Google TV is not a streaming subscription. It is the interface and discovery layer built into compatible smart TVs and streaming devices. It brings apps and content from multiple services into one search, recommendation, watchlist, and—in some regions—live-TV experience. You still need the relevant app, account, subscription, TV-provider login, or purchase to watch many titles.
This guide is a practical U.S. list of major apps and services to look for on Google TV. It is not an exhaustive catalog: Google’s app ecosystem is dynamic, and availability varies by country, device, manufacturer, account, plan, and licensing agreement.
What “available on Google TV” actually means
A service can appear on Google TV in several different ways. These levels of support are related, but they are not interchangeable:
| Type of availability | What it means |
|---|---|
| Installable app | The service has an app that can be downloaded from Google Play on a compatible Google TV device. |
| Google TV discovery integration | Titles may appear in Google TV search, recommendations, watchlists, or the “ways to watch” panel. |
| Manage Services integration | You can identify or connect a service in Google TV so recommendations better reflect what you use. |
| Live-tab integration | Live channels from the service can appear in Google TV’s unified live guide, where that feature is supported. |
| Built-in or shortcut experience | Some Google TV Freeplay channels and Google services are available through the interface without installing a conventional third-party app. |
Google TV may ask you to install an app when you select a title. It can also show a service in search without including every title from that service, every plan, or every regional catalog. Google notes that partners can remove apps or content from Google TV and the Play Store. See Google’s official app-installation guidance and ways-to-watch and service-management help.
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- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Google TV apps and streaming services list
The following is a U.S.-focused snapshot of prominent services currently surfaced through Google TV, Google Play’s TV catalog, or Google’s Android TV ecosystem pages. Inclusion in a category does not guarantee that the service contributes to Google TV recommendations or the Live tab.
Movies and on-demand television
- Netflix
- YouTube
- Prime Video
- Hulu for Android TV
- Disney+
- HBO Max / Max
- Paramount+
- Peacock TV
- Crunchyroll
- STARZ
- Fandango at Home
- MUBI
- Viki
- DISH Anywhere
- Plex
- Tubi
- Pluto TV
- Red Bull TV
- PBS KIDS Video
- Dailymotion
- FOX One
- Food Network GO
- HGTV GO
- Travel Channel GO
- YuppTV Android TV
For documentary viewers, YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max / Max, Hulu, MUBI, PBS KIDS Video, Plex, Tubi, and Pluto TV are among the more relevant places to look, although the actual documentary selection depends on your country and the service’s current licensing. MUBI is especially oriented toward curated cinema, while Plex, Tubi, and Pluto TV can provide free, ad-supported viewing in supported markets.
Live TV and free-TV services
- Google TV Freeplay built-in channels
- YouTube TV
- Sling / Sling TV + Freestream
- Philo
- Fubo
- Pluto TV
- Tubi
- Plex
- Haystack News
- ABC
- NBA
- NFL
- Twitch
- fuboTV
- Hotstar
- Xumo-powered Google TV Freeplay channels
In the U.S., Google’s Live-tab documentation identifies Google TV Freeplay as the built-in free option. It also says that free live channels from Haystack News, Plex, Pluto TV, and Tubi can be surfaced. Paid live-TV services including YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Philo may supply channels after you install the app and complete the required account or linking steps. The exact guide depends on your device and location; consult Google’s current Live-tab support page.
“Free” does not necessarily mean ad-free, and a service’s free channels are not the same as its paid subscription tier. Fubo, YouTube TV, Sling, Philo, and similar services may require a subscription, while access to individual channels can also depend on market and provider rights.
