Best Android TV Apps in 2025 to Upgrade Your Smart TV Experience

Owning an Android smart TV in 2025 is like holding the remote to an entire universe of entertainment. But here’s the secret: your TV becomes truly powerful only when you load it with the right apps. From streaming to gaming to file management, the Play Store is packed with options that can transform your screen into much more than just a television.

If you’ve just bought a new smart TV or want to refresh the one you already have, here are 10 must-have apps that will take your experience to the next level.

Browser

Most smart TV users struggle when it comes to browsing the web smoothly. That’s where Browser comes in. Despite its plain name, it offers a reliable, no-fuss experience with features like multiple tabs, built-in ad blocking, and quick page loads free from lag. Need a recipe while cooking? Curious about the latest news? Want to watch something that only streams online? Browser solves it all in one clean interface.

Button Mapper

Most smart TV remotes come with buttons you never touch. Button Mapper lets you reprogram them to open your favourite apps instead. Imagine long-pressing an unused key to instantly launch Netflix, YouTube, or Plex. It’s convenient, fast, and adds a layer of personalisation that makes your remote truly yours.

Kodi

What makes Kodi such a favorite among experienced TV users? The answer lies in its open-source design. It allows deep customization through skins, add-ons, and playback settings. Want a personal library of your own movies and music? Kodi can organize it. Prefer streaming directly from add-ons? It handles that too. In short, Kodi is built for anyone who enjoys full control of their media.

Plex

Many media users struggle with clutter: movies stored in one folder, music in another, and TV shows buried in hard drives. Plex eliminates this chaos by merging everything into one central library.

That organization doesn’t stop at storage. It extends into effortless streaming, available on all your devices. On Android TV, the difference is clear: smooth, reliable playback that depends only on a stable connection. Where disorder creates frustration, Plex creates simplicity. 

Steam Link

Gamers, this one’s for you. Steam Link allows you to stream PC games directly to your TV with impressively low latency. Pair it with a Bluetooth controller and it’s almost like gaming on a console, except your huge Steam library is right there for you.  Whether it’s a racing game or an RPG marathon, Steam Link makes your living room the perfect battleground.

AnExplorer

Picture sitting down to organize your media files on your TV, only to find the process clunky and confusing. AnExplorer changes that story. Designed with a clean, TV-optimized interface, it makes navigation a breeze. It doesn’t just stop at basic file handling. It also connects with cloud storage and network drives. Suddenly, tasks like renaming a video or moving files around feel natural and easy. AnExplorer quietly turns a frustrating chore into a simple routine.

Aerial Views Screensaver

Why settle for a dull black screen when your TV is idle? Aerial Views brings stunning 4K drone footage and breathtaking space visuals as your screensaver. From New York skylines to quiet mountain ranges, these slow-moving visuals add a calming vibe to your living room. It barely uses data and is highly customisable, making it a perfect way to add personality to your TV.

Send Files to TV

Send Files to TV is designed to address one of the most common pain points of smart TV users: transferring media. By enabling Wi-Fi transfers of videos, images, and APK files from mobile or desktop devices, it removes the dependency on USB drives and cables.

The streamlined process supports quick setup and efficient sharing, making the app particularly valuable for users who frequently sideload applications or exchange media files.

ATV Tools

Android TVs often run into performance issues such as slowdowns from low RAM, cluttered background tasks, or the hassle of sideloading apps. ATV Tools steps in as the solution. It lets you safely sideload APKs, clear unwanted background processes, and even control your TV using your phone. For anyone who’s faced laggy performance, ATV Tools becomes an indispensable app once you start using it.

Today VPN

Streaming libraries differ by region, and that’s where Today VPN steps in. This free app gives you access to multiple server locations without complicated logins or subscriptions. While premium options are available for more servers, the free version is surprisingly generous. For anyone who wants to unlock geo-restricted content, it’s a must-have. 

Conclusion

Your Android TV isn’t just about binge-watching shows. It can transform into a cinema, a gaming hub, a smart productivity tool, or even a travel guide with breathtaking screensavers. Kick things off with these 10 apps and watch your TV reinvent itself. No matter if you’re hooked on movies, obsessed with games, or just love casual streaming, these picks will unlock the full potential of your big screen in 2025.

         FAQs        

What makes Android TV better than other smart TV platforms?

Android TV offers a wider app library, smoother integration with Google services, and Chromecast support. It also gives more flexibility in personalisation compared to other operating systems. 

Are Android TV apps free to use?

Many useful apps are free, though some also provide premium upgrades or subscriptions for advanced features like extra server locations, better streaming quality, or cloud integration. 

Do I need a lot of storage space for installing apps on Android TV?

Most apps are lightweight, but your TV’s limited storage can fill up quickly if you keep large media files. Expanding storage with an external drive or managing files with a TV-optimised file manager helps. 

Is it safe to install apps outside of the Play Store on Android TV?

It’s generally safe if you download from trusted sources. Still, you should be cautious when sideloading APKs, as unverified files may carry risks. 

Do I really need a VPN on my Android TV?

It isn’t mandatory, but a VPN helps unlock region-specific content and adds a layer of privacy. Frequent streamers often use one for unrestricted access.

How can I connect a game controller to my Android TV?

Most Android TVs support Bluetooth controllers. You just need to pair the controller in the TV’s Bluetooth settings, and it’s ready for gaming.

Also Read : Boost Android Performance with These Open-Source Apps in 2025