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Apple's HomeKit ecosystem allows you to easily control a variety of smart home devices, including select TV models from LG, Vizio, and Sony.
With HomeKit support, you can stream content to your TV from your iPhone, use Siri voice commands with your display, and even automate special tasks for your TV in tandem with other HomeKit products.
A great HomeKit-enabled TV balances advanced smart features with excellent image quality - which is exactly why we've chosen the LG C9 as our top pick.
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TVs are getting smarter. Beyond the fact that many TVs offer smart operating systems that allow you to download apps, they're also now starting to integrate with wider smart home platforms, like Alexa and Google Assistant. For a long time, however, support for Apple's HomeKit ecosystem has been largely absent from smart TVs. Thankfully, that's now starting to change.
In the past year, a number of companies have added Apple HomeKit support with AirPlay 2 to their TVs, allowing them to tie into the rest of your HomeKit setup - which is good news for those who want to automate their home and easily control their devices from their iPhone or with Siri.
So what exactly does HomeKit support on a TV allow for? Well, once added to HomeKit, you'll be able to switch your TV on and off and set your TV to different inputs directly from the Home app on an iOS device. With HomeKit support, you can also automate multiple smart home devices together. For example, you could set up an automation where your smart lights dim when your TV is turned on. Or, you could set your TV to automatically switch on when you come home from work in the evening. Of course, for multiple smart devices to work together, they all need to support HomeKit.
HomeKit also enables Siri support for connected devices. For instance, you can tell Siri on your phone or other compatible product to play a certain movie or show on your TV via AirPlay 2 streaming. In addition, you can even assign different HomeKit-enabled TVs in your house to specific rooms within the Home app. This allows you to tell Siri exactly what you want to watch and where you want to watch it.
HomeKit-enabled smart TV models are currently available from Sony, LG, and Vizio. With more and more options popping up, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for your needs. To help narrow the field, we've selected our top picks for HomeKit-enabled TVs at a variety of budget and performance levels.
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Here are the best Apple HomeKit-enabled TVs you can buy:
LG's OLED TVs are considered some of the best TVs currently on the market, and the most recent models support HomeKit and AirPlay 2.
When it comes to smart TV features and image performance, LGs OLED lineup continues to rank highly among other display models. OLED panels are able to produce deep black levels with an infinite contrast ratio, resulting in some key benefits over LCD technology. The LG C9 is the company's current flagship model, and beyond great picture performance, it also boasts HomeKit support for easy integration with Apple's ecosystem.
The LG C9 is available in a few different sizes, including 55 inches, 65 inches, and 77 inches. Not only that, but the TV offers LG's a9 Gen 2 processor, which intelligently removes image noise and is powered by artificial intelligence. Extensive HDR capabilities are included as well, including support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision for the best color and contrast performance when watching HDR videos.
The TV offers a full suite of smart features too. Of course, you'll get HomeKit and AirPlay 2 support for convenient streaming from Apple devices and easy integration with an existing HomeKit-enabled smart home setup. Outside of Apple's platform, the C9 also supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa directly through the included voice remote.
For streaming services, the TV uses LG's webOS platform, enabling simple access to a large collection of apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and so on.
The 2019 LG C9 has gotten some pretty stellar reviews. Notably, Tom's Guide scored the TV an impressive 4.5/5, while Digital Trends scored it an equally impressive 9/10. The only downsides? The TV is pretty expensive, so if you're looking for a more budget-friendly HomeKit-enabled display, you'll likely be better off checking out some of Vizio's options. Unlike LCD TVs, there's also some risk for burn-in on OLED displays, though the C9 includes several features designed to minimize that possibility.
Pros: High-end image quality, HDR10 and Dolby Vision, Google Assistant and Alexa for expanded ecosystem support, webOS smart TV platform
Cons: Expensive, some risk for burn-in
The best HomeKit-enabled TV for the money
Can't afford an OLED TV? The Vizio P-Series Quantum is arguably the next best thing, thanks to its excellent image quality and solid smart features.
