can the TV be mounted on drywall?

Drywall can support a 100 lb. TV, but is fragile and may need additional support.

How to hide the wires from the wall-mounted TV?

Plastic cord covers that mount directly to the wall above the TV are a great solution to hide cords when you place your TV on the wall. You can find cord covers at any hardware store or online.

Output:

How to install a TV in a college dorm: You probably felt liberated the first time you walked into your dorm room.

Did you mow down the wallpaper? How big is the bed? The new environment can be exciting or frustrating, depending on the student’s personality.

House rules may prohibit personalizing your room, despite your desire. Maybe you can’t attach anything to the wall because it’s damaged. The walls of most dormitories are painted cinder blocks, making it difficult to hang pictures or a TV on them.

Amazing; I hope this article answers your question.

Share this information.

Editor’s Note:

• 100+ Boys (Freshman) Dormitory Essentials
• Not Happy in College – Find Out Why!
• 8 types of college roommates (required reading for students)
• How many quarters are there in college football
• What are the stages of high school?

How to broadcast a TV to your dorm room

Author Gleb Zakharov Reading 6 min Views 187 Published 08/03/2019
Updated 08/03/2019

Contents

1. Impress your neighbors by streaming a series or movie on your dorm TV.
2. Important Rules for Streaming and Mirroring
3. Watch media in a dorm room Smart TV
4. Stream & Mirror with Apple AirPlay
5. Mirror and Stream with Chromecast
6. Popular Streaming Alternatives
7. How to connect a laptop or computer to a TV
8. Mirror your device with an HDMI cable 9 0048

Tired of watching free-to-air and cable television in your dorm and looking for an alternative? Streaming or mirroring content from a smartphone, tablet or computer may be exactly what you need and may even be cheaper than your existing setup. Here’s what you need to know.

Important Rules for Streaming and Mirroring

Specific instructions for mirroring and streaming will vary depending on the devices you use, but here are some important tips that will apply to all scenarios.

• Make sure all devices, including Smart TVs if used, are connected to the same Wi-Fi internet connection if you plan to do wireless streaming or mirroring.
• Some devices may require Bluetooth to be enabled for streaming or mirroring to work, so it’s best to leave this enabled.
• When streaming or mirroring, be sure to connect the charging cable to your smartphone, tablet, or computer as this process can consume a lot of battery power.
• When mirroring, you can disable notifications on your device as they will appear on your TV while you are watching a movie or TV episode.
• Dormitory staff should be able to provide you with detailed instructions on how to set up your dorm TV, including a password to connect to Wi-Fi.
• If multiple students will regularly use the same TV in a dorm room for streaming TV or cable TV, it might be a good idea to discuss who pays for which subscription services, since the last thing you want is to pay multiple people. on the same cable or TV channel. If you can get everyone in your dorm to agree to make a chip for a dollar or two a month, you can get much cheaper TV or cable service than you would otherwise.

Watch media in a dorm room Smart TV

A Smart TV is essentially a TV that does more than just play TV channels and media from a connected Blu-ray player or game console. Some smart TVs may have a small selection of apps such as Netflix and YouTube installed on the TV itself and can be used to stream online video when connected to the Internet. Other more advanced smart TVs may have even more choice of apps, voice control, and the ability to stream media from another device or mirror.

Some of the phrases used on a smart TV that mean it can receive a wireless stream or mirror signal are Miracast, Screen Mirroring, Display Mirroring, SmartShare, and AllShare Cast.

If you already have multimedia applications such as Netflix installed on your Smart TV, you can simply log into your Netflix account directly on the TV without using any smart device or computer.

• iOS devices such as iPhone, iPod touch and iPad may require a dedicated app to mirror or stream media to Smart TV. For example, to stream to a Samsung smart TV, you need the Mirror for Samsung TV app for iOS. Smart TVs typically inform users what apps, if any, are required to stream media once they are turned on.
• Computers running Windows 8 and 10 can be mirrored to a smart TV by clicking the Project button in the Action Center on the desktop.
• Wireless streaming and mirroring from an Android smartphone or tablet varies by device. A quick way to check if this option is available to you is to open the panel Notifications , press Quick connect , and then press Scan nearby devices . If your device is capable of streaming/mirroring, your Smart TV should appear in the list of available devices.

Stream & Mirror with Apple AirPlay

AirPlay is a technology developed by Apple that allows iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to stream and display media on Apple TV.

Apple TV is a small device that connects to a TV with an HDMI cable and essentially turns it into a smart TV with streaming apps, video games, and iTunes music.

1. On an iOS device, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Panel .
2. Click on the button Screen Mirroring and select Apple TV .

Mirror and stream with Chromecast

Like the Apple TV, the Google Chromecast is a small device that brings Smart TV functionality to any TV with an HDMI cable port. Chromecast has many built-in media streaming apps from services like Netflix and YouTube, and can also be used to stream and mirror content from various devices. Some smart TVs have Chromecast built-in and don’t require the purchase of a separate Chromecast device.

iOS devices . After you install the Google Home app on your iOS device, a small icon will appear in the upper right corner of the screen when media from a compatible app can be streamed to your Chromecast-connected TV. Popular apps that support this feature include Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo, HBO GO, and Hulu.

Android devices . Android smartphones and tablets can display the entire screen on a TV connected to a Chromecast.

1. On your Android device, open the Google Home app.
2. Click on the menu icon, which will look like three horizontal lines, and then select Cast Screen .
3. Your Chromecast should appear in the list of compatible devices. Click on it to start mirroring your device.

Windows PC . All contents of a web browser tab can be mirrored to a TV using the Google Chrome browser. This can be useful when viewing videos or images embedded on a website.

1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner.
2. Click Cast .
3. Your Chromecast connected to your TV should appear in the list of connected devices. Click on it to start mirroring the current browser tab.