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If you already own a smart TV, the cheapest way to use it as a screen without relying on its smart-TV platform is to keep it offline and connect a device you control over HDMI. If you’re buying new, compare a large computer monitor, a commercial display, and a projector against your room, sound needs, inputs, and total system cost. None is automatically the best fit, and HDMI alone does not guarantee privacy if the TV remains online.
Can you use a smart TV as a “dumb” TV?
Yes. A television can display video from an external source over HDMI without using its connected apps. Skip the TV’s network setup or disconnect it from the internet, then connect a source you control, such as a computer or streaming device. This avoids buying another display, but the TV’s own online apps and services will not be available while it is offline. Proton describes offline HDMI use as a workaround.
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Being on HDMI is not, by itself, a privacy safeguard. A 2024 study summarized by Proton found automatic content recognition (ACR) activity while tested smart TVs were used as external displays. In the tested conditions, opting out stopped traffic to ACR servers. Those findings do not establish how every manufacturer or model behaves, so check the privacy controls and network behavior of the specific TV you own.
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Which alternative fits your room and setup?
Compare the whole viewing system, not just the screen: display size and resolution, viewing distance, ambient light, sound, HDMI inputs, remote-control needs, setup, privacy controls, and the cost of any separate speakers or source devices all matter.
#1 Best Overall
- CRISP CLARITY: This 23.8″ Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
- WORK SEAMLESSLY: This sleek monitor is virtually bezel-free on three sides, so the screen looks even bigger for the viewer. This minimalistic design also allows for seamless multi-monitor setups that enhance your workflow and boost productivity
- A BETTER READING EXPERIENCE: For busy office workers, EasyRead mode provides a more paper-like experience for when viewing lengthy documents
| Option | When it may fit | Trade-offs to check |
|---|---|---|
| Existing smart TV kept offline | You already own a suitable set and want to avoid buying another screen. | You give up the TV’s connected apps while it is offline; use an HDMI source you control. HDMI does not itself prevent ACR if the television remains online. Source: Proton. |
| Large computer monitor | You want a display without depending on a consumer-TV platform, and its size and inputs suit your seating distance and devices. | Check HDMI compatibility, built-in sound, and remote-control convenience. Proton’s example of a 43-inch, 4K monitor is illustrative, not a product test or current buying recommendation. Source: Proton. |
| Commercial signage display | You prioritize a display product over consumer-TV features. | The cited source says these displays may cost more and have weaker built-in sound; those points are not independently verified here. Confirm inputs, audio, controls, and total cost for the model you are considering. Source: Proton. |
| Projector | Your room supports projection and you can accommodate the throw distance and screen arrangement. | Ambient light and room layout affect suitability. The cited source provides no comparative projector testing, so check the specific setup rather than assuming it will suit a television-style room. Source: Proton. |
The available sources do not establish current prices, stock, or a best model for a particular room. Verify a candidate’s specifications and local availability before buying. A display’s purchase price is only part of the system cost if it requires separate speakers, a remote, or an HDMI source.
What privacy protections actually help?
Keep the television offline when you do not need its network features
Not connecting the TV to Wi-Fi or Ethernet removes its internet connection while you use an external HDMI source. This is a practical way to avoid relying on built-in apps, but it does not make claims about what a set might collect through other means or establish the behavior of every model. Review the set’s privacy settings and the manufacturer’s documentation for your device.
Rank #2
- CRISP CLARITY: This 22 inch class (21.5″ viewable) Philips V line monitor delivers crisp Full HD 1920x1080 visuals. Enjoy movies, shows and videos with remarkable detail
- 100HZ FAST REFRESH RATE: 100Hz brings your favorite movies and video games to life. Stream, binge, and play effortlessly
- SMOOTH ACTION WITH ADAPTIVE-SYNC: Adaptive-Sync technology ensures fluid action sequences and rapid response time. Every frame will be rendered smoothly with crystal clarity and without stutter
- INCREDIBLE CONTRAST: The VA panel produces brighter whites and deeper blacks. You get true-to-life images and more gradients with 16.7 million colors
- THE PERFECT VIEW: The 178/178 degree extra wide viewing angle prevents the shifting of colors when viewed from an offset angle, so you always get consistent colors
Review ACR and viewing-data settings
ACR can identify content displayed on a TV, including content from an external source, according to the 2024 study as summarized by Proton. Look for viewing-data, content-recognition, or personalization controls during setup and in the TV’s privacy settings. The reported opt-out result applies to the study’s tested conditions, not necessarily every television.
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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Understand the limits of DNS filtering
Network-level DNS tools such as Pi-hole can block some tracking-related requests, but they are a mitigation, not a guarantee. A 2019 study of smart TVs in residential settings and controlled app tests on Roku and Amazon Fire TV found that blocklists were generally more effective at reducing exposure to third parties than to platform-related endpoints. It also reported frequent connections to advertising and tracking services and personal information sent to both kinds of endpoints. The study is foundational evidence, not a measurement of every current TV model. Read the 2019 study.
Rank #3
- Clear visuals. Fluid motion: A 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms MPRT deliver smooth, tear‑free motion across work, gaming, and streaming for clearer, more fluid viewing.
- Eye comfort: TÜV Rheinland 3‑star* certification reduces harmful blue light while preserving stunning color quality without compromise. *TÜV Rheinland 3-star eye comfort certification.
- Wide viewing angle: Get consistent views across a wide 178° /178° viewing angle.
- In-Plane Switching (IPS): See excellent color accuracy and consistency across wide viewing angles with In-plane Switching (IPS) technology.
- Ultra-thin bezels: Maximize your viewing experience with thin bezels.
What the documented cases do—and do not—show
In a 2017 enforcement case, the Federal Trade Commission said VIZIO software collected second-by-second viewing information from 11 million televisions. The FTC described collection covering cable, streaming devices, DVDs, and broadcasts. The agencies alleged demographic enrichment and sale or sharing of data with third parties. This is a specific historical case; it does not prove that all manufacturers collect the same information in the same way today. Read the FTC’s 2017 announcement.
The FTC release said VIZIO agreed to pay $2.2 million in connection with the charges. The release described the allocation of the payment and suspension details; this figure is the settlement amount as characterized by the FTC, not a current industry statistic.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【INTEGRATED SPEAKERS】Whether you're at work or in the midst of an intense gaming session, our built-in speakers provide rich and seamless audio, all while keeping your desk clutter-free.
- 【EASY ON THE EYES】 Protect your eyes and enhance your comfort with Blue-Light Shift technology. This feature reduces harmful blue light emissions from your screen, helping to alleviate eye strain during long hours of use and promoting healthier viewing habits.
- 【WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE】Our sleek minimal bezel design ensures undivided attention. The nearly bezel-free display seamlessly connects in a dual monitor arrangement, delivering an unobstructed view that lets you focus on more at once, completely distraction-free.
Rank #4
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT: An immersive viewing experience with a curved monitor that wraps more closely around your field of vision; It creates a wider view, enhancing depth perception and minimizing peripheral distraction
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT: Stay in the action when playing games, watching videos, or working on creative projects; The 100Hz refresh rate reduces lag and motion blur so you don't miss a thing in fast-paced moments¹
- MORE GAMING POWER: Gain the edge with optimizable game settings; Color and image contrast can be adjusted to see scenes more vividly and spot enemies hiding in the dark; Game Mode adjusts any game to fill the screen so you can view every detail²
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES: Care for your eyes and stay comfortable, even during long sessions; Advanced eye comfort technology certified by TÜV reduces eye strain by minimizing blue light and reducing irritating screen flicker²
- INCREASED VERSATILITY: Connect to more; Plug devices straight into your monitor for increased flexibility, making your computing environment even more convenient
How to choose
- Start with what you own. If your existing TV has the size, resolution, and inputs you need, try using it offline with an HDMI source before replacing it.
- Match the screen to the viewing distance. A monitor may meet your needs, but size and resolution must suit where you sit. Do not treat a category example as a verified recommendation.
- Check sound and controls. Confirm whether the display has usable audio and how you will control the source and volume. Include any separate speakers or remote requirements in the system cost.
- Check the room before choosing projection. Measure throw distance and consider ambient light and where a screen can go.
- Review privacy controls and connectivity. Decide whether you need the display online. If not, keep the TV offline; if it is connected, review its ACR and viewing-data settings. DNS filtering may reduce some traffic but cannot guarantee that all tracking is blocked.
- Verify the specific product before purchase. Compare current specifications, inputs, availability, and total cost for the model and region you are considering.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
