If you have a TV with Android TV or a Chromecast with Google TV, you already know that it opens the door to thousands of apps and services for watching content, playing games, managing files, or even customizing the remote. It's not all about Netflix and the like: the ecosystem is huge, and there's more to life than the official store.
In this guide we've gathered, rewritten, and organized the best of several specialized lists to show you the key streaming platforms and apps in Spain , including free options (FAST/AVOD), legal IPTV, alternative YouTube clients, open source stores, media centers, essential utilities, and some extra features we often overlook.
Android TV to the max: streaming isn't everything
Having Android TV/Google TV means direct access to all kinds of apps : from video platforms to file explorers, optimized browsers, and backup tools. The Google Play Store is the starting point, but there are free, ad-free, open-source projects that greatly expand the possibilities.
In addition, there are useful options outside the Play Store that install via APK and are designed to work on large screens with a controller . All of these come with privacy-friendly alternatives and the ability to update from their own app stores or repositories.
Alternative stores and repositories: install more and better
Aurora Store is an alternative app store that acts as a parallel access point to the Play Store . It allows you to download and install apps without logging in with your Google account, thus maintaining your privacy without sacrificing access to the app catalog. It can be downloaded from its official website, in the downloads section, under stable versions.
Neo Store, meanwhile, is an Android TV client for F-Droid, the open-source app repository. Its interface is designed for use with the TV remote , making it easy to discover and update open-source apps. The APK is available on GitHub, allowing for convenient browsing from the comfort of your couch.
Browse TV without complications: DTVFree
If you miss Chrome on your TV, DTVFree comes to the rescue with a lightweight and fluid browser for Android TV . Its aim is to consume few resources and offer a simple experience for searching, visiting popular sites, and playing web content, with downloads available from its GitHub repository.
YouTube, but better: alternative clients
SmartTube (also known as SmartTube Next) is a YouTube client designed for large screens: a native Android TV interface , support for up to 8K/60fps/HDR, speed options, and customizable buttons. It doesn't load Google services and can block ads. It allows you to log in to access your history and playlists.
NewPipe is another alternative that also works with Android TV, with the advantage of supporting other services like SoundCloud and Bandcamp . It's lightweight, offers background playback, picture-in-picture, subtitles, and resolutions up to 4K, with channel subscriptions that don't require a Google account.
IPTV and online TV: lists, apps, and responsible use
Wiseplay is a free media player compatible with mobile phones and TVs that supports most audio and video formats. Its strengths include loading IPTV lists in m3u and w3u formats, mobile control, dark mode, parental controls, subtitles, and even an integrated browser. The Premium version removes ads with a one-time payment.
M3UAndroid is another open-source, ad-free, and very lightweight option designed to play online channel lists with a clean interface on Android TV. It supports streaming, DLNA, and custom list management, with updated APKs available on GitHub.
AceStream makes it easy to stream channels from public sources on the internet. It's free and, when used with legitimate lists, completely legal. To watch DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) through AceStream, you can load the official DTT Channels list. This process is simple and respects free-to-air broadcasts.
How to load official DTT channels in AceStream : 1) Get the M3U URL from TDTChannels.com (for example, https://www.tdtchannels.com/lists/tv.m3u); 2) In AceStream, choose Open Content URL; 3) Paste the address and play. If any regional channel requires geolocation, you may need to enable "mock GPS" in the Android TV developer options.
Remember: IPTV apps are legal if you use lists of public channels or channels with permitted distribution . Avoid lists with premium paid content to avoid infringing rights or exposing yourself to risks.
Free TV (FAST/AVOD) and platforms with a free catalog
Pluto TV launched in Spain with dozens of linear channels and has since expanded to offer a diverse lineup (movies, series, comedy, music, sports) and on-demand content. It's ad-supported and requires no registration : simply open the app or website and you're good to go.
Tivify combines over 80 channels, with an emphasis on free-to-air channels as an alternative when you don't have an antenna or tuner. It has a free plan (account required) and paid options with more features; the free version allows you to watch live TV without platform ads and in good quality.
