Overview

The Roku Select Series 32-inch 720p Smart TV launched in April 2024 as a no-nonsense entry point into smart TV ownership — built from the ground up on Roku's own platform rather than bolted onto a generic panel. At 32 inches, it fits naturally in a bedroom, kitchen counter, or dorm setup without dominating the space. The resolution is 720p HD, not 4K, and that's worth saying plainly upfront. For a screen this size watched at normal room distances, 720p is more than adequate for daily streaming. If you're expecting reference-grade picture quality, adjust expectations — this Roku TV is engineered around value and simplicity, and it delivers exactly that.

Features & Benefits

The built-in Roku OS is the real selling point here — no streaming stick required, apps load quickly, and the home screen is genuinely easy to organize around your habits. The voice remote supports push-to-talk and connects with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, which is a surprisingly full smart home roster for this price tier. Connectivity is handled well: three HDMI ports including one eARC for soundbars, a USB-A port, and a cable/antenna input cover most setups. Dual-band Wi-Fi keeps streaming stable, and Dolby Audio paired with an optical output means adding external speakers later is straightforward if the built-in audio leaves you wanting more.

Best For

This entry-level smart TV makes the most sense in spaces where a large, high-end display would feel out of place — a bedroom nightstand setup, a kitchen wall mount, a college dorm, or a studio apartment with limited floor space. Cord-cutters will appreciate the free live TV access through The Roku Channel and the built-in antenna input for local broadcasts. It is also a practical pick for parents who want a dedicated screen for kids, since the platform is easy to navigate and manage. If the living room already has the big 4K set, this Roku TV is exactly what you need everywhere else.

User Feedback

Buyers consistently highlight how quick and painless the setup is — most report being up and running within minutes, with no confusing menus or missing remote functions. The interface earns repeated praise for staying out of the way. On the critical side, users who previously owned a 1080p or 4K set sometimes notice the resolution step-down, particularly on fine details and on-screen text. Built-in speaker volume is reported as adequate for small rooms but thin on depth. A backlit remote and a lost-remote finder are both absent, which comes up occasionally in reviews. That said, overall value perception is strong — most buyers feel the 32-inch Roku Select delivers appropriately for what it costs.

Pros

  • Native Roku OS means no streaming stick needed — just plug in and start watching.
  • Setup takes under 15 minutes, even for first-time smart TV owners.
  • Three HDMI ports on a 32-inch TV is genuinely above average for this price class.
  • Free access to 400-plus live TV channels covers a lot of daily viewing without subscriptions.
  • Voice remote works reliably with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit out of the box.
  • Dual-band Wi-Fi holds a stable connection for smooth streaming in most home environments.
  • The optical audio output makes adding a soundbar later a straightforward upgrade.
  • At 56 watts, this Roku TV is an energy-efficient choice for always-on spaces like kitchens.
  • The Roku interface consistently earns praise as one of the cleanest, fastest smart TV platforms available.
  • VESA 100x100mm mount compatibility makes wall installation simple and inexpensive.

Cons

  • No HDR support limits picture depth and contrast, even by budget TV standards.
  • Built-in speakers lack bass and struggle with movie soundtracks at higher volumes.
  • The remote has no backlight, which is an inconvenient omission for a TV often used in dark bedrooms.
  • No lost-remote finder feature — a small but recurring complaint from real buyers.
  • No Ethernet port makes the TV entirely dependent on Wi-Fi, with no wired fallback option.
  • Home screen ads from the Roku platform can feel intrusive when you just want to open an app quickly.
  • 720p resolution shows its limits noticeably on fine text and detailed sports footage.
  • No ambient light sensor or advanced power-saving modes beyond a basic sleep timer.

Ratings

The scores below were generated by AI after analyzing thousands of verified buyer reviews for the Roku Select Series 32-inch 720p Smart TV worldwide, with spam, bot-submitted, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out. This entry-level smart TV earns strong marks in areas like software experience and connectivity, while honest gaps in picture resolution and audio depth are reflected just as transparently.

