Best Apple TV Apps (2025): Top 10 Must-Haves Compared & Ranked!
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# best Apple TV Apps (2025): Top 10 Must-Haves Compared & Ranked!
So, you’ve got an Apple TV.Awesome! It’s a sleek little box packed with potential, but without the right apps, it’s just a pretty paperweight. In this article, we’re diving deep into the **best Apple TV apps** out there right now, focusing on the must-haves for 2025. We’ll cover everything from streaming staples to hidden gems, catering to families, fitness fanatics, gamers, and everyone in between. Get ready to transform your Apple TV into the ultimate entertainment and productivity hub.
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## Why Your Apple TV Needs More Than Just the Defaults
Out of the box,your apple TV offers a basic experience. But the true power lies in the **Apple TV App Store**. Think of it as a gateway to a universe of content and functionality. Whether you’re looking for **apple tv apps worth paying for** like premium streaming services, or **apple tv must-have apps** for everyday use, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with constant updates and new releases, you’ll want to stay on top of the ever-evolving landscape to ensure you are getting the most out of your device.
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## How We Chose These Apps
We didn’t just pull these names out of a hat. our selection process was rigorous, considering factors like:
* **Functionality:** Does the app deliver on its promise? Is it intuitive and easy to use?
* **Content Library:** How extensive and diverse is the content available (for streaming apps)?
* **User Experience:** Is the app visually appealing and responsive? Does it offer a smooth and enjoyable experience?
* **value:** Does the app justify its cost (if any)? Are there **apple tv app deals** to be found?
* **Updates & Support:** Is the app regularly updated with new features and bug fixes? Is there reliable customer support available?
Essentially, we wanted apps that not only look good on your TV screen, but also enhance your overall Apple TV experience. So, let’s jump into our list of **top apple tv apps**.[Explore Top Rated best apple tv apps on Amazon.]
## The Top 10 Apple TV Apps for 2025
Here’s our curated list, ranked and compared to help you make the best choices for your needs. We’ve broken it down by category to make it easy to find what you’re looking for.
**1. Netflix: The Streaming Juggernaut (Entertainment/Streaming)**
No surprise here.Netflix remains the king of streaming, and for good reason. With a vast and ever-growing library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content, there’s always something to watch. Whether you’re into gripping dramas, light-hearted comedies, or binge-worthy reality TV, Netflix has you covered. Its seamless interface and personalized recommendations make it easy to discover new favorites. For cord-cutters, Netflix is an essential cornerstone of your streaming setup. While not offering an **apple tv apps free trial** generally,consider upgrading to a plan that supports more screens which can be a valuable option for families.
**Key Features:**
* Massive content library
* Original series and movies
* Personalized recommendations
* Offline downloads (on mobile devices)
* Multiple profiles
**Why it’s great for:** Families, cord-cutters, movie buffs, TV show enthusiasts.
**2. Disney+: Family Entertainment at Its Finest (Entertainment/Streaming)**
Disney+ is a must-have for families, offering a treasure trove of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, star Wars, and National Geographic. From classic animated films to blockbuster superhero adventures, there’s something for everyone in the family. The app’s user-pleasant interface makes it easy for kids to navigate, and the parental controls ensure a safe viewing experience. for families looking for **best apple tv apps for families**,Disney+ is a clear winner. Plus,the bundling options with Hulu and ESPN+ can make it an exceptionally good value for cord cutters.
**Key Features:**
* Exclusive content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic
* Parental controls
* 4K HDR streaming
* GroupWatch feature for remote viewing with friends and family
**Why it’s great for:** Families, Disney fans, Marvel enthusiasts, Star Wars aficionados.
**3. Amazon Prime Video: More Than just Free Shipping (entertainment/Streaming)**
Amazon Prime Video is another heavyweight in the streaming world, offering a diverse selection of movies and TV shows, including Amazon Originals like “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “The Boys.” Prime Video also offers the option to rent or purchase movies and TV shows, expanding your viewing options beyond the included content. Many don’t realize their Prime Subscription includes this capability. If you are looking for **apple tv subscription** options, be sure to factor in the additional benefits of Amazon Prime.
**Key Features:**
* Amazon originals
* Option to rent or purchase movies and TV shows
* 4K HDR streaming
* X-Ray feature for identifying actors and songs in scenes
* Included with Amazon Prime membership
**Why it’s great for:** Amazon Prime members, fans of Amazon Originals, those looking for a wide selection of movies and TV shows.
