Looking for some coolSamsung Smart TV apps? Yes, then you have come just in the right place. In this post, I’ll tell you about over 50 amazing apps that you must have on your Samsung Smart TV in the year 2020. Just patiently go through this list of apps, and you’ll learn what you need to get the best out of your leisure time. You can also look at this post as a guide to learn what apps you need to install on your Samsung Smart TV.
Contents
- 1 15 Basic & Must-Have Samsung Smart TV Apps
- 2 Category-Wise Samsung Smart TV Apps
15 Basic & Must-Have Samsung Smart TV Apps
We’ll begin with this list of the 15 Must-Have Samsung Smart TV apps. You should definitely install these to get the best enjoyment out of your television. A quick-intro of these apps is available with their names so that you may understand why you need to have them on your TV.
1. Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers on-demand movie streaming and Live TV. It has a good range of content in various categories like horror, comedy, thriller, romance, and science fiction, etc.
Issue seems to be the client. The app is an Orca one for a 2014 Samsung TV. Last update was Aug 2018 but in the thread on the Plex forums, Orca himself said he would no longer be updating it. I am going to move to a Chromecast instead. My tests so far look good. Thanks for your help guys. Plex worked flawlessly on a Samsung 6000 series tv. Until the new UI, and it it mediocre at best now. I have since just unplugged the internet from the TV, and now use either my Xbox one X or Apple TV for my Plex and Netflix watching. CNET section editor and TV guru David Katzmaier spent a few hours streaming from the Plex app on a recent Samsung Smart TV in an effort to recreate the issue, but he found no success. Install plex on samsung tv Download Smart switch for android - universal version, android Gingerbread version 2.3 - 2.3 2010 year, android Ice Cream Sandwich version 4 2011 year, android Jelly Bean version 4.1 - 4.3 2012 - 2013 years, android KitKat version 4.4 2013 year, android Lollipop version 5 - 5.1 2014 - 2015 years, android Marshmallow version 6 2015 year, android Nougat version 7 - 7.1.
2. HBO Now
The Plex for Smart TVs app is available on a wide range of television models by different manufacturers. We regularly review the functionality and performance of our app on new and existing smart TV platforms to determine which to support.
HBO Now is the official video streaming app of HBO. It also provides an on-demand video service. The other robust reason why you must have this app on your tv is that it has the most popular series in history, the Game of Thrones. If you start watching it, you’ll definitely this app to binge-watch the entire show.
3. YouTube
Youtube is a very common app that you must have. Also, most of the users have it as their first choice for their leisure time. It has a massive collection of videos for the audience of any age group. Nowadays, Youtube is even releasing its own web-series which are becoming instant hits. All this is enough to land Youtube a spot on this list.
4. Spotify
Spotify is the most popular music app that you must have on your television. It is going to fulfill all your music needs. You can enjoy more than 3 Crore songs using Spotify. Also, you can create your playlist, play it on loop, and relax. You can access all unblocked music in premium version.
5. Hulu
Hulu is the next must-have app for your Samsung Smart TV. It is an American entertainment company that offers a quality collection of content. However, you’ll need a subscription for getting a good range of movies and series. You can also cancel the plan you purchase anytime if you don’t wish to pay them further.
6. Netflix
Netflix is the second most popular app among the Samsung Smart TV users, only Youtube is ahead of it. It is an amazing option to enjoy your leisure time with a good variety of movies and shows available on the platform. You can also download the videos you wish to watch later. Make sure you sign in to the app using your account. The cross-platform syncing is another remarkable feature of this app.
7. PlayStation Now
PlayStation Now or PSN is the favorite app for gaming freaks. This app allows you to play all your favorite PS 2,3 and 4 games on your Smart Hub. It manages the heavy loaded games by streaming them directly from the Sony Servers. You just need good quality and fast internet collection to get the maximum benefits of this application.
8. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is a very popular video streaming platform owned by Amazon. It offers an extensive collection of movies and TV shows to its audience. The subscription plan is also not much costly. And the Amazon originals make this app a must-have for your Samsung Smart TV.
9. Amazon Prime Music
Amazon Prime Music is the music-streaming app owned by Amazon. The best part is that your Amazon Prime Subscription will cover the benefits of this app also. You can listen to your favorite songs using this app, and even create your own playlist. It has millions of songs available to be played in different genres and languages.
