Key Takeaway: The best Android TV apps in 2026 are Kodi for customization, Stremio for one-search discovery, and Plex or Jellyfin for your own library. Add VLC for Android for stubborn files, Pluto TV and Tubi for free viewing, Proton VPN for privacy, and Downloader for official APKs. This list works the same on Android TV and Google TV.
Android TV and Google TV boxes, sticks, and smart TVs all run the same app ecosystem, so a good install list matters more than the hardware brand. The right handful of apps covers streaming, local files, remote control, privacy, and the odd sideload, while a bloated home screen only slows the box down.
I compared these apps on Android TV and Google TV for 2026 based on remote-friendly design, official install paths, ongoing updates, and honest pricing. The list mixes media hubs, free streaming services, players, and utilities, and it leaves out unofficial APK mirrors and anything that hides its costs.
Important Note: Install apps from Google Play or the developer’s own site, and only use content sources you have the right to watch. Media apps such as Kodi and Stremio are players and do not include content, so what you add to them is your responsibility under local law.
Best Android TV Apps: Top Picks
| App | Best For | Cost Model | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kodi | Local libraries, add-ons, and full customization | Free | Visit Site |
| Stremio | One search box across your add-ons and catalogs | Free | Visit Site |
| Plex | Streaming your own library from a home server | Free + Plex Pass | Visit Site |
| Jellyfin | Free, private self-hosted media streaming | Free | Visit Site |
| VLC for Android | Playing almost any video file or network stream | Free | Visit Site |
1) Kodi
Kodi is the open-source media center I install first on an Android TV or Google TV box that holds a personal library. It scans movies, shows, music, and photos from local drives or network shares, then dresses them with artwork and metadata. Official repository add-ons add live TV guides and streaming from licensed providers.
Features
- Library Scanning: Point Kodi at local drives, USB storage, or network shares and it builds posters, plots, and cast details automatically.
- Official Repository: Install add-ons from the built-in Kodi repository instead of random zip files, which keeps updates and security cleaner.
- Live TV and PVR: Connect a PVR client to a tuner or licensed provider to get a channel guide and recordings inside the same interface.
- Skins and Layouts: Swap skins for a simpler home screen when the default menu feels crowded on a small TV box.
- Wide Format Support: Handles common video, audio, and subtitle formats, including HDR and surround passthrough on capable hardware.
- Profiles: Create separate profiles so kids and adults keep their own libraries, watched flags, and settings.
- Cross-Device Sync: The same library database can be shared across several devices through a central MySQL or MariaDB setup.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and open source | Steeper learning curve than mainstream apps |
| Deep customization through skins and add-ons | Third-party add-ons vary in quality and legality |
| Excellent local library management | Play Store build can lag behind the latest release |
| Runs on almost any Android TV hardware |
Price:
- Kodi: Free, open source
- Donations to the Kodi Foundation are optional
- No subscription for the core app
Link: https://kodi.tv/download/
2) Stremio
Stremio is a free media hub that puts movies and series from your installed add-ons behind one clean search box. Your library, watch progress, and add-on list sync through a single account, so a phone, PC, and Android TV all stay aligned. Choose official add-ons and keep sources you use within the law.
Features
- Unified Discovery: Browse catalogs, trending lists, and search results in one place instead of hopping between separate apps.
- Account Sync: Library entries, watch progress, and installed add-ons follow your account across Android TV, phone, tablet, and desktop.
- Add-On Model: Add-ons install to your account rather than the TV, which saves storage on small boxes and makes setup portable.
- Calendar and Reminders: A built-in calendar tracks upcoming episodes for the shows you follow so nothing slips by.
- Subtitle Options: Pick subtitle language, size, and background from the player, with add-ons available for extra sources.
- TV-Friendly Interface: Large tiles and simple D-pad focus make navigation comfortable from across the room.