Value for Money
88%
For a secondary room or first apartment, buyers consistently feel the price-to-functionality ratio is hard to fault. The built-in Roku platform alone removes the need for a separate streaming device, which users in the budget tier treat as a meaningful saving.
A handful of buyers who compared it against similarly priced competitors noted they could get 1080p resolution for only a small additional spend, which makes the value feel slightly less obvious for buyers who do their homework.
Picture Quality
67%
33%
In a bedroom or kitchen environment — typically watched at closer range with ambient light — the direct-lit LED panel produces a clean, watchable image for news, sitcoms, and casual streaming. The Roku Smart Picture processing does a decent job of auto-adjusting for different content types without manual fiddling.
Buyers who previously owned a 1080p or 4K display notice the step-down in sharpness fairly quickly, especially on fine text and detailed sports broadcasts. The absence of HDR support is a real limitation, and the direct-lit backlight can produce uneven brightness in darker scenes.
Smart Platform & Interface
93%
The native Roku OS is the single most praised aspect of this TV across reviews. Apps load fast, the home screen is uncluttered, and customizing the channel lineup takes about two minutes. Users who have tried other smart TV platforms repeatedly describe Roku as the least frustrating of the bunch.
A small percentage of users report occasional ads on the Roku home screen feeling intrusive. The platform also pushes Roku-owned content prominently, which some buyers find mildly annoying when they just want to jump straight into a third-party app.
Setup & Ease of Use
94%
Out-of-the-box setup is a consistent highlight — reviewers across all age groups report being fully operational within ten to fifteen minutes. The guided on-screen setup, combined with a straightforward remote, removes most of the friction that can make smart TV first-time use frustrating.
A few users noted that the initial Roku account creation step is mandatory and felt unnecessary for a TV purchase. Those without a strong Wi-Fi signal near their intended installation spot also reported some initial connection hiccups.
Remote Control
79%
21%
The voice remote is functional and responsive, and the push-to-talk integration with Alexa and Google Assistant works reliably for basic commands like switching inputs or searching content. The dedicated channel shortcut buttons are convenient for frequent streaming app users.
The remote lacks a backlight, which is a genuine inconvenience in a dark bedroom — a common use case for this exact TV size. There is also no lost-remote finder feature, and the push-to-talk button requires deliberate press-and-hold rather than always-listening voice activation.
Build Quality & Design
72%
28%
The TV feels appropriately solid for its price tier — no obvious flex in the chassis, and the stand is stable on a typical TV console or dresser top. The slim bezel keeps the footprint tidy and the overall look is neutral enough to blend into most room setups.
The plastic casing does have a lightweight feel that some buyers associate with budget construction. A few reviews mentioned the stand legs feel less robust than expected, and the overall finish does not match the premium look of higher-end alternatives.
Audio Performance
58%
42%
Built-in audio is passable for daytime viewing in a small room — dialogue clarity is reasonable, and volume reaches a usable level for a bedroom or kitchen. The optical output is a nice practical touch that lets users pair a soundbar without signal conversion hassle.
Bass is noticeably thin and the speakers lack presence during action content or music. Multiple buyers mention the audio as the area where the budget origins show most clearly, and a standalone soundbar or even a Bluetooth speaker quickly becomes a necessity for anyone who watches movies regularly.
Connectivity & Ports
86%
Three HDMI ports — including one eARC — on a 32-inch TV is genuinely above average for this class. Having both USB-A and a coaxial cable input alongside Wi-Fi means this TV can handle most realistic setups without requiring additional adapters or hubs.
There is no Ethernet port, which means wired network connections are not possible. In environments with weaker Wi-Fi coverage, this is a notable omission, and some users in apartments with congested wireless networks reported occasional buffering that a wired option would have solved.
Wi-Fi & Streaming Reliability
81%
19%
Dual-band Wi-Fi performs well in typical home environments, and most buyers report stable streaming on Netflix, YouTube, and The Roku Channel without drops or prolonged buffering. The dual-band support on 5GHz is a practical upgrade over single-band sets in the same price range.
Users in larger homes or those with the TV positioned far from their router noted more inconsistency. The lack of a wired fallback option amplifies this concern for anyone whose Wi-Fi coverage is uneven.
Free Content & Channel Selection
89%
Access to 400-plus free live TV channels through The Roku Channel, combined with the built-in antenna input for local broadcasts, gives cord-cutters a genuinely useful content library without a subscription. The Roku Originals library adds some exclusive content that holds up reasonably well for casual viewing.
The free content tier is ad-supported, which some users find disruptive compared to their paid streaming habits. The sheer volume of channels can also create a discovery problem — finding something worth watching among hundreds of low-quality streams takes patience.
Smart Home Integration
82%
18%
Compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and AirPlay 2 is a strong lineup for a TV at this price point. Users who already own smart home ecosystems appreciate being able to control the TV with existing voice routines without buying a hub or additional hardware.
Apple AirPlay mirroring can occasionally introduce a brief lag or connection drop that more premium AirPlay-enabled TVs handle more smoothly. The smart home features also require a stable network to function reliably, which ties back to the Wi-Fi dependency.
Brightness & Visibility
71%
29%
In a moderately lit bedroom or kitchen, the panel holds up well enough for casual daytime viewing. Several buyers specifically mentioned that the screen did not wash out badly under normal indoor lighting, which matters for kitchens where ceiling lights are often on.
In bright living rooms with large windows or direct sunlight exposure, the panel struggles — reflections are noticeable and perceived brightness drops significantly. The lack of HDR means peak brightness in high-contrast scenes is limited compared to more capable panels in other product tiers.
720p Resolution at 32 Inches
74%
26%
At 32 inches, 720p is a more defensible resolution than critics sometimes suggest — sitting at a typical bedroom viewing distance of six to eight feet, pixel density is not the primary visual bottleneck. Casual streamers watching news or sitcoms rarely raise resolution as a complaint.
Text sharpness and fine detail in sports or nature documentaries are where the 720p ceiling becomes noticeable, even on a 32-inch panel. Buyers who watch a lot of 4K-mastered content, even downscaled, tend to feel the display does not do it justice.
Energy Efficiency
83%
At 56 watts of rated power consumption, this TV draws considerably less electricity than larger sets, which buyers using it in secondary rooms appreciate — it is always-on in low-stakes spaces like kitchens without a meaningful impact on the electricity bill.
There are no advanced power-saving modes or ambient light sensors to further reduce consumption during idle periods. It is not a concern for most users, but eco-conscious buyers looking for auto-dimming or sleep scheduling beyond a basic timer may find the options thin.