Rlaxx TV, a German service, recently launched with around 27 channels and VOD. Currently, part of the catalog is in English , but if you don't mind the language, you'll find documentaries, movies, and programs, with occasional advertising and no registration required.
Samsung TV Plus offers free channels if your TV, mobile phone, or tablet is a Samsung. In Spain, you can also watch over 50 news, entertainment, and sports channels on mobile phones and tablets , all free with ads and no additional payments.
Xiaomi TV+ is Xiaomi's equivalent service, with a mosaic of more than 200 free channels including sports, news, movies and entertainment, designed for the brand's devices.
Rakuten TV includes a free section with movies, documentaries, and children's content . It's not the premium catalog, and you'll see ads, but it adds interesting titles at no extra cost.
ViX, very popular in Latin America, works like a free “Netflix” without the need to create an account, with series, movies and children's content and a selection with a special Latin focus, although international content also appears.
Microcanales is AMC Networks' showcase for Spanish cable and satellite providers. It offers a selection of series, films, and documentaries from its catalog (AMC, SundanceTV, Canal Hollywood, DARK, etc.) to encourage you to explore the full catalog on its platforms.
Netflix occasionally publishes a microsite with titles available for a limited time as a promotional tool. The selection is small and rotates, but it's useful for trying out content without a subscription when it's available.
YouTube is a bottomless universe: in addition to official channels and live streams from many networks, you can find public domain films and copyrighted productions. It's a legal avenue for classic films and live broadcasts.
Plex, in addition to being a personal media center, already offers free streaming: over 600 channels and thousands of movies and TV shows without a subscription, a channel guide, a community to follow friends, universal playlists, and unified search. It even includes rentals of new releases directly from the app.
RTVE Play brings together La 1, La 2, Teledeporte, Playz, and 24h, with live broadcasts, series, movies, and the option to download for offline viewing . It's key for watching Spanish productions and events.
Mitele, part of the Mediaset group, offers live broadcasts and content from Telecinco, Cuatro, FDF, Energy, Divinity, and Be Mad . The free version includes advertising, and premium content requires a subscription.
ATRESplayer, from Atresmedia, integrates Antena 3, laSexta, Neox, Nova, Mega, and Atreseries. The free version is limited and includes ads , while the premium plan offers access to the catalog with fewer restrictions.
iQIYI focuses on Asian productions (movies and series), with Spanish subtitles . You can start without registering or paying; if you want all the episodes and titles, there's a VIP subscription. Downloads are available for offline viewing.
Media centers and aggregators: all in one place
Kodi is the classic solution for managing and playing local and online content. With it, you can access files on USB drives, memory cards, or hard drives , add streaming services, and even use it as a basic file explorer. On TVs with limited storage, Kodi is useful for centralizing platforms without having to install each app individually.
With the right setup, Kodi can play content from services like HBO Max, Disney+, Movistar Plus+, DAZN, Netflix, SkyShowtime, or Pluto TV (reminder: you need a paid subscription to these services ), watch free-to-air TV, record broadcasts, and use Plex as a source. It's incredibly customizable.
Plex, in addition to its free channels and VOD service, shines as a personal media server : it scans your library, organizes it into collections, and streams it to any device. Requirements: Plex Media Server 1.41.2 or higher, no support for ISOs or video_ts folders, and limitations on DRM-protected content.
Plex's Discover layer lets you create a universal watchlist , rate and comment on titles with friends, and see where each title is available. It also features new release rentals and a global search function so you don't waste time switching between apps.
Manage files and move content: essential
Send Files to TV is the app that saves the most time: it sends and receives all kinds of files between your phone and TV , ideal for transferring APKs that aren't on the Play Store or videos you want to watch instantly. It works best if you install it on both your smartphone and your TV.
A good file manager on your TV is invaluable. X-Plore File Manager offers a split-screen view for smoothly moving , copying, cutting, deleting, and managing external drives and internal storage. Alternatives like File Commander or An Explorer also work; the important thing is to have one handy.
