TVs are a staple in many households, providing entertainment and information for people of all ages. However, for those who enjoy spending their time on boats, finding a TV that is suitable for use on a vessel can be a challenge.
A TV for boat must be able to withstand the harsh marine environment, including saltwater, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Additionally, it must be compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient to accommodate the limited space and resources available on a boat.
When looking for a TV for boat, one critical thing to consider is the screen size. While larger screens may be more appealing, they can take up valuable space and consume more power. A smaller screen may be a better option, especially if you plan to use the TV primarily for news updates or weather reports.
Another important factor to consider is the TV’s mounting options. A TV for boat should be easy to install and secure, as it will be exposed to constant movement and vibrations. Wall mounts and ceiling mounts are popular options, but some TVs may also come with a stand that can be securely fastened to a surface.
At our lab, we spent several hours researching and testing various TVs for boat to identify the ones that are best suited for marine use. We evaluated the TVs based on their durability, screen size, energy efficiency, and mounting options. After careful consideration, we have narrowed down the list to the top five TVs that are ideal for use on a boat.
TV for Boats Buyer Guide
| Screen Size | Opt for a balance between visibility and compactness, favoring smaller, energy-efficient screens. |
| Durability | Essential to withstand marine conditions: saltwater, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. |
| Resolution | Minimum 1080p for clarity; 4K is beneficial but not essential. |
| Mounting Options | Secure and versatile mounting necessary to handle movement and vibrations. |
| Energy Efficiency | Critical due to limited power resources on boats. |
| Connectivity | Multiple ports like HDMI and USB for device connections and media access. |
| Portability | Lightweight and portable if mobility is required. |
| Built-in Features | Evaluate needs for streaming, speakers, or DVD players; external audio may be needed. |
| Weather Resistance | Must be suited for marine weather conditions. |
| Price | Choose a TV that balances marine-specific needs with budget constraints. |
This table succinctly outlines the key considerations for selecting a TV suitable for marine environments, emphasizing the importance of durability, size, and connectivity features.
Best TV for Boats
We understand the importance of having a good TV on board while you are out on the water. Whether you want to catch up on the news, watch your favorite show, or entertain your guests, a reliable TV is a must-have. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best TVs for boats that are sure to meet your needs. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed these products so that you can make an informed decision. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best TV for boats.
Supersonic SC-2813 13″ Portable Widescreen LED TV
We recently had the opportunity to test the Supersonic SC-2813 13″ Portable Widescreen LED TV, and we have mixed feelings about it.
Pros
- The TV is lightweight and portable, making it easy to bring on a boat or RV.
- The built-in lithium rechargeable battery and AC/DC operation allow you to watch your favorite shows at home or on the go.
- The HDMI input allows you to enjoy high-definition video and audio, and the USB/SD inputs are compatible with external devices.
Cons
- The TV has a limited screen size of 13.3 inches, which may not be ideal for larger boats or living spaces.
- The sound quality is not the best, and you may need to use external speakers for a better audio experience.
- The remote control is small and can be difficult to use, especially if you have larger hands.
Overall, the Supersonic SC-2813 13″ Portable Widescreen LED TV is a decent option for those looking for a portable TV for their boat.
While it has some limitations, it’s a good choice for those who value portability and convenience.
Nordwest-Funk VT300 GLOMEX TV Aerial for DVB-T/DVB-T2 White
If you’re looking for a reliable TV antenna for your boat, the Nordwest-Funk VT300 GLOMEX TV Aerial is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Easy to install and set up
- Picks up both analog and digital channels
- Comes with a 10-meter cable for easy connection
Cons
- Can be affected by weather conditions
- May require adjustment for optimal signal
- Some users reported issues with durability
We recently installed the Nordwest-Funk VT300 GLOMEX TV Aerial on our boat and have been pleased with its performance thus far. The installation process was straightforward, and we were able to set it up in just a few minutes.
One of the things we appreciate about this antenna is its ability to pick up both analog and digital channels. We were able to access a wide range of channels, including local news and sports broadcasts.
However, we did notice that the antenna’s performance can be affected by weather conditions. On particularly windy or stormy days, we experienced some signal interference and had to adjust the antenna to improve the reception.
Despite this, we found that the Nordwest-Funk VT300 GLOMEX TV Aerial was a reliable and effective option for our boat. If you’re in the market for a new TV antenna, we would definitely recommend giving this one a try.
