My go-to Android TV streaming apps after trying nearly all of them

My Go-To Android TV Streaming Apps After Trying Nearly All of Them

When I first turned on my Android TV, I was overwhelmed by a screen filled with countless icons and streaming services. They all promised endless entertainment, but most turned out to be poorly optimized phone ports that ran terribly on a TV screen. Crashes, lag, and awkward interfaces made using them frustrating.

After testing dozens of Android TV apps, I created my own curated list of reliable options. This list isn’t about which service offers the best content — it’s about apps that actually work well, perform smoothly, and feel made for TV use.

Netflix: The Benchmark for Android TV Streaming

The Netflix app remains the gold standard for streaming on Android TV. It's smooth, fast, and responsive.

Netflix sets the example for how a streaming app should behave. Its interface is designed specifically for remote control navigation, avoiding the clunky feel of mobile ports. Over years of use, it has proven remarkably stable, with only a few crashes ever occurring. Streams load quickly and resume instantly if interrupted.

Though the Premium plan costs about $25 per month, its reliability and refined experience make it a fair price for people who want a seamless viewing experience without technical issues. In many ways, Netflix acts as the benchmark other apps should strive to meet.

Max: The Opposite Experience

If Netflix represents the best of Android TV optimization, Max stands at the opposite end of the spectrum. Its performance issues and unstable interface highlight exactly what happens when a platform isn’t built with TV users in mind.

Author’s summary: After extensive testing, only a few Android TV apps stood out for their speed, usability, and stability — with Netflix clearly leading the pack.

Android Police — 2025-11-07