Guide to smart TVs for families
Smart TVs offer apps, streaming, browsers, games and voice controls, far more than a traditional TV.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right Smart TV for your family and how to set it up safely.
How to choose the right smart TV for your family
Nowadays, most TVs are smart and allow us to access streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. But being ‘smart’ goes beyond that. Some of these TVs support voice control, which means you can do pretty much everything you would with a regular remote, just by talking.
They also give parents far more control over what content their children can access and watch. Additionally, some Smart TVs allow you to monitor screen time and manage access through an app.
What to consider before you buy a smart TV
Think about what your children will use the TV for and where it will sit.
- A shared family room?
- A child’s bedroom?
- Watching films and shows?
- Streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube or Disney+?
- Gaming or screen mirroring?
- Voice-controlled browsing?
This helps you choose a model that works for everyone.
Set-top boxes, or set-top units, are a great alternative to smart TVs. They add smart elements to non-smart TVs. If you want the ability to watch streaming services on your TV that doesn’t have in-built features, set-top boxes are a good option.
Connectivity
Look for:
- Reliable WiFi
- App store access
- Support for popular streaming services
- Bluetooth for controllers/headphones
- Screen mirroring or casting options
Ease of use & accessibility
Consider:
- Simple, clear menus
- Voice control options
- Easy profile switching
- Subtitles & captioning
- Accessibility features for vision or hearing support
Content controls
These are essential for families. Look for TVs that allow:
- Child profiles
- App restrictions
- PIN locks
- Content filtering
- Control of downloads and purchases
Screen size & placement
Match the TV to the room and expected viewing distance. Children often sit closer, so large sizes aren’t always necessary.
Long-term support
Choose TVs that receive:
- App compatibility over several years
- Regular software updates
- Security patches
Typical smart TV types you’ll find
(Examples for illustration only — not endorsements.)
Basic smart TVs
Make sure the device supports popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. If you have an older TV, you can easily upgrade it by adding a streaming stick.
Premium smart TVs with voice assistants
Make sure the device supports popular apps like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. If you have an older TV, you can easily upgrade it by adding a streaming stick.
Smart TVs for gaming
Look for devices with integrated voice search and smart home features. For families, consider models that offer restricted voice options to keep children safe.
Streaming sticks / set-top boxes
Streaming devices like Fire TV Stick, Chromecast, or Apple TV are great options. Look for models that include built-in parental controls for added peace of mind.
Child-friendly smart TVs
For younger users, choose TVs with simplified menus, easy-to-use controls, and adjustable brightness. It’s also helpful to pick models that allow strong app restrictions for safer viewing.
Smart TVs for gaming
Choose TVs with higher refresh rates, HDMI support, and enhanced picture quality such as Nvidia Shield Android TV PRO. If gaming is a priority, make sure the TV is compatible with your consoles.
Popular set-top boxes and smart TVs for families
Explore popular smart TVs for families and children.
Smart TV alternative that lets you stream content straight from iPad or iPhone.
Child-friendly features:
Encourages play: Packed with apps and games suitable for all the family. Including educational games that champion learning for children under four.
Voice search enabled: Using voice assistant Siri, users can search for games, TV shows and films, all without touching the keyboard.
Top safety features:
While the parental controls on the Apple TV don’t offer the same level of control found in the iOS Screen Time app, you can still manage content, block in-app purchases and remove inappropriate content. It is worth noting that these controls need to be set up and don’t come as standard.
Prices start from £149, and it also comes with a bonus of 3 months of free Apple TV+ content
Alexa-integrated smart TV alternative to stream content, keep fit and play games.
Child-friendly features:
Keep fit and play: Download and install apps from the Amazon App Store. This includes not only streaming apps but also games, fitness apps, and other utilities.
Voice search enabled: Using voice assistant Alexa, users can search for games, TV shows and films, all without touching the keyboard.
Top safety features:
The Amazon Fire TV Stick has a robust set of parental controls with screen time limits, PIN-locked purchases and restrictions on search functionality to prevent children from searching for inappropriate content.
Prices start from £39.99
A smart TV alternative with the ability to play games like Fortnite and use Google Assistant.
Child-friendly features:
Access AAA games: Through Google Play Games, children can play AAA games like Fortnite and GeForce NOW. However, it’s worth noting that a controller is sold separately.
Voice search enabled: Control your SHIELD hands-free with Google Home or Alexa and Amazon Echo.
AI-enhanced resolution: With the help of AI, films from your childhood look better than you could have imagined, enhancing content into 4K resolution.
Top safety features:
With built-in restricted profiles, you can create an account that limits access to certain materials. However, this set-top is designed more with teens in mind, so it’s worth considering this before buying. You can also download a third profile app to monitor screen time.
Prices start from £189
A smart TV packed with features, crystal-clear resolution.
Child-friendly features:
More than a TV: The Omni series is designed with a focus on lifestyle. It can display art or photos on its home screen and offers various Alexa screen widgets, including weather, calendars, and interactive notes – perfect for family reminders.