LG's OLED displays are impressive, but not everyone has that much cash to burn on a TV. If the C9 exceeds your price limit, then there are still several worthwhile TVs with HomeKit support to go for — like, for example, the Vizio P-Series Quantum.
The P-Series Quantum is surprisingly affordable, and it offers an image quality that rivals many pricier displays from other manufacturers. Thanks to the fact that the TV leverages quantum dot technology and full-array local dimming, the display is able to produce vivid colors, deep black levels, and bright HDR highlights.
The P-Series Quantum is pretty smart too. In addition to easy integration with Apple's HomeKit and AirPlay 2 smart ecosystem, the TV also supports voice commands through separate Google Assistant and Alexa devices. Meanwhile, Vizio's SmartCast OS makes it easy to cast streaming apps from mobile devices, though the platform's on-screen app selection is a bit limited compared to other systems. Vizio's handy WatchFree app, which allows you to stream over 100 live TV channels for free, is also a nice inclusion.
In our full review for the Vizio P-Series Quantum, we called the TV "one of the best display options out there for buyers who want a genuine home theater experience without breaking the bank." Compared to more expensive HomeKit-enabled TVs, however, viewing angles are mediocre and the TV doesn't include a voice remote.
Still, for Apple fans who want a budget-friendly HomeKit display solution without sacrificing image quality, the P-Series Quantum is a very worthwhile alternative to an OLED.
Pros: Impressive image quality for the price, supports separate Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices, bright image with HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Cons: On-screen app selection is limited, viewing angles aren't great, no voice remote
The best budget HomeKit-enabled TV
The Vizio M-Series Quantum not only offers an excellent image quality for the price, but it also comes with many of the smart features you would expect from much more expensive TVs.
Vizio makes some TVs that are even more affordable than the P-Series. The Vizio M-Series Quantum isn't quite as high-tech as the P-Series, but it still has a ton to offer. The main differences between the two TVs are that the M-Series offers less zones for local dimming and a lower peak brightness. This means that HDR and black level performance aren't as advanced on the M-Series as they are on the P-Series. But when it comes to TVs in this price range that support HomeKit, it's hard to find a better performing display than the M-Series Quantum.
Like other Vizio Quantum TVs, the M-Series Quantum boasts quantum dot technology for wide color playback, ensuring you get the most accurate image when watching HDR videos. You'll also still get Vizio's SmartCast platform, with support for Google Assistant and Alexa devices, plus AirPlay 2. Of course, it also supports HomeKit, making it one of the most affordable TVs to offer HomeKit capabilities so far.
The Vizio M-Series Quantum is available in a few different sizes, including 55 inches and 65 inches, so there should be a size that works for most needs.
Like other Vizio TVs, the Vizio M-Series Quantum has been getting excellent reviews. CNET and Tom's Guide both gave the TV an impressive 4/5, with the main downsides being that the TV's remote isn't the best, and that the SmartCast platform could use some work.
If you want an even less expensive HomeKit-enabled TV option, Vizio's entry-level V-Series 4K TV is also worth considering. Though its picture quality isn't as advanced as the M-Series, it still offers a decent viewing experience for the price.
Pros: Affordable, includes advanced picture features for the price, works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa products, HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Cons: Remote's design isn't the best, SmartCast could use some work, brightness and local dimming capabilities are not on par with more expensive models
The best HomeKit-enabled Android TV
The Sony X950G is the TV for those with a foot in multiple camps – not only does it have HomeKit support, but it also has Android TV and will work perfectly with your other Google devices.
This category might be a little niche, but could still come in handy for families with users on different smart platforms. The Sony X950G not only has Android TV built into it, but it also works with HomeKit, making for an interesting combination.
