Connected TV is any television that streams video from the internet

Connected TV means a television set that can connect to the internet and play video from online sources — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, live news feeds, or anything else you watch through an app. It is not a separate device you plug in. It is built into the TV itself, or added through a box like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick that sits between your TV and your cable box.

The term covers a lot of ground. A smart TV with built-in apps is connected TV. A regular TV with a streaming device plugged into it is also connected TV. What matters is that the television can pull video from the internet instead of only from cable, satellite, or an antenna. Most new televisions sold today come with this capability built in.

Connected TV is different from regular broadcast or cable television because you control what you watch and when. You are not locked into a schedule. You can pause, rewind, or skip ahead. You can watch the same show on your phone, tablet, or computer and pick up where you left off on your TV.

Key Takeaways

  • Connected TV is any television that streams video from the internet through built-in apps or an external device like Roku or Apple TV.
  • Most new televisions come with connected TV features already built in, so you may already own one without realizing it.
  • You need an internet connection — either wired through ethernet or wireless through Wi-Fi — for connected TV to work.
  • Connected TV lets you watch on your own schedule instead of following a broadcast or cable schedule, and you can pause or rewind live events on many services.

How connected TV differs from cable and broadcast television

Cable and broadcast television send the same program to everyone at the same time. You turn on the TV, find the channel, and watch what is on. If you miss it, you miss it — unless the network reruns it later or you record it with a DVR.

Connected TV works the opposite way. The content sits on a server somewhere, and your TV pulls it down when you ask for it. Netflix does not broadcast the same show to all Netflix users at 8 p.m. Each person starts their own copy whenever they want. This is called on-demand streaming. You are in control of the timing.

Some connected TV services, like YouTube TV or Hulu Live, do offer live channels that broadcast at set times — similar to cable. But even those let you pause, rewind, or skip ahead, which traditional cable does not. And you can watch them on any device connected to your account, not just your TV.

What you need to use connected TV

The first requirement is an internet connection. Connected TV streams video over the internet, so without Wi-Fi or a wired ethernet connection, it will not work. Most people use Wi-Fi because running a cable across the room is not practical. Your internet speed matters — streaming video uses a lot of bandwidth. Most services recommend at least 5 to 10 megabits per second for standard video and 25 megabits per second for 4K video, though speeds vary by service.

The second requirement is a connected TV or a streaming device. If your television is newer than about 2015, it almost certainly has built-in streaming apps. Look at your remote — if it has a Netflix button or a button for another streaming service, your TV is connected. If your TV is older or does not have the apps you want, you can buy a streaming device. Popular options include Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Google Chromecast. These plug into your TV's HDMI port and add streaming capability.

The third requirement is an account with a streaming service. Some services are free with ads — YouTube, Pluto TV, and Tubi are examples. Others charge a monthly fee — Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max are the largest. Many services offer a free trial period before you pay.

Common streaming services and what they offer

The major streaming services fall into a few categories. General entertainment services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video offer movies, TV shows, and original series across many genres. Specialty services focus on one type of content — Disney+ for Disney movies and Marvel, ESPN+ for sports, Peacock for NBC shows and movies. Live TV services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, and Sling TV offer live channels similar to cable, usually for $30 to $70 per month.

Free services exist too. YouTube offers millions of videos from creators and some full TV episodes and movies. Pluto TV and Tubi offer older movies and TV shows supported by ads. Plex and Roku Channel offer a mix of free content. Most paid services also include ads on cheaper subscription tiers, while premium tiers remove ads.

You do not have to pick just one. Many people subscribe to two or three services and rotate them month to month, or keep a couple active year-round. The cost adds up if you subscribe to many at once, which is why some families share accounts — though most services have terms against sharing outside your household.

How to set up connected TV at home

If your TV has built-in apps, setup is straightforward. Turn on the TV, go to the home screen or app menu, and look for the streaming service you want. Select it, create an account or sign in, and you are ready to watch. The TV will remember your login, so you do not have to enter it again.

If you are using a streaming device, plug it into an HDMI port on your TV, plug in the power cable, and turn it on. The device will walk you through setup — connecting to your Wi-Fi, signing into your account, and downloading apps. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. After that, you use the device's remote to navigate instead of your TV remote.

If your internet connection is weak or unstable, connected TV will buffer — pause while it loads more video. Moving your Wi-Fi router closer to the TV, or switching to a wired ethernet connection if possible, usually fixes this. Some streaming devices have ethernet ports, and some TVs do too.

The difference between connected TV and smart TV

Smart TV is a broader term that includes connected TV but also other features. A smart TV can connect to the internet and stream video, but it might also have voice control, a web browser, or the ability to mirror content from your phone. Not all smart TVs are equally smart — some have only basic streaming apps, while others have many features.

Connected TV is specifically about streaming video from the internet. A TV can be connected without being particularly smart. The terms are often used interchangeably because most modern TVs that stream video also have other smart features, but technically they are not the same thing.

Why connected TV is becoming the standard

Cable and satellite subscriptions have been declining for years as more people switch to streaming. Connected TV is cheaper than cable for many households — you can watch Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube TV for less than a single cable subscription. You have more control over what you watch and when. And you can watch on multiple devices at once, which cable does not allow.

Advertisers and content creators have noticed. Major studios now release shows and movies on streaming services first, or at the same time as cable. Sports leagues have started streaming games. News networks offer live streams. Connected TV is no longer an alternative to traditional television — it is becoming the main way people watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable or satellite if I have connected TV?

No. You can watch everything through connected TV services alone — live news, sports, movies, and shows. Some people keep cable for specific channels or sports packages, but it is not required. Your internet connection is the only service you need.

Can I watch connected TV on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Most streaming services have apps for phones and tablets. You can watch on your TV, phone, and computer with the same account. Some services let multiple people watch at the same time on different devices, while others limit it to one or two simultaneous streams depending on your subscription tier.

What happens if my internet goes out?

Connected TV will not work without internet. Some services let you download shows or movies to watch offline on phones and tablets, but this is not available on all services or all content. Your TV will need an active internet connection to stream.

Is connected TV the same as cord-cutting?

Connected TV is the tool that makes cord-cutting possible. Cord-cutting means canceling cable or satellite. Connected TV is how you watch after you cut the cord. You can have connected TV and still keep cable, or use connected TV as your only source of video.

Do I have to pay for every streaming service?

No. Many streaming services are free and supported by ads — YouTube, Pluto TV, and Tubi are examples. Paid services often offer free trials. You can also rotate subscriptions month to month instead of keeping them all active at once.