If you have a TV with Android TV or a Chromecast with Google TV, you already know that the door is open to thousands of applications and services to watch content, play games, manage files, or even customize the controller. It's not all about Netflix and the like: the ecosystem is vast, and there's life beyond the official store.
In this guide we've gathered, rewritten, and organized the best of several specialized listings to show you the Streaming platforms and key apps in Spain, including free options (FAST/AVOD), legal IPTV, alternative YouTube clients, open source stores, media centers, essential utilities, and some extra features that we often overlook.
Android TV to the max: streaming isn't everything
Having Android TV/Google TV means direct access to applications of all kindsFrom 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 game.
Additionally, there are useful options outside of the Play Store that are installed with your APK and are ready to go. operate on large screens with remote controlAll of this, with privacy-friendly alternatives and the ability to update from their own stores or repositories.
Alternative stores and repositories: install more and better
Aurora Store is an alternative store that acts as a parallel access to Play Store. It allows you to download and install apps without signing in with your Google account, preserving your privacy without compromising your catalog. Download it from the official website, in the download section with stable versions.
Neo Store, on the other hand, is an Android TV-adapted client for F-Droid, the free app repository. Its interface is designed to be navigated with the TV remote control, and makes it easy to discover and update open source apps. The APK is available on GitHub, easily accessible from the comfort of your couch.
Browse TV without complications: DTVFree
If you miss Chrome on your TV, DTVFree gets you out of trouble with a browser light and fluid for Android TVIts goal is to be resource-efficient and offer a simple experience for searches, common sites, and web playback, with downloads from its GitHub repository.
YouTube, but better: alternative clients
SmartTube (also known as SmartTube Next) is a YouTube client focused on large screens: native interface for Android TV, supports up to 8K/60 fps/HDR, customizable speed options, and buttons. It doesn't load Google services and can block ads. Sign in to access your history and playlists.
NewPipe is another alternative that also adapts to Android TV, with the advantage of supporting other services such as SoundCloud or BandcampIt's lightweight, offers background playback, PiP, subtitles, and up to 4K resolution, with channel subscriptions without having to sign up for Google.
IPTV and online TV: lists, apps, and responsible use
Wiseplay is a free player compatible with mobile phones and TVs that accepts most audio and video formats. Its strong point is the ability to load IPTV lists in m3u and w3u, mobile control, dark mode, parental controls, subtitles, and even a built-in browser. The Premium version removes ads for a one-time fee.
M3UAndroid is another open source, ad-free and very lightweight option, designed for play online channel lists with a clean interface on Android TV. It supports streaming, DLNA, and managing your own playlists, with updated APKs on GitHub.
AceStream makes it easy to stream playback from public sources on the Internet. It's free and, when used with legitimate lists, completely legal. To watch DTT through AceStream, you can download the official DTT Channels list. This process is simple and respects open broadcasts.
How to load official DTT on AceStream: 1) Get the M3U URL from TDTChannels.com (e.g., https://www.tdtchannels.com/lists/tv.m3u); 2) In AceStream, choose Open Content URL; 3) Paste the address and play. If a regional channel requires geolocation, you may need to enable a “Simulated GPS” from the Android TV developer options.
Remember: IPTV apps are legal if you use playlists. public channels or channels with permitted distributionAvoid 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 grown to offer a diverse lineup (movies, series, comedy, music, sports) and on-demand content. Funding is through advertising and does not require registration: you open the app or its website and that's it.
Tivify combines more than 80 channels, with an emphasis on DTT channels As an alternative when you don't have an antenna or a tuner. It offers a free plan (requires an account) and paid options with more benefits; the free version allows you to watch live without ads and in good quality.
Rlaxx TV, of German origin, recently arrived with about 27 channels and VOD. Today, part of the catalog is in English , but if you don't mind the language, you'll find documentaries, movies, and programs, with occasional ads and no registration required.
Samsung TV Plus offers free channels if your TV, phone, or tablet is from Samsung. In Spain, you can also watch on phones and tablets. more than 50 news, entertainment and sports channels, all free with advertising and no payments.
Xiaomi TV+ is Xiaomi's equivalent service, with a mosaic of over 200 free channels which includes sports, news, movies and entertainment, designed for the brand's devices.
Rakuten TV includes a free section with movies, documentaries and children's contentIt's not the premium catalog, and you'll see ads, but it does include interesting titles at no additional cost.
ViX, very popular in Latin America, works as 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 users of Spanish operators. It offers a exhibition of series, films and documentaries from its catalog (AMC, SundanceTV, Canal Hollywood, DARK, etc.) to encourage you to discover it in full on its platforms.
Netflix occasionally publishes a microsite with titles opened punctually For promotion. The selection is small and rotating, but it's useful for trying out non-subscription content when it's available.
YouTube is a bottomless universe: in addition to official channels and live broadcasts of many networks, you can find public domain movies 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: More than 600 channels and thousands of movies and series No subscription required, channel guide, community to follow friends, universal playlists, and unified search. It even includes new release rentals right from the app.
RTVE Play brings together La 1, La 2, Teledeporte, Playz and 24h, with live broadcasts, series, movies and the option of download for offline viewing. It is key to seeing national production and events.
