The short answer
Try your Smart TV's own app store first. If the app you need is available and the TV feels quick enough, you may not need anything else. If the app isn't available, or menus are slow, a streaming stick is an inexpensive way to get a faster, more flexible setup on the same TV.
Side-by-side comparison
| Smart TV apps | Streaming stick | |
|---|---|---|
| Extra hardware | None | Plugs into a spare HDMI port |
| App choice | Depends on the TV brand's app store | Usually a wider app store, and some sticks allow installing apps from outside it |
| Speed | Varies — older TVs can feel slow with large channel lists | Often quicker, and easy to replace with a newer model later |
| Updates | Depend on the TV maker's support | Updated by the stick's maker |
| Portability | Fixed to that TV | Move it to another TV or take it travelling |
| Remote | One remote for everything | A second remote, though many can control the TV's power and volume |
When the Smart TV is enough
- The player app you need installs from the TV's app store.
- The TV is fairly recent and moves through menus without long pauses.
- You prefer one remote and no extra boxes.
When a streaming stick makes sense
- The app you need isn't in your TV's app store.
- Your TV is a few years old and feels slow.
- You want the same setup on more than one TV, or to take it with you.
- You'd like to be able to upgrade later without replacing the TV.
Things to check before buying a stick
- Step 1: Your TV has a free HDMI port and a USB port or socket nearby for power.
- Step 2: The stick supports the resolution of your TV — there is little point in a 4K stick on an HD TV, and vice versa.
- Step 3: The app you plan to use is available for that stick.
In short
Start with what your TV can do and add a stick only if the TV's apps or speed let you down. Either way, the installation guide shows the steps for Fire TV, Android, Apple and Samsung & LG Smart TVs, and the device guide covers phones, tablets and Android boxes too.
Not sure whether your TV model will work? Message our team on WhatsApp with the model number before you order.
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