When going on a winter holiday, you probably don’t want to miss the Superbowl. But how do you watch your favorite team in the ultimate test of football? This is where a portable TV comes in handy.
Whether you’re driving down the freeway in an RV with the family, stuck in an office or busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen, a portable TV makes sure you don’t miss any of your regular programming. For all of these scenarios, the LEADSTAR 12-Inch Portable Digital LED TV should be your go-to option.
What to know before you buy a portable TV
Size
When most people buy a TV, the first thing they look at is the size, which is measured diagonally across the screen in inches. It stands to reason that the bigger the screen, the better the display. Consider where you’re going to use the TV, and decide on the right size for the intended purpose.
Power consumption
The relative power consumption of the TV should be taken into consideration. Most portable TVs run on either batteries or a supplied cable for an external source, like a car battery. Make sure you’re aware of the consumption and the connection method before you take the TV on the road.
Signal coverage and strength
A portable TV is of no use if you can’t pick up a decent signal. A smaller TV might be more affordable, but its signal strength might be worse. Investigate the signal pickup strength of a portable TV and determine if it can be boosted, if needed.
Portable TV features
Remote control
Since portable TVs are meant to be used outside your regular house, like while on vacation, nobody wants to get up to change channels. As such, most portable TVs are sold with remote controls. This functions just like a regular remote, where you can change the volume, input method and channels.
Media inputs
Besides picking up regular TV channels, portable TVs also have the ability for you to view different media sources. You can often find portable TVs with additional inputs for a DVD player, SD card or USB drive. Some might even have an HDMI port for a streaming device.
TV stand
Portable TVs need to be light and mobile enough to be used in seconds. To make it as easy as possible, most portable TVs have a stand included. Like a regular TV but on a smaller scale, the stand allows the device to be placed on a table, chair or any other flat surface. Sometimes the stand can be removed to turn it into a seat-back viewing device in a car.
Portable TV cost
The cost of a portable TV can be determined by a few factors, but mainly by its features and the manufacturer. Good portable TVs can be found for $80-$150.
Portable TV FAQ
Does a portable TV work with Wi-Fi?
A. On the whole, portable TVs don’t work with Wi-Fi. This would add more components to the device, making it more expensive.
Should I get a portable TV with an NTSC or an ATSC tuner?
A. The two tuners are different kinds of signal technology. NTSC has been widely used for decades, but the analog standard has become outdated. The digital ATSC signal gives you better sound and video quality and supports widescreens. The best option is to look for a portable TV that has both tuners.
Which portable TV should I get?
Best of the best portable TV
LEADSTAR 12-Inch Portable Digital ATSC TFT HD Screen Freeview LED TV: available at Amazon
Our take: A good-sized portable TV that supports many viewing formats.
What we like: This portable TV measures 12 inches diagonally, which is big enough for a good experience. It has a widescreen LED resolution of 1280 x 800 with an aspect ratio of 16:9. It has an ATSC tuner and supports HDMI and USB. For power, it has a built-in 4,000mAh battery and comes with a cable for DC power supply.
What we dislike: For the price, the sound quality could be better.
Best bang for your buck portable TV
Tyler 7-Inch Widescreen LCD Portable TV: available at Amazon
Our take: An affordable option for on-the-go TV viewing.
What we like: With a 7-inch display, this portable TV comes with a desk stand and remote control. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 4 hours and can be charged on DC mains. For inputs, it has a headphones jack, two AV inputs for a DVD player and a car charger. There’s also a slot for a USB drive.
What we dislike: It doesn’t have the functionality for an HDMI port.
Honorable mention portable TV
Tyler 10-Inch Widescreen LCD Portable TV: available at Amazon
Our take: A solid option for high-definition television viewing.
What we like: This 10-inch portable TV has a LCD screen and comes with multiple antenna options. It has an input for a USB drive and an SD card and is sold with an AC/DC adapter when not powered by the built-in battery. The full band digital TV tuner supports both ATSC and NTSC. It comes with a remote control and a desk stand.
What we dislike: To charge the internal battery, the portable TV must be turned off.
Charlie Fripp is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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