Top 5 Must-Have Android TV Apps in June 2025

Top 5 Android TV Apps to Try in June 2025 [Updated Guide]

Android TV apps can change how you enjoy your screen time, bringing more value and fun to your living room. In June 2025, the best apps focus on popularity, ease of use, solid features, and high user ratings. We’ve picked five apps that stand out because they offer smooth performance and new updates that make them worth installing. Whether you’re after entertainment, productivity, or smart home control, these picks will help you get the most from your Android TV.

Streaming Essentials: Netflix

When it comes to Android TV apps in 2025, Netflix remains a top choice. It’s not just about the vast library anymore; Netflix has refined its app experience on Android TV to bring you closer to your favorite shows and movies with added convenience and better visuals. Here’s a look into what makes Netflix an essential app this June, from fresh features that enhance navigation to a diverse content lineup packed with originals and classics.

Latest Features of Netflix on Android TV

Netflix recently rolled out an updated interface designed specifically for smart TVs, including Android TV devices. This update brings several welcome improvements that make browsing and watching content easier and more enjoyable:

Personalized Recommendations Upfront: Netflix’s algorithm now places tailored picks right on the home screen, so you spend less time searching and more time watching. These recommendations adapt quickly based on your viewing habits.
Voice Control Compatibility: The app integrates smoothly with Google Assistant and other voice control systems on your Android TV. This means you can say commands like “Play The Witcher” or “Show me comedies” to start streaming instantly without lifting a finger.
Enhanced 4K Streaming Support: For those with compatible TVs and internet speeds, Netflix has improved its 4K HDR streaming quality, offering sharper images and richer colors that showcase cinematic details better than before.
Simplified Navigation: The new layout moves key functions like “Search” and “My List” to the top of the screen, making them more visible and easier to access. This reduces the hassle of digging through menus to find what you want.

These refinements ensure Netflix fits perfectly into any Android TV setup while improving your overall viewing experience.

Photo by John-Mark Smith

Content Variety and Originals

One strength Netflix has maintained over the years is its extensive and varied content library, much of which is exclusive. On Android TV, it’s perfect for streaming everything from the latest blockbusters to indie gems without leaving your couch.

Here’s what you can expect:

Popular Series and Movies: Netflix constantly updates its roster with hits like Stranger Things, The Crown, and countless licensed films across all genres. Whether you crave gritty dramas, sharp comedies, or thrilling documentaries, there’s something for every mood.
Exclusive Originals: Netflix originals remain a huge draw. Shows like Squid Game, Bridgerton, and The Witcher are only available here, giving you access to trendsetting content that sparks conversation worldwide.
Diverse Genres and International Content: From Korean dramas to European thrillers and animated series for kids, Netflix embraces variety to appeal to global audiences. This broad selection is perfect for Android TV users who want options beyond mainstream Hollywood.
Special Features for Android TV: Browsing Netflix’s categories is streamlined, with dedicated rows highlighting genres like “Reality & Variety Shows” or “Award-Winning Originals,” making it easy to find something new or revisit favorites.

For Android TV owners in 2025, Netflix continues to deliver a content experience that’s not just vast but curated carefully to keep viewers hooked, all within a user-friendly app that plays beautifully on big screens.

For more details on the latest Netflix app updates, check out Netflix’s official announcement.

To explore Netflix’s exclusive titles and diverse genres, visit Netflix Originals and Collections.

Live TV and News: Sling TV

Sling TV continues to be a top pick for anyone wanting live TV and current news on their Android TV. In 2025, it stands out by offering a broad channel lineup with flexible packages that fit different budgets and preferences. It balances solid sports, news, and entertainment options with easy-to-use customization, making it a favorite for cord-cutters who want control without complexity.

Channel Lineup and Customization

Sling TV appeals to viewers thanks to its wide range of channels grouped into simple packages. You can start as low as around $35.99 monthly for a base package and add channels or specialty packs depending on your interests.

Here’s how the lineup shapes up:

Core Packages: Sling Orange and Sling Blue cover most needs. Orange is great for entertainment and lifestyle channels, while Blue focuses more on news and sports.
Add-Ons: You can customize by adding sports, kids, news, or international packages. This lets you tailor Sling TV without paying for channels you won’t watch.
Local and News Options: You get access to top news networks like CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC, plus local channels in select markets.
On-Demand and DVR: Besides live TV, Sling includes thousands of movies and shows on demand, plus 50 hours of DVR storage to save your favorite broadcasts.

This modular approach gives you a mix-and-match feel. If you want to boost your channels during major sports seasons or avoid premium fees for news-only content, Sling makes it easy to switch things up without hassle.

