Top 7 Underrated Apps That Will Supercharge Your 4K Smart TV
So, you've got a shiny new 4K Smart TV. The picture is stunning, the sound is crisp, and you're ready to dive into endless entertainment. But here's the thing—most people stop at Netflix, YouTube, and maybe Prime Video.
What if I told you there are underrated Smart TV apps out there that can seriously level up your viewing experience?
Whether you're into movies, fitness, live news, or just want to get more out of that big screen, these hidden gems are worth checking out.
Why You Should Explore Beyond the Basics
Don't get me wrong—Netflix and Disney+ are great. But your 4K Smart TV is capable of so much more than binge-watching your usual shows. From fitness to productivity, some apps can truly enhance your daily life and help you use your TV in more creative ways.
Let’s explore the top 7 underrated apps that can transform how you use your 4K Smart TV—without breaking the bank.
1. Plex – Organize Your Media Like a Pro
Have a ton of movies, TV shows, or music stored across different devices? Plex is your answer. It turns your Smart TV into a personalized media center.
- Stream your own content from your computer or hard drive
- Access free movies and shows from Plex’s online library
- Create a beautiful UI with cover art, metadata, and trailers
I personally use Plex to stream home videos and old MP3 collections—it’s like having my own mini-Netflix.
2. VLC Media Player – Watch Anything, Anytime
Yes, the same VLC you’ve used on your laptop is available on Smart TVs. And it’s amazing for one big reason—it plays almost every video format under the sun.
- No need to convert files or deal with playback issues
- Stream from network devices like NAS drives
- Subtitle support and playback speed control
Great for tech-savvy folks with diverse media libraries.
3. Tubi TV – Free Streaming Without the Catch
Imagine Netflix, but free. That’s Tubi TV. It’s packed with movies and shows in every genre, and you don’t even need a subscription.
- 100% free streaming with ads
- Great for classic films, indie gems, and forgotten favorites
- No sign-up needed to start watching
Perfect for those nights when you want to explore something new without paying extra.
4. SmartTubeNext – YouTube, But Smarter
We all use YouTube—but the stock app on many Smart TVs is... clunky. Enter SmartTubeNext, an open-source YouTube alternative made for TVs.
- No ads (yes, really)
- Improved navigation with smooth scrolling and filters
- Supports 4K playback and background audio
It’s like giving YouTube a performance tune-up.
5. Atmosphere – Turn Your Living Room Into a Zen Den
If you love background sounds for sleeping, relaxing, or meditating, this one’s for you. Atmosphere offers nature sounds, white noise, and ambient audio that looks and sounds amazing on a 4K screen.
- Scenes include rainforests, beaches, fireplaces, and more
- Perfect for ASMR fans or anyone needing to destress
- Customizable timers and mixes for different moods
Sometimes, I just leave it on during dinner. Instant spa vibes.
6. Spotify – The Party Starts Here
Okay, Spotify isn’t exactly “underrated,” but many people forget you can use it directly on your Smart TV. It’s great for turning your living room into a soundstage.
- Stream your favorite playlists on your soundbar or home theater
- Use your phone as a remote via Spotify Connect
- Pair with 4K visuals like album art or synced lyrics
Game night, dinner party, or solo karaoke—Spotify brings the vibes.
7. Haystack News – Stay Informed, Easily
Want a smarter way to watch the news? Haystack curates short, personalized video news updates from top sources around the world.
- Local and international coverage in bite-sized segments
- Customizable categories like tech, health, and politics
- No cable subscription needed
Great for those of us who want to stay updated without spending 2 hours in front of CNN.
Bonus Tip: Keep Your TV Updated!
Before installing new apps, make sure your TV’s firmware is up to date. This ensures better performance, improved compatibility, and tighter security.
Most Smart TVs allow automatic updates—just head into settings and turn it on if it’s not already.
Final Thoughts: Your 4K TV Deserves More
Your Smart TV is more than just a screen—it’s a portal to all kinds of entertainment and functionality. These underrated Smart TV apps help you unlock its full potential without spending extra money or hardware.
Whether you’re organizing your personal movie library, enjoying free streaming, zoning out to ocean waves, or just listening to your favorite tunes—these apps give your 4K screen a serious upgrade.
So go ahead, explore a few. You might just find your new favorite app hiding in plain sight.
Have any hidden gem apps of your own? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to try them!