# Non-smart TVs: where to find a "dumb TV" in 2026, and the better alternative Source: https://specwiseguide.com/non-smart-tvs/ Updated: 2026-11-13 · By SMART SC Editorial Team **Short answer:** True non-smart TVs are now **rare and mostly 24–43 inches** (Sceptre, Westinghouse and a few small brands). Above that, your options are a **commercial display** (no consumer smart platform, but pricier and often with fewer features) or, for most people the best choice, a **regular smart TV that you never connect to the internet**. Google TV models (Sony, TCL, Hisense) offer a built-in **"Basic TV"** setup that skips the Google account and apps entirely, and any TV works as a plain screen if you skip Wi-Fi and plug in your own streaming box. ## Key takeaways - **Small sizes (24–43 in):** genuinely non-smart TVs still exist, mostly 720p/1080p. - **Big screens:** consumer non-smart 4K TVs are scarce; commercial displays are the 'true dumb' route but cost more. - **Best for most people:** a good smart TV set up without internet: on Google TV choose **Basic TV** during setup. - Offline TVs don't get software updates; that's the trade-off, and usually a fine one for a TV used only with HDMI sources. Plenty of people want a TV that is just a screen: no ads on the home page, no account, no viewing data, no apps that slow down after a few years. That TV is getting hard to buy. Here's what's actually available, and the approach we'd recommend to most people. ## Option 1: a genuinely non-smart TV (small sizes) Non-smart consumer TVs still exist, but almost all are **24–43 inches**, often **720p or 1080p**, from budget brands such as **Sceptre** and **Westinghouse**. They suit a kitchen, garage, workshop, guest room or a TV used only with a cable box or game console. What to check: - **Resolution:** many are 720p at 32 inches; 1080p is worth it for anything you sit close to. - **Inputs:** at least two HDMI ports and a built-in ATSC tuner if you use an antenna. - **Listings:** search results for "non smart TV" include plenty of smart TVs; confirm in the specs that there's no smart platform (Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, Tizen, webOS, VIDAA). [Browse non-smart TVs on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=non+smart+tv&tag=specwiseguide-20) In larger sizes, true non-smart 4K TVs from consumer brands are rare and come and go; if you find one, check its HDR support and refresh rate, which tend to be basic. ## Option 2: a commercial display Displays made for offices, shops and signage are the remaining "true dumb" route in big sizes. Upsides: they're built for long daily use, and many have no consumer smart platform or a minimal one. Downsides: - They usually **cost more** than a consumer TV of the same size and picture quality. - Some **lack a TV tuner**, Dolby Vision or HDR10+, 120 Hz, or eARC; check the sheet. - "Commercial" doesn't automatically mean dumb: many run Tizen, webOS or Android-based signage platforms. ## Option 3 (our recommendation): a smart TV that never goes online For most people the best "dumb TV" is a **good smart TV that you never connect to the internet**, paired with a streaming box you choose (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV or Google TV Streamer) if you want apps at all. You get a modern 4K HDR panel at mainstream prices, and the TV's own platform never sees a network. **On Google TV models (Sony, TCL, Hisense and others):** during first setup, choose **Basic TV**. Google's own help page says that in basic TV mode you can watch antenna, cable or satellite TV, use HDMI inputs and a limited set of pre-installed apps, but not sign in, install apps, cast or use the Assistant. If the setup asks for Wi-Fi, skip it. To change your mind later, you factory-reset the TV. **On any other TV (LG webOS, Samsung Tizen, Roku TV, Fire TV):** skip the network step during setup and don't plug in an Ethernet cable. The TV works as a display for your HDMI devices and the antenna tuner. Some setups nag you to connect; decline. If a TV has already been online, turn off viewing-data features (often called ACR, "Live Plus", "Viewing information" or similar) in its privacy settings, or reset it and set it up offline. The trade-off: **no software updates** offline. For a TV whose only job is to show a streaming box, a console or a cable box, that's usually fine; those devices get their own updates. ## Which TVs work best as "dumb" screens Look for things that matter without apps: - **Good HDMI inputs:** if you'll use a console or PC, 4K 120 Hz ports (see [TVs with HDMI 2.1](/hdmi-2-1-tvs/)). - **eARC** for a soundbar, so the streaming box's audio reaches it through the TV. - **A good tuner** if you use an antenna (see [ATSC 3.0 TVs](/atsc-3-tvs/)). - **HDR format support** that matches your streaming box (see [Dolby Vision TVs](/tvs-with-dolby-vision/)). ## Why non-smart TVs disappeared TV makers earn ongoing revenue from their smart platforms (advertising on the home screen, content partnerships and viewing data), which helps them sell TVs at thin margins. A non-smart TV earns nothing after the sale, so few are made. That's also why buying a smart TV and keeping it offline, rather than hunting for a rare dumb model, tends to get you a better screen for the money. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can you still buy a TV that isn't smart? Yes, but mostly in small sizes: 24–43-inch 720p and 1080p sets from brands like Sceptre and Westinghouse. In 50 inches and up, true non-smart consumer TVs are very rare; commercial displays or an offline smart TV are the practical options. ### Can I use a smart TV without connecting it to the internet? Yes. Every smart TV works as a TV and HDMI monitor offline: skip the Wi-Fi step at setup and don't plug in Ethernet. You lose apps, voice assistants and software updates. Google TV models offer a dedicated 'Basic TV' setup for this. ### What is Google TV Basic TV mode? An option during first setup on TVs with Google TV built in (Sony, TCL, Hisense and others). It skips the Google account: you can use the antenna tuner, HDMI inputs and a few pre-installed apps, but not install apps, cast or use the Assistant. To switch later you factory-reset the TV. ### Are commercial displays good dumb TVs? They can be: they're built for long hours and often have no consumer smart platform. But they cost more than similar consumer TVs, may lack a TV tuner, HDR formats or gaming features, and some do run a smart platform. Check the spec sheet before assuming. ### Why are dumb TVs so hard to find? Smart platforms earn manufacturers ongoing revenue from ads, content deals and data, which helps subsidize TV prices; a TV without one earns nothing after the sale. So manufacturers have little reason to make non-smart models. ### Do smart TVs collect data even when offline? Data collection needs a network connection to send anything. A TV that has never been connected can't share viewing data. If you've already connected one, you can turn off viewing-data features (such as ACR) in its privacy settings, or reset it and set it up offline. ## Sources - [Google TV Help, Use basic TV mode](https://support.google.com/googletv/answer/10408998) - [TCL Support, Can I just use a Basic TV setup on a TCL Google TV?](https://support.tcl.com/en_US/can-i-just-use-basic-tv-on-a-tcl-google-tv) - [Tom's Guide, Why it's hard to find a dumb TV in 2026](https://www.tomsguide.com/tvs/heres-why-its-hard-to-find-dumb-tv-in-2026-and-why-you-shouldnt-buy-one-anyway) - [PC Perspective, A guide to buying a dumb TV (December 2025)](https://pcper.com/2025/12/a-guide-to-buying-a-dumb-tv/)