Most smart TVs come with a few preinstalled apps to get you started. This typically includes streaming apps, but beyond that, there are plenty of useful apps that can take your smart TV experience to the next level.
Some of my favorite apps—the ones I always install first—go beyond streaming. They let me browse the web, manage files, remap remote buttons, and even use my smart TV without the internet. These apps make the TV more functional, easier to navigate, and a lot more fun to use.
Surf the web from your couch
Browsing the web on a smart TV isn’t exactly ideal, but sometimes it’s necessary. However, the clunky default browsers that come pre-installed often make the experience worse, which is why I always install Browser (yes, that is actually the app’s name).
Since it’s designed for TV, its interface is refreshingly simple. Bookmarks are front and center on the home screen, alongside history and a home tab, so everything you need is immediately accessible.
Browser also packs all the small features that make web surfing on a TV much less of a headache. Reader Mode strips articles down to the essentials, while Dark Mode protects your eyes during late-night browsing. There’s also a pop-up blocker that keeps those annoying interruptions out of the way.
Manage files like a pro
A file manager isn’t something you use every day, but I always keep one handy. It’s perfect for playing content directly from a USB drive or a network storage device. I also rely on it for sideloading APK files onto my TV.
File Commander handles all of this effortlessly. It comes with all the essential file management features, including recents, archives, favorites, and more. What I especially like is its media support: you can preview images and play videos directly within the app, so there’s no need for separate apps for every little media task.
You can even create a free MobiDrive account to get 5 GB of cloud storage, which is a nice bonus. There’s also a premium version that adds more storage, wireless file transfers, cleanup tools, and other extras, but for my needs, the free version is more than enough.
Send photos, videos, and APKs straight to your TV
Transferring files to a smart TV doesn’t have to mean fumbling with cables. With LocalSend, you can send photos, videos, documents, and more straight from your phone or computer to your TV over the same Wi-Fi network. It works much like AirDrop or Quick Share, but for your TV.
What I love about LocalSend is how fast and simple it is. The app automatically detects other devices on your network, and with just a few taps your files appear on the big screen. I use it to load photos for screensavers, play videos without extra apps, and even transfer APK files from my phone. It completely removes the need for USB drives or cables when moving files to the TV.
Make your remote work the way you want
Smart TV remotes often feel limited, but Button Mapper changes that. This clever app lets you customize what each button on your remote does. For example, if your remote has dedicated buttons for apps like Prime Video or the Settings menu, you can reassign them to launch your favorite apps instead.
You can even configure buttons to toggle specific settings, trigger the voice assistant, or adjust screen brightness. And if your remote has only a handful of buttons, Button Mapper lets you get creative by assigning actions to double-presses or long-presses.
Say goodbye to cluttered home screens
As much as I like Google TV, I can’t stand its interface. Rows of recommendations, trending shows, and flashy banners make it harder than it should be to get to the apps I actually want to use.
Projectivy Launcher fixes that problem. It doesn’t bombard you with sponsored shows or promos that play automatically. Instead, you get a clean, uncluttered interface where only your apps are visible. You’re not stuck with a default layout either—you can arrange apps in a row or grid, resize icons, and even group apps by category to keep everything organized just the way you like it.
My favorite feature is the ability to auto-open an app on boot. This lets you configure any of your apps to launch automatically when you turn on your TV.
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Offline games
Fun without the internet
What makes a smart TV smart is, of course, its ability to connect to the internet. But sometimes the Wi-Fi goes down, or you just want to kill time without streaming. That’s when offline games really come in handy.
I always keep a few favorite games installed, like Crossy Road, Asphalt 8, Hungry Shark Evolution, and more. They’re perfect for quick, casual sessions from the couch and can turn even a few spare minutes into surprisingly fun breaks.
When most people think of smart TV apps, they picture streaming services. But there’s a whole range of other apps that can unlock your TV’s full potential and make it far more useful than just a device for watching shows.
