Smart TV App
App for smart TVs
What is Smart TV App?
Smart TV App Feature Summary
1. FEATURE OVERVIEW
The Smart TV App feature refers to native applications that streaming services provide for popular Smart TV platforms like Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Sony Android TV, Roku TV, and others. These dedicated apps are specifically designed for television interfaces, allowing users to stream content directly on their TV without needing additional devices like streaming sticks or set-top boxes.
Smart TV apps are optimized for remote control navigation and large screen viewing, featuring simplified interfaces with larger text and buttons. They typically support the full range of streaming quality available from the service, including HD, 4K, and HDR content where supported by both the service and TV hardware.
2. WHAT YOU NEED
To use Smart TV apps, you need:
- Compatible Smart TV: A Smart TV from major brands (Samsung 2017+, LG 2018+, Sony Android TV, etc.)
- Internet Connection: Stable broadband connection (minimum 5 Mbps for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K)
- Active Subscription: Valid account with the streaming service
- TV Software Updates: Latest firmware installed on your Smart TV
- Regional Availability: Some apps may be limited to specific countries or regions
Not all streaming services are available on every Smart TV platform. Smaller or niche services often have limited Smart TV support compared to major platforms like Netflix or YouTube.
3. REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES
Premium Implementation: Services like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video offer apps on virtually every Smart TV platform with features like voice search, 4K HDR streaming, user profiles, and seamless integration with smart home devices.
Mid-Tier Coverage: Services like Discovery+ and Apple TV+ provide apps on major platforms (Samsung, LG, Sony) with good performance and most core features, though availability may be limited on older TV models.
Limited Support: Niche services like Arrow Player or GuideDoc may only be available on select platforms, often with basic functionality and occasional performance issues.
Add-on Benefits: Services available as Amazon Prime Video add-ons (like MGM+ or Paramount+) benefit from Prime Video's excellent Smart TV infrastructure, often providing better performance than their standalone apps.
4. HOW WE SCORE THIS FEATURE
Our scoring methodology evaluates Smart TV app implementation across several key factors:
Excellent (9-10/10): Services with comprehensive platform coverage, reliable performance, and premium features. Examples include YouTube (universal availability), Amazon Prime Video (excellent optimization), and services that leverage Prime Video's infrastructure for add-ons.
Good (7-8/10): Services with solid coverage on major platforms and decent performance, such as Discovery+, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN. These apps work well but may have occasional issues or limited availability on some models.
Average (5-6/10): Services with basic Smart TV support, often limited to major platforms only. Examples include Mubi standalone, Hayu, and Channel 5, which provide functional but basic implementations.
Poor (Below 5/10): Very limited Smart TV support with basic functionality and significant compatibility issues, typically seen in highly niche services.
Factors influencing scores include platform coverage breadth, app performance and reliability, feature completeness, update frequency, and user interface quality optimized for TV viewing.
5. WHY IT MATTERS
Smart TV apps provide the most convenient streaming experience by eliminating the need for additional hardware. They offer several key benefits:
Convenience: Direct access to content without switching inputs or managing multiple devices. The TV remote becomes your only control device.
Optimal Performance: Native apps are specifically optimized for each TV platform, often providing better performance than casting or external devices.
Feature Integration: Smart TV apps can integrate with TV-specific features like voice controls, ambient mode, or smart home connectivity.
Family-Friendly: Simplified interfaces make it easier for all family members to navigate, especially on large screens where content discovery is more visual.
Cost Savings: Eliminates the need to purchase streaming devices, reducing setup complexity and ongoing costs.
However, Smart TV apps have limitations. They may receive updates less frequently than mobile apps, older TV models might lose support over time, and app performance can vary significantly between TV manufacturers. Additionally, smaller streaming services often prioritize mobile and web platforms over Smart TV development, resulting in delayed launches or missing features on TV apps.
For users who primarily watch streaming content on their main TV, comprehensive Smart TV app support is crucial for the best viewing experience.
Service Plans Offering Smart TV App
BBC iPlayer
The BBC's free streaming service featuring live TV and on-demand content from all BBC channels.
Standard
Free access to all BBC iPlayer content including live TV, catch-up programmes, and exclusive online content. Requires a valid UK TV licence (£180.00 annually from 1 April 2026) for legal use.
5
5 is the free, ad-supported streaming service operated by Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited (a Paramount Skydance company) in the United Kingdom. Launched in its current form on 12 March 2025, it unified the former My5 catch-up platform and Channel 5's linear broadcast under a single brand. The service offers live TV streaming, on-demand catch-up, an archive of past shows, and 15 curated FAST channels featuring content from Channel 5, 5Star, 5USA, 5Action, 5Select, and the wider Paramount family including CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, and selected Paramount+ titles.