10. PopcornFlix
PopcornFlix is s free movies and video streaming app for your Samsung smart TV. It has a good collection of more than 1500 movies in various genres like comedy, horror, drama, etc. There is also a feature of creating customizable GIFs using the scenes from the movies.
11.Karaoke TV
Karaoke TV is a great app to watch HD karaoke videos on your Samsung Smart TV. It is a must-have app to chill with your family and friends on the weekend if you enjoy having Karaoke games. If not, you can still use it to listen to some of your favorite songs with their lyrics on the screen.
12. UFC
The UFC app is an amazing way to watch all sorts of UFC-related content like the latest news, exclusive videos, and Pay-Per-View events. It is considered as the world’s largest digital fight library. You can also check fight cards, broadcasting time and the player profiles using this app. So, this app is a must-have for MMA freaks.
13. Vimeo
Vimeo is another great app to find videos from the most interesting creators around the world in HD quality. You can also upload your videos on this app, and interact with other viewers. It is a very good app to watch some cool stuff in your free time.
14. National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids or NGK is a must-have app if you have kids watching television at your home. This app will help them to learn a variety of things about animals, entertainment, science, technology and cultures from around the world with wonderful photography. It is a very interactive app for good learners.
15. Plex
Plex is basically a media player. It gains access to all the content via the remote servers. Using Plex, you can also stream the content stored on Samsung smart TV with Plex Media Server. It is a must-have app for your Samsung Smart TV if you are much into streaming movies, music, shows and even documentaries.
Category-Wise Samsung Smart TV Apps
Here are some more Samsung Smart TV Apps separated on the basis of their categories. If you are looking for some good apps in either of these categories, you can check these apps and install them on your television.
Kids-Related Samsung Smart TV Apps
- Dibo’s Playground Plus
- English Kindergarten
- Three Little Pigs
- WordWorld
- Solar System Planets
- Gingerbread Man
- Sticker Theatre
Plex Tv Go Samsung
Education-Related Samsung Smart TV Apps
- Millennium Maths
- Awesome Glasses
- AstrolImages
- 7Wonders of the World
- ABC Monster Fun
- Alphabet 2012
- Baby Beetles
Sports-Related Samsung Smart TV Apps
- WWE Network
- MLB.TV
- Cricket DL Calci
- MYZEN.TV
- Workout Time Recorder
- Goal
- Sports Score Board
Info-Related Samsung Smart TV Apps
- Accuweather
- Web Browser
- Euro News
- ABP News
- Lotto
- All About Hairstyle
- The Dating Theory
Entertainment-Related Samsung Smart TV Apps
Samsung Smart Tv Plex App
- Viewster
- Hungama
- 3D Smart TV
- Digital Theatre
- Tubi TV
- FamBox
- FilmBox Live
- Scoop
- Yupp TV
- College Humor
Final Take
These were the Top 15 Must-Have Samsung Smart TV apps, and some more apps that you might need accordingly. If you feel I missed some good new or old applications, don’t forget to inform me using the comment box. Also, if you don’t feel like googling stuff when you are stuck while setting up any of these apps, you can catch up to me using the comments section. I’ll be glad to help.
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
There are tons of media server software options available for hosting a home server. Plex however, remains arguably the most popular choices for running a sort of do-it-yourself (DIY) Netflix. With Plex Media Server, you can stream your personal movie, TV show, and music collection. While the streaming experience is dictated largely by your Plex server hardware, what client device you use also shapes file playback. Check out the best Plex client devices you can use in 2020!
What is Plex Media Server and Why Should You Use It?
A media server software program, Plex allows you to take your movies, TV shows, music files, and even photos, then display them with a slick user-interface (UI). It’s something of a DIY Netflix or Spotify, taking your media files and downloading box art as well as metadata. You can access your content on compatible Plex streaming devices using an appropriate Plex app.
What is a Plex Client Device?
When you spin up a Plex server, your media collection sits on your server. Then, you can access those files via Plex apps on compatible devices, called clients. Essentially, a Plex streaming device is any media player that’s able to download the Plex media player app, or pull it up in a browser. This ranges from Android set-top boxes, Rokus, and Amazon Fire TV streamers to iOS and Android phones or tablets, smart TVs, and even the Kodi media center which features a Plex add-on.
What to Look for in a Plex Client – What Devices Work Best with Plex?
When considering a Plex media player, you’ll want to think about what devices work best for Plex streaming. Just because a device can download the Plex app doesn’t mean it handles media playback well. Provided that your media is properly encoded in various formats, you should be able to direct play files if they’re stored in the correct file containers, use a compatible bitrate and resolution, plus are encoded using appropriate codecs. This varies by device.