- Official APK Route: If the store listing is missing on your device, the official site offers Android TV APK builds for direct install.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free core app | Content depends entirely on the add-ons you choose |
| Clean interface built for a remote | Not always listed in every regional store |
| Library and progress sync across devices | New users need a short setup pass |
| Low storage footprint |
Price:
- Stremio: Free
- No subscription for the core app
- Some third-party add-on services charge their own fees
Link: https://www.stremio.com/downloads
3) Plex
Plex turns a computer or NAS into a personal streaming server and gives your Android TV a polished front end for it. The free tier also adds ad-supported movies and live channels. Plex Pass unlocks extras such as hardware transcoding, offline sync, and skip-intro tools for households that run a serious library.
Features
- Home Server Streaming: Install Plex Media Server on a PC or NAS and stream your files to every TV in the house.
- Free Ad-Supported Content: The free tier includes on-demand titles and live channels without a paid plan.
- Automatic Metadata: Posters, summaries, and cast info are pulled in so a folder of files looks like a real streaming service.
- Remote Access: Watch your library away from home when remote streaming is enabled for the server.
- Multiple Users: Create managed profiles with watch history and content limits for family members.
- Plex Pass Extras: A paid tier adds hardware transcoding, downloads for offline viewing, and intro skipping.
- Wide Device Support: The same server also feeds phones, tablets, browsers, and most smart TV platforms.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Polished interface on a big screen | Needs an always-on server for your own files |
| Solid free tier | Premium features sit behind Plex Pass |
| Great for large personal libraries | Lifetime pricing rose sharply in 2026 |
| Works across nearly every device |
Price:
- Plex Pass Monthly: $6.99
- Plex Pass Annual: $69.99
- Plex Pass 5-Year: $249.99
- Plex Pass Lifetime: $749.99
- Free plan available
Link: https://www.plex.tv/
4) Jellyfin
Jellyfin is the fully free, open-source alternative for people who want a personal media server without accounts or subscriptions. The official Android TV app connects to your own server and shows your collection in a tidy interface. There is no tracking and no paywall, only a bit more setup than commercial rivals.
Features
- No Paywalls: Every feature is free, including hardware transcoding options that other servers charge for.
- Official Android TV App: The dedicated TV client is built for D-pad control and connects straight to your server address.
- Live TV and DVR: Add a tuner or IPTV source you have the rights to use and watch channels from the same app.
- Quick Connect: Sign in on the TV with a short code from a phone that is already logged in, instead of typing a password.
- Local Accounts Only: Users and data live on your own server, so there is no cloud login or tracking layer.
- Music and Photos: Beyond video, the library also handles music, audiobooks, and photo folders.
- Active Development: The Android TV client keeps receiving updates that follow new server releases.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free and open source | You must run and maintain your own server |
| No accounts or tracking | Fewer polished extras than Plex |
| Official Android TV client | Some plugins are community maintained |
| Strong privacy story |
Price:
- Jellyfin: Free, open source
- Requires your own server hardware
- No subscription or premium tier
Link: https://jellyfin.org/downloads/
5) VLC for Android
VLC for Android is the dependable player for files that stubborn built-in apps refuse to open. It handles local storage, network shares, and direct stream URLs, and it supports subtitles and multiple audio tracks. It is free, open source, and ad-free, which makes it an easy install on any Android TV box.
Features
- Format Coverage: Plays a huge range of video and audio formats without hunting for extra codecs.
- Network Browsing: Open SMB, FTP, NFS, and UPnP shares straight from the TV and play files without copying them.
- Stream URL Playback: Paste a direct stream address and VLC plays it, which helps when testing sources.
- Subtitle Controls: Load external subtitle files, adjust timing, and change size or color from the player menu.
- Multi-Audio Tracks: Switch between audio tracks and languages inside a single video file.
- Playback Speed: Adjust speed and use a simple sleep timer for late-night viewing.
- No Ads or Tracking: VideoLAN ships the app free, open source, and without ads or in-app purchases.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free with no ads | Interface is functional rather than pretty |
| Plays nearly any file | No built-in library artwork like Plex or Kodi |
| Good network share support | Needs manual folder navigation |
| Lightweight and stable |
Price:
- VLC for Android: Free, open source
- No ads or in-app purchases
- No subscription required
Link: https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-android.html
6) Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported service that lays out live channels in a familiar guide, plus an on-demand library. It suits anyone who wants lean-back TV without paying a monthly bill. Expect commercial breaks, but the channel-surfing feel works well on Android TV and Google TV with a simple remote.
