Best Free & Paid Streaming & Smart TV Apps

Smart TVs and streaming have become the norm, with streaming providers like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max dominating the market. While all these streaming services deliver captivating content, but how can you enhance your streaming experience with the best smart TV and streaming device apps? Most host a healthy ecosystem of apps, ranging from simple add-ons to entirely new streaming platforms. Read through our walkthrough to find the best free and paid smart TV and streaming apps.

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Best Free Streaming & Smart TV Apps

Freevee

Price: Free

Compatible Devices: Fire TV, Fire TV sticks, Roku, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S consoles, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, LG smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, Comcast Xfinity X-Class and Flex boxes, Android TV devices, Google TV, Fire tablet, Android mobile devices, Apple TV (4th & 5th Generation), iOS devices (such as iPhones and iPads).

Freevee is a free streaming platform from Amazon (not to be confused with Amazon Prime Video) with a diverse collection of content, live streaming channels, and original movies and shows. The intuitive design, personalized recommendations, and accessibility across multiple devices make it a must-have for anyone looking for an exceptional streaming experience.

Crackle 

Price: Free.

Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, and more

Crackle is a free-to-use video entertainment network featuring full-length movies, TV shows, and original programming. Because it is free and ad-supported, expect a handful of ads during your streaming experience. Crackle offers a wide variety of content including blockbuster action and drama films, classic movies, reality TV shows, and Saturday morning cartoons.

Pluto TV 

Price: Free

Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, and more

Pluto TV is a free tv app for smart TVs, streaming devices, and web browsers that allow you to drop in and watch live TV and on-demand content anytime. Pluto TV has over 150,000 hours of content, hundreds of channels of hit movies, binge-worthy TV shows, breaking news, live sports, and more. 

Tubi TV

Price: Free

Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, and more

Tubi is an ad-supported video-on-demand service from FOX Entertainment. Tubi has more than 35,000 movies and TV shows, 100+ local and live news channels, and 250+ entertainment partners. Tubi gives streamers an easy way to discover new content, 100% free.  

Hoopla

Price: Free 

Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, and more

Hoopla partners with libraries across the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to provide online and mobile access to eBooks, audiobooks, comics, music, movies, and TV. With hoopla and a valid library card, you can instantly stream fan-favorite movies, modern indies, films based on books, and shows from MTV, Nickelodeon, Lifetime, and more. Check with your local library to see if they offer Hoopla. 

Best Paid Smart TV & Streaming Apps

Netflix

Price: Ad-supported plans start around $7/mo.

Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, AppleTV, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, PCs and laptops, Xfinity streaming devices, and more.

Arguably the original streaming service to hit the market, Netflix offers a robust experience with a wide variety of content and genres. Known for popular originals, like Ozark, Stranger Things, and Bridgerton, the streamer brings the best in all-around entertainment. If you don’t mind ads, Netflix’s recent ad-supported package is an affordable entry point to all it has to offer. Be prepared for browsing fatigue as wading through the massive amount of content available can be cumbersome.

Max (formerly HBO Max)

Price: Ad-supported plans start around $10/mo.

Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, AppleTV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, PCs and laptops, Xfinity streaming devices, and more.

Max is the rebranded offering of HBO Max since Warner Bros. and Discovery Communications merged in 2022. It still offers everything HBO Max had (HBO originals like Game of Thrones and The Last of Us), and now with many of Discovery’s popular offerings from HGTV, Food Network, and TLC. Given the high content standards and breadth of offerings, the $9.99/mo. Ad-supported entry is well worth your money. 

Paramount +

Price: Ad-supported plans start around $5/mo.

Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, AppleTV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, PCs and laptops, Xfinity streaming devices, and more.

Paramount+ offers a wide variety of content, including original series, movies, sports, news, and children’s programming. The service is a combination of content from Paramount, CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, and BET. Featuring popular shows and movies, like Yellowstone, The Good Fight, Star Trek: Discovery and more, it also offers live streaming of CBS, CBS Sports Network, and local CBS stations in select markets.

Apple TV+

Price: Around $7/mo.

Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, AppleTV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, PCs and laptops, Xfinity streaming devices, and more.

Apple TV+ offers exclusive Apple Originals shows, movies, and documentaries. It is one of the few services today that offers a low-cost, ad-free subscription; however, you may occasionally see trailers for other Apple TV+ content. Some of the most popular Apple TV+ shows include Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Mythic Quest, along with a wide variety of other shows and movies. Get Apple TV+ as part of a family subscription and share it with up to 6 family members.

Hulu

Price: Ad-supported plans start around $8/mo.

Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, AppleTV, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, PCs and laptops, Xfinity streaming devices, and more.

Hulu features a library of television series, movies, anime, documentaries, and more, and offers one of the more diverse libraries of the services listed here. Enjoy originals, such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Great; movies like Encanto and Dune; and TV series from other networks, such as The Good Doctor and Grey’s Anatomy. Hulu also offers a Live TV plan that includes live, local channels and national networks.

Best App to Stream Your Local & Cloud Content

Plex

Price: Free

Compatible Devices: Android, iOS, Roku, Amazon Firestick, Chromecast, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, most Smart TVs, and more

Plex takes all of the shows and movies you already own (on your computer or in the cloud) and organizes them on your personal server in one app. They also offer free on-demand movies and shows, live TV, podcasts, and web shows. You can opt for the premium version for $5 a month to watch and record over-the-air broadcasts available at your location.

Is Your Internet Ready for Streaming?

When searching for internet providers, look for an internet connection optimized for streaming. Your internet download speed should be at least 100 Mbps to maintain a reliable HD stream. This allows ample speed and accounts for peak usage slowdowns or possible ISP throttling. If you’re unsure if your current plan is fast enough, run an internet speed test to determine the performance of your internet connection. 

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Streaming Solutions & More

We hope you’re able to make the most of your streaming experience with the best smart TV apps and streaming solutions. Check out our review of the best streaming services to find a variety of options for your budget and entertainment needs.