We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the best ways you can turn your regular TV into a smart TV.
How to Make My TV a Smart TV: Using HDMI Cables
If you are not familiar with advanced technology, this will be the best way for you to make your TV into a smart TV! This solution is a quick, easy, and budget-friendly option.
Using cables can be extremely cheap, and it gets the job done! You just need to select the correct cable, which must be compatible with your television set and your laptop. The most common cable for this purpose is an HDMI cable (High Definition Multimedia Interface). The function of this cable is to transmit data that is uncompressed from one device to another. However, this cable only works with devices that are HDMI compatible.
By attaching this cable to your laptop, and then inserting its other end into your TV port, you will be able to transfer your laptop screen to your TV! That means you can watch YouTube, Netflix, and any other entertaining apps right on your television. The benefit of using a cable is that it is cheap—it can cost as little as $5. Secondly, it is an easy solution. Adding a cable between your laptop and TV lets you surf the web and view it on your television.
This site is reader-supported and we earn commissions if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to Make My TV a Smart TV: Using a Dongle or a Streaming Stick
Using a dongle or a streaming stick is also an effective way of turning your ‘not so techy’ tv into a ‘techy’ one. A dongle or a streaming stick is a miniature device that can be attached to your television set by using an HDMI or USB connection.
Dongles and streaming sticks are manufactured with an inbuilt internet connection, and they can provide all the major streaming channels and applications.
There are many dongles available in the market, and some official streaming sticks too. You need to select the best one for yourself, and decide which streaming platform is the most suitable for your needs.
We have selected the top 3 dongles and streaming sticks for you:
Amazon Fire Stick
This is an official streaming stick from Amazon. It is also listed as the bestselling streaming media device on Amazon. Costing around $30, it provides great value for money.
Its ultra HD and 4k viewing quality will definitely provide you an amazing cinematic experience. The Amazon Fire Stick has all the major streaming platforms built in, such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix, HBO, and many more!
Google Chromecast
Chromecast also falls in a similar price category range as the aforementioned product, costing around $30. It comes with some compelling features as well.
The Chromecast can be connected to the TV, and you can surf most of the streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and etc.
It provides some extra features too, such as casting photos to your television, and casting Chromecast-compatible apps to your TV.
This device comes in 2 versions, the 3rd generation Chromecast, which we just discussed, and the Chromecast Ultra. This variant provides a 4k ultra HD viewing experience.
Apple TV
Apple TV is a premium streaming device, for the most part. It provides some exceptional features, but at a high cost. If you are willing to spend a little extra, this product will provide you with an experience like none other!
The Apple TV comes with a price tag of $200. However, with the purchase of the Apple TV device, you get a free subscription, which is valid for 1 year!
You can use it to watch the latest Apple originals, and the best part about this product is that it’s shareable with five friends or family members!
It supports full ultra HD 4k resolution to provide the best viewing experience. It is a luxurious product with top-notch services.
Amazon Fire TV stick, Google Chromecast and Apple TV are some major devices that are quite popular in this category.
The benefits of having one of these are that they come with everything installed, they provide the best connection, and they are pretty aesthetically pleasing in their builds, adding a little style to your TV table.
How to Make My TV a Smart TV: Gaming Consoles
If you have any gaming consoles such as a PlayStation or an Xbox, we have great news for you! You can use these consoles to access all the smart features a dongle or streaming stick can provide.
You can install different streaming service apps on your console, and then stream them on your TV. Consoles usually have lots of storage space, so you can easily download or stream heavy data.
The best part about streaming through a console is that it’s absolutely free! You won’t have to buy any extra device or pay for any installation costs.
Please make sure you have a steady internet connection, or you may experience lag and interruption while streaming.
The top streaming platforms which are supported by PlayStation and Xbox are Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and a few others.
Box-Type Media Players
Box-type media players are also a viable solution for people who are looking to stream different kinds of entertainment channels and platforms. The box players usually have satellite access and can provide you with many features.
These boxes can be installed by local professionals, or you can buy them directly from companies. The most popular media boxes include the Virgin Media Box, Sky Q, PanasonicDMR, and Humax FVP.
Box media players have installation costs that vary depending upon the service providers you choose.
These boxes have monthly subscription fees that vary depending on your selected package. You have the freedom to choose what kind of package will be the best for you!
Turning a TV into a Smart TV: How to Get Started and More Advice
This section will give you general information and advice about the things you should know, and what you should be looking for when you’re attempting to turn your TV into a smart TV.
Purchasing a Connection
The first thing you need to do is pay for a high-quality internet connection that is suited to streaming for long periods and has the bandwidth to comfortably watch Netflix and Hulu for as long as you want.
Once you get a high-speed connection for your TV, you can move on to discovering the various methods and tools at your disposal to convert your TV into a smart TV.
Devices for Different Budgets
If you’re not too keen on spending a fortune turning your TV into a smart TV, don’t worry!
We’ve got some inexpensive recommendations for you!
Like we’ve mentioned before, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is an amazing, high-quality option that won’t empty your pockets. You can plug it directly into your TV. It comes with easy-to-use voice activation for an optimal experience.
Another great, inexpensive option is to use an HDMI cable.
The best part is that several modern devices use HDMI and are compatible with the hardware, so you can plug an HDMI cable into your phones, tablets, and computers. That way, whatever you see on the device screen shows up on your TV screen as well.
You may want to check out android sticks as well, if you’re looking for an android-based option.
Using a Mobile Phone to Stream Content
There are plenty of other ways to use your mobile phone to stream content on your TV screen aside from using it with an HDMI cable.
One such option is to stream content to your screen using a home Wi-Fi network.