85%
Odds it works through 2029Last checked: October 14, 2026.
Vizio makes budget smart TVs and soundbars that are sold widely in the US. Walmart bought the company in December 2024.
CompanyVizio, owned by Walmart since December 2024
Needs the cloud?Yes for streaming and the smart TV home screen. Since March 2026, new Vizio TVs need a Walmart account for smart features
Subscription for basics?No
Past problemsIn 2017, Vizio paid $2.2 million to settle US charges that it collected viewing data without consent
How long devices get supportWe have not found a Vizio device that was switched off. Vizio does not publish end-of-support dates.
Why 85%
- Starting point90%Owned by Walmart, a large, established company.
- Track record−2Collected viewing data without consent, settled with the FTC in 2017.
- Works without the cloud−3Smart TV features need Vizio’s servers, and new TVs need a Walmart account.
- Our estimate85%
The good news: With Walmart as its owner, Vizio has one of the biggest retailers in the world behind it, and its TVs are a key part of Walmart’s own brands.
The bad news: Vizio makes much of its money from ads and viewing data, and it was fined in 2017 for collecting viewing data without permission. Smart TV features can change as Walmart’s plans change, and since March 2026 new Vizio TVs need a Walmart account to use them.
If you own Vizio
- Check the viewing data settings on your TV and turn off what you do not want to share.
- If the smart features ever stop, you can plug in a streaming stick and keep using the TV.