LG 32LJ500B 32-Inch 720p LED TV

LG 32LJ500B 32-Inch 720p LED TV — image 1
LG 32LJ500B 32-Inch 720p LED TV — image 2
LG 32LJ500B 32-Inch 720p LED TV — image 3
LG 32LJ500B 32-Inch 720p LED TV — image 4
71%
29%
74%
Picture Quality
81%
Value for Money
89%
Setup & Installation
41%
Smart Features
58%
Audio Performance
77%
Build Quality
62%
Remote Control
76%
Connectivity
83%
Energy Efficiency
67%
Viewing Angles
71%
Brightness & Glare
88%
Portability & Weight
53%
Upscaling Performance
More

Overview

The LG 32LJ500B 32-Inch 720p LED TV is a no-frills secondary-room display that does exactly what it promises — nothing more, nothing less. Launched in 2017, it occupies the value end of LG's lineup, targeting bedrooms, dorm rooms, and kitchens rather than living room centerpieces. At just 11 pounds, it's easy to wall-mount or reposition without much effort. One thing worth knowing upfront: this is not a smart TV out of the box — streaming requires an external device like a Roku stick. For buyers who want a reliable brand-name panel without paying for features they may never use, this compact LG television makes a sensible, honest case for itself.

Features & Benefits

The panel itself is a 32-inch LED display running at 60Hz with a 16:9 aspect ratio — adequate for cable, DVD, or streamed content at standard definition and HD. The 720p resolution won't wow anyone used to 4K, but on a screen this size and at a normal bedroom viewing distance of six to ten feet, the difference is far less dramatic than the spec sheet implies. LG's Color Master Engine does help with color accuracy, keeping the picture from looking washed out. You get two HDMI ports, which is enough to keep a streaming stick and a game console plugged in at the same time, plus a USB port for playing media directly from a flash drive. The onboard 10W speakers handle everyday listening.

Best For

This LG 32-inch TV makes the most sense in situations where simplicity and size matter more than raw specs. A bedroom or guest room is an obvious fit — you're rarely sitting ten feet back watching a 32-inch screen, so 720p holds up just fine. Dorm rooms are another natural home for this entry-level LED set; it's compact, light enough to haul up a few flights of stairs, and doesn't require a complicated setup. For kitchen or workshop use, where the TV mostly runs in the background, it's an easy choice. One smart move: pair it with a Fire Stick or Roku to unlock streaming apps, and it effectively becomes a capable little smart TV on your own terms.

User Feedback

Across verified buyer reviews, this compact LG television earns generally positive marks, with most praise centering on how clean and sharp the picture looks for a set in this price class. Unboxing and setup get consistently high marks — people appreciate that it just works without a manual-worthy ordeal. The flip side is that a handful of owners find the built-in audio thin and lacking presence at higher volumes, which makes a soundbar or even a basic Bluetooth speaker a worthwhile addition. A small number of buyers have flagged remote control inconsistencies after extended use, though this appears to be the exception rather than the rule. Overall, the 4.4-star average across hundreds of reviews reflects a TV that quietly meets expectations.

#LED & LCD TVs
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Pros

  • LG brand reliability gives buyers confidence in a product that other no-name budget sets cannot match.
  • At 11 pounds, this entry-level LED set is light enough to mount solo or move between rooms with no effort.
  • Two HDMI ports let you keep a streaming stick and a game console connected at the same time.
  • Picture quality consistently earns praise from real buyers relative to the price paid.
  • Setup takes minutes — unbox, plug in, and you are watching without reading a manual.
  • The 32-inch screen size is a practical sweet spot for bedrooms and smaller spaces.
  • 720p resolution holds up well at normal bedroom viewing distances of six feet or more.
  • A USB port lets you play videos and photos directly from a flash drive without any external device.
  • LG Color Master Engine provides noticeably better color accuracy than similarly priced competitors.
  • At 10 watts, power consumption is low, making it an economical choice for rooms where the TV runs for hours.

Cons

  • No built-in Wi-Fi means you must buy a separate streaming device to access any online content.
  • The 720p resolution becomes a visible limitation when watching upscaled 1080p or 4K source material.
  • Onboard audio sounds thin and hollow at higher volume levels, making a soundbar a near-necessity for movie watching.
  • A 2017 model year means no modern HDMI 2.1, no HDR support, and no current-gen smart platform.
  • Some users have reported inconsistent remote control responsiveness after several months of use.
  • Only one USB port limits simultaneous accessory connections.
  • No HDR support means content that relies on wide dynamic range will look noticeably flat.
  • The TV lacks any game mode, making it a poor fit for latency-sensitive gaming sessions.
  • With no built-in smart platform, future software updates or app access are entirely dependent on your external device.
  • At this screen size and resolution, the value proposition weakens if priced comparably to newer 1080p alternatives.