Learn more about Sling’s channels and plans on their official lineup page Sling TV Channel Lineup.

User Experience and Interface Updates

This year, Sling TV has improved navigation and streaming quality on Android TV, enhancing how you find and watch content.

Key improvements include:

Smoother Navigation: The interface is now more responsive and cleaner, with a simple menu that puts live TV, on-demand titles, and DVR recordings front and center.
Search and Guide: You can quickly find shows and channels with better search tools and an easy-to-read program guide.
Streaming Quality: Sling boosted its video playback to support higher bitrates where available, smoothing out buffering for HD and 4K streams.
Multiple Streams: Depending on your package, you can watch simultaneous live streams on multiple devices, perfect for households with different tastes.

These upgrades make catching live events or the evening news feel less like hunting and more like tuning in. The app feels tailored for big screens, making it convenient no matter what you want to watch.

If you want to dive deeper into features and supported devices for Android TV, check out Sling’s official page on streaming on Google TV and Android devices: Stream Live TV on Android.

Photo by Lisa from Pexels

Media Player Powerhouse: VLC for Android TV

When it comes to a media player that handles just about any format and streaming option with ease, VLC for Android TV is a leading choice. It’s the go-to app for users who want full control over their video and audio playback without fuss. Whether you have a collection of files saved locally or want to stream content directly from a network, VLC delivers a reliable and flexible experience on the big screen.

Format Support and Streaming Features

VLC shines in its ability to play nearly every type of media file you throw at it. From common formats like MP4, MKV, and AVI to less typical ones such as FLAC or MOV, VLC keeps you covered. This broad compatibility means no more hunting for converter tools or worrying about codec support. VLC also supports:

Local playback of all popular video and audio formats
Network streams through protocols like HTTP, RTSP, and MMS
Access to media stored on network shares or drives (including FTP, SMB, and UPnP)
Playback of DVD ISOs and even some Blu-ray formats

Its streaming capabilities make VLC a powerful tool beyond just local files. You can connect to streaming servers or watch broadcast streams without additional software. This flexibility fits well with Android TV users who want an all-in-one player to handle media from various sources.

VLC’s open-source nature ensures it receives frequent updates for new formats and performance improvements. For the latest version and downloads, you can visit the official VLC for Android page on Google Play.

User Interface and Accessibility Enhancements

VLC has adapted impressively to the Android TV environment, where usability with a remote control and big-screen clarity matter the most. Recent updates focus on making the app friendlier and easier for everyone to navigate, including:

Simplified menus: Clear and readable options that don’t clutter the screen or slow down browsing.
Improved remote control support: Navigation works smoothly with directional buttons and voice commands on compatible devices.
Customizable subtitles: Change font size, color, and style easily for better visibility depending on your screen setup and viewing distance.
Picture-in-Picture mode: Watch videos while browsing other content or using other apps on Android TV.

These improvements make VLC more than just a powerful media engine—they turn it into a convenient, user-friendly hub for watching your media collection and streams with little hassle.

Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki

With its unmatched format support and thoughtful interface upgrades, VLC remains a must-have app on Android TV for anyone serious about versatile and reliable media playback. If you’re looking to play everything in your media library or stream with few limits, VLC is the app to have ready on your home screen.

Fitness and Wellness: Peloton App

If you’re looking to bring your workout routine into your living room with an app that does it all, the Peloton app on Android TV fits the bill. It shines by offering more than just cycling classes — it’s a full suite of workouts that can suit your mood, goals, and energy level any day of the week. The large screen experience makes following along easy, while its features keep you engaged and motivated. Let’s break down what you can expect.

Workout Programs and Classes Available

The Peloton app delivers a wide range of classes that fit every fitness level. Whether you want to snap in your shoes for a high-energy cycling session or relax into a stretch after a long day, there’s something designed just for you. Here’s a quick look at what you get:

Cycling: From beginner rides to advanced climbs, these classes come with motivating instructors and scenic routes. The app provides leaderboard tracking, so you can challenge yourself or others.
Running and Walking: Use your treadmill or hit the floor with classes for all paces. Guided runs with live coaching focus on improving technique and endurance.
Strength Training: Bodyweight workouts or sessions with dumbbells let you build muscle and tone. Peloton offers targeted workouts like core, upper body, and full-body circuits.
Yoga and Meditation: Classes for flexibility, balance, and mindfulness help you unwind and improve recovery. They range from quick stretches to longer, soothing flows.
Cardio and Bootcamp: High-intensity training that blends cardio, strength, and core work keeps your heart pounding and calories burning.
Stretching and Mobility: Gentle sessions to help with muscle soreness, improve movement, and reduce injury risk.

