Enhance Your Fire TV Stick Experience: Lesser-Known Apps Worth Exploring
Whether you’re streaming your favorites on a Fire TV Stick or exploring new content, most users tend to stick with the usual apps: Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, and the like. Yet, there exists a treasure trove of valuable applications beyond these mainstream options that can elevate your viewing experience. Given that the Amazon Fire TV Stick operates on an Android framework, it opens up possibilities to install specialized Android apps, allowing you to maximize the potential of this compact streaming device.
Downloader
The Fire TV OS is layered on top of Android, allowing users to sideload verified Android APKs. To begin the sideloading process, two key steps must be completed: enabling developer access (instructions available here) and downloading Downloader.
With Downloader, you can easily retrieve any app by leveraging its built-in browser. This feature permits navigation to trusted APK platforms like APK Mirror or Github, enabling direct downloads of APKs to your Fire TV Stick.
Kodi
Kodi serves as a versatile media center for all your entertainment needs. Being open-source and entirely free, it offers extensive customization opportunities, along with a vast array of plugins that allow for live TV and cloud synchronization. Users can stream movies and shows from personal home servers or utilize the pre-installed plugins for access to a wealth of free online content.
While Kodi isn’t readily available through the Amazon Appstore, installation via APK is a straightforward process. For further guidance, refer to this detailed guide on using Downloader for Kodi installation.
If Kodi feels overwhelming, alternatives like Plex and Jellyfin might be appealing. Plex offers a streamlined media center experience, although many of its features are behind a paywall. Conversely, Jellyfin is completely free and open-source, delivering a fast and feature-rich interface, even though it’s basic in appearance.
VLC
VLC remains a classic choice despite various preferences; it’s a versatile video player recognized for its capability to handle virtually any format. VLC for Fire TV Stick retains the same robust functionality, whether streaming content online or handling locally stored media. Notably, VLC can even download subtitles and synchronize them conveniently with your content.
SmartTube
SmartTube stands out as one of the few third-party YouTube clients that offers an ad-free experience on Fire TV Stick. This application, much like Kodi, can be downloaded via Downloader as it is not listed in the Amazon Appstore. However, it is open-source and available on Github, allowing users to scrutinize its security features.
With SmartTube, enjoy a completely ad-free streaming experience, complete with SponsorBlock functionality to skip sponsored segments seamlessly. Offering support for 4K and HDR, along with customizable interface options and live chat, the application omits voice search capability.
AirScreen
AirScreen brings AirPlay functionality to your television, eliminating the need for extra devices like an Apple TV. It allows the Fire TV Stick to act as a wireless display receiver, accommodating various platforms including AirPlay, Miracast, and Chromecast, enabling screen sharing from your iPhone, Mac, or Android device.
ProtonVPN
For those seeking a secure and private VPN solution, Mullvad VPN is often recommended for its straightforward pricing structure and the absence of an account requirement for use. Although Mullvad is not available on the Amazon Appstore (it can be installed via Downloader), Proton VPN provides a Fire TV Stick-optimized option, featuring a generous free version (no data caps, but limited to three servers and one connection). A paid plan is also available for users needing more, particularly for streaming foreign content in 4K.
Tubi
Tubi serves as an excellent resource for a diverse collection of entertainment options, ranging from movies and television shows to live broadcasts. It boasts an impressive library containing over 50,000 titles, all available without any subscription fees. The downside is that Tubi does include advertisements.
If ads are not a deterrent, this platform presents a fantastic opportunity for free entertainment. The site gained positive reviews from PCMag, which specifically praised Tubi in their comprehensive evaluation of the service.
The Roku Channel
Accessing The Roku Channel doesn’t necessitate owning a Roku device. The Fire TV Stick version offers a wide selection of free movies and TV shows, although it may not include the most current blockbuster hits. Additionally, viewers can enjoy live TV, live sports, children’s programming, news, and much more—plus, it’s user-friendly given its intuitive interface that comes with Roku’s offerings.
Airy TV
Airy TV is another excellent free television channel application, ideal for those looking to avoid subscriptions like YouTube TV. It requires no sign-up, allowing users to jump straight into live streaming once the app is launched. While ads are a standard feature in such applications, Airy TV presents a decent variety of channels providing access to movies, TV shows, and even live sporting events, including MMA.