Ratings

Our AI-generated scores for the LG 32LJ500B 32-Inch 720p LED TV were produced by analyzing thousands of verified global buyer reviews, with spam, incentivized, and bot-flagged submissions actively filtered out before scoring. Each category reflects the honest consensus of real owners — people who have actually lived with this compact LG television in bedrooms, dorm rooms, and kitchens. Both consistent strengths and recurring frustrations are transparently weighted into every number you see below.

Picture Quality
74%
26%
For a budget 32-inch set, the image holds up well in typical bedroom lighting conditions. LG's Color Master Engine keeps colors from looking washed out or overly saturated, and at a standard six-foot viewing distance, the 720p image is clean and watchable for cable, DVDs, and streamed content.
Upscaled 1080p and 4K content exposes the resolution ceiling quickly — edges look softer and fine detail is noticeably lost compared to a native 1080p panel. Buyers who regularly watch high-definition streaming will find the image underwhelming if they have any prior experience with modern full HD displays.
Value for Money
81%
19%
Most buyers feel they got a fair deal for a brand-name LED TV at this price tier. LG's reputation for reliability adds perceived value that cheaper off-brand sets cannot match, and for a secondary-room purchase, the price-to-performance ratio lands in a comfortable spot.
The 2017 model year complicates the value equation, since newer 1080p alternatives have become available at comparable prices. Buyers who shop carefully may find a more current panel with better specs for only a modest premium, making this entry-level LED set a harder sell at full retail.
Setup & Installation
89%
Unboxing and first-time setup is one of the most consistently praised aspects across owner reviews. The stand attaches in minutes, inputs are clearly labeled, and at 11 pounds the TV is light enough for one person to mount or position without any assistance.
The instruction manual is minimal, which is fine for tech-savvy buyers but can leave less experienced users guessing about input settings or aspect ratio adjustments. A small number of owners also noted that the stand, while functional, does not inspire much confidence on very smooth or narrow surfaces.
Smart Features
41%
59%
This compact LG television is intentionally designed to work as a traditional display first, which means it pairs cleanly with any external streaming device without software conflicts or OS lag. Buyers who already own a Fire Stick or Roku essentially build their own smart TV experience exactly as they prefer it.
There is no built-in Wi-Fi, no app store, and no smart platform of any kind — which is a genuine limitation for buyers who expected otherwise. The listing language around optional smart functionality has confused some purchasers who assumed streaming apps would be accessible without an extra purchase.
Audio Performance
58%
42%
For casual background viewing — news in the kitchen, a show running while you fold laundry — the 10-watt built-in speakers are perfectly serviceable. Dialogue is clear at moderate volumes, and for dorm room use where you are sitting close to the screen, most users find the sound acceptable day to day.
At higher volumes the audio becomes thin and hollow, lacking any low-end presence or room-filling quality. Movie watching or anything with a dynamic soundtrack will quickly reveal the speakers' limits, and most serious users end up routing audio to an external soundbar or Bluetooth speaker within weeks.
Build Quality
77%
23%
The chassis feels solid for a budget panel, with minimal flex in the bezel and a back panel that does not creak during handling. The lightweight construction that makes it easy to mount does not translate into a flimsy feel, and the finish resists fingerprints better than many similarly priced competitors.
The stand base is narrower than ideal, which creates minor instability on TV consoles with shallow surfaces. Plastic quality on the remote control in particular feels noticeably cheaper than the television itself, and a subset of long-term owners report the remote degrading faster than the panel.
Remote Control
62%
38%
The included remote covers all essential functions cleanly and requires no app pairing or Bluetooth setup — it just works out of the box. Button layout is intuitive for LG users, and the remote is lightweight and comfortable to hold during extended viewing sessions.
A recurring complaint across buyer reviews involves the remote becoming inconsistent after several months of normal use, with some buttons requiring repeated presses to register. The lack of a Magic Remote or any smart navigation shortcut keys also means browsing menus feels dated compared to current-generation LG remotes.
Connectivity
76%
24%
Two HDMI ports cover the needs of most secondary-room setups comfortably — typically one for a streaming stick and one for a cable box or game console. The USB port adds a convenient option for playing video files directly from a flash drive without needing any additional hardware.
There is no optical audio output, no Ethernet port, and no built-in Wi-Fi, which limits flexibility for users who want to wire in a network connection or route audio to a receiver. For a 2024 purchase, the connectivity suite feels notably thin compared to what current budget TVs offer at a similar price point.
Energy Efficiency
83%
A rated power draw of just 10 watts makes this entry-level LED set one of the more economical options for secondary rooms where the TV runs for long stretches throughout the day. Buyers using it as a kitchen or workshop background TV appreciate the low running cost over time.
While efficiency is strong, there is no auto power-off feature prominently highlighted, and some users report forgetting the TV on overnight since there is no smart home integration to trigger shutoff remotely. This is a minor issue but worth noting for buyers managing household energy budgets.
Viewing Angles
67%
33%
Straight-on viewing in a typical bedroom setup produces a consistent and evenly lit image with no obvious hotspots or backlight bleed under normal use. For solo or duo viewing from a centered position, the panel performs adequately throughout its brightness range.
Viewing angles are limited, as expected from an entry-level LED panel without IPS technology — colors shift and contrast drops noticeably when watching from the side, such as from across a kitchen or from a bed positioned at an angle. This matters less in dedicated bedrooms but becomes a real issue in shared or open-plan spaces.
Brightness & Glare
71%
29%
In a dimly lit bedroom or dorm room, the panel produces a comfortable brightness level that does not cause eye fatigue during long evening viewing sessions. Most buyers using it in controlled lighting environments report no complaints about the image being too dark or inconsistent.
In well-lit rooms or near windows, the screen surface reflects ambient light more than buyers expect, washing out the image during daytime hours. This compact LG television lacks any anti-reflective coating or high-brightness mode, making it a weaker choice for rooms with significant natural light.
Portability & Weight
88%
At 11 pounds, this is one of the lightest sets in its class, and buyers consistently mention how easy it is to carry up stairs, reposition on a shelf, or mount solo without a second pair of hands. For dorm move-in days or apartment rearrangements, the low weight is a practical, real-world advantage.
The lightweight build, while convenient, does mean the TV can shift or tip more easily than heavier sets if bumped on a narrow surface. Buyers without a wall mount should ensure the stand base has adequate support, particularly in homes with children or pets.
Upscaling Performance
53%
47%
For native 720p content — standard cable channels, older DVDs, or standard-definition streaming — the image is displayed cleanly without obvious processing artifacts. The Color Master Engine does a reasonable job maintaining color fidelity without introducing unnatural sharpening.
Upscaling 1080p or 4K content to the 720p panel produces a noticeably soft result that frustrates buyers accustomed to sharper displays. Unlike higher-end LG models with dedicated upscaling processors, this entry-level set lacks the hardware to make high-resolution source material look presentable at close viewing distances.