You don’t need special equipment for many workouts, making it easy to jump in anytime. Plus, the variety keeps your routine fresh, so workouts never feel like a chore.

Interactive Features and User Engagement

Peloton doesn’t just drop a workout and say good luck. Its interactive features bring your fitness journey to life and help you stay consistent and connected.

Live Metrics and Performance Tracking: See your heart rate, output, cadence, and calories burned in real-time on screen. Tracking these stats helps you push harder and celebrate progress.
Leaderboard and Challenges: Compete with peers or friends on the leaderboard. This friendly competition often sparks extra motivation to hit new personal bests.
Custom Profiles and Goals: Set weekly goals and track your achievements using detailed stats. The app adapts to your progress and recommends workouts accordingly.
Community Engagement: Join groups, follow favorite instructors, and participate in challenges or themed events. This social aspect turns working out into a shared journey instead of a solo grind.
On-Demand and Live Classes: Choose when and how to work out with a rich library of recorded classes or jump into live sessions for the energy of a studio environment.
Bluetooth Device Integration: Connect heart rate monitors, smart bikes, treadmills, and other gear for seamless data syncing and enhanced experience.

The Peloton app’s hands-on approach to engagement makes it feel like you have a personal coach at your side, even if you’re miles from a gym.

Photo by Pok Rie

For a detailed view of Peloton’s classes and app features, check out Peloton App: Your on-demand fitness companion. This site offers insights into how you can use the app with your TV and other devices.

Home Automation and Entertainment: Plex

Plex is a powerful app that turns your Android TV into a personal media center. It’s designed to handle all your movies, TV shows, music, and photos, making it easier to find and enjoy your media anytime. Beyond just playing content, Plex helps organize your collection with smart tags, artwork, and metadata that make browsing a joy. Plus, it fits nicely into smart home setups, making your entertainment experience richer and more connected.

Media Library Management and Streaming

Managing a large collection of movies, TV shows, photos, and music can get overwhelming. Plex simplifies this by scanning your files and sorting them in a clean, appealing interface. Instead of hunting through folders, you get a beautifully organized library where everything is at your fingertips.

Key benefits include:

Automatic organization: Plex pulls metadata like cover art, descriptions, cast info, and ratings to make your media look professional and easy to navigate.
Multiple media types: Whether it’s your favorite movie, that special photo album, or playlists, Plex handles all seamlessly.
Cross-device streaming: Start watching on your Android TV, then pick up on your phone or tablet without missing a beat.
Offline downloads: Save content for offline viewing so your media is available even without internet access.
Remote access: Stream your media library from anywhere using your Plex account, perfect for when you want to entertain on the go or share with family.

Plex turns your Android TV into a hub where all your personal entertainment lives, ready to enjoy with just a few clicks.

Explore more about how Plex organizes and streams your media collection on their official page: Your Media – Plex.

Integration with Other Smart Home Devices

Plex doesn’t stop at organizing and streaming your media; it connects well with today’s smart home systems. If you already use a voice assistant or smart devices, Plex adds entertainment control to your smart ecosystem.

Here’s how it works:

Voice assistant support: Plex integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, letting you use voice commands like “Play Stranger Things on Plex” or “Pause the movie” without the remote.
Home automation: Plex clients show up as media devices in platforms like Home Assistant, enabling you to build automation around your media. For example, dimming your smart lights when you start a movie.
Multi-room streaming: Compatible smart speakers and devices can play Plex content, so your favorite music or podcasts can follow you around the house.
Smart device compatibility: Plex works with a wide range of devices, including Sonos speakers, Caavo hubs, and smart TVs, allowing you to extend your media experience across your home devices.

Connecting Plex to your smart home is simple and puts entertainment control right alongside your lighting, security, and other smart systems. It’s about making your living room more intuitive and fun to use.

Learn more details about Plex’s smart device support here: Plex Apps and Devices.

Photo by Kaboompics.com

Conclusion

The top five Android TV apps for June 2025 each bring something valuable to your living room, from streaming favorites and live TV to fitness and smart home control. These apps offer reliable performance and features that match today’s viewer needs. Installing them will make your TV experience more enjoyable, convenient, and tailored to your lifestyle. Keep exploring new updates and apps to get the most from your Android TV and stay ahead of what’s next. Thanks for reading—feel free to share which apps you’re trying or any favorites you think should be on everyone’s list.