Best tvOS 12 Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026

tvOS is Apple's operating system for Apple TV streaming devices. It is designed for television viewing, App Store apps, Siri voice control, AirPlay, and integration with other Apple devices.

Developer: Apple Price: Included with Apple TV hardware 🎯 apple.com/apple-tv-4k

Streaming Smart TV operating system media center

Top 6 tvOS 12 alternatives

Roku OS

Roku

💡 Pick it for a simpler interface and lower-cost streaming hardware than Apple TV.

Roku OS is a television and streaming-device operating system built around access to streaming channels and services. It serves viewers who want...

Pros

Simpler interface than tvOS for casual streaming
Broad selection of streaming apps and channels
Available on inexpensive streaming sticks and televisions

Cons

More prominent advertising than tvOS
Weaker integration with phones and computers than Apple's platform
Limited gaming and productivity capabilities

Free, included with compatible devices

Alternatives to Roku OS → Visit site

Google TV

Google

💡 Choose it for Google Assistant, Chromecast, and broader hardware choice than Apple TV.

Google TV provides a virtual remote in its mobile app for Google TV and Android TV devices. It supports navigation, text entry,...

Pros

Excellent remote and keyboard experience for Google TV devices
Fast text entry from a phone
Works across Android and iOS

Cons

Controls Google TV and Android TV devices rather than general appliances
Cannot replace Mi Remote for air conditioners or legacy IR equipment
Requires compatible devices on the same network

Free

Alternatives to Google TV → Visit site

Fire TV

Amazon

💡 Choose it for Alexa integration and inexpensive hardware, especially within Amazon's ecosystem.

Fire TV is Amazon's operating system and device platform for streaming video, apps, live content, and Alexa voice control. It targets viewers...

Pros

Usually cheaper hardware than Apple TV
Strong Alexa and smart-home integration
Supports a wide range of streaming services

Cons

More advertising and Amazon content promotion than tvOS
Interface is less neutral across streaming services
Performance varies substantially between device models

Free, included with compatible devices

Alternatives to Fire TV → Visit site

Tizen

💡 Pick it when buying a Samsung TV and wanting integrated SmartThings and streaming features.

Tizen is a Linux-based open-source operating system developed by Samsung.

Pros

Flexible and customizable
Good performance on low-end devices

Cons

Limited app selection
Less popular than Android or iOS

Free

Alternatives to Tizen →

webOS

LG Electronics

💡 Choose it with an LG TV for an intuitive remote experience and tightly integrated television controls.

webOS is LG's smart-TV operating system for streaming apps, live television, connected devices, and voice features. It is primarily intended for LG...