What do you do when you want to relax while watching television but you are out on a camping trip, in a caravan, or far from home? The answer lies in investing in battery powered portable TVs that give you the pleasures of watching your favorite channels while on-the-move. However, the biggest question is – what does it take to find the best battery powered TV at a time when there are so many options available? We save you the trouble of having to second-guess your options when you can rely on comprehensive professional reviews to make a wise choice.
Before we look at the expertly picked portable, high-end TVs that enjoy outstanding ratings, let us look at what defines these television sets.
What Are Battery-Powered Portable TVs?
As the name suggests, battery powered portable TVs are designed to be moved from place to place since they can operate without necessarily being connected to the mains supply. This is made possible with their capability to hold enough charge through their inbuilt batteries. They further attain better functionality through their compact and lightweight design that makes it easy for them to be carried around. Overly, the greatest strength of portable televisions is that they provide users with the freedom to catch up on the latest broadcasts and watch videos anywhere.
The Best Portable TVs You Should Definitely Buy
For a long time, portable TVs were overlooked as they had inferior audio and video quality that was made worse with the low efficient battery technology. The initial models were also produced when televisions used a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). Primarily, a CRT was a specialized vacuum tube that used cathode rays, which are breams of electrons, illuminated on a phosphor coating to create images. Given the design of this tube, early portable TVs were bulky and not as efficient as expected.
However, times have changed, and with technology advancements in the industry, battery powered portable TVs are now highly functional. The introduction of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology marked the beginning of the rapid improvements that entirely transformed this industry. This became better when battery technologies also improved, and Lithium-Ion batteries became the standard. Today, portable TVs have many useful features that make them an excellent investment if you want to indulge in your favorite shows and music without a stop.
To make it easier for you to pick the best portable TV, here are the top options that we have handpicked for their excellent qualities:
1. Tyler TTV705-14 14″ – The Best Battery Life
Are you after a battery powered portable TV that is larger than 9 or 10 inches? The Tyler TTV705-14 is an enormous 14-inch television that has been built for viewers who demand more. It is a fantastic choice for everyone after an amazing watching experience from one of the best LCD TVs. One thing you will find convenient is that despite this model being bigger than most portable TVs, it is a lightweight model. Therefore, you will not have to struggle moving it around, and the best part is that it easily fits in most cars, trucks, and camper vans.
The Tyler TTV705-14 is a modern digital TV that supports its broadcasts in full HD, which is not a small feat. It also provides users with the flexibility of connecting it to other multimedia devices. Most importantly, it has an HDMI port and a fantastic antenna that can receive signals up to a 15-mile range.
The greatest strength of the Tyler TTV705-14 is that it has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can run for over four hours. This makes it an excellent choice for travel purposes and prolonged outdoor use. It is also easy to charge this television as you can either use a car’s charging port or the standard DC adapter. Finally, unlike most portable TVs, this model has its speakers in the back panel, allowing it to deliver a richer sound.
Pros
- It offers high definition video quality
- An extra-sensitive tuner that locks in digital signals extremely well
- A wide range of adjustment options for better picture quality
- It has a working FM radio
- Long-life rechargeable battery
Cons
- It does not support wide-viewing angles
- Extra care is required as the screen easily scratches
2. Naviskauto Dual-screen – The Best Innovative
The Naviskauto dual screen is an innovative battery powered portable TV that gives you the pleasure of watching from two screens. It has been built as a multi-format DVD player that allows users to have limitless entertainment wherever they go. This model is further appreciated as it was designed to be used while traveling as it comes with two headrest straps and two headphones. This makes it a great family option as it can be relied on for those long trips or outdoor adventures.
When it comes to functionality, the Naviskauto dual-screen comes with a built-in 2700mAH rechargeable lithium battery. This battery can support up to 2.5 hours when the dual screens are working and over four hours when only a single screen is running. You are also guaranteed to love the sync playback on both screens and its last memory feature that allows you to resume play from where you left.
Pros
- It comes with a built-in HDMI port
- Supports USB playback and SD card
- It has a loudspeaker with the options of using headphones
- Amazing resume play feature
- Supports multi-formal videos and audio
Cons
- The headsets are not as strong as expected
- The remote control can be slow to send commands
3. Trexonic Ultra Lightweight – The Best Lightweight
The sleek design of the Trexonic 12-inch LED TV makes it an option that is hard to overlook. However, there is more to this battery powered portable TV than its attractive build. Its super slimness was meant to make it more convenient for the traveler who wants to enjoy music and video wherever they go. This ultra-lightweight TV has an amazing 1280 x 800 resolution that delivers bright and clear pictures that outshines many other alternatives.
For its signal reception, the Trexonic ultra-lightweight has a detachable telescopic antenna that easily catches local channels. This portable TV also has an adjustable sturdy hard-mounted back that allows it to be set up anywhere with great ease. The anti-slip textured panel further gives you the flexibility of watching your videos from different angles.
