Smart TV's VS Streaming TV Sticks. What's better?

Hello, CyberNinjas! After a long hiatus, We're back! Today we're going to have a talk about Smart TV's and Streaming TV Sticks. What's better? What is a more feasible option? Are you looking to splurge and aren't concerned with money or are you looking to save and want the bare minimum?

Smart TV's

Smart TV's, also known as connected or hybrid TV's, have been around since the late 2000's and have become a must-have item for many homes. They allow people to connect to the internet and enjoy all of their streaming apps, integration with smart homes, and many other features without having to connect their TV to a computer, game console, or a set top box to get the digital TV experience and pay as much as your typical cable customer. If you're looking to "cut the chord" a Smart TV would be perfect. They look great, have massive screens, and heck, who wouldn't want a TV that connects to the internet? We're going to compare Smart TV's against Streaming TV Sticks and tell you what we think is a better option for you, our valued reader.

Streaming TV Sticks

Streaming TV Sticks are a bit different than Smart TV's. They plug into the back of any HDTV (Smart or ordinary) and they provide Smart TV features to the TV it's plugged into. Some Streaming Sticks like the Roku and Amazon Fire Stick have the option to give users voice commands or "cast" media to the Streaming Stick. This is also something that high-end Smart TV's have by default.
Streaming TV Sticks also need WiFi connections in order for them to work properly. However, Once you get everything up and running, Streaming TV Sticks allow users to download their favorite streaming apps and use them like they would if they had a Smart TV. They also a lot cost less than Smart TV's, so if you're still looking to "cut the chord" you'd still be able to with a Streaming TV Stick. And if jail-breaking is your thing, some Streaming TV Sticks can be hacked to give the user more functionality out of the Streaming TV Stick. (We don't condone hacking of these devices since they void your warranty and could get you into some legal troubles, but if you decide to jail-break/hack them, we didn't tell you to do so.)

Alright, so we went over what Smart TV's and Streaming TV Sticks and what they do, let's talk about what they don't do and what they have in common. In addition to having apps, they are also frequently updated, have assistant like AI's built into them for minimal tasks like arranging your shows by what you frequently watch so you don't have to look for them once you power the devices.

There's not that many downsides to owning a Smart TV or a Streaming TV Stick (besides cost and how much you're willing to pay.). Other than a requirement for internet, (Ethernet or WiFi for Smart TV's, WiFi for Streaming TV Sticks) Both devices are capable of listening in on the conversations of the people around them and either collect the data (read: Spy) to cater to their needs. Even with their pros and minimal list of cons, either device can provide people what they're looking for in either a shiny slick Smart TV or a handy dandy Streaming TV Stick. It's really your choice. Til next time, CyberNinjas.