We’ve come a long way since Android TV was first launched as a smart TV platform in 2014. Whereas Android TVs were once limited to TV makers that chose to include the best android tv apps operating system in their flagship models, we can now purchase Android TV boxes and transform any TV with an HDMI port into the best android tv apps with capabilities such as HDMI CEC. Thanks to these best android tv apps, Android TVs have become much more accessible and affordable. So, if you’ve bought an Android TV box or already have an Android TV, here are the top 15 best Android TV apps to use in 2022.
Top 15 Best Android TV Apps You Must Try in 2022
Some best android tv apps , such as YouTube and Netflix, may come pre-installed. The rest is all up to you. You’ll need a mix of videos, music, productivity, and system apps to have the best experience. Android TV, like Android smartphones, comes in a variety of flavors thanks to the custom skins created by various TV manufacturers. These best android tv apps will function on all Android TVs, including the OnePlus TV, the Xiaomi Mi TV lineup, Samsung’s Android TVs, iFFalcon TVs, TCL TVs, Nokia Smart TVs, and more. With that in mind, here are some of the most important best android tv apps you should download right away.
1. MX Player
MX Player has long been regarded as one of the best android tv apps 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. The MX Player can read both locally saved files and information from external devices, making it an ideal companion for anyone with a USB-connected Android TV device.
2. Sideload Launcher
The Android TV version of the Google Play Store is a scaled-down version of the smartphone version. Because some apps 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 apps 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 a third-party app is the only option. The Sideload Launcher is the most user-friendly. You’ll get a list of all your sideloaded apps when you launch them.
3. 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.
4. Plex
This is yet another no-brainer. If you have a large personal collection, Plex is the best solution for casting digital movies and TV shows across all screens and devices in your home. Plex can automatically download subtitle files, metadata, movie artwork, viewer ratings, and more in addition to its stunning libraries. Plex is completely free to use as long as you don’t wish to watch your material remotely.
5. AirScreen
Google Cast is built-in to the best android tv apps 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. If you have an Apple smartphone, AirScreen is one of the best 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.
6. X-plore File Manager
It’s usually a good idea to have a file manager on your device, but it’s especially important if you want to sideload apps. For Android TV, we have a wide range of file managers to choose from. In our roundup, we suggested X-plore File Manager, Total Commander, TvExplorer, and AnExplorer File Manager. In terms of sideloading, we propose the 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 device.
7. Google Drive
Accessing your computer’s data on your Android TV device is the best option. Unfortunately, Google Drive is not available for Android TV on 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.
8. 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 number of add-ons that provide you with access to on-demand media, live TV, weather updates, news, productivity tools, and much more.
9. 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 asleep, the Wake on LAN program can wake it up so you can resume streaming content.
10. 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.
11. Spotify
The music stations on cable TV are obnoxious and full of commercials. Unless you pay for YouTube Premium, the musical experience on YouTube isn’t any better. Spotify is the solution. Pandora and Google Play Music are two other music services with dedicated Android TV apps.
12. 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.
13. Sling
The cord-cutting revolution 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 package you purchase.
14. Hulu
If you want live TV and on-demand video in one package (and you live in the United States), Hulu + Live TV is the best service. The entire package (without advertisements) costs $65 per month. Apart from the content, the app itself is worthy of praise. It’s now one of the best-designed Android TV apps on the device after a few years of development.
15. Network TV Apps
Almost every major TV 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 TV. 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.