2026 Guide: What Is a Smart TV? Everything You Need to Know
Updated June 2026 with current pricing, channel listings and UK setup steps. A Smart TV is a television with built-in WiFi and an operating system that lets you install and run apps — turning your TV into a streaming device, web browser, and entertainment hub. If you have bought a TV in the UK since 2018, you almost certainly own a Smart TV. This guide explains what Smart TVs can do, which features matter most for UK viewers, and whether you actually need one.
What Makes a TV “Smart”?
A Smart TV has three capabilities that a standard TV does not: built-in WiFi (or ethernet) for internet connectivity, an operating system with an app store for downloading streaming apps, and a user interface for browsing content, adjusting settings, and navigating between apps and live TV.
Different manufacturers use different operating systems: Samsung uses Tizen, LG uses webOS, Sony and many others use Google TV (formerly Android TV), and some brands use their own proprietary systems (Hisense uses VIDAA, for example). The operating system determines which apps are available and how the interface looks and feels.
Every modern Smart TV sold in the UK supports the major UK streaming apps — BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, My5, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video — regardless of the operating system. For our recommended free apps by TV brand, see our free TV apps for Smart TV guide.
Key Smart TV Features for UK Viewers
Freeview Play
Most Smart TVs sold in the UK include Freeview Play, which combines live aerial channels with catch-up content from BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 in one programme guide. Connect to WiFi and it activates automatically alongside your aerial. See our Freeview app guide for details.
Built-in streaming apps
Pre-installed apps for BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and more. Additional apps can be downloaded from the TV's app store. Our free TV apps guide covers the best free apps by brand.
Voice control
Most Smart TVs support voice search through the remote — say the name of a show and the TV searches across all installed apps. Samsung uses Bixby, LG uses ThinQ, and Google TV uses Google Assistant.
Screen mirroring / casting
Cast content from your phone to your TV using AirPlay (Apple) or Chromecast (Android). Useful for apps that are not available on your TV's app store.
USB recording
Many Smart TVs support recording live Freeview to a USB hard drive — effectively turning your TV into a PVR. Our built-in Freeview recorder guide covers which TVs support this.
Do You Need a Smart TV?
If you are buying a new TV in 2026, virtually every option is a Smart TV — it is nearly impossible to buy a non-smart TV from major retailers. So the question is not whether to get a Smart TV, but whether to use its smart features or add an external device.
If your current non-smart TV still works well, you do not need to replace it. An Amazon Firestick (from £25) plugged into any TV's HDMI port provides all the same apps, streaming services, and smart features as a built-in Smart TV system. The Firestick's interface is often faster and more intuitive than built-in Smart TV platforms, particularly on budget TV brands.
For viewers who want Freeview without a Smart TV or streaming device, a dedicated Freeview box provides live channels and catch-up without any internet dependency. Our set-top box guide compares all hardware options.
Smart TV vs Streaming Device
Built-in Smart TV apps are convenient but have limitations: they can slow down over time as the TV ages, app updates may stop for older models, and the interface varies dramatically between brands. External streaming devices like the Firestick, Chromecast, and Apple TV receive regular updates, have consistent interfaces, and can be easily replaced or upgraded without changing your entire TV.
Our recommendation: use your Smart TV's built-in apps for casual viewing, but consider a Firestick or similar device if you find the built-in system slow or limited. For IPTV specifically, external devices offer far more app choice — see our IPTV for Firestick guide and IPTV box guide.
Questions About Your Smart TV?
Tell us your TV brand and model — we will recommend the best apps and setup.