Android TV brings a world of entertainment and functionality to your living room. With the Google Play Store, you can access countless apps to customize your TV experience. This guide highlights the best free apps for Android TV in 2025. These apps cover media players, streaming services, file managers, utilities, browsers, launchers, gaming, communication, weather, and screensavers. All are free to use, ensuring you get the most out of your Android TV without spending a dime.
Top Media Players for Android TV
Media players are essential for playing videos, music, and other content. They support various formats and sources, making them a must-have for any Android TV user.
Kodi
Kodi is a powerful, open-source media player. It plays almost any media format and supports add-ons for streaming videos, music, and live TV. You can organize your media library or access online content like news and sports. Its interface is easy to navigate with your TV remote.
To install Kodi, search for it in the Google Play Store and click “Install.”
VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a versatile app that plays nearly any video or audio file. It supports subtitles, multiple audio tracks, and network streaming. Its simple design makes it perfect for users who want a reliable media player without complexity.
Download VLC from the Google Play Store.
Plex
Plex organizes your personal media collection and streams it to your Android TV. It also offers free live TV channels and on-demand movies. With automatic subtitle and metadata downloads, Plex is ideal for managing and enjoying your media.
Install Plex from the Google Play Store and set up your media server.
Best Free Streaming Services for Android TV
Streaming services offer movies, TV shows, and live channels for free. These apps are ad-supported but require no subscription.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV provides over 250 live channels and thousands of on-demand titles. It includes news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle content. No account is needed, making it a great choice for cord-cutters.
Download Pluto TV from the Google Play Store.
Tubi TV
Tubi TV offers a vast library of movies and TV shows across genres. From classics to recent releases, it’s all free with ads. Its easy-to-use interface lets you browse and watch instantly.
Install Tubi TV from the Google Play Store.
Peacock TV
Peacock TV’s free tier includes movies, TV shows, news, and sports from NBCUniversal. It’s a solid option for varied content without a subscription.
Get Peacock TV from the Google Play Store.
Amazon Freevee
Amazon Freevee offers free movies, TV shows, and original content. No Amazon Prime subscription is required. It’s ad-supported and perfect for budget-conscious viewers.
Find Freevee in the Google Play Store.
Essential File Managers for Android TV
File managers help you manage files and sideload apps on your Android TV. They’re crucial for accessing external storage or transferring APKs.
FX File Explorer
FX File Explorer is a clean, ad-free file manager. It supports multiple windows, network storage, and has a built-in media player. It’s great for sideloading apps or managing files.
Install FX File Explorer from the Google Play Store.
X-plore File Manager
X-plore File Manager features a dual-pane interface for efficient file operations. It supports cloud storage, network protocols, and external drives, making it versatile for advanced users.
Download X-plore from the Google Play Store.
How to Sideload Apps: Use FX File Explorer or X-plore to transfer APK files from a USB drive or network. Open the file manager, locate the APK, and select it to install. For more on sideloading, check our guide on managing apps on smart TVs.
Must-Have Utilities for Android TV
Utilities add functionality to your Android TV, from file transfers to screen mirroring.
Send Files to TV
Send Files to TV lets you transfer files like APKs, videos, or photos from your phone or computer to your Android TV over WiFi. It’s simple and fast for sideloading or sharing media.
Install it from the Google Play Store.
AirScreen
AirScreen turns your Android TV into an AirPlay, Google Cast, Miracast, or DLNA receiver. Mirror your phone, tablet, or laptop screen to your TV effortlessly.
Get AirScreen from the Google Play Store.
Sideload Launcher
Sideload Launcher displays sideloaded apps on your Android TV’s home screen. It saves you from navigating through settings to launch them.
Find it in the Google Play Store.
Best Browsers for Android TV
Dedicated browsers offer better performance than Android TV’s default browsing options.
Open TV Browser
Open TV Browser is built for Android TV, supporting bookmarks, incognito mode, and remote navigation. It’s free and user-friendly.
Install it from the Google Play Store.
TV Bro
TV Bro is a full-featured browser optimized for TV screens. It supports tabs, bookmarks, and remote control navigation, making web browsing smooth.
Download TV Bro from the Google Play Store.
Custom Launchers for Android TV
Custom launchers let you personalize your Android TV’s home screen and app organization.
Projectivy Launcher
Projectivy Launcher is a customizable, open-source launcher. You can change backgrounds, organize apps, and tweak settings for a tailored experience.
Get it from the Google Play Store.
FLauncher
FLauncher offers a simple, customizable home screen. It’s lightweight and lets you prioritize your favorite apps and widgets.
Install FLauncher from the Google Play Store.
Gaming on Android TV
Turn your Android TV into a gaming console with the right apps.
Steam Link
Steam Link streams your PC games to your Android TV over your local network. Play your Steam library on the big screen with a compatible controller.
Download Steam Link from the Google Play Store.
Communication Apps for Android TV
Communication apps bring video calls to your TV screen.
Google Meet
Google Meet supports video calls with up to 100 participants. It’s perfect for family gatherings or work meetings from your living room.
Install Google Meet from the Google Play Store.
Weather Apps for Android TV
Stay informed about the weather directly on your TV.
WeatherNation
WeatherNation offers live weather broadcasts and forecasts. Its simple interface provides essential weather updates for your area.
Get WeatherNation from the Google Play Store.
Screensavers for Android TV
Screensavers add visual appeal when your TV is idle.
Aerial Views Screensaver
Aerial Views Screensaver displays stunning 4K aerial footage. It’s open-source and allows local video downloads for offline use.
Install it from the Google Play Store.
Special Mentions
These apps offer unique features that enhance your Android TV experience.
SmartTubeNext
SmartTubeNext is an ad-free YouTube alternative. It includes SponsorBlock to skip sponsored segments and supports higher playback resolutions.
Sideload SmartTubeNext from its GitHub page.
Stremio
Stremio aggregates movies and shows from various streaming services via add-ons. It’s a one-stop app for accessing diverse content.
Download Stremio from the Google Play Store.
Sparkle TV – IPTV Player
Sparkle TV is a free IPTV player for live TV channels. It supports EPG, DVR, and customizable themes for a personalized experience.
Install Sparkle TV from the Google Play Store.
Conclusion
These free apps unlock the full potential of your Android TV in 2025. Whether you’re streaming movies, managing files, or customizing your interface, there’s something for everyone. Install these apps and start enjoying a richer TV experience today. For more smart TV tips, check out our guides on connecting Bluetooth devices and clearing cache on Roku TV.
