The smart TV trend quietly making streaming devices unnecessary – Automated Home

Many of us have relied on streaming sticks and boxes like Fire TV and Roku for years. But in 2025, that’s changing as modern smart TVs come with powerful built-in software that streams apps, organizes content, and meets most viewing needs without extra devices.

Here’s the twist. While dedicated streaming devices once felt essential, new technology and changing viewing habits are making them less useful for many households. Smart TVs are taking over the job that once belonged to separate gadgets, and the data shows this is not a fluke.

Keep reading to find out why your next TV might be all you need and how smart TVs are quietly changing the way we watch shows and movies.

What smart TVs can do without extra hardware

If you buy a smart TV from a major brand like Samsung, LG, or TCL, streaming is already built into the system.

Apps such as Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+, and YouTube come preinstalled or can be added easily. You connect the TV to your Wi-Fi network, sign into your accounts, and you are ready to go.

This matters because it cuts down on clutter and removes steps users used to take just to watch a show.
Smart TVs are ideal for bedrooms, patios, or spaces where you want a clean look with as few devices as possible.

They also offer easy access to free apps and cloud-based content, so you can start watching your favorite shows and movies instantly without relying on extra hardware.

Do smart TVs really replace streaming devices?

The short answer is yes for most people. A majority of smart TV owners are now using their sets to stream content directly without relying on traditional TV sources like cable or satellite.

More than half of viewers only stream through their smart TV apps, not through additional hardware, making extra devices increasingly unnecessary.

Smart TVs are now used daily by many consumers, often more than gaming consoles. This shift reflects changing viewing habits, with people relying more on built-in TV apps, accessing broader content, and enjoying the convenience of fewer connected devices and less clutter.

When do you still need a streaming device?

It does not mean streaming sticks are useless for everyone. There are scenarios where a separate device can be better: Older TVs may have sluggish built‑in software or limited apps, and standalone devices often get software updates more frequently and for a longer period than many smart TV platforms.

A 2025 Ali Baba comparison report found that external streaming devices launched apps faster and with fewer crashes than many built‑in smart TV apps.

Streaming sticks loaded Netflix and YouTube more quickly and maintained smoother performance over time, showing that dedicated hardware delivers a more responsive experience.

Advanced users want faster navigation and more robust performance. Many enthusiasts still prefer devices like Apple TV 4K or Nvidia Shield for their responsiveness and longer‑term support.

But for the average viewer who watches mainstream streaming services, the built‑in smart TV interface is usually sufficient.

Can personal media libraries replace devices too?

Some users prefer total control over their media. Using Plex, Jellyfin, or a NAS drive allows you to stream your own movies and shows to any smart TV in your home.

This setup offers:

• Streaming without ads if you manage your library

• Control over content, ideal for families

• Ability to share media or access it remotely

• Download content for offline viewing

While more technical, these setups reduce dependence on external streaming devices and give users flexibility.

Curious to see why your smart TV might not be telling the whole truth? Watch “Your New Smart TV is LYING To You! Why You STILL Need a Streaming Stick in 2025” first, then come back to read the rest of this article for more insights.

Why streaming is overtaking traditional TV

Smart TVs are also riding a wave of changing habits.

Viewers now spend hours each day on streaming platforms instead of flipping channels, exploring on-demand shows, movies, and live events at their convenience.

Advertisers are following this trend closely, with connected TV advertising growing rapidly. These platforms offer personalized targeting based on viewing habits, interactive options that encourage engagement, and detailed analytics that traditional TV cannot match.

According to a 2025 Nielsen insight report, streaming and connected TV are becoming dominant parts of daily viewing, and marketers are increasingly allocating more ad spend to CTV to reach these audiences.

This shift is reshaping how content is delivered, monetized, and consumed in modern households.

How smart TVs are changing home entertainment

Smart TVs are evolving into central entertainment hubs. With built-in apps, internet connectivity, cloud services, and personal media access, the need for separate streaming hardware is shrinking.

Here is what we know so far.

• Smart TVs can replace most streaming devices.

• Built-in apps make watching easier and less cluttered.

• Streaming sticks still help with older TVs or advanced features.

• Personal media servers give control and ad-free viewing.

• Streaming is growing, and advertisers are following the trend.

As streaming grows and content moves online, TV sets themselves will increasingly become the place where content is watched and discovered. This quietly signals the end of the era when every room needed a separate streaming stick.

Recommended

This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.