Walking into a store these days, it's impossible to buy a non-smart TV, but many of us are still holding on to our old 2018 — 2021 sets like prized relics. These old TVs don't require internet connectivity or frequent software updates, which often slow your device down.
Modern smart TVs are basically surveillance-first billboards. They contain poor Wi-Fi chips, so they struggle when they're not on a wired connection, require constant updates, whether it's apps or firmware, and their home screens are 70% ads for services you don't even subscribe to. By treating your TV as a dumb display and letting a $50 Chromecast handle the brains, you get a faster, private, and more customized experience without the ads.
Why I stopped buying smart TVs, and what I bought instead
Remember when smart features worked for us, instead of against us?
What sets the Chromecast apart?
Please stop showing me ads
Whether I've spent next to nothing or a lot of money, it feels like my smart TV always lags. TV manufacturers typically use bottom-tier chips that struggle to run their own 4K menus. This means that each time you press a button, your TV takes a long time to respond, making for a super-frustrating experience.
A Chromecast, on the other hand, has a dedicated processor designed specifically for media, which means you won't encounter anywhere near as much lag. Most Smart TVs stop receiving meaningful OS updates after two years, but a Chromecast keeps your old TV feeling modern with the latest Google TV features without requiring a full panel replacement.
Many TVs also have automatic content recognition (ACR). This is how modern smart TVs watch what you watch, even over HDMI, to report back to advertisers. While Google still tracks your usage, a Chromecast doesn't have the same deep system hooks to monitor your other devices or their over-the-air usage as a built-in TV OS does. The best way to avoid this entirely is to disable Wi-Fi on your TV and use your Chromecast or other streaming device as the only gateway to the internet.
Using a device like a Chromecast can also extend your TV's lifespan. A TV panel itself can last over 10 years, but a smart TV OS that's no longer updated can feel useless far more quickly. By decoupling them, you aren't forced to discard a perfectly good 4K screen just because the Netflix app constantly crashes or the Wi-Fi frequently disconnects. Reviving an old TV with a $50 dongle is much better for the planet and your wallet than buying a new one every few years. If your Chromecast's OS is slowing down, or you want to upgrade to newer features, you can replace it for less than $100 rather than your entire TV.
Don't fall for the Google TV streamer hype
Once again, newer technology comes with major flaws
It's worth noting that when I mention the Chromecast, I really do mean a Chromecast. Google has since released its new Google TV Streamer, which replaces its Chromecast line. Similar to my qualms with smart TVs, the Google TV streamer also requires frequent app updates and displays ads on its home screen. If I've paid $100 for a device, I shouldn't have to see ads built into the OS. Unfortunately, when it comes to the Google TV Streamer, this isn't the case.
Since Google discontinued the Chromecast, it's no longer available for purchase directly from the Google Store. However, it can be picked up secondhand from sites like eBay or brand new from alternative retailers like Amazon (for the time being). The first-generation Chromecast stopped receiving updates in 2023, giving it a 10-year life cycle, meaning that for now, second and third-generation devices are still supported.
One major downside of this approach is that if your old TV doesn't support Dolby Vision or Atmos, a new Chromecast won't automatically add these features.
The third-generation Chromecast and older cast content straight from your phone, rather than having its own home menu. This means you don't have to deal with a laggy interface or with ads being displayed on your TV. Simply cast content from your phone, and the media will play on your screen without any issues. While this might not be for everyone since it requires your phone to be nearby, for me, it's a trade-off I'm more than happy to make if it means I don't have to deal with my smart TV feeling like it's literally falling apart.
One major downside of this approach is that if your old TV doesn't support Dolby Vision or Atmos, a new Chromecast won't automatically add these features. It will provide the best possible version of the stream your TV can handle, but it may mean you're giving up advanced features available on newer TVs.
Old technology will always have my heart
My TV can last 10 years, so why wouldn't I take advantage of that
As time progresses, it often feels like legacy technology is so much smarter than more recent smart tech ever will be. Before factoring in an operating system, TV panels just lasted significantly longer. Now, the interface is the ultimate downfall of a TV that would have cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
You can revive your old TV or keep your current smart TVs alive by switching to a Chromecast and disconnecting from the internet. In 2026, it feels like the smartest thing you can do for your smart TV is to take its brain away entirely.