Smart TVs connect directly to the internet, allowing you to stream your favorite shows from various apps like Netflix, HULU, HBO Max, and hundreds more.
However, there are some important considerations for choosing the right model for your RV.
Let’s look at 10 of the best smart TV models for RV use, break down the two main ways you can set up a smart TV system, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Important Note
Before we jump into the TV comparison and reviews, it’s important to understand that there really are no smart TVs designed for RV use at this time. However, you have two main options:
- Use a standard 120-volt Smart TV with a power inverter to convert DC 12-volt power to 120 volts.
- Use a TV designed for RV use and hook up a Roku, Chromecast, or Amazon Fire to make it “smart.”
With option 1, if your RV has a 120-volt outlet within reach of your TV, you won’t need an inverter as long as you use shore power or a portable RV generator. But they are good to have for other reasons, as well.
300W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter for RV Adapter DC 12V to AC 120V
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Below we reviewed and compared a mix of standard 120-volt Smart TVs and 12-volt TVs designed for RV use that require an external streaming device to make them “smart.” Pick the model that’s right for you!
Comparison Chart
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Best Smart TVs For RV Use
TCL 40S325 40 Inch 1080p Smart LED ROKU TV
- Top Pick
Even though 1080p panels have fallen out of fashion nowadays (4K has taken over), TCL comes through with a value offering you can get for a steal. The TCL 40S325 40 Inch 1080p Smart LED ROKU TV works with both Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa, allowing you to watch movies and shows without touching a remote.
The TV’s AI voice recognition will encounter a bit of a learning curve before it recognizes your voice 100% of the time, but it’s polished and acceptable as far as 2019 devices go.
You can stream over 5,000 channels and over half a million movies via Roku. Since their names aren’t always simple to pronounce, if you don’t want to use a remote, you have to be a little patient—especially when pronouncing titles like “Thir13en Ghosts” or “Dumb and Dumberer.”
This TV has excellent color reproduction with HDR10 technology, sharpness, and contrast, along with a 60-hertz refresh rate that will give your movies that smooth, flawless look that panels with a 24-hertz or 30-hertz cap can’t capture.
Additionally, it has 3 HDMI ports to connect it to a laptop, desktop computer, or smartphone. It weighs only 18.7 pounds, so you can easily mount the TV to an RV wall without much issue.
Key Features
- Wall-mounted
- 1080p resolution
- 60hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi, USB, and HDMI capable
- LED technology
- 1 USB, 3 HDMI inputs
- Has a headphone jack, RF, optical audio out, and composite
Specifications
- Model: 40S325
- Weight: 18.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 35.6 x 7.2 x 22.7 inches
- Colors: Black
TCL 40S325 40 Inch 1080p Smart LED ROKU TV
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About TCL
TCL is a Chinese manufacturer that has been making TVs and various appliances for the global market since 1981. You can find their screens in many Samsung, Alcatel, and Blackberry products. In many Asian markets, they’re famous for making quality products at affordable prices.
Insignia 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV (NS-32F201NA23)
- Best Smart HDTV
The Insignia 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart TV is for those campers who want to watch something on a screen bigger than their smartphones at a very affordable price. Insignia is not a very well-known brand, but it’s a hungry up-and-comer in the realm of smart TVs. Their budget TVs feature:
- HD-quality 720P LED screen
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities
- Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, and a Browser
The Insignia HD Smart TV has the FireTV experience built-in (no add-on needed), giving you access to over a million movies and shows, plus Alexa voice recognition, so you can stream your content without lifting a finger. As far as smart TVs go, this is one of the most cost-effective ones out there.
It has a multi-core graphics processing unit inside, so you’ll be gliding through the menus of streaming services without the visible lag you see on many TVs in its price range.
This TV supports over-the-air software updates, so its voice-recognition-recommended shows and display settings will improve to suit your tastes over time.
It has a 60-hertz refresh rate and DTS audio processing, providing an immersive experience for everyone watching in your RV. However, you always need an internet connection to access its built-in apps.
