15 unique apps Android TV users should install today

The list of apps for Android TV is growing every day. Most major apps like Facebook, Spotify, Netflix, etc. are available. But what other apps are available on Android TV? Below are 15 unique applications that users need to install today.

1. Kodi

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Kodi is a streaming media service. At first glance, Kod may seem like just a media player, but it offers much more than that. The app comes with many add-ons that provide access to on-demand videos, live TV, weather updates, news, productivity tools, etc. You can even play games on Kodi.

Kodi is completely free and open source. With all these features, Kodi is an indispensable application for any Android TV device. You can install it and decide whether to use it as a simple video player or become a professional Kodi user.

Download : Kodi (Free)

2.  VLC Media Player

If you want a great video streaming experience on Android TV, VLC Media Player is the app you need. This impressive media player supports almost all video codecs. It also supports network streams, most audio file types and DVD ISOs. VLC Media Player is probably the best media player for Android TV.

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What's more, VLC player automatically categorizes the library into audio, video, and others. Plus, using the settings in the player, you can control playback any way you want, as well as control many other things, like hardware acceleration. VLC Media Player is available for download on Android TV Play Store.

Download: VLC Media Player (Free).

3.  Puffin TV

Internet browsing has always been a weak point for smart TVs, with TV remotes and on-screen keyboards never quite as smooth as doing so on a computer. The Puffin TV browser has gone a long way to solving that problem, doing away with the traditional PC-optimized browser interface with an address bar and all the other dull details, in favor of user interface. layered appearance, giving a moderate feel on TV.

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Puffin TV syncs with your phone, allowing you to create bookmarks with QR codes and display web pages incredibly quickly. This is not really a web browser, but more like a media center based on Internet surfing. Puffin TV gives us a glimpse into the future of web browsing on TV.

Download: Puffin TV (Free).

4.  Open TV Browser

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Open TV Browser is the best choice if you are looking for a great alternative to Puffin without having to pay a subscription fee. This is a dedicated browser for Android TV, so you won't have to worry about remote compatibility issues. Open TV has a built-in ad blocker and many features that make it very similar to a desktop browser, including incognito mode, parental controls, and bookmarks.

The standout feature of Open TV Browser is its user-friendly interface, which makes navigation smooth and convenient. Best of all, it's completely free and downloadable on the Google Play Store.

Download : Open TV Browser (Free)

5. X-plore File Manager

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Installing a file manager on your device is always useful, especially if you plan to download applications. Luckily, there are many great file managers for Android TV, such as X-plore File Manager, Total Commander, File Commander and TvExplorer.

If you need a free and professional file manager, use X-plore File Manager. Its two-pane interface is especially useful for sideloading apps, as it makes it easy to transfer APK files from USB. Alternatively, if you prefer something simpler, File Commander is a good choice for Android TV.

Download : X-plore File Manager (Free)

Download : File Commander (Free)

6. Sideload Launcher

Sideloading applications when needing to install applications has not been adapted for the TV version of the operating system. Instead, you need to find the APK file and install the smartphone version. While all the apps in this article have been redesigned for Android TV, if you have other sideloaded apps on your device, Sideload Launcher is a must-have.

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Why? Because sideloaded apps don't show up on the launcher by default. Without this app, the only way to launch a sideloaded app is to go to Settings > Apps > Downloaded Apps > [App Name] > Open .

Instead, this app places a shortcut on the launcher. Open the shortcut and you'll see all the apps installed on your device, including any sideloaded apps. The application is developed by Chainfire, one of the most famous developers in the community, so quality is guaranteed.

Download : Sideload Launcher (Free)

7. Steam Link

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In May 2018, the Steam Link app arrived on the Google Play Store, allowing streaming from PC to all Android devices and from smartphones to Android TV. That means that with a good Internet connection, you can now stream your Steam games directly to your TV - with up to 4K resolution at 60fps (you'll need to install advanced settings). high to change from default 1080p).

Both the TV and Steam PC need to be connected to your home network via Ethernet for streaming to work properly.

Download: Steam Link (Free).

8. AirScreen

Android TV supports Google Cast. It allows you to stream any video, audio or image from Android device to Android HDTV. What happens if you are an iPhone user and also own an Android TV? Technically, you face huge compatibility issues. This is because iPhone does not support Google Cast. They come with Airplay, a feature that allows iOS users to stream media from iPhone to Apple TV.

