The Best TV Accessories in 2026: Everything You Need for the Ultimate Setup

Buying a new TV is the starting point, not the finish line. Even an expensive panel is only as good as what you connect to it. The money is in the screen, but other corners are cut to reduce costs and boost affordability. The right accessories close that gap between a good TV and a great TV. 

This guide organizes everything by function so you can build your setup layer by layer, starting with what matters most for your situation. Connectivity, audio, visual environment, smart features, protection, and accessibility configurations.

TV Accessories in 2026: Quick Answer 

Start with three things: the right HDMI cable, a soundbar, and a surge protector. HDMI 2.1 unlocks everything your TV and gaming console can actually do. A soundbar with eARC turns a weak built-in speaker into audio that matches the picture. A surge protector rated at 1,000 joules protects an expensive panel from a $15 problem. 

Key Takeaways: TV Accessories Worth Buying 

A few things worth knowing before you spend anything:

1. Most TVs ship with an HDMI 2.0 cable, which caps at 4K/60Hz. Getting 4K/120Hz from a PS5 or Xbox Series X requires a certified Ultra High-Speed cable. The consoles include one; the TV usually doesn't.
2. Not every HDMI port on your TV supports eARC, but the one that does is labeled. Plug your soundbar into the port marked ARC or eARC, not just any open input.
3. Running a TV power cable through a standard low-voltage cable management kit violates electrical code in most U.S. jurisdictions. HDMI, coaxial, and ethernet cables are fine in-wall. The power cord needs a dedicated in-wall power kit.
4. Android TV supports formatting a USB drive as adoptable internal storage for apps. Google TV supports USB file storage via a USB-C hub but not true adoptable storage. Samsung Tizen, LG WebOS, and Roku don't support this.
5. Bias lighting under $20 delivers the same eye strain reduction as a $150 dynamic sync kit. The expensive version adds color-matching immersion. The health benefit doesn't require spending more than $20.
6. HDMI switchers have their own bandwidth limits. A switcher rated for HDMI 2.0 (18 Gbps) will bottleneck a 4K/120Hz signal even if your TV and console both support it. The switcher needs to be rated for 48 Gbps.

The TV Setup at a Glance: Accessories by Priority 

The table below organizes TV accessories by setup layer and priority so you can build your setup in the right order:

Connectivity: Getting the Right Signal to Your TV 

The right cables and connectivity accessories ensure your TV receives the full signal quality it's capable of displaying. A wrong cable choice at this layer caps performance regardless of how good the TV is. Signal integrity issues account for many home theater performance complaints.

HDMI 2.1 cables: why the cable in the box is probably wrong 

HDMI 2.1 is the current HDMI specification supporting 48 Gbps bandwidth, which enables 4K/120Hz, 8K/60Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). Most TVs ship with HDMI 2.0 cables rated for 18 Gbps, which cannot carry a 4K/120Hz signal—using the wrong cable means your TV and console negotiate down to lower specs.

What to look for: Cables labeled "Ultra High Speed HDMI" (the official certification for 48 Gbps). Cables labeled "High Speed" are HDMI 2.0 and insufficient for 4K/120Hz gaming. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) synchronizes your TV's refresh rate with the source device's frame rate, eliminating screen tearing during gaming.

Price reality: Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are available for $10–$30. There's no performance benefit to cables costing hundreds of dollars for typical home distances under 10 feet. 

HDMI switchers: adding ports to a TV with full inputs 

Most TVs ship with 3–4 HDMI ports, but households with gaming consoles, streaming sticks, Blu-ray players, and soundbars fill these quickly. An HDMI switcher takes multiple HDMI inputs and outputs a single HDMI signal to the TV, allowing more devices than the TV has native ports.

Critical specification for 2026: The switcher must be rated for 4K/120Hz and 48 Gbps to avoid bottlenecking signal quality. Cheap HDMI 2.0 switchers cap signals at 4K/60Hz, negating the benefits of premium gaming hardware.

