Android TV Apps That Make Your Living Room Smarter

Android TV turns an ordinary television into something closer to a simple living room computer. It runs a version of Android that is built for big screens and remote controls and uses the Google Play Store so you can add streaming services, games, tools, and more. Android

With the right Android TV apps you can do much more than watch one or two streaming services. You can browse the web on your TV, stream your own movie library, keep kids entertained with safe shows, check the weather, and fill the room with music.

In this guide we will walk through nine carefully selected Android TV apps. You will see what each one does, why it is useful, and a few alternatives in case a specific app is not available on your device or in your region.

Key takeaways

• This list covers different kinds of Android TV apps including a web browser, streaming and gaming, video and music players, kids content, radio, and a weather app.
• Some apps are best for families with children, others are ideal for movie collectors, music fans, or people who rely on accurate weather information.
• You do not have to install every app you see. A balanced setup usually includes one main streaming service, one or two media tools, at least one music or radio app, and a simple way to check weather and browse the web.
• Always check that an app is compatible with your specific Android TV device through the Google Play listing before installing, and keep an eye on storage space. Android

Understanding Android TV and its apps

Android TV is a smart TV platform created by Google. It runs on televisions and streaming boxes from brands such as Sony, TCL, Hisense, Nvidia Shield, and many others. Instead of using separate menus for each manufacturer, you get a consistent home screen with access to the Google Play Store for Android TV. Android

Android TV apps are versions of Android applications that are designed for use with a remote from several meters away. Buttons are larger, navigation usually follows simple left right up down directions, and video or audio playback is prioritized.

Compared with platforms like Roku or Apple TV, Android TV stands out because

• it uses the familiar Android ecosystem and Google Play Store
• it often supports Google Assistant voice search on the remote
• it can integrate with other Google services such as YouTube, Google Photos, and sometimes casting from phones

Apps matter because they decide what your TV can do

• Streaming apps like YouTube or Twitch turn the TV into an endless video source. Google Play
• A browser lets you open sites that do not have dedicated Android TV apps.
• A media player and a media server client make it possible to watch your own collection of movies and shows from local storage or a home server. Google Play
• Music, radio, and podcast apps let you use your TV speakers as a convenient sound system. Google Play
• A weather app gives a quick glance at the forecast before you step outside. AccuWeather

Because many apps share accounts with mobile and web versions, cross device syncing is also important. Your YouTube subscriptions, Spotify playlists, Plex libraries, and iHeartRadio stations usually follow you from phone to TV as soon as you sign in. Plex

How we chose our favorite Android TV apps

There are thousands of Android TV apps. To keep this guide practical, the nine apps below were chosen using these criteria

• Ease of navigation with a standard Android TV remote. The app should feel usable from the couch, not like a phone app awkwardly stretched onto a TV.
• Stability and performance on typical Android TV hardware. We favored apps that load reliably, play media smoothly, and have a track record of regular updates.
• Availability through official channels such as Google Play for Android TV, or in a few cases through clearly documented sideload methods when there is no real alternative. Android
• A good mix of free and paid options with transparent pricing and realistic free tiers based on official listings and documentation.
• Broad usefulness. Each app fills a distinct role such as web browser, media player, or kids content rather than overlapping too much.

To check whether an app is compatible with your own device, open Google Play on your Android TV, search for the app name, and look for any compatibility warning. If the app does not appear, you can also check the Google Play listing from a browser while signed into the same Google account and see if your device appears in the install list.

There are many other excellent Android TV apps. Think of this list as a carefully curated starting point that covers most everyday needs.

Detailed guide to favorite Android TV apps

1. Google Chrome browser on your TV

Platform
Android TV via sideloading Chrome from outside the Android TV section of Google Play or pushing the installation from a browser. Chrome also runs on Android phones, tablets, and computers, which helps with syncing bookmarks and history. AirDroid

Best for
People who occasionally need a full web browser on TV to open sites without dedicated Android TV apps.

Key features on TV

• Full desktop class browser with support for most modern websites and web apps.
• Syncs bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history when you sign in with your Google account, which makes it easier to continue sessions from phone or laptop. AirDroid
• Can be used to access streaming services that only offer web players.

Pros

• Familiar interface for anyone who already uses Chrome.
• Access to almost any site without waiting for a special TV app.
• Sync keeps your favorite pages and logins close at hand.