Then, there’s direct stream that happens when a file is compatible with your device, such as H.264 or AC3, but wrapped in an incompatible file container such as MKV or AVI. You can still direct stream these which uses a tiny bit of processing power, repackaging content for on-the-fly streaming. Other considerations when selecting a media streamer for Plex are output resolution and app compatibility. Think about what else you want to install besides Plex, such as Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, etc. For 4K TVs, make sure you’ve got a Plex client device capable of handling HDR or Dolby Vision. Audio streams are important too, particularly for a home theater set up that features a surround sound or soundbar.
- DIrect Play and Direct Stream compatibility
- Video output resolution
- App compatibility beyond Plex
Nvidia Shield TV – Best Overall Media Streamer for Plex 2020
The Nvidia Shield TV isn’t simply the best Plex streamer you can buy, but instead the top streaming device on the market. Frist released in 2015, Nvidia gave its Nvidia Shield TV a much-needed overhaul in 2019. Running Android 9.0 Pie, the Tegra X1+ powered Nvidia Shield TV added support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. Capable of pumping out 4K HDR visuals, it’s a beefy little Android TV box that runs an official version of Android TV rather than a tablet-optimized Android OS as found on many set-top boxes. A novel feature, AI (artificial intelligence) upscaling makes SDR content look lush on 4K HDR panels. The base model was graced with not only an internal refresh but an outward redesign, now coming packaged in a cylindrical form factor.
Inside, you’ll find 2GB of RAM and 8GB of flash storage alongside its Tegra X1+ SoC. In addition to 8GB of onboard storage, there’s a microSD card slot for expansion. While there’s onboard Wi-Fi, you’ll also find an Ethernet port. Unfortunately, the redesigned 2019 Nvidia Shield TV lacks any USB ports, so it loses its ability to double as a Plex server or Samsung SmartThings hub. Moreover, despite its 4K HDR and Dolby Vision capabilities, the Shield TV curiously lacks YouTube HDR playback. Still, the Nvidia Shield TV boasts the best compatibility for Plex streaming when it comes to direct play. It can handle Dolby Vision, 4K HDR files, and its AI upscaling actually delivers on its promise of making non-4K content appear better.
Pros:
- Great codec support
- 4K HDR-capable
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support
- True Android TV OS with Android 9.0 Pie
- Runs Android games and emulators
- Capable of game streaming
- Google Assistant onboard
- Audio passthrough
Cons:
- Expensive
- Lacks some apps
- No HDR on YouTube
Nvidia Shield TV Pro – The Ultimate Streaming Device for Plex Users
Similarly, Nvidia updated its Nvidia Shield TV Pro. Appearing much like the previous Shield TV, the Shield TV Pro 2019 is arguably the ultimate streaming device for Plex users. Touting the same Tegra X1+ SoC as the non-Pro Shield TV, it runs Android 9.0 Pie Android TV. Whereas the Shield TV includes 2GB of RAM and 8GB of onboard storage, the Shield Pro 2019 offers 3GB of RAM and 16GB of built-in storage. While there’s no microSD card slot, you will find a pair of USB 3.0 ports for connecting peripherals such as hard drives, keyboards, mice, gamepads, the SmartThings Link, and more.
Outfitted with dual-band AC Wi-Fi, the Shield TV Pro 2019 maintains an Ethernet port. And it’s capable of churning out 4K HDR visuals, supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, plus Nvidia’s AI upscaling. Since it’s got USB inputs, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 retains the ability to double as a Plex server as well as a Plex client, and remains an excellent Samsung SmartThings hub. Disappointingly, there’s no YouTube HDR functionality, a really odd oversight. It’s not as if the Shield TV Pro 2019 lacks the processing power. Because it runs Android TV, you can use the Shield Pro 2019 for gaming, either running Android titles like GTA III or retro ROMs using emulators. Unlike its predecessor, however, there’s no bundled gamepad. Nevertheless, with compatibility for virtually any file you throw at it, superb audio passthrough and direct play support, impressive AI upscaling, and the ability to run emulators for retro gaming, the Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019 is the best Plex streaming box of all.