Sports apps
- ESPN
- MLB
- NFL
- NHL
- UFC
- NBC Sports
- FanDuel Sports Network
- Red Bull TV
- NBA
- Twitch
- fuboTV
A sports app being downloadable does not guarantee access to a particular game. Regional blackouts, league rights, location, TV-provider authentication, a separate subscription, or a sport-specific add-on may apply. Google’s TV catalog currently groups ESPN, MLB, NFL, NHL, UFC, FanDuel Sports Network, and NBC Sports under live sports; Google’s TV app storefront is the best place to check the current listing for a device.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
News and information
- ABC News
- FOX News
- NBC News
- CBS News
- CNN
- CNBC
- Bloomberg
- Scripps News
- Haystack News
- USA TODAY
- CBC News
- The Weather Network TV App
Haystack News has a dual role: it is a standalone news app and one of the sources Google identifies for free live channels in the U.S. Whether a news app supplies a channel to the unified Live tab is separate from whether its app can be installed.
Music, radio, and podcasts
- Spotify
- Pandora Music for TV
- iHeartRadio for Google TV
- TuneIn Radio
- TIDAL
- myTuner FM Radio
- Radioline
TV versions can have different controls and features from phone or web versions. For example, an app may support listening on television without offering every mobile feature, podcast tool, or account option.
Fitness, learning, and family apps
- Peloton
- FitOn
- BODi
- CorePower Yoga On Demand
- Cosmic Kids Yoga
- Equinox+
- Daily Workouts
- Simply Yoga
- Gymondo
- Curiosity Stream
- TED TV
- MasterClass
- PBS KIDS Video
- Cartoon Network
- PlayKids
- Toon Goggles
- Kitchen Stories
These are examples from Google Play’s TV-oriented editorial surfaces, not endorsements or a guarantee of full feature parity. Some require a paid account, and some may restrict features on television compared with mobile or web.
How to find and install an app on Google TV
- Press the Assistant button on the remote, or select Search.
- Type or say the name of the app, such as “MUBI,” “Plex,” or “YouTube TV.”
- Select the correct app from the results.
- Choose Install.
- Open the app and sign in, create an account, or complete any TV-provider authentication it requires.
You can also open the Apps tab and browse by category. If an app does not appear, the likely explanations include country restrictions, device compatibility, a manufacturer-specific limitation, an unavailable TV version, or removal by the developer.
Reorder or uninstall apps
Installed apps appear in the Your apps row. To change their order, highlight an app and follow the on-screen move or reorder command. To remove one, select the app, open View details, and choose the uninstall option. Labels can vary slightly by Google TV device and software version.
Rank #3
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- Android TV: With the Android TV operating system you will have access to the best content, download the infinity of applications available through the Google Play Store!
- Voice remote control: Just press the Google Assistant button and ask it to find, play and control content
- Chromecast Built-in: Easily cast movies, shows, and photos from your Android or iOS device to your Android TV
- Easy Setup: Access your Google account and configure the device, language and Wi-Fi network
How to connect services to Google TV recommendations
Adding a service tells Google TV what you use; it does not purchase a subscription or cancel one. On a Google TV device, use:
Settings → Accounts & Sign In → your profile → Your services
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Profile picture → Manage services
Select the services you want associated with your profile. Google TV can then make more relevant recommendations and show more accurate viewing options. Removing a service from this list only changes Google TV’s personalization; it does not cancel the underlying subscription.
What happens when you select a movie or show?
Google TV may display several ways to watch. These can include an installed subscription app, a service that needs to be downloaded, a rental or purchase option, or a live channel. Selecting an option generally opens the relevant app. If it is not installed, Google TV may prompt you to download it.
Before assuming a title is included, check:
- Whether the option is a subscription, rental, purchase, or free ad-supported stream.
- Whether you are signed in to the correct account.
- Whether your plan includes the title or channel.
- Whether your location has the necessary rights.
- Whether a TV-provider login is required.
Country, device, and plan limitations
There is no single worldwide Google TV app list. Google says available tabs, apps, content, recommendations, and features can depend on country, language, approximate location, device type, manufacturer, contractual restrictions, and partner availability. The U.S. Live experience is not automatically available in every market.
