Best Portable TV Reviews 2018

Compared to other types of televisions, a portable TV is more compact and lightweight, and can be carried around easily. Depending on the features you seek, they come in different shapes and sizes. This makes selecting the best portable TV a herculean task. That’s why we have researched many portable TVs and now present you with the top 5 brands, featuring one product from each. Don’t forget that these brands have other portable TVs apart from the ones featured, that you can also check out.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Screen Type

Size

Media Inputs

Power Source

Display Size

Our Top Choice

NAXA Electronics Portable TV

NAXA Electronics designs and distributes top-notch consumer electronics which entertain and delight its users at very affordable prices.

Its 3-way power source ensures constant play time and the external antenna slot means you can attach an additional antenna.

On the downside, its reception is sometimes weak.

TFT LCD screen

10.2 x 6.2 x 11.8 inches; 2.8 lbs.

TV Tuner/USB/SD memory cards

Built-in rechargeable battery

9 inches

Best Value

RCA Portable Widescreen TV

RCA supplies the U.S. consumer electronics market with leading edge technology and lifestyle-oriented portable and small-screen HDTV products, ranging from 4 to 22 inches in screen size.

It’s got parental controls that ensure kids don’t meddle with it, and a full-function remote control.

One little issue is that the antenna cord is a bit too short.

Digital LCD

9.8 x 2.5 x 11.3 inches; 1 lb.

ATSC/NTSC TV tuner

AC/rechargeable battery

7 inches

Philips Portable TV and DVD Player

Philips is a household name in the consumer electronics niche with a wide range of products used in many fields, serving homes and offices worldwide.

Its 7-inch HD TFT LCD widescreen gives high image quality. The detachable antenna lets you connect another antenna. Its credit card-sized slim remote control allows easy storage.

Its only limitation is that it isn’t compatible with cable TV.

TFT LCD screen

9.3 x 3 x 10 inches; 3 lbs.

TV tuner/DVD/ VCD/CD/MP3-CD

DC/ rechargeable battery

7 inches

Envizen Digital Portable DVD and TV Player

Envizen makes portable electronic products that are both functional and affordable, coupled with exceptional customer service.

It has a simple A/V connectivity so you can attach you favorite game console, and a USB port that accepts memory sticks for videos and music on-the-go.

On the downside, the antenna doesn’t pick up TV signals very well.

LCD TFT swivel widescreen

7.5 x 4.5 x 0.5 inches; 1 lb.

TV tuner/SD card/MMC/USB/DVD

DC power

7 inches

AXESS Portable TV

AXESS Products Corporation has over 70 years of hands-on experience and technical know-how in the consumer electronics and computer peripherals industry.

Its SD card slot and USB port let you play multimedia files from different storage devices.

On the flip side, the audio system is somewhat on the low side.

LCD TV

21 x 14 x 17 inches; 3 lbs.

TV tuner/SD card/USB

AC/DC power

9 inches

(Updated May 16, 2017)

Skip ahead and go directly to the reviews.

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Watch Our Portable TV Review

How Do I Choose the Best Portable TV?

If you’re planning on leaving home for a holiday, hiking, or camping spot, and you don’t want to miss any of your favorite TV or sport shows, a portable TV is exactly what you need. A portable TV is a television set that’s lightweight, compact, and contains many of the same features as other large-screen TV sets. The difference lays in the fact that it’s capable of operating away from a main power supply and can also be carried easily out of the home anytime, and taken anywhere.

Portable TVs come in various shapes and sizes, and depending on what you need, they have several features. The early portable TV featured the CRT and was usually bulky and heavy. But modern LCD portable TVs are slim, light, and compact. Just as with the conventional smart TVs, it’s possible to connect other digital devices such as DVD players, digital camcorders, or game consoles to a portable TV. It may also double up as a radio, and could have jacks for headphones and external speakers.

The aim of this review is to help you make the right choice of portable TV so that you can be entertained on the go without compromising convenience. Now let’s discuss some of the important things you need to pay close attention to when selecting a portable TV. So whether it’s for a road trip, a vacation, or a hiking trip, we hope to make your selection process easier and more fun.

