Android TV was released in 2014. Over the years, it has been enhanced with many new capabilities. You can use it to access countless streaming apps. It also supports some games. So you can have a good change of pace when you want other types of entertainment. Android TVs are also more affordable today. So, if you have purchased one and want to get the most out of your big screen, you must have a good range of apps.
Ideally, the apps for Android TV should include those for entertainment, system applications, and for productivity. Here’s a rundown of the nine best apps for you.
1. MX Player
One of the top video players on Android is MX Player. It is considered one of the best apps for Android TV because it plays a wide variety of codecs and is compatible with subtitle files. MX Player can read files saved locally and content from external drivers.
So, if your Android TV has USB ports, it is a great app to install. You can install it on your Amazon Fire TV stick or Chromecast-supported device. If you want ad-free content, get its single MX Gold subscription. This subscription provides more than 2,000 exclusive shows and movies.
2. Kodi Media Player
If you want to create an ultimate home theater system with your Android TV, using the Kodi media player is a must. It gives you free access to diverse content, such as movies, live TV, sports, and much more. All you need is to install the right Kodi add-ons.
So, if you want TV shows and movies, install add-ons like Shadow, Asgard, and Patriot. For sports, add-ons like TvTap, Apex, and SportsDevil are suitable. However, even though some add-ons are safe, many others host pirated content. If your ISP or any governmental agency comes to know of it, you can land in trouble. So, the best way to use Kodi add-ons is with a VPN.
VPNs for Kodi users, such as ExpressVPN, IPVanish, and Surfshark, hide your online activity. So, if you happen to use a third-party add-on with Kodi, you will always stay protected. These VPNs have strong security protocols and servers in multiple locations. It ensures that you can access a wide variety of content with ease while maintaining online anonymity.
3. Sling TV
Are you searching for the best apps for Android TV to watch a variety of lifestyle content and local and international news? SlingTV is the right option. This app is packed with channels like CNBC, BBC, The Food Network, and the like.
You can install this app without any cost. Its only for the live TV service that you need to pay. SlingTV has exceptional navigation. You can quickly move between channels and watch your favorite content. It also comes with cloud-based Digital Video Recording Support.
4. Steam Link
People all over the world use the Steam platform for PC gaming. In 2010, the platform launched its Android TV link for its wide user base. If you want to stream your preferred PC games on Steam, you can use Steam Link.
This app for Android TV lets users set up a connection between their systems and Android TV. This is done without using the HDMI cable. You can use a Wi-Fi connection or Ethernet to stream games online.
Steam Link has an attractive GUI. You won’t have any issues in learning its features as it has a user-friendly interface.
5. Solid Explorer
Android devices have an in-built file manager. But on using it for some time, users soon find out that a third-party file manager is critical. This is because the in-built file manager in Android devices is only sufficient for basic file management.
We keep Solid Explorer in the category of the best apps for Android TV because of its features like cloud file hosting support, FTP client, and built-in file archiver. Solid Explorer has a material design and exceptional usability. In the premium version, you can extract file archives and do two-panel browsing.
6. Pluto TV App
If you want to enjoy television without worrying about subscription fees, Pluto TV will be the right choice. This free streaming service gives access to over 200 channels. Besides that, you also get TV shows and movies that you can watch on demand. These include channels like CNN, People TV, CBS News, and News Max, among others. Although you have to endure ads, but it outweighs the unlimited access to entertainment that Pluto TV provides.
7. Sideload Launcher
Next on this list of apps for Android TV is Sideload Launcher. The Google Play Store by itself does not provide many apps to choose from. But you can download apps not available on Google Play by sideloading them on your Android TV.
Sideload Launcher is a third-party app through which you can access all the sideloaded apps. Thus, it enhances your Android TV experience by giving access to a wider range of apps.
8. AirScreen App
The AirScreen app for Android TV is great for casting iOS device screens. You can cast your iPhone screen and screen mirror on the Android TV. This app functions by launching AirPlay functionality for macOS and iOS hardware on the Android TV. So, you don’t need any Apple TV set top box to screen mirror anything. Just install the app on your Android TV and start casting screen.