There are hundreds of Samsung apps available for Samsung Smart TVs; however, which apps are the most important ones?
Smart TVs include the most apparent streaming video applications—Netflix, Vudu, Amazon, and Hulu—but there are many more available for your television. The variety of available applications might surprise you. While some apps provide essential information (e.g., news, weather, education), others are merely entertaining.
Having tested numerous top-tier Samsung televisions, we have compiled a list of the most entertaining Samsung TV apps for the platform, including documentaries, sports, movies, and television shows.
Listed below are our picks for the best Samsung smart TV apps currently available for download on your new Samsung Smart TV. You can find an exhaustive list of all apps accessible on Samsung’s website; however, our compilation saved you some time.
The items on this list may assist you in determining which ones you wish to try.
Contents
Top 6 Best Samsung Smart TV Apps
The Roku Channel
Pros ✅ABC and Newsy offer 24/7 live news. ✅ Sports are broadcast live from the stadium. ✅ There are numerous free films and television shows. ✅ Television programs and films are added weekly. | Cons ❌ Content advertises. ❌ TV and movies need to be updated. ❌ No 4K video. ❌ It may only work on 2015+ Samsung Smart TVs. |
Additionally, Roku provides a proprietary streaming application for select Samsung TVs and other devices, in addition to its widely recognized streaming sticks, boxes, and smart TVs. Live news and sports, in addition to previous blockbuster films and television series, are among the free content made available via a “Netflix-like” onscreen interface via the Roku Channel on Samsung televisions.
Vimeo
Pros ✅ There are a lot of original videos. ✅ Rent and buy movies through its On Demand feature. | Cons ❌ It has a sparse interface. ❌ Videos don’t provide much information. |
Although YouTube is widely viewed, it is not the only collection of freely available, user-generated video content. Vimeo provides access to thousands of videos contributed by aspiring amateur filmmakers and other sources. Staff recommendations from Vimeo are the ideal place to begin. Music videos, brief documentaries, comedies, and more are included in the categories.
PLEX
Pros ✅ Watch podcasts and web programs. ✅ Add videos, music, photographs, and more. ✅ User-friendly interface. | Cons ❌ Membership is required for movies and TV. ❌ Some videos buffer. |
PLEX allows you to arrange your content in a manner that facilitates effortless access on your Samsung smart TV. This will enable you to stream any media file stored on your computer that is compatible with the format of your television. Ensure that the PLEX media server software is installed on your computer and the PLEX app is installed on your television. After installing the media server and application, you are prepared to proceed.
An upgraded version of the program, PLEX Premium ($4.99 monthly, $39.99 annually, $119.99 lifetime), is available for a fee. This allows you to stream and record live television on your computer or in the cloud (requires an antenna, a tuner, and compatible mobile devices to synchronize content).
UltraFlix
Pros ✅ Automatic rating system. ✅ Considerable variety of gratis films to view. | Cons ❌ Lack of surround sound support. ❌ Exclusive to the United States, Canada, and Europe. |
Visit UltraFlix if you have a Samsung 4K Ultra HD TV and are capable of streaming in 4K to access a variety of paid and complimentary 4K content. Many films are available for rental at $4.99, typically with a viewing window of 48 hours. Periodically, content offerings, some of which are in HDR, are modified. A broadband speed of 4mbps to 5mbps is sufficient.
Facebook Watch
Pros ✅ Watch a wide variety of video content. ✅ There are easy-to-navigate categories for videos. ✅ Access to your existing Facebook account | Cons ❌ Poor Facebook Original material, largely user uploads and outside sources. ❌ No premium subscriptions. |
Facebook Watch could be a worthwhile application to consider if you frequently engage with user-uploaded videos and live news feeds on the social media platform Facebook.
Facebook Watch, like Instagram Video and YouTube, enables you to view user-generated videos on your Samsung large-screen television. Live Videos, Videos You’ve Shared, Videos Shared by Friends, Videos You’ve Uploaded, Videos from Pages You Follow, Facebook Watch Originals, and additional categories are organized for simple navigation. Additionally, there are numerous live news channels available, sourced from ABC News, the Los Angeles Times, and Bloomberg, in addition to live gaming and select live sports events.