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However, Google has made life easier for iOS users, by introducing AirScreen - an app that allows iPhone users to stream media content from iPhone to Android TV. AirScreen creates an AirPlay server on your Android TV, allowing you to mirror your iPhone screen to your Android TV.

Download: AirScreen (Free).

9. Send Files to TV

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Moving files from your computer or smartphone to your Android TV device is easier said than done; There is no user-friendly way to do this. You can use USB or install apps wirelessly using ADB, but these options tend to be cumbersome.

Luckily, there's a much simpler alternative: Send Files to TV. This app allows you to easily share movies, TV shows, APKs and other files between devices and Android TV over a local network. The process is simple - just install the app on both devices, make sure they're connected to the same network, and you're done.

Download : Send Files to TV (Available for free, in-app purchases)

10. Plex

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Plex is also one of the best Android TV apps for organizing and managing media. If you have a media library on your Android TV, you'll find Plex very useful for organizing, managing, streaming, and controlling playback on every screen in your home. Plex has put a lot of effort into making the Plex app on Android TV a success. The app is pretty neat, quick, and easy to navigate.

Download: Plex (Free).

11. Wake on LAN

The Wake on LAN app is the only app for Android TV that can wake up a computer from an Android device. This wake-on-LAN feature has a huge benefit: being able to wake up your home computer to stream content.

If you don't have this app and have a dedicated device that acts as the Plex server and on which all your personal media is stored, you have two options. One is to wake up and turn on the application you want to view or set up your computer so it never hibernates or goes to sleep. But these two methods are both troublesome and expensive.

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This application will solve the problem for you. It can wake up computers over the network, can even wake up multiple devices at once, and add the Wake on LAN shortcut to the device's Recommendation Row. Additionally, users can use voice to search. Note, to make Wake on LAN work, you need to adjust your computer's BIOS.

Download: Wake on LAN (Free)

12. Spotify

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When it comes to streaming music on Android TV, the best approach is to install the app for the service you're subscribed to. Popular services like Amazon Music, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, and Spotify all offer dedicated apps for Android TV.

Although each service has its own advantages, Spotify is more popular because of its user-friendly interface and seamless integration across multiple devices. Spotify runs smoothly on Android TV, allowing you to easily control playback with your TV's remote or any other device connected to your Spotify account. Just open Spotify on another device, tap the device icon and select your Android TV box to start streaming.

While the Android TV version of Spotify lacks some of the AI-driven features found on other platforms — such as creating song radio stations or improving playlists — it still offers a great listening experience. . You can enjoy the lyrics displayed on the TV screen, which is even more attractive on the big screen.

Download : Spotify (Free)

13. Haystack News

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You can find 24-hour news channels on many live TV apps available for Android TV. Most of these apps require a subscription, but if you don't want to pay, you still have options.

One such option is Haystack News. This app curates stories from all major news networks based on your interests and viewing history. This app is free to use, although there are ads. If you prefer an ad-free experience, you can upgrade to a premium subscription.

Download : Haystack News (Free, with registration)

14. Quality VPN

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A VPN is an essential tool to enhance your Android TV experience, especially if you want to access geo-blocked content or ensure your online privacy.

If you're subscribed to a reputable VPN service, you're in luck - many of them offer dedicated Android TV apps for seamless integration. Services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and X-VPN have Android TV apps that let you easily connect to their servers directly from your TV.

15. Application of network television and streaming

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If you want to keep up with your favorite TV channels and enjoy content from streaming services on the big screen, then installing the app for your subscription is the way to go.

As for over-the-air TV, many popular channels offer Android TV apps that let you catch up on new series, enjoy classic shows, and even watch live TV. Notable network applications include ESPN, FOX Sports, Comedy Central, FX, MTV, HGTV, The Travel Channel and The Food Network.

When it comes to streaming services, apps for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube TV, and Crunchyroll are essential for the full viewing experience. Install these apps to access a variety of entertainment options from Android TV.

The article introduced you to the best Android TV applications to use to get the most out of Android TV. Instead of enjoying Android apps on a smaller screen size, why don't you buy an Android TV or Android TV Box to enjoy them on a larger screen?

Which Android TV apps would you recommend to other users? Share your opinions with everyone in the comments section below!

David Pac

Update 23 August 2024