A connected TV is any television that links to the internet and runs apps

A connected TV is a television that can connect to your home Wi-Fi network and run applications — the same way a smartphone runs apps. Once connected, it can stream video from Netflix, YouTube, or other services without needing a separate device plugged into it. The TV itself contains the hardware and software to do this work.

The term "connected TV" is broader than "smart TV." A connected TV straightforward means the set can reach the internet. A smart TV usually means it has a built-in operating system (like Roku, Google TV, or Samsung's Tizen) that makes the apps easier to find and use. Most TVs sold today are connected TVs, and most of those are also smart TVs — the two terms overlap so much that stores and manufacturers use them almost interchangeably.

What matters for your decision is not the label but what the TV can actually do once it is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. That depends on which apps the manufacturer included, which services you subscribe to, and whether the TV's interface makes those apps straightforward to find.

Key Takeaways

  • A connected TV links to your Wi-Fi and runs apps built into the TV itself, so you do not need a separate streaming device.
  • The TV's operating system (Roku, Google TV, Samsung Tizen, LG WebOS, or Amazon Fire TV) determines which apps are available and how straightforward they are to use.
  • You can still use a separate streaming device like an Apple TV or Roku box if the TV's built-in apps do not include the services you want.
  • A connected TV requires a Wi-Fi network at home and an internet connection that can handle video streaming without buffering.
  • Setup takes about ten minutes: connect to Wi-Fi, sign into your streaming accounts, and the TV downloads the apps you need.

How a connected TV connects to the internet

Every connected TV has Wi-Fi built in. When you first turn on the TV, it walks you through connecting to your home network — you select your Wi-Fi name from a list and enter your password, the same way you would on a phone or laptop. Once connected, the TV stays connected as long as it is powered on and within range of your router.

Some TVs also have an ethernet port on the back, which lets you plug in a network cable directly. This is useful if your Wi-Fi signal is weak in the room where the TV sits, or if you want a more stable connection for streaming. Most people use Wi-Fi and never need the cable.

The TV does not need to be connected to cable or satellite to work as a connected TV. It only needs internet access. If you have cut the cord and use only streaming services, a connected TV is all you need — no cable box, no antenna, just the TV and your Wi-Fi.

What operating system means and why it matters

The operating system is the software that runs on the TV, similar to how Windows or macOS runs on a computer. It controls the interface you see on screen, which apps are available, and how you navigate between them. The five most common operating systems in TVs sold in the United States are Roku, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Tizen, and LG WebOS.

Each operating system comes with certain apps already installed. Roku TVs typically include Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and others. Google TV includes Google Play Store, which has hundreds of apps. Amazon Fire TV emphasizes Amazon Prime Video but includes most major services. Samsung and LG have their own app stores with their own selections.

The operating system also affects how the remote works and how the home screen is organized. Some systems let you customize the home screen heavily; others are more rigid. Some remotes have voice buttons that let you search by speaking; others do not. If you use a specific service heavily — say, you watch mostly YouTube — checking which operating system makes YouTube easiest to reach matters more than the brand name on the TV.

Built-in apps versus separate streaming devices

A connected TV comes with apps already installed, so you can start streaming when ready after connecting to Wi-Fi. You do not have to buy an Apple TV, Roku box, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast. The TV does the work itself.

However, the apps built into a TV are not always the same as the apps on a standalone device. A Roku TV has Roku's app store built in, but it may not have every app that a Roku box has. Similarly, a TV with Google TV built in may not have every app available in the full Google Play Store. Manufacturers sometimes leave out apps to keep the TV's software running smoothly or to avoid cluttering the home screen.

If the TV's built-in apps do not include a service you subscribe to, you can plug in a separate streaming device. For example, if you have a connected TV but it does not have the Peacock app, you can plug in a Roku box or Fire Stick that does have Peacock, and use that device instead. The TV becomes just the display; the separate device handles the streaming.

Internet speed and Wi-Fi strength you actually need

Streaming video requires a stable internet connection, but not an extremely fast one. Most streaming services recommend at least 5 megabits per second (Mbps) for standard definition and 25 Mbps for 4K video. If you have internet fast enough to browse the web and check email without lag, it is almost certainly fast enough for streaming.

Wi-Fi signal strength matters more than raw speed. If your router is in a different room from the TV, or if there are walls between them, the signal may weaken enough to cause buffering — those pauses where the video stops and loads. If this happens, you have three options: move the router closer to the TV, use the ethernet cable if the TV has a port, or buy a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signal in that room.

If multiple people in your home are streaming at the same time — one person watching Netflix on the TV while another watches YouTube on a phone — your internet connection has to split the bandwidth. This can cause buffering if your internet plan is slow. Most modern internet plans handle this without trouble, but it is worth knowing if you live with others who stream frequently.

Setting up a connected TV for the first time

Setup takes about ten minutes. Turn on the TV and it will ask you to select your language and country. Then it will show you a list of Wi-Fi networks and ask you to enter your password. Once connected, it will ask you to sign into your streaming accounts — Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, or whichever services you use.

You do not have to sign into every service on the first day. You can sign into one or two, start watching, and add more services later. When you sign into an account, the TV remembers it, so you do not have to enter your password again unless you sign out.

Some TVs will ask you to create an account with the TV manufacturer (Samsung, LG, Roku, etc.) to use certain features. This is optional for basic streaming but required if you want to use voice search or save a list of favorite apps. Read what the TV is asking before you agree — you can usually skip this step and come back to it later.

Privacy and data collection on connected TVs

Connected TVs collect data about what you watch. This information helps the manufacturer improve the TV's software and helps advertisers target ads to you. The amount of data collected and how it is used depends on the manufacturer and the operating system.

When you first set up the TV, it usually asks whether you want to allow data collection. You can say no, but some features may not work as well — for example, voice search might not learn your preferences. You can also change these settings later in the TV's settings menu, usually under "Privacy" or "Data Collection."

Read the privacy policy if you want to know exactly what data is collected. These policies are long and technical, but the main point is straightforward: if you are uncomfortable with a TV manufacturer collecting data about your viewing habits, you can limit what you share, or you can use a separate streaming device instead and let the TV be just a display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate streaming device if my TV is already connected?

No, not unless the TV's built-in apps do not include a service you want to use. Most connected TVs come with Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and other major services. If you subscribe to something less common and the TV does not have it, then a separate device makes sense.

What happens if my internet goes out?

The TV will not be able to stream video, but it will still turn on and display the home screen. Once your internet is back, streaming works again. You do not have to restart the TV or reconnect to Wi-Fi — it remembers your network.

Can I use a connected TV without signing into any accounts?

Yes. You can browse the app store and watch free, ad-supported content on services like YouTube, Pluto TV, or Tubi without signing in. You only need an account if you want to watch content that requires a subscription or if you want the TV to remember your watch history.

Is a connected TV more expensive than a regular TV?

No. Almost all TVs sold today are connected TVs, and they cost the same as non-connected TVs would. The Wi-Fi hardware is standard now, not an upgrade. You pay for screen size and picture quality, not for the connection itself.

Can I control a connected TV with my phone?

Yes, if the TV's operating system supports it. Most Roku, Google TV, and Amazon Fire TV sets have companion apps you can read to your phone. The app lets you type text, control playback, and sometimes launch apps without using the physical remote.