The Best TVs for Your Dorm Room (So You Can Stop Overthinking It)

Picking a TV for your dorm room doesn’t need to be hard. Really the only two things you need to consider are size and streaming platform. Pick the right size for your space and the built in streaming platform you already use and your decision is done.

I’ve rounded up the best options for you, so you can sign in and start watching even on move in day. Let’s find your TV.

Before You Shop

A few things worth knowing before you start shopping.

Get the right size. Dorm rooms are small and you don’t want a massive TV taking over your space. For most standard dorm rooms, 32 inches is the sweet spot. I’ve noted where a different size makes more sense.

No wall mounting. Most dorms don’t allow it so your TV is probably going on top of your desk or dresser, taking away some of your storage space. I’ve found the perfect solution for that though. Keep scrolling to see my recommendation.

Do you actually need a TV? A lot of students watch everything on their laptop and never miss having one in their room. If that’s you, save the money. But if you love having something on in the background, want a movie night setup, or just want your own screen, it’s worth it.

Find Your TV

1. If You Use Roku – Roku 32″ Select Series

If you’re a Roku user, this is your TV. Roku is built right in so all your streaming apps are already there the second you turn it on.

It’s small enough to sit on your desk, dresser, or a rolling TV stand without taking over your whole space. If I were moving into a dorm again, this is the TV I would choose.

💎Here’s a Gem: A rolling TV stand is honestly one of the best things you can buy if you have a TV in your room. It gives your TV its own spot so your desk and dresser stay clear, you can angle it wherever you’re sitting, and you can roll it wherever it works best in your room. I wish these were out when I was in a college!

2. If You Use Fire TV – Amazon Fire TV 32″ 2-Series

If you’re an Amazon user, this is your TV. Fire TV is built right in so Prime Video and all your streaming apps are there the second you log in. This TV sits on your desk, dresser, or a rolling TV stand easily and works from day one without any setup headaches.

3. If You Use Google – TCL 32″ 3-Series Google TV

If YouTube is always open and your whole life runs through Google, this one is for you. Google TV is built right in so your apps, your watch history, your recommendations are already connected to this TV. Fits anywhere in your room and you’ll be watching before you finish unpacking.

4. If You’re on a Budget – Insignia 32″ F20 Series Fire TV

If you want a TV that works and you don’t want to spend a lot of money on it, this is the one (for a Fire TV). Not the most glamorous option on this list but it leaves more money in your budget for everything else your room needs.

5. If You Have a Bigger Room – Roku 43″ Select Series

If you’re in a suite or have a larger room, go with this one. Same Roku platform as the 32-inch, so the setup is identical. At 43 inches you can actually watch comfortably with a few people in the room without everyone crowding around a small screen.

6. If You Don’t Want a Traditional TV – Mini Projector

Don’t want a regular TV crowding your space? A projector is a fun alternative for movie nights! This one has the streaming apps built in just like a smart TV. Just sign into the app, point it at any blank wall, and your whole room feels like a movie theatre.

Next Steps

Now that you’ve got your TV picked out, make sure you’re not forgetting anything else for move-in day.

Here’s where to go next:

Ready to shop everything for your room? Start with the full essentials list so nothing gets left behind: Girls Dorm Room Essentials / Guys Dorm Room Essentials

Ready to figure out what to actually pack? Here’s everything you need to bring from home to campus: The Dorm Packing List for Girls / Dorm Room Packing List for Guys