Tired of having a ‘dumb‘ TV with just old-school cable channels to watch? Wish you had fancy new smart TV capabilities like video streaming, web access and voice controls? Well my friend, I‘ve got great news for you!
You can now easily convert your existing boring television into an amazing smart entertainment hub just by plugging in nifty little devices. Without spending money on an expensive new smart TV.
Let me explain quickly how this works before diving into the best options…
Smart TVs 101: Built-In vs External Devices
Modern televisions come with intelligent software built-in to enable smart features. They let you do a lot more than just watch cable/dish channels:
- Access online media apps like Netflix, Prime, YouTube
- Cast videos from your phone onto the big screen
- Use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant
- Browse websites and social media on TV
- Play games, listen to music etc.
Pretty neat, right? Well these smart TVs cost quite a lot more than dumb ones.
But here‘s a cool hack:
You can convert any non-smart TV into one just by plugging in tiny handy devices like the Amazon Fire Stick or Roku stick. They basically act like mini-computers giving dumb displays access to streaming, websites and apps.
Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Built-in Smart TV | Plug-in Streaming Device | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Expensive, $500+ | Affordable, $20 – $100 |
| Setup | Out-of-box smart capabilities | Plug into HDMI port to add smart features |
| Performance | Integrated high-end hardware like processors and memory | Compact lower-powered hardware, but gets the job done |
| Features | Get all smart software out-of-the-box | Depends on streaming stick used. But all support media streaming |
So that‘s the essential difference. While integrated smart TVs are amazing, they cost a bomb! Add-on streaming devices offer a nifty, affordable way to convert any boring TV into a smart one!
Now let‘s get straight into the 7 best options worth considering…
#1. Fire TV Stick Lite: Cheapest Way to Add Smart Apps
The Fire TV Stick Lite is Amazon‘s most affordable way to make dumb TVs smart at just $29.99! For less than $30 bucks, you unlock:
- Streaming Access: Watch over 1 million shows and movies from Prime Video, Netflix, Hotstar, Disney+ and 1000s of channels
- Alexa Voice Remote: Ask Alexa to search content, control TV volume, smart lights, AC and more
- Easy Setup: Plug into HDMI port, connect to WiFi and enjoy! No new TV needed
- Full HD Streaming: Smooth 1080p video quality, no 4K though
I mean, where else are you getting 100s and 1000s of hours of entertainment for such little money!
Tech Specs:
- Resolution: 1080p Full HD streaming
- Operating System: Fire OS for easy usage
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi for stable connectivity
- Storage: 8 GB internal storage
- Processor: Quad-core 1.7 GHz that handles video streaming smoothly
- Audio: Stereo sound
Use It For
The Fire Stick Lite is perfect if you want really affordable access to major streaming apps and some Alexa voice controls. Being an Amazon device, it works superbly for Prime members too!
Don‘t expect the fastest performance or super rich visuals. But for basic Full HD streaming on a tight budget, you can‘t go wrong!
Price: $29.99
Overall Rating: 👍👍👍💰
Get the Fire Stick Lite here.
#2. Roku Express 4K: Smoothest Streaming Experience
Roku is the #1 TV streaming platform in the US with over 70 million users as per their website. And the Roku Express 4K device offers fantastic smart capabilities for cheap!
For just $29, the Roku Express 4K provides:
- 4K Streaming: Yes, you enjoy crystal clear 2160p streaming if your TV supports it
- 300 Free Live TV Channels: Why pay for cable when you get news, sports, movies and more for zero added cost!
- Roku Channel Store: Get 7000+ streaming channels including Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, to fulfill all your entertainment needs
- Universal Search: Super convenient search across top channels so finding movies, shows and actors is a breeze!
- New Roku Voice Remote: Use handy voice commands for quicker controls
Roku‘s interface is also stupid simple making navigating various apps dead easy. I love how fast and responsive it is!
Tech Specs:
- Resolution: Up to stunning 2160p 4K video quality
- Processor: Quad-core processor capable of 4K 60fps video playback
- Wi-Fi: Long-range wireless connectivity
- Storage: MicroSD card slot for additional storage beyond internal memory
- Audio: Supports latest Dolby Atmos sound standard
Use It For
The Roku 4K stick is perfect if you want the best, smoothest overall streaming experience across thousands of apps. And flavors both free and paid options nicely.
It may lack some smart home capabilities of Fire devices. But provides plenty of entertainment for a throwaway price under $30!
Price: $29
Overall Rating: 👍👍👍💰
Bring home the amazing Roku Express 4K here.
#3. Chromecast with Google TV: Most Flexible & Feature-Rich
If you want the most versatile device, then Google‘s latest Chromecast with Google TV is your best bet!
Think of it like a mini Android TV bringing rich features:
- Beautiful Interface: Very visual homescreen with smart recommendations based on your viewing habits
- 5000+ Apps: From leading video services like Prime, Netflix, HBO Max to music, games, fitness and much more!
- Full HD Quality: Smooth 1080p streaming, no 4K though. Supports HDR for enhanced color and contrast
- Google Assistant Integration: Just press the mic button on remote to use handy voice commands!
- Smart Controls: Cast videos from Android/iOS phone, control smart home devices like thermostat, lights etc.
Plus sets up in minutes with your Google account!
Tech Specs:
- Resolution: Up to 1080p Full HD streaming quality
- Processor: Quad-core ARM processor provides snappy performance
- Storage: 8GB internal, expandable via USB drives and cloud
- Wi-Fi: Supports dual-band Wi-Fi 5 connectivity standard
- Remote: Voice-enabled remote with dedicated Google Assistant button
Use It For
With the most flexible software and deepest integrations across Android and Google services, the new Chromecast delivers excellent future-proof smart features at just $50.