Mitele, part of the Mediaset group, offers live broadcasts and content from Telecinco, Cuatro, FDF, Energy, Divinity and Be MadThere are ads in the free version, and premium content requires a subscription.
ATRESplayer, from Atresmedia, integrates Antena 3, laSexta, Neox, Nova, Mega and Atreseries. The free portion is limited and with ads, and the premium plan opens the catalog with fewer restrictions.
iQIYI focuses on Asian productions (film and series), with Spanish subtitlesYou can start without registering or paying; if you want all the episodes and titles, there's a VIP subscription. It allows you to download for offline viewing.
Media centers and aggregators: all in one place
Kodi is the classic for managing and playing local and online content. With it you can access files on USB, cards or hard drivesYou can add streaming services and even use it as a basic browser. On TVs with limited storage, Kodi is useful for centralizing platforms without installing each app.
With the proper setup, Kodi can play content from services such as HBO Max, Disney+, Movistar Plus+, DAZN, Netflix, SkyShowtime or Pluto TV (reminder: you need to be subscribed to paid services), watch DTT, record broadcasts, and use Plex as a source. It's incredibly customizable.
Plex, in addition to its free portion of channels and VOD, shines as personal media server: Scans your library, sorts it by collection, and serves it to any device. Requirements: Plex Media Server 1.41.2 or higher, no support for ISOs or video_ts folders, and limited DRM content.
Plex's Discover layer lets you create a universal watchlist, rate, comment with friends, and see where each title is. It also features new release rentals and a global search engine so you don't waste time jumping between apps.
Manage files and move content: essential
Send Files to TV is the app that saves the most time: send and receive all kinds of files between your mobile and TV, ideal for transferring APKs not available in the Play Store or videos you want to watch right away. It works best if you install it on both your smartphone and your TV.
A good browser on the TV is gold. X-Plore File Manager offers a view of split screen to move files, copy, cut, delete, or manage external drives and internal storage seamlessly. Alternatives like File Commander or Explorer also do the trick; the important thing is to have one handy.
Customize your controller and tap the screen
Button Mapper lets you remap controller buttons with different actions based on single, double, or long presses. It's perfect for creating shortcuts to your streaming apps, take screenshots, control advanced volume, etc. The free version is usually sufficient for most people.
Aerial Dream replicates the spectacular Apple TV-like screensaver on your Android TV. You can choose quality (1080p-4K), scene types, and timeout, and it displays information like the time and location. It's that "non-essential" app that ends up becoming a 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 standalone device for downloads and local playback.
Fetch makes downloads simple: pause and resume, prioritize files and estimate timesIt's a simple app, also compatible with Android TV, and useful if you manage 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 the TV: Take photos and record videos on Android TV, adjust the resolution, and if you want, upload screenshots to a server. It's young and still getting improvements.
Neo Backup is used to make backup copies of the system or specific apps with their data; its drawback is that requires root permissions, so it's aimed at advanced users. In return, it speeds up mass restores after a reset.
BESTV acts as a guide and search engine: consult the TMDb database to find Movies and series, with information sheets, trailers and cast, and get suggestions when you don't know what to watch. It doesn't play back, but it's very useful as a compass.
More ways to watch free TV in Spain
In addition to the above, it is worth remembering this outstanding selection in Spain: Pluto TV, ATRESplayer, Tivify, RTVE Play, Mitele, TDT Channels and the TV Garden website. The former are native apps, while TV Garden is an online portal with thousands of international channels.
To use TV Garden from your TV, install a browser compatible with Android TV such as TV Web Browse Here and access the website. No registration required, and the offering expands with broadcasts from around the world.
Quick FAQs
Are the apps mentioned safe?
In general, yes: projects like Kodi or VLC are on the Play Store and are trusted. 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. On other systems (webOS, Tizen) there may be incompatibilities, although many platforms also have native apps for those systems.
Is it legal to use IPTV like AceStream?
Yes, as long as you play open channels or with distribution permitsDon't use playlists with third-party paid content, premium soccer, or protected releases.
Availability notes and requirements
To manage your universal list or watchlist on services like Google TV, you usually You need to log in to your Google accountSome 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 minor have Google account or managed profile with Family Link. To view personal photos on TV, you need Google Photos set up.
Smart home features often require compatible devices and Internet connectionContent casting is optimized for select services only. The virtual remote is available in the Google TV app for Android and iOS.
On Google devices, there are sustainability initiatives: for example, housings with at least 24% recycled plastic according to weight, and packaging with reduced plastic (with exceptions for security labels in some stores).
On Plex, for personal library streaming, it is required Plex Media Server 1.41.2+. DRM-enabled content, ISOs, and video_ts folders are not supported. Part of the app is supported by interest-based advertising (see Privacy Policy).
Catalogs, available resolution, and the presence of ads may change. Occasionally, it is subscription or purchase required to unlock features or remove ads.
With all this range - legal FAST/AVOD platforms, responsible IPTV with official lists, alternative clients, multimedia centers, tools to send and manage files, and utilities that squeeze the remote and the screen - it is easy to build a tailor-made, lightweight Android TV, complete and adapted to how you consume entertainment each day.