Voice search enabled: You can easily link it to your smart appliances like thermostats and security cameras. It’s also always listening for Alexa prompts and you can search your entire TV, hands-free.
Top safety features:
Just like the Fire Stick, Amazon Fire TV has a robust set of parental controls with screen time limits, PIN-locked purchases and restrictions on search functionality to prevent children from searching for inappropriate content.
Prices start from £549.99
A glossy do-it-all smart TV from Sky.
Child-friendly features:
Incredible picture quality: Kids can watch all of their favourite films in high resolution with incredible sound quality.
Voice search enabled: With voice control, you can go hands free when searching for content.
Top safety features:
While you’ll need to set up controls on each app, this TV offers a PIN service that puts parents in charge of what apps children can access. Plus, if you have Sky broadband, then you can simply add your Sky Glass TV to your monthly bill rather than paying for the TV upfront.
Prices start from £699
A smart TV with great visuals that’s perfect for gaming.
Child-friendly features:
AI enhancement: Every scene you watch is scanned by clever AI technology, which tweaks the picture and sound to give you the best brightness, contrast, and audio settings no matter when the film was made.
Go console-free: Once you connect your TV to the internet, you’ll be able to stream games from Xbox and other partnered services – no console required.
Top safety features:
Just like all Samsung TVs, the QN90C allows you to control exactly what your child is watching and manage in-app and film purchases. You can do this all with a handy PIN that ensures no inappropriate content is accessed.
Prices start from £699. Newer models are available at higher prices.
Choosing safe content: streaming, apps & profiles
Set up children’s profiles on streaming services
Use our step-by-step guides to set age ratings and PINs:
- Netflix parental controls
- YouTube & YouTube Kids
- Disney+ parental controls
- Amazon Prime Video
- BBC iPlayer
✔ Check age ratings
Look for:
- BBFC ratings on films
- Content guidance: language, fear, violence, themes
✔ Be aware of autoplay
- Autoplay can make viewing last much longer, especially for younger children.
- Turn it off in streaming apps and TV settings where possible.
Setting up the smart TV safely
Use our Internet Matters guides to set controls on your smart TV or streaming device.
✔ Apply parental controls on your TV
Smart TVs – step-by-step guide
These guides cover:
- Locking apps
- Setting age restrictions
- Blocking changes to settings
- Preventing accidental purchases
✔ Set PINs on apps and profiles
- Ensure children cannot switch to adult profiles or access unsuitable content.
✔ Turn on broadband filters
- Home broadband filtering protects every device on your WiFi.
- Use your router controls to:
- Block websites
- Restrict late-night access
- Pause the internet
- Create child-specific WiFi profiles
✔ Check voice assistant settings
Restrict voice search or disable voice assistant features if needed.
✔ Update the TV software
Install updates to keep the TV secure and performing well.
Don’t forget your home setup
✔ WiFi protections
- Use router controls to:
- Block adult content
- Schedule offline hours
- Limit access for specific devices
✔ Insurance & physical safety
Consider:
- Screen protection
- Wall mounting
- Surge protectors
✔ Shared spaces encourage safer viewing
Keeping TVs in communal areas helps children build healthy habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Younger children benefit from shared-space TVs. If a child has a TV in their bedroom, make sure strict controls, clear rules and regular check-ins are in place.
Yes, most smart TVs allow you to restrict or PIN-lock apps. You can also manage access through your broadband controls or use supervised streaming profiles.
There are several ways to manage screen time, and combining them works best.
✔ Use built-in TV timers
Many smart TVs include:
Sleep timers
- Auto-off settings
- Usage limits
- Kids’ modes with set hours
✔ Control viewing through your broadband
If the TV is connected to your home WiFi, you can use router controls to:
- Pause WiFi to the TV
- Block streaming apps at night
- Set curfews
- Create child-specific WiFi profiles
✔ Use streaming service tools
Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, iPlayer and Amazon Prime let you:
- Disable autoplay
- Restrict content
- View watch history
- Use supervised child or teen profiles
✔ Set family viewing rules
Children benefit from:
- Agreed viewing times
- Watching together when possible
- Taking regular movement breaks
- Balancing watching with play, reading and rest
✔ Talk to children about balance
Explaining why limits exist helps children make healthier choices as they grow.
Autoplay can encourage children to watch for longer. Here’s how to stop it:
✔ Turn off autoplay inside streaming apps
Most platforms allow you to disable autoplay:
- Netflix – turn off “Autoplay next episode”
- YouTube – toggle the autoplay switch
- Disney+ – disable autoplay in profile settings
- Amazon Prime – turn off autoplay in playback settings
- BBC iPlayer – adjust autoplay in “Parental Guidance” settings
✔ Check your TV’s settings
Some TVs have global autoplay controls, especially in kids’ modes.
✔ Use broadband controls
You can pause WiFi to the TV at certain times or schedule offline hours.
✔ Build good habits
Combine technical controls with family rules like “two episodes, then a break” to encourage balanced viewing.
Supporting resources and guides
Setting up your child's first device?
Get personalised safety guidance for all their devices.
Explore other sections of the tech buying guide
See our guides for safety settings across your child’s other devices.
