How to Choose the Right Smart TV for Your Home

Your Guide to buying the best Smart TVs

Overview

Smart TVs are becoming increasingly popular as a way to access a range of entertainment options. They offer a range of features and connectivity options that can make watching movies, playing games, and streaming content easier and more convenient than ever before. This buying guide will provide the information needed to make an informed decision when purchasing a Smart TV. It will cover important features and considerations such as display types, sound quality, connectivity options, and more to help you find the perfect Smart TV for your home.

Key features

  1. Screen size - Consider the size of Smart TV that will best fit the available space in your home.
  2. Connectivity - Check the number of HDMI and USB ports on the TV, as this will dictate how many devices you can connect to the TV.
  3. Performance - Look for a TV with a powerful processor like a dual core or quad core as these are better suited for multitasking and faster navigation.
  4. Picture & Audio Quality - Make sure the TV you are buying has the latest display technologies so you can enjoy high-definition picture and sound quality.
  5. Operating System - Check which OS the TV runs on, as it will determine which apps are available.
  6. Smart Features - Look for a TV with voice control, personal assistant, and other smart features for a more immersive experience.
  7. Price - Consider your budget and look for the best features for the price.

See the most popular Smart TVs on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Internet Connectivity - Smart TVs are internet-ready, giving users access to streaming services, web apps, and more.
  • Voice Control - Smart TVs can be controlled by voice commands, making it easier to quickly search for content, change channels, and adjust settings.
  • Personalisation - Smart TVs allow users to tailor their experience to their tastes by providing personalised content recommendations.
  • Streaming Content - Smart TVs offer access to a huge range of streaming services, including the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
  • Ease Of Use - Smart TVs are extremely easy to use, with intuitive interfaces and helpful guides to help make it easier to find what you're looking for.

Cons

  • Price: Smart TVs can be quite expensive, especially if you are looking for features such as 4K resolution or HDR capabilities.
  • Input options: Smart TVs typically have fewer HDMI ports and other input options than regular TVs, so users may need to buy additional adapters or devices in order to connect all of their devices.
  • Internet connection: Smart TVs require an active internet connection in order to access streaming services and other online features.
  • Software updates: Smart TVs will require regular software updates in order to remain secure and compatible with streaming services and other online features.
  • Privacy concerns: Smart TVs can track and store user data, which some users may find concerning.

Best alternatives

  1. Streaming Devices - Devices such as Apple TV, Roku, or Chromecast that allow you to access streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
  2. DVD Players - Compact devices that allow you to watch DVDs and some Blu-rays.
  3. Gaming Consoles - Consoles like Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Nintendo Switch that offer access to a variety of digital games, streaming services, and digital media.
  4. Projectors - Video projectors that attach to a TV and create a larger screen for viewing content.
  5. Soundbars - Speaker systems that can be attached to a TV to provide improved sound quality and volume.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Smart Remote Controller - A device typically used to control a Smart TV, such as changing channels, adjusting volume, and more.
  • HDMI Cable - A cable used to connect a Smart TV to devices such as Blu-ray players, video game consoles, and more.
  • HDTV Antenna - A device used to receive digital TV signals for over-the-air broadcasts.
  • Audio/Video Receiver - A device used to connect a Smart TV to additional audio/video sources.
  • Wall Mount - A device used to securely affix a Smart TV to a wall.
  • Wireless Keyboard/Mouse - A device used to control a Smart TV from a distance.

Common questions

  1. What is a Smart TV? A Smart TV is an internet-connected television that typically provides access to streaming services, apps, and features that allow viewers to access online content, such as movies, TV shows, and music.
  2. What are the features of a Smart TV? Features of a Smart TV may include 4K Ultra HD resolution, streaming services, apps, voice search, web browser, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and/or compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, or other voice-controlled devices.
  3. What types of Smart TVs are available? Smart TVs come in a variety of sizes, types, and technologies. Popular types of Smart TVs include LED, OLED, QLED, UHD, and 8K models. Some TVs also come with curved screens, while others have a standard flat-screen design.
  4. How do I connect a Smart TV to the internet? Smart TVs can typically be connected to the internet using a wired or wireless connection. Wired connections typically require an Ethernet cable, while wireless connections may use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
  5. How much do Smart TVs cost? The cost of a Smart TV varies depending on the size, type, and features. Generally, Smart TVs cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
  6. What streaming services are available on Smart TVs? Many Smart TVs come pre-loaded with popular streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. Depending on the model, additional streaming services may be available for download.

Trivia

In 2005, a Smart TV was used to recreate the infamous shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s horror classic Psycho. It was part of an advertising campaign for Samsung’s new Smart TV. The setup included a giant shower made of plastic and a replica of the iconic knife. As a nod to the original movie, the blood was replaced with tomato sauce. The video was shot with the help of the Smart TV’s built-in camera and was later broadcast on YouTube. The campaign was a huge success and helped to launch Samsung’s Smart TVs into the public consciousness. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.