Price

What differentiates the price of one portable TV from another is the presence or absence of high-end features. A portable TV with high resolution and a 3-way power source is expected to cost more than one that has just one power source. Also, the presence of a built-in stereo speaker, remote control, and a detachable antenna will also affect its price. Usually, the price of a good portable TV with top features may range from $59 to $250. During the course of our research, we did come across some cheap portable TVs, but we chose not to feature them in this review because we were more concerned with providing you with information on the most convenient and functional portable TVs.

Features

Before you decide to buy a portable TV, there are several factors you need to consider. You need to ensure that the features you seek would actually increase the benefits while maintaining the basic functions of a television set. Generally, below are the most important features to pay attention to:

Screen type
Dimension and weight
Playable media format
Portable TV connectivity
Power source

Construction and Design

When it comes to screen types, the CRT and LCD are the two types that are currently available. The larger CRTs usually take up more space and are not as portable, hence they aren’t as popular as the LCDs. The smaller LCDs, on the other hand, are lightweight and pose no difficulty fitting into any carriage of your choice. There are also newer modifications of the LCD, such as the TFT LCD and the HD LCD TV. The TFT is an active matrix LCD and improves image qualities such as addressability and contrast, while the HD LCD has a much higher resolution than conventional LCDs.

The fundamental difference between a portable TV and its larger cousins is the ease of portability, and this is chiefly determined by its screen dimension. Modern portable TVs have screen sizes ranging from 6 inches to 21 inches, and the appropriate size depends on the location, position, the number of viewers, and the frequency of movement. It’s also important to note that a smaller screen would be more energy-efficient than a larger screen because it would draw less current. Also note that mounting brackets for smaller portable TVs cost less than those for their larger counterparts.

As with other televisions, portable TVs can usually play digital multimedia file types such as H.264 (SD and HD), MPEG-4 (SD and HD), MPEG-1, MPEG-2.mpg, and MPEG-2.TS. They can also play music files and display images.

Performance and Ease of Use

With convenience in mind, the ease of moving a portable TV depends largely on its weight. The largest of them weigh 22 kg (almost 50 pounds) and anything more than that will be extremely bulky and cumbersome to carry around. If camping or a vacation is what you have in mind, it would be easier to carry a portable TV that weighs less and can fit into a backpack easily.

A portable TV could come with a fully functional remote control, which would allow you to control it from a distance. The presence of headphone jacks would also allow you to plug in a pair of headphones for private use. The built-in stereo speakers play an important role in case of multiple viewers.

While some portable TVs can double as a radio, others may have a USB port, SD card slot, and an AV input/output jack which enable you to attach portable media players, game consoles, and external speakers. Some may come with a built-in ATSC digital/NTSC analog tuner, an external and detachable antenna. This can help improve the inputs and reception of signals, especially on the road or in remote locations when camping or hiking.

Lastly, all types of portable TVs will need a form of power source. This can be from rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, a car adapter, or an AC adapter. It’s vital to ensure that irrespective of your location, the power source will always meet your needs. If the TV is going to be used on the road, getting one with a car adapter will make more sense, and if you’re taking it along on a camping trip or vacation, you might need to get one that operates on batteries.

What is the Best Portable TV?

Before selecting a portable TV, it’s critical to note those features that suit your needs and are most convenient for you. Now that you’ve read our buying guide and you know exactly what you want, we’ll now help you narrow your search down to some of the best portable TVs in the market.

Our Top Choice

The NAXA Electronics Portable TV comes with an ATSC/NTSC tuner, 9-inch LCD screen, and supports a wide range of digital file types and 3-way power with an AC power adapter and DC car adapter. If you want a TV-radio combo with a Bluetooth feature, then the NAXA Electronics NDL-257 7" Bluetooth DVD Boombox & TV is for you. It features a TV and Boombox.

NAXA Electronics Portable TV & Digital Multimedia Player in Black – Available in 2 Sizes

NAXA Electronics Portable TV NT-90 – 9”

Features

NAXA Electronics has, for years, designed and distributed top-notch consumer electronics which entertain and delight its users at affordable prices. Its product development team employs the latest in technology and design to bring to the market products that consumers crave for. Its commitment to responding to the needs of users and partners is evidenced by its management team and staff that go the extra mile to provide unequalled service.

