The world of TV is ever-changing. If you thought it was hard to keep up with the best shows, just wait until you see what the best apps for TV have in store!
As networks and streaming platforms vie for viewers’ attention, they’ve stepped up their game when it comes to how we watch TV. And gone are the days when we were limited to watching shows on our TVs or computers. Now, thanks to smartphones and tablets, we can stream shows anywhere, anytime—making it easier than ever to spend our free time bingeing our favorite shows.
But all this freedom comes with a cost: too many decisions! Which apps should you download? What devices support them? And is there a way to stream your favorite shows without paying an extra cable bill?
We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll help you figure out which devices can stream the most popular networks and let you know which ones have free trials so you can test before buying!
Best apps for tv
So, you’ve bought an Android TV device. Congratulations! But now what?
A few apps—like YouTube and Netflix—might come pre-installed. For the rest, it’s up to you. For the best experience, you need a mix of videos, music, productivity, and system apps.
With that in mind, here are the essential Android TV apps you need to install right away.
1. MX Player
MX Player has long been considered one of the best video players on Android. Its qualities comfortably translate onto the larger screen.
The app can play a vast number of codecs and supports subtitle files. The interface is smooth and easy to use.
MX Player can also read both locally saved files and content from external drives, making it an excellent companion for anyone whose Android TV device has USB ports.
2. Sideload Launcher
The Google Play Store on Android TV is a slimmed-down version of the smartphone version. Some apps are not Android TV-compatible, so there aren’t as many to choose from. However, the operating system is capable of running any Android app, making sideloading apps on Android TV a popular activity.
But there’s an issue. Apps that you sideload will not show up on your device’s home screen or list of apps. The only native way to access them is via the Settings menu. Thus, the solution is to install a third-party app. Sideload Launcher is the easiest one to use. When you open it, you’ll see a list of all your sideloaded apps.
Check out our article about how to manage sideloaded apps on Android TV to learn more.
3. Netflix
This one is a no-brainer. Netflix might come pre-installed on your device. If it doesn’t, grab the app.
A Netflix subscription will give you access to thousands of TV movies and shows. It’s an essential service for anyone who wants to cut the cord.
4. Plex
Another no-brainer. If you have an extensive personal collection of digital movies and TV shows, Plex is the best solution for casting them around all the screens and devices in your home.
In addition to its beautiful libraries, Plex can also automatically download subtitle files, metadata, movie artwork, viewer ratings, and more.
As long as you don’t want to watch your content remotely, Plex is entirely free to use.
5. AirScreen
Android TV devices natively support Google Cast. This means you can cast content from Android smartphones and other Google products such as the Chrome browser and Chromebooks straight to your TV screen.
Apple’s AirPlay is not supported. If you have an Apple device, one of the best apps you can install is AirScreen. It will let you mirror your iPhone or iPad screen on your Android TV box.
The app also works with the Google Cast, Miracast, and DLNA protocols.
6. X-plore File Manager
It’s always useful to keep a file manager installed on your device, but if you’re planning to sideload apps, it’s essential.
We are blessed with a good selection of file managers for Android TV. In our roundup, we recommended X-plore File Manager, Total Commander, TvExplorer, and AnExplorer File Manager.
From a sideloading perspective, we recommend X-plore File Manager. It uses a dual-pane approach, which makes it easy to transfer an APK file from a USB stick to your device’s hard drive.
7. Google Drive
If you want to access your computer’s files on your Android TV device, Google Drive offers the best solution.
Unfortunately, Google Drive is not available on the Google Play Store for Android TV. You will need to sideload the app. Make sure you’ve got X-plore File Manager installed before you try to install the app’s APK file.
8. Kodi
If you don’t have any of your own digital content, you can argue Kodi is a better choice than Plex.
The app has an almost endless number of add-ons that can provide access to on-demand videos, live TV, weather updates, the news, productivity tools, and a whole lot more besides.
9. Wake on LAN
Wake on LAN is the only Android TV app that can wake up your computer remotely.