Notable additional features include a sleep timer, a TV stand, and a downloadable Roku channel (which adds a ton of free content).
Key Features
- 720P display
- 60-hertz panel
- 3 HDMI ports, including HDMI ARC
- DTS TruSurround technology
- LED technology
- Remote batteries are included in the package
Specifications
- Model: NS-32F201NA23
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 28.9 x 19 inches
- Colors: Black
Insignia 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart TV
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About Insignia
Insignia is the in-house brand of US retail titan Best Buy. They’re one of the most popular items on Black Friday sales, with higher-end 4K HDR screens that are mostly Amazon Fire TVs as well. Unlike other brands where the Amazon Fire branding can command a premium, Insignia carries it at no extra cost to the customer.
TCL 32S327 32-Inch 1080p ROKU Smart LED TV
- Best 30+ inch Screen
The TCL 32S327 32-Inch 1080p ROKU Smart LED TV is the smaller sibling of the first item on this list, the TCL 40S325 40-Inch 1080p Smart LED ROKU TV. The fact that two TCL screens are on this list speaks volumes about this brand’s quality and reliability.
Chinese and South Asian-manufactured screens are no longer exclusively for smartphones, treadmills, and smart washing machine displays in the West.
The TCL 32S327 32-Inch has all the same features as its big brother but at a more affordable price. It’s also more accessible on online marketplaces since the 40-inch model can be hard to find (it sells out fast).
This TV works with Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. You can hook it up to the all-new 4th generation Echo Dot to read audiobooks, turn on the radio, or play downloaded music from any corner of your RV.
Like the 40-inch model, this TV also has a 60-hertz refresh rate coupled with a 1080p HDR10-capable resolution, which provides a smooth level of tracking motion as well as punchy colors and highlights.
Because it’s an LED screen, you can expect deep blacks and high contrast ratios on all the shows and movies you can access through its intuitive user interface.
It’s also one of the most lightweight TVs on this list, so if you’re thinking of hooking it up in your bedroom at home after using it in your RV, you can do it without much effort.
Key Features
- 60-hertz panel
- 3 HDMI ports
- Optical component outputs
- LED technology
- Google and Amazon Alexa support
- Native support for Roku
Specifications
- Model: 32S327
- Weight: 9.40 lbs
- Dimensions: 28.80 x 7.10 x 19.10 inches
- Colors: Black
TCL 32S327 32-Inch 1080p ROKU Smart LED TV
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Insignia NS-24DF310NA21 24-inch Smart HD 720p TV – Fire TV Edition
- Best Budget 24-inch Screen
Much like the TCL screens on this list, the Insignia NS-24DF310NA21 24-inch Smart HD 720p TV is the second Insignia TV we’ve featured because it’s compact, lightweight, and versatile without costing an arm and a leg.
In general, Insignia TVs have better availability online than their TCL counterparts, and that’s for a good reason. They’re perfect for the budget-conscious RV owner who wants their passengers to have a good time while driving down seemingly never-ending stretches of American highways.
This 24-inch product from Insignia might only come with a 720p resolution, but you can access an endless amount of content on it. It has over 500,000 movies available on-demand thanks to its Roku support and a host of integrated apps.
It has native support for Amazon’s Alexa, so you can hook it up to an Echo Dot and use it from any spot in your RV and, sometimes, even from outside while you’re grilling or cleaning.
Like its 32-inch brother that you can find as one of the best value contenders in its segment, it also has a 60-hertz refresh rate that natively smooths out the flow of pictures during chase sequences and when main characters are jumping out of airplanes.
It has DTS audio-processing support for a more immersive viewing experience and an 8.5 millisecond response time (ideal for gaming).
