Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV Review: The Ultimate Compact Smart TV for Any Room?

There’s a scenario we’ve all faced. The main living room television is occupied—perhaps by a tense football match, a reality TV marathon, or a gaming session that simply cannot be interrupted. Meanwhile, you’re trying to follow a recipe in the kitchen, wanting some background entertainment in the home office, or simply wishing for a quiet way to watch your own show in the bedroom. The obvious answer is a second TV, but the search for the right one is often fraught with compromise. For years, smaller televisions were an afterthought for manufacturers; they were “dumb” screens with poor picture quality, tinny sound, and none of the smart features we’ve come to rely on. Finding a compact TV that didn’t feel like a technological step back in time was a genuine challenge. This is the precise problem the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV aims to solve. It promises a full-fat smart TV experience—complete with modern streaming apps, voice control, and innovative features like aerial-free live TV—all in a package designed to fit perfectly into the smaller spaces of our lives.

What to Consider Before Buying a Compact Smart TV

A compact smart TV is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking entertainment in every corner of your home. Unlike the monolithic screens that dominate living rooms, these smaller sets offer unparalleled versatility. They can serve as a kitchen companion for catching up on the news over breakfast, a bedroom screen for late-night movies, a dedicated monitor for a games console in a child’s room, or even a portable display for a garden room. The primary benefits are their space-saving design, lower energy consumption, and affordability. They democratise access to streaming services and live TV, ensuring you don’t need a dedicated aerial point or a bulky media cabinet in every room to stay connected and entertained.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the classic “second screen” dilemma. This includes students in dorm rooms, apartment dwellers with limited space, families needing an extra screen to keep the peace, or anyone wanting to add smart functionality to a kitchen, bedroom, or workshop. It’s a pragmatic choice for those who value convenience and modern features over sheer screen size and ultimate 4K fidelity. However, it might not be suitable for those who are building a dedicated home cinema or for viewers who demand the highest possible resolution for a primary viewing screen. For those users, a larger 4K OLED or QLED TV would be a more appropriate, albeit much more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is the most critical factor for a secondary TV. Measure the intended space carefully, whether it’s a kitchen counter, a bookshelf, or a small media stand. The Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV, with its dimensions of 55.3 x 36.7 x 16.4 cm including the stand, is specifically designed for these tight spots. Remember to account for ventilation space around the unit.
• Performance & Resolution: For a smaller screen, performance is less about pixel count and more about the user experience. “HD Ready” (1366 x 768 pixels) is perfectly adequate for a 24-inch screen, providing a sharp image from a normal viewing distance. More important is the performance of the smart platform; a slow, laggy interface is frustrating on any screen. Look for a responsive system like VIDAA, which ensures launching apps and navigating menus is a smooth experience.
• Connectivity & Features: In the modern streaming era, robust WiFi is non-negotiable. A key feature to look for, and a standout on this Toshiba model, is the ability to stream live TV over the internet via services like Freely. This eliminates the need for an aerial, making placement incredibly flexible. Also consider the available ports (HDMI, USB) for connecting devices like games consoles or laptops.
• Ease of Use & Setup: A secondary TV should be simple. The setup process should be straightforward, especially if you’re not technically inclined. A “plug and play” experience, where you simply connect to power and WiFi to get started, is the gold standard. We found the Toshiba exemplifies this, echoing user reports of a seamless installation without any complex tuning or troubleshooting.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV stands out in several areas, particularly in its blend of modern features and compact design. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB: First Impressions and Key Features

Pulling the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV from its box, the first thing we noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. At just over 4 kg, it’s incredibly lightweight and easy to manage, a point several users have also celebrated. This portability is a huge asset for a TV designed to be moved around the house if needed. The assembly process is refreshingly simple, involving attaching the two plastic feet with a few included screws; a task that took us less than two minutes. The build is, as expected for this price point, predominantly plastic, but it feels sturdy and well-constructed with a clean, minimalist bezel that doesn’t distract from the screen. The included remote is standard and functional, with dedicated shortcut buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and, crucially, Freely. Powering it on for the first time, we were immediately greeted by the VIDAA smart platform’s setup screen, which felt modern, slick, and a world away from the clunky interfaces of older budget TVs.

A Deep Dive into the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB’s Real-World Performance

A spec sheet can only tell you so much. To truly understand a television, you have to live with it. We put the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV through its paces in various environments—from a busy kitchen to a quiet bedroom—to see if its performance matches its promises. We tested its core features, from its revolutionary aerial-free setup to its picture and sound quality, to deliver a comprehensive verdict.