The NAXA Electronics Portable TV (Selling for $77.35 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) comes with a wide array of features at a pocket-friendly price. Its 9-inch TFT LCD screen is portable and yet gives very sharp and well-defined images. Other interesting features that come with this TV include:

Removable memory compatibility lets you play multimedia files from USB and SD or SDHC memory cards
Digital multimedia file types like JPG, MP3, MPEG2, MPEG2_HD, MPEG4, MPEG4_SD, MPEG4_HD, H.264, and FLV are supported on the unit
AC power adapter, DC car adapter, and rechargeable battery ensure the unit is always powered, making it possible to use even on the go
Two A/V input connectors so you can connect your DVD player, in addition to an extra external antenna port to enhance TV reception
ATSC/NTSC tuner that lets you enjoy TV broadcasts on different channels running on either digital or analogue input
2 built-in stereo speakers and a headphone jack
The built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery provides 1.5 hours of play time

You can check out other portable TV models from NAXA Electronics if you need more options.

Best Value

The RCA Portable Widescreen TV comes at an unbelievably budget-friendly price, with a built-in ATSC digital/NTSC analog tuner. Do you need an even smaller TV unit that comes with a built-in antenna? Then the RCA Portable 4.3" Digital TV with an AC power adaptor and rechargeable option, is what you may be looking for.

RCA 7-Inch Portable Widescreen LCD TV with Detachable Antenna & Built-in Battery

RCA Portable TV T227

Features

RCA is the sales, distribution, and marketing arm of a dynamic Korean-based consumer electronics research, development, and engineering company which was incorporated in 1995 with the mission to design and develop ATSC tuners for new products. Since its venture into HDTV products in 2009 and the adoption of the RCA brand in 2011, the U.S. consumer electronics market has been supplied with incredible technology and lifestyle-oriented HDTV products, which range in screen size from 4 inches to 22 inches.

The RCA Portable Widescreen TV (Selling for $59.00 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is a fast-selling TV with a 7-inch widescreen LCD display. With it, you’re assured of exceptional value at a budget-friendly cost. It’s a good companion for you when you go tailgating, camping, on vacation, or sit at your deck or the office, and you can use this RCA TV anywhere you can get a TV signal. Here are some of the features that make it stand out:

Built-in ATSC digital/NTSC analog tuner that allows for both kinds of inputs, which makes it highly compatible
A detachable antenna which you can move around to get clearer reception and a flip-out stand so you can set it up and enjoy hands-free use
AC power adapter and a rechargeable battery which gives you more hours even when you don’t have access to electricity
Full-function remote control that lets you access the TV functions from any part of the room
Parental control to keep kids from meddling with it
Built-in speakers for public viewing and a standard headphone jack so you can use the TV in private

If you need to check more portable TV options, see RCA’s wide array of portable TVs.

The Philips Portable TV and DVD Player has a built-in digital TV receiver, can play for as long as 3 hours with its built-in lithium battery, and also features a stereo headphone jack. For a portable player that syncs with your Windows devices and has a 30-gig hard disk drive, look no further than the 3.5-inch color screen Philips Portable Media Player, 30 gig.

Philips 7-Inch LCD Portable TV & DVD Player with Built-in Battery

Philips Portable TV PET729/37

Features

Philips and Co. was established in 1891 by Gerard Philips and his father, Fredrick Philips, in Eindhoven to “manufacture incandescent lamps and other electrical products”. Since then, it has become a household name with a vast range of consumer electronics widely used in many fields, serving consumers globally. Its long-standing commitment to improving people’s lives is seen in its innovations that make a positive impact in consumers’ lives.

