Smart TVs and streaming devices are gateways to worlds of web-connected entertainment. These consumer tech gadgets give us access to hundreds of apps, games, free live TV stations, and smart home controls. It’s been a minute since the smart TV craze swept the world, but now that the dust has settled, is it better to invest in a cutting-edge smart TV or a blistering-fast streamer like the Google TV Streamer?
While smart TVs and streaming devices share many of the same operating systems and core features, this list of considerations helps you decide which of these AV products is best for you.
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Smart TVs are better for picture perfectionists
Source: Apple TV
The kind of picture a modern TV can achieve can be breathtaking. Industry-famous manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, and LG prioritize picture quality. Everything from a TV’s lighting source and panel design to its picture processing and upscaling gives you the best picture possible. Your TV is also your AV hub, and the hardware to which you connect all your other components.
Most streaming devices support many of the same picture standards as smart TVs. However, a streaming device is only as good as the TV to which it’s connected. Even if you invest in a streamer with 16K resolution support (no such device exists), the TV you plug it into must support 16K for it to work correctly.
Your TV is designed to optimize the performance of some AV components, particularly game consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Automatic Low Latency Mode (ALLM) automatically adjust picture settings to give you the best gaming visuals possible.
TCL 65-inch Q6 Series (Q651G)
$400 $550 Save $150
The TCL Q6 Series is available in 55, 65, 75, and 85-inch sizes and is capable of delivering 4K/60Hz. The Google TV OS offers a fast and intuitive user experience for both UI navigation and smart TV functions. The TV also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus.
Streaming devices are easier (and cheaper) to upgrade
If you always want access to the latest apps, games, and smart home features, a streaming device may be more cost-effective for your home theater in the long run. It’s easier to upgrade a streaming device (or add a new one to your AV setup) than to constantly upgrade a smart TV.
Even if a smart TV has the apps and internet features you want, there’s no guarantee the manufacturer will support the web-connected tech you want in the future. This also extends to audio and video formats. Still, we’re less likely to see major picture and sound format movement anytime soon, not to mention the hefty sums you’ll need to shell out to keep your TV future-proof.
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Smart TVs require less setup
Image source: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | Vasyl Shulga / Shutterstock
The simplified setup is an advantage of choosing a smart TV over a streaming device. At a minimum, a streaming device requires a power connection, and some streamers don’t come with a wall adapter. Also, ensure the device you’re interested in comes with an HDMI, unless you’re looking at a dongle-style streamer like the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
After everything is wired up, there’s the initial setup to walk through, plus the UI customizations and other settings you want or need to tweak. While the initial setup for a smart TV takes time, there are no extra cables. Plug the TV in for power, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming.
Streaming devices pack up nicely
Many hotels have signs inviting guests to hook their streaming devices to hotel-room TVs. Because most streamers are portable, taking one across the country requires no luggage space. Security shouldn’t hassle you if a Roku or Amazon device in your carry-on bag is scanned.
After checking into your room, the hotel supplies you with a password for the hotel’s Wi-Fi network. Plug your streaming device into your room’s TV and switch to the correct input (some hotel TVs do this automatically).
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd Gen, 2023)
$40 $60 Save $20
The second generation of Amazon’s Fire TV 4K Max features support for Wi-Fi 6E, up to 16GB of internal storage, and a revamped processor for lightning-fast streaming and navigation.
Consider your wants, needs, and lifestyle
Your AV wants and needs will push you toward a smart TV or a streaming device. Top brands like Roku and Amazon produce 4K TVs with smart TV features and dedicated streaming devices. You’ll also find soundbars with smart TV features, such as the Roku Streambar. Many smart TVs and streaming devices feature voice assistant support for popular companions like Alexa and Google Assistant. If your smart TV or streaming device runs on Google TV, check out the exciting Gemini features that are coming to Google TV.
