Let's get something out of the way. Back to school season isn't just about getting new textbooks and stationery.
For many students, especially those moving into new dorm rooms or apartments, it's also about creating a space that feels like home.
Naturally, any dorm room setup is going to be improved with a TV. Here's what to look for to create the best back to school TV setup.
Why a Good TV Matters in a Dorm Room
With limited space to stretch out in, the uncertainty that comes with new roommates, and simply needing a distraction from academics, a TV is kind of essential.
Sure, binge-watching your favorite shows is likely the main pursuit. But having a TV in your dorm room can also help you stream educational content, be used for video games, and even double as a second monitor for your computer. See, study AND leisure time!
Beyond helping to create a comfortable space to relax and recharge, a good TV can be a focal point for gatherings, movie nights, and game sessions with friends—the cornerstone of college life.
Key Dorm Room TV Features
Choosing the perfect TV for your dorm room involves more than just picking a size. Several key features can make watching more awesome. Let's break down what to look for and why it matters.
Size and Space Considerations
Dorm rooms are notoriously small, so naturally the screen size of a TV is a critical factor. A TV that's too large can overwhelm the room, while one that's too small may not provide a satisfactory viewing experience.
For most dorm rooms, a TV between 32- and 43-inches is the sweet spot. This size range offers a good balance of screen size and space efficiency. Of course, going bigger will get you a better viewing experience.
Measuring Your Space
Before purchasing a TV, settle in first, and measure the available space in your dorm room. This simple step will save you headaches and ensure your new TV is the perfect fit. Consider the distance between where the TV will be placed and where you'll be sitting. This will help you determine the optimal size for your TV. Also, take into account other furniture and decor to ensure the TV doesn't make the room feel cramped.
Placement Options
Decide whether you will place the TV on a stand or mount it on the wall. Wall mounting can save space and provide a cleaner look. Remember that wall mounting requires proper tools, potentially permission from your dormitory or landlord, and maybe even professional help.
Placing the TV on a stand makes things easier, but make sure it's sturdy and fits well in your room layout. A dresser or shelf can be a suitable alternative, so long as it can support the TV's weight. Consider how the placement will affect viewing angles and comfort.
Resolution
Now we're getting into more technical aspects. If you really want to have a good picture for your favorite TV series, aim for at least 1080p (Full HD). If your budget allows, 4K UHD will offer better detail and a much sharper picture. Keep in mind that streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video offer a growing library of 4K content, making a 4K TV a smart investment for future enjoyment.
While 1080p provides a clear and detailed picture suitable for most viewing needs, 4K resolution offers four times the clarity, making images crisper and more vibrant.
Picture Perfect Tech
TVs with features like HDR (or High Dynamic Range) and advanced color technologies (like Wide Color Gamut or QLED) offer a BIG step up.
HDR enhances contrast and color accuracy, making images look more lifelike and immersive. Color technologies like QLED produce more vibrant colors, making shows and movies pop. These features can make a significant difference in your overall viewing experience, especially when you're streaming the latest blockbuster movies or playing AAA games like Call of Duty®.
Smart TV Capabilities
All of TCL's TVs are Smart TVs. What that means is that you can access popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, built-in.
Let's face it, this is a must.
The convenience of a Smart TV also eliminates the need for additional streaming devices and keeps your setup clutter-free—no extra boxes, dongles, or sticks required. Sets like the ones from TCL feature the most popular streaming platforms, so you get a MASSIVE library of available streaming apps and super easy navigation, all baked right into the TV.
Voice Control and Integration
Imagine controlling your TV without lifting a finger. That's the magic of voice control.
Most TCL TVs come with voice control, allowing you to search for content, adjust TV settings, and control other smart devices, with the sound of your voice. TCL's premium TVs even offer hands-free voice control, so you won't have to remember where you left the remote control to find what you want to watch FAST.
Connecting with virtual assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can really step up your game. These built-in assistants are the ultimate convenience for busy college students.