Cons and limitations

• Based on the information available at the time of writing, Chrome does not appear as a standard install in the Android TV version of the Google Play Store on most devices. You generally need to sideload the app or install it from a browser, which is more complex for beginners.
• The interface is not fully optimized for remote control, so scrolling and typing can feel slow compared with a dedicated TV browser.
• Sideloading apps from outside Google Play carries higher security risks. Studies from Google and independent security analysts show that sideloaded apps are much more likely to contain malware compared with apps installed from the official store. Android Authority

How to get and use it on Android TV

Because of the sideload requirement, Chrome is better for confident users

1. Prepare your Android TV for sideloading by enabling the option to install apps from unknown sources for a trusted file manager or file transfer app. Android Authority
2. Download a Chrome APK suitable for Android TV on your computer or phone from a reputable source, or use the Play Store website to attempt installation directly to your TV if your device still supports this route. AirDroid
3. Transfer the file to your Android TV using a tool such as Send Files To TV, then install it through your file manager.
4. Use a virtual mouse function on your remote app or a connected keyboard and mouse for smoother browsing.

If Chrome is not available

For most people, a dedicated TV browser such as Puffin TV Browser is simpler. Puffin is built specifically for Android TV, has a remote friendly interface, and is available through Google Play on many devices. puffin.com

2. Twitch live streaming and game content

Platform
Twitch offers an Android TV app and can also be accessed through browsers and casting.

Best for
Viewers who enjoy watching live games, chat driven shows, or creative livestreams on a large screen.

Key features on TV

• Access to live channels, categories, and VOD replays from Twitch.
• Support for sign in so you can follow channels and join chat from your account.
• Device linking through an activation code so you can sign in on TV without entering a password with the remote. Twitch

Pros

• Free to watch most content with optional subscriptions and bits for supporting streamers.
• The home screen usually exposes featured channels and categories so it is easy to find something new.
• Linking from a phone or computer keeps sign in quick and secure.

Cons and limitations

• Navigation through large lists of channels can feel slower than on a phone or computer.
• Not every Twitch feature that exists on web is available on the TV app, including some advanced moderation or community tools.
• Quality of the app can vary depending on which device you own, since some manufacturers rely on unofficial clients when the official Twitch TV app is not distributed in that region. GitHub

How to get and use it on Android TV

1. Open Google Play on your Android TV and search for Twitch.
2. Install the app and open it from your home screen.
3. Start watching immediately without signing in, or choose the sign in option. You will typically see a short code and a link.
4. On your phone or computer, open the link shown on screen, log into Twitch, and enter the code to link your TV.
5. Use the directional pad on the remote to browse categories and channels.

Alternatives

If the Twitch app is not available, you can use the Puffin TV browser or another Android TV browser to open twitch dot tv directly, or look for third party Twitch clients that are clearly documented and well reviewed.

3. VLC media player for Android TV

Platform
VLC for Android is available on Google Play and supports phones, tablets, and Android TV devices.

Best for
People who plug USB drives or external hard drives into their TV and need a player that can handle almost any video or audio format.

Key features on TV

• Plays a very wide range of formats including MP4, MKV, FLAC, and many others, plus network streams and network shares. Google Play
• Can browse local storage, network attached storage, and some internet streams.
• Free and open source with no trackers and no in app purchases.

Pros

• Extremely flexible format support. If most other apps cannot open a file, VLC often can.
• Works very well with files stored on USB drives or network shares.
• The Android TV interface is simple, with large icons that work well from the couch.

Cons and limitations

• The design is more utilitarian than flashy. If you want a library that looks like a streaming service, VLC may feel plain.
• Advanced options such as subtitle sync or audio delay are powerful but can be confusing for first time users.

How to get and use it on Android TV

1. Open Google Play on your Android TV, search for VLC, and install VLC for Android. Google Play
2. Connect your USB drive or ensure your home network share is available.
3. Open VLC and choose the appropriate section, such as Videos, Audio, or Directories.
4. Use the remote to select your media and press OK to start playback.

Alternatives

Kodi is another powerful free media center that can organize and play local and network digital media with a ten foot user interface designed for TVs.

4. Plex media server client

Platform
Plex Media Server runs on computers, network attached storage, and some powerful Android TV devices such as Nvidia Shield. The Plex app itself is available on Android TV through Google Play. NVIDIA

Best for
Viewers who have a large personal collection of movies, shows, music, or photos and want to stream it around the home with a slick interface.