Max (Formerly HBO Max)
Pros ✅ There is no need to subscribe to cable or satellite. ✅ All HBO programming and movies are available. ✅ A basic subscription is low-cost if you can live with limited ads. | Cons ❌ The live cable feed from HBO is not duplicated. ❌ A premium subscription is required to view ad-free content. |
HBO is accessible without a cable or satellite subscription. By subscribing to Max, one can access all of HBO’s most popular programs and films through the internet on their Samsung Smart TV. This is your opportunity to watch Game of Thrones, or Our Flag Means Death if you have yet to do so.
Netflix
Netflix has been the benchmark for online video streaming services for nearly a decade, ever since it pioneered the entire industry.
In addition to its substantial catalog of pre-existing television programs and films, Netflix is making significant investments in its exclusive productions, such as Bojack Horseman, Stranger Things, Sex Education, and Black Mirror.
Netflix is the largest streaming service in terms of pure quantity of content; however, there are substantial differences between the UK and US stores in terms of the content available – Disney Plus may have removed some of the most exceptional gems from its library.
There is no better starting point for those who are new to video streaming than the Netflix smart TV app. For some inspiration, see our roundup of the greatest shows on Netflix.
Hulu
In 2017, Hulu implemented a revision of its subscription tiers, bringing the service in alignment with Amazon Prime and Netflix. In the past, the platform featured two levels: a complimentary service accompanied by advertisements and featuring a restricted collection of content and a paid service that provides a more extensive assortment, albeit with the continued presence of ads.
At this time, Hulu offers three tiers for subscriptions: one at a reduced cost that retains commercials, one at a higher price that eliminates them, and the Hulu with Live TV bundle that provides on-demand content plus select live TV channels with limited commercials.
However, Hulu’s exclusive programming, which includes The Mindy Project, Bob’s Burgers, and The Handmaid’s Tale, is what truly convinces us to subscribe. A small number of episodes and series will continue to display advertisements, even if you subscribe to the premium tier of the service, irrespective of which level you upgrade to.
The Take Away
In the end, the best Samsung Smart TV app is the one that enriches your viewing experience and corresponds with your entertainment inclinations. With this curated list at your disposal, you can now investigate and uncover the ideal applications that will convert your Samsung Smart TV into a specialized entertainment center.
FAQs:
Q1: Are these apps compatible with all Samsung Smart TVs?
- Compatibility may vary based on the release year of your Samsung Smart TV. Some apps, like The Roku Channel, may have specific requirements, and it’s recommended to check the compatibility list for each app on Samsung’s official website.
Q2: Do these apps require a subscription fee?
- The majority of the apps listed offer free content, but some may have premium features or require a subscription for access to certain movies, TV shows, or additional functionalities. It’s advisable to review the terms and conditions of each app to understand any associated costs.
Q3: Can I access Facebook Watch on my Samsung Smart TV?
- Yes, Facebook Watch is available for Samsung Smart TVs, providing users with access to a variety of user-generated videos, live news feeds, and other content available on the social media platform.
Q4: How do I install these apps on my Samsung Smart TV?
- Most apps can be downloaded directly from the Samsung Smart TV’s app store. Navigate to the app store on your TV, search for the desired app, and follow the onscreen instructions to install it.
Q5: Are there any 4K streaming options for Samsung Smart TVs?
- Yes, UltraFlix is specifically mentioned as an app that provides access to a variety of paid and complimentary 4K content. However, it’s important to note that 4K streaming capabilities may be limited to certain regions.
Q6: What makes HBO Max stand out among streaming services?
- HBO Max offers a comprehensive selection of HBO programming and movies without the need for a cable or satellite subscription. While a basic subscription may include limited ads, a premium subscription is available for an ad-free viewing experience.