Suitable for:

The Roku Select Series 32-inch 720p Smart TV was essentially built for people who need a reliable, low-hassle screen in a secondary space — a bedroom, a kitchen counter, a college dorm, or a first apartment. If your primary concern is getting a functional smart TV up and running quickly without reading a manual or hunting for a streaming stick, this set handles all of that out of the box. Cord-cutters will find particular value here: the built-in antenna input for local channels, combined with The Roku Channel's free live TV library, covers a surprising amount of daily viewing without a single paid subscription. Parents setting up a dedicated kids' room TV will also appreciate how approachable the Roku platform is — it is easy to manage, easy to navigate, and does not require ongoing technical maintenance. For anyone already invested in a smart home ecosystem using Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, the native compatibility means this TV slots in without extra configuration.

Not suitable for:

Buyers shopping for a primary living room TV or anyone accustomed to 1080p or 4K displays should look elsewhere before committing to the Roku Select Series 32-inch 720p Smart TV. The 720p resolution is a real ceiling — fine detail in sports, nature documentaries, and 4K-mastered content will visibly suffer, and there is no HDR support to compensate in high-contrast scenes. If picture quality is your primary criterion, even a modest budget increase opens up 1080p alternatives that are meaningfully sharper. The built-in speakers are similarly entry-level, so anyone who watches films regularly without a soundbar or external audio setup will likely find the audio underwhelming over time. Gamers looking for low-latency performance or a high refresh rate experience will also find this TV underpowered for that purpose. And if your Wi-Fi coverage is patchy or your router is far from the intended installation spot, the lack of an Ethernet port becomes a practical frustration with no easy workaround.

