If you own a television or streaming device like Mi Box, Nvidia shield and many others with a direct tv built in. You will need to have the essential apps install to get the best experience.
So today, i will show you more than 20 of the top apps available on the google play store in various categories you should install on your running Android TV. The list is not in any particular order.
Table of Contents
0. Thoptv
Thoptv APK is an excellent all in one sort of app. Yes, you get all the content and material like TV shows, movies, and even live television streams in one single mobile application.
Today, we’ll be talking about this all-in-one application which will help you in getting all the elite TV experience in your hands. So, wait and see the features, and how to download Thoptv APK along with its installation process.
1. Netflix
Netflix which is one of the most popular streaming services for watching TV shows, movies and documentaries.
It supports 4k video and HDR on most devices. Netflix comes pre-installed otherwise you can download it from the Google Play Store with the most recent price increase plans.
Currently, the base plan starts at $8.99 per month.
2. Amazon Prime video
While Amazon Prime Video does not have the same quantity of content as Netflix but prime video seems to be more focused on quality some of their original shows which include the man in the high castle, Jack Ryan and more.
Prime is now the new home for the expanse if you have an Amazon Prime Membership. The service is considered as a benefit giving you access to some of loop, their content at no additional cost.
3. Haystack TV
If you’d prefer to get your news for more reliable sources than Twitter or Facebook the free haystack TV app just may be what you’re looking for.
It allows you to choose from a variety of topics and interests from the sources you trust. There are more than 100 local and international news sources for you to choose from.
Haystack TV has a great layout that is almost near-perfect on any TV.
4. Hulu
Hulu is another streaming service to consider with content available from ABC, NBC, Fox and many others.
They also feature originals exclusive to their service including Castle Rock and The Handmaid’s Tale.
At this time Hulu’s user interface on Android TV is in major need of an update and their most basic plan which is $5.99 per month. But you still have to sit through ads.
5. Sony Crackle
Sony Crackle is a ad-supported service to watch TV shows and movies. While most of their content is not the latest and greatest but their library does consist of new original content.
Two of their shows worth watching with high-profile actors include start-up with Martin Freeman and the oak starring Sean Bean
5. Puffin TV
Now for something completely different puffin TB is a web browser that has been optimized for users of Android TV to watch videos, listen to music and surf the Internet.
You can sync puffin with your phone and create bookmarks using QR codes.
When compared to a web browser, you could use it on a PC or on a phone does take some time to get familiar with it. Quite honestly while not being perfect it does seem that puffin TV is moving in the right direction.
6. Spotify
If you’re looking for a music streaming service, Spotify is the best on Android TV.
It’s easy to navigate with the great-looking no-fuss layout. They even offer a free tier with certain limitations and ads. If you upgrade to Spotify Premium with plans starting at $9.99 per month ads are removed, you get unlimited skips and you can play any song on demand.
7. Deezer
Another music streaming service we’d recommend trying out is Deezer. It offers a dedicated app for Android TV but both free and premium plans.
8. YouTube
The YouTube app is a no-brainer since it comes pre-installed with most Android TV devices from the comfort of your couch.
You can easily keep up with your favorite channels and cat videos. YouTube is chromecast enabled and you may even find it easier to cast from your phone to this app.
YouTube is free with ads and they do offer premium plans which give you access to YouTube originals and ad free experience along with their premium music service.
9. AccuWeather
AccuWeather includes a ton of information such as local forecasts for locations, worldwide forecast are displayed with the location, day and night weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, the UV index and a whole lot more.
You also get the option to display the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit
10. Plex
I’ll move to these next two quickly as they’ll both required watching tutorials to get properly set up.
Plex is great for organizing your media so it can be streamed to any device like your phone, computer, and of course your Android TV.
11. Kodi
Kodi is similar to Plex for managing your media while Plex offers a cleaner layout Kodi is better for installing add-ons and plugins to improve its functionality.
If you’ve never used either service setup guides can be found by doing a quick search in your favorite search engine.
12. Steam
If you use the gaming platform steam, their steam link app enable streaming from your games library on your computer to your Android TV.
You will need a good internet connection for the best performance, Ethernet is recommended. It supports 4k resolutions with up to 60 frames per second
13. Nvidia Shield
As an alternative to steam link, if you own an Nvidia shield the NVIDIA games app will be a better choice for you in addition to your Steam library you get access to games in your library from epic you play and others.
Along with access to premium Android games, their games app also gives you a selection of free games to play on your shield.
14. Twitch
If you enjoy watching live streams of other people playing video games, twitch is the must-have app for you.
You can browse through their app for games being streamed at that moment and who knows you just might learn something new to improve your gameplay skills.
15. Tubi TV
Tubi TV is another ad-supported service that gives you access to TV shows and movies for the low price of $0.
They now feature more than 12 thousand titles to choose from many of which are from popular
studios including Paramount Pictures and MGM.
16. CBS All Access
CBS all access is a newer subscription service with thousands of episodes of TV shows on demand.
In addition to the back catalog of hits from the CBS network, they also offer streaming of live local NFL games and original content including Star Trek Discovery the good fight and the most recent reboot of The Twilight Zone.
At this time their app is full of bugs that hopefully get worked out. Just like Hulu, the CBS all access basic plan is $5.99 per month with limited commercials.
17. Vudu
Vudu is an on-demand service that lets you rent or buy movies and TV shows.
This is a great app with more than 100 thousand titles to choose from including the latest blockbusters some of which are available on Vudu before being released on DVD or blu-ray.
In addition to their paid content, they also offer thousands of movies for free with commercials.
18. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free must-have app if you’re a cord cutter. It offers more than 100 live channels in various categories offering TV shows, sports news, and other programs.
They also offer thousands of movies on demand. Their grid is similar to what you’d find with the cable service showing you the programs of elbow on each channel.
19 and 20. Cord Cutter Apps for Android TV
Many of the popular TV networks now offer an app to get caught up on a new TV series or one of their older shows and some even offer the ability to watch live TV.
There are now so many apps being offered by the various networks it’s likely you’ll find the channel you’re looking for in the Google Play Store unfortunately some of them will require that you have a cable or satellite account.
If you’re looking to cut the cord and get rid of your cable company, there are several apps for you to choose from offering live TV some of those include Sling TV, PlayStation View, fuboTV, bi-lo and YouTube TV.
Depending on your case it’s best to investigate each service find out which one offers the best channel lineup for you.
