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
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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
Xfinity TV Remote is a mobile remote-control app for managing compatible Xfinity television equipment. It lets Xfinity customers navigate channels, menus, playback,...
Pros
- Controls compatible Xfinity TV boxes from a phone
- Supports voice commands on compatible devices
- Can be more convenient than the physical Xfinity remote
Cons
- Limited to compatible Xfinity equipment and account access
- Requires a smartphone, Wi-Fi, and app connectivity
- Less useful for households using several TV platforms
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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