Key Features
- 60-hertz panel
- 3 HDMI ports
- 3000:1 contrast ratio
- LED technology
- Google and Amazon Alexa support
- French, Spanish, and English interface languages
Specifications
- Model: NS-24DF310NA21
- Weight: 6.40 lbs
- Dimensions: 7.10 x 21.70 x 14.40 inches
- Colors: Black
Insignia NS-24DF310NA21 24-inch Smart HD 720p TV – Fire TV Edition
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SuperSonic SC-2411 LED Widescreen HDTV & Monitor 24″ Flat Screen
- Best in Versatility
SuperSonic is a homegrown American brand that’s been making consumer electronics since 1979.
The company has dabbled in MP3 and MP4 players, DVD players, and LCD televisions, but the SuperSonic SC-2411 is one of its finest forays into LED technology.
The SC-2411 has better online and department store availability than the TCL and the Insignia TVs, and it also comes in more sizes. It’s available in 32-inch, 22-inch, 19-inch, 15.6-inch, and 13-inch options for all types of applications.
The TV has LED technology, a built-in AC/DC converter, and is compatible with HDMI, VGA, and USB inputs, making it the champion of versatility for RV TVs.
You can connect it to an antenna and stream network and cable television, hook it up to a laptop and use it as an alternative computer screen, or attach it to a Playstation 2, for example, and play retro games.
This model is one of the few TVs to date that still has a VGA port, meaning that you can use it for old graphics cards, game systems, and motherboards that predate the age of HDMI.
At 6.94 pounds, it’s also one of the lightest 1080p TVs making this flat-screen easy to install in an RV.
Key Features
- 60-hertz panel
- VGA-compatibility
- RCA output
- Two HDMI inputs
- LED technology
- Firestick compatibility, with support for Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and many more
Specifications
- Model: SC-2411
- Weight: 6.94 pounds
- Dimensions: 23 x 2 x 14.5 inches
- Colors: Black
SuperSonic SC-2411 LED Widescreen HDTV & Monitor 24″ Flat Screen
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About Supersonic
Supersonic is an American consumer electronics brand that’s been making portable audio systems, mobile accessories, cameras, and televisions since 1979. The company’s headquarters are in Commerce, California.
Free Signal TV Transit 22″ 12 Volt DC Powered LED Flat Screen HDTV
- Best Travel-Specific TV
Because Southeast Asian companies have taken over the TV market, many people have not heard of Free Signal TV. It’s an American company that is a division of Galaxy Communications, a well-known broadcasting company in Central New York.
Free Signal electronics, like the Transit 22″ 12 Volt DC Powered LED Flat Screen HDTV, are created specifically for the RV owner or always-on traveler who wants to watch content without enduring tiny smartphone speaker audio and limited display sizes.
The Free Signal TV Transit 22″ 12 Volt DC Powered LED Flat Screen HDTV is versatile and easy to set up. This brand and model have better audio circuitry that will liven up your RV or camper van with advanced noise reduction, a more dynamic sound response, and better bass.
Unlike most TVs on this list, you can use the Transit with a direct current, so there’s no need for a power inverter, which saves $50-$80.
The Transit 22″ HDTV is famous among campers, boaters, and tailgaters for its 60-hertz refresh rates, meaning you’ll see every frame of a knife cutting through fruit and meat if you’re a fan of cooking shows and bright, high-lumen screens that result in stellar viewing angles.
If you’re going off the grid, you can connect it to a DVD, Blu-Ray, and external hard drives with its multiple HDMI outputs and USB support.
Key Features
- 60-hertz panel
- Single HDMI input
- Noise reduction technology
- LED technology
- Compatibility with the Marathon Whole-House TV antenna
- Usage of direct current
- Five-millisecond response time
Specifications
- Model: TV Transit 22″
- Weight: 7.24 pounds
- Dimensions: 20.1 x 3 x 12.1 inches
- Colors: Black
Free Signal TV Transit 22″ 12 Volt DC Powered LED Flat Screen HDTV
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About Free Signal
Free Signal is the TV division of Galaxy Communications, LLC, a company that owns many broadcasting stations in Central New York.
