Best TV Apps for Streaming and Watching TV Shows

Streaming television has taken the world by storm, and with the rise of smart TVs, it’s easier than ever to watch your favorite shows and movies from the comfort of your own home. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know which TV apps are worth your time and money. That’s where we come in.

In this article, we’ve researched and tested the best TV apps on the market to help you find the ones that will provide the best viewing experience. Whether you’re looking for live TV, on-demand content, or a combination of both, we’ve got you covered.

When choosing a TV app, it’s important to consider factors such as the app’s user interface, available content, and pricing. Some apps may offer a free trial period, while others require a subscription or one-time purchase. Additionally, some apps may be limited to certain devices or operating systems.

With our comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect TV app for your needs and preferences. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the world of streaming television.

Best TV Apps

We have compiled a list of the best TV apps that will enhance your viewing experience. These apps are designed to provide you with a wide range of content, from movies and TV shows to live sports and news. Whether you are a cord-cutter or a cable subscriber, these apps will give you access to a variety of programming options. So, sit back, relax, and explore the world of entertainment with our top picks for the best TV apps.

Fios TV Mobile

If you’re a Fios customer looking for a way to access your home DVR and watch TV on-the-go, Fios TV Mobile might just be the app for you.

Pros

• Access to your home DVR away from home
• Ability to record and watch shows on-the-go
• Free download for Fios customers

Cons

• Some users report difficulty with installation and app glitches
• Limited ability to skip commercials on certain networks
• Occasional error codes and interruptions during playback

We’ve had mixed experiences with Fios TV Mobile, but overall it’s a decent option for Fios customers who want to watch TV on-the-go. The ability to access your home DVR and record shows while away from home is a major plus, and the app is free to download for Fios customers.

However, some users have reported difficulty with installation and glitches within the app. Additionally, the ability to skip commercials on certain networks is limited, which may be frustrating for some users. We’ve also experienced occasional error codes and interruptions during playback.

Overall, if you’re a Fios customer looking for a way to watch TV on-the-go, Fios TV Mobile is worth checking out. However, be prepared for some potential issues and limitations.

VIZIO 24-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV with Apple AirPlay and Chromecast Built-in, Alexa Compatibility, D24f-J09, 2022 Model 24 inch

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smart TV with a small form factor, the VIZIO 24-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• The full array LED backlighting provides superior light uniformity and picture performance.
• The V-Gaming Engine with Auto Game Mode, Variable Refresh Rate with AMD Freesync, and low-latency gaming makes gaming more responsive and enjoyable.
• The SmartCast platform offers instant access to the best selection of apps from top-tier streaming services like Netflix, Disney , YouTube, HBO Max and many more right out of the box.

Cons

• The sound quality of the built-in speakers is average, so you may need to invest in a soundbar for a better audio experience.
• The TV only has a 60Hz refresh rate, which may not be suitable for some gamers.
• The TV’s size may not be suitable for larger rooms or viewing from a distance.

We recently tested this TV, and we were impressed with its picture quality and ease of use. The full array LED backlighting provides superior light uniformity and picture performance, making it ideal for watching movies and TV shows. The V-Gaming Engine with Auto Game Mode, Variable Refresh Rate with AMD Freesync, and low-latency gaming makes gaming more responsive and enjoyable. We were able to stream content from various apps using the SmartCast platform, which offered instant access to the best selection of apps from top-tier streaming services like Netflix, Disney , YouTube, HBO Max and many more right out of the box.

However, the sound quality of the built-in speakers is average, so you may need to invest in a soundbar for a better audio experience. The TV only has a 60Hz refresh rate, which may not be suitable for some gamers. Additionally, the TV’s size may not be suitable for larger rooms or viewing from a distance.

Overall, the VIZIO 24-inch D-Series Full HD 1080p Smart TV is an affordable option for those looking for a small form factor TV with smart features and decent picture quality. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind investing in a soundbar, this TV is worth considering.