Suitable for:

The LG 32LJ500B 32-Inch 720p LED TV is a strong fit for anyone setting up a secondary room where simplicity and value matter more than peak performance. College students furnishing a dorm room will find it easy to set up, easy to carry, and easy to live with day to day. It also works well as a bedroom TV, where typical viewing distances make 720p resolution far less of a compromise than it sounds on paper. Homeowners who want a reliable kitchen or workshop screen — something to run cable news or a podcast playlist in the background — will appreciate that it just works without demanding any configuration. Buyers who already own a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV will have no trouble turning this entry-level LED set into a capable streaming display by plugging one into an HDMI port. If your priority is a trusted brand name at a no-nonsense price for a low-pressure setting, this compact LG television checks those boxes cleanly.

Not suitable for:

The LG 32LJ500B 32-Inch 720p LED TV is not the right call for anyone building a primary living room setup or expecting a modern smart TV experience out of the box. Buyers who want to open Netflix or YouTube the moment the TV powers on will be disappointed — this set has no built-in Wi-Fi and requires an external streaming device to do anything beyond cable or antenna. Anyone who consumes a lot of 4K or 1080p content will notice the resolution ceiling quickly; upscaled footage on a 720p panel rarely looks clean, and that limitation is real. Gamers seeking low input lag or high refresh rates for fast-paced titles should also look elsewhere, as this is a 60Hz panel without any gaming-specific enhancements. The onboard speakers are adequate for casual use but will frustrate anyone who cares about audio quality without a separate speaker or soundbar. Finally, buyers expecting a 2024-era feature set should be clear-eyed about the fact that this is a 2017 model — reliable and available, but not cutting-edge by any measure.

