There are lots of things you need to know before buying a smart TV & the OS on your smart TV will define its interface and software capabilities
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It has to be android for me as it the only one that allows for an ad free YouTube solution via sideloading. Preferably via an external box though.
Would you mind explaining what sideloading is? I’d be interested in ad-free YT
Sideloading is installing an app through means other than the official storefront provided by an OS. Android has always let you do that, and Android TV is no exception.
As for the ad-free YT experience? Look up SmartTubeNext.
I’m a fan of Android TV / Google TV. The Android TV we bought didn’t have enough memory and had problems catching up but we stuck with the brand and bought a Chromecast with Google TV. It was a good decision.
Or you get a set top box and don’t worry about the trash software that comes with the tv.
I really like my newish sony tv that has a basic mode. Disables all the smart BS so it functions just as a screen. I use an Apple TV or ps5 for all content.
Fiercely agree. I have Samsung “smart” TV that I use as a dumb screen for my Apple TV and PS5.
Samsung’s software manages to bug out even without using it. The TV remote would randomly disconnect, screen would respring, randomly adjust contrast etc. It’s like “the printer of TVs”.
Couldn’t agree more with this. I just use a Roku set top box with all my TVs and never even connect the TVs to the internet.
How is Apple TV not on this list? It’s miles ahead of the competition in every way
This is only going through TV OSs, not stand alone hardware.
That’s like asking ‘what’s the best nut to get kicked in?’
“What’s the best company to give control of my thermostat to?”
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the coconut.
They all suck, but I’ve always found myself going back to Roku when I try any of the others. Still selling my data, but at least 99% of apps work.
I still just want a nice dumb tv with the latest panel tech. Or a nice CRT in good condition for retro gaming.
The built-in TV software may be trash, but there is no way I can convince my dad that another device that does the exact same thing is worth it.
None. Any “smart” TV won’t be upgradable. It might get a few software updates but it will eventually be incapable of being updated enough to function as it used to with changes in services and codecs.
I have Roku and Fire devices, even on the “smart” TV. When the device isn’t enough anymore I can just replace the device for like 20 bucks, not so for the built-in software on the TV.
And the TV itself doesn’t get Internet. Shouldn’t need a direct connection.
I just plug my laptop into the TV. Works and looks great.
I own Philips TV with their own OS which is semi-smart and kinda sucks. I hooked it up to Xiaomi Mi Box and enjoy Android on it.
Anything that can load videos from my NAS. Preferably with software like Kodi. Streaming services come and go but my media library has been growing for years.
Another thing that seems overlooked is that these smart tvs spy on your activities very much. Try installing pihole and you will see your TV chatting constantly and calling home.
The dumbest one
I just use a PC as then you are more in control.
Ive been doing the same for decades and I don’t think I’ll ever go back
I came here to say “none of them” because they all suck gigantic balls and I just use a NUC instead. I also just use unified remote on my phone to control it with a track pad keyboard as a back up.
Buy them fast, cause they’re discontinued!
Asus bought the NUC brand