Pros
- Attractive, sleek design
- Lightweight and easy to set up
- High-resolution videos
- Multi-compatible digital video player
Cons
- It tends to have display issues with some video formats
- Requires good signal before it locks a TV station
4. Supersonic SC-2812 – The Best Connectivity
The 12-inch Supersonic SC-2812 is a handy portable television that comes packed with lots of excellent features. It is a lightweight TV with one of the strongest connectivity, thanks to its built-in tuner that offers full compliance of ATSC and NTSC. This provides users with a broader range of signals that can be captured, meaning more entertainment. As such, it is an outstanding option if you are planning to spend a fair amount of time outdoors without being limited in your watching experience.
For its operation, this battery powered Supersonic model comes with a 3000mAh lithium battery. It also has multiple input settings and a range of setting options for changing the picture contrast and brightness.
Pros
- Good TV experience supported by its excellent connectivity
- Convenient to use
- Foldable back handle
- HDMI/USB compatibility
Cons
- Low battery life
5. Tyler TTV701 7″ – The Best Ultra-Portable
The seven-inch Tyler TTV701 is an LCD widescreen TV that is popular for its small size and amazing features. It is an ultra-portable option with a compact and ultra-light design, which makes it easy to carry around anywhere you go. You will love that it offers a great viewing experience and has one of the best receptions, thanks to its multiple antenna settings. It comes with two high-powered external antennas alongside a telescopic antenna that allows you to find your favorite programs without much hassle.
You will also have a greater programming variety as the Tyler TTV701 has an inbuilt digital tuner, which supports both ATSC and NTSC. Another outstanding feature is that it has a three-way charging method giving users the needed variety of options to charge it from various electricity sources. Finally, it has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, allowing it to keep enough juice for those moments you are not close to a power source.
Pros
- Great picture quality
- Earphone jack for private watching
- Multiple input options (USB, SD card, coaxial antennae, and AV inputs)
- Ultra-light TV with multi-functionality
- Supports charging via an AC adapter as well as a DC adapter
Cons
- It does not have an HDMI input
- The menu can be challenging to navigate
- The viewing angles are not too great
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing Portable TVs
You need to take into account several factors before you invest in any battery powered portable TV. This is never an investment to overlook, and before you rush to buy any model, you should consider the following:
- The Display Resolution
There is never a need to invest in a portable TV if you are going to be limited to low-quality display content. You should never settle for less when it comes to image quality, as there have been tremendous advancements in this niche area. The easiest way to do this is to pay attention to the pixel rating of a portable TV. Generally, the higher the pixel ratings of the television, the better it is for you.
- Battery Life
It goes without saying that the practicality of a portable TV is determined by how long it can last without requiring a recharge. This is why you can never ignore the battery life of any model that you want to invest in, as it directly determines usage. Imagine having a portable TV that you want to use outdoors, and it cannot hold its juice for more than 30 minutes. A general rule of the thumb is to go for a portable TV that will give you at least 2 hours of watch time while on battery.
- Weight and Size
The weight of portable TVs has always been a major factor in determining their practicality. This is because it influences how easily you can have them moved from one place to the other. The size of portable TVs is intertwined with the weight-factor as generally bigger screens can prove to be a challenge to move around. Nevertheless, portable TVs with bigger screens should not automatically be considered to be heavier as they could be slimmer and lightweight than small-screen models.
- Build Quality
You need a portable TV with an outstanding build quality for durability and convenience of use. This means factoring in the type of materials used to make all parts and how fragile or tough the screen is. Today, there are lots of high-quality lightweight materials used to build portable televisions, and you do not need to compromise on this. Always have in mind that you need a portable TV that can be used anywhere without having to worry about damages.
- Compatibility
Finally, you should look into the compatibility of the portable television you want to purchase. There are many video and audio formats, and you are always better off with a model with excellent compatibility. As a fact, the more formats a model can support, the more fun you will have while using it.
- Included Accessories
The joy of investing in a portable television is in how easily you can use it wherever you go. Regardless of whether you are traveling, camping, or at home, you always need the right accessories to use a portable TV. Top-rated brands will always provide their models alongside compatible accessories such as AC & DC adapters, remotes, headphones, and headrest straps.
Final Thoughts
The decision to invest in a battery powered portable TV is one that you are guaranteed to appreciate. Few things kill boredom than taking the time to catch up on your favorite TV program or watching those videos or movies. Portable televisions give you the flexibility of indulging in your favorite fun activity regardless of whether you are indoors or outdoors. Here, we have looked at the top options you should evaluate if you are in the market for a portable television that will give you the desired satisfaction. One thing you can count on is each model was professionally evaluated and handpicked from the hundreds of models produced by leading brands.