The ‘Freely’ Revolution: Is Aerial-Free TV Finally Here?

The single most transformative feature of this television is its integration of Freely. For decades, a major constraint on TV placement has been the location of the aerial socket. This Toshiba model shatters that limitation. Following the on-screen prompts, we deliberately skipped any aerial connection and simply entered our WiFi password. Within moments, the TV was fully operational. This experience, which one user perfectly described as “100% plug and play,” is genuinely remarkable.

Freely, for those unfamiliar, is the new internet-based platform from the UK’s public service broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5). It seamlessly integrates live and on-demand content into a single, cohesive electronic programme guide (EPG). Pressing the dedicated ‘Freely’ button on the remote brings up a guide that looks familiar but operates entirely over your broadband connection. We found channel switching to be swift, with only a brief moment of buffering, comparable to changing channels on a service like YouTube TV. We experienced none of the constant buffering or tuning issues that some early adopters of other ‘Freely’ TVs have reported. The integration is slick, stable, and completely removes a major installation headache. For anyone wanting a TV in a room without an aerial point—a kitchen, a newly converted loft, or a conservatory—this feature alone makes the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV a top contender.

Picture Quality: Making HD Ready Shine with HDR and TRU Resolution

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the “HD Ready” resolution. In an era of 4K and 8K, a 1366 x 768 pixel count might seem dated. However, on a 24-inch screen viewed from a few feet away, the pixel density is more than sufficient to deliver a sharp, clean image. We found that text was clear, and details in 720p or 1080p content streamed from Netflix were well-defined. Where this TV truly punches above its weight is with its processing technology. The inclusion of HDR10 support is a significant bonus. While watching “The Crown” on Netflix, we noted a discernible improvement in contrast and colour depth in HDR scenes. Highlights were brighter without being blown out, and shadows retained more detail compared to standard dynamic range content.

Furthermore, Toshiba’s TRU Resolution technology works in the background to upscale lower-resolution content and refine the image. This was most noticeable when watching older standard-definition broadcast content, which appeared cleaner and less blocky than on more basic sets. We did, however, corroborate the user feedback that the out-of-the-box picture settings are a bit lacklustre. In ‘Standard’ mode, colours appeared somewhat “bland and washed out.” This, however, is easily remedied. Diving into the picture settings, we switched to ‘Cinema’ mode, slightly increased the ‘Colour Saturation’ and ‘Contrast’, and the result was a dramatic improvement. The picture became vibrant, rich, and much more engaging. Our advice is to spend five minutes in the settings menu to unlock this TV’s full potential; the impressive results are well worth the minimal effort.

The VIDAA Experience: A Smart TV That’s Actually Smart

The heart of any smart TV is its operating system, and this is where many budget models falter with slow, clunky, and unreliable software. We are happy to report that the VIDAA platform on the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV is a genuine pleasure to use. It’s built on a modern, responsive framework that feels fast and fluid. Booting up the TV is quick, and navigating the customizable home screen is instantaneous with no discernible lag. All the essential UK streaming apps are pre-installed and easy to access: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and the full suite of catch-up services (iPlayer, ITVX, etc.) are present and correct.

The VIDAA Voice feature, new for 2025, works surprisingly well. Holding down the microphone button on the remote and saying “Show me action movies on Netflix” brought up the relevant results immediately. The TV also “Works with Alexa” and “Works with Google Assistant,” meaning we could easily integrate it into our existing smart home ecosystems. We linked it to a nearby smart speaker and were able to turn the TV on and off, adjust the volume, and change inputs using only our voice. This level of smart integration is typically reserved for more premium models, and finding it executed so well in a compact, affordable package is a testament to the value Toshiba is offering. This is a complete, uncompromised smart experience. If you value a responsive and fully-featured smart platform, this TV delivers an experience that defies its price point.

Sound Check: Does Dolby Audio Make a Difference in a Small Package?

Audio is the Achilles’ heel of almost every small, thin television. The tiny, down-firing speakers they’re equipped with usually produce thin, tinny sound that lacks any clarity or weight. We went into our audio tests with low expectations but were genuinely impressed. The Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV features Dolby Audio Processing, and it makes a world of difference. While watching a dialogue-heavy drama, voices were crisp, clear, and easy to understand, even at low volumes. There was none of the muddiness that often plagues small TV speakers. One user noted the “really good sound quality,” and we wholeheartedly agree.