It’s a vital feature if you do a lot of local streaming using Plex or Kodi. If the computer on which you run the Plex or Kodi server goes to sleep, the Wake on LAN app can force it to wake up so you can start streaming content again.
10. Steam Link
In 2018, Steam finally launched its Android TV app, Steam Link.
The app allows you to stream your Steam games directly onto any Android device. You can finally play all your PC games on your TV without worrying about moving your computer and a fiddly HDMI cable.
best free apps for smart tv
With so many free streaming options out there, it’s easier than ever to cut the cord and save big. Whether you’re looking to keep up with the news, find a good movie for date night or entertain your kids with educational content, a streaming service exists to ensure you can do so without paying a dime.
Try these free TV apps out and see which works best for you.
1. Crackle
One of the go-to names not just in free streaming but in streaming video in general is Crackle. The cost-free service has a variety of content, ranging from classic TV shows like “Bewitched” and “Barney Miller,” as well as the newer “The Uncommon History of Very Common Things” series. It also has hundreds of films from major studios.
For a free streaming service, Crackle’s library is truly impressive. Crackle even has a handful of original series to its name. Best of all, Crackle works on nearly all mobile devices, streaming boxes and smart TVs.
2. Tubi TV
A division of FOX Entertainment, Tubi TV has deals with major studios like Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and Lionsgate. It also features lots of foreign and independent productions.
Tubi TV’s library is updated regularly, and the service claims to add new content every week. The Tubi TV app works on more than 18 devices, including Android and iOS, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, Samsung Smart TVs and Amazon Fire TV.
The library is solid and has started offering popular Fox TV series like “The Masked Singer” and “Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back.”
Since the service is ad-supported, you can expect to watch a couple minutes of ads every 10 minutes or so. The experience is pretty similar to watching normal television.
3. Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers TV channels of linear content much like a cable package
There are dozens of classic TV, movie and sports channels — and even some highly curated streams of niche content.
If you’re looking for breaking news, you can choose from an assortment of major network news channels that are live streaming.
The kids (or kids at heart) can check out Nickelodeon classics like “The Fairly Odd Parents” and “Dora the Explorer.”Get camera-ready: From masterclasses to gear, The Penny Hoarder Shop has all things photography.
Or if you just want to veg out, switch over to their Binge menu for a seemingly endless stream of TV series, like “The Hills” and “Mystery Science Theater 3000.”
Pluto TV boasts a large list of supported devices including iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TVand Chromecast devices and Android TV.
Like Tubi TV, Pluto TV has advertisements similar to the ad load of normal TV.
4. NewsON
Streaming video isn’t always just about entertainment. The NewsON app provides hundreds of local and national news streams.
Both live TV and on-demand news broadcasts can be streamed from over 275 local news affiliates in 165 markets. The broadcasts are available for up to 48 hours after they air, so even if you don’t catch the news as it happens, you can catch up later.
Users can then select which news segments they want to watch from categories like sports, weather or entertainment. NewsON is compatible with iOS and Android phones and tablets, as well as Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
5. PBS Kids
Kids need free streaming content, too. PBS has a PBS Kids Video app that provides hundreds of hours of educational and enriching content for the youngest members of the family. The app has a colorful, child-friendly interface, which makes it easy for kids to take control themselves.
You can even tap the “Live TV” button to watch what’s currently airing on your local PBS station.PRO TIP
Almost all of the networks and cable TV channels have their own free apps for you to download — although many charge you to actually watch current content.
Videos from many of PBS’s most popular series are available for streaming including “Curious George,” “Wild Kratts” and “Sesame Street.” The PBS Kids app is supported for Android phones and tablets, iOS phones and tablets, and the Amazon Kindle.
6. Xumo
Whether you want it now or later, Xumo offers live TV and on-demand options.
Like Pluto, you can choose from an assortment of major network news channels like NBC News that are live streaming.
But it also includes more than 180 free channels, including themed ones in case you’re in the mood for action movies or comedies.
Xumo is available on most smart TVs. It’s also available on Roku and for download on iOS and Android devices.PRO TIP
Many of the free TV apps offer “premium” channels — if you see that word, expect to pay for those services.
Conclusion
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