Key features on TV

• Connects to a Plex Media Server on your network to browse your own media library with posters, descriptions, and rich artwork.
• Supports multi user access, watch history, and resume playback across devices.
• Provides free ad supported movies and shows even if you do not run your own server. Plex

Pros

• Once set up, Plex feels much like a polished streaming service for your own media.
• Works across many devices, so you can start watching on TV and continue on your phone or tablet.
• Server side transcoding means even older devices can play files encoded in formats they would not handle on their own.

Cons and limitations

• You must provide your own media and organize it correctly on disk for the best results.
• Some advanced features such as mobile sync and certain remote streaming options require a Plex Pass subscription. Plex has also increased pricing for Plex Pass and made remote streaming more dependent on a paid plan.

How to get and use it on Android TV

1. On a computer or suitable device, install Plex Media Server and point it to folders with your movies, shows, and music. Plex
2. Let the server scan and match your files.
3. On your Android TV, open Google Play and install the Plex app.
4. Sign in with the same Plex account and connect to your server.
5. Use the remote to browse through Libraries such as Movies and TV Shows and start playback.

Alternatives

If you prefer open source solutions, Jellyfin and Emby offer similar media server functionality on Android TV devices. Their exact features and pricing differ, so review their official documentation before choosing.

5. YouTube the mainstream video platform

Platform
YouTube for Android TV is available in the Android TV section of Google Play and comes preinstalled on many smart TVs. Google Play

Best for
Almost everyone. YouTube is one of the easiest ways to watch news, educational videos, music videos, sports highlights, and more on TV.

Key features on TV

• Access to your subscriptions, watch history, and playlists when you sign in.
• Support for live streams, Shorts, and standard long form videos.
• YouTube Premium subscribers get ad free playback on TV along with other benefits such as higher audio quality and Jump Ahead features that help skip to highlights.

Pros

• Enormous variety of content including free movies, official channels, and independent creators.
• Simple remote friendly interface with large thumbnails and clear categories.
• Integration with Google accounts and casting from phones makes it easy to control playback without using the TV remote. Google Help

Cons and limitations

• The TV app sometimes lags behind the web version in new feature support.
• Some interface changes or updates can cause temporary bugs or crashes on certain devices, especially just after major updates.
• YouTube Premium is a monthly subscription if you want an ad free experience with offline downloads.

How to get and use it on Android TV

1. If YouTube is not already on your device, open Google Play on your Android TV and search for YouTube. Google Help
2. Install and open the app.
3. Use the sign in option and either enter your Google account on TV or use a phone to approve the login.
4. Explore the Home, Subscriptions, and Library sections with the remote.

Alternatives

If you want live television with cloud DVR, YouTube TV is a separate subscription service that runs on many of the same Android TV devices.

6. PBS KIDS Video safe and educational kids shows

Platform
PBS Kids Video offers mobile apps and an Android TV version that provides a curated experience for children.

Best for
Families with young children who want a trusted source of free and educational content.

Key features on TV

• Streams a live PBS Kids channel and offers on demand episodes of popular shows such as Daniel Tiger and others, with a focus on learning. Google Play
• Does not require a subscription or login for basic usage in many regions.
• Designed specifically for children with large icons, character images, and a simplified interface.

Pros

• Free to watch in the supported regions, which is particularly helpful for families on a budget.
• Strong emphasis on educational value and age appropriate shows.
• Clear separation between kids content and other apps on your TV.

Cons and limitations

• Based on the information available, not all episodes or shows are always available in the catalogue at the same time.
• Availability of live streams and specific programmes can vary by country and local PBS station agreements.

How to get and use it on Android TV

1. Open Google Play on your Android TV and search for PBS Kids Video.
2. Install the app and open it from your home screen.
3. Select your local station or region if prompted to enable the live channel.
4. Let children browse by character or series using the remote while adults supervise.

Alternatives

If PBS Kids is not available in your region, look for the YouTube Kids app or the kids profile features in YouTube and other streaming services, and always review parental controls before handing over the remote.

7. Spotify music and podcasts on the big screen

Platform
Spotify offers a dedicated Android TV app that focuses on music and podcasts, with control options from the TV remote or from a phone using Spotify Connect. connect.spotify.com

Best for
People who already use Spotify and want to hear playlists and podcasts through their TV speakers or soundbar.

