THE big Netflix app switch-off, which will see the platform removed from 60 TV models, is nearly complete.
To save the cost of buying a brand new TV, there are three cheap gadgets you can purchase to avoid missing your favourite shows.
The Netflix app is set to disappear from 60 TVs by the end of the month, even if you have a remote with a dedicated Netflix button.
Due to technical limitations, dozens of TVs have been branded ‘too old’ to hose the app any longer.
The TVs are roughly a decade old.
Sony TV models are mostly affected, however, some Apple TV models will be impacted too.
Check the full list here.
While Netflix has deemed these TVs too old, their owners disagree.
“So annoyed! On screen message from @NetflixUK this evening to say the app won’t work after 24th July on my perfectly functional Sony TV,” one subscriber wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“It’s even got a Netflix button on the remote!”
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Fortunately, you can still access Netflix with these TV gadgets – and they’re far cheaper than a TV replacement.
Google Chromecast
The cheapest gadget you can get is the Google Chromecast HD Snow, at £34.99.
It allows buyers to stream 4K HDR content to their TV, and comes with a two-year guarantee.
Over Wi-Fi, users can beam tons of streaming content to their ageing TVs – including Netflix.
Like others on the market, it even enables voice search with Google Assistant.
Roku Express 4K
The next gadget is the Roku Express 4K, which is currently available for £39.99.
The device gives any old telly the perks of having a smart TV, with a variety of streaming apps.
Alongside Netflix, users can watch thousands of free and paid channels like BBC iPlayer, Disney+, ITV Hub, All4, My5, Apple TV+, BT Sport, Prime Video, and NOW.
Customers can stream in HD, 4K Ultra HD, and HDR for vivid colour on their TVs.
It even has a nifty voice search feature that makes pulling up your shows even faster.
However, it’s important to note that licencing limitations mean that most apps will work only in the UK.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
On the pricier end – but still miles cheaper than a new telly – is Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K.
At £59.99/$54.99, users can watch all their favourite shows in 4K picture quality – including content from Netflix.
Just recently, the gadget started supporting Xbox cloud gaming – meaning owners can use the Fire Stick to access and play their favourite videogames.
Beyond the standard subscription-based apps, there are also a raft of free TV apps available, such as Amazon Freevee and Pluto TV.
What’s more is that the Fire Stick is also compatible with Amazon’s other Alexa devices, allowing the device to be used to dim lights and check the weather using the voice remote feature.
Got a PS4, PS5 or Xbox?
If you have a games console lying around, then you won’t need to buy any of these gadgets.
The PS4, PS5 and Xbox all have a Netflix app to watch your favourite shows on – as long as you have a subscription.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t extend to all consoles.
The Nintendo Switch, for example, does not have a Netflix app available to it.
Nintendo Switch owners have access to different streaming apps instead, such as YouTube, Hulu, Crunchyroll and Funimation.
All prices were correct at the time of writing.
It’s advised to always do your own research before making any purchases.