Features
- Live Channel Guide: Browse a grid guide of themed channels for news, movies, sports clips, and classic shows.
- On-Demand Library: Dip into a catalog of free movies and series whenever you would rather choose your own title.
- No Subscription: The service is supported by ads, so there is no monthly fee or credit card required.
- Lean-Back Viewing: Channels start playing right away, which suits casual viewing with little searching.
- Simple Sign-In: You can start watching without an account, with optional sign-in for favorites.
- Remote-Friendly Menus: The guide and menus are designed for a TV remote rather than touch input.
- Regular Channel Updates: New themed channels are added over time, so the lineup keeps changing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free to use | Ad breaks interrupt shows |
| Live-TV style guide | Catalog and channels vary by region |
| Easy install from the Play Store | Not every popular title is available |
| No account required to start |
Price:
- Pluto TV: Free, ad-supported
- No subscription or credit card required
Link: https://pluto.tv/
7) Tubi
Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming app with a deep on-demand catalog of movies and series, plus live channels. It is a solid pick when you want to choose a title rather than surf a guide. The app is easy to install and needs no subscription, though ad breaks come with the price of free.
Features
- Large Free Catalog: Browse thousands of movies and series across many genres without paying for a plan.
- Live Channels: Live news and entertainment channels sit alongside the on-demand titles.
- Simple Categories: Rows by genre and mood make it quick to find something without typing.
- My List: Save titles to a personal list so you can return to them later.
- No Subscription Needed: Ads fund the service, so viewing does not require a monthly plan.
- Kids Section: A dedicated area gathers family-friendly titles in one place.
- Play Store Install: A standard listing makes setup a one-click job on Android TV and Google TV.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very large free catalog | Ads interrupt playback |
| Clean, fast interface | Titles rotate in and out |
| No subscription | Availability differs by country |
| Live and on-demand in one app |
Price:
- Tubi: Free, ad-supported
- No subscription required
Link: https://tubitv.com/
8) Proton VPN
Proton VPN has a dedicated Android TV app built for a remote, with sign-in by QR code. The free plan has no data cap, which is unusual, though streaming support is reserved for paid plans. It is open source and audited, making it a sensible privacy utility for any TV box on public or shared networks.
Features
- Android TV App: A native app designed for D-pad control runs on Android TV and Google TV devices.
- QR Code Sign-In: Log in by scanning a code with your phone instead of typing a long password with the remote.
- Free Plan: The free tier offers unlimited data on one device, with a limited set of server locations.
- Streaming Servers: Paid Plus plans add servers built for streaming services along with faster speeds.
- Open Source and Audited: Apps are open source and have been reviewed by independent security auditors.
- Up to 10 Devices: A paid plan covers up to 10 devices, so phones and laptops can share the same account.
- Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN and which go direct on supported devices.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free plan with unlimited data | Free plan is limited to one device and few locations |
| Open source and audited | Streaming access needs a paid plan |
| Native Android TV app | Monthly pricing is higher than long plans |
| Strong privacy reputation |
Price:
- Free: $0, unlimited data, one device
- VPN Plus Monthly: $9.99 per month
- VPN Plus 1-Year: $3.99 per month
- VPN Plus 2-Year: $2.99 per month
Link: https://protonvpn.com/download-androidtv
9) Downloader by AFTVnews
Downloader by AFTVnews is a small utility that fetches files from a URL and installs them on your TV. It is the simplest route to an official APK when an app is missing from the store. It also includes a basic browser, and it runs on Android TV, Google TV, and most Android-based TV boxes.
Features
- URL Downloads: Enter a web address and the app downloads the file straight to the TV.
- Built-In Browser: Browse to official developer sites from the TV without installing a separate browser.
- Install Prompt: After a download, the app hands the APK to the system installer for a quick install.
- Delete After Install: You can remove the APK right after installing to save space on small storage.
- Bookmarks: Save favorite official pages so you do not retype addresses with the remote.
- Play Store Listing: A standard Play Store listing on Android TV means you can install the utility itself safely.
