Best Free Apps for Smart TV: Samsung, LG, Google TV & Android TV
A Smart TV can do much more than stream movies from paid subscription services. There are also useful free apps for watching videos, listening to music, discovering live channels, viewing personal media, and getting more from your television.
In this guide, we'll look at some of the best free apps and built-in services for Samsung Smart TV, LG webOS, Google TV, and Android TV.
Keep in mind that app availability varies by country, TV model, operating system, and software version. Some services are free with ads, while others may offer optional paid plans or premium content.
Best Free Smart TV Apps at a Glance
| App or Service | Best For | Free Option |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube | Videos and entertainment | Yes |
| Plex | Streaming and personal media | Yes |
| Pluto TV | Free live channels | Yes, where available |
| Tubi | Movies and TV shows | Yes, where available |
| Haystack News | News | Yes, where available |
| Samsung TV Plus | Live and on-demand TV | Yes, supported Samsung TVs |
| LG Channels | Live and on-demand TV | Yes, supported LG TVs |
1. YouTube
YouTube is one of the first apps worth checking on a new Smart TV.
The free version gives you access to an enormous variety of content, including technology videos, tutorials, entertainment, gaming, documentaries, music, podcasts, and creator channels.
The TV interface is designed for remote-control navigation, and signing into your Google account can synchronize subscriptions and viewing history.
YouTube Premium is optional and is not required to use the standard YouTube app.
2. Plex
Plex is particularly useful for people who want more than a conventional streaming app.
It can provide access to free ad-supported streaming content in supported regions, and it is also well known for organizing and playing compatible personal media libraries.
This makes Plex useful if you have your own collection of legally obtained movies, videos, music, or other media stored on a compatible computer or media server.
3. Pluto TV
Pluto TV is a free, ad-supported streaming service available in supported markets.
It focuses heavily on a traditional TV-like experience, offering live channels alongside on-demand programming.
It can be a useful choice for viewers who prefer opening a channel and watching what is currently playing instead of choosing an individual title every time.
Availability and channel lineups vary by region.
4. Tubi
Tubi is another free, ad-supported streaming option available in selected markets.
Its focus is on movies and television programming without requiring a conventional paid streaming subscription for its free catalog.
Because regional availability differs, search your television's official app store to see whether Tubi is supported on your device.
5. Haystack News
If you mainly want news on your Smart TV, Haystack News is another app worth checking where supported.
Google lists Haystack News among the providers that can offer free live TV channels through compatible Google TV experiences.
As with other streaming apps, content and availability can vary by location.
6. Samsung TV Plus
Owners of compatible Samsung Smart TVs should check whether Samsung TV Plus is available in their region.
Samsung TV Plus is Samsung's free, ad-supported television service. On supported devices and in supported markets, it provides categories such as news, entertainment, sports, and other programming.
Because it is integrated into compatible Samsung TVs, you may not need an external streaming device to access it.
7. LG Channels
LG Smart TV owners can also check LG Channels.
LG Channels is a free streaming service available on compatible LG televisions in supported regions, offering live channels and on-demand programming.
On compatible webOS televisions, it can be accessed directly from the TV interface.
Best Free Apps for Samsung Smart TV
Samsung Smart TVs provide an Apps section where you can search for compatible applications.
Good apps and services to check include:
- YouTube
- Plex
- Samsung TV Plus where supported
- Other free streaming services available in your regional Samsung app store
Samsung notes that available apps can differ by country or region.
How to Install Apps on Samsung Smart TV
- Press the Home button on your Samsung remote.
- Open Apps.
- Select the Search icon.
- Enter the name of the app.
- Select the app from the search results.
- Select Install.
The exact interface may vary depending on your Samsung TV model and software version.
Best Free Apps for LG Smart TV
LG televisions running webOS have their own app ecosystem.
Apps and services worth checking include:
- YouTube
- Plex where available
- LG Channels where supported
- Other free apps available through your TV's Apps or LG Content Store interface
LG states that app availability can vary according to country, product, region, and TV model.
How to Install Apps on LG Smart TV
- Press Home on the LG remote.
- Open Apps.
- Select the Search icon.
- Enter the app name.
- Choose the correct app.
