Great Samsung Smart TV Apps That Aren't Netflix

There are hundreds of Samsung Apps for Samsung Smart TVs, but which are the best must-have apps?

You get the obvious streaming video apps from Netflix, Vudu, Amazon or Hulu Plus included on Smart TVs, but other types of apps your TV? The idea may make you wonder what else would you want to do on your TV with an app?

It might surprise you what you will find among the many apps available. Some apps are quite useful, and game apps can be fun, either playing against the system or playing with friends.

Here's a list that will help you decide which ones you might want to try out.

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TED

If you enjoy TED Talks, now you can watch them from the comfort of your couch or favorite chair using the TED app. The app is free. You have access to more than a thousand videos of business leaders, musicians, techies, medical experts, and many more who offer enlightening insights and perspectives on a great range of topics you might be interested in. More »

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Accuweather

There are two Accuweather apps in the Samsung App store, a paid version, and a free version. The free Accuweather app may be all you need if you live in one of the larger cities listed in the app.

For those who live outside the listed cities, the paid Accuweather app ($2.99), will display forecasts by specific cities or zip codes. It shows 10-day forecasts, satellite, and hour-by-hour weather maps.

The app will also provide weather warnings listed. This is a complete weather app that is easy to navigate and easy to read at a glance. More »

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FandangoNOW

FandangoNOW offers more than movie times and reviews. This is a full-on video streaming service offering access to more than 30,000 movies and TV shows without a subscription.

Fandango purchased the M-Go service and built upon it to create FandangoNOW. If you used M-Go, all of your purchases will be available on FandangoNOW.

Though the app is free, content is either available for rent or for purchase. Purchases made through the FandangoNOW app will earn you Fandango VIP points that can be used for discounts on future purchases. More »

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SPSN—Samsung Product Support Network

This app contains video tutorials for all Samsung products. Choose from cell phones to computers to the TV you are using and learn how to not just do the basics with the device, but tips on how to get the most out of it.

Videos include how to connect your Blue-ray player to the internet, how to troubleshoot your Samsung washer malfunction, how to create macros on your Samsung TV remote control and dozens more. More »

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PLEX

If you are having trouble trying to find what content is available on your Samsung Smart TV, then PLEX may be the answer.

PLEX provides a way to organize your content so that it can be easily accessed on your Samsung smart TV. This means that you can access any compatible media content that is stored on your PC or MAC, you just have to make sure that you have the PLEX App installed on your TV and PLEX media server software installed on your PC or MAC.

Once you have the app and media server installed, you are ready to go - the best part, it is free!

However, if you decide to upgrade to PLEX Premium ($4.99 mo, $39.99 yr, $119.99 lifetime). You can watch and record live TV on your PC or the cloud (antenna and tuner required, as well as the ability to sync your content with compatible mobile devices. More »

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UltraFlix

If you have a Samsung 4K Ultra HD TV and can stream in 4K, then check out UltraFlix.

This app provides access to a host of both free and paid 4K content that you will enjoy. Many movies can be rented for $4.99, usually with a 48-hour viewing window. Content offerings change periodically, so check it out.

The best parts, you only need a 4 to 5mbps broadband speed and, if you have an HDR-enabled TV, some content includes that feature. More »

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Vimeo

Vimeo Logo. Image provided by Vimeo via Samsung

Everybody watches YouTube - but that isn't the only source of free original uploaded video content. Vimeo offers up thousands of videos from many sources, including aspiring amateur film makers. The best way to get started is by checking out Vimeo's staff picks.

Categories include music videos, short documentaries, comedy, and more. More »

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Shout Factory TV

If you are a cult TV and movie fan, this is the app for you! Shout Factory TV provides access to a host of great content, such as select Roger Corman films, and sci-fi classics such as A Boy and His Dog and Dreamscape. Also, if you like really "bad" movies, check out collections from Elvira's Movie Macabre, Mystery Science Theater 3000, and Rifftrax.

You can even binge watch old TV shows, such as Father Knows Best, Dennis The Menace, even Super Sentai (the original Japanese Power Rangers!).

In addition, there is also some original programming and other special content.

The best part - You can watch it for free - the downside, titles move in an out on a periodic basis, so if you find something you like, watch it! More »

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Dashwhoa

When you get up in the morning, this app can help you start your day. On the left is a large digital