Pros:
- AI upscaling
- 4K HDR-capable
- Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support
- 3GB RAM, 16GB onboard storage
- 2 x USB 3.0 ports
- Dual-band AC Wi-Fi, Ethernet
- Doubles as a Plex server
- Great direct play support
- Audio passthrough
- Can run emulators for retro gaming
- SmartThings Link smart home hub compatible
Cons:
- No gamepad included
- Lacks YouTube HDR
- Only 16GB onboard storage
Roku Ultra – Best Plex Streaming Device for Most Users
Although there are loads of different streaming boxes on the market, Roku continues to dominate. Its user-friendly ecosystem originated on set-top boxes before making its way to TVs from the likes of TCL. For Plex use, the Roku Ultra boasts hardware HEVC decoding, 4K HDR video streaming, and a voice remote with a headphone jack for private listening. Because the Roku Ultra flaunts an Ethernet port, it’s the best Roku you can buy for 4K streaming. Audio buffs may be disappointed by its lack of audio passthrough for DTS-HD, TrueHD, DTS-X, and other lossless audio codecs. Bue for the average user, the Roku Ultra remains an affordable streaming device that delivers 4K HDR visuals and lets you install virtually any app imaginable.
Pros:
- Good codec support
- 4K HDR-capable
- Voice remote
- Private listening with remote
- AC Wi-Fi, Ethernet port
- Lots of apps
Cons:
- Lacks some audio passthrough for 7.1 surround sound
Amazon Fire TV Cube 4K – Plex Streaming with a Great Ecosystem
Streaming devices from Amazon including its smart TVs have become massively popular. Accordingly, the Fire TV is an affordable 4K Plex streaming device. The Fire Stick 4K displays Dolby Vision video and even packs Alexa into its voice remote. Or, the Fire TV Cube handles 4K playback, Dolby Vision and HDR+, as well as Alexa voice commands. The Fire TV Cube is fast, and its operating system runs virtually any app you can think of.
Voice search, while fairly robust, doesn’t work for YouTube TV, arguably the top cable replacement service for cord-cutters. Likewise, audio passthrough isn’t nearly as thorough as on the Nvidia Shield TV. But a Fire TV Stick or Cube should satiate the average Plex user just fine, and like Roku streamers, Amazon Fire TV boxes are incredibly user-friendly.
Pros:
- Amazon Fire TV ecosystem
- Lots of apps
- User-friendly
- 4K HDR video output
- Dolby Vision
Cons:
- Lacks DTS audio passthrough
Inarguably, Apple manufacturers high-quality devices with polished, easy-to-use software ecosystems to boot. Apple devotees looking for a Plex client should adopt the Apple TV 4K. If you’ve got a large library of iTunes movies, TV shows, and music, the Apple TV is a must. Sporting 4K HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, the Apple TV 4K comes in a 32GB or 64GB variant. For Plex streaming, there’s audio passthrough and 4K video playback. And with excellent direct play compatibility, almost no server-side encoding is required. Though not quite as versatile as the Nvidia Shield TV, the Apple TV 4K is a great Plex media streamer for Mac users.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Apple ecosystem
- 4K HDR-capable
- Dolby Vision support
- Great audio passthrough
- 32GB and 64GB variants
- Lots of apps
Cons:
- Expensive
- No DTS audio passthrough
Xiaomi Mi Box S – An Affordable Android TV Box
The Xiaomi Mi Box S presents an affordable true Android TV alternative to the Nvidia Shield TV. Xiaomi outfits its Mi Box S with 4K Ultra HD playback, Google Assistant baked in, and powerful specs. It’s built with a Cortex-A53 quad-core 64-bit CPU paired with a Mali-450 GPU. Onboard, the Mi Box S rocks 2GB of DDR3 and 8GB of user accessible storage. There’s 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, and a USB 2.0 input.
Unfortunately, 4K streaming can be somewhat laggy at times. Although both the Mi Box S and Shield TV run Android TV, the Mi Box S ends up transcoding certain files that the Shield TV direct plays. Ultimately, the Xiaomi Mi Box S is a reasonably-priced legit Android TV OS streaming media player with good Plex app support.
Pros:
- True Android TV
- Google Assistant baked-in
- Excellent remote
- 4K HDR-capable
- Affordable
Cons:
- Laggy 4K streaming
PlayStation 4 Pro – Best Plex Streaming Device for Gamers
Sony designed its PlayStation 4 game console to double as an extremely competent media center. As such, the PlayStation 4 Pro is an incredible, and versatile, Plex streaming device. You can play PS4 exclusives such as “Spider-Man,” and “God of War,” as well as play Blu-Rays, DVDs, and CDs. With its ability to game, play your physical media collection, and stream from the likes of Plex, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more, the PlayStation 4 is a robust media player.
