At Allconnect, we work to present quality information with editorial integrity. While this post may contain offers from our partners, our opinions are our own. Here’s how we make money.
We’re firmly in the age of streaming, but not all of our TVs have gotten the news. If you have a TV that doesn’t have the ability to connect to the internet, don’t despair just yet: There are several easy (and affordable) options for turning your older TV smart — and they don’t require an IT degree to set up. Here are some of our favorite options.
Pro Tip: Check out our home wi-fi guide to check if you’re equipped to run wireless internet through your tv!
How to connect your TV to the internet
Purchase a streaming device
Using a streaming device is by far the most user-friendly way to connect your TV to your home Wi-Fi. In most cases, they plug into your TV’s HDMI port and power outlet to bring every streaming app out there right to your screen. (There are a few exceptions here, but they’re rare. The AT&T TV app, for example, isn’t available on Roku devices.)

Image credit: Amazon
Streaming devices generally cost around $30 without 4K compatibility, and $50 with it. If you think you might be upgrading to a 4K TV soon, it might be worth going with a 4K streaming device. While your new 4K TV would be able to connect to the internet directly, streaming devices almost always provide a better user experience, and they generally give you access to more apps than smart TVs.
We walk through the pros and cons of each streaming device in detail, but here are the basic stats on the most popular brands out there:
Google Chromecast | Apple TV | Roku | Amazon Fire TV Stick | |
Starting price | $35 | $149 | $30 | $25 |
Pros | ✔ Lets you mirror your phone, tablet or laptop on the TV ✔ Google Assistant voice control | ✔ Works seamlessly with Apple ecosystem ✔ Siri voice search | ✔ Easy to use ✔ Extensive free movie channel | ✔ Easy to use ✔ Alexa voice control |
Cons | ✘ No remote ✘ Have to download streaming apps to your device ✘ Not compatible with Apple photos or Prime Video | ✘ More expensive than other streaming devices | ✘ Voice control doesn’t work as well as other streaming devices | ✘ Prioritizes Amazon content |
Keep in mind, no matter which streaming device you go with, you’ll still have to subscribe to apps like Netflix and Hulu separately.
Connect an HDMI cable
If you only plan on using your TV for streaming every once in a while, you can probably get by just fine with an HDMI cable. As it mirrors everything on your laptop, tablet or phone, you can use this method for things like sharing vacation photos or home videos as well.
Almost every laptop has an HDMI port built into it, so all you’ll need in this case is the cable itself. If you don’t already have one lying around the house, they generally cost around $10 new.
Connecting a smartphone or tablet usually requires an extra step. For Apple products, you’ll need a Lightning Digital AV Adapter, while most newer Android phones and tablets have a Type C connection (also known as USB-C) or Type D (Micro HDMI). Depending on which type your Android device uses, you may have to purchase an adapter.
Use a Blu-ray player or gaming console
If you’ve purchased a Blu-ray player or video game console in the past decade, you likely already have everything you need to connect your TV to Wi-Fi. Consoles as far back as PlayStation 3 (2006-2013) and Xbox 360 (2001-2013) come equipped with the ability to connect to the internet. Granted, you won’t have access to as many apps as a dedicated streaming device does, but you’ll have no problem downloading popular services like Netflix and Hulu.
Blu-ray players are slightly more hit-or-miss. If you have an older model, it might not have the ability to connect to the internet. But most models released in the past five years or so all tout their streaming ability as a key selling point. If you’d rather invest in a new Blu-ray player over a streaming device, most models with Wi-Fi start around $70.
Tips for getting the most out of your internet connection
Connecting your TV to the internet is only step one to a smooth streaming experience. We also recommend taking the following steps to ensure the dreaded buffering wheel never derails movie night.
Use an Ethernet cord if possible
While wireless connections have improved a ton in recent years, Ethernet cords still provide a more reliable connection in most homes. But because they plug into your wireless router, your TV will have to be relatively close to your router to use a wired connection. Of the four main streaming devices, only Apple TV has an Ethernet port on all of its models. For Amazon Fire TV Sticks and Google Chromecasts, you’ll have to purchase an adapter separately, while Roku only includes one on its most expensive model. You can learn more about choosing the right Ethernet cord in our guide here.
Make sure you’re getting enough download speeds
Most streaming services recommend around 5 Mbps of download speeds for smooth, buffer-free streaming in HD — an easily reachable target for most homes. That said, the more devices are using your connection at once, the higher speeds you’ll need. If you’re not sure what speeds you’re currently getting, you can use our speed test below to find out.
Need more for the price?
Try these helpful hacks to improve your internet speed. Or if you just want more bang for your buck, check out providers near you with more speed for the price. Either way, we’ll help you find what you need.
View providers near meRather chat? Give us a call: (844) 451-2720
Rather chat? Give us a call: (844) 451-2720Pro Tip: For best results, use an Ethernet cord to connect your router or modem directly to your device before you run the test.
Relocate your router
If you are experiencing buffering issues, see if you can move your Wi-Fi router to a central and open location in your home. Radio signals move most easily through open-air, so reducing the number of walls your signal has to travel through can also boost your streaming quality.
If you’re still having connection issues, a Wi-Fi extender or mesh router might also be worth the extra investment.
For more information on streaming, internet speed and smart TVs, keep an eye on our Resource Center and follow our experts on Facebook and Twitter.
Written by:
Joe SupanSenior Writer, Wireless & Streaming Content
Joe oversees all things wireless and streaming for Allconnect. His work has been referenced by McAfee, Fox network and more. He has utilized thousands of data points to build a library of metrics to help users n… Read more
Edited by:
Trey PaulEditor, Head of Content
What to read next
Read moreLatest
Sunday, February 28, 2021
How to speed up your internet: 9 tips to get the most out of your connectionJoe Supan — 5 min read
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Frequently asked questions on internet speeds — What speed do you need?Joe Supan — 9 min read
Friday, February 26, 2021
FCC approves $50/mo. high-speed internet subsidy for low-income householdsAri Howard — 2 min read