**4. Apple Fitness+: your Personal Trainer on the Big Screen (Fitness)**
For fitness enthusiasts, Apple Fitness+ is a game-changer. Offering a wide variety of workout classes, from yoga and HIIT to strength training and cycling, led by expert instructors, Fitness+ brings the gym to your living room. The app seamlessly integrates with your Apple Watch, tracking your metrics and displaying them on the screen for real-time feedback. For those seeking **apple tv fitness apps**, look no further. The guided workouts and personalized recommendations make it easy to stay motivated and achieve your fitness goals.
**Key Features:**
* Variety of workout classes, including yoga, HIIT, strength training, and cycling
* Expert instructors
* Integration with Apple Watch
* Personalized recommendations
* New workouts added weekly
**Why it’s great for:** Fitness enthusiasts, Apple Watch users, those looking for convenient home workouts.
**5.youtube: Endless Entertainment and Education (Entertainment/Education)**
YouTube is a treasure trove of content, offering everything from music videos and movie trailers to educational tutorials and DIY projects. for cord-cutters, YouTube is an essential source of free content, providing hours of entertainment and information. It’s also a great resource for families, with a wealth of kids’ channels and educational videos. While navigating can be a challenge at times, the sheer volume of content makes it a must-have. If you’re looking for **apple tv education apps**, YouTube is a great place to start.
**Key Features:**
* Massive library of user-generated content
* Music videos, movie trailers, educational tutorials, and DIY projects
* Live streaming
* Subscription options for ad-free viewing (YouTube Premium)
**Why it’s great for:** Everyone, cord-cutters, families, those looking for free entertainment and educational content.
**6. Hulu: Live TV and on-Demand Content (Entertainment/Streaming)**
Hulu offers a unique combination of on-demand content and live TV, making it a compelling option for cord-cutters looking to replace customary cable. With a vast library of TV shows and movies, as well as live channels like ESPN, CNN, and Fox News, Hulu provides a comprehensive entertainment experience.The customizable channel lineup and cloud DVR storage make it easy to tailor your viewing experience to your preferences. For those seeking **apple tv streaming apps** that offer live TV, Hulu is a top contender.
**key Features:**
* On-demand content and live TV
* Customizable channel lineup
* Cloud DVR storage
* Bundling options with Disney+ and ESPN+
**Why it’s great for:** Cord-cutters, sports fans, those looking for a combination of on-demand and live TV.
**7. Twitch: The Home of Live Gaming (Gaming/Entertainment)**
Twitch is the go-to platform for live gaming, offering a vast library of streams from professional gamers, amateur players, and esports tournaments. If you’re a gamer, Twitch is a must-have for watching your favorite games, learning new strategies, and connecting with other gamers.The app’s interactive features, such as chat and emotes, make it easy to engage with the community and support your favorite streamers. Some would argue it is one of the best **apple tv gaming apps** even though you can’t play most games on the platform, but instead, view other people playing games.
**Key Features:**
* Live gaming streams
* Esports tournaments
* Interactive chat and emotes
* Subscription options for supporting streamers
**Why it’s great for:** Gamers, esports fans, those looking to connect with the gaming community.
**8. Paramount+: A Rising Star in Streaming (Entertainment/Streaming)**
Paramount+ is making waves in the streaming world, offering a growing library of movies and TV shows from Paramount Pictures, CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Comedy Central. With a focus on popular franchises like Star Trek, Mission: Unfeasible, and SpongeBob SquarePants, Paramount+ provides a compelling mix of classic content and new originals.The app’s affordable price point makes it an attractive option for cord-cutters looking to expand their streaming options. If you are looking to explore a relatively new **apple tv subscription** option, Paramount+ is worth checking out. You can often find promotions that lower the price of subscription in the first few months.
**Key Features:**
* Content from Paramount Pictures, CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Comedy Central
* Star Trek universe
* Affordable price point
**Why it’s great for:** Fans of Paramount Pictures, CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, and comedy Central, Star Trek enthusiasts, those looking for an affordable streaming option.
**9.Carrot Weather: Weather with a Side of Snark (Productivity/entertainment)**
Okay, a weather app might seem out of place on this list, but Carrot Weather is no ordinary weather app. With its sarcastic and often humorous weather reports, Carrot Weather adds a dose of personality to your daily forecast. The app’s customizable interface and detailed weather data make it both informative and entertaining. It’s surprisingly suitable as one of the **apple tv entertainment apps** given its sardonic wit.
**Key Features:**
* Sarcastic weather reports
* Customizable interface
* Detailed weather data
* Dark Sky weather source
**Why it’s great for:** Weather enthusiasts, those who appreciate humor, those looking for a unique weather app experience.
