How to get a smart TV without buying a smart TV
There was a time when the term smart TV meant you had the greatest TV on the market. Fast forward to 2023 and pretty much every TV sold could be classified technically as a "smart" TV just because it's connected to the internet.
But just how smart are smart TVs?
Every TV brand has a different operating system
TV operating systems are as compatible with each other as Android is with Apple's iOS. And this actually creates complexity for people in the market for a smart TV.
You need to know that every brand sells their own choice of operating system, and not many of them are the same.
Samsung, LG and Hisense are making their own individual operating systems which might not seem like a problem, but what it does mean is that any streaming app needs to be built specifically for that brand so any new updates or features might take time to be available on every brand. This is most problematic with anything new – a brand-new streaming app not currently available on a particular brand could take some time to develop.
Outside of those three, Google and Amazon are big into the TV operating system race.
Amazon doesn't sell TVs with their Fire TV built-in here in Australia, but Google TV is available across several brands.
How to get a smart TV without buying a new TV
Given Google and Amazon's big push into this space with a whole operating system, those companies have also taken it a step further with small and very affordable dongles that you can plug into any TV to take advantage of.
These devices plug into any HDMI port, get power from either USB or a supplied power adaptor and then literally turn any TV into the smartest smart TV.
They are an outstanding option for people who have a great TV but just can't get all the apps or the latest versions of apps.
The best smart TV dongles to turn your TV smart
Chromecast with Google TV
Google's smart TV dongle is the Chromecast with Google TV. Originally a Chromecast was a great way to stream content to your TV from your smartphone, but these modern versions don't need your phone.
They have their own remote to control the screen, allowing you to install apps, navigate the menus and even use your voice to control functions.
Chromecast with Google TV comes in two options, a 4K and an HD version. Given the price of the 4K model these days it's impossible to go past.
Chromecast HD or 4K
Amazon Fire Stick
Amazon's Fire Stick is literally an alternative to Google for those looking to shop around, or for those who are deeper into the Amazon Alexa ecosystem, but that's not the only reason to choose one over the other.
Fire TV comes in three sticks and a cube. The Sticks literally plug into your HDMI port for easy access, while the Cube is made to sit alongside your TV and is also an Echo smart speaker.
Across the range, the Lite doesn't allow you to control your TV channels and volume using the remote, while all the others come with a remote that will also control your TV. Then there's the option of 4K if you need it, and of course, the Cube if you wanted a smart home speaker also!
Fire TV Stick HD and Fire TV Stick Lite
Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Cube
Fetch
The Aussie-created Fetch TV is an exceptional all-in-one entertainment box.
It comes in two models, the mini and the mighty with the key difference being the mighty allows you to use it as a modern-day VCR – or PVR – recording your favourite live TV shows.
Each Fetch box allows you to watch live TV, stream affordable pay TV channels, rent and buy movies, watch free catch-up TV apps and access the bulk of the big-player streaming apps too.
It's unmatched in its ability to serve up content from movies to TV shows and you can have multiple Fetch boxes in a single home, linked together for sharing of content like recordings.
Affordable smart TV options
These options are all in the smaller range in terms of TV size, but they are great brands, excellent TVs and offer all the smarts you might need.
JVC 43 Inch Smart TV
This 43-inch TV is perfect for those "other" rooms, the kitchen or dining room, the bedroom – somewhere that doesn't need a huge 75-inch TV. It's running Android TV, which is the precursor to the current Google TV operating system. While it doesn't offer all the features of Google TV, it will offer all of the premium apps, and most other smart TV apps you will want for.
Sony BRAVIA 32" Smart TV
Sony is one of the biggest brands in the world, and they have gone all in on Google TV. Their Google TV integration is outstanding from the remote through to the speed of the processor running the TV.
I think that if you're looking for a smart TV the Sony range is hard to ignore.
TCL 43" Google TV
Like Sony, TCL has gone big on Google TV and for good reason – it's outstanding. TCL offers great value with a range of TVs at all different sizes – even up to 98 inches.
This one is a small entry option, but it's got great picture quality as well as that Google TV operating system so every app you want from the big streaming companies, you'll get.
LG 50" 4K Smart TV
Being one of the biggest TV brands in the world, LG's approach is all internal. Their WebOS operating system has been part of their TV range for many years now and has evolved to be a strong and very usable system.
Their app store isn't as open or wide-ranging as Google, but they tick the box with every major streaming app in Australia.
Additionally, thanks to smart integration you can also control aspects of your smart home on the TV too.
Samsung 50" 4K Crystal UHD Smart TV
Like LG, Samsung has its own TV operating system, which not only offers all the key apps, but also some excellent non-TV features like ambient mode to display things when you're not watching, easy access to other media like USB connectivity, and perhaps Samsung's best standout feature today is their Samsung TV Plus service.
TV Plus is a set of live-streamed channels that come to your TV not via antenna but via your internet connection and they now have channels which are 24/7 – Mythbusters, Married with Children, Baywatch, and even certain news channels are free to watch on any Samsung TV with TV Plus installed.
Well worth a look.
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