- Discover alternative and open-source apps for Android TV outside of the official store that allow you to customize your experience and increase your privacy.
- Explore advanced launchers, IPTV players, web browsers, and utilities to transfer, manage, and play content without ads or limits.
- Learn step-by-step how to safely install third-party apps using Send Files to TV and file explorers.
Having a TV with Android TV or Google TV transforms your living room into a true advanced entertainment center. While the Google Play Store offers countless apps, there's a whole world of possibilities beyond the official store: tools, launchers, browsers, IPTV players, streaming apps, file explorers, media managers, and utilities to customize your experience to professional levels. In this comprehensive compilation, you'll discover the best Android TV apps outside of Google Play , including essential ones to get the most out of your smart TV or set-top box, with detailed explanations and recommendations you won't find in other lists.
Why install apps outside of Google Play on Android TV?
Apps from outside the Play Store (also known as third-party apps or unofficial Open Source apps) allow:
- Unlock unavailable features in official apps or improve privacy and control over your data.
- Avoid invasive advertising or recommendations from the standard Google launcher.
- Personalize the experience from your TV, from the home screen to remotes and shortcuts.
- Install open source apps without ads and receiving constant updates from the community.
- Access older versions or alternatives to apps that have disappeared from the official store.
- Enjoy new media players, IPTV clients or tools for file management and backups.
This flexibility is one of Android TV's greatest advantages over closed systems and allows you to adapt it to your true needs. However, it's always important to download these apps from reputable sources, such as official repositories or GitHub, to avoid security issues.
Aurora Store
Aurora Store is the free and secure alternative to the Google Play Store . Ideal for those seeking privacy or wanting to install any app without being tied to a Google account. It allows you to download apps directly from the Play Store repositories without logging in, and is especially useful if:
- You don't want to link your Google account to the TV.
- You need to install incompatible apps from the official store.
- You look for older versions of an application, avoiding unwanted updates.
Aurora Store has an intuitive interface and is completely free, offering constant updates. You can download it from its official website or repositories like GitHub. Installing it is as simple as transferring the APK to your TV and running it with a compatible file explorer.
Neo Store
Based on the F-Droid philosophy but adapted for television, Neo Store is the best open-source app store for large screens . Its most notable feature is its design optimized for remote control , allowing you to browse comfortably from the couch and access thousands of free apps without ads or trackers.
From Neo Store, you can install all kinds of applications (managers, players, utilities, backup tools, etc.) directly on your TV, with guaranteed transparency thanks to their publication on GitHub. Furthermore, you can receive automatic updates and manage dependencies just like in a real app store.
A key point: in the Neo Store all apps are reviewed to offer maximum security and respect for privacy, making it the essential first stop for advanced users.
DTVFree – Web browser for Android TV
One of the major official absences on Android TV is Google Chrome. DTVFree fills this gap with a lightweight, fast browser that's compatible with remote controls . Specifically designed for televisions, it allows you to access any website, perform searches, check news, or even manage online services from the comfort of your couch.
Its minimalist interface makes it very intuitive, without slowing down your TV or bloating your memory. While it doesn't replace the browsing experience on a PC, it's perfect for occasional use. DTVFree is safe and open to download from GitHub—just download the APK and run it with a file explorer.
NewPipe – Ad-Free YouTube Alternative
If you want to watch YouTube videos ad-free, bypass restrictions, or even download videos and playlists for offline viewing, NewPipe is the most reliable open-source solution. It includes a screen mode optimized for TVs and support for other platforms like SoundCloud, offering a Google-free, tracking-free, and ad-free experience.
Its main functions include:
- Streaming and downloading videos.
- Support for multiple multimedia platforms.
- Direct update from the application.
- Interface adapted for remote control.
It's a perfect option for those who value privacy and customization over the official YouTube experience.
SmartTube – The best alternative client for YouTube on TV
Another essential alternative to the official YouTube app is SmartTube (formerly SmartTubeNext), which stands out for its effective ad blocking , support for 4K/HDR videos, full control over playback speed, compatibility with user accounts, and an interface 100% adapted to Android TV/Google TV.
SmartTube lets you manage channels, playlists, and all your YouTube content without relying on the official app, and it has the advantage of receiving automatic updates without going through the Play Store. While it still has some limitations (for example, with live streams or Premium features), its user experience is currently significantly better than the original app, especially for those looking to eliminate ads.
M3UAndroid – Open Source IPTV Player
For those seeking a free, lightweight, and ad-free IPTV experience, M3UAndroid has become a favorite player outside of the official app store. It allows users to load M3U playlists and play online channels, including both free-to-air and international broadcasts.
Its strengths include:
- Minimalist and functional interface compatible with remote control.
- Support for local files and remote playlists, allowing access to live channels or on-demand content.
- Very low resource consumption.
Its active development on GitHub and complete absence of ads or data collection position it as a safe and stable option.
TorrServe – Torrent Client and Server for Android TV
Going beyond traditional streaming is easy with TorrServe , an app that lets you manage torrents directly on your TV . TorrServe acts as a small local server: you can download and play torrents without intermediaries, without relying on your phone or computer.
This opens the door to enjoying open-source content, Linux distributions, documentaries, public domain movies, or any large file directly on your TV. While it requires some initial setup and understanding how torrent lists work, it's safe to use as long as you access legal or open-source files.
