Smart TVs have totally changed the way in which we watch our favourite films and TV shows. No longer do you need to have hundreds of plug-ins cluttering up your entertainment centre just to access your favourite content. Now, all you need is a single screen and a strong internet connection.

The only problem is that upgrading from a standard TV to a brand-new smart TV is not a small investment. Smart TVs can cost a lot of money, and you may already have a perfectly functional TV in your home.

Wondering whether it’s possible to convert that functional TV into a fully-fledged smart TV? Let’s find out if it’s possible!

Can You Turn A TV Into A Smart TV For Free?

Unfortunately, it is not technically possible to turn a simple TV into a smart TV, without making use of external components. You would not be able to easily swap around components within the TV to upgrade it.

Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to help your standard TV to emulate the look and feel of a new smart TV. However, we should highlight that there are no “Free” methods for adding smart features to your TV. You will have to be prepared to spend a bit of money.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

Amazon was one of the first companies to ride the wave of the smart TV revolution and provide a way for standard TV owners to soup up their ageing screens. The Amazon Fire TV Stick is a smart TV device that plugs directly into the HDMI port and performs the same function as a smart TV’s processor.

Amazon Fire Sticks are reasonably priced and can make a great alternative to upgrading to a new smart TV. As soon as a Fire Stick is plugged in and hooked up to local wifi, users will be able to hop into their favourite streaming services and start watching. Users will also be able to download new services from the store whenever they need.

Amazon Fire Sticks can be purchased for various resolutions, including 4K, and can provide access to premium sound formats.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is incredibly portable, affordable, and easy to use. This makes it a great option for people who travel around frequently and don’t want to upgrade their TV!

Apple TV

Recent models of the Apple TV allow users to access amazing functionality all in 4K resolutions. Apple TV devices are great for those who like to create technological harmony. If you already have an Apple device, such as an iPhone or an iPad then you can easily link them to the Apple TV.

The Apple TV user interface is incredibly intuitive and easy to navigate, making it one of the best options for helping to bring an average TV into the modern age!

Chromecast

Google’s own foray into the world of smart TV devices has proven to be one of the most popular. Available in both HD and 4K variations, the Google Chromecast is one of the most robust smart TV devices on the market.

Being powered by Google helps to give the Chromecast a competitive edge. No matter what you are looking for, you’ll be able to find it by making use of the handy search engine, and voice control via Google Assistant.

The Chromecast can also easily be linked to other smart devices in your home for greater control.

Video Game Console

If you have access to a top-of-the-range gaming console, then you can easily use it to access a range of smart TV functions. Modern consoles can do more than play the latest and greatest blockbuster titles. They can also provide access to streaming services and other online platforms for digital entertainment.

All you need to do is head to your console’s digital store and download whichever streaming app you need!

Should You Upgrade To A Smart TV?

While it’s very easy to emulate the features of a smart TV on a standard TV, in some cases it would be better to simply upgrade your old TV to a brand-new smart alternative.

If your TV is quite old, then it is most definitely worth upgrading to a new 4K TV or 8K TV. Most TVs tend to live for around 10 years before they begin encountering major issues. If your TV is significantly old, or has begun displaying signs of damage, then we would recommend upgrading.

It’s also worth upgrading to a smart TV if you want to clear out some of the clutter from your living room. Smart TVs can help you finally get rid of some of those clunky set-top boxes!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make My TV A Smart TV For Free?

While it’s not possible to simply “Upgrade” a standard TV to a smart TV for free, there are a number of ways to improve a smart TV by using external devices. Streaming devices and game consoles can provide access to smart features without having to dish out money for a new TV!

How Do I Connect My Non-Smart TV To The Internet?

Even if your TV itself cannot connect to the internet, there are still a number of ways to access online content through your TV. You could always hook up a smart TV device or game console, and interface with the web through them. This can save you the hassle of upgrading to a smart TV.

How Can I Watch Netflix On A Non-Smart TV?

While it’s not possible to access Netflix content directly through a non-smart TV, it is still incredibly easy to watch content on the platform on the same TV. Simply hook up a smart TV device or game console with internet connectivity and make use of the associated Netflix app there!

Does A Firestick Make A TV Smart?

While an Amazon Fire TV Stick will not alter the hardware of your TV to convert it into a smart TV, it will provide you with easy access to a number of smart TV functions. This makes them a great option for those that don’t want to upgrade from a standard TV to a smart TV.