Does TCL TV Have a Web Browser?
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Smart TVs are a great addition to anyone’s home. They offer the ability to stream media, browse the web, play games, and so many more options. Not all smart TVs are built equally, though. Before splurging and buying your smart TV, make sure it has all the features you might want or need. TCL has made some pretty great, affordable TVs, but no TV can have every feature. Does the TCL TV have a web browser?
The answer to this is dependent on the model of TCL TV that you own. TCL Roku TVs do not have a web browser available. TCL Android TVs, a recent addition to the TCL family, do have web browsers available for download.
Keep reading to learn more about the available features of TCL Roku and TCL Android TVs and why a TCL Smart TV might be just what you need.
What Features Does the TCL Roku TV Have?
No TV can have every feature, but TCL has included some great features not always seen in smart TVs. If the lack of a web browser is not a deal-breaker for you, here are some unique and useful features your TCL Roku Smart TVs do have.
Roku Streaming
TCL Roku TVs have Roku Streaming built-in. These TVs run off of a Roku operating system which has all of the features of a Roku player built directly into your TV. This allows you to set up all of your favorite streaming accounts like Netflix, Hulu, and many more directly on your TV for easy access to all of your favorite streaming media.
Play on Roku
“Play on Roku” is a feature available from the Roku Mobile App which allows you to cast photos, videos, and music from your phone to your TCL Roku Smart TV. With Play on Roku, you can share photos and videos in an automatic slide show or scroll through photos on your right on your TV. This is a great way to share highlights from a trip or event with family and friends.
Screen Mirroring
Another great feature of TCL Roku Smart TVs is using screen mirroring. This means you can wirelessly connect to your TCL TV with a Windows or Android device and use your TV as a computer monitor.
While this doesn’t completely replace a built-in web browser, you can display your phone, tablet, or computer’s web browser on the TV through screen mirroring to provide similar functionality.
What Features Do the TCL Android TVs Have?
While made by the same manufacturer, TCL Android TVs run with an android operating system and have a different set of available features compared to the TCL Roku TV.
Web Browser
TCL Android TVs do have access to a variety of web browsers. These Android TVs have the Google Play Store, which allows you to download several different web browsers. Some of those include:
- Google Chrome
- Microsoft Edge
- Firefox
- DuckDuckGo
- Opera
If the addition of a web browser is a make-or-break feature for you, the TCL Android TV might be a better fit for you.
Google Assistant
Another great feature built into the TCL Android TV is Google Assistant. With the simple push of the microphone button on your remote, you can then ask Google Assistant to perform various tasks, including playing your favorite show, adjusting the volume, and even performing web searches.
The Google Assistant built into your TCL Android TV doesn’t just control your TV. Like any other Google Assistant, it can control your other smart devices in your home. You can adjust your smart lights, thermostat, and other devices. Just press the microphone on your remote and start with “Hey Google” or “Okay Google.”
Chromecast
Chromecast is built into the TCL Android TVs. This allows you to cast a wide array of media from your phone directly to your TV. Some apps that support Chromecast include:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Spotify
- Discovery Plus
- HBO Plus
- Youtube Music
- Disney Plus
This is just a sampling of the apps that support Chromecast, and there are dozens more. One of the best features about using Chromecast is it displays the media on your TV from your phone, but you don’t need to keep the media up playing on your phone. Your phone is the remote that starts the app on your TV, and your TV’s internet connection takes over and does the rest. This leaves your phone free for other use while you watch your TV.
Another feature of Chromecast includes casting your whole android phone screen to the TV. This is similar to the screencasting feature on the TCL Roku TV. You can share pictures, videos, and other apps that don’t directly support Chromecast use.
Conclusion
TCL has built some impressive TVs with a variety of features. If wanting a web browser is on your list of must-haves, the TCL Android TV would be the best fit for you. Both the Android and Roku TCL TVs have great features options though. Chromecast and Screen Mirror both provide a way to play media on another device on your TCL TV.