Are you tired of overpaying for cable and ready to take control of your TV experience? Cutting the cord has never been easier, thanks to the rise of smart TVs and streaming devices. But with so many apps available, where do you even start? Don't worry, we've got you covered with the 5 essential TV apps every cable cutter needs to install. From managing your personal media library to streaming live TV, these apps will transform your smart TV into a cable-free powerhouse.
But here's where it gets controversial... While some apps offer complete freedom and customization, others come with subscription fees that might make you question if you're truly saving money by ditching cable. Let’s dive in and explore the best options for every type of cord-cutter.
Kodi: The Ultimate Media Center for Control Freaks
If you’re the type who loves organizing your own media collection, Kodi is your go-to app. With over 50 million downloads on the Google Play Store, this open-source media center has a cult following for good reason. Originally developed for Xbox and later adapted for nearly every platform, Kodi lets you manage movies, TV shows, music, and even games—all from one interface. Its vast library of plugins and community-driven support make it a favorite among tech enthusiasts. And this is the part most people miss... Kodi isn’t just for local media; you can also stream content over your network or add plugins for services like YouTube, turning it into a one-stop entertainment hub. The only catch? iOS users will need to jailbreak their devices to install it.
Plex: Your Personal Netflix, Anywhere
Imagine having your own Netflix, where you control the content and can access it from anywhere. That’s Plex in a nutshell. This app combines local media storage with a cloud-based server, allowing you to stream your collection on any device. Plex’s ability to transcode media on the fly ensures smooth playback, even on slow connections. But there’s a trade-off: while the basic features are free, streaming outside your home network requires a subscription starting at $1.99/month. Is it worth the cost? For many cord-cutters, the convenience of accessing their media library anywhere outweighs the fee.
Jellyfin: The Free Alternative for Privacy Lovers
What if you want Plex’s functionality without the subscription fees? Enter Jellyfin, the open-source, free alternative. Like Plex, Jellyfin lets you set up a media server accessible from anywhere, but it gives you full control over your data—no analytics tracking here. While its interface isn’t as polished as Plex, Jellyfin offers deeper customization, making it a favorite among tech-savvy users. But here’s the question... Is Jellyfin’s lack of a subscription model sustainable in the long run? Only time will tell, but for now, it’s a solid choice for those prioritizing privacy and control.
VLC: The No-Fuss Media Player
Not everyone needs a full-fledged media center. If simplicity is your goal, VLC is the app for you. Launched in 2001, this battle-tested media player supports virtually every file format and comes with built-in codecs, eliminating compatibility headaches. With over 100 million downloads on Android alone, VLC is the go-to choice for playing media files without the bells and whistles. And this is the part most people miss... Even if you use a media center like Kodi or Plex, having VLC installed ensures you can play any file, no matter how obscure.
YouTube TV: Live TV Without the Cable Bill
Cutting the cord doesn’t mean giving up live TV. YouTube TV brings your local channels, news, and sports directly to your smart TV, complete with a DVR-like recording feature. With 10 million downloads, it’s a popular choice for cord-cutters craving live content. But there’s a catch: at $82.99/month, it’s nearly as expensive as cable. Is it worth it? For those who can’t live without local channels, YouTube TV is a competitive alternative, especially with upcoming genre-based plans that could lower costs. However, it’s worth asking: Are we truly cutting the cord if we’re paying cable-like prices?
How We Picked These Apps
At BGR, we’ve spent over a decade covering smart TVs, streaming devices, and their apps. Our selections are based on years of expertise, user reviews, expert opinions, and download counts. Whether you’re a media hoarder, a live TV enthusiast, or a simplicity seeker, these apps ensure your cord-cutting journey is seamless and satisfying.
Now it’s your turn... Which of these apps would you choose for your cord-cutting setup? Do you think subscription fees are a dealbreaker, or are they a fair trade for convenience? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
