Finding a television with AirPlay has become a standard requirement for anyone living within the Apple ecosystem. In the current landscape of smart home entertainment, the ability to beam a video from your iPhone to your living room screen or extend your Mac's desktop to a 65-inch OLED is no longer a luxury—it is an expectation. The integration of Apple’s proprietary streaming protocol into third-party hardware has fundamentally changed how we consume media, moving away from closed systems toward a more fluid, cross-device experience.

Selecting a television with AirPlay requires understanding that not all implementations are equal. While the symbol might be on the box, the underlying performance can vary based on the TV's processor, the version of the operating system, and the wireless standards supported. This discussion explores the current state of AirPlay-enabled displays and how to ensure your home setup remains seamless.

Why AirPlay 2 is the Gold Standard for Modern TVs

When looking for a television with AirPlay, it is crucial to focus on AirPlay 2. Unlike the original version, AirPlay 2 allows for multi-room audio and significantly reduced latency. This means you can sync your TV's audio with HomePods in the kitchen or other compatible speakers throughout the house.

Furthermore, AirPlay 2 brings HomeKit integration. This allows your TV to appear in the Home app on your Apple devices. You can include your television in "Scenes"—for instance, a "Movie Night" scene that dims the smart lights, closes the blinds, and turns on the TV automatically. The responsiveness of these features depends heavily on the TV's internal hardware, which is why choosing a reputable brand is often worth the investment.

Leading TV Brands with Built-in AirPlay Support

The market has seen a massive shift where nearly every major manufacturer now offers a television with AirPlay. However, each brand integrates it into their unique operating system differently.

Samsung Smart TVs

Samsung was among the first to embrace Apple's technology. Most Samsung models from recent years, especially those running the latest Tizen OS, support AirPlay 2 natively. On a Samsung television with AirPlay, the setup is usually tucked under the "General" settings menu. Samsung's implementation is generally robust, offering high-bitrate 4K streaming that looks indistinguishable from native apps.

LG OLED and LED Displays

LG's webOS provides some of the most intuitive AirPlay controls. Because LG focuses heavily on its "Home Dashboard," your Apple devices are often recognized instantly. LG televisions are also known for strong HomeKit support, allowing users to switch inputs or adjust volume directly from the Control Center on an iPhone. Their OLED lineup is particularly favored for AirPlay because the infinite contrast makes mirrored photos and videos look spectacular.

Sony and Google TV Integration

Sony televisions, which utilize the Google TV (formerly Android TV) platform, offer a unique hybrid experience. While Google TV has its own casting protocol, Sony includes a dedicated AirPlay and HomeKit settings app. This gives users the best of both worlds. The processing power in Sony’s higher-end Bravia models often results in the smoothest AirPlay mirroring experience with the least amount of input lag.

Budget-Friendly Options: Roku and Vizio

If you are seeking a television with AirPlay on a tighter budget, Roku-powered TVs (like those from TCL and Hisense) and Vizio SmartCast displays are excellent choices. Roku has done a commendable job bringing AirPlay to even their entry-level 4K models. Vizio also treats AirPlay as a core feature, often updating older models via firmware to ensure they remain compatible with newer iOS versions.

How to Set Up and Use AirPlay on Your TV

Once you have your television with AirPlay unboxed and connected to the internet, the process of sharing content is remarkably straightforward.

1. Network Synchronization

The most common point of failure is network mismatch. Both your Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or Mac) and your TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. With the advent of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, it is recommended to connect both devices to the 5GHz or 6GHz band to avoid the interference common on 2.4GHz bands.

2. Enabling the Feature

On most TVs, you may need to go to the Settings or Connection menu to ensure AirPlay is toggled "On." Some TVs require a one-time passcode to appear on the screen, which you then enter on your iPhone to establish a secure link. This prevents neighbors or guests from accidentally hijacking your screen.

3. Streaming Video vs. Screen Mirroring

There is a subtle but important difference between these two modes.