Customize your controller and tap the screen
Button Mapper lets you remap remote control buttons with different actions depending on whether they're pressed once, twice, or held down. It's perfect for creating shortcuts to your streaming apps , taking screenshots, controlling volume, and more. The free version is usually sufficient for most users.
Aerial Dream replicates spectacular Apple TV-style screensavers on your Android TV. You can choose the quality (1080p-4K), scene types, standby time, and display information like the time or location. It's that "not essential" app that ends up becoming the favorite at home.
Downloads, torrents and extra utilities
TorrServe is a BitTorrent client that lets you manage and play torrents directly on your Android TV. It's updated on GitHub and turns your TV into a self-contained device for downloads and local playback.
Fetch simplifies downloads: pause and resume, prioritize files, and estimate times . It's a simple app, also compatible with Android TV, and useful if you're handling several large files.
Kaltura Player plays almost any format, from MP3/MP4 to live TV or 360/VR videos . It includes support for Google Cast, making it very versatile as a general-purpose player.
Recording Webcam takes advantage of a camera connected to your TV: take photos and record videos on Android TV , adjust the resolution, and, if you want, upload captures to a server. It's a new app and continues to receive improvements.
Neo Backup is used to back up the system or specific apps along with their data; its drawback is that it requires root permissions , so it's geared towards advanced users. In return, it speeds up bulk restores after a reset.
BESTV acts as a guide and search engine: it consults the TMDb database to find movies and series, with synopses, trailers, and cast information , and provides suggestions when you don't know what to watch. It doesn't play content, but it's very useful as a guide.
More ways to watch free TV in Spain
In addition to the above, it's worth remembering this selection of top choices in Spain: Pluto TV, ATRESplayer, Tivify, RTVE Play, Mitele, TDT Channels , and the TV Garden website. The first two are native apps, while TV Garden is an online portal with thousands of international channels.
To use TV Garden on your TV, install an Android TV-compatible browser like TV Web BrowseHere and access the website. No registration is required, and it expands the offering with broadcasts from around the world.
Quick FAQs
Are the apps mentioned safe?
In general, yes: projects like Kodi and VLC are available on the Play Store and are trustworthy. The open-source apps on this list come from verified repositories (F-Droid/GitHub) . Always download from official sources.
Do they work on any Smart TV?
Check that your TV uses Android TV or Google TV. Other systems (webOS, Tizen) may have compatibility issues , although many platforms also have native apps for those systems.
Is it legal to use IPTV like AceStream?
Yes, as long as you stream free-to-air channels or channels with distribution licenses . Do not use lists with third-party paid content, premium football, or protected premieres.
Availability notes and requirements
To manage your universal list or watchlist on services like Google TV, you usually need to sign in to your Google account . Some apps or content may vary by country and are subject to availability and agreements.
Access to children's sections on Google TV requires that the child have a Google account or a profile managed with Family Link. To view personal photos on the TV, Google Photos must be set up.
Smart home features typically require compatible devices and an internet connection . Content streaming is optimized for certain services only. The virtual remote is available in the Google TV app for Android and iOS.
Google devices have sustainability initiatives: for example, cases with at least 24% recycled plastic by weight, and packaging with reduced plastic (with exceptions for security labels in some stores).
Plex requires Plex Media Server 1.41.2+ for streaming your personal library . DRM-protected content, ISOs, and video_ts folders are not supported. Part of the app is funded by interest-based advertising (see our Privacy Policy).
Catalogs, available resolution, and the presence of ads may change. Sometimes, a subscription or purchase is required to unlock features or remove ads.
With this whole range of options—legal FAST/AVOD platforms, responsible IPTV with official lists, alternative clients, media centers, tools for sending and managing files, and utilities that get the most out of the remote and the screen—it's easy to build an Android TV tailored to your needs: lightweight, complete, and adapted to how you consume entertainment every day.