Active vs. passive switchers:

1. Active switchers include a power supply and handle longer cable runs reliably
2. Passive switchers are smaller and cheaper but limited to shorter runs and fewer inputs

Quality 4K/120Hz HDMI switchers range from $30–$80, making them an affordable solution for port-starved setups.

Do I need a special HDMI cable for my 2026 4K TV? 

Yes, with a caveat. If you are connecting a gaming console (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X) or a PC graphics card at 4K/120Hz, you need a cable certified as Ultra High Speed HDMI (48 Gbps, HDMI 2.1). The PS5 ships with an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable included. The Xbox Series X includes an HDMI 2.1 cable. If you are connecting a streaming device or Blu-ray player that outputs 4K at 60Hz with HDR, a standard High Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.0) is sufficient. The easiest check: look for the "Ultra High Speed HDMI" label on the cable packaging rather than relying on version numbers alone.

Building out your TV setup? Before choosing a streaming service or cable plan to feed it, CableCompare shows every provider and plan available at your address so you can match your setup to the best available service.

Audio: The Upgrade That Makes the Biggest Difference 

Television speakers are the weakest component in any TV, including expensive OLED and QLED models. Adding a soundbar or AV receiver delivers a more noticeable improvement to the viewing experience. Research on audiovisual quality has consistently shown that audio quality significantly influences viewers' perception of overall video quality and can meaningfully affect the quality of experience, even when the picture itself remains unchanged.

Soundbars with eARC: unlocking Dolby Atmos from streaming 

Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) is an HDMI feature that sends high-quality audio signals from the TV back to a connected soundbar or receiver, supporting uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Standard ARC supports compressed audio formats, while eARC supports the full uncompressed Dolby Atmos tracks that streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ send to your TV.

How to identify eARC on your TV: Look for an HDMI port labeled "ARC" or "eARC"—not all HDMI ports support ARC. Use the specifically labeled port for optimal audio performance.

Compatibility requirements: Both the TV and soundbar must support eARC for it to work properly. Most 2022 or newer soundbars from major brands include eARC support.

Investment range:

1. Entry-level eARC soundbars: $150–$300
2. Mid-range Dolby Atmos models: $300–$700
3. Flagship models with height channels: $700–$1,500

How to connect a new soundbar to an older TV 

Older TVs (pre-2019) may only have standard ARC, which limits audio quality, and some have no ARC at all. Optical audio (Toslink) is a digital connection that predates HDMI ARC—many older TVs have an optical output that carries compressed audio to compatible soundbars.

Connection hierarchy for best results:

1. HDMI eARC (best quality, newest TVs)
2. HDMI ARC (good quality, most 2016+ TVs)
3. Optical audio (compressed but reliable, older TVs)

An eARC extractor can convert HDMI eARC signals for use with older AV receivers that lack HDMI ARC, though this adds complexity to the setup.

Bluetooth TV transmitters: wireless audio for every situation 

A Bluetooth TV transmitter is a small device that plugs into your TV's headphone jack or optical output and transmits audio wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Primary use cases include late-night viewing without disturbing others and accessibility for users with hearing loss.

Low latency requirement: Standard Bluetooth introduces audio delay that causes lip sync issues. Look for transmitters supporting aptX Low Latency or Bluetooth 5.2 LE Audio for minimal delay.

For users with hearing loss, a Bluetooth transmitter paired with wireless TV headphones or hearing aids with Bluetooth streaming provides significant accessibility improvements often missing from standard TV accessory recommendations.

Visual Environment: The Setup Around the Screen 

The visual environment around your TV—mounting, cable management, and ambient lighting—affects both installation aesthetics and viewing comfort. According to ergonomic studies, proper TV positioning and lighting reduce eye strain during extended viewing sessions.

Bias lighting: the accessory most people overlook 

Bias lighting consists of LED strips placed behind the television that provide a soft ambient glow on the wall behind the screen. Watching a bright screen in complete darkness creates high contrast that forces your eyes to continuously adapt, causing measurable eye fatigue during extended viewing.

The science behind comfort: Ambient light behind the TV reduces contrast differential between the screen and surroundings, measurably reducing eye strain.

