Do I need a smart TV to stream?
Ways to stream on a regular TV
A regular TV can stream if it has an HDMI input. Plug in a streaming device such as a stick or box, connect it to your Wi-Fi, and sign in to the apps you use. The streaming device handles the apps, so the TV only has to show the picture.
Many people also connect a laptop or phone with an HDMI cable or wireless casting. Casting sends the stream from the phone or computer to the TV, and the device must stay on your network while it plays.
- Streaming stick or box in an HDMI port
- Game console with streaming apps
- Laptop or phone connected with HDMI or casting
- Smart TV apps built into the set
What a smart TV adds
A smart TV has streaming apps built in, so you do not need an extra box. The advantage is convenience, since the remote and menus are already part of the TV. Older smart TVs may stop receiving app updates, which can limit which services work.
If your smart TV is old or slow, a separate streaming device is often a cheap upgrade. Check each app's list of supported devices before you buy.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a TV without apps cannot stream at all; an external device solves that.
- Buying a streaming device without checking that your favorite apps are supported.