Free Signal TVs are compatible with an ecosystem of products that make it easier for travelers to access media from anywhere outdoors, like the long-range Marathon Plus Antenna and the Transit TV AC Power Brick.
Free Signal TV Transit 32″ 12 Volt DC Powered LED Flat Screen HDTV
- The Best TV for Constant Travelers
The Free Signal TV Transit 32″ 12 Volt DC Powered LED Flat Screen HDTV is the big brother to the Free Signal Transit 22″, mentioned earlier in this list.
Even at a bigger size, it still has a 720p resolution, but the picture quality is crisp and superb, thanks to its LED panel’s superior viewing angles. It has a 178 by 178 viewing angle with a five-millisecond response time, one of the fastest in the HDTV market today.
Much like the 22″ model, the Transit 32″ has excellent audio chops thanks to its sound-dampening technology, eliminating all the noise from its inner circuitry. It has a dynamic sound response and a more refined treble, creating a more pleasant and immersive viewing experience.
The TV is compatible with the Free Signal ecosystem of products and other generic TV implements, so you can hook it up to an antenna and enjoy network programming from anywhere in the United States.
All Transit TVs have shock and vibration dampeners, which function like an internal suspension system that makes them more durable than most other TVs, especially for constant travelers. Most TVs have sensitive electrical components that wear out faster when put inside RVs, SUVs, and car headrests.
The Transit’s shock absorbers future-proof them for many years on the road—or at sea because they’re popular among the boating crowd as well.
Key Features
- 60-hertz panel
- Availability in four screen sizes: 40-inch, 32-inch, 28-inch, and 22-inch
- 1366 x 786 resolution
- Three HDMI inputs
- LED technology
- Compatibility with streaming devices like the Roku and Firestick
Specifications
- Model: CT-32T18
- Weight: 11.28 pounds
- Dimensions: 28.8 x 3.2 x 17.4 inches
- Colors: Black
Free Signal TV Transit 32″ 12 Volt DC Powered LED Flat Screen HDTV
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Jensen JTV19DC HD Ready 19″ Inch LED TV
- Best Durability
The Jensen JTV19DC is a 19-inch LED TV from an American company, ASA Electronics.
Although it is not very well-known relative to competitors like Samsung or TCL, the company has been making consumer electronics focusing on audio and video equipment since 1977.
The Jensen JTV19DC is much like the Free Signal Transit—it likes to live inside motor homes, campers, trailers, and boats. It has a more rugged chassis than traditional TVs, paired with a clean and modern look that will work well with most RV designs.
The JTV19DC’s inner circuitry is inside an industrial metal cabinet with shock and vibration dampeners, so it will not wear out no matter how many bumps and scrapes your RV encounters.
The TV has a slim profile so that it will fit snuggly even in your camper’s expanding compartments and flanks. It has dual front-firing speakers for an immersive viewing experience, as well as front controls that are convenient if you’ve misplaced your remote.
You can pair it up with a Jensen HDMI-equipped DVD player without having to buy an extra remote because the TV comes with a dual-function remote compatible with other Jensen mobile theater components.
Key Features
- Headphone jack
- Digital SPDIF output
- Single HDMI input with ARC support
- 3000:1 contrast ratio
- LED technology
- VGA support for old graphics cards and game systems
Specifications
- Model: JTV19DC
- Weight: 7.08 pounds
- Dimensions: 14.8 x 14.8 x 4.6 inches
- Colors: Black
Jensen JTV19DC HD Ready 19″ Inch LED TV
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About Jensen
Jensen is a brand of ASA Electronics, an American company founded in Elkhart, Indiana, in 1977. They made their first television in 1986.
SuperSonic SC-2412 LED Widescreen
- Best Budget 24-inch Screen
At first glance, the SuperSonic SC-2412 LED Widescreen might seem identical to an earlier model in this list, the SuperSonic SC-2411, but they have some key differences.
Their display qualities are both superb, offering a crisp 1080p picture that only a few competitors rival in their price segment, and they’re both HDMI, USB, and AC compatible, so you can watch a broad range of offline content.
