Will a smart TV work without an Internet connection? Great question! Let’s answer it now.
The answer is both yes and no. That’s probably not what you want to hear, but the truth is that it depends on a few different factors, mainly the features you want to use and the different types of smart TVs out there.
The Quick Answer
If you’re just looking to watch TV via a cable box from your cable provider, such as Cox, Comcast, or AT&T, then yes, you will be able to watch TV via the cable box. However, if you’re looking to use the features that make the TV smart, such as 3rd party applications like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO, then you will need an Internet connection.
The Long Answer
Ultimately how a smart TV will function depends on the make and model because each manufacturer has different rules and specifications for their brand. What might function on one smart TV without an internet connection might not work on another one and vice versa.
Your best bet is to narrow your options down to 3 or 4 choices, keeping in mind both features and price, and then doing more research on those specific models. What features are available with Internet? What features area available without Internet?
The best way to do this is to ask questions either from the sales associates at a physical store like Best Buy, or ask questions on the specific product listings on Amazon. Sales associates will absolutely be able to answer your questions and from experience, asking questions on Amazon typically yields a positive and helpful response from people who actually own the smart TV.
If all else fails, reach out to the manufacturer. Every smart TV manufacturer will have a phone number or contact form on their site and they will 100% be able to answer your question whether their brand and model of smart TV will work without an Internet connection. Now that you know how to find out whether the TV will work without Internet, there a few additional things you should know.
Do I need a smart TV?
Jumping a couple steps back, this is an important question you should really think about. The answer, once again, is that it depends. Smart TVs are great at being that one-stop-shop for your entertainment needs. However, there are other options that can be cheaper or offer more (or less) features depending on your specific needs.
Items like a Google Chromecast are only $25 and get the job done. Then you have Amazon’s option, which is the Fire Stick, another cheap, but okay option at roughly the same price range (various models and options are available that get more expensive and contain more features).
Next you have the Roku, which is a little more expensive, but more elaborate than a Chromecast and Fire Stick. And finally you have the top item, an Apple TV, which is by far the most expensive, but also contains the most features. And if you already have Apple products, it integrates seamlessly and is a great choice.
So a smart TV might not be your best option depending on whether you’re more influenced by price or features. And in some cases, a smart TV could actually a better deal than regular TV. Sometimes that happens too.
Is there a monthly fee with smart TVs?
Another yes and no answer. It’s no doubt that smart TVs are popular right now and it’s because they are an all-in-one solution for the various entertainment options available to us today. Options like Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, Disney+, Google Play Movies, and more, but just because those are available on a smart TV doesn’t mean they’re free. Exactly the opposite.
All of those (and likely more) are available on most smart TVs, however they come with the additional cost. Adding up all of those monthly fees can easily be another $50/month so before you purchase a smart TV, you should keep in mind if you really need a smart TV. Are you going to be utilizing all of those different platforms? If so, then a smart TV is probably a good call.
If you’re not going to be using all those features, then maybe you should go with something a little cheaper like a Chromecast or Fire Stick.
Conclusion
This article started by asking a question, will a smart TV work without an Internet connection? The answer is yes. And no. Depending on what you are asking will “work?” However, hopefully this post gave you some additional insight into whether a smart TV is the right option for you. If it is then wonderful, if not then you have some additional options listed above.
Just make sure to make the right decision for YOU and enjoy the endless entertainment options at your fingertips.
