Samsung Smart TVs, although, don’t run your traditional Android TV OS but it still manages fairly well with Tizen OS. However, limited, it still has plenty of apps and tricks up its bezels to keep you entertained. I have made a list of all the best apps to try on your Samsung Smart TV.
Instead of compiling a list of media streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, VUDU, etc, which I assume you’d already be using. I’ll focus more on the apps which bring something new to the table and take advantage of the Smart TVÂ features. Let’s begin.
How to install apps on Samsung Smart TV
Samsung TV can only download apps via the Samsung Apps Store, there is no link which you can click to easily install so you’ll have to manually navigate to the Apps Store and search for the app by its name.
Go to Samsung Smart hub > Apps > Search bar > App Name > Install.
Best Samsung Smart TV Apps
1. SmartThings
SmartThings is the first app that you should download after buying a Samsung Smart TV. You install this app on your smartphone instead of the TV, and it does a lot of cool things such as turning your smartphone into a remote. If you own a Samsung smartphone then you can route the audio of your TV to the smartphone with a tap of a button and not just that, you can also mirror your phone’s screen to the TV itself.
Install SmartThings (Android | iOS)
2. Apple TV
Apple extended its TV app to Samsung Smart TVs which enabled users to watch all their favorite shows and movies seamlessly across devices. Now, you don’t need to buy an Apple TV device, the app works just fine. It would also support the upcoming streaming service Apple TV+. However, you won’t be able to run any games or apps within the Apple TV app on the Samsung Smart TV. All the 2019 and a few 2018 Samsung TV models will support the app.
- FHD/HD 4, 5 Series (2018)
- QLED 4K Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9 Series (2018 & 2019)
- QLED 8K Q9 Series (2019)
- The Frame Series (2018 & 2019)
- The Serif Series (2019)
- UHD 6, 7, 8 Series (2018 & 2019)
3. Steam Link
If you frequently play Steam games on your PC then Steam Link would be the perfect reason to get up from your chair and take your gaming to the bigger screen. Samsung Smart TVs (2016 and later models) support Steam Link and you just have to install the app from the Samsung Apps Store. It will allow you to seamlessly mirror the games running on your PC to the Samsung Smart TV. The best part is that you can connect any Bluetooth Controller to the TV to navigate and control the games. Sweet.
4. Smart View
Smart View app is just like SmartThings app but for older versions of Smart TVs by Samsung. It works with all the Smart TVs manufactured from 2011 to 2016 and lets you stream content to the bigger screen from your smartphone. Simply install the app on your phone and connect all the devices to the same WiFi network to seamlessly cast your media to the TV.
Install Smart View (Android)
5. Facebook Watch
Facebook has been pushing for videos for a while and you can watch that catalog on your Samsung TV with the Facebook Watch app. It isn’t like your regular Facebook app that you use on your Android and iOS smartphones and its only purpose is to show you videos. You can, however, search Facebook and find all the public videos.
6. Gallery
Gallery app, although, comes preloaded on the Samsung Smart TV, you still have to enable sync on your smartphone to actually view the images and videos on the TV. To make things secure and private, your Gallery app on the TV is protected behind a PIN so that no one can randomly access it.
To sync all the files to your TV, go to Gallery app Settings on your Samsung Smartphone, toggle sync with Samsung Cloud and wait for it to sync.
7. Spotify
Spotify is full of hidden features and you can use it with almost any device including your Smart TV. It is available as a standalone app and you can either use it like that or control the music from your phone, computer, or even a smartwatch seamlessly.
8. Plex
Plex is a client-server application that streamlines your media content over the network (and outside) and if you’ve set up the server at your home then it only makes sense to install a client app on the Samsung Smart TV. The Plex app for Samsung TV works just like any other Plex client app and lets you stream videos, movies, audio, images, and your favorite subscription services.
9. Tune Station
Tune Station turns your Samsung Smart TV into a virtual speaker system. It basically lets you play music from a USB drive which means if you have a collection of songs stored on a flash drive, you can simply plug it to the back of the TV and play the music on the TV.
10. 2048 Maniac
I can not stress enough how much I like the game 2048 and all of its variations. Samsung TV apps store has a few casual games which are fun to kill some time and 2048 is one the best among those. The rules are simple, merge tiles with the same value until you reach the tile 2048.
Alternatively, I’ll also recommend checking out Lunar Lander. It can be played with the TV remote. Your objective is to land the lunar module using the arrow keys, it’s good fun for five whole minutes.
Best Samsung Smart TV Apps
These were my picks for the best apps that you should install on your Samsung Smart TV. If you don’t see any of the apps on this list on your Samsung TV app store then it is probably not available in your country. Smart TVs are still relatively new and evolving so we might get even better apps in the future. However, if I missed any awesome app do let me know in the comments below.