Standard
5 is the free, ad-supported streaming service for Channel 5 and its sister channels (5Star, 5USA, 5Action, 5Select). It offers live TV streaming, catch-up, box sets, and over 15 FAST channels featuring content from Channel 5 originals and the wider Paramount family including CBS, Comedy Central, MTV Entertainment Studios, and selected Paramount+ titles. No subscription required — registration is free. Available on web, iOS, Android, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG), Fire TV, Roku, Google TV, Apple TV, Sky, Virgin Media, EE TV, TalkTalk, Freeview Play, and Freely. UK only.
Rakuten TV
Rakuten TV is a hybrid streaming platform offering free ad-supported movies, TV, hundreds of FAST channels, and the latest releases to rent or buy in up to 4K HDR. No subscription required for free content. Also supports offline downloads via the mobile app.
Rakuten Free
Free movies, TV, and hundreds of FAST channels. Ad-supported. No subscription required. Includes 4K HDR content on new releases (via transactional), offline downloads via mobile app, and access to 10,000+ on-demand AVOD titles.
ITVX
ITV's free streaming service with premium subscription option. Features original dramas, reality TV, documentaries, and live streaming. Premium tier includes ad-free viewing and BritBox content.
ITVX Standard
ITVX is the streaming service from ITV
ITVX Premium
ITVX Premium
Pluto TV
Pluto TV is an American free ad-supported streaming television service (FAST) owned and operated by the Direct-to-Consumer division of Paramount Skydance (formerly Paramount Global), following the completion of the Skydance Media and Paramount Global merger in August 2025. Available in the UK with no subscription required, it offers hundreds of live linear channels and thousands of on-demand titles funded entirely by advertising.
Pluto TV
Free access to 150+ live TV channels and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows with ads. No subscription or credit card required. Content spans movies, TV shows, news, comedy, kids, and more. Pluto TV continues as a standalone service in the UK following the cancellation of the planned My5 merger in August 2024.
Discovery+
Discovery+ is the UK streaming home for real-life entertainment, documentaries, reality, true crime, and lifestyle content from channels including Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet, DMAX, Food Network, HGTV, and more. TNT Sports has moved to HBO Max as of March 2026.
Discovery+ Free
Get access to a selection of Discovery+ content for free, including content from channels like Quest, Really, Quest Red, HGTV, Food Network and DMAX.
Discovery Plus Entertainment
Entertainment only — stream the on-demand catalogue plus live channels including Animal Planet, Discovery, Discovery History, Discovery Science, DMAX, Food Network, HGTV, ID, Quest, Quest Red, TLC, and Turbo. Contains ads. No sports (TNT Sports has moved to HBO Max).
U
Drama and entertainment streaming service featuring various content.
U Free
Ad-supported streaming, On-demand content, Multi-device access, Catch-up TV
Channel 4
Channel 4's free streaming service (formerly All 4/4oD) offers live TV, catch-up, box sets, and exclusive content from Channel 4, E4, More4, Film4, and UKTV's U service. Channel 4+ upgrade removes ads on on-demand content and adds offline downloads and early access to selected shows.
Channel 4
Ad-supported, live and on-demand streaming. No offline downloads.
Channel 4+
Ad-free on most on-demand content, offline downloads, early access to some shows. Does not include live TV ad-free.
YouTube
The world's largest video platform with user-generated content, music videos, live streams, and premium subscription options including YouTube Premium and YouTube Music.
YouTube
Ad-supported streaming with limited features. Access to most YouTube content with advertisements.
YouTube Student
Ad-free YouTube experience with background play, offline downloads, and YouTube Music Premium included. Eligible students only. Annual verification required via SheerID. Discount available for up to 4 years.
YouTube Premium Lite
Ad-free viewing on most non-music videos, with background play and offline downloads for most eligible content. Does not include ad-free YouTube Music, ad-free Shorts, or YouTube Music Premium. Ads still appear on music content, Shorts, and while browsing or searching.
YouTube Premium
Ad-free YouTube experience with background play, offline downloads, and YouTube Music Premium included. Individual plan available monthly or annually (save ~17% annually).
YouTube Family
Up to 6 family members in the same household with individual accounts, ad-free viewing, and YouTube Music Premium for everyone. No annual billing option available.
S4C Clic
S4C Clic is the free on-demand and live streaming service for S4C, the Welsh-language public service broadcaster. It offers live TV, a 35-day catch-up service, signed programming, and archive content. Available across the UK, with a limited selection of worldwide programming also accessible. No TV licence is required to watch S4C content on demand; a licence is required for live viewing only.
