Your smart TV is only as powerful as the apps it runs. And sticking to Google’s Play Store means missing out on a huge range of options—from region-blocked streaming apps to useful open-source utilities that can make your TV smarter.
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Aptoide
Aptoide offers a collection of over 2,500 apps, all completely free. This not only includes the big names you already know but also niche streaming services and even quirky apps you won’t find on the Play Store. Best of all, you don’t need to sign in or create an account to start downloading.
One of the best features of Apotide is that it lets you choose which version of an app you want. If you’ve ever updated an app only to find it glitchy or missing features you relied on, you know how frustrating that can be. Aptoide lets you roll back to an older version, so you have more control.
The layout is clean and approachable. In the Apps tab, you’ll see all your apps, including those you’ve downloaded from the Play Store. There’s even Aptoide Wallet, which lets you buy digital items within your apps and earn rewards each time you do.
Download: Aptoide (Free)
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Uptodown
If you’ve ever felt frustrated with the Play Store blocking certain apps in your region, Uptodown is going to feel like a goldmine. Unlike Google’s store, it doesn’t limit what you can download.
For example, TikTok is banned in my country, but I grabbed it from Uptodown and had it running with a VPN on my smart TV in minutes. That kind of freedom makes a huge difference when you want your smart TV to do more.
The catalog is massive, covering every category you’d expect—and then some. You’ll also find apps like YouTube Vanced, TubeMate, and plenty of others that usually require sideloading. Instead of downloading their APK files on your phone and then transferring them to your TV, you can download them directly from Uptodown.
The interface is simple and functional, with clear categories that make it easy to explore the store. Every app on the Uptodown store gets scanned with VirusTotal before it’s listed, so you can download with peace of mind. Also, each app page provides screenshots, descriptions, and even changelogs, so you’ll know exactly what you’re installing.
Much like Aptoide, Uptodown doesn’t require an account to start downloading, and if a new update isn’t working for you, you can easily roll back to an older version.
Download: Uptodown (Free)
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F-Droid
If you’re into free and open-source apps, F-Droid is the store you’ll definitely want to check out. It’s not exactly a Play Store replacement, and that’s part of the charm.
When you start browsing, you’ll notice it feels different from every other app store you’ve tried. That’s because you won’t come across Netflix or Spotify here. Instead, you will discover lightweight, open-source apps that respect your privacy and work beautifully on your smart TV.
F-Droid is where you’ll stumble upon those niche apps and tools you didn’t even know your TV needed. Since everything is open source, you can trust there’s nothing shady lurking in the background.
It’s also a great option if you’re tired of bloated apps slowing things down. F-Droid may not be packed with the entertainment giants, but if privacy and useful little gems are what you’re after, it’s an app that deserves a spot on your smart TV.
Download: F-Droid (Free)
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Aurora Store
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the Play Store without being so tied to Google, Aurora Store is the answer. It gives you the best of both worlds. Since it’s open source, you don’t have to hand over your personal data every time you download a new app. At the same time, you still get access to the full Play Store catalog—Netflix, Spotify, and pretty much anything else you’d normally expect from Google’s platform.
Despite looking and feeling a lot like the Play Store, Aurora Store offers something Google’s version doesn’t: control. You can spoof your device or region, which makes apps that are normally blocked in your area suddenly available.
If you’ve ever been frustrated that an app wasn’t downloadable on your smart TV due to location restrictions, Aurora Store removes that limitation entirely.
You can think of Aurora Store as the Play Store experience, but with more freedom, greater privacy, and fewer strings attached. Once you start using it, you’ll hardly feel the need to open the Play Store on your TV.
Download: Aurora Store (Free)
Finding new apps outside the Play Store doesn’t have to mean sideloading them on your smart TV. Alternatives like Aptoide, Uptodown, F-Droid, and Aurora Store each offer something different to the table—whether it’s access to region-blocked apps, privacy-friendly open-source tools, or simply more choice without the usual restrictions.
The best part is, you don’t have to confuse yourself and choose just one. You can mix and match these stores depending on what you need. Plus, these app stores aren’t just for your smart TV—they also work on Android phones and tablets.
