There was a time when smart TVs were just something you heard of and couldn’t even imagine owning. Now, it’s hard to think about living without a smart TV seeing all the benefits and perks you get with it. Additionally, streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more are all just added perks of a smart TV. Sure, you could stream them on your laptop and smartphone too, but isn’t it a thousand times better on TV?
Well, aside from these apps and platforms, there are plenty of other apps that are penetrating the market as well. You can enhance your experience by downloading and using these apps as well. However, before we get into the list of the apps, you should know that having a good internet connection is extremely important.
Since these apps need the internet to function properly, the first thing you should do is ensure that you have a good connection. If you don’t and are currently looking for one, check out Astound Broadband RCN. While RCN is not available in most areas, it is a great option for regions where it is available! Don’t miss it!
Now, let’s take a look at the apps!
Blokada
Ads can be super annoying, especially when you’re watching a movie, when you’re working, or playing games. Unfortunately, this is a problem you face whether you are doing these activities on your smartphone, your laptop, or even your smart TV. So, how do you stop this from happening? Well, the answer is as simple as installing an ad blocker!
Blokada is an ad blocker app that you can install on your smart TV. Over time, Blokada has become a very popular app that is efficient at its job too. Any ad on any platform, whether you are watching videos on YouTube, browsing on Chrome, or gaming with your friends, will be blocked. And not just ads, this app can block trackers and malware as well, keeping your device safe. If you upgrade to Blockada Plus, you connect to their VPN and get even more benefits.
Crackle
Let’s take a trip down memory lane, do you guys remember Crackle? It is a free streaming service that was first founded in 2004. If you haven’t heard of it, maybe it’s just because it has changed its name numerous times over the years. It was first named Grouper before it changed its name to Crackle in 2007 when it was purchased by Sony Pictures.
Once again, in 2018, Sony changed its name to Sony Crackle. Just recently, Crackle came under new ownership by Chicken Soup for Soul Entertainment and rebranded as Crackle.
So, now, until further change, we can confidently say it is Crackle again! Now, what can you find on Crackle? Well, as is the case for any other streaming service, you can find numerous movies, TV shows, and new releases exclusive to Crackle!
Of course, the collection of new releases exclusive to Crackle does not compare to the options you have on Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and more. However, it is enough if you are looking for entertainment on a budget. You can also unlock more features by signing up for a free Crackle account.
Steam Link
Steam Link makes for a wonderful app for gaming on your smart TV. By downloading Steam Link, you can stream games from any device like your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or TV. While the app does not have any such requirement of a wired connection, it is recommended to use it on a device with a wired connection to improve the streaming experience.
You can access your library on Steam and grab some new games for yourself as well. Just connect your Steam Controller or any Bluetooth Controller to a computer, or in this case a smart TV, and you can enjoy gaming from the comfort of your home!
Plex
Plex is another streaming app where you can catch the latest movies and films whether live or on-demand for free. You will find that this app offers content from countries around the world, which is why it has such a large selection of movies and shows. With over 50,000 on-demand titles and 250 channels of Live TV, Plex makes for a wonderful streaming platform that you can use and download from anywhere.
Additionally, the best thing about Plex is that it will take all the movies and TV shows in your personal collection (your cloud or computer) and sort and organize them for you. This way, you get access to the stuff on their platform and from your collection all organized in one place.
The Criterion Channel
If you want a premium entertainment app for your smart TV, check out The Criterion Channel. It is a streaming app with an impressive library of above 2000 contemporary and classic films. But wait, there’s more! With this app, you also get a selection of Hollywood, art-house, international, and independent films that come from major studios and independent distributors.
The Criterion Channel offers a new and unique experience to the subscriber or viewer as it is more than just movies. You will even find series on various well-known directors, stars, and more. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were to go on an adventure with some of the best movie directors like Guillermo del Toro, Barry Jenkins, and Mira Nair?
Well, you don’t need to imagine or think about it anymore because this streaming app will show you exactly that!
Hoopla
For all the readers out there, we haven’t forgotten you yet. Hoopla is an app that offers e-books, audiobooks, comics, magazines, and more. While one would prefer reading a book on something handier like a smartphone or tablet, but hey! If you want to read on the smart TV, you can now! Additionally, maybe you can put an audiobook on your TV and work along with that.
The best thing about this app is that Hoopla is not just dedicated to books, but you can also find movies, music, TV shows, etc. on there. Most of these films are based on books and novels, so you can even read the book and thoroughly enjoy the app. You never know, you might learn something new from the movie that wasn’t in the book!
Twitch
You all know Twitch, right? Even if you are not a user, you must have heard about it and seen it. Maybe you even have a friend or two who is obsessed with the app. So, Twitch is a live-streaming platform for gamers, influencers, and the like.
This is usually where people go to find other people and be part of communities with similar interests. Gamers can all interact about different games and discuss their favorite streamers and watch their videos too. Similarly, other people belonging to other communities can do the same.
While Twitch is free, you can opt for the paid version without ads and access to more features. So, if you love gaming and watching live streams of other people gaming, you must already have an account on Twitch. Just download the app on your smart TV and start streaming!
Which App Are You Downloading?
Well, that makes 7 apps you should know about and download. Of course, if you download all of these or most of these apps, you should also make sure that you have the sufficient internet speed to support all of them. If you don’t know how much speed you need, or which provider to sign up with, you can get in touch with Xfinity customer service and they will guide you to a plan that will be perfect for your needs!
While no app can match Netflix’s legacy and popularity, some of these apps do come pretty close to it. We’re pretty sure you have installed and used some of these apps too, even before you read this article. Well, which ones do you have and which ones are you planning on getting now? Do you think some other apps should have been mentioned here too? We would love to hear which ones you think to deserve to be here as well!