Rank #4
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Two Google TV televisions can therefore show different apps. A Google TV television and a Google TV streaming device can also differ in storage, performance, preinstalled apps, remote controls, and app compatibility. A service may be available in the Play Store but not integrated into recommendations, or it may appear in search without contributing channels to the Live tab.
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What hardware do you need for Google TV?
Google TV is built into compatible smart TVs and is also available through streaming hardware. If your existing television has an HDMI input, Google’s current streaming device is the Google TV Streamer (4K). Google lists support for up to 4K HDR at 60 frames per second, Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Atmos, 4 GB of memory, 32 GB of storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, HDMI 2.1, Gigabit Ethernet, Matter, and a built-in Thread border router. The listed U.S. price was $99.99 at the time of the research snapshot; prices and availability should be checked before publication or purchase.
The box includes the streamer, Voice Remote, power adapter, USB-C power cable, and two AAA batteries. Google says a certified HDMI 2.1 cable is required and sold separately. If you are buying accessories, choose a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable that meets the device and display requirements rather than assuming every older HDMI cable is equivalent.
The streamer does not include Netflix, live-TV subscriptions, sports packages, or other paid services. You may still need to install apps, sign in, and pay the applicable service or rental charges. An Ethernet cable is optional if you want to use the streamer’s wired networking port instead of Wi-Fi.
If your remote is lost or damaged
Google also offers a replacement Voice Remote compatible with Google TV Streamer (4K) and Chromecast with Google TV models. Check the exact model compatibility before buying a Google TV Streamer replacement remote; remotes for different Google TV televisions are not necessarily interchangeable.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing the right Google TV service
| Your priority | Where to start | Important check |
|---|---|---|
| Free live channels | Google TV Freeplay, Pluto TV, Tubi, Plex, Haystack News | Channel lineup, advertising, and location |
| Replacing cable or satellite TV | YouTube TV, Sling, Philo, Fubo | Local channels, sports rights, provider login, and monthly plan |
| Sports | ESPN, MLB, NFL, NHL, UFC, NBC Sports, Fubo | League rights, blackouts, add-ons, and regional availability |
| Anime | Crunchyroll | Plan level, language options, and catalog by country |
| Curated or international cinema | MUBI, Viki, YuppTV, Hotstar | Country-specific catalog and subtitle or language support |
| Music and radio | Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, TuneIn, TIDAL | TV feature support and whether a paid account is required |
Google TV helps you find and launch services; it does not standardize their prices, catalogs, video quality, advertising, or cancellation rules. Compare those details with the service itself before subscribing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google TV a streaming service?
No. Google TV is a software interface and discovery layer built into compatible televisions and streaming devices. It brings together apps and content, but it does not include every service or provide a universal subscription.
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Can I watch Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video on Google TV?
These are among the major services to look for on Google TV in the U.S. You normally need to install the app if necessary and sign in with the relevant account. A Google TV device does not automatically include the service subscription.
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What free streaming services work with Google TV?
Google TV Freeplay provides built-in free channels in supported U.S. experiences. Google also identifies free live channels from Haystack News, Plex, Pluto TV, and Tubi. Availability and channel lineups vary by location and device.
Why can’t I find an app on my Google TV?
The app may not have a compatible TV version, may be unavailable in your country, may be unsupported by your television or device, or may have been removed by its developer. Check the Google Play TV catalog and search directly from the device.
Does adding a service in Google TV cancel my subscription?
No. Adding or removing a service under Your services changes recommendations and viewing information. It does not start, change, or cancel the underlying subscription.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Google TV is the organizer, not the subscription. Use it to search across compatible apps, manage recommendations, and—where supported—combine free and paid live channels in one interface. For the U.S., the main services to investigate include Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max / Max, Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling, Fubo, Pluto TV, Tubi, Plex, Crunchyroll, MUBI, major sports apps, news apps, and music services. Confirm the exact app, catalog, plan, and Live-tab support on your own device before subscribing.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
