Connected TV is any television that streams content from the internet

Connected TV is a television set that can connect to the internet and read shows, movies, and apps directly to your screen — without needing a separate device like a streaming box or cable box plugged in. If your TV has built-in WiFi or an ethernet port and can run apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu on its own, it is a connected TV.

The term covers a lot of ground. Your TV might connect through WiFi, through a wired ethernet cable, or both. It might have apps pre-installed by the manufacturer, or you might read them yourself. The key difference from an older TV is that the internet connection and the ability to run software are built into the television itself, not added on through a separate device.

Connected TVs are also called smart TVs — the terms mean the same thing in everyday use. The TV is "smart" because it can think and act on its own, rather than just displaying a picture from a cable box or antenna.

Key Takeaways

  • A connected TV has WiFi or ethernet built in and can run streaming apps without a separate box.
  • You control what you watch through the TV's remote, which usually has a menu button that shows available apps.
  • Connected TVs require an internet connection to stream, but can still display cable or antenna signals if you have those too.
  • The TV manufacturer decides which apps come pre-installed, but most let you read additional ones from an app store.

How a connected TV gets content to your screen

A connected TV works by connecting to your home WiFi network the same way a phone or laptop does. Once connected, it can read video, audio, and images from the internet and display them on your screen. When you open Netflix on your TV, the TV itself is doing the work — it is talking directly to Netflix's servers, not relying on a cable company or a separate device to do it for you.

The TV has a processor and memory inside, similar to a computer, so it can run software. That software is what lets you navigate menus, search for shows, and launch apps. Most connected TVs come with a remote that has a menu button or home button; pressing it shows you the apps available on that TV.

If you also have cable or an antenna, a connected TV can still display that signal. The internet connection and the built-in apps are extra features on top of what a regular TV does — they do not replace cable or antenna if you have them.

What apps come with a connected TV and how to add more

The apps that come pre-installed depend on the TV manufacturer and the operating system it runs. A Samsung TV might come with different apps than an LG TV. Common pre-installed apps include Netflix, YouTube, and the TV manufacturer's own app store, where you can read additional apps for free or purchase them.

Adding an app is usually straightforward: press the home button on your remote, find the app store (often called something like "Samsung Apps" or "LG Content Store"), search for the app you want, and select it to read. The TV downloads and installs it automatically, and it appears on your home screen. You do not need a computer or any technical knowledge — the TV handles the whole process.

Some apps are free to read but require a subscription to use (like Netflix or Disney+). Others are free to use but show ads. A few are paid apps you purchase once. The TV's app store usually shows you which category each app falls into before you read it.

Connected TV operating systems and what they control

A connected TV runs an operating system — software that controls how the TV works, what apps are available, and how you navigate the screen. The major operating systems are Roku, Google TV, webOS (LG), Tizen (Samsung), and Fire TV (Amazon). Each one looks and feels different, and each one has its own app store.

The operating system determines which apps you can read, how the home screen is organized, and what features the TV has. For example, a TV running Google TV can use Google Assistant voice commands, while a Roku TV uses Roku's voice system. Neither is better — they are just different ways of organizing the same basic function.

When you buy a connected TV, you are partly choosing the operating system you want to live with. If you already use Google products or Amazon products, you might prefer a TV that runs Google TV or Fire TV. If you want a straightforward, straightforward interface, Roku is known for that. Spending a few minutes looking at reviews of each operating system before you buy can save you frustration later.

Internet speed and connection type for connected TV

A connected TV needs an internet connection to stream video. Most streaming services recommend at least 5 to 10 megabits per second (Mbps) for standard video and 25 Mbps for high-definition video. If your home WiFi is slow or unreliable, streaming will stall or pause to buffer.

You can connect a TV to the internet through WiFi or through an ethernet cable plugged directly into the TV and your router. Ethernet is more stable and faster if your TV is close enough to your router to run a cable. WiFi is more convenient if the TV is far from the router, but it depends on your WiFi signal strength in that room.

If you have multiple people streaming at the same time on different devices, your total internet speed matters. One person streaming Netflix while another watches YouTube and a third browses on a phone can slow everyone down if your internet plan is slow. Checking your internet speed with a free online speed test can tell you whether your connection is fast enough for the number of people using it.

Connected TV versus streaming devices and cable boxes

A connected TV does the same job as a separate streaming device like a Roku box, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick — it gets video from the internet to your screen. The difference is that a connected TV has that capability built in, while a streaming device is a separate box you plug into an older TV.

If you already own a connected TV, you do not need a separate streaming device. If you have an older TV without internet capability, adding a streaming device is cheaper than buying a new TV. Some people use both: they have a connected TV but also plug in a streaming device because they prefer that device's interface or because it has an app their TV does not.

A cable box is different. It receives a signal from your cable company and displays cable channels on your TV. A connected TV can work alongside a cable box — you can watch cable through the box and streaming apps through the TV's built-in connection. You do not have to choose one or the other.

Privacy and data on a connected TV

Connected TVs collect data about what you watch, how long you watch it, and sometimes information about your location and device. Manufacturers use this data to improve their services, show you relevant ads, and sell information to advertisers. The privacy policies vary by manufacturer and by app.

You can usually limit data collection by going into the TV's settings and turning off features like targeted advertising or data sharing. The exact steps depend on your TV's operating system, but most have a privacy or ads section in the settings menu. Turning off these features may mean you see less relevant ads, but it does not stop all data collection — the TV still knows what you watch.

Reading the privacy policy for your TV's operating system before you set it up can tell you what data is collected and how it is used. If privacy is important to you, comparing privacy policies between TV brands before you buy can help you choose one that aligns with your comfort level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate streaming device if I have a connected TV?

No. A connected TV can run streaming apps on its own, so a separate device is not necessary. Some people use both because they prefer a particular device's interface or because it has an app their TV does not, but it is not required.

Can I use a connected TV without an internet connection?

Yes, but only for cable or antenna channels. The streaming apps and internet features will not work without a connection. If you have cable or an antenna, you can still watch those channels even if your WiFi is down.

What happens if my TV's operating system stops getting updates?

Older apps may stop working, and new apps may not be available for read. The TV will still display cable or antenna signals and run apps that are already installed, but you will not be able to read new ones or update existing ones. This is why some people prefer TVs with operating systems that have a long track record of updates.

Can I connect a connected TV to my phone or computer?

Yes. Most connected TVs support screen mirroring or casting, which lets you send video or photos from your phone or computer to the TV screen. The exact method depends on your TV's operating system and your device, but it is usually found in your phone's settings under display or casting options.

Is a connected TV more expensive than a regular TV?

Connected TVs cost more upfront than basic TVs, but the difference has shrunk over time. Most TVs sold today are connected TVs. If you are buying a new TV, you will likely get a connected TV whether you specifically want one or not — it is now the standard.