What is a smart TV?

The old "dumb TVs" – which can only display content from an HDTV antenna, cable or another A/V source – are on the way out. Today's connected world expects something a little smarter. With powerful processors, internet connectivity and easy-to-navigate software, the modern TV is more like a smartphone or tablet than the tube TV of yesteryear. (Check out How to buy a dumb TV — and why you'd want to for a deeper look at ditching smart TV functions.)

Smart TVs, much like smartphones and smart home devices, offer internet connectivity and support for a range of apps. This opens up a world of new entertainment options, from streaming video on Netflix and Hulu to playing games, checking social media, and controlling a whole house full of connected gadgets, including the best Alexa compatible devices and best Google Home compatible devices.

A growing number of models now include voice recognition tools, like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, for switching channels and searching for programs. Most smart TVs will work with one of the best smart speakers you already own, and a few will offer some or all of that same functionality built right into the TV.

Smart TVs are also gaining more integrated smart home features and some are even the best smart home devices. Many TVs are compatible with other connected devices in the home, including best smart lights, best smart locks and other sensors, and some TVs even include a dedicated dashboard for controlling all of the devices in your connected home.

The functions don't stop there, however. Check out 11 things you didn't know your smart TV could do to find some unexpected uses for your smart TV.