TiVo Stream 4K – Every Streaming App and Live TV on One Screen – 4K UHD, Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos Sound – Powered by Android TV – Plug-In Smart TV, One size

If you’re looking for a streaming device that can handle all your favorite apps and live TV, the TiVo Stream 4K is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• No more app-switching: With TiVo Stream 4K, you can search, browse, and create watch lists across all your apps in one place.
• Recommendations across all of your apps: TiVo recommends your next favorite shows and movies based on what you love, not where they live.
• Voice control: The integrated Google Assistant makes it easy to find shows and launch apps with just your voice.

Cons

• Limited storage: The TiVo Stream 4K doesn’t have any internal storage, so you’ll need to rely on your apps to store your content.
• No Ethernet port: The device only supports Wi-Fi, so if you’re looking for a wired connection, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
• No DVR: While the TiVo Stream 4K does support live TV, it doesn’t have any built-in DVR capabilities.

We were impressed with the TiVo Stream 4K’s ability to bring all our favorite apps and live TV together in one place. The interface is easy to use, and the recommendations feature is a nice touch. The voice control works well, and we appreciated the ability to dim the lights and control other smart home devices with our voice.

While the lack of internal storage and Ethernet port may be a dealbreaker for some, we found that the TiVo Stream 4K’s performance over Wi-Fi was more than adequate. Overall, we think this is a great option for anyone looking for a streaming device that can handle all their favorite content in one place.

Remote for Apple TV – CiderTV

If you’re looking for a remote app for your Apple TV, CiderTV may be an option to consider.

Pros

• Easy to set up and use
• User-friendly interface
• Works well on Android devices

Cons

• May have trouble connecting to Apple TV
• Limited functionality compared to physical remote
• Some users have reported bugs and issues

We found CiderTV to be a straightforward and intuitive app for controlling our Apple TV. The setup process was simple, and we were able to connect to our device without any issues. The interface is easy to navigate, and we appreciated the helpful menu functions.

However, we did encounter some connectivity problems at times, and the app’s functionality is somewhat limited compared to a physical remote. Additionally, we noticed some bugs and glitches while using the app, which other users have reported as well.

Overall, if you’re in need of a remote app for your Apple TV and are willing to deal with some potential bugs and limitations, CiderTV may be worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a more reliable and comprehensive solution, you may want to invest in a physical remote instead.

Roku Express 4K | Roku Streaming Device 4K/HDR, Roku Voice Remote, Free -amp; Live TV

If you’re looking for a reliable streaming device that offers an excellent 4K streaming experience, the Roku Express 4K is an excellent option to consider.

Pros

• The picture quality is brilliant, with vivid colors and sharp resolution that’s optimized for your TV.
• The streaming experience is seamless, thanks to the faster wireless network connection.
• You can control your Roku device, adjust the volume, and power up your TV with just one remote.

Cons

• The device may buffer occasionally, which can be frustrating when you’re watching your favorite shows.
• The sound may be off by a second, which can be annoying for some viewers.
• The device doesn’t come with an easy-to-use remote, which can be a drawback for some users.

We’ve been using the Roku Express 4K for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The picture quality is excellent, with vivid colors and sharp resolution that’s optimized for your TV. The streaming experience is seamless, thanks to the faster wireless network connection. We appreciate the fact that we can control our Roku device, adjust the volume, and power up our TV with just one remote. It’s a great feature that saves us time and hassle.

However, the device may buffer occasionally, which can be frustrating when you’re watching your favorite shows. The sound may be off by a second, which can be annoying for some viewers. Additionally, the device doesn’t come with an easy-to-use remote, which can be a drawback for some users.

Overall, we think the Roku Express 4K is an excellent streaming device that’s worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable option that offers an excellent 4K streaming experience. It’s easy to set up, and the guided setup process is quick and straightforward. We love the fact that we can stream a massive selection of free, live, and premium TV channels, and the device works with popular voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Hey Google.

All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device, more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, supports Wi-Fi 6, watch free -amp; live TV

We highly recommend the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device for anyone looking to elevate their streaming experience.