Android TV is a reliable smart TV platform with access to a large assortment of apps. It can also tie in seamlessly with Google's other products. Namely, you'll get Google Assistant integration directly on the X950G, so you can use the TV to control your other Google Assistant-enabled devices. It also, as mentioned, has HomeKit support — meaning you can also integrate it with your Apple ecosystem and other HomeKit smart devices. The result? You can tell Siri to play content on your Android TV.
The image quality on the Sony X950G is impressive too. The TV has a 4K panel and supports HDR with Dolby Vision, plus it features Sony's X1 Ultimate Processor, which helps deliver good upscaling and motion smoothing.
So what are the downsides to the Sony X950G? Well, the main one is that the TV's speakers are a little sub-par, and compared to some other TVs in its price range, the black-levels aren't that deep. Still, the TV has gotten some good reviews — including a rating of 4/5 from Tom's Guide.
Pros: Android TV with integrated Google Assistant, support for separate Amazon Alexa devices, HDR10 and Dolby Vision
Cons: Lackluster audio quality, black levels aren't great, more expensive than similar models from other manufacturers
The best HomeKit-enabled streaming device
The Apple TV brings some HomeKit features to any TV with an HDMI port, plus it integrates with all your other Apple devices.
The TVs on this list are all great, but what if you don't want to buy a new display and simply want to utilize HomeKit and AirPlay 2 through a TV you already have? In that case, it's worth looking into an Apple TV — like the Apple TV 4K.
It's important to note that using the Apple TV 4K is a little different than using a TV with HomeKit support built into it. With an Apple TV device you won't be able to actually control your TV itself with Siri or the Home app, but you will be able to ask Siri to play content on your display from your phone or iPad through the Apple TV, which is a nice touch.
The Apple TV 4K can also serve as a HomeKit hub — which is something that smart TVs can't do. When configured as a hub, your other HomeKit devices will connect to the Apple TV 4K and your Wi-Fi network, so you can control your HomeKit products from outside your home. Without a hub, you can only control your devices when you're within range of your home.
Outside of HomeKit functionality, the Apple TV 4K is simply a great media player. The device has Siri built right into it, plus it has access to all of Apple's other apps and services that you would expect. That means you can easily play your iTunes library on your TV and use services like Apple Music. The app library also includes many other popular streaming services, like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu.
The Apple TV 4K, as the name suggests, supports 4K resolution playback with HDR (HDR10 and Dolby Vision) and Dolby Atmos with compatible gear. It's well-designed and should look right at home on any TV stand or entertainment center. On the downside, those advanced features do make the device a little more expensive than other streaming players. Still, the impressive performance should justify the extra cost for enthusiasts.
Pros: Great choice for a HomeKit hub, well-designed, integrated Siri support, works well with other Apple services, 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos playback
Cons: A little expensive, doesn't add full HomeKit control to your TV
Check out our other smart home and smart TV guides
An Apple HomeKit ecosystem lets you control a variety of smart home devices, including speakers, media players, lights, outlets, security cameras, locks, thermostats, and more, directly from Apple's Home app. HomeKit devices include support for special automated tasks as well, enabling different products to work in tandem. To control HomeKit systems remotely, you'll need need to make sure you also have a device that can act as a HomeKit hub. We've selected our favorite HomeKit hub below, along with all the other devices you might want for your HomeKit smart home. Here are the best HomeKit gadgets you can buy:
4K Ultra HD TVs have become the norm for anyone looking to buy a new display for their living room, bedroom, or home theater. Features and image performance can vary a lot between different models, however, especially when it comes to HDR support and smart connectivity. With different needs in mind, we've detailed the basics of what you should look for in a 4K TV. Here are the best you can buy:
TV pricing has come down a lot over the past few years. Now, you can get a solid display with a 4K panel and basic HDR support for only a few hundred dollars. There are even big-screen options as big as 65 inches for surprisingly affordable prices. Of course, there are always trade-offs to consider when buying a TV on a budget. We cover everything you need to know about purchasing a display without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best affordable 4K TVs you can buy:
