Dumb TVs Are Scarce, These Are Your Best

Yes, dumb TVs (non-smart TVs without built-in internet) are now scarce, but your best options are a few remaining budget models from brands like Sceptre and TCL, or simply buying a smart TV and never connecting it to the internet. This article explains why dumb TVs disappeared, which models still exist, and how to get a “dumb” experience in 2025.

Why Dumb TVs Disappeared

Ten years ago, every TV was a dumb TV—just a display with inputs. Then streaming services like Netflix and YouTube made smart features a must-have. Manufacturers realized they could profit from advertising, data collection, and app stores, so they stopped making non-smart models. Today, less than 1% of new TVs sold in the US are dumb, and most of those are tiny 24-inch models for kitchens or dorms. The economics are simple: a smart TV costs about the same to make as a dumb one, but generates ongoing revenue. So why would a company sell a product that makes them less money?

What Counts as a Dumb TV in 2025?

A true dumb TV has no internet connection, no operating system, and no apps. It just shows whatever you plug into it. But there are two other categories people lump together:

Commercial/professional displays: Made for hotels, hospitals, and digital signage. They have no tuner and no smart features, but they also lack speakers and remote controls, so they’re not ideal for home use.
Smart TVs used offline: You buy a regular smart TV, skip the Wi-Fi setup, and never connect it. It acts like a dumb TV, but you pay extra for features you won’t use.

For most people, the second option is the most practical, but it’s not a true dumb TV.

Your Best True Dumb TV Options

If you absolutely want a new, genuinely dumb TV, here are the few models that still exist in the US market (as of early 2025):

Sceptre 24-inch and 32-inch: These are basic 720p and 1080p TVs with a tuner, HDMI, and USB ports. They have no smart features at all. You can find them at Walmart for under $100. The picture quality is acceptable for a bedroom or guest room, but not great for a living room.
TCL 32-inch S3 (some versions): TCL still makes a few non-smart 32-inch models for budget retailers. They’re often labeled as “HD TV” rather than “Smart TV.” Check the box carefully, as most TCLs are Roku TVs.
Insignia 24-inch (at Best Buy): Insignia’s entry-level 24-inch model is sometimes sold without Fire TV. It’s a basic 720p TV with a tuner, and it’s one of the last dumb TVs from a major brand.

These are all small, low-resolution, and lack modern features like HDR or 4K. If you want a larger screen, you’re out of luck for a new dumb TV.

How to Turn a Smart TV Into a Dumb TV

If you already have a smart TV or are willing to buy one, here’s how to make it act like a dumb TV:

Skip the Wi-Fi setup: When you first turn it on, choose “Later” or “Skip” when it asks for a network. Don’t connect it to your home Wi-Fi.
Disable network features: Go into settings and turn off any “Smart Hub,” “Network,” or “Auto-update” options. This prevents the TV from trying to connect.
Use an external streaming device: If you want streaming, plug in a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV. That way, the TV itself stays dumb, and you can replace the streaming device when it becomes obsolete.
Block the TV’s MAC address: If you already connected it once, you can log into your router and block the TV’s MAC address from accessing the internet. This is more technical but works.

This approach gives you a large, high-quality display without the smart TV bloatware, but you still paid for the smart features.

Why People Still Want Dumb TVs

The demand for dumb TVs hasn’t vanished—it’s just been ignored by manufacturers. Here are the main reasons people search for them:

Privacy: Smart TVs track what you watch, collect data, and show targeted ads. A dumb TV can’t do any of that.
Simplicity: Many people, especially older adults, find smart TV menus confusing. They just want to press a button and watch cable or a DVD.
Speed: Smart TVs are slow to boot, and apps lag. A dumb TV turns on instantly.
No ads: Smart TVs show ads on the home screen. Dumb TVs show nothing but your content.
Longevity: A smart TV’s apps stop getting updates after a few years, making it obsolete. A dumb TV works as long as the hardware lasts.

Alternatives to Buying a Dumb TV

If you can’t find a dumb TV that suits your needs, consider these alternatives:

Use a monitor: A computer monitor is essentially a dumb display. You can add a tuner or streaming stick. Monitors come in all sizes, including 43-inch models, but they lack TV tuners and often don’t have remote controls.
Buy a used dumb TV: Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist are full of old LCD and plasma TVs. They’re cheap, but they may have burn-in (plasma) or fading backlights.
Projector: Many projectors are dumb—they just take an HDMI input. You can get a 1080p projector for under $200 and project onto a wall. You’ll need a separate speaker, though.
Commercial display with a tuner: Some commercial displays have a built-in tuner (ATSC), but they’re rare and expensive. You’d need to add speakers and a remote.

Common Problems with Dumb TVs

If you do find a dumb TV, be prepared for these issues:

No smart apps: You’ll need an external device for Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube. That’s the point, but it’s also a hassle.
Poor picture quality: New dumb TVs are budget models with mediocre panels. You won’t get 4K or HDR.
Limited inputs: Many have only 1-2 HDMI ports, which is fine for a streaming stick and a cable box, but not for multiple consoles.
No voice control: You can’t say “Hey Google, turn on the TV”—you’ll need a universal remote or a smart plug.

Cost Comparison: Dumb vs. Smart

You might think a dumb TV is cheaper, but that’s not always true. A 32-inch smart TV (like a TCL Roku TV) often costs the same as a 32-inch dumb TV (like a Sceptre). The difference is that the smart TV has better picture quality and more features. For example, a Sceptre 32-inch dumb TV is about $80, while a TCL 32-inch Roku TV is about $120. The $40 difference buys you a better panel, a faster processor, and the option to use streaming later. If you never connect it to the internet, you get a dumb TV with better specs—just not a true dumb TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any 4K dumb TVs?

No. No major manufacturer makes a 4K TV without smart features. The only 4K displays without smart features are computer monitors, which are designed for desktop use and lack TV tuners.

Can I remove the smart features from my TV?

You can’t remove the hardware, but you can disable the network connection. Some TVs allow you to enter “Store Mode” or “Hotel Mode” that disables smart features and auto-updates. Check your TV’s manual for these settings.

Why do stores only sell smart TVs now?

Because smart TVs generate revenue through ads and data collection. Even if a customer never uses the apps, the TV still phones home and collects usage data. Manufacturers make more money from a smart TV over its lifetime than from a one-time sale.

Is it safe to use a smart TV without internet?

Yes. If you never connect it to Wi-Fi or Ethernet, it cannot send data anywhere. Just be aware that some TVs will periodically ask you to connect, and you can always skip those prompts.

What is the best brand for a dumb TV?

There’s no “best” brand because no major brand makes them anymore. Sceptre and TCL are the most common budget options, but quality varies. If you want a reliable dumb TV, consider a used model from a reputable brand like Sony, Samsung, or LG from a few years ago.

Can I use a computer monitor as a TV?

Yes, if you add an external tuner (like a HDHomeRun) or a streaming device. Monitors don’t have speakers, so you’ll need external speakers or a soundbar. They also lack remote controls, so you’ll need to control everything through the connected device.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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