- Unknown Apps Scope: Only Downloader needs the Install Unknown Apps permission, which you can switch off afterward.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and lightweight | Should only be used with trusted official sources |
| Fixes missing store listings | Needs an unknown apps permission |
| Simple remote-friendly interface | Browser is basic |
| Works across several TV platforms |
Price:
- Downloader: Free
- No ads or subscription required for the core app
Link: https://www.aftvnews.com/downloader/
How We Ranked Android TV Apps
I ranked each app for how well it works on a TV first, and for how it looks on a phone screenshot a distant second. Remote navigation, official install paths, update activity, and pricing clarity mattered more than a long feature list.
- Remote Usability: D-pad focus, readable menus, and quick sign-in methods such as QR codes or short pairing codes.
- Install Path: A Google Play listing or a clear official APK from the developer, not a random mirror.
- Maintenance Signal: Recent updates and an active project beat abandoned apps that claim the same features.
- Hardware Fit: Reasonable performance and storage use on budget boxes as well as premium Google TV devices.
- Cost Clarity: Free tiers, subscriptions, and one-time prices explained without mystery fees.
- Privacy and Trust: Open source or audited projects and transparent data practices earned extra weight.
- Everyday Value: Whether the app solves a real daily job, such as finding something to watch or opening an awkward file.
How to Choose the Right Apps for Your TV
Nine apps do not all belong on one box. Match each one to a job, and keep a lean set so the home screen and storage stay tidy.
- Your Own Files: Pick Plex or Jellyfin if you run a home server, or Kodi if you prefer a local, self-contained library.
- Free Viewing: Pluto TV for live-style channels, Tubi for choosing titles, and both cost nothing beyond ad breaks.
- One Search Box: Stremio suits people who want catalogs and add-ons behind a single account.
- Tricky Files: Keep VLC for Android installed as the fallback for formats other players skip.
- Privacy: Proton VPN is the utility to add when you use shared or public networks.
- Missing Store Apps: Downloader helps you install an official APK when a listing is unavailable in your region.
Hardware still matters. If your current box struggles, compare options in our best Android TV boxes guide, then tidy the home screen with the best Android TV launchers. You can also manage stored files with our picks for the best file manager for Android TV.
For deeper setup help, read our Kodi for Android TV guide or learn how to install Stremio on Google TV. Fire OS owners can use the same ideas with our best Firestick apps, best launcher for Firestick, and best downloader for Firestick lists.
Verdict
If you only install a few apps, start with a media hub, a free streaming service, and one fallback player. My 2026 order after checking install paths, pricing, and remote usability is below.
- Kodi: best overall for customization and local libraries.
- Stremio: best for one-search discovery across your chosen add-ons.
- Plex: best polished front end for a home media server.
- VLC for Android: best fallback player for files that will not open elsewhere.
FAQs
What are the best Android TV apps in 2026?
The best Android TV apps for most people are Kodi for customization, Stremio for one-search discovery, Plex or Jellyfin for personal libraries, VLC for hard-to-play files, Pluto TV and Tubi for free viewing, Proton VPN for privacy, and Downloader for official APKs.
Are these apps also available on Google TV?
Yes. Android TV and Google TV share the same app ecosystem, so every app on this list installs from Google Play or an official APK on both. Google TV only changes the home screen that sits on top.
Which Android TV apps are completely free?
Kodi, Stremio, Jellyfin, VLC for Android, Pluto TV, Tubi, and Downloader are free to use. Pluto TV and Tubi are supported by ads, Plex has a free tier with an optional Plex Pass, and Proton VPN has a limited free plan.
Is it safe to sideload apps on Android TV?
It is safe when you install from the developer’s official site or a recognized store and you only enable Install Unknown Apps for the installer you trust. Delete the APK afterward and switch the permission off when you finish.
Do I need a VPN on Android TV?
A VPN is optional, but it adds privacy on shared or public networks. Proton VPN offers a free plan with unlimited data on one device, while streaming support needs a paid plan.
Can I use a phone as a remote for Android TV?
Yes. Recent Android TV and Google TV devices support remote control from the Google TV app, the Google Home app, or the Quick Settings remote tile on Android phones once both devices share a network.
