There’s something appealing about the thought of settling back in front of the best motorhome TV and enjoying our favourite shows after a day spent exploring. Some ‘vans may come with TVs fitted, particularly in the case of used ‘vans, but not every motorhome will – and even if it does, you may want to upgrade your model.
When pitched up, ‘van owners are likely to turn to either a motorhome TV or the best campervan projector to be able to watch their favourite shows. If you’ve decided a TV is the way to go and you know you will always have access to mains hook-up, a 12V TV isn’t a requirement and a standard 240V domestic television will work. However, if you intend to go off-grid or don’t want to limit yourself, buying a 12v motorhome TV is the way to go.
A 12V TV has been made to work at a voltage of 12V – or close to it. Coming with a 12V adaptor, these rugged models are available in smaller sizes than their domestic counterparts, allowing motorhomers to enjoy watching their TVs without having the space dominated by an overlarge screen.
Nowadays, TVs for motorhomes are packed with features, which, so long as you have internet in a motorhome, will allow you to access a variety of streaming services. Combine this with the best motorhome TV aerial and you’ll be ready to achieve a good picture.
In this guide, we’re sharing our pick of the standout motorhome TVs on the market, featuring models from Avtex, Cello, Sniper and more. They are all 12V options, so you can watch them wherever you pitch up. We’ve mainly selected options which we consider to be the best 12v smart TVs for a motorhome.
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What is the best TV for a motorhome?
Avtex AV215TS 21.5″
Cello C1624WS-12V 16″
Avtex W320TS 32-inch
Falcon 22-inch Camping TV
Cello C3224WSF 32″
Avtex W195TS 19.5″
Sniper 22-inch Smart LED Camping TV
Avtex L219DRS Pro 21.5”
Sharp 1T-C24EE2KF2UBM
The best motorhome TVs:
Avtex AV215TS
- Screen size: 21.5-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 24v / 240v
- Weight: 4.7kg
- Dimensions: 440 x 488 x 290 (D x W x H in mm)
Reason to buy:
- Good resolution, has an onscreen leisure battery monitor
Reason to avoid:
- Relatively weighty, no built-in DVD player
We think this Avtex option makes a tempting choice for ‘van owners looking for the best motorhome TV. It may be one of the heavier options, coming to 4.7kg, but we think the TV, which has a good 1080p resolution, offers the type of features that can make a real difference to your viewing experience in a ‘van.
Unlike many of the models in our guide, it doesn’t have WebOS – instead, it uses the VIDAA smart system to provide access to streaming apps such as Netflix, Prime TV and BBC iPlayer. There’s also the option of downloading the VIDAA app to your phone, a feature we like as it allows you to use your phone to control the 12v TV, saving any issues that could arise from forgetting to pack your remote.
There are plenty of other useful features too – for instance, its AQT Easy Tuning System should mean it’s straightforward to tune the TV, while it comes with an onscreen leisure battery monitor, something which we reckon will appeal particularly to motorhome owners.
Cello C1624WS-12V
- Screen size: 16-inch
- Voltage: 12v
- Weight: 1.7kg
- Dimensions: 374 x 274 x 120 (L x H x D in mm)
Reason to buy:
- Ideal for smaller spaces, compact and lightweight
Reason to avoid:
- Screen could be too small for some
We think this 16-inch 12v smart motorhome TV is a great choice for those who have a smaller ‘van and subsequently don’t have the space for a larger set. This option from Cello still offers an excellent range of features, despite its diminutive size. We like how it comes with WebOS by LG, allowing ‘van owners to access their favourite streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+, while it can also be used for Freeview Play.
The audio quality will be an important part of any TV setup, and we think the Cello should deliver on that score too, thanks to two features. Firstly, there are the Perfect Pitch Sound speakers, which, thanks to their patented design, see them distanced from the TV to provide a better sound experience. Then, thanks to its built-in Bluetooth, it can also be connected to a compatible speaker or, alternatively, to compatible headphones, if you want to listen without disturbing the rest of the ‘van. If you’re after a compact television for a motorhome, we think this is a great choice.
Avtex W320TS 32-inch
- Screen size: 32-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 24v DC or 240v AC
- Weight: 5.8kg (with stand)
- Dimensions: 721 x 422 x 42 (in mm, without stand)
Reason to buy:
- Android and iOS compatible for wireless casting, smart TV with plenty of streaming services available
Reason to avoid:
- Premium price, heaviest TV in our guide
If you have the space and the budget for this 32-inch television in your ‘van, we think the Avtex model could be the best 12v smart TV for a motorhome for you.
