Cord Cutting Guide
Smart TV Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know in 2025
Feb 3rd, 2025
Get All Your Streaming Services Built Right Into Your TV
Shopping for a new TV? Smart TVs have all your streaming apps built right in. No need for extra devices or complicated setups. Just plug in your new TV, connect to the internet, and start watching Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, and more.
A smart TV combines a regular television with internet connectivity. Think of it as having a computer built into your TV that can run apps like Netflix, check the weather, and even control other devices in your home.
Why Choose a Smart TV Over Adding a Streaming Device?
Everything in One Place: No extra remotes, devices, or cables to manage. Everything you need is built into the TV.
Simpler Setup: Connect to your WiFi once and you're ready to watch all your streaming services.
Better Integration: Smart TVs often work better with other smart home devices like thermostats and lights.
One Remote: Control your TV and all your apps with the same remote that came with your TV.
Cost Savings: No need to buy separate streaming devices that cost $50-100.
Essential Features to Look For
When shopping for a smart TV, focus on these key features:
Easy-to-Use Interface
The menu should be simple to navigate with large, clear text. Avoid TVs with complicated interfaces that require multiple button presses to find your apps.
Voice Control
Look for TVs that work with voice commands. Being able to say "Find the weather" or "Open Netflix" is much easier than navigating through menus.
Built-in Popular Apps
Make sure the TV comes with the streaming apps you want: Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
Reliable Internet Connection
Choose TVs with strong WiFi capability. Some models also have ethernet ports for a direct internet connection.
Simple Remote
The remote should have clearly labeled buttons and not be cluttered with dozens of tiny buttons you'll never use.
The Best Smart TV Brands for 2025
Here are our top recommendations for brands that make reliable, user-friendly smart TVs:
1. Samsung - Best Overall
Why We Recommend Samsung:
- Simple, clean menu system that's easy to read
- Excellent picture quality
- Reliable performance that doesn't slow down
- Good customer support
- Works well with other smart home devices
Best Models:
- Samsung 65" 4K Smart TV: $600-800
- Samsung 55" 4K Smart TV: $450-650
- Samsung 50" 4K Smart TV: $400-550
Perfect if: You want reliable performance and clear picture quality without paying premium prices.
2. TCL with Roku - Best for Beginners
Why Seniors Love TCL Roku TVs:
- Uses the same simple Roku interface many people already know
- Over 500,000 movies and TV shows available
- Very affordable prices
- Easy setup and reliable performance
Best Models:
- TCL 65" 4K Roku TV: $400-500
- TCL 55" 4K Roku TV: $300-400
- TCL 50" 4K Roku TV: $250-350
Perfect if: You want the simplest possible smart TV experience at a great price.
3. LG - Best Premium Option
Why LG Stands Out:
- Excellent picture quality with vibrant colors
- Works great with Google Assistant and Alexa
- Sleek, modern design
- Advanced features for tech-savvy users
Best Models:
- LG 65" 4K Smart TV: $700-900
- LG 55" 4K Smart TV: $500-700
- LG 50" 4K Smart TV: $450-600
Perfect if: You want premium picture quality and don't mind paying a bit more.
Essential Apps Your Smart TV Should Have
Make sure your smart TV can run these popular apps:
Streaming Services
- Netflix - Movies and original series
- Hulu - Next-day TV shows and movies
- YouTube TV - Live TV channels including local news
- Amazon Prime Video - Movies and original shows
- Disney+ - Family-friendly movies and shows
Free Content
- YouTube - Everything from news clips to cooking shows
- The Roku Channel - Free movies and TV shows
- Crackle - Free movies
- Local news apps - Stay connected to your community
Utility Apps
- Weather Channel - Local weather and forecasts
- Pandora or Spotify - Music streaming
- News apps - Stay informed with trusted news sources
What Size TV Should You Buy?