To push it further, we streamed a dynamic action sequence from a blockbuster on Prime Video. While you won’t get chest-thumping bass—physics still applies, after all—the Dolby processing creates a wider, more immersive soundstage. Sound effects had a sense of direction and separation that you simply don’t expect from a 24-inch set. It won’t replace a dedicated soundbar, but for everyday viewing in a kitchen or bedroom, the audio performance is more than capable; it’s genuinely enjoyable and a significant step up from the competition in this size class.

What Real Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV is strongly reflected in the feedback from other users. There is a clear consensus on its standout qualities. One happy customer called it an “amazing TV at an excellent price,” highlighting its perfect size and weight for moving around the house. They praised the “very easy to set up and excellent on screen instructions,” which perfectly aligns with our own aerial-free, plug-and-play experience.

Another user confirmed this, stating it required nothing more than a WiFi password to become “fully operational.” This user had read about other Freely TVs being unreliable but found “no such issues with this Toshiba.” This feedback is crucial as it points to a stable and well-implemented execution of the new technology. The most common piece of constructive feedback, which we also noted, relates to the initial picture quality. As one reviewer mentioned, the picture was “a bit bland and washed out out initially but this was soon sorted out in the picture colour settings.” This shared experience reinforces our recommendation to spend a few minutes calibrating the display to your liking, a simple step that unlocks the screen’s true performance.

How Does the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB Compare to the Competition?

While the Toshiba shines in its specific niche, it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular models in the compact and budget TV space. We’ve analysed three key alternatives to help you make the most informed decision.

1. LG 32LQ63806LC 32inch Full HD Smart TV

The primary advantage of the LG 32LQ63806LC is its larger 32-inch screen and superior Full HD (1080p) resolution. This makes it a better option if the TV is intended as a primary screen for a smaller living room or a larger bedroom where the extra size and detail will be appreciated. It runs on LG’s highly acclaimed webOS platform, known for its pointer-based Magic Remote and intuitive interface. However, its larger footprint makes it less suitable for the ultra-compact spaces where the 24-inch Toshiba excels, like a kitchen counter. The choice here comes down to priorities: screen size and resolution (LG) versus compact flexibility and seamless Freely setup (Toshiba).

2. Cello 19 inch Smart Frameless TV C1924WSH

For those where space is at an absolute premium, the Cello 19-inch model is a compelling choice. Being significantly smaller, it can fit into spaces the Toshiba cannot, such as inside a cabinet, on a narrow shelf, or in a caravan. It also surprisingly runs on LG’s webOS, giving it a premium smart interface for its size, and includes Freeview Play and Freesat tuners. The main compromise is the screen size; 19 inches is very small and may be less immersive for extended viewing. The Cello is the specialist for tiny spaces, whereas the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB offers a more balanced and comfortable viewing experience for general secondary-room use.

3. Antteq 32 Inch FHD Smart WebOS TV

The Antteq 32-inch TV is another strong competitor that, like the LG, offers a larger screen and Full HD resolution. It also leverages the webOS smart platform and sweetens the deal with features like a Voice Magic Remote and ThinQ AI, offering a more advanced control scheme. It’s a feature-packed alternative for viewers who want a slightly more premium smart experience in a 32-inch format. However, its strengths lie in these advanced features and larger size. The Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB holds its own by focusing on a different user: one who needs a smaller, simpler, “just works” solution where the aerial-free Freely functionality and ultra-convenient setup are the most important factors.

Final Verdict: Is the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV is a triumph in the compact television category. It successfully avoids the compromises that have plagued smaller TVs for years. Its masterstroke is the flawless integration of Freely, which genuinely liberates you to place a fully functional live TV anywhere you have a power socket and a WiFi signal. This feature alone is a game-changer for kitchens, bedrooms, home offices, and university dorms.

While it may only be HD Ready, the picture quality is sharp, vibrant (after a quick tune-up), and enhanced by effective HDR and upscaling technology. The VIDAA smart platform is quick and comprehensive, and the Dolby-enhanced audio is remarkably clear for its size. This isn’t just a downsized television; it’s a thoughtfully designed, feature-complete entertainment hub for the smaller spaces in your life. If you are looking for a compact, modern, and incredibly user-friendly smart TV that punches well above its weight, we give it our highest recommendation.

If you’ve decided the Toshiba 24″ WV2553DB HD Ready Smart VIDAA TV is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.