How to Turn a Regular TV into a Smart TV: 5 Ways in 2026

Yes. Any TV with an HDMI port becomes a smart TV with a small streaming device plugged into that port and connected to Wi-Fi. You can then install YouTube, Netflix, Shahid and IPTV players like on any smart TV. Costs start at around $30–50. If the TV is very old and has no HDMI port, an HDMI-to-AV converter (the red, yellow and white cables) works, but quality is limited by the TV.

The Firestick is the most popular option for its price and simplicity. But note: new Vega OS models such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Select don't allow apps from outside the Amazon Appstore. For IPTV players choose the 4K Plus or 4K Max; details in which Firestick to buy in 2026.

Google TV devices give you the full Google Play Store and let you install IPTV players such as TiviMate. The 3rd-gen Xiaomi TV Box S supports 4K, Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Wi-Fi 6 with 32 GB of storage, and is one of the best value options.

Google's official replacement for the discontinued Chromecast with Google TV. It costs more than the Xiaomi box but is faster and gets updates directly from Google.

The best choice for iPhone users: it integrates with Apple devices and supports AirPlay screen mirroring. Apps come from the App Store only, which includes IPTV players such as GSE Smart IPTV and IPTV Smarters. It costs more than the alternatives.

If you have a laptop, an HDMI cable alone shows anything on the TV, including VLC or IPTV Smarters for Windows. The downside is using a keyboard instead of a remote.

1. Plug the device into the TV's HDMI port and power it with the included adapter, not the TV's USB port.
2. Select the right HDMI input with the TV remote.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with your Amazon, Google or Apple account.
4. Install the apps you need, such as Shahid, Netflix and an IPTV player.

For the best quality, check your speed with our internet speed guide.