S4C Clic Free Account
Free access to S4C content. Registration required. A TV licence is required only for live channel viewing; on-demand and catch-up content can be watched without a TV licence.
Tubi
Free ad-supported streaming service (FAST/AVOD) offering over 275,000 movies and TV episodes, 300+ Tubi Originals, and 260+ live TV channels — all with no subscription required. Owned by Fox Corporation and available in the UK since July 2024.
Tubi Free
Ad-supported content, Full-length movies, TV shows, Live TV, No subscription required
STV Player
Scotland's free streaming service offering gripping drama box sets, eye-opening documentaries, true crime and absolute classics. Available free with ads across the UK, with optional paid subscriptions (STV Player+) for ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and access to live Premier Sports channels. Features STV catch-up, on-demand library, and STV Radio.
STV Player Free
Ad-supported streaming, Live TV, Catch-up content, On-demand library
Plex
A streaming platform that allows users to organize and stream their personal media libraries, plus access to 50,000+ free movies and TV shows and 600+ free live TV channels with ad-supported content. Remote streaming of personal media now requires a paid subscription (Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass).
Plex Free
Personal media streaming (local network only — remote streaming now requires a paid plan), 50,000+ free on-demand titles, 600+ free live TV channels, ad-supported content, mobile app access. No subscription required for local playback or free FAST/live TV content.
Plex Pass
Hardware transcoding, Remote streaming of personal media, Live TV & DVR (antenna/tuner required), Offline downloads, Mobile sync, Skip Intro/Credits, Premium music features (Plexamp), Plex Home (share with up to 15 users), Server management via Plex Dash app. Note: Plex Pass does NOT remove ads from free ad-supported on-demand or Live TV content.
BFI Player
The go-to streaming service for independent film lovers. Discover critically acclaimed, award-winning, and archive films hand-picked by the British Film Institute. Subscribe to 500+ classic and contemporary films, rent the latest releases, or watch free archive content from the BFI, national and regional archives.
BFI Player Free/Rental
Free access to archive shorts, features, musicals, masterclasses, and behind-the-scenes exclusives from the BFI, national and regional archives — no account required. Also offers a pay-as-you-go rental service with 1,500+ titles including new releases and festival favourites. BFI members receive 15% off all rentals.
BFI Player Subscription
Unlimited ad-free streaming of 500+ hand-picked classic, cult and contemporary films. Includes subscription-exclusive titles, curated collections, and a 14-day free trial for new subscribers. BFI members receive 15% off all rentals.
Amazon Prime Video
Included with Amazon Prime membership, featuring original series, movies, and exclusive content.
Paramount Basic Prime Video Add-on
Add-onParamount+ Basic add-on on Prime Video. Allows the consumption of content through the Prime Video UX. Note it does not allow separate consumption of the native Paramount+ app.
Requires base plan
Crime+Investigation Play
Add-onCrime+Investigation Play is the ultimate destination for true crime. Stream your favourite true crime shows like Murdertown, Crimes That Shook Britain, The First 48 and more.
Requires base plan
StudioCanal Presents
Add-onStudio Canal
Requires base plan
MGM+ Add-on
Add-onAccess to MGM+ (formerly Lionsgate+ and Starzplay) originals and movies, including Outlander, Power, BMF, and more.
Paramount Standard Prime Video Add-on
Add-onAdds Paramount+ Standard content to Prime Video
Requires base plan
Apple TV
Add-onApple TV
Requires base plan
Prime Video
Full Amazon Prime membership including Prime Video streaming with limited ads on movies and TV shows, plus free delivery, Prime Music, Prime Reading, Amazon Photos storage, and exclusive member deals. 4K and HDR available on supported content and devices.
Mubi
Add-onMubi
Requires base plan
Paramount+
Paramount+ offers a wide range of movies, exclusive originals, hit series, and family content. Now with three subscription tiers in the UK: Basic (with ads), Standard, and Premium.
Paramount+ Basic (with Ads)
Full HD, ad-supported, 1 device at a time, full content library. Annual plan saves approximately 26% vs monthly.
Paramount Standard
Full HD, ad-free, 2 devices at a time, downloads. Annual plan saves approximately 25% vs monthly.
Paramount+ Premium
4K UHD, HDR10, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, ad-free, 4 devices at a time, downloads. Annual plan saves approximately 26% vs monthly.
Crunchyroll
The world's largest anime streaming service with simulcast and simuldub content from Japan.
