If you’re using Android TV, you may rely heavily on Google Play to access your favorite apps. While this platform offers an extensive collection of applications, there are times when you may find it lacking—especially when it comes to region-restricted content or apps that have been banned in certain areas. Fortunately, a plethora of third-party app stores are available that can help you expand your app library far beyond what Google Play can offer. Below, we explore the top alternatives to Google Play that are fully compatible with Android TV versions 8 and up.
How to Install Third-Party Apps on Android TV
Before we get started on the list of alternative app stores, it’s crucial to know how to install third-party applications on your Android TV, a process commonly referred to as “sideloading.”For this process to work effectively, you need to ensure that Google Play Store is already set up on your Android TV.
Once your Google Play account is active, download a TV-friendly browser. I recommend this one, but feel free to choose any that fits your needs. Use this browser to search for APK files from various stores. They are easy to download; simply press Open after the download completes.
This method allows you to explore diverse Google Play alternatives to enhance your Android TV experience.
1. F-Droid
F-Droid stands out as one of the best-organized third-party app stores, ensuring compatibility with smart TVs of any resolution. You can easily download the official APK file through your TV browser.
What sets F-Droid apart is its open-source approach and its association with LibreOffice. It boasts a variety of useful tools. For example, “FakeTraveler” helps you mask your TV’s location, while “BLE Manager” manages your Bluetooth LE devices. If you’re interested in checking nearby wireless networks, “NeoStumbler” is an excellent choice.
It’s worth noting that your TV manufacturer may alert you about potential issues when using third-party APKs, such as compatibility problems. However, apps from F-Droid work impressively well on your TV, making it a reliable choice.
2. Uptodown
Uptodown prioritizes security, ensuring that all apps are scanned for malware before they appear on the platform. With around 100, 000 apps available, it may not have the vast library of some competitors, but what it offers is both useful and crucial.
If you’ve encountered bans on popular apps like TikTok or its alternatives such as Lemon8, Uptodown is your trusted source for obtaining these applications without geo-restrictions.
Many apps you find here are also present on Google Play, including popular applications like WhatsApp, Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube. Although the user experience may vary slightly from apps downloaded via Google Play, Uptodown strives to deliver reliable performance.
3. GetJar
Promoting itself as “the world’s biggest open app store, ” GetJar delivers a broad spectrum of applications for multiple platforms including iOS, Mac, and Windows. Although some of the available APKs might feel a bit outdated, they will still function on your Android TV.
Founded in 2004, GetJar predates even the Apple App Store. It offers easy navigation and an extensive collection of apps and games, ranging from Minecraft to Roblox, providing endless entertainment options right on your TV.
4. Aptoide
With an impressive library of 1 million apps, Aptoide is a worthy contender to Google Play. This fully open-source app store allows users to access it without creating an account, making it accessible for Android TV users.
Aptoide TV excels in offering streaming and entertainment applications that you won’t necessarily find in the Google Play ecosystem. Instead of downloading an APK, apps can be directly installed on your Android TV, ensuring a seamless user experience akin to that of Google Play.
5. APKPure
If you’re looking for a light footprint on your Android TV, APKPure requires no prior installation to access the app store. This feature allows you to quickly download and install applications without cluttering your TV’s memory with unnecessary files.
APKPure is particularly effective for those seeking older versions of apps, which may consume fewer resources or offer compatibility with older devices. The platform maintains historical versions of many applications, allowing easy access without any hassle.
6. TapTap
Touted as the ultimate platform for gamers, TapTap offers a vast array of the latest games across multiple genres. It’s compatible with various gaming consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation, making it a paradise for gaming enthusiasts.
This store is especially ideal for gamers using Android TV, as it offers a unique ecosystem distinct from Google Play. Currently, TapTap features nearly 120, 000 games, allowing users to bypass geographical content restrictions while enjoying community-driven content with user support available in multiple languages.
7.9Apps
To close our list, we have 9Apps, emerging as a go-to alternative for Android TV users. This lightweight app store is characterized by its swift download speeds and requires no account creation—just download and start using.
Given that many Android TV models come with limited storage, 9Apps simplifies the situation with a built-in file manager that allows easy downloads and file access. You also gain cloud access to multimedia content, like wallpapers and high-definition videos, enhancing your overall experience.
If you’re a new owner of an Android TV, you might be wondering about the apps to install. Check out our curated list of the best apps available for Android TV to maximize your device’s potential!
Image credit: Imagen 3. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are third-party app stores safe to use on Android TV?
While third-party app stores can offer a wider selection of apps, they carry some risks. Always opt for well-reviewed stores like F-Droid or Uptodown, and enable security settings on your TV to protect against potential malware.
2. How do I ensure compatibility for sideloaded apps?
To maximize compatibility, always check that the apps you are downloading are designed for Android TV. Reading user reviews and checking app specifications can help identify functionality issues before downloading.
3. Can I revert back to Google Play after using third-party stores?
Yes, you can continue to use Google Play alongside third-party stores. There is no conflict between the two, allowing you to switch back and forth as needed for a varied app experience.
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