Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

Wifi ready Smart TV: wifi adapter vs Smart TV dongle

Aug 31, 2016 9:02AM PDT

I've got a smart TV that's "wifi ready" (LG 42LW550t). It's got an ethernet port (not an option for me), but no built in wifi. Question is, should I get the wifi adapter for the TV (pricey), or just get one of the cheaper smart TV dongles?

If I get a smart TV dongle, will the TV be able to connect to the internet (like to receive updates)?
Thanks

Discussion is locked

emaugochukwu has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
YOUR CHOICE!
Aug 31, 2016 9:06AM PDT

But if you don't get the maker's model, you can not expect support. An update might break it.

This is why I use the Ethernet port to one of those WiFi to Ethernet adapters. It's something that costs less than most maker dongles and doesn't break like those other things. Also, it's supported.

- Collapse -
Answer
Second Answer. Forget that. Get a Roku, AppleTV, FireTV.
Aug 31, 2016 9:09AM PDT

You'll get your WiFi and much better experience overall.

These SmartTVs have a nasty issue that the apps are often dates, the speed is subpar and over time you find apps vanish for very simple reasons I won't repeat here.

For 99bucks you can get much better and that's same as what I saw those maker dongles selling for.

Try for a free CNET AppleTV at http://www.cnet.com/news/cnets-apple-byte-giveaway/