Crunchyroll Fan
Ad-free anime streaming with access to simulcasts, offline viewing on mobile devices, and premium member-only content
Crunchyroll Mega Fan
Premium tier with ad-free anime streaming, offline viewing on up to 6 devices, exclusive member discounts on Crunchyroll Store, priority customer support, and access to new episodes one hour after Japan broadcast
Crime+Investigation Play
True crime streaming service featuring documentaries, series, and investigative content.
Crime+Investigation Standard
Crime+Investigation Play
Hayu
Hayu is a reality TV-focused streaming service from NBCUniversal, offering 300+ shows and 10,000+ episodes, including The Real Housewives, Below Deck, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and more. Most shows are available the same day as the US, ad-free, with downloads.
Hayu Standard
Standard
Arrow Video
Curated streaming service specializing in cult movies, horror, arthouse cinema, and world cinema. Offers hand-picked titles including exclusive premieres, classic restorations, filmmaker curations, and bonus extras. Available in the UK, US, Canada, and Ireland with up to 3 concurrent streams and support for up to 4K and HDR quality.
Arrow Standard
Full access to Arrow Player's library of cult, horror, arthouse, and world cinema films. Includes up to 3 simultaneous streams, up to 4K and HDR streaming quality, exclusive premieres, filmmaker curations, bonus extras, and offline viewing on mobile. Available on Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Samsung TVs, LG Smart TVs, Xbox One, and web browsers. Free 7-day trial for new subscribers.
Acorn TV
A premium streaming service specializing in British and international television content, featuring award-winning mysteries, period dramas, comedies, and documentaries from the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and other Commonwealth nations. Known for exclusive premieres, Acorn TV Originals, and commercial-free viewing.
Acorn TV Standard
A standard Acorn TV subscription includes unlimited and ad-free viewing of Acorn TV's full catalogue of shows on up to 4 devices simultaneously. No offline downloads or multiple user profiles are available.
HBO Max
HBO Max is a premium streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery that launched in the UK and Ireland on March 26, 2026. It brings together HBO originals, blockbuster Warner Bros. films, DC content, Max Originals, documentaries, and a wide range of TV series and movies — all in one place for the first time. In the UK, HBO Max is also the new streaming home of TNT Sports, offering live coverage of the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, FA Cup, Adobe Women's FA Cup, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Premiership Women's Rugby, UFC, MotoGP, Grand Slam tennis (including Australian Open and Roland-Garros), Grand Tour cycling, LIV Golf, Snooker, Cricket, the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and the Olympic Games from 2028. The service is available directly via hbomax.com and through launch partners Sky and Prime Video. It is also accessible via NOW, EE TV, and BT TV. The platform supports up to five personalised profiles, parental controls, and offline downloads on selected plans.
HBO Max Basic With Ads
Stream on 2 devices at once in Full HD. Not all movies included.
HBO Max Standard with Ads
Ad-supported plan with expanded content access. Stream on 2 devices simultaneously in Full HD. Includes all HBO Max shows and movies, including films that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window. Up to 30 offline downloads included.
HBO Max Standard
Ad-free plan with full content access. Stream on 2 devices simultaneously in Full HD. Includes all HBO Max shows and movies on an ad-free basis, including films that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window. Up to 30 offline downloads included.
HBO Max Premium
Top-tier ad-free plan with the ultimate HBO Max experience. Stream on 4 devices simultaneously in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos (where available). Includes all HBO Max shows and movies on an ad-free basis, including films that first stream on the service following their theatrical release window. Up to 100 offline downloads included.
HBO Max TNT Sports
Standalone or add-on sports plan giving access to TNT Sports 1–4, TNT Sports Ultimate, live event feeds, and TNT Sports Original Documentaries. Includes Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, FA Cup, Adobe Women's FA Cup, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Premiership Women's Rugby, UFC, MotoGP, Grand Slam tennis (Australian Open, Roland-Garros), Grand Tour cycling (including every stage of the Tour de France), World Snooker Tour, LIV Golf, Cricket, winter sports, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and Olympic Games from 2028. Limited to two of your available streams. Contains ads. Available as a standalone plan or as an add-on to Standard with Ads, Standard, or Premium plans. A 12-month Saver Plan is available at £25.99/month (saving £5/month vs monthly rolling price), exclusively via hbomax.com.
HBO Max Standard with Ads & TNT Sports
Stream on 2 devices at once in Full HD. 30 downloads (limits apply). Football, rugby, tennis, and more.