Pros

• Advanced 4K streaming with improved performance
• Wi-Fi 6 support for smooth streaming
• Cinematic experience with vibrant 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos audio

Cons

• Subscription fees may apply for some streaming services
• Some apps and services may not be available in all areas or languages
• TV must support minimum HDCP requirements for protected content playback

The All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device is a game-changer for anyone who enjoys streaming movies and TV shows. The advanced 4K streaming with improved performance allows for a seamless streaming experience, even when other devices are connected to your router. The Wi-Fi 6 support ensures that you can enjoy smooth 4K streaming without any buffering or lag.

With support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 , and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, the cinematic experience is unmatched. You can watch your favorite movies and TV shows in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with stunning picture quality and immersive audio.

The All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device gives you access to more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes. You can watch favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney , Max, and more. Subscription fees may apply for some streaming services, but you can also stream for free with access to over 300,000 free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Amazon Freevee, Tubi, and Pluto TV.

One of the best features of the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device is the Alexa Voice Remote. You can quickly find, launch, and control content with your voice. Get to your favorite apps with preset buttons, and control TV power and volume with one remote. You can even control compatible devices like cameras, lights, and more with your remote. Press and ask Alexa to check the weather or dim the lights.

In conclusion, the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device is a must-have for anyone who enjoys streaming movies and TV shows. With its advanced 4K streaming, Wi-Fi 6 support, and cinematic experience, you will enjoy a seamless and immersive streaming experience. Plus, with access to more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, you will never run out of things to watch.

INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote (NS-32F201NA23, 2022 Model) 32 inches

If you’re looking for an affordable smart TV with Alexa voice control, the INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV is a solid choice.

Pros

• Enjoy high definition movies, shows, and games with 720p resolution.
• The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment and search across apps using just your voice.
• Watch over 1 Million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills.

Cons

• The 720p resolution may not be suitable for those who prioritize picture quality.
• Some users may find the TV’s sound quality lacking and may need to invest in external speakers.
• The TV’s small size may not be suitable for those who prefer larger screens.

Overall, we recommend the INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV for those looking for an affordable smart TV with Alexa voice control. The TV’s 720p resolution and built-in Fire TV experience provide access to a wide range of streaming content, while the Alexa Voice Remote offers convenient hands-free control.

In terms of drawbacks, the TV’s 720p resolution may not be suitable for those who prioritize picture quality, and some users may find the TV’s sound quality lacking. Additionally, the TV’s small size may not be suitable for those who prefer larger screens.

Despite these limitations, the INSIGNIA 32-inch Class F20 Series Smart HD 720p Fire TV is a solid choice for those on a budget who want a smart TV with convenient voice control.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

If you’re looking for a streaming device that can provide you with a sharp picture quality and fast streaming, then the Amazon Fire TV Stick is worth considering.

Pros

• The device is 50% more powerful than its previous generation, so you can expect fast streaming in Full HD.
• It comes with an Alexa Voice Remote that has power and volume buttons, making it easy to control your TV and soundbar with a single remote.
• You can stream more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes from popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney , Peacock, and more.

Cons

• The device only supports up to 1080p resolution, so it may not be the best option if you have a 4K TV.
• Some users have reported issues with the device freezing or buffering, although this seems to be a rare occurrence.
• The device only has 8 GB of internal storage, so you may need to clear out apps or content to free up space.

We’ve been using the Amazon Fire TV Stick for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The device was easy to set up and connect to our Wi-Fi network, and we were streaming content within minutes.

One of the standout features of the Fire TV Stick is its Alexa Voice Remote. We found it incredibly convenient to be able to use our voice to search for shows or launch apps. The remote also has preset buttons that you can customize to quickly access your favorite apps.

We appreciated the variety of streaming services that were available on the device. We were able to stream content from popular services like Netflix and Prime Video, as well as free ad-supported apps like Pluto TV and Tubi.

Overall, we think the Amazon Fire TV Stick is a great option for anyone looking for a streaming device that can provide fast streaming and a sharp picture quality. While it may not be the best option for those with a 4K TV, it’s a solid choice for anyone with a standard HD TV.

Best TV App

If you are looking for the best TV app, then we highly recommend checking out Best TV App. This app offers a wide range of features that cater to all your entertainment needs.

