9 accessories to help you watch Smart TV much better

You finally got a Smart TV  you like, or maybe you've had one for a long time, and it looks great in your living room. But somehow, you feel like something is missing and you can't figure out what it is.

These Smart TV accessories will take your viewing experience from "Oh, that's great" to "Why didn't I do this sooner?".

9. Dedicated sound system

 

Smart TVs' built-in speakers are notoriously bad. That's because manufacturers these days are focused on making TVs thinner and their bezels smaller, which is great for aesthetics but terrible for sound quality. A soundbar is the easiest upgrade. Even a cheap speaker (like the Hisense HS2100) can deliver more dynamic sound than your TV's thin, downward-firing speakers.

But if you really want the home theater experience, a surround sound system with multiple speakers is the way to go. A 5.1 setup (5 speakers plus 1 subwoofer) or a Dolby Atmos system can make you feel like you're right in the middle of the action.

8. ​​Streaming Stick​

 

If the built-in apps on your Smart TV seem slow, outdated, or just plain annoying, a ​streaming stick​ is the upgrade you need. These little devices plug into your TV's HDMI or USB port and instantly give you a streaming experience that's smoother, faster, and often has more features than anything that comes with your TV.

The great thing about streaming sticks is that they come in different versions depending on which ecosystem you prefer. If you like the Amazon world, the Fire TV Stick is a great choice. If you like the Google ecosystem (or just want Chromecast built-in), the Chromecast with Google TV is a great choice. And if you want something that works with minimal hassle, the Roku Streaming Stick or Apple TV 4K (not quite a 'stick,' but pretty similar) are great options. Another advantage is that if you travel a lot, you can bring your streaming stick with you and plug it into your hotel TV to avoid dealing with strange, unfamiliar interfaces.

7. Bias lights

This type of accessory is useful if you like to watch TV in the dark. Bias lights are essentially LED strips that you tape to the back of your TV to create a soft glow around the screen. They help reduce eye strain by balancing the contrast between the brightness of the TV and the darkness around it. Instead of your pupils struggling to keep up with sudden changes in brightness, they get a more even level of ambient light.

In addition to protecting your eyeballs, bias lighting also makes your TV's colors pop. When you have a light source behind the screen, it tricks your eyes into perceiving deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. If you've ever seen high-end TVs in a showroom that look too good to be true, part of the magic is carefully placed lighting. You can get the same effect at home for less than the price of a movie ticket.

Installation is easy. Most LED strips are adhesive-backed and simply plug into a USB port on your TV to power them. Some even have a color-changing option, allowing you to adjust the backlight to match the content you're watching – although many people prefer a simple warm white or neutral color tone for the best results.

 

6. Motorized TV mount

If you don't want your TV to take up space when it's off, a lift mount allows you to tuck it away neatly. It's the perfect option for maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic, especially in a living room where a giant black screen might not fit in with your decor. Plus, if you have small children or pets, keeping your TV safely tucked away when not in use can help prevent bumps, scratches, or the occasional toy-throwing disaster.

Motorized TV lifts come in a variety of styles – some are designed to integrate with furniture, while others are built to mount on a wall or ceiling. You'll also want to make sure you choose a lift that's appropriate for the size and weight of your TV.

Installation takes a little planning and dexterity, but if you don't like touching furniture or cutting into walls, hiring a professional may be the right solution.

It's not the cheapest accessory on this list, but for convenience, space saving, and cool factor, a motorized TV lift is definitely worth considering.

5. HDMI Switch​

Most TVs don't really let you down with HDMI ports . You're usually stuck with two or three, just enough to power a streaming stick, game console, soundbar , or even that old Blu-ray player you don't want to give up all at once. That's where an HDMI switch comes to the rescue.

It's exactly what it sounds like: A small device that lets you connect multiple HDMI inputs to a single port on your TV. They're relatively cheap, and you can pick up a good HDMI switch for under $100 from brands like Kinivo or Ugreen. Just make sure to check the specs to see if it supports the resolution and refresh rate that's appropriate for your device. For example, if you're gaming in 4K at 120Hz, you'll need a switch that can handle HDMI 2.1. Otherwise, you'll likely get a downgraded experience, and no one wants to pay for a high-end console just to play games at a low frame rate.

 

4. TV Antenna

Using a TV antenna in 2025 may seem like an archaic thing to do. But don't dismiss it. If you're tired of paying for streaming services that seem to get more expensive every year while offering less good programming, try an antenna and see if it's a good alternative. Of course, we're not talking about those clunky notch antennas with their classic wobbly V-shaped bars.

A good modern TV antenna like the ‎URIIU Long Range Antenna (pictured above) or the ClearStream 2V (which can be placed outdoors) will give you access to free, over-the-air channels in full HD (and sometimes even 4K, depending on the area). That means you can watch local news, major TV shows, live sports, and even classic movie channels—all without a subscription.

3. Smart power socket

Many smart power strips come with individually controlled outlets and USB ports , allowing you to automatically power down certain devices. That means if your TV turns off, the strip could automatically cut power to your game console or sound system. You can even schedule everything to turn off at a set time, which is a lifesaver if you tend to fall asleep.

For the best experience, look for models that have surge protection (essential for expensive electronics), voice control, and at least six to eight outlets to accommodate all your devices. If you're looking for some solid options, check out the Kasa HS300, Meross, and Geeni smart power outlets. The initial cost is a bit higher than regular power outlets, but the convenience and lower energy consumption over time make up for it.

 

2. Wireless keyboard (and mouse)​

Typing a search query or entering login information using your TV remote is one of the most frustrating experiences. It's like trying to type an email using a T9 keyboard—it's incredibly slow and error-prone. But with the right keyboard, you can type movie titles, browse the web, and even chat in apps like YouTube or Netflix without throwing your remote at the wall.

For the best experience, choose a compact, media-friendly keyboard—one with dedicated volume controls, a play button, and a responsive touchpad. Logitech's K400 Plus is a great option, but there are plenty of other affordable options that get the job done just as well.

1. Universal remote control

Managing multiple remotes is the second most annoying part of owning a Smart TV setup. One for the TV, one for the soundbar, a separate one for the streaming device, your coffee table looks like a spaceship dashboard.

The best ones, like the Sofabaton X1 or the Logitech Harmony Elite, let you control not only your TV and sound system, but also your game console, Blu-ray player, and even smart home devices like lights and thermostats. Even better, some models now support voice control, so you can channel your inner Tony Stark and command your entertainment system with Alexa or Google Assistant .