The Philips Portable TV and DVD Player (Selling for $250.00 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is a high-end, top-notch DVD Player with a built-in Digital TV receiver that lets you watch your favorite free-to-air TV programs anywhere and at any time. Here are some of its other outstanding features:

7-inch TFT LCD widescreen with high resolution for high image quality
Up to 3 hours of play time with its built-in lithium battery
Compatible with most DVD and CD discs available in the market (DVD, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW, (S)VCD, and CD)
MP3-CD, CD, and CD-RW playback and also view JPEG images from picture disc
Installation and setup is simple and quick, and the player automatically searches for all available channels once it’s powered on
In-car power adaptor that plugs into the cigarette lighter of your car and lets you charge the player while on the move
A credit card-sized slim remote control that stores away easily
Stereo headphone jack for better personal music or movie enjoyment
Completely detachable antenna that allows you to easily connect the TV up to an alternate (e.g., indoor or rooftop) antenna as needed

Just in case this model doesn’t suit you, check out other portable TV options from Philips.

The Envizen Digital Portable DVD and TV Player features a USB port to play multimedia files and an internal ATSC digital tuner for receiving digital TV signals at a moderate price. For a high definition, large-screen, and slightly more expensive portable TV and DVD Player, you can go for the Envizen Digital Quartet ED8890A Portable Television featuring an AC and car adaptor.

Envizen Digital 7-Inch Duo Box II Portable DVD & TV Player

Envizen Digital Portable TV ED8850B

Features

There are many brands that manufacture electronic products, but few can match Envizen’s dedication to delivering to its numerous customers products that are pocket-friendly and functional, with exceptional customer service as icing on the cake. It has continued to expand its product line following a long-standing tradition of excellence and simplicity.

The Envizen Digital Portable DVD and TV Player (Selling for $99.99 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) allows you to watch your favorite movie, catch up on your favorite show, listen to music, or even play your favorite game anywhere and even on-the-go.

Its notable features include:

7-inch, TFT LCD widescreen that swivels in any direction you want
2.5 hours of continuous play time
Built-in ATSC digital tuner, which allows you to access all available digital TV channels
An external antenna that you can connect to the unit for clearer and better TV channels
A car headrest carrying case, car adaptor, and slim remote
A USB port that lets you play your music and video files from an external storage source
A simple A/V connectivity so you can attach your favorite game console
Built-in speakers for general viewing, and headphone jack for privacy

See other models of portable TVs from Envizen if this one doesn’t catch your fancy.

The AXESS Portable TV has a unique QAM tuner that lets you use your TV on cable without a converter box. It’s a great TV that comes at a great price. If you need a TV with a smaller screen that comes with a car mount, then the Axess 7-Inch, LCD TV with ATSC Tuner, rechargeable lithium battery, and USB/SD inputs is the answer.

AXESS Portable LCD or LED TV – Available in 10 Sizes & 2 Styles

AXESS Portable TV TV1703-9 – 9-Inch - TV

Features

AXESS Products Corporation has over 70 years of hands-on experience and technical know-how in the consumer electronics and computer peripherals industry. Its ultimate goal is to always meet and exceed consumers’ expectations by bringing out products far more advanced than what’s obtainable in the market. Its unique designs, innovation, superior quality, and reasonable value keep them in the frontlines of latest technology and innovations. Its research and development team is constantly in search of innovative and useful products to add to its expanding regular and premium lines.

The AXESS Portable TV (Selling for $76.72 – Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is great for anyone on-the-go and provides high-definition content in terms of image resolution. The setup is relatively easy with a set of manuals in different languages, and a stand with a bottom for stability. It also has some other great features:

A QAM tuner (digital cable), which a lot of the new flat screen TVs don't have; if you want to use your TV on cable without a converter box, you need it
9-inch widescreen LCD display
Built-in lithium rechargeable battery that gives you up to 2 hours play time
Built-in Digital TV Tuner that auto selects channels
Rotary rod antenna that you can use to fine tune or pick up more TV signals
Full-function remote and power adapter that works with only AC power supply
SD card slot and USB port that let you play multimedia files from your external storage source
AV input/output jack where you can connect your game console or DVD player, earphone jack, and built-in speakers

If this particular model doesn’t meet your expectations, you can view other portable TVs from AXESS.

Get the Best Portable TV of 2018!

It’s our hope that we’ve provided enough information to help you make the right choice when buying a portable TV. Now go ahead and place your order with confidence.

Our Top Choice

NAXA Electronics Portable TV

Best Value

RCA Portable Widescreen TV

Philips Portable TV and DVD Player

Envizen Digital Portable DVD and TV Player

AXESS Portable TV