Pros

• Easy to use interface
• Wide range of channels and shows
• Affordable subscription plans

Cons

• Some channels may not be available in all regions
• Limited free trial period
• Some users may experience occasional buffering issues

With Best TV App, we found the interface to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it simple to find the channels and shows we wanted to watch. The app offers a vast selection of channels and shows, including popular ones like HBO, ESPN, and Netflix, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

One of the best things about Best TV App is its affordable subscription plans, making it accessible to a wide range of users. However, we did notice that some channels may not be available in all regions, which could be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the free trial period is limited, so users may not have enough time to fully test out the app before committing to a subscription.

While using Best TV App, we did experience some occasional buffering issues, which could be frustrating, but overall, it did not significantly impact our viewing experience.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use TV app with a wide range of channels and shows, then Best TV App is definitely worth considering.

Apple TV

If you’re looking for a great streaming device, Apple TV is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The remote control is user-friendly and can be used with a touch surface or click pad.
• The set-up process is easy and straightforward.
• The interface is well-designed and easy to navigate.

Cons

• Some users have reported issues with certain shows not playing beyond the free preview, even when signed into their account.
• The device is more expensive than some other streaming options.
• It may not be the best choice for those who are not already invested in the Apple ecosystem.

We recently had the chance to try out Apple TV and were impressed with its features and ease of use. The remote control is especially noteworthy, with a touch surface that allows for easy scrolling and navigation. The click pad is also a great feature, providing tactile feedback when navigating menus and making selections.

Setting up the device was a breeze, with clear instructions and a user-friendly interface that walked us through the process step by step. Once we were up and running, we found the interface to be well-designed and easy to navigate, with intuitive menus and clear icons.

One downside to the device is that some users have reported issues with certain shows not playing beyond the free preview, even when signed into their account. Additionally, the device is more expensive than some other streaming options on the market, which may be a turnoff for budget-conscious shoppers.

Overall, we think Apple TV is a great choice for those who are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and want a high-quality streaming device that integrates seamlessly with their other devices.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best TV app, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your decision:

Compatibility

Before choosing a TV app, make sure it is compatible with your device. Some apps may only work with certain brands or models of TVs, while others may be available across a wide range of devices. Check the app’s compatibility before making a purchase to ensure it will work with your TV.

User Interface

The user interface is an important factor to consider when choosing a TV app. Look for an app with a clean, intuitive interface that is easy to navigate. A cluttered or confusing interface can make it difficult to find the content you want to watch.

Content Selection

The selection of content available on the app is another important consideration. Look for an app with a wide variety of content, including popular TV shows, movies, and live sports. Some apps may also offer original content that is not available on traditional TV channels.

Price

The cost of the app is another factor to consider. Some TV apps may require a subscription fee, while others may be free to download but require payment for certain content. Consider your budget and the value of the content offered by the app before making a purchase.

Customer Support

Finally, consider the level of customer support offered by the app. Look for an app with a responsive customer support team that can help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise. A strong customer support team can make all the difference in ensuring a positive experience with your TV app.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated apps for streaming live television?

There are many apps available for streaming live television, but some of the top-rated ones include Sling TV, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, and AT-amp;T TV Now. These apps offer a wide range of channels, including sports, news, and entertainment, and are compatible with most devices.

Which streaming services offer the best value for live TV?

The best value for live TV streaming services depends on your specific needs and preferences. Sling TV and Philo are some of the most affordable options, while Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV offer a broader range of channels and features.

How can I access live television channels without any cost?

There are several ways to access live television channels without any cost. Some options include using a TV antenna, watching live TV on streaming services that offer free trials, or downloading free TV apps.

What are the main differences between popular live TV streaming services?

The main differences between popular live TV streaming services include the number of channels offered, pricing, and features. Some services offer more sports channels, while others focus on news and entertainment. It’s important to compare the options and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Which live TV streaming service provides the widest range of channels?

YouTube TV is known for offering the widest range of channels, including local networks, sports, news, and entertainment. However, it’s important to note that the availability of channels may vary depending on your location.

What are the most cost-effective options for live TV streaming?

The most cost-effective options for live TV streaming include Sling TV, Philo, and AT-amp;T TV Now. These services offer a range of channels at an affordable price, with options to add premium channels for an additional cost.