It may lack higher 4K quality of the Roku device. But makes up for it through smarter recommendations and voice-enabled usage.
If you love Android phones and Google Assistant, this is the perfect hybrid streaming-meets-smart-assistant upgrade to dumb TVs!
Price: $49.99
Overall Rating: 👍👍👍👍💰
Bring Android 11 goodness to your living room here.
#4. Nvidia Shield TV: Ultimate Gaming & Media Powerhouse
Want to go beyond just video streaming? Say hello to the Nvidia Shield TV – the most powerful Android TV box ever that upgrades any basic TV into an incredible gaming monitor and multimedia center!
That‘s right, this tiny package packs excellently fast performance for:
- 4K HDR Streaming: Packs enough graphics grunt for stunning 3840 × 2160 pixels video quality with fluid 60 FPS frame rates
- GeForce Cloud Gaming: Instantly play 100+ high quality games like Fortnite, Assassins Creed using Nvidia‘s servers. No expensive gaming PC or console needed!
- AI Upscaling: Uses AI to upgrade HD videos to near 4K quality so even old shows feel new!
- Smart Home Hub: Control and view security cameras, lights, thermostats, Roombas, Ring doorbells etc. from your TV via Google Assistant
- Custom Android TV: Tons of entertainment, gaming and apps from Play Store to pick from
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X: Get truly cinematic surround sound for best movie audio experience
Tech Specs:
- Resolution: Up to stunning 3840 × 2160 4K resolution
- Processor: Blazing fast Nvidia Tegra X1+ with 256-core GPU delivers excellent graphics performance
- Storage: 8GB internal, microSD card slot and USB ports for expansion
- Wi-Fi: Supports latest and fastest Wi-Fi 6 connectivity standard
- RAM: 3GB ensures smooth heavy duty multitasking
Use It For
Gamers will salivate at the ability to enjoy free cloud streaming of latest titles like Cyberpunk 2077 in rich 4K quality right on their existing TVs sans consoles. And home theater buffs will love lossless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio.
If you want the ultimate overkill device to convert boring displays into media powerhouses, the Nvidia Shield TV is 100% worth the $250 investment.
Price: $249.99
Overall Rating: 👍👍👍👍💰
Get this beast here.
#5. TiVo Stream 4K: Alternative to Roku & Fire TV
Bored of major brands? Enter TiVo Stream 4K – providing a quality smart platform from the famed digital video recording (DVR) company.
For just $49, TiVo lets you:
- Stream 4K Video: Enjoy up to 3840 × 2160 pixel quality with HDR color capabilities
- Use Sling TV: Great if you want live sports, news and shows without expensive cable or satellite fees
- Get TiVo+: Has tons of free live and recorded movies, shows, news etc. Good selection!
- Use Android TV Apps: Flexible access to 1000s of apps including leading video services on Play Store
- Powered by Google: Built on Android TV so works great with Google Assistant for voice controls of TV and smart home gadgets
So if you‘re looking beyond just Fire or Roku ecosystems, the TiVo Stream is a great alternative!
Tech Specs:
- Resolution: Up to 3840 × 2160 4K Ultra HD quality
- Processor: Quad-core ARM Cortex A53 processor + Mali-G31 GPU
- Storage: 8GB internal storage
- Wi-Fi: Supports older 802.11ac standard
- Bluetooth 5.0: For connecting wireless headphones
Use It For
TiVo provides better curation of live TV content than most platforms. So if you miss cable/satellite shows but don‘t want expensive contracts, this is handy.
Plus flexibility to tap into the expansive Android TV ecosystem is a nice bonus.
For $50, it is fantastic option beyond the common Roku and Fire TV choices.
Price: $49.99
Overall Rating: 👍👍👍💰
Get the TiVo alternative here.
Comparison Chart: How All the Devices Stack Up
Here is quick overview comparing key aspects of various streaming devices to convert any boring TV into a smart one:
| Device | Pricing | Video Quality | Interface | Remote | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Stick Lite | $29 | 1080p | Fire TV OS | Alexa | Cheapest, Alexa integration, huge content library | No 4K or HDR |
| Roku Express 4K | $29 | 4K | Roku | Voice | Smoothest performance, 300 free live TV channels | Basic interface |
| Chromecast | $50 | 1080p | Google TV | Voice | Beautiful UI, Google smarts, most apps | No 4K video streaming |
| Nvidia Shield TV | $250 | 4K + HDR | Android TV | Classic | Ultimate streaming machine + cloud gaming | Very expensive |
| TiVo Stream 4K | $50 | 4K + HDR | Android TV | Classic | Great live TV focus including unlimited DVR storage | Lesser known brand, older remote |
So in a nutshell:
- Fire Stick – Best budget smarts
- Roku – Best overall streaming
- Chromecast – Best flexibility & future-proofing
- Nvidia Shield – Most powerful 4K & gaming beast
- TiVo Stream – Best cable TV replacement
Evaluate your priorities whether it is affordability, voice assistance, gaming etc. – and pick the perfect one to upgrade your regular TV!
Get Smarter Streaming: Time to Upgrade Your Old TV!
I don‘t know about you, but I‘m blown away at being able tomodernize aged televisions using simple plug-and-play gadgets. Ditch your old expensive cable bundles!
For less than $50, you can now enjoy:
✔️ All your favorite streaming apps
✔️ Hundreds of free live channels
✔️ Handy voice assistant integration
✔️ And maybe even cloud gaming!
It is time to enter the modern entertainment era my friend! I sincerely hope I helped you understand your options to upgrade dumb televisions in an easy and affordable manner.
Do check out the devices relevant to your needs above to make your next binge session smarter and more fun! Feel free to reach out in comments below if any questions.
Happy Streaming! 😄
