How to turn your TV into a smart TV
The vast majority of new TVs sold nowadays are smart TVs. They let you connect them to your Wi-Fi and stream TV shows and movies, browse the web and run apps, all without the need for an external device.
However, if you’re holding on to an older TV, you could be missing out on some of the best entertainment options available. This includes a wealth of award-winning content on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and others.
TV deals
Take a look at the latest TV packages on Uswitch.
But don’t worry, you can still stream this great content without a new TV with the help of a device or two. Here’s how you can turn your TV into a smart TV.
Streaming sticks and internet TV boxes
Usually, the cheapest way to make your TV a smart TV is to buy a streaming stick. There’s a range of standalone streaming devices that give you access to the streaming service or catch-up app.
These devices will make your TV smart, but only through the apps you use on the device itself. Also, be sure to check which services are accessible, as some streaming devices come with different apps.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a small device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV and connects to the internet via Wi-Fi. You can choose between two types depending on the picture quality you’d like – a smaller HD stick or its flagship 4K device.
Apps include:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Spotify
- Disney+
- YouTube
- Vevo
- hayu
- Catch-up TV apps like BBC iPlayer
There are currently around 5,000 apps you can download, including games, media players and other services.
Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K is a streaming box that you plug into your TV and connect to Wi-Fi, so you can access streaming content and other apps. It also comes with two pricing options, but for storage capacity and connectivity rather than picture quality (64GB and 128GB with ethernet and mesh Wi-FI capability).
Apps include:
- Apple TV
- Netflix
- NOW
- YouTube
- Disney+
- Spotify
- Vevo
- Catch-up TV apps
Apple TV is linked to your Apple ID, so you can also download music, movies and games the same way you would on your iPhone, iPad or Mac.
Google TV Streamer (formerly Chromecast)
The Google Chromecast was fairly similar to the Fire TV Stick in that it plugged into the HDMI port on your TV and connects to the internet wirelessly.
Now, Google’s latest media streaming device is its TV Streamer, which comes with more internal storage for downloads, faster performance and better smart home integration with other Google devices.
You can stream from dozens of companies, including:
- Netflix
- NOW
- YouTube
- Spotify
- hayu
- Vevo
- Catch-up TV apps
Chromecast also has lots of other apps you can use, ranging from games and sports to health and fitness apps.
Roku
You can either get a Roku box or streaming stick, either of which plugs directly into your HDMI port and connects to Wi-Fi.
Apps include:
- Netflix
- NOW
- Amazon Prime
- Spotify
- Catch-up TV apps
Roku has over 2,000 channels or apps that you can watch, listen to or play.
YouView
YouView makes set-top boxes for TalkTalk and BT/EE, but it also sells standalone boxes that support Freeview channels, players, and apps.
Apps include:
- Netflix
- NOW
- Catch-up TV
NOW TV stick
The NOW TV stick has been discontinued, but if you still have the device, you can use it to access plenty of other apps in addition to NOW.
Apps include:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- NOW
- YouTube
- Spotify
- UK Catch-up TV apps
Set-top boxes
Nowadays, pretty much every set-top box gives you access to players and apps which let you stream content to your TV on demand.
Catch-up services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 are standard nowadays, but the other apps included on your set-top box depend on your provider.
Sky Stream
Sky now offers its TV services directly over the internet rather than via a satellite dish. With Sky Stream, you get all the same services and channels, all provided in a smaller set-top box over Wi-Fi.
Among many others, apps include:
- YouTube
- Amazon Prime Video
- Vevo
- Netflix
- Disney+
- HBO Max
Sky Q
While not available to buy anymore, millions still use Sky Q to access streaming services via its Wi-Fi connected set-top box.
Apps include:
- YouTube
- Vevo
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
Our best Sky TV deals
Want a bigger and better TV package? Check out the latest Sky TV deals on Uswitch.
Other set-top boxes
EE TV Box Pro
Apps include:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Apple TV Plus
- Disney+
- TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport)
- BBC iPlayer
- ITVx
- Channel 4
NOW TV
Apps include:
- NOW
- YouTube
- Spotify
- Netflix
Virgin Media Stream
Apps include:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport)
- Amazon Prime Video
- BBC iPlayer
- ITVX
- YouTube
- Vevo
YouView
Apps include:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
- BT TV Store
- NOW
Cheap TV boxes
Before you purchase a cheap TV box online, be sure to check its compatibility with your TV or streaming service. If you subscribe to channels from Sky or BT, it's unlikely that any other internet TV box will work apart from their own-branded ones.
Streaming TV on game consoles
Most modern game consoles have the capability to connect to the internet and stream different players and apps. Netflix and catch-up TV are available on the following devices; however, not all consoles support all streaming services:
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
- Xbox One and Xbox Series
Playstation 5
You can use your PlayStation console for so much more than just gaming. You can stream all sorts of entertainment, from movies and TV shows to live streams.
The PS5 has a dedicated space exclusively for media entertainment, meaning you won't have to download specific apps from the PS Store. Located right next to the Game home screen, you can easily switch between Game or Media content without the need to navigate through each app.
What's more, the PS5 comes with a media remote, so you don't have to use your controller to scroll through content. You can control playback, change the volume and power setting on compatible TVs, and there are even launch buttons for specific apps such as Disney+, Netflix, Spotify and YouTube.
Blu-ray players
Similarly, Blu-ray players can connect to the internet, so most modern ones have streaming apps already built into them. Again, Netflix is the most common, but many devices also support the other large services and NOW TV, too.
Connecting devices to your TV
Alternatively, you can always connect your laptop, computer, tablet or other devices directly to your TV with an HDMI cable, as long as your device supports that capability.
Even going through this route, however, not every streaming service supports this ability: NOW, for example, won't let you connect your iPad directly to your TV to watch box sets.
Broadband and TV deals
Take a look at the latest TV and broadband packages on Uswitch.