With the option of being wall-mounted, the television can be connected to the internet to access your favourite streaming services, including Disney+, Netflix, Now TV, iPlayer and more.
This is a model that is ideal for fans of Freesat too, as it comes with a built-in HD Freesat Satellite decoder, along with a DVB-T and DVB-T2 digital tuner. Its edge-to-edge display will allow you to make the most of its 1080p Full HD picture too. Another feature we like is that you can wirelessly cast photos, films and more from both Apple and Android phones.
The Bluetooth-compatible motorhome TV also presents the option of connecting speakers or, if you want to enjoy your favourite programmes without disturbing the rest of the ‘van, wireless headphones. If you’d prefer it in a smaller size, it’s also available as a 21.5-inch model.
Falcon 22-inch Camping TV
- Screen size: 22-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 24v / 240v
- Weight: 2.8kg
- Dimensions: 439 x 52 x 268 (W x D x H in mm without stand)
Reason to buy:
- 1080p resolution, good selection of ports, built-in DVD player
Reason to avoid:
- Relatively premium price for its size
Offering an impressive 1080p resolution, we think this TV from Falcon is packed with features that make it a tempting choice for ‘van owners.
We’re fans of the good connectivity it provides, thanks to its three HDMI ports and two USB ports, while it also comes with a built-in HD satellite decoder with DVB-S and DVB-S2 digital HD Freesat. There’s a 178-degree viewing angle too, something which we think is useful for the different setups ‘vans can have. We like the portability it offers as well, thanks to an impressively light weight of only 2.8kg – and that includes the stand.
What sets it apart from the 22-inch Sniper that also features in our guide is the built-in DVD player it comes with, which could be a dealbreaker for those who may be touring in areas where a signal is harder to come by.
Cello C3224WSF
- Screen size: 32-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 240v
- Weight: 5kg
- Dimensions: 721 x 482 x 177 (W x H x D in mm with stand)
Reason to buy:
- Ideal for ‘van owners with larger motorhomes who want access to a DVD player
Reason to avoid:
- Other options have 1080p resolution
This Cello option is a great contender for ‘van owners who have a bit more space in their motorhome. The LED TV has a 720p resolution and, thanks to WebOS by LG, offers access to a range of streaming apps, including Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+, as well as YouTube and Freeview Play.
We like the good selection of ports on offer, including two HDMI ports and two USB ports. There’s also the chance to utilise its built-in Bluetooth to connect speakers. Something which sets it apart from the 32-inch Avtex in our guide is that this Cello also offers a built-in DVD player, something which we think makes it a great all-around option for ‘van owners with the space for it.
Avtex W195TS 19.5″
- Screen size: 19.5-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 24v / 240v
- Dimension: 448mm x 257mm x 46mm (W x H x D in mm, without stand)
- Weight: 2.5kg
Reason to buy:
- Compatible with Apple and Android for wireless casting, hood selection of streaming apps
Reason to avoid:
- One of the most expensive options on the list
We like how this 12V smart motorhome TV from Avtex is such a lightweight model, coming in at only 2.5kg. Providing easy viewing of the most popular streaming services, including iPlayer, Now TV, Sky Store, Netflix and more, the 19.5-inch motorhome TV has a compact design.
We also like how you can wirelessly cast from both Android and Apple devices to the TV. Offering both DVBT / DVBT2 and DVB-S/DVB-S2 compatibility, the Avtex product gives you the flexibility of using either 12v/24v DC or 240v AC. You can then sit back and enjoy your favourite TV show or movie.
Sniper SN-2203
- Screen size: 22-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 24v / 240v
- Weight: 3.1kg
- Dimensions: 505 x 302 x 52 (W x H x D in mm)
Reason to buy:
- Good selection of ports, 178 degree viewing angle
Reason to avoid:
- Doesn’t have a DVD-player built-in
If a good selection of ports is a deciding factor for you, we think this could be one of the best 12v smart TVs for a motorhome for you. This is because it has an impressive three HDMI ports and two USB ports, offering plenty of connectivity options and meaning you will not have to keep plugging and unplugging gadgets from the TV.
The smart TV also offers WebOS, so you can watch your streaming apps of choice and catch up on TV using BBC iPlayer, ITVX and more. We like how its 178-degree viewing angle should help to ensure everyone can see the screen, something which can be particularly important in a ‘van where there can be a variety of different seating arrangements.
There is also the opportunity to connect a soundbar or compatible headphones to the Sniper model, thanks to its Bluetooth V5.0. As well as this, there’s the Freeview tuner and Freesat tuner.
