SmartThings is a smart home automation hub that connects all of your smart devices, allowing you to control and monitor them from...
Starting at $69.99
Best Google TV Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026
Google TV provides a virtual remote in its mobile app for Google TV and Android TV devices. It supports navigation, text entry, playback, and device discovery over the local network.
Top 6 Google TV alternatives
tvOS is Apple's operating system for Apple TV streaming devices. It is designed for television viewing, App Store apps, Siri voice control,...
Pros
- Strong integration with iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Consistent interface with long-term software support
- Supports AirPlay, Apple Arcade, and Dolby audiovisual formats
Cons
- Requires Apple TV hardware, which costs more than many streaming sticks
- Less flexible than Android TV for sideloading and customization
- No official support for some region-specific streaming apps
Included with Apple TV hardware
Roku is a popular streaming media player that offers access to various streaming services and channels.
Starting from $29.99
CetusPlay is a powerful remote control app for your smart devices, allowing you to control various media players and streaming devices from...
Free with in-app purchases
Android TV Remote Control was Google's mobile remote app for controlling Android TV devices from an Android or iOS phone. Google discontinued...
Pros
- Provided official Android TV device support
- Included navigation, text entry, and playback controls
- Used a phone many users already owned
Cons
- Discontinued and no longer the recommended Google remote app
- Unavailable for new installations in many regions
- Required the phone and TV to be on compatible networks
Free (discontinued)
Zank Remote is a mobile remote-control app for compatible smart TVs and streaming devices. It provides virtual navigation controls, touchpad input, and...
Pros
- Combines navigation, touchpad, and keyboard controls in one app
- Useful replacement when a physical TV remote is lost or unavailable
- Supports convenient text entry from a phone
Cons
- Device compatibility is narrower than manufacturer-specific remote apps
- Ad-supported or paid features may be required for the full experience
- Requires the phone and target device to be connected to the same network
Freemium
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