10 Devices You Can Plug into the HDMI Port on Your Smart TV

Tucked away on the back or side of your Smart TV is a small but mighty HDMI port (there may be multiple of them). You probably aren't using it to its full potential, especially when connecting devices you already have in your home.

10. Game console

Game consoles and smart TVs are a perfect match for HDMI . With HDMI 2.1, modern TVs can unleash the full visual potential of the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, enabling 4K gaming at refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth performance and stunning visuals. But even if you're not gaming at those top specs, most consoles (including the PS3, PS4, and Xbox One) function as media hubs with built-in streaming apps, Blu-ray playback, and even web browsing capabilities.

The Nintendo Switch (and by extension the Switch 2) deserves a special mention here, thanks to its clever dock-based HDMI setup. If you plug it into the dock, it seamlessly transitions from handheld to TV mode. This innovation has changed the way we think about console gaming.

9. Laptop

Most modern laptops can output video over HDMI, either through a built-in port or an adapter, like the USB-C to HDMI adapter on newer MacBooks. In most cases, setup is simple: Plug in the cable and your laptop will automatically recognize your TV as a secondary display.

8. Smartphone

You can plug your smartphone into your TV via HDMI as long as it supports HDMI Alt Mode. If so, all you need is a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a USB-C to HDMI cable. With this connection, you can mirror everything from your phone screen to your TV, including apps, photos, videos, presentations, and websites.

7. Soundbar

Most modern soundbars support HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or the more advanced eARC, which allows two-way communication between your TV and sound system using just one HDMI cable . That means better sound quality, simpler controls, and fewer cables cluttering up your setup.

6. Portable DVD or Blu-ray player

The rise of streaming doesn't mean your DVD and Blu-ray collection has to gather dust on the shelf. If you have a DVD or Blu-ray player with an HDMI output, you can plug it directly into your Smart TV and enjoy your physical media on the big screen. Most Blu-ray players handle Full HD with ease, and some even perform a little upscaling magic to make your old DVDs look surprisingly good on modern TVs. Plus, physical media still has its advantages, like no lag, no expired titles, and exclusive content.

5. Streaming device

Plugging any of the top streaming devices into a Smart TV—or even an 'old' TV—will instantly upgrade your viewing experience. They offer a faster, more responsive interface and access to more apps than many built-in TV platforms. They're especially useful if your TV is slow, outdated, or lacking major streaming services.

4. Raspberry Pi

The Raspberry Pi may be tiny (seriously, it's about the size of a credit card), but you can connect it to your TV via HDMI. The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B or the newer Raspberry Pi 5 are great options if you want 4K support and dual display output.

3. HDMI receiver

Streamers or content creators often use these devices, but they can also be useful in everyday situations. For example, an HDMI capture card like the Elgato HD60 X lets you plug in a console, camera, or even another computer and view or record the feed right on your TV.

2. PC-on-a-Stick

These little gadgets may look like oversized USB sticks, but don't let their size fool you—they're actually full-fledged PCs that you can plug right into your TV's HDMI port. Options like the MeLe, ASUS Vivo Stick, or Intel Compute Stick can run Windows or Linux. Once they're up and running, you can browse the web, launch apps, or stream from the cloud with no effort.

1. Surveillance camera

Many modern security systems, especially Network Video Recorders (NVRs) or Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), have HDMI outputs, allowing you to stream live camera feeds directly to your Smart TV's big screen.

Your Smart TV's HDMI port is an incredible gateway to gadgets, entertainment, and even productivity you may not have realized you had. So next time you look at the back of your TV, don't just see a simple port - look at the potential hidden deep inside.

Samuel Daniel

Update 01 July 2025