However, the SC-2412 has a built-in DVD player, a feature you can find in only a handful of RV TVs.
The SuperSonic SC-2412 is for the camper who wants to live off the grid for extended periods because you won’t need an internet connection, a Netflix subscription, or even downloaded video files on your smartphone to fully utilize it.
All you need are DVDs that sell at greatly marked-down prices on Craigslist, eBay, or the clearance bin at Wal-Mart, and you can keep yourself entertained for a long time.
Key Features
- Built-in DVD player
- Single HDMI input
- Sleep timer function
- Full-function remote control
- AC/DC compatibility
- Built-in speakers with digital noise reduction
Specifications
- Model: JTV19DC
- Weight: 7.92lbs
- Dimensions: 22.32 x 6.69 x 14.84 inches
- Colors: Black
SuperSonic SC-2412 LED Widescreen w/DVD Player
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PYLE 10-Inch Portable Widescreen TV
- Best Portable Screen
The Pyle 10-Inch Portable Widescreen TV is one of the most versatile products on this list. It comes armed with a 10-inch screen that features a 16:9 aspect ratio, a high-resolution display, and left and right speakers that output sound from the bottom of the TV. You can put it on headrests, cabinet doors, and virtually any flat surface that you’ll be staring at for a long time.
This mini-TV reads flash drives and micro SD cards, with support for WMA and MP3 audio files, along with JPEG and PNG files, so you can use it as an electronic picture frame. It also features broad support for various video formats like MPEG, MP4, MKV, and AVI, so video playability is never a problem.
Key Features
- DC/AC adapter in the box
- Micro SD card support up to 32 gigabytes
- One AV input and USB port
- One memory card slot
- 12V DC power input
- Built-in speakers with noise reduction
- Built-in rechargeable 2500 mAh battery
Specifications
- Model: PLTV1053
- Weight: 1.28 pounds
- Dimensions: 1.23 x 10.24 x 7.37 inches
- Colors: Black
PYLE 10-Inch Portable Widescreen TV
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About Pyle
Pyle is a US consumer electronics maker focusing on vehicle audio and video equipment. Since the late 1960s, Pyle has offered products for boats, home studios, and DJs.
FAQs
What Kind of TV Is Best for an RV?
Although there is no particular market segment for RV TVs, companies like Free Signal and ASA Electronics make their TVs with shock absorbers and a reinforced chassis, making them a great RV TV from a durability standpoint.
However, those models can lack certain features you might want in a TV.
Any TV that made our top 10 list will make for a great RV TV. Pick the one that best fits your needs and give it a go. If durability is your biggest concern, but you want the features of a standard 120-volt TV made for home use, be sure to mount the TV with a durable lockable wall mount specifically made for RV use.
You may want to consider removing the TV from its mount and safely storing it during travel to further extend its life.
Do Special TVs Exist for RVs?
Special televisions for RVs are just regular displays with a few added features for durability and compatibility. They’re generally small, no more than 32 inches in size, and can handle the roughness of the open road. You’ll need to use a power inverter for most TVs to work in an RV, but some 12-volt TVs have them built-in.
Can You Use a Smart TV in an RV?
Yes, you can use a Smart TV in an RV. But, to access any of the apps, you will need a stable internet connection. You can also attach a Firestick, Chromecast, or Roku to a standard TV with an HDMI port to make it “smart.”
Can You Watch TV While an RV Is Moving?
You can technically watch TV while an RV is moving, but there are a few important considerations. The first is your power supply. If your TV relies on 120 volts from shore power, you might not be able to. If you have a 12-volt TV or a generator that can run while driving to power a 120-volt TV, you can technically watch TV while moving.
Keep in mind over-the-air RV TV antennas might not work well in moving vehicles as they need to be pointed in a certain direction. If you have satellite TV in your RV, you’ll need an in-motion model to keep the picture quality high while moving. If you have a smart TV with a stable internet connection, you should have no problems watching TV while traveling.