SYLVOX Smart RV TV
We highly recommend the SYLVOX Smart RV TV for anyone looking for a high-quality television for their boat. This TV is packed with features that make it perfect for travel campers, trailers, RVs, boats, and even home use.
Pros
- The upgraded Linux system and built-in streaming apps make this TV smarter than traditional TVs.
- The 1080P full HD resolution, 178° ultra-wide viewing angle, and 3000:1 contrast ratio provide a better viewing experience.
- The built-in 2 HiFi speakers and Bluetooth function provide 3D surround sound and allow for easy connection to wireless speakers and headsets.
Cons
- The volume may not be sufficient to overcome the motor noise in an RV.
- The airplay/cast feature may not work properly.
- It is more expensive than some other options on the market.
The SYLVOX Smart RV TV is a great choice for those who want a TV that is easy to use and packed with features. The Linux system and built-in streaming apps make it a smart TV that is perfect for those who want to watch their favorite shows and movies on the go.
The 1080P full HD resolution, 178° ultra-wide viewing angle, and 3000:1 contrast ratio provide a better viewing experience than many other options on the market.
In addition, the built-in 2 HiFi speakers and Bluetooth function provide 3D surround sound and allow for easy connection to wireless speakers and headsets. This makes it easy to enjoy your favorite shows and movies without disturbing others around you.
While there are a few downsides to this TV, such as the volume not being sufficient to overcome motor noise in an RV and the airplay/cast feature not always working properly, we believe that the pros outweigh the cons.
Overall, we highly recommend the SYLVOX Smart RV TV for anyone looking for a high-quality television for their boat or RV.
DESOBRY Portable Smart TV
If you’re looking for a portable TV for your boat, the DESOBRY Portable Smart TV is definitely worth considering.
With its detachable antenna tuner, Full HD 1080P display resolution, and built-in dual speakers, this tiny TV provides you with a great audio-visual experience.
Pros
- The DESOBRY Mini TV is battery-operated, so you won’t have to worry about sudden power outages. It comes with a built-in 4000mAh rechargeable battery, a car charger, and an AC adapter, so you can enjoy your favorite games and shows on the go.
- This portable TV has HDMI input and AV In functions, so you can sync up to 1080P video, audio, and games from phones, computers, TV sticks, Raspberry Pi, Xbox, game consoles, or Kindle Fire. The AV In function also allows it to connect to a DVD player or projector for playing discs.
- The DESOBRY Portable Smart TV is compatible with multiple formats. It has a built-in USB and TF Card Port and supports playing MP4, AVI, MPG, MOV, MKV, TS, TRP, VOB, DAT, MPEG 1, MPEG 2, MPEG 4, XVID, H.264, H.265, MP3, WMA, M4A, AAC, JPG, JPEG, BMP, PNG, TEXT (max to 32GB FAT32). Take this portable TV and enjoy your favorite videos, music, images, and text with ease.
Cons
- Some Android phones may require an extra power bank to offer power when using HDMI output.
- The built-in speakers provide poor sound quality, so you may need to invest in external speakers or a soundbar.
- The antenna is weak, so you may need to purchase a stronger one if you’re in an area with poor reception.
Overall, we think the DESOBRY Portable Smart TV is a great choice for anyone looking for a portable TV for their boat.
It’s easy to install and use, and its compact size makes it perfect for camping, emergency situations, outdoor travel, car travel, RVs, tents, caravans, hiking, power outages, windstorms, kitchens, and more.
SYLVOX 32 Inch TV 12 Volt Smart TV FHD 1080P
If you are looking for a portable TV for your boat, RV, or camper, the SYLVOX 32 Inch TV is a great option. It’s a Smart TV with an Android 11.0 system, WiFi, and wireless connection, so you can easily download your favorite apps and browse tens of thousands of TV programs.
It also has a built-in Digital Video Disc player, suitable for DVD/VCD/CD discs, and can recognize most regional discs.
With the HI-FI sound box speaker, you can connect it with a ceiling speaker or outside speaker, and it has an integrated ASTC tuner with digital noise reduction function.
Pros
- Full high-definition LCD TV with FHD 1080P picture quality and 178°H/178°V ultra-wide viewing angle, frameless design for full-screen enjoyment.
- SYLVOX Smart TV built-in intelligent assistant, can control TV via IR/Wireless Connection, and with a 4.2-in-1 remote control.
- Multiple protection design: 12volt TV support DC 12v/24v (DC wide voltage 9V-32V) power supply, recoil protection, and reverse connection protection.
