What are Smart TVs?
The days of flicking through free-to-air channels and waiting for your favorite show to air are fading fast. Smart TVs have taken over, turning our screens into entertainment powerhouses. Whether you're streaming the latest blockbuster, gaming with friends, or controlling your entire smart home, modern TVs are doing a whole lot more than just playing the news. But which smart TV is right for you? How does streaming compare across different platforms? And do you need super-fast internet to make the most of it? Let’s dive in!
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What is a Smart TV? (And Why You Need One!)
A Smart TV is a television that connects to the internet, letting you stream content from apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video without needing extra devices. Many models come with built-in voice assistants (hello, Alexa and Google Assistant), 4K ultra-HD displays, and even gaming-friendly refresh rates. No more fiddling with HDMI cables—just plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming!
Best Smart TVs in Australia
Not sure which smart TV to buy? Here’s a quick breakdown of some top-rated models and their price range:
| Smart TV Model | Screen Size | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung QN90C Neo QLED | 55" - 85" | 4K, AI Upscaling, Gaming Mode | $2,195 - $5,495 |
| LG C3 OLED | 42" - 83" | OLED, Dolby Vision, ThinQ AI | $1,195 - $6,995 |
| Sony A80L OLED | 55" - 77" | Google TV, IMAX Enhanced | $2,495 - $5,995 |
| Hidense U8K Mini-LED | 55" - 85" | 4K, HDR10+, 144Hz refresh rate | $1,495 - $3,495 |
Prices vary depending on the retailer and screen size, but these models are some of the best in Australia right now.
Streaming Services & Smart TVs: Which One is Best?
Now that you’ve got your smart TV sorted, which streaming service should you subscribe to? Here’s a look at three of the most popular options:
- Amazon Prime Video: Great for movie buffs and fans of original series like The Boys and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It’s one of the cheapest streaming services at $9.99/month and comes with perks like free Amazon shipping.
- Apple TV+: Apple’s answer to streaming features premium original content like Ted Lasso and Severance. At $12.99/month, it’s not the biggest library, but it’s all high-quality.
- Disney+: A must-have for Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar fans. At $13.99/month, Disney+ gives you access to a massive catalog of classics and new hits.
Each of these services is available on all major smart TVs, so no matter what you choose, you’ll have plenty to watch!
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Do You Need a TV License in Australia?
If you’ve ever lived in the UK, you might be wondering if Australia has a TV license system. The answer? Nope! The Australian government scrapped TV licenses in 1974, opting to fund public broadcasters like ABC and SBS through taxes instead. So, while you’ll need to pay for subscription services like Netflix or Foxtel, watching free-to-air channels on your smart TV won’t cost you a thing.
NBN Speeds & Smart TVs: What You Need to Know
Smart TVs rely on a stable internet connection to stream content smoothly. Here’s a general guide to what NBN speed you need for a good experience:
- Standard Definition (SD): 3-5 Mbps (Basic NBN25 will work)
- High Definition (HD): 10-15 Mbps (NBN50 is ideal)
- 4K Ultra HD: 25 Mbps+ (NBN100 or higher recommended)
- Multiple Streams & Gaming: 50 Mbps+ (NBN250 or faster is best)
If your streams are buffering, check your NBN plan and consider upgrading to a higher speed tier to get the best performance from your smart TV. Here are the best NBN plans offered in Australia in April 2025!
Best NBN Plans April 2025
NBN 25
Selectras Recommendation: NBN 25 Plans
Mate Crikey Plan
Tangerine Value Plan
Sumo Simple 25 Plan
Southern Phone NBN Basic Plan
Skymesh NBN 25 Plan
Kogan Bronze Plan
Vodafone NBN 25 Plan
TeleChoice Essential Plan
More Telecom Value Plan
NBN 50
Selectras Recommendation: NBN 50 Plans
Tangerine Value Plan
Kogan Silver Plan
Sumo Savvy 50 Plan
Vodafone NBN 50 Plan
Southern Phone NBN Standard Plan
Mate Ripper Plan
Skymesh NBN 50 Plan
TeleChoice Fast Plan
More Telecom Value Plus Plan
NBN 100
Selectras Recommendation: NBN 100 Plans
Tangerine Speedy Plan
Southern Phone NBN Fast Plan
Mate No Worries Plan
Kogan Gold Plan
Vodafone Home Fast Plan
TeleChoice Very Fast Plan
Sumo Premium 100 Plan
More Telecom Fast Plan
Skymesh NBN Fast Plan
NBN 250 (Super Fast)
Selectras Recommendation: NBN Superfast Plans
Mate You Beaut Plan
Tangerine Super Speedy Plan
Southern Phone Superfast Plan
Vodafone Home Superfast Plan
TeleChoice Superfast Plan
More Telecom Superfast Plan
Kogan Platinum Plan
NBN Ultra Fast
Selectras Recommendation: NBN Ultrafast Plans
Mate Fair Dinkum Plan
Tangerine Ultra Speedy Plan
Vodafone Home Ultrafast Plan
More Telecom Ultrafast Plan
Kogan Diamond Plan
Not sure which NBN speed is right for you?
Learn more about NBN speeds and NBN providers
The Future of Home Entertainment
With smart TVs getting smarter every year, the future of home entertainment is all about convenience. AI-powered picture quality, cloud gaming, and even foldable screens are on the horizon. Whether you're watching your favorite series, playing video games, or integrating your home’s smart devices, your TV is becoming the center of your digital life. So now is the time to invest in a better NBN and load up on the best streaming services!
Disney Plus is Among the Cheapest Streaming Providers in Australia!
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Disney Plus is Among the Cheapest Streaming Providers in Australia!
Sign Up for Disney+ Today!
Should I Get a Smart TV?
Smart TVs have changed the way we watch content, offering incredible picture quality, built-in streaming apps, and next-level features, so yes you should! Whether you're in the market for a high-end OLED display or a budget-friendly 4K screen, there’s a smart TV for every budget. And with no TV licenses required in Australia, you can enjoy free-to-air TV without extra costs. Just make sure you’ve got a fast enough NBN plan to get the best experience!
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