Quick answer
What is the cheapest way to make a TV smart?
An Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite or Fire TV Stick, from around £25.
Smart and non smart TVs: the difference
A smart TV connects to the internet and runs apps such as Netflix, iPlayer and IPTV players. A non smart TV only shows what you plug into it. Adding a streaming device gives any TV those apps.
1. Amazon Fire TV Stick
From around £25, it plugs into HDMI and offers every major app. It is the most popular IPTV device in the UK.
2. Google TV Streamer or Chromecast
A Google based alternative with access to Google Play, which includes TiviMate and IPTV Smarters.
3. Android TV box
Boxes such as the Nvidia Shield or Formuler add an Ethernet port and more power, ideal for 4K IPTV.
4. Laptop and HDMI cable
Free if you already own a laptop. Connect it to the TV and play IPTV through a desktop player. Fine for occasional use but less convenient than a remote.