Choose your TV size based on how far you'll sit from it:
- 50-55 inches: Ideal if you sit 6-8 feet from the TV
- 55-65 inches: Best for 8-10 feet viewing distance
- 65+ inches: Good for 10+ feet or if you want a cinema-like experience
Pro tip: Go to a store and actually see the sizes in person. What looks huge online might feel just right in your living room.
4K vs. Regular HD: Do You Need 4K?
4K provides sharper, more detailed pictures. Here's when it matters:
Choose 4K if:
- You're buying a TV 50 inches or larger
- You sit close to your TV (within 8 feet)
- You want future-proof technology
- The price difference is small (often it is)
Regular HD is fine if:
- You're buying a smaller TV (under 50 inches)
- You sit far from your TV
- You're on a tight budget
Most new TVs are 4K anyway, and the price difference is often minimal.
Internet Speed Requirements
Smart TVs need reliable internet to work well:
- Standard HD streaming: 5 Mbps
- 4K streaming: 25 Mbps per TV
- Multiple devices: 50+ Mbps
Starry internet provides speeds up to 1 Gig, which easily handles multiple 4K TVs streaming simultaneously. Our network is designed specifically for streaming, so you won't experience slowdowns during peak hours.
Setting Up Your Smart TV
Setup is much easier than you might think:
- Unpack and position your TV
- Connect to power and turn on
- Follow the setup wizard on screen
- Connect to your WiFi (you'll need your network password)
- Sign into your streaming accounts (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
- Start watching
Most setup wizards walk you through each step with clear instructions. If you get stuck, customer support can help over the phone.
Smart TV vs. Regular TV + Streaming Device
Smart TV Advantages:
- Everything built-in with one remote
- Simpler setup and fewer cables
- Often less expensive overall
- No extra devices to break or update
Streaming Device Advantages:
- Can upgrade device without buying new TV
- Sometimes faster performance
- More flexibility to switch between devices
Our recommendation: For most people, a smart TV is the better choice. It's simpler and more reliable for everyday use.
Common Smart TV Questions
Q: Will my smart TV become outdated? A: Most smart TVs receive software updates for 5-7 years. Even after that, you can always add a streaming device if needed.
Q: Do I need special internet for a smart TV? A: Any high-speed internet works. Starry internet is designed for streaming and provides the reliability you need.
Q: Can I still use cable with a smart TV? A: Yes, smart TVs have regular cable inputs too. You can use both cable and streaming apps.
Q: What if I don't like the smart features? A: You can use a smart TV as a regular TV and ignore the smart features entirely.
Money-Saving Tips
Best Times to Buy:
- Black Friday/Cyber Monday - Biggest sales of the year
- January-March - Last year's models go on sale
- Super Bowl weekend - Retailers push TV sales
Where to Buy:
- Costco - Great return policy and member prices
- Best Buy - Good selection and setup services
- Amazon - Convenient delivery and competitive prices
What to Avoid:
- Extended warranties (most aren't worth it)
- Expensive HDMI cables (basic ones work fine)
- Installation services you can do yourself
Our Top Recommendation
For most people, we recommend the TCL 55" 4K Roku TV for around $350. Here's why:
- Simple interface that anyone can use
- Reliable performance that doesn't slow down
- All major streaming apps built-in
- Great value for the features you get
- Excellent customer support from both TCL and Roku
Combined with Starry's fast, reliable internet, you'll have everything you need for excellent streaming at a fraction of what you'd pay for cable.
Getting Help
Need help choosing? Visit a Starry store where our team can recommend the best smart TV for your needs and explain how it works with our internet service.
Need setup help? Most retailers offer setup services, or you can ask a tech-savvy family member to help.
The Bottom Line
A smart TV eliminates the need for extra devices and complicated setups. Combined with Starry internet, you'll have access to more content than cable ever offered, better picture quality, and lower monthly bills.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience?
- Choose a smart TV that fits your budget and room size
- Make sure you have fast, reliable internet (call Starry at 1-888-STARRY-1)
- Enjoy simple, affordable streaming
Questions about how smart TVs work with Starry internet? Visit our website or call us. We're here to help you get the most out of your new smart TV.