This smart app by MX Media is one of the best video player apps you can download. It plays a variety of different codecs which means you get to watch any format of video you want to download on your TV or other devices.

The great thing is that it works really well on smart TVs which means you get to enjoy your videos on both your phone or your TV. It also works with locally saved content that’s already loaded to your TV or external devices like harddrives or flash drives making it perfect for a smart TV that has USB ports.

The app itself is completely free to download and use but it does run on ads.

Cost: Free

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One not so great thing about smart TVs is that they don’t run all the apps from the stores like other devices do. If you do decide to download these apps it’s called sideloading. And that allows you to have the apps on your TV. But the problem is that you need to enter the settings menu to access these sideloaded apps.

That’s where Sideload Launcher comes in. Running this app allows you to access all your sideloaded apps all in one place. So no more difficult menus to navigate. You get everything you need in one place.

Unfortunately this app is only available for Android and this can be a very dangerous thing to do because sideloaded apps are usually not available from the app store - hence the need to sideload them.

Cost: Free

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If your smart TV doesn’t come with this app already installed you just HAVE to get it. Netflix is an iconic streaming app that allows you to watch almost every show on the planet at minimal costs.

You have to subscribe for a minimal fee per month, but once you have the app you’ll probably never use another streaming site ever again. It boasts an easy interface with lists and lists of movies, series and documentaries, etc.

Best of all the app tracks your watching habits and comes up with a list of shows that you’ll probably end up loving. There’s a reason almost everyone uses Netflix as their number one streaming site. You should get it too.

Cost: Free offers in-app purchases

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One great thing about Android TVs is this thing called Google Cast. This nifty app is built into Android TVs and allows you to cast Google apps straight from your phone to your TV screen. This includes apps like Google Chrome or Chromebooks.

But iOS isn’t supported on Android TVs. That’s where AirScreen comes in. AirScreen is a iOS to Android app that allows you to cast apps onto your Android TV from an iOS device. Which means you get all the functionality of your phone on your TV.

This app is a must if you want to use apps from your iPhone on your Android TV. You don’t need a brand new phone, all you need is this app to cast apps from your phone to your TV.

Cost: Free offers in app purchases

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Accessing your files from Google Drive on your smart TV is one of the best ways to stay in touch with work. The bigger screen makes it easier to read and navigate your files. And if you’re smart you can even get a wireless keyboard and mouse and turn your TV into a huge monitor.

There’s nothing better than working off your couch. And that’s why getting Google Drive on your smart TV is a good idea. You get to work from the comfort of your couch whenever you need to.

The app itself is free and gives you all the functionality of Google Drive right on your big screen TV. All you need is some extra hardware and voila, you have a brand new home office system. Unfortunately you will have to sideload this app onto your smart TV.

Cost: Free offers in app purchases

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This is the leading weather forecast app. In fact it’s the only weather app you’ll ever need. AccuWeather by AccuWeather International, Inc. is widely used on mobile devices and now it’s available on your smart TV.

The app itself has an easy interface to use, making it perfect for using on a smart TV. And this way you can check the weather while you’re busy watching the morning news while you’re eating breakfast and getting ready for work.

This app gives you a five-day forecast, traffic updates, satellite imagery, radical weather events, Doppler radar information, etc. So you’ll be up to date on everything you need to know before you set off for work.

Cost: Free offers in-app purchases

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This app by Plex Inc. is one of the best organizers you’ll get on your smart TV. It helps you to organize all the movies and shows you already own in one easy to use app. That makes looking for your favorite shows a lot easier.

The other great thing about Plex is that it makes streaming easy. The app has hundreds of full length movies, TV shows, Live TV, Podcasts and web shows. So if you’re tired of watching your own stuff you can switch over to their selection. There is even a section filled with free music.

The app itself is free, but if you decide to opt for a subscription you get the option to watch and even record over the air programs that are available in your area.

Cost: Free offers in-app purchases

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News 360 by News360 Inc is one of the best news apps you’ll ever use. It allows you to choose the type of news you’re interested in so that you don’t get any unwanted videos on your personalized news feed.

What’s more is that you also get all the news from reputable news broadcasters like CNN, BBC, Reuters, The Washington Post, The Guardian, etc. And none of the localized news that is meant for your area unless you want it.

So if you’re tired of watching all the videos on the news, but you still want to keep up to date News 360 is the app you need. It gives you all the freedom and the best news stories without all the riff raff you aren’t interested in.

Cost: Free offers in-app purchases

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VRV by Ellation, Inc. is one of the best Anime apps you’ll ever get. There is a free trial version that offers a wide variety of Anime for the diehard fans. For those of you just getting into anime the paid version is better because most of it is dubbed.

VRV offers anime and other cartoons from various places including the big creators like HiDive, Rooster Teeth, Cartoon Hangover, Crunchyroll, and Mondo. Giving you a wide selection of viewing material.

The free version has a lot of ads and it’s usually the same selection of ads being played over and over. So the premium subscription of $9.99 is definitely a must if Anime is your thing and you don’t want to sit through the monotonous ads that are played over and over on this app.

Cost: Free offers in-app purchases

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This app by Tubi, Inc is a must have if you’re a movie fan. It gives you all the movies with less ads than cable. And the best part is it’s all completely free. Yup, that’s right. Finally a streaming app that has minimal ads and no subscription fee.

It was created by FOX Entertainment to fill the gap in the market. It caters to people who love to watch movies but don’t have the money or urge to pay for a full subscription from other top streaming sites like Netflix. In fact it’s so popular that it’s in the top 10 on the Apple Store under the entertainment section.

The app itself is easy to use and hosts over 35,000 movies and TV shows, news and weather channels, as well as more than 250 entertainment partners. This is definitely a must have if you have a smart TV and a hankering to Netflix and chill without the Netflix subscription fee.

Cost: Free

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