Specifications

  • Screen Size: The panel measures 32 inches diagonally (31.5″ actual viewable area), making it well-suited for bedrooms, kitchens, and small living spaces.
  • Resolution: Native resolution is 720p HD (1280×720 pixels), which delivers a clean, watchable image at typical close-to-mid viewing distances on a 32-inch panel.
  • Panel Type: Direct-lit LED display with Roku Smart Picture processing, which automatically adjusts image settings based on the content being watched.
  • Refresh Rate: The panel runs at a native 60Hz refresh rate, adequate for standard streaming, broadcast TV, and casual gaming.
  • HDR Support: This model does not support HDR (High Dynamic Range), meaning peak brightness and contrast depth are limited compared to HDR-capable displays.
  • Operating System: Runs Roku OS natively — no external streaming device required — with access to 400-plus live TV channels and all major streaming apps.
  • Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz) is built in; there is no Ethernet port, so all network connectivity is wireless only.
  • HDMI Ports: Equipped with three HDMI inputs: two standard HDMI ports and one HDMI eARC port for direct soundbar or AV receiver connection.
  • Other Inputs: Additional connectivity includes one USB-A port and one coaxial cable/antenna input for over-the-air broadcast reception.
  • Audio Output: Features a digital optical audio output, allowing connection to external soundbars or home theater receivers without signal conversion.
  • Audio Format: Supports Dolby Audio decoding for compatible streaming content, delivered through the built-in 2.1-channel stereo speaker system.
  • Voice Remote: Includes a push-to-talk voice remote with dedicated channel shortcut buttons; the remote is not backlit and has no lost-remote finder function.
  • Smart Home: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, and Apple AirPlay 2 for voice control and wireless screen mirroring.
  • VESA Mount: Supports standard VESA 100×100mm wall mount pattern, compatible with most third-party brackets sold for 32-inch TVs.
  • Dimensions: With stand: 28.9″ W × 19.0″ H × 7.6″ D; without stand: 28.9″ W × 17.2″ H × 2.8″ D; stand width spans 24.1″.
  • Weight: The TV weighs 11.4 pounds, making it easy to handle solo during installation or repositioning.
  • Power Consumption: Rated at 56 watts during normal operation at 120V AC, which is low enough for always-on secondary room use without a meaningful electricity cost.
  • Included Items: The box includes the TV, a pair of detachable stands with screws, a Roku voice remote with AAA batteries pre-included, and a quick start guide.
  • Model Number: The official model number is 32R2B5, which can be used to verify compatibility with replacement parts, wall mounts, and service support.
  • Release Date: First made available in April 2024, positioning it as a relatively current product with up-to-date Roku OS software at time of purchase.

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FAQ

No, nothing extra is needed. The Roku Select Series 32-inch 720p Smart TV has the Roku platform built directly into the TV itself, so you just connect to Wi-Fi during setup and start streaming. There is no dongle, no separate box, and no additional subscription required to access the Roku interface.

Yes, if you connect a standard coaxial antenna to the built-in antenna input, you can receive free over-the-air channels available in your area. The TV has a built-in tuner that scans and organizes local channels alongside your streaming apps on the home screen, which is genuinely convenient for cord-cutters.

At 32 inches, 720p holds up reasonably well for everyday viewing — watching the news, streaming shows, or using it in a bedroom at a normal distance. Where you might notice the difference is with sports detail, fine on-screen text, or content mastered in 4K. If picture sharpness is a priority, spending a bit more for a 1080p set is worth considering, but for casual use in a smaller room, most people adapt quickly.

Yes, this Roku TV is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, so you can control basic functions like power, volume, and input switching using voice commands through your existing smart speaker. Apple HomeKit and AirPlay 2 are also supported if you are in the Apple ecosystem.

Absolutely. The TV includes both an HDMI eARC port and a digital optical audio output, so you can connect a soundbar using either method depending on what your soundbar supports. The eARC connection is the better option if your soundbar has it, as it carries higher-quality audio signals and allows two-way control.

There is no traditional headphone jack on the TV itself, but the Roku mobile app — available free on iOS and Android — includes a private listening mode that lets you stream audio through your phone while the TV's speakers stay silent. It works reasonably well, though there can be a slight delay depending on your Wi-Fi conditions.

Yes, it supports a standard VESA 100×100mm wall mount pattern, which fits a wide range of affordable third-party brackets. The TV weighs just under 12 pounds without the stand, so most light-duty mounts will handle it comfortably. Just make sure to check that your chosen bracket specifies compatibility with 32-inch displays.

There is no dedicated game mode listed in the specifications for this TV, and at 720p with a standard 60Hz panel, it is not optimized for gaming in the way that higher-end displays are. For casual gaming on a secondary setup it is usable, but if you plan to use a PlayStation or Xbox as a primary gaming display, the lack of a low-latency game mode and 4K support will be limiting.

Yes, Roku pushes automatic over-the-air software updates to all Roku-powered TVs, so the platform will continue to improve and receive new features as long as the device is supported. Roku has a solid track record for maintaining older hardware with software updates, though how long this specific model remains fully supported is not officially confirmed.

The built-in speakers get to a volume that is adequate for a standard bedroom or small kitchen — dialogue is clear and it can fill a modest-sized room without strain. That said, if you watch movies or listen to music through the TV, the speakers will feel thin and lacking in bass. For dedicated movie nights, pairing it with even a budget soundbar makes a noticeable difference.