More tech specs that matter
Connectivity Options
You'll want your dorm room TV to have multiple HDMI ports, USB ports, and possibly even an Ethernet port. These connections will let you hook up gaming consoles, laptops, and other devices, so that your movie nights and Call of Duty sessions go off without a hitch.
Check the number and type of ports to ensure they meet your needs. Having extra ports can prevent the hassle of constantly switching cables. A USB port allows for media playback from external drives or for charging devices.
Don't forget the Wi-Fi. It's a must for streaming content and accessing online services. I suggest looking for TVs with at least Wi-Fi 5 for reliable and fast wireless performance. And don't worry, even if your wireless network requires logging in via a web browser, all TCL TVs have options for that situation.
Thinking About the Future
Think about the future and if devices will work together before choosing how they connect.
For example, you may want a TV that supports the latest HDMI standards for optimal performance, especially for gaming. Look for features like eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) for better audio quality if you plan to upgrade your audio in the future as well.
Audio Quality
Dorm rooms can be noisy, and not everyone wants to invest in a separate sound system. Look for features like Dolby Audio or DTS for enhanced sound. Some TVs also offer Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect wireless headphones or external speakers for a better audio experience.
If you have the space and the budget, opt for the sound bar as well. With a sound bar, you'll enjoy a massive sound upgrade that won't take up too much space. TCL has options that are compact and designed to fit seamlessly with your TV setup.
The Best TVs for Dorm Rooms
We've covered the basics of size, placement, and picture quality. Now, let's look at some suggestions tailored to what you want and how much you want to spend. This way, you can set up the best entertainment center in your living room.
Best Small TV for Desks and Small Spaces: S3 Class
TCL's S3 TV is the ultimate space-saver, transforming your tiny desk into a multimedia hub.
With a compact 32-inch screen size, the S3 is the ideal TV for cramped dorm room desks. It won't take over your valuable study space, but it's still big enough to deliver an immersive viewing experience for movie nights or catching the game.
This little powerhouse packs a punch with Full HD resolution and HDR technology, so visuals will be sharp. Whether you're catching up on lectures, streaming your favorite shows, or battling it out in a video game, the picture quality will impress. Best of all, no cable box needed!
The S3 runs on Google TV, offering access to all your favorite streaming services, YouTube, and even voice control with Google Assistant. Binge-watching shows, listening to music, or just catching up on the news is a breeze. The S3 is surprisingly affordable, leaving you more room in your budget for other essentials (like that mini fridge you've been eyeing).
Best 4K TV for Bedrooms: S5 Class
Living in a small space doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your entertainment needs. Here's why the S5 is your dorm room's 4K champion.
With screen sizes starting at 43-inches, S5 makes it easy to upgrade to crystal-clear 4K visuals without sacrificing precious floor space. 4K and HDR can make late-night movie sessions more detailed, vibrant, and immersive, while TCL's AIPQ Processor intelligently optimizes every frame as you watch, to enhance the picture even further, no matter the source.
The S5 also comes ready to play, with advanced gaming features like Auto Game Mode. So, when you put down the books and jump on the sticks, your gameplay is smooth and responsive, perfect for those epic late-night battles with your friends (just try not to get too loud!).
Best Gaming TV for Dorm Rooms: Q6 Class
Living in a dorm room is all about maximizing fun in a limited space. That's where the TCL Q6 QLED TV steps in.
Let's be real, this isn't just any old dorm room TV we're talking about here—it's a comprehensive entertainment and gaming hub, poised to metamorphose your small space into the ultimate chill spot.
First, the Q6 comes in sizes ranging from 55- to 98-inches. With these sizes, you'll basically guarantee epic movie nights, immersive game days, and these big screens will help you dominate online battles with your squad.
What also sets this TV apart is stunning visuals powered by QLED technology, so you'll get vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredible detail. It'll make everyone choose your room for watch parties. This TV also has enhanced gaming chops with Game Accelerator 120 for smooth gameplay and up to 120Hz VRR along with Auto Game Mode (or ALLM) — say goodbye to lag and hello to victory dances.
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