The Best Streaming Apps for Android

Top apps for streaming audio and video on your smartphone or tablet

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on December 16, 2021
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

The Google Play Store is home to millions of apps, but what are the best streaming apps for Android? We've conducted our research and compiled a list of the best Android apps for streaming movies, TV, music, and games to save you the hassle of trying each one.

01
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Watch Live TV and On-Demand Movies: Hulu

Hulu app downloading a movie on Android
What We Like

  • Growing library of original content.

  • Download shows and movies to watch offline.

  • Live TV plan includes 50-hour cloud DVR.

What We Don't Like

  • Offers fewer channels than most cable plans.

  • Cost of add-ons can quickly add up.

Out of all the video streaming apps, Hulu stands out because it offers live TV in addition to a rotating selection of on-demand movies and shows. Hulu With Live TV costs more than a regular Hulu subscription, but it's worth it for channels like FX and USA. That way, you can catch shows like American Crime Story and Chucky as soon as they air. You can also watch many current TV shows on-demand and Hulu originals. Hulu even offers add-ons like HBO, Cinemax, Showtime.

02
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Stream Songs and Music Videos on Android: YouTube Music

YouTube Music Android app
What We Like

  • Includes mainstream and indie music.

  • Watch concert recordings and exclusive artist interviews.

  • Upload your own songs and listen to other users.

  • Works well with Google Assistant.

What We Don't Like

  • Audio is sometimes inconsistent.

  • Doesn't have everything you can find on Spotify.

YouTube has always had a great selection of music videos, but YouTube Music offers content you won't find anywhere else, including live concert footage. YouTube Music is a great place to discover new artists with its preset playlists and reliable recommendations. Anyone can listen to YouTube Music for free with ads, or you can pay for a monthly subscription to get rid of ad breaks.

03
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Stream Online Games and Watch Others Play: Twitch

Twitch app for Android
What We Like

  • Millions of gaming and non-gaming channels.

  • Good integration with other social media platforms.

  • Get notified when your favorite streamer goes live.

What We Don't Like

  • No parental control options.

  • Streams vary in quality.

Twitch is the top social media platform for streaming gameplay, but most people drop in to watch. You can catch video game competitions and chat with live streamers from all around the world. If you want to show off your skills, it's possible to broadcast gameplay footage directly from your phone. Twitch also hosts a growing number of non-gaming channels focusing on cooking, crafts, and even politics.

04
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Keep Up With Breaking Sports News and Scores: ESPN

ESPN app for Android
What We Like

  • Get real-time scores and standings.

  • Covers every major sports league.

  • Free sports podcasts.

What We Don't Like

  • Subscription required to watch live sports.

  • Tons of ads.

The EPSN app provides the latest updates for the MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and all other major sports leagues. Pick your favorite teams to see breaking news and lives scores. You can also keep up with college sports and even esports. If you have a cable plan that includes ESPN, you can watch live games on your phone through the app, but there's more than enough free content for sports enthusiasts to enjoy.

05
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Stream Live TV for Free on Android: Pluto TV

Pluto TV free movie app for Android
What We Like

  • Completely free.

  • No account required.

  • Customizable interface.

What We Don't Like

  • No way to get rid of ads.

  • Limited selection of traditional cable channels.

Pluto TV offers a wide selection of live channels and on-demand content at absolutely no cost. Just like most cable TV services, the app lets you see the lineup for each channel, and you can even customize the TV guide to hide channels you don't watch. The movies and shows you have access to will vary depending on your location, but as long as you're willing to sit through ads, you can watch as much as you want without sharing any personal information.

06
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Watch Free Movies Anywhere, Any Time: Tubi

Tubi free movie app for Android
What We Like

  • All content is free with ads.

  • High quality video available for most titles.

  • Log in to create watchlists and get recommendations.

  • Categories include Not on Netflix, Indie Films, and Only on Tubi.

What We Don't Like

  • Free account required for age restricted content.

  • Frequent short ad interruptions.

On Tubi, you never have to worry about which movies are free to watch. This 100% free streaming service hosts a rotating selection of mainstream movies and classic TV shows. You don't have to create an account or share any personal information, but logging in gives you the option to "like" or "dislike" content so Tubi can make recommendations.

07
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Best Android Streaming App for Kids: PBS Kids Video

PBS KIDS Video app for Android
What We Like

  • Safe fun for all ages.

  • Hours of free videos to keep kids occupied.

  • New educational content every week.

What We Don't Like

  • No option to download videos to watch offline.

  • No way to search for episodes.

PBS has been entertaining and educating children for decades with shows like Sesame Street, Arthur, and Curious George. The PBS Kids app brings these classic characters to the digital age and every week features new educational videos you won't find anywhere else. Best of all, you don't have to worry about your kids making any accidental purchases since everything is free.

FAQ
  • Which streaming device is best for Android TV apps?

    Several streaming devices work well for Android TV apps, including the NVIDIA Shield Android TV streaming device, the Roku Ultra, and Google Chromecast With Google TV. You can also consider Walmart's Onn streaming device for a basic solution.

  • What are the best music download apps for Android?

    The best music apps for Android include YouTube Music, MediaMonkey, Spotify, and Amazon Music. You can also consider the free Musicolet app and BlackPlayer.

  • What are the best drawing apps for Android?

    Some of the best drawing apps for Android tablets and smartphones include Tayasui Sketches, Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Illustrator Draw, ArtFlow, Ibis Paint, and Sketchbook by Autodesk.

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