Two categories available:

1. Static bias lighting: Single color (usually warm white) for eye strain reduction only
2. Dynamic sync kits: Sample screen content and match LED colors in real time for immersion

Investment levels:

1. Static LED strip kits: Under $20
2. Dynamic sync kits (Govee, Philips Hue Sync): $40–$150 depending on TV size

TV mounts: placement flexibility and the floating TV look 

Three primary mount types serve different installation needs: 

VESA compatibility: All TV mounts use VESA bolt patterns (distance between mounting holes, measured in millimeters). Verify your TV's VESA pattern in the manual before purchasing any mount.

Weight considerations: Always verify the mount's weight capacity against your TV's specifications. This information is published in every TV's documentation and critical for safe installation.

Cable management: achieving the clean floating TV look 

Two approaches exist for cable management after wall mounting:

1. Surface routing: Cable raceways along baseboards or wall surfaces—ideal for renters or quick installations
2. In-wall routing: Cables inside the wall cavity using specialized kits

DIY in-wall cable management kits include two wall plates (one behind the TV, one near the outlet) and flexible conduit for threading cables through walls. No electrician is required for low-voltage signal cables.

Important electrical code caveat: Power cables (the TV's AC cord) cannot be run through standard cable management kits in most U.S. jurisdictions without permits and licensed electricians. In-wall power kits are available, but check local building codes before installation.

Cost breakdown:

1. Basic cable raceway kits: $15–$25
2. In-wall signal cable kits: $25–$60
3. In-wall power kits: $40–$80

Smart Features: Upgrading Your TV's Brain 

Most smart TV operating systems slow down within 2–3 years as apps update and the TV's processor struggles to keep pace. An external streaming stick with a faster processor and regular software updates can restore or exceed original performance. For optimal streaming performance, ensure your internet plan can handle multiple 4K streams by exploring fiber internet options.

Streaming stick upgrades: when the TV's built-in OS is the bottleneck 

TV manufacturers prioritize display hardware over processing power. A $1,500 OLED TV often has a slower processor running its smart OS than a $50 streaming stick. Some streaming devices include Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for AI tasks including upscaling and voice processing.

When to add a streaming stick:

1. TV's OS is slow to load apps
2. Frequent freezing while switching inputs
3. No longer receiving software updates
4. Limited app selection compared to dedicated streaming platforms

Top 2026 options:

1. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max: Fastest Fire OS performance, supports Wi-Fi 6
2. Roku Ultra: Comprehensive app support, lost remote finder
3. Google TV Streamer: Excellent content aggregation
4. Apple TV 4K: Premium option with Matter support and iPhone integration

Smart TV storage: why your TV runs out of space and what to do 

Most smart TVs ship with 8–16 GB internal storage, much occupied by the OS, pre-installed apps, and firmware—leaving minimal room for additional apps and their data.

The USB expansion solution: Google TV and Android TV models support formatting USB drives as internal (adoptable) storage, which the OS treats as extended internal memory.

Requirements for USB expansion:

1. USB 3.0 speed rating for adequate performance
2. Minimum 64 GB capacity
3. Compatible with Google TV and Android TV platforms only

Platform limitations: This feature is not available on Samsung Tizen, LG WebOS, or Roku OS. Verify your TV's platform before purchasing USB storage for expansion.

Smart home integration: connecting your TV to home automation 

Matter is an open smart home connectivity standard supported by Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung that allows devices from different brands to work together reliably. Thread is the low-power mesh networking protocol that Matter devices use to communicate.

Practical smart home applications:

1. Voice control of TV power and input through smart speakers
2. Automated bias lighting that activates when TV turns on
3. TV-triggered scene setting for movie watching
4. Integration with whole-home lighting and climate control

For most households, a smart speaker (Amazon Echo, Google Nest, Apple HomePod) paired with a compatible TV provides sufficient integration without dedicated hubs.