For those who want a smaller version for a more compact ‘van, it’s also available at a smaller size of 19-inches too.
Avtex L219DRS Pro 21.5”
- Screen size: 21.5-inch
- Voltage: 12v / 24v DC, 240v AC
- Dimensions: 492 x 308 x 46 (W x H x D in mm)
- Weight: 3.1kg
Reasons to buy:
- Edge-to-edge display, lightweight
Reasons to avoid:
- Other options offer more features
This 21.5-inch Avtex model is a compact and lightweight product, two essentials for any motorhome television. Clear sound and a full HD LED panel provide a great viewing experience, while two HDMI and USB sockets are handy, should you want to bring any extra accessories with you.
The ability to pause and play back live TV is also a very useful addition, while further flexibility is provided thanks to the 240v AC, 12v DC and 24v DC options. While other models in our guide may provide more features, we think the inclusion of a DVD player is useful, making it an ideal choice if you think you may not have good signal where you’re pitching up.
The built-in twin DVB-T/T2 and DVB-S/S2 tuners are practical features, allowing you to simultaneously watch TV or a DVD while recording either terrestrial or satellite television.
Sharp 1T-C24EE2KF2UBM
- Screen size: 24-inch
- Dimensions: 552.1 x 353.6 x 141.6 (W x H x D in mm)
- Weight: 3.2kg
Reason to buy:
- Good selection of HDMI / USB ports, lightweight for its size
Reason to avoid:
- No built-in DVD player
We reckon this 24-inch model from Sharp makes a great motorhome TV. Providing a 720p screen resolution, we like how it gives you a clear HD picture, ideal for enjoying your favourite shows when you’re on tour. We also think it’s a nice touch that the smart TV has three HDMI and two USB ports, giving you the option of connecting several other devices without needing to keep unplugging them.
Thanks to Aquos Net+, you can easily access the internet and streaming platforms such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer at the click of a button as well.
We also like the inclusion of Active Motion 200 LCD Display, which should prevent any blurriness.
As well as this, the lightweight TV only weighs 3.2kg, and is both 12V/24V compatible.
How to choose the best TV for a motorhome
The most important consideration when you’re looking for the best motorhome TV will be knowing what type of tour you’re likely to embark on. If you’re visiting sites with mains hook-up, you can use a typical domestic set. However, if you want to take your motorhome off-grid, a 12V TV is the solution.
Think about the size that will suit your motorhome too – opting for a smaller set will provide a better viewing experience if you have a more compact ‘van, for example. Another important factor will be how you can store it – a more compact model is easier to stow away.
Consider how you’ll transport it without making it bounce around too. Covering the screen with blankets and ensuring it can’t fall over will help it reach the campsite safely – you can find out more about watching TV in your motorhome in our guide to television on tour.
Some ‘vans come with a mounting bracket, in which case you can measure to check if your planned TV will fit the standard VESA mounting on the back.
Lastly, certain motorhome TVs come with built-in DVD players too – is this something you would want yours to have? If so, we have included a couple of 12V TVs in our guide that offer that feature.
Do I need a special TV for my motorhome?
The TV you choose for your motorhome is very much going to come down to your touring habits. If you think you’re always pitching up at a site with hook-up, you will most likely be fine using a standard domestic TV. However, a 12V TV is the ideal motorhome TV for anyone who is thinking of touring off-grid or is unable to guarantee that they will always have access to hook-up. These are built to deal with the fluctuations that can occur when you’re relying on battery power.
A small plug-in inverter would offer a work around but these not only drain the 12V battery faster than a 12V TV would, but don’t offer a 100% efficient conversion either. You’ll also have to factor in the cost of buying one.
Another consideration is that while every TV can run on DC voltage, as it is stepped down from the mains, it doesn’t mean every TV can be plugged into a 12V socket, with a compatible adaptor required – these can be purchased online. A 12V TV makes life easier for you, coming with its own 12V adaptor.
Modern 12V TVs also come packed full of features for an enjoyable viewing experience, including access to a wide range of streaming services. They also have the added benefit of generally being available in smaller sizes, which can make a big difference to your viewing experience when you are pitched up.
Written with contributions from Peter Rosenthal.
Future Publishing Limited, the publisher of practicalmotorhome.com, provides the information in this article in good faith and makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Individuals carrying out the instructions do so at their own risk and must exercise their independent judgement in determining the appropriateness of the advice to their circumstances. Individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution when dealing with electrical products. To the fullest extent permitted by law, neither Future nor its employees or agents shall have any liability in connection with the use of this information. You should check that any van warranty will not be affected before proceeding with DIY projects.
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