Sadly, Sony skimped on the Blu-Ray player foregoing 4K UHD Blu-Ray playback. There’s no H.265 playback, so the PlayStation 4 Pro isn’t suitable for hardcore Plex users who demand audio passthrough and direct play. On-the-fly conversion works but is rather CPU intensive, so you’ll need a beefy Plex server. With its balance of streaming support, physical media playback, and gaming, the PS4 Pro is a great Plex client for gamers.
Pros:
- Plays games
- Physical media support (Blu-Ray, DVD, CD)
- 4K HDR output
Cons:
- Direct play issues
- Audio passthrough problems
Xbox One – Plex Streaming with 4K UHD Blu-Ray Support
Likewise, the Xbox One runs Plex pretty well. Where the Xbox One improves is with its inclusion of a built-in UHD Blu-ray player. Both the Xbox One S and Xbox One X feature UHD Blu-ray playback capabilities. And while there’s Dolby Vision support on the S and X, that’s limited to streaming apps such as Disney+. Still, lack of Dolby Vision Blu-ray compatibility is a minor issue considering that the PlayStation 4 Pro doesn’t even read UHD Blu-rays.
Aside from Plex streaming and Blu-ray playback, you can pop in games such as “Halo” and “Gears of War” for gaming fun. Tragically, Plex on the Xbox One lacks audio passthrough and frame-rate switching. But its combination of gaming and media center functionality makes the Xbox One a fantastic option.
Pros:
- Plays games
- Physical media support (UHD Blu-ray, DVD, CD)
- 4K HDR Output
- Dolby Vision
Cons:
- No Dolby Vision Blu-ray support (limited to streaming apps)
- Lacks audio passthrough
- No frame rate switching
HTPC Plex Client Device
A home theatre PC (HTPC) is quite possibly the most utilitarian Plex client device you can use. You can run apps such as Netflix, Hulu, Kodi, and a slew of others whether via downloadable apps or in-browser. For a Plex client app, there’s the official Plex Media Player for Windows or macOS, or you can install Kodi and use the Plex for Kodi add-on. Your Plex experience will vary based on how you’re streaming Plex to your HTPC. The browser-based Plex vrsion doesn’t handle direct play very well, but the Plex for Kodi add-on is excellent. Even the affordable GeForce GT 1030 GPU can tackle 4K HEVC HDR at 60 frames per second perfectly. Since it serves tons of purposes, from streaming media to local file playback and even gaming, an HTPC Plex client boasts a versatile feature set that’s virtually unrivaled
Pros:
- Versatile
- Plex app available as Plex Media Player or via Kodi add-on
- Can be used for gaming, local file playback, etc.
- Upgradable
Cons:
- Price varies
- Not necessarily plug-and-play
Raspberry Pi Plex Streaming
The Raspberry Pi is an awesome little single-board computer (SBC). While you can create an awesome Plex server, the Raspberry Pi also makes for an affordable Plex client. You can createa Kodi-based HTPC with a Raspberry Pi using the likes of LibreELEC, OpenELEC, or OSMC. Alternatively, Kodi runs as a standalone app on the Raspberry Pi compatible Linux distros as well as retro gaming operating systems such as RetroPie, Recalbox, and Batocera. The easiest method for watching Plex on the Raspberry Pi is installing Kodi or a Kodi OS, then downloading the Plex for Kodi add-on. I’d suggest the Raspberry Pi 3 B+ or Raspberry Pi 4 for Plex streaming. 4K playback isn’t going to work on the Pi 3 B+, and though the Pi 4 handles 4K output, its functionality with Plex is hit or miss
Pros:
- Affordable
- Runs Kodi and retro gaming OSes
- Small footprint
Cons:
- Completely DIY set up
Best Media Streamer for Plex 2020 – Best Plex Client Devices for Plex Use
If you’re looking for the best streaming media player on the market, the Nvidia Shield TV and Shield TV Pro arguably deserve that title. With mind-blowing specs and AI upscaling, 4K HDR performance is outstanding. The Roku Ultra and Fire Stick or Fire Cube satisfy non-power users, and the Apple TV 4K is a solid choice for those ingrained in the Mac ecosystem. If you’re ok with a DIY set up, an HTPC is a superb option as is a Raspberry Pi Plex streaming device. Gamers and anyone with a large collection of Blu-Rays and DVDs should consider a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X.
Your turn: What Plex client devices are you using?
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