  • Streaming Video: When you tap the AirPlay icon inside an app like YouTube or a streaming service, the TV takes over the stream. This saves your iPhone’s battery and allows you to use your phone for other tasks without interrupting the movie.
  • Screen Mirroring: Accessed via the Control Center (the icon with two overlapping rectangles), this mirrors everything on your screen. This is ideal for showing photos, browsing websites, or giving presentations.

Beyond the Living Room: AirPlay in Hotels and Offices

The utility of a television with AirPlay has recently expanded into the hospitality industry. Many premium hotel chains have begun implementing "AirPlay in Hotels." This allows guests to scan a QR code on the room's TV to instantly pair their devices. It eliminates the need to log into your personal streaming accounts on a public television, providing a much higher level of privacy and security while traveling.

In office environments, a television with AirPlay serves as a powerful tool for collaboration. Instead of hunting for HDMI adapters or dongles, staff can instantly share spreadsheets or slide decks from their MacBook. The stability of AirPlay 2 ensures that presentations remain crisp without the stuttering associated with older wireless display technologies.

Troubleshooting Common AirPlay Issues

Even with a high-end television with AirPlay, technical glitches can occur. Understanding how to resolve these quickly can save a lot of frustration.

TV Not Appearing in the List

If your TV doesn't show up in the AirPlay menu, first check the Wi-Fi. Sometimes TVs drop the connection during low-power sleep modes. Toggling the TV's "Instant On" or "Wake on LAN" settings can often keep the AirPlay receiver active even when the screen is off.

Lag and Stuttering

Wireless interference is the usual culprit. Ensure your router is not hidden inside a cabinet or placed directly behind the TV's metal chassis. If the problem persists, restarting both the router and the TV often clears the cache and restores a smooth stream.

Audio-Video Sync Issues

If the sound doesn't match the picture, AirPlay 2 includes a feature called "Wireless Audio Sync." Using the microphone on your iPhone, the TV can play a series of tones to measure and compensate for any delay in the audio path. This is especially useful if you are using external soundbars or AV receivers.

What if Your Current TV Doesn't Have AirPlay?

You do not necessarily need to buy a brand-new television with AirPlay to enjoy the feature. There are several cost-effective ways to add the functionality to an existing display:

  • Apple TV 4K: This remains the most powerful and reliable way to get AirPlay. It offers the fastest processor and the most consistent updates.
  • Roku Streaming Sticks: Many of the newer 4K Roku sticks support AirPlay 2, offering a plug-and-play solution for older TVs.
  • Compatible Soundbars: Some high-end soundbars from brands like Sonos or Bose have AirPlay 2 built-in. While this won't mirror video, it allows you to stream music to the TV’s audio system effortlessly.

Future Trends in AirPlay Integration

As we look further into 2026, the integration of a television with AirPlay is moving toward even higher resolutions and lower latencies. With the rollout of more 8K content, the bandwidth requirements for AirPlay are increasing. Future updates are expected to leverage AI-driven upscaling, where the TV enhances the mirrored image from your phone to match the display's native high resolution.

Additionally, the convergence of AirPlay and Matter (the smart home standard) means that your television will play an even larger role in the connected home. The TV screen may soon act as a dashboard for your entire Apple Home setup, triggered simply by the presence of your iPhone in the room.

Final Recommendations for Buyers

When you are in the market for a television with AirPlay, look beyond the marketing stickers. Test the interface in the store if possible. Check how long it takes for the AirPlay menu to load and how quickly it responds to a connection request.

For the best overall experience, the current generation of OLED TVs from LG and Sony provides the most seamless integration. If value is your primary concern, the latest TCL models with Google TV or Roku offer surprising performance for the price. Regardless of the brand, ensuring the TV has a modern processor and a stable Wi-Fi 6 or 6E connection will provide the best foundation for years of wireless streaming.

AirPlay has transformed the television from a static display into a dynamic extension of our personal devices. By choosing the right television with AirPlay, you are not just buying a screen; you are investing in a more connected and convenient lifestyle.