HBO Max Standard & TNT Sports
Stream on 2 devices at once in Full HD. 30 downloads (limits apply). Football, rugby, tennis, and more
HBO Max Premium & TNT Sports
Stream on 4 devices (only 2 for sports. 4K UHD & Dolby Atmos as available. 100 downloads (limits apply). Football, rugby, tennis, and more.
Netflix
The world's leading streaming entertainment service with a vast library of original content and licensed movies and TV shows.
Netflix Standard with ads
Full HD (1080p) streaming on 2 devices simultaneously with limited ads. Some content may not be available due to licensing restrictions.
Netflix Standard
Full HD (1080p) streaming on 2 devices simultaneously with ad-free viewing and offline downloads
Netflix Premium
4K Ultra HD streaming on 4 devices simultaneously with HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos audio, and ad-free viewing
Disney+
The home of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu, and ESPN content. Stream thousands of hours of movies, series, documentaries, and live sports — including LaLiga, UEFA Women's Champions League, and ESPN programming — all in one app.
Disney+ Standard with Ads
Disney+ Standard with Ads is the entry-level subscription tier, offering ad-supported streaming of the full content library at the lowest price point. Stream on up to two devices simultaneously in up to 1080p Full HD with 5.1 and stereo audio. Does not include offline downloads. No annual billing option available.
Disney+ Standard
Disney+ Standard offers ad-free streaming of the full content library in up to 1080p Full HD with 5.1 surround sound. Stream on up to two devices simultaneously and download content to watch offline on up to 10 devices. No Dolby Atmos support on this plan.
Disney+ Premium
Disney+ Premium offers ad-free streaming in up to 4K UHD with HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos audio where available. Stream on up to four devices simultaneously and download content to watch offline on up to 10 devices.
Shudder
Horror, thriller, and supernatural streaming service with exclusive originals and curated genre content.
Shudder Standard
Full access to Shudder's complete library of horror, thriller, and supernatural content with ad-free streaming, available on all supported devices
hoichoi
Bengali streaming platform featuring original web series, films, and TV shows from Bengal and Bangladesh.
Hoichoi
Access to Hoichoi's complete library of Bengali web series, movies, original content, and films with HD streaming quality
GuideDoc
Documentary streaming platform featuring award-winning documentaries and factual content from around the world.
GuideDoc Standard
Guidedoc standard
NOW
NOW is Sky's contract-free streaming service in the UK, offering flexible monthly memberships for Entertainment, Entertainment & HBO Max, Cinema, Sports, and Hayu. Boost and Ultra Boost add-ons are available for improved audio and video quality (Full HD or 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Atmos), ad-free on-demand streaming, and extra simultaneous streams.
NOW Entertainment
Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, Sky Comedy, Sky Crime, Sky Documentaries, Sky History, Sky Nature, Sky Arts, Sky Sci-Fi, Gold, MTV, Comedy Central, Alibi, Sky Kids and more. Includes the biggest returning HBO series (e.g. Euphoria, House of the Dragon), Sky Originals, and exclusive US shows. On-demand and live channels.
NOW Cinema
Sky Cinema channels, 1000+ movies on demand.
NOW Sports
All 12 Sky Sports channels plus Sky Sports+ streams, live and on demand. Sky Sports+ gives access to extra sports events including additional EFL matches, F1 Race Control, and 105 Tennis tournaments from the ATP and WTA Tours.
Apple TV+
Apple TV is an all-original streaming service featuring hundreds of exclusive Apple Original shows and movies — thrilling dramas, epic sci-fi, heartwarming comedies and more — with new releases every week and no ads. One subscription includes access for up to six family members.
Apple TV
All-original, ad-free streaming in 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Includes Family Sharing for up to 6 members. Offline downloads supported. 7-day free trial available for new subscribers.
Mubi
Curated streaming service specializing in independent, classic, and arthouse cinema. Features a hand-picked library of around 1,200 films, with new titles added regularly. Also a film production company and distributor, bringing exclusive arthouse and festival films to subscribers. Includes MUBI Notebook, a film criticism publication, and MUBI Go, a weekly cinema ticket benefit.
Mubi Standard
Access to MUBI's curated library of arthouse, independent, classic, and world cinema films. Ad-free streaming with offline downloads. Stream on up to 2 devices simultaneously, use on up to 5 devices. Includes access to MUBI Notebook film publication.
DAZN
DAZN is a British over-the-top sports streaming and entertainment platform.
NFL Season Pro
Watch the entire season
NFL Season Pro Ultimate
Watch the entire season with access to NFL Game Pass
DAZN
Full access to DAZN's sports content including live boxing matches, MMA events, football highlights, documentaries, and exclusive original programming. Includes major boxing promotions and UFC Fight Pass content.