Or you get a set top box and don’t worry about the trash software that comes with the tv.

I really like my newish sony tv that has a basic mode. Disables all the smart BS so it functions just as a screen. I use an Apple TV or ps5 for all content.

The dumbest one

That's like asking 'what's the best nut to get kicked in?'

NEC makes some TVs where you can slot in a pi as the host OS, so i'd say that's probably the best "smart" TV as it has an OS of your choosing.

None. Any "smart" TV won't be upgradable. It might get a few software updates but it will eventually be incapable of being updated enough to function as it used to with changes in services and codecs.

I have Roku and Fire devices, even on the "smart" TV. When the device isn't enough anymore I can just replace the device for like 20 bucks, not so for the built-in software on the TV.

I still just want a nice dumb tv with the latest panel tech. Or a nice CRT in good condition for retro gaming.

I just use a PC as then you are more in control.

A TV with a good panel and a Shield

It has to be android for me as it the only one that allows for an ad free YouTube solution via sideloading. Preferably via an external box though.

Another thing that seems overlooked is that these smart tvs spy on your activities very much. Try installing pihole and you will see your TV chatting constantly and calling home.

Anything that can load videos from my NAS. Preferably with software like Kodi. Streaming services come and go but my media library has been growing for years.

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How is Apple TV not on this list? It’s miles ahead of the competition in every way

I own Philips TV with their own OS which is semi-smart and kinda sucks. I hooked it up to Xiaomi Mi Box and enjoy Android on it.

Cathode Ray.

I use Google Chromecast with remote so I don't fuck with Roku's smart TV software anymore.

I just plug my laptop into the TV. Works and looks great.

They all suck, but I've always found myself going back to Roku when I try any of the others. Still selling my data, but at least 99% of apps work.

I have a raspberry pi 4 hooked up to a projector with Kodi. Replaced my Chinese android tv box, which is reportedly stuffed full of spyware these days. It was an easy setup once I had an SD card writer.

The built-in TV software may be trash, but there is no way I can convince my dad that another device that does the exact same thing is worth it.

I'm a fan of Android TV / Google TV. The Android TV we bought didn't have enough memory and had problems catching up but we stuck with the brand and bought a Chromecast with Google TV. It was a good decision.