Difference between Smart TV and Streaming Devices

We see a rising trend in the US where more and more people are replacing the traditional cable network with streaming services. There are a lot of reasons behind this massive shift. Back in the days, cable was the ultimate entertainment. It had all the sports programming, news, lifestyle, and kids channels. People had to pay very less for the service. Now, although the cable TV has more programming than ever before, the monthly bill is getting out of the budget for many. You have to pay for the boxes, regional broadcast fees, sports surcharges, and taxes on top. As a result, people prefer streaming services more.

These services are quite affordable. You can subscribe to any of the popular services for under $50. There are no charges for the equipment but you do require high-speed internet.

Many people confuse a lot of things related to streaming. This article will help you understand the basic differences between Smart TV and streaming devices. It is a common confusion and we took the responsibility to clear it for your understanding.

Smart TV vs Streaming Device

Smart TV is internet-ready TV which means that it requires an internet connection. It has pre-installed applications and an app store through which you can download further applications. You will get all the programs available in the store. Usually, Smart TVs are powered by Android. This means that you can access the Google Play Store through your TV and download any application you like. The most popular Smart TV brands are Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, TCL, and LG.

Streaming Devices are separate devices that you can attach to your simple or Smart TV. The most common examples of Streaming devices are Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. If you don’t have a Smart TV, you can get access to all the popular applications like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, etc with the help of a streaming device.

Smart TV is just like a regular TV with the addition of Android

Smart TV is just like your regular TV. You just have the extra benefit of applications from the Play Store. You can stream videos on YouTube, watch all your favorite TV shows and movies on Netflix, and scroll through Instagram or Facebook since it has network connectivity. Moreover, the quality of channels depends on your provider. If you have Cox cable TV, you will have more than 100 channels. Everything depends on the plan that you have with your service provider.

Streaming Devices can turn regular TVs into Smart TVs

If you have a regular TV and want to stream your favorite Netflix movies, you can get a streaming device to access Netflix. The streaming devices have pre-installed applications. You just need a subscription for the service you want to stream. It will turn your ordinary TV into a Smart TV. Many people get streaming devices so that they can binge-watch Netflix, Prime Video, or YouTube on a bigger screen.

Streaming Devices are used as an alternative for Cable TV

Cord-cutting is a relevant movement in the United States. It is affecting the cable TV network. Many people are just done with ever-increasing monthly charges of cable and additional charges on top. They find something affordable to cable TV and are willing to sacrifice the extensive channel lineups for a few important ones. Streaming devices and services are filling this void. They don’t offer extensive channel lineups but all the important ones. You pay a minimum monthly charge for the service and get the channels offered on cable TV. However, just like regular streaming, it requires high-speed internet.

Smart TVs are expensive

If you are looking to purchase a Smart TV, you will have to spend a fortune to get one. Smart TVs are expensive. You can buy one that fits your budget. However, you will have to compromise on the screen size. Therefore, it entirely beats the purpose of it.

You are looking at a minimum of $400 to get a decent size.

Cons of Smart TVs and Streaming Devices

The streaming services and device serve as a way to replace cable TV. Although you might save up on your bill, you will not get the same entertainment. Your cable TV plan is a combination of local and national channels. On top, you get a wide variety of entertainment, sports, lifestyle, kids, and movie channels. This extensive lineup is not available on a streaming device.

Secondly, if you are a sports fanatic, these streaming devices might not be for you. Cable TV has a wide variety of sports channels. You can watch any game whether it is NBA, NFL, MLS, or European football. Streaming devices have a dedicated channel lineup with a few sports programs.