Netflix Ending Support on Select Smart TVs and Streaming Players; Is Your Device Affected?
Netflix routinely stops support for its app on older devices, for security and functionality reasons.
It may seem long ago to some, but there was a time in the not-too-distant past when TVs that connected to the internet were a rarity. There wasn’t a real reason for TVs to come with Wi-Fi connectivity; once a viewer plugged their antenna or cable box into their set, they had all the TV they could watch at their fingertips.
- Netflix will no longer support the use of its app on select models of older smart TVs and streaming players.
- A full device list is not available, but most that are no longer supported are 10 years old or more.
- A wide array of new streaming players are available at every price point to help viewers who lose their access to the Netflix app.
Nowadays, smart TVs have been around for so long that some are too old to support modern streaming apps. According to What's on Netflix, the world’s largest streamer is pulling support for its app on a number of devices that meet this criteria, including older Sony TVs, Toshiba and Samsung devices, select Blu-Ray players, PlayStation Vita, and others. Most of the affected TVs and devices are more than 10 years old.
Streamers discontinue app support on devices like this because they are no longer compatible with security functions necessary to keep users safe while they stream. Older streaming players and TVs can also cause streaming apps to load slowly or function incorrectly in other ways, and streaming operators have a hard enough time getting good marks from customers on their user interfaces when they’re working as intended.
What Are the Best New Streaming Players Available?
If you’re a Netflix subscriber who has seen your favorite streaming device removed from the list of compatible players recently, you’re likely in the market for a new one. Fortunately, there is a good range of streaming players available to fit just about any budget out there.
HD Devices
You can save a little money on a streaming player by opting for an HD model that tops out at 1080p streaming. These don’t come with 4K capability, but unless you’re a Netflix Premium subscriber, you won’t be able to watch any content on that service in 4K anyway. The best available HD streaming players include:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote HD Streaming Device | $39.99
- Roku Express (New) | HD Roku Streaming Device with Simple Remote | $24.72
- Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) | $35.59
4K Devices
If you are a Netflix Premium user, or you have other content you’re interested in streaming in Ultra High Definition 4K, check out the devices below. All of them come with the ability to stream video in 4K, and there are several manufacturers to choose from.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device, Wi-Fi 6, Alexa Voice Remote | $54.99
- Roku Express 4K+ | Roku Streaming Device 4K/HDR, Roku Voice Remote | $39.99
- Google Chromecast with Google TV (4K)- Streaming Stick Entertainment with Voice Search | $49.99
- Amazon Fire TV Cube, Hands-free streaming device with Alexa, Wi-Fi 6E, 4K Ultra HD | $139.99
Netflix
Netflix is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 3,000+ movies, 2,000+ TV Shows, and Netflix Originals like Stranger Things, Squid Game, The Crown, Tiger King, and Bridgerton. They are constantly adding new shows and movies. Some of their Academy Award-winning exclusives include Roma, Marriage Story, Mank, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.