Specifications

  • Screen Size: The panel measures 32 inches diagonally, making it well-suited for bedrooms, dorm rooms, and compact living spaces.
  • Resolution: Native resolution is 720p HD (1280 x 720 pixels), which delivers clear images at typical close-range viewing distances for this screen size.
  • Display Type: The set uses LED backlighting technology, which contributes to consistent brightness and relatively low power draw compared to older LCD designs.
  • Refresh Rate: A 60Hz native refresh rate handles standard broadcast TV, cable, and streaming content without noticeable motion blur under normal conditions.
  • Aspect Ratio: The panel uses a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, matching the format of virtually all modern broadcast, streaming, and physical media content.
  • HDMI Ports: Two HDMI inputs are included, allowing simultaneous connection of two devices such as a streaming stick and a cable box or game console.
  • USB Port: One USB port is built in, supporting direct media playback from a flash drive without requiring an external player.
  • Audio Output: The integrated speaker system delivers 10 watts of two-channel audio, adequate for personal or small-room listening at moderate volume levels.
  • Color Engine: LG's Color Master Engine is included to optimize color processing and improve picture accuracy at this entry-level price tier.
  • Smart Features: This television does not include a built-in smart platform or Wi-Fi; streaming functionality requires an external device such as a Roku or Fire Stick.
  • Dimensions: The set measures 28.7 inches wide, 18.7 inches tall, and 7.2 inches deep with the stand attached.
  • Weight: At 11 pounds, this compact LG television is lightweight enough for solo wall mounting or easy repositioning between rooms.
  • Power Draw: Rated at 10 watts of power consumption, this entry-level LED set is energy-efficient for a television used in secondary rooms over long hours.
  • Model Year: This television was originally released in 2017 and represents LG's value-tier LJ500 series from that product generation.
  • Remote Control: A standard LG remote control is included in the box; the Magic Remote is not compatible with this model.
  • Battery: The remote requires one lithium-ion battery, which is included in the package at time of purchase.
  • Color: The chassis is finished in black with a slim bezel design that keeps the overall footprint visually unobtrusive.
  • Connectivity: Input options include two HDMI ports and one USB port; there is no Ethernet port, optical audio output, or built-in Wi-Fi antenna.

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FAQ

No, it does not. This is not a smart TV in the traditional sense — there are no built-in apps or Wi-Fi. To stream Netflix, YouTube, or any other service, you will need to plug in an external device like a Roku Stick, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV into one of the two HDMI ports.

Yes, this set supports standard VESA mounting. Just confirm the VESA pattern before purchasing a bracket — LG's specs for this model indicate compatibility with common 100x100mm VESA mounts, and at 11 pounds the TV is light enough that even basic fixed-wall brackets can handle it comfortably.

For a 32-inch screen viewed from a typical bedroom distance of six feet or more, 720p is genuinely adequate for most content. You are unlikely to notice a sharp difference compared to 1080p at that size and distance. Where it becomes more noticeable is if you sit very close or if you are playing back native 4K content through an external device, which will be downscaled and look softer than it would on a higher-resolution panel.

Yes, either console will work through one of the two HDMI ports. Keep in mind this is a 60Hz panel with no dedicated game mode, so there may be some input lag compared to gaming-focused displays. For casual gaming it is perfectly usable, but competitive or fast-paced online gaming on this set will feel less responsive than on a monitor built for that purpose.

The package includes the TV panel, a detachable stand with screws, the standard LG remote control, a lithium-ion battery for the remote, and a power cable. No HDMI cable is included, so have one on hand if you plan to connect a device right away.

No, it does not support HDR (High Dynamic Range). The panel predates HDR becoming a standard feature in this price tier. HDR content from a streaming stick or console will simply play without the HDR color and brightness enhancements, which is normal for a set from 2017.

They are adequate for a bedroom or small room at moderate volumes. The 10-watt two-channel system gets the job done for everyday TV watching, but it lacks the depth and presence you would get from even a budget soundbar. If you plan to use this in a larger space or care about audio quality, pairing it with an external speaker is a worthwhile addition.

Yes. This compact LG television includes a built-in digital tuner, so connecting a standard indoor or outdoor antenna through the coaxial input will give you access to free local over-the-air channels like ABC, NBC, CBS, and PBS in HD where available in your area.

Most buyers report that stand attachment is straightforward and takes only a few minutes with a screwdriver. The stand provides a reasonably stable base for a TV of this size and weight, though like most budget stands it is not designed for particularly deep TV consoles. On a standard nightstand or shelf it sits just fine.

It works reasonably well as a secondary computer display via HDMI. At 32 inches and 720p, the pixel density is fairly low, so text may look slightly soft compared to a dedicated computer monitor — but for video playback, casual browsing, or mirroring a presentation, it does the job without any special configuration needed.