Smart TVs or Smart TVs are very common in 2020, but that does not necessarily mean that all users have one. In this article we will talk about the best devices that you can use to turn your TV into a Smart TV . They will also help you if your Smart TV has become obsolete, and is not able to use the most current apps and services.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K offers you high-end features like 4K streaming, HDR10 + and Dolby Vision, all from an HDMI port on the back of your TV, and for a very reasonable price of just 60 euros.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K gives you access to services like Prime Video, Netflix, HBO, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney, Curzon, and Plex . Just as important is the Alexa-compatible remote that Amazon includes with the device.
The Fire OS has its positives and negatives: it's easy to use, but a bit messy and we'd like to be able to customize it a bit more. Overall, this is an affordable and future-proof option.
Apple TV 4K
Apple TV 4K is a companion for your very smart TV. As is to be expected from a company of the stature of Apple, this device includes a large number of applications, accessible from the Apple TV's own App Store. Among them, we find a complete range of content streaming platforms, both free and paid, live TV services and games. We add that you can control it from other Apple devices such as your iPhone or iPad.
Apple TV 4K includes the powerful A10X processor, which allows you to handle all content at 3840 x 2160 Ultra HD resolution without problems. The only downside is that YouTube 4K isn't supported on this device, so you'll have to settle for 1080p for now.
However, it does offer compatibility with technologies such as HDR10, Dolby Vision HDR (High Dynamic Range), Dolby Digital Surround sound, and Dolby Atmos audio. Siri is well integrated too, offering a multitude of contextual options, though it still pales in comparison to Alexa and Google Assistant.
Its price of 200 euros is its main drawback.
Google Chromecast Ultra
Google Chromecast Ultra is not entirely a plug and play device. Instead of using a central interface with a remote control included, Chromecast uses your mobile device and the applications you have installed on it to deliver content to you.
It connects to the TV via HDMI, can stream 4K HDR content up to 2160p in both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, and requires power through a plug socket as it requires more power than the TV can provide.
The Google Home app takes care of suggesting popular content that may be of interest, but you'll get more if you go to the apps directly. Once you have something you want to see, you will have to use the Chromecast icon in the application to send this content from your mobile or tablet to the TV.
Xiaomi Mi Box S
Xiaomi Mi Box S is one of the best options to turn any television into a Smart TV. This equipment works with Android TV , and gives us access to almost all the applications that are available for Android.
This means that we can give it a multitude of uses, from a multimedia player to a video game console and everything you can think of. It includes a remote control compatible with Google Assistant , and is fully compatible with the main 4K content streaming platforms.
Its price of 60 euros makes it very affordable.