Protection and Longevity: Protecting Your Investment 

OLED and QLED TVs contain sophisticated electronics including AI processing chips sensitive to power fluctuations. A quality surge protector or power conditioner is one of the least expensive ways to protect televisions costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. Lightning caused $1.65 billion in U.S. homeowners insurance payouts in 2025, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and surges were a major factor.

Surge protectors and power conditioners for TVs 

A surge protector absorbs voltage spikes before they reach connected electronics, rated in joules—higher ratings absorb more energy before protection degrades. A power conditioner is more sophisticated, filtering electrical noise and stabilizing voltage in addition to providing surge protection.

Essential specifications:

1. Minimum 1,000 joule rating for TVs
2. Connected equipment warranty coverage
3. UL 1449 certification for safety standards

Why OLED TVs specifically need surge protection: OLED panels and their AI processing chips are particularly sensitive to voltage anomalies. Power surges that older CRT TVs would absorb may cause permanent damage to OLED panels.

Investment range:

1. Quality surge protectors: $30–$60
2. Power conditioners: $50–$200

Screen cleaning kits: protecting anti-reflective and OLED coatings 

Glass cleaners containing ammonia or alcohol dissolve anti-reflective and anti-glare coatings applied to modern TV panels. OLED panels are particularly vulnerable because many designs lack protective glass layers—the emissive layer sits directly behind thin protective coating.

Safe cleaning protocol:

1. Use: Microfiber cloths (lint-free) and distilled water or electronics-specific screen cleaners
2. Never use: Window cleaners, paper towels, compressed air directly on screen, or solvent-based cleaners
3. OLED caution: Apply minimal, even pressure during cleaning

Accessibility Accessories: TV Setup for Every Viewer 

Several TV accessories significantly improve the viewing and listening experience for people with hearing loss, limited mobility, or other accessibility needs. This category is consistently overlooked in standard TV accessory guides, despite affecting the more than 70 million adults in the United States who report having a disability, over 1 in 4, according to the CDC's 2022 data.

Wireless TV headphones and Bluetooth transmitters for hearing loss 

Amplified wireless TV headphones are purpose-built headsets with built-in amplification designed specifically for TV audio, featuring simple base station charging and accessible volume controls that don't require smartphone apps.

Technology options:

1. RF-based systems: Longer range within homes, no Bluetooth audio delay
2. Bluetooth with low latency: aptX Low Latency or LE Audio for minimal delay
3. Hearing aid compatibility: Many current hearing aids support Bluetooth streaming from TV transmitters

Setup considerations: Enable closed captioning through TV accessibility settings and adjust font size and background for optimal readability alongside audio solutions.

Universal remotes and simplified controls 

A complete TV setup—TV, soundbar, streaming stick, cable box—can require 3–4 separate remotes, creating confusion and accessibility barriers.

Universal remote solutions:

1. Learning remotes: Program commands from multiple original remotes
2. Smart home voice control: Amazon Echo, Google Nest, Apple HomePod eliminate physical remotes
3. Simplified large-button remotes: Specifically valuable for elderly users or those with limited dexterity

Accessibility benefit: Single remotes with large buttons and simple layouts reduce cognitive load and improve usability for users with various accessibility needs.

Build Your Setup in the Right Order 

The difference between a frustrating TV experience and a great one usually isn't the TV itself, but sometimes it's the cable that limits performance to 4K/60Hz when it could run 4K/120Hz, speakers that can't do justice to the picture quality, or inadequate power protection that damages panels over time.

The setup order matters: connectivity first (HDMI 2.1, switcher if you need more ports), audio second (soundbar with eARC), then visual environment (mount, bias lighting, cable management), then protection (surge protector, screen cleaning kit). Smart features, storage, smart home integration, and accessibility accessories layer onto that foundation based on your specific situation.

The most expensive accessories in this guide are optional. The least expensive ones (a certified HDMI cable, a surge protector, and a microfiber cleaning cloth) protect and unlock the TV you already have.

To ensure your ultimate TV setup has the right service feeding it, explore cable and internet comparison tools to find plans that support multiple 4K streams and low-latency gaming for the complete entertainment experience.