Cons
- External speakers needed for better sound quality.
- The DVD functions instructions are not very clear.
- The sound quality is not great.
We had the opportunity to test the SYLVOX 32 Inch TV, and we were impressed with its performance. The picture quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and sharp details. The frameless design provides a full-screen experience, and the ultra-wide viewing angle ensures that everyone can enjoy the show.
The built-in Digital Video Disc player is a nice touch, and it’s easy to use. We also appreciated the multiple protection design, which ensures that the TV won’t be damaged by voltage changes or reverse connection.
However, the sound quality is not the best, and we recommend using external speakers for a better experience. The DVD functions instructions are not very clear, which can be frustrating for some users. Overall, we think that the SYLVOX 32 Inch TV is a great option for anyone looking for a portable TV for their boat, RV, or camper.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a portable TV with great picture quality and built-in DVD player, the SYLVOX 32 Inch TV is a solid choice. While the sound quality could be better, the multiple protection design and ultra-wide viewing angle make it a great option for your boat, RV, or camper.
Feihe 19 Inch TV
We highly recommend the Feihe 19 Inch TV for anyone looking for a compact and versatile TV for their boat.
Pros
- The IPS technology design provides brilliant visuals and unforgettable quality with a 178° wide viewing angle.
- The endless connectivity options allow for access to free over-the-air broadcasts, cable boxes, and compatible devices such as computers, DVRs, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, Roku, Slingbox, Chromecast, WIFI Box, and DVD players.
- The bundle of features includes HDMI, VGA, and USB inputs, external audio and video playback, AV input for DVD players or game systems, built-in speaker for party, headphone jack for private viewing, ATSC tuner, and unique remote control with clear button function.
Cons
- The TV only works with the included remote and is not compatible with any cable service provided remote or universal remotes.
- The TV does not support smart TV services.
- The color quality may be poor and difficult to adjust for a true flesh tone.
This TV is perfect for small and compact spaces such as boats, RVs, caravans, kitchens, and bedrooms. The 12 volt RV TV is built in dual speakers suitable for your entertainment needs.
The Feihe 19 Inch TV is a great investment for anyone who wants a reliable and versatile TV on their boat.
Mount-It! Universal VESA Pole Mount
If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-use TV mount for your boat, the Mount-It! Universal VESA Pole Mount is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- This steel mounting bracket is compatible with poles from 1.1” to 2.4” in diameter, making it easy to mount your TV or monitor in most spaces.
- With its full motion capabilities, you can easily tilt, swivel, and rotate your TV to achieve the perfect viewing angle.
- The VESA mount bracket is detachable, making installation faster and easier. It’s also ideal for on-the-go mounting or for bringing your display inside at night.
Cons
- This mount is only compatible with televisions, monitors, or displays with VESA pattern 75x75mm and 100x100mm, and it only holds up to 17.6 lbs.
- Some customers have reported that the mounting plate did not fit their TV, with screw holes much further apart than the plate.
- The mount comes with a plastic bracket, which may not be as durable as some customers would like.
Overall, we highly recommend the Mount-It! Universal VESA Pole Mount for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use TV mount for their boat. With its full motion capabilities and detachable VESA mount bracket, it’s a great choice for outdoor seating areas, garages, RVs, boats, retail spaces, stages, and more.
Final Thoughts on Your TV for Boats
When it comes to buying a TV for your boat, there are a few key features to consider to ensure that you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Screen Size
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a TV for your boat is screen size. You want to choose a screen size that is large enough to be visible from wherever you plan to watch TV on your boat, but not so large that it takes up too much space or is difficult to install. Consider the size of your boat and the location where you plan to install the TV to determine the appropriate screen size.
Resolution
Another important factor to consider is the resolution of the TV. You want to choose a TV with a high enough resolution to ensure that the picture is clear and sharp, even on a small screen. Look for a TV with a resolution of at least 1080p, but preferably 4K, to ensure that you get the best picture quality possible.
Durability
Since your TV will be exposed to the elements on your boat, it is important to choose a product that is durable and can withstand exposure to water, salt, and other elements. Look for a TV that is designed specifically for marine use, with features such as waterproofing and corrosion resistance.
Connectivity
Finally, consider the connectivity options available on the TV. You want to choose a TV that has a variety of ports and connections, such as HDMI and USB, to ensure that you can connect all of your devices and enjoy your favorite content on the go.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best TV for your boat and enjoy your favorite shows and movies no matter where you are on the water.