Neo Backup – Advanced Backups on Android TV
Performing a comprehensive backup can make all the difference if you experience problems with your TV or enjoy trying out new apps and launchers. Neo Backup offers bulk backups and restores of all your apps and data, making it easy to reset your system after a format or other incident.
However, it's important to know that Neo Backup requires root access , which limits its use to advanced users. Even so, it's the most professional option for preserving your Android TV settings as if nothing had happened after resets or experiments.
Alternative engines and launchers: customize your Android TV
Tired of a home screen cluttered with ads, recommendations, or banners for services you're not interested in ? There are alternative launchers that completely eliminate all distractions:
- LeanbackLauncher: Based on the Google launcher, but with Advanced personalization, no ads or recommendations. It lets you change backgrounds, hide or reorder apps, add widgets, and display relevant information like the weather.
- Simple installation: Download the APK from its GitHub repository, transfer it to your TV with Send Files to TV, use a file explorer to install it, and set it as your default launcher.
- Ideal if you want a home screen clean, fast and 100% under your control.
Send Files to TV – Fast, wireless file transfer
An indispensable utility for installing APKs or transferring any file (videos, music, documents, images) from your mobile phone or PC to your TV is Send Files to TV . It works as simply as connecting to the same Wi-Fi network and selecting the devices.
These are the basic steps:
- Install Send Files to TV on your TV and sending device.
- Select “Send” on your phone or PC, “Receive” on your TV, and transfer your files.
It's the easiest way to bring apps outside the Play Store to your TV, transfer IPTV playlists, videos, or any type of media file in seconds.
Media players and tools for offline content
- KodiMuch more than a media player, Kodi has become the most powerful multimedia center for Android TV. It allows you to integrate streaming services, IPTV, local libraries, tuners, and almost infinite plugins, all with an interface adaptable to your TV. It allows you to manage subtitles, scrapers, smart playlists, and much more. You can also explore platforms such as alternatives to IA Writer for Android If you're looking for premium writing or editing apps for Android TV.
- VLC Media PlayerCompatible with a huge variety of formats (MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, OGG, FLAC, TS, AAC, etc.), VLC is the universal player for audio and video, whether local, network, or online streaming. It supports subtitles and audio tracks and is open source and ad-free.
- plexIf you want to centralize your multimedia content from a computer, NAS, or hard drive to your TV, Plex makes it possible. Plus, it offers free channels, its own streaming service, and remote access to your movie, music, and photo library anywhere.
IPTV players and M3U lists
- wiseplay: A cross-platform player for IPTV playlists in M3U and W3U formats, with support for HD and 4K videos, subtitles, audio track switching, and very simple configuration.
- acestream: Specialized in streaming via P2P protocols, ideal for live content and public channels. Very easy to use, as long as you use legal lists of free channels.
- Stremio: It allows you to unify multiple streaming services into a single interface and save memory, as it groups all types of platforms, channels, and libraries into a single app.
Advanced file managers and explorers
- X-Plore File ManagerOne of the most comprehensive browsers for Android TV, with a dual-pane interface, quick folder access, cleaning features, and advanced file management without ads. Perfect for managing downloads, installing APKs, and organizing your TV's internal and external storage.
- TV File Commander: Simple alternative for browsing and organizing files, with support for app installations carried by Send Files to TV.
Utilities to customize your experience
- Button Mapper: It allows Customize and remap remote control buttonsIt's ideal for those who want to use shortcuts (for example, turning the Netflix button into a shortcut to another app), take screenshots, or perform advanced actions with double-taps or long presses.
- Recording Webcam: Especially useful if you have connected a USB camera to your Android TV and want to record photos or videos directly from the TV.
Official apps and essential streaming platforms
- Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Max, SkyShowtime, Movistar+ and more: Although these apps usually come pre-installed or are available in the TV's Play Store, it's a good idea to always have them installed to make the most of high-definition streaming content on your TV.
- RTVE Play: Access all the content from La 1, La 2, Teledeporte, Playz, and Canal 24h, including Spanish and international films and series, live or on demand.
- Pluto TV, Tivify, Rlaxx TV, Xiaomi TV+, Rakuten TV (free), VIX, Microcanales, Samsung TV Plus: Free or partially free platforms that offer dozens or hundreds of channels and content at no cost, supported by advertising or with hybrid paid and free models.
- YouTube: To access millions of videos, live channels, public domain movies, and exclusive content.
How to install apps outside of Google Play on Android TV
The process is simple and safe if you follow these steps:
- Enable installation from unknown sources in the settings menu of your Android TV / Google TV.
- Download APK files from the official websites or GitHub on your PC or mobile.
- Transfer APKs to TV using Send files to TV.
- Use a file explorer like X-Plore File Manager or alternatives to Procreate for Android to locate and install the APK file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation and/or set required permissions.
Remember to always use safe and verified sources to download apps, avoiding files from dubious sources. By integrating all these apps and utilities into your Android TV, you'll achieve a unique, secure, and highly customizable ecosystem. From watching free movies and series, accessing international channels legally, making backups, browsing the internet, controlling all the buttons on the remote control, and removing intrusive ads or recommendations, to completely customizing the desktop or home screen to reflect your true interests. The possibilities are practically endless and depend only on your curiosity and desire to experiment with one of the most open and powerful systems for home entertainment. Dare to take your smart TV far beyond what the Google Play Store offers, taking advantage of the best of free software, alternative tools, and the resources of the global Android community.
