Top 10 Must-Have Android TV Apps in 2025-Entertainment, Productivity & More
Android TV (and Google TV) continue to be the foundation for many smart TV platforms. In 2025 there’s a clear mix of big-name streaming services, versatile local media players, and useful utilities that enhance the TV experience. Below are the top 10 apps you should consider installing on any Android TV device, with why they matter and quick tips. (Sources: recent app round-ups and how-to guides.)
Key sources: industry roundups and recent guides that track the most popular and useful TV apps.
Top 10 Apps — Quick List
- Netflix — Premier streaming library and originals.
- YouTube — Ubiquitous video platform with native TV interface.
- Amazon Prime Video — Large catalog and live sports in some regions.
- Plex — Powerful media server + free ad-supported content and local playback.
- Kodi — Advanced local media center for custom libraries and add-ons.
- VLC — Reliable local media player that supports many formats.
- Spotify — Music streaming with a TV-optimized interface and remote-friendly controls.
- Steam Link — Stream PC games to your TV (for cloud/PC gaming setups).
- Tubi / Pluto TV (Free FAST services) — Ad-supported free movies and live channels.
- Downloader / Sideload Launcher / File Manager — Essential utilities for installing and running APKs not on the Play Store.
These choices combine mainstream streaming, local media control, gaming, and the utility tools many power users need.
Why each app matters (short breakdown)
Netflix & YouTube
Netflix remains a primary source of premium TV and films with a TV-optimized UI; YouTube is essential for clips, user-generated content, and music videos — both have smooth integrations and frequent updates for TV devices.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video complements Netflix with different originals, and in some markets it offers live sports and bundled subscriptions. Many TVs ship with it preinstalled.
Plex & Kodi
Plex is ideal when you want a polished server + remote streaming + free ad-supported content; Kodi is the go-to for advanced local library setups and heavy customization. Both serve different power-user needs.
VLC & Spotify
VLC plays almost any local file or USB drive without fuss; Spotify brings a native TV music experience and pairs well with party-mode listening.
Steam Link
For gamers, Steam Link turns the TV into a big-screen client for PC games running on your home PC or a cloud gaming box. Requires a fast local network for the best experience.
Free FAST Services (Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee)
Free, ad-supported services (FAST) like Tubi and Pluto TV continue to expand catalogs of movies, TV shows, and live channels — great for cord-cutters who want lots of content without subscriptions.
Downloader / Sideload Launcher / File Managers
Many Android TV owners install apps that aren’t in the Play Store for TV. Utilities such as Downloader, sideload-focused launchers, and file managers make it straightforward to install APKs, manage files, and launch sideloaded apps. Follow security best practices when using these tools (verify APK sources and keep unknown-sources off when not needed).
How to safely install APKs on Android TV (short guide)
If an app is not available on the Play Store for your device, installing an APK (sideloading) is common. Basic safe steps:
- Enable Unknown Sources only when installing and disable afterward.
- Use a trusted utility such as Downloader or an official file manager to transfer APKs.
- Verify APK integrity (checksums) and the reputation of the hosting site — prefer official vendor pages or well-known repositories.
- Use a sandboxed user or guest network for untrusted apps and keep the device firmware up to date.
Installation & performance tips
- Keep a mesh Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet for streaming 4K/HDR without buffering.
- Close background apps occasionally — TV boxes have limited RAM compared to phones.
- Switch to a lightweight launcher if your device is slow; Sideload Launcher can expose installed APKs for easier launching.
Alternatives & niche apps worth exploring
If you like browsing or web content on TV, specialized browsers like TV-optimized browsers (TV Bro / Puffin TV) appear useful to read articles or access web-only players. Media side tools like Send files to TV, advanced file explorers, and IPTV clients are popular with power users.
Conclusion
In 2025, the ideal Android TV setup mixes mainstream streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Prime), robust local playback (Plex, Kodi, VLC), and a few utilities to manage files and sideload apps safely. The exact 10 apps may vary by region and personal taste, but the list above is a reliable starting point for most users.
C'est vraiment très important merci 😗
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