- Select Install.
If you cannot find an app, it may not support your particular webOS version, television model, or region.
Best Free Apps for Google TV
Google TV offers a broad selection of apps through its app ecosystem.
Depending on your region, useful free options can include:
- YouTube
- Plex
- Pluto TV
- Tubi
- Haystack News
In the United States, Google TV also provides Google TV Freeplay with free live channels on supported devices.
How to Install Apps on Google TV
- Open the Google TV home screen.
- Go to the Apps section or use Search.
- Search for the app you want.
- Open its app page.
- Select Install.
Best Free Apps for Android TV
Android TV also supports a wide range of entertainment apps.
Depending on your device and country, you may find services such as YouTube, Plex, Pluto TV, Tubi, and other streaming apps.
Google also integrates compatible live-TV providers into parts of the Android TV experience on supported devices and in supported regions.
Samsung TV Plus vs LG Channels
Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels have a similar goal: giving compatible TV owners access to free streaming channels and programming without requiring a traditional paid TV subscription.
The main difference is the ecosystem.
- Samsung TV Plus is designed for supported Samsung devices.
- LG Channels is integrated with supported LG Smart TVs.
Channel availability and supported devices vary by country and model.
Are Free Smart TV Apps Really Free?
Many Smart TV apps can be downloaded at no cost, but "free app" can mean different things.
An app may be:
- Completely free to use
- Free and supported by advertising
- Free to download but offer optional premium features
- Free to download but require a separate subscription for some content
Always check the app's information before signing up for an optional paid service.
Why Can't I Find an App on My Smart TV?
An app appearing on one television does not guarantee that it will appear on another.
Possible reasons include:
- The app is not available in your country.
- Your TV model is not supported.
- Your operating system version is too old.
- The service has discontinued support for older televisions.
- The app is available on another Smart TV platform but not yours.
Use your television's official app store or manufacturer support pages to verify compatibility.
Can You Install Any Android App on a Smart TV?
No.
Samsung Tizen and LG webOS are different platforms from Android TV and Google TV. An Android phone app therefore cannot automatically be installed on every Smart TV.
Even on Google TV or Android TV, you should use applications designed and officially available for your television whenever possible.
How to Keep Smart TV Apps Running Smoothly
If your apps have become slow, try restarting the TV, checking for software updates, removing unused apps, and making sure your internet connection is stable.
For a complete walkthrough, read our 12 ways to speed up a slow Smart TV .
If apps cannot connect to the internet, see our Smart TV Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide .
Which Smart TV Platform Has the Most Apps?
The number and selection of apps changes over time and also depends on location, so choosing a television based only on an advertised app count is not always useful.
Instead, check whether the specific services you actually use are available on the TV before buying it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free apps for Smart TV?
YouTube and Plex are useful starting points, while services such as Pluto TV, Tubi, and Haystack News provide additional free content in supported regions. Samsung and LG also provide their own free TV services on compatible devices in selected markets.
Can I watch free TV on a Samsung Smart TV?
Compatible Samsung TVs in supported regions can access Samsung TV Plus, Samsung's free ad-supported TV service.
Does LG Smart TV have free channels?
LG Channels provides free live and on-demand streaming on compatible LG TVs in supported regions.
Does Google TV have free channels?
Google provides free live-TV options on compatible devices in supported markets. In the United States, Google TV Freeplay is integrated into Google TV, while compatible third-party providers can add additional free channels.
Do I need an account for every free TV app?
Not necessarily. Requirements differ between services. Some can be used without a paid subscription, while others may ask you to create a free account for certain features.
Why are some Smart TV apps unavailable in my country?
Streaming rights, platform support, local regulations, and service availability can differ between countries. This is why the app selection on two otherwise similar Smart TVs may not be identical.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to fill your Smart TV with dozens of apps.
Start with the services you will actually use. YouTube is a strong general-purpose choice, Plex adds useful streaming and personal-media features, and free ad-supported services such as Pluto TV and Tubi can expand your entertainment options where available.
Samsung and LG owners should also check Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels, respectively, if those services are supported in their region.
For more television guides, visit the Smart TV section on Radar Next.
You can also browse our Apps section for more useful applications and software guides.