So, you’ve decided to get an Android TV device. But how you can decide which application should be installed in it, we have listed some of the best Android TV Apps in this article. Choose the one that you need the most.
Some apps, such as YouTube and Netflix, may come pre-installed. The rest is all up to you. You’ll need a mix of movies, music, productivity, and system tools to have the greatest experience.
With that in mind, here are some of the most important Android TV applications you should download right immediately.
Best apps that need to be installed on Android TV.
MX Player
MX Player has long been regarded as one of the top Android video players. Its qualities are easily transferred to a larger screen.
The software supports subtitle files and can play a wide range of codecs. The user interface is simple and intuitive.
In addition, MX Player can read both locally saved files and information from external devices, making it an ideal companion for anybody with a USB-connected Android TV device.
Sideload Launcher
The Android TV version of the Google Play Store is a scaled-down version of the smartphone version. Because certain applications aren’t compatible with Android TV, there aren’t as many to pick from. However, because the operating system can execute any Android app, sideloading applications on Android TV is a common practice.
However, there is a problem. Sideloaded apps will not appear on your device’s home screen or app list. The only way to get to them is through the Settings menu. As a result, installing third-party software is the only option. The Sideload Launcher is the most user-friendly. You’ll get a list of all your sideloaded applications when you launch it.
Netflix
It’s a no-brainer on this one. Your gadget may arrive with Netflix pre-installed. If it doesn’t, go ahead and download the app.
Netflix gives you access to tens of thousands of TV movies and episodes. It’s a must-have service for anyone looking to go cordless.
AirScreen
Google Cast is built-in to Android TV devices. This means you can cast material directly to your TV screen from Android smartphones and other Google devices like the Chrome browser and Chromebooks.
AirPlay from Apple isn’t supported. If you have an Apple smartphone, AirScreen is one of the greatest apps you can get. It will allow you to mirror the screen of your iPhone or iPad on your Android TV box.
The Google Cast, Miracast, and DLNA protocols are all supported by the software.
Plex
This is another no-brainer. Plex is the ideal option for casting digital movies and TV episodes across all screens and devices in your house if you have a large personal collection.
This tool can automatically download subtitle files, information, movie artwork, viewer ratings, and more in addition to its stunning libraries.
Furthermore, it is completely free to use as long as you don’t wish to watch your material remotely.
X-plore File Manager
It’s usually a good idea to have a file manager on your smartphone, but it’s especially important if you want to sideload programs.
For Android TV, we have a wide range of file managers to choose from. We suggested X-plore File Manager, Total Commander, TvExplorer, and AnExplorer File Manager in our roundup.
In terms of sideloading, we propose X-plore File Manager. It employs a dual-pane technique, making it simple to transfer an APK file from a USB stick to the hard disc of your smartphone.
Google Drive
Google Drive is the greatest option for accessing your computer’s data on your Android TV device.
Unfortunately, Google Drive is not available for Android TV in the Google Play Store. The app will need to be sideloaded. Before you try to install the app’s APK file, make sure you have X-plore File Manager installed.
Kodi
If you don’t have any digital content of your own, you may argue that Kodi is a better option than Plex.
The app offers an almost infinite amount of add-ons that provide you access to on-demand media, live TV, weather updates, news, productivity tools, and much more.
Steam Link
Steam Link, the company’s Android TV app, was ultimately released in 2018.
You may use the software to broadcast your Steam games to any Android device. Finally, you can play all of your PC games on your TV without having to move your computer or deal with a fussy HDMI wire.
Wake on LAN
The only Android TV app that can remotely wake up your PC is Wake on LAN.
If you use Plex or Kodi for a lot of local streaming, this is a must-have tool. If the computer on which your Plex or Kodi server is running falls to sleep, the Wake on LAN software may wake it up so you can resume streaming video.
Spotify
The music stations on cable television are obnoxious and full of commercials. Unless you subscribe to YouTube Premium, the musical experience on YouTube isn’t any better.
Spotify is the solution. But Pandora and Google Play Music are two more music providers with dedicated Android TV apps.
Google Chrome
Google Chrome does not come pre-installed on Android TV devices, which is unusual. The app doesn’t even have an Android TV version.
You don’t need to sideload Chrome because it doesn’t have a store version. Your Android TV box will be shown as a supported device if you go to Chrome’s page in the Google Play Store on the web.
Sling
The cord-cutting craze isn’t slowing down any time soon. Users have been quitting their cable subscriptions in droves, opting for à la carte live TV options instead.
Sling is one of the most popular cable-cutting services. AMC, CNN, ESPN, Disney, Comedy Central, NFL Network, and many other channels are available depending on the bundle you purchase.
Hulu
Hulu + Live TV is the ideal option if you want live TV and on-demand video in one package (and you live in the United States). The entire package (without advertisements) costs $65 per month.
Furthermore, apart from the content, the app itself is worthy of praise. It’s currently one of the best-designed Android TV applications on the device after a few years of development. If you don’t need Hulu, you can install an alternative of this tool known as Lynx IPTV APK.
Network TV Apps
Almost every major television station in Europe and the United States now has an Android TV app. You can catch up on new shows, view old favorites, and, in certain situations, even watch live television.
In addition, ESPN, FOX Sports, Comedy Central, FX, MTV, HGTV, The Travel Channel, The Food Network, ABC, Disney, HBO, Showtime, and Nickelodeon all have Android TV apps. BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub are available for download in the United Kingdom.
It’s worth noting that some of the applications require a cable TV subscription.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV is another popular cord-cutting service. Despite the fact that it only launched in 2017, but it already has millions of users.
Most of the major networks have deals with YouTube. This means you’ll be able to watch CNN, Discovery, BBC News, FOX, ABC, CBS, ESPN, NBA TV, TNT, VH1, and more networks.
Android TV Is Right for Everyone
As this list demonstrates, there are very few regions where an Android TV app isn’t available.
The sheer number of apps accessible, in our opinion, makes Android TV suitable for everyone, even if you don’t own an Android smartphone. Right now, there isn’t a better cord-cutting solution on the market.
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