**10. Plex: Your Personal Media Server (Entertainment/Productivity)**
Plex allows you to stream your personal media library (movies, TV shows, music, photos) to your Apple TV. This is perfect for those who have a large collection of digital content that they want to access on their big screen. Plex organizes your media, adds metadata (artwork, descriptions, etc.), and makes it easy to browse and stream from any device. Consider it one of the **apple tv productivity apps** if you are managing your own personal media, and want to stream it to any device, including your Apple TV.
**Key Features:**
* streams personal media library
* Organizes media and adds metadata
* accessible from any device
* Live TV and DVR functionality (with Plex Pass)
**Why it’s great for:** Those with large personal media libraries, cord-cutters, those looking to centralize their media management.
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## Finding the Best Apple TV Apps: A Deeper Dive
Beyond our top 10, there are countless other apps available on the Apple TV App Store. Here’s a more detailed look at how to find the best apps for your specific needs:
* **explore the Apple TV App Store:** Take some time to browse the App store categories and see what’s available. Pay attention to app ratings and reviews.
* **Read Online Reviews:** Check out tech blogs,websites,and forums for **apple tv app reviews** from other users.
* **Follow Tech News:** Stay up-to-date on the latest **new apple tv apps** and updates by following tech news sites and social media accounts.
* **Try Free Trials:** Many apps offer **apple tv apps free trial** periods, allowing you to test them out before committing to a subscription.
* **Consider Family Sharing:** Apple’s Family Sharing feature allows you to share app purchases with up to five family members, saving you money.
* **Check for Apple TV App Deals:** Follow blogs and sites specializing in deals or price trackers. App developers will occasionally have sales.
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## Apps by Audience Segment
Let’s break down some specific app recommendations based on the audience segments we identified earlier:
* **Apple TV Owners (general):** Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Apple Fitness+, Plex (for personal media). These represent the core group of useful apps any user would take advantage of.
* **Cord-Cutters:** Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Philo, FuboTV, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+. These are your cable replacements.
* **Families:** Disney+, Apple TV+ (for original programming), PBS Kids Video, YouTube Kids, Toca boca TV (interactive games and videos for kids), Sago Mini world. Look for apps specifically designed for children that are easy to navigate.
* **Fitness Enthusiasts:** Apple Fitness+, Peloton, Nike Training Club, Daily Burn, BetterMe: Health Coaching. Make sure that those apps work with your Smartwatch or other fitness trackers.
* **Gamers:** Twitch, Apple Arcade, Asphalt 8: Airborne, Oceanhorn 2, Crossy Road Castle, various controller-supported games from the App Store. Make sure your controller is compatible with Apple TV.* **Tech-Savvy Users:** HomeKit, Carrot Weather, IFTTT, Infuse (media player with advanced features), Screens (remote access app), Feedly (RSS reader). Ensure you’re maximizing the device’s smart home and remote capabilities.* **Sports Fans:** ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL (check local availability and blackouts).
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## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Apple TV Apps
**Q: Are Apple TV apps different from iPhone or iPad apps?**
A: Yes, while some apps are global, many are specifically designed for the Apple TV’s larger screen and remote control interface.
**Q: How often are new apps released for Apple TV?**
A: New apps are released frequently, so it’s worth checking the App Store regularly for updates and new releases.
**Q: can I use my iPhone or iPad to control Apple TV apps?**
A: Yes, you can use Apple’s Remote app or the built-in remote functionality in Control Center on your iPhone or iPad to control your Apple TV.
**Q: How do I delete an app from my Apple TV?**
A: Highlight the app icon on the Home screen, press and hold the select button on the remote until the icon jiggles, than press the play/pause button and select “Delete.”
**Q: Are all Apple TV apps free?**
A: No, some apps are free, while others require a purchase or subscription.
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## The Future of Apple TV Apps
The Apple TV app ecosystem is constantly evolving. We can expect to see even more innovative apps in the future, taking advantage of advancements in technology such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI).As processing power increases to the Apple TV devices, look for the **apple tv gaming apps** to become more refined. Also look for features to integrate with spatial computing devices. We’ll also see more apps that seamlessly integrate with other Apple devices and services, creating a more connected and personalized entertainment experience.
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## Conclusion: Unlock the Full potential of Your Apple TV
The right apps can transform your Apple TV from a simple streaming device into a powerful entertainment, fitness, and productivity hub. Whether you’re a cord-cutter, a family, a fitness enthusiast, or a gamer, there’s an app out there for you. By exploring the Apple TV App Store, reading reviews, and trying out free trials, you can discover the **best Apple TV apps** for your needs and unlock the full potential of your device. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring and discover your new favorite apps today! Remember to keep an eye out for **apple tv app recommendations** from trusted sources and stay informed about the latest **popular apple tv apps**. Enjoy!
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