Key features on TV

• Access to Spotify music library, playlists, and many podcasts after you sign in.
• Multiple ways to log in, including email password, pairing with a phone through Spotify Connect, or using a login pin shown on TV. Spotify
• Attractive album art and track information on screen that works almost like a screensaver while music plays.

Pros

• Works with the free tier, though Premium removes ads and adds features such as better control over track selection.
• Very convenient when your TV is connected to a soundbar or home theatre system.
• Spotify Connect on phones makes it easy to search and build queues without typing on the TV.

Cons and limitations

• Some advanced podcast features may still work better on phones, and there are occasional reports of podcast playback issues on some Android TV builds. community.spotify.com
• You need a Spotify account, and full functionality is tied to their subscription structure.

How to get and use it on Android TV

1. Open Google Play on your Android TV, search for Spotify, and install the Spotify app marked for TV.
2. Open the app and choose your preferred login method. Using the pin pairing method is usually fastest.
3. Start a playlist or artist station from the TV or use Spotify Connect on your phone to select what to play while using the TV only as a display and speaker output.

Alternatives

If Spotify is not your service of choice, many Android TV devices support other music apps, and you can also stream music from your phone using casting or Bluetooth in supported devices. Android

8. iHeartRadio live radio and podcasts

Platform
iHeartRadio is available as a general Android app and a version tailored for Android TV and Google TV through Google Play. help.iheart.com

Best for
Listeners who want easy access to traditional radio stations, local broadcasts, and a wide range of podcasts on TV.

Key features on TV

• Streams thousands of live AM and FM radio stations and online only stations.
• Offers music playlists and podcast listening within the same app.
• Free to download with optional premium tiers for additional features in some regions.

Pros

• Great way to bring local and international radio stations into the living room.
• Combines radio, music, sports, and talk shows in one interface.
• Android TV version is designed for remote navigation.

Cons and limitations

• Music discovery and personalization are often not as sophisticated as in dedicated music apps such as Spotify.
• Content availability can vary by country due to licensing restrictions.

How to get and use it on Android TV

1. From the Android TV home screen, open Google Play and search for iHeartRadio. help.iheart.com
2. Install the app and open it.
3. Browse by Local Radio, genre, or podcasts, or sign in to sync any existing favorites from your phone.

Alternatives

If iHeartRadio is not available, look for other radio apps on Google Play or use TuneIn and official station apps where offered.

9. AccuWeather detailed weather on your TV

Platform
AccuWeather provides a dedicated Android TV application focused on large screen weather maps and forecasts, alongside its standard mobile apps. Google Play

Best for
Anyone who likes a quick look at the current conditions, hourly outlook, and short term rain forecasts before heading out.

Key features on TV

• Large, easy to read main screen with current temperature, hourly and daily forecasts, and weather maps tailored for TV. AccuWeather
• MinuteCast style minute by minute precipitation forecast in supported regions, which shows if rain will begin or end soon. APKMirror
• Global coverage with support for millions of locations and a long record of detailed forecast data.

Pros

• Convenient for quick checks without opening a phone.
• Advanced radar and map layers are easier to read on a big screen than on a small device.
• The app interface on Android TV focuses on clarity for living room distance viewing.

Cons and limitations

• Some users report occasional sluggishness depending on device performance and network quality. APKMirror
• Certain advanced features or ad free experiences may require a subscription, as is common with modern weather apps.

How to get and use it on Android TV

1. Open Google Play on your Android TV and search for AccuWeather.
2. Install and open the app.
3. Set your location or allow the app to detect it if your device and region support that.
4. Use the remote to switch between current conditions, hourly charts, extended forecasts, and radar maps.

Alternatives

If AccuWeather is not available in your app store, look for other trusted weather providers that offer TV interfaces, or rely on the weather cards that some Android TV home screens display by default. Android

Key benefits and advantages of knowing these 9 Android TV apps

• You get more value from your existing TV or streaming box when you use it for browsing, personal media, and music instead of only one streaming service.
• Families can set up a combination of apps where children use PBS Kids, adults watch YouTube and Plex, and everyone can enjoy music through Spotify or iHeartRadio.
• A browser, weather app, and radio app turn the TV into a shared information screen for quick web lookups, forecasts, and background listening.
• Personal media solutions like Plex or VLC let you keep control over your own library instead of depending on the ever changing catalogues of streaming services.
• Music and podcast apps take advantage of your TV sound system, which often sounds better than a phone speaker, especially in larger rooms.

Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid

Installing too many apps

Android TV devices often have modest storage. Filling them with dozens of apps can slow down the system and cause update issues. Check storage settings occasionally and remove apps you rarely open. Android

Ignoring permissions and privacy

Streaming and utility apps may request access to your location, microphone, or usage data. Take a moment to review permissions so you understand what is being collected, especially for weather and voice controlled apps.

Using unsafe sideloaded apps

Although sideloading can be useful for tools like Chrome or Kodi, it also bypasses some of Google Play security checks. Sideloaded apps are significantly more likely to contain malware compared with apps from official stores, so only sideload when necessary and only from trustworthy sources. Android Authority

Assuming the TV app matches the phone app

The Android TV version of an app may not support every feature you know from the mobile version. For example, some podcast options or download features can be limited on TV. Always check the app details for any limitations.

Forgetting parental controls

When children use YouTube or streaming services, make sure profiles, content filters, and time limits are configured. PBS Kids Video is designed to be safer, but it is still wise to supervise and lock down other apps.

Expert tips and real life examples

Use your phone as a remote when typing

Typing search queries or URLs with a TV remote can be painful. Many Android TV devices allow you to use the Google TV app or the manufacturer app on your phone as a remote with keyboard input, which makes entering text much faster. Android

Group apps on the home screen

Most Android TV launchers let you reorder or pin apps. Put your most used apps YouTube, Spotify, your main streaming service, and your weather app in the first row so that the whole family can reach them quickly.

Combine media server and media player apps

A movie collector might run Plex Media Server on a home computer, use the Plex app for the main living room TV, and keep VLC or Kodi installed for those rare files that need special handling. This combination gives both a pretty interface and full technical flexibility. Kodi

Scenario one family with children

A family might install PBS Kids Video for safe daytime viewing, YouTube for general interests, Spotify for music, and AccuWeather for quick forecast checks. Parents keep YouTube logged into their account while children use PBS Kids, which reduces the risk of kids ending up on inappropriate channels.

Scenario two movie collector

Someone with a large library of Blu ray rips could host Plex Media Server on a network storage box and use Plex on Android TV as the main hub. VLC or Kodi stays installed for special files or temporary downloads. This setup feels like a custom streaming service built from your own discs.

Scenario three live content and gaming fan

A sports and gaming fan might rely on YouTube for highlights, Twitch for live esports or community streams, and Spotify or iHeartRadio for radio coverage and podcasts between events.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: How do I safely install and remove Android TV apps

Open Google Play on your Android TV, search for the app you want, and select install. To remove an app, highlight it on the home screen or in the app list, long press the remote select button, and choose uninstall. This approach keeps you inside the official store and is safer than sideloading in most cases.

Q2: What if an app is not available in my region or on my device

Sometimes an app listing will show that it is not compatible with your device, or it may be missing entirely from your regional store. In that case, look for alternative apps in the same category, or access the service through a browser. Only advanced users should consider sideloading APK files, and they should do so with caution because of higher security risks.

Q3: How much storage should I use on Android TV for apps

There is no single fixed number, but many boxes ship with sixteen or thirty two gigabytes of total storage, and the system uses part of that. Try to keep several gigabytes free so that apps can update and the system stays responsive. Remove apps you rarely use and, where possible, avoid keeping large downloads directly on the TV.

Q4: Do these apps cost money

VLC and Kodi are completely free. Plex, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, PBS Kids Video, and AccuWeather all provide free tiers, sometimes supported by advertising, with optional subscriptions that add extra features such as ad free listening, enhanced streaming, or advanced weather alerts. You should always check current pricing and subscription details on their official sites or Google Play listings, since offers change over time. App Store

Conclusion

Android TV can be much more than a simple way to open one streaming app. With the right mix of apps you can browse the web, watch live streams, manage a personal movie library, keep kids entertained, listen to music and radio, and stay informed about the weather.

The nine apps in this guide give you a balanced starting point across browser, streaming, media playback, kids content, music, radio, and weather. You do not need to install every possible option. Begin with the ones that match how your household already watches videos or listens to audio, then add more over time as you discover new needs.

Every few months take a moment to review your installed apps. Remove what you no longer use, update the ones you keep, and adjust parental controls as children grow. A tidy selection of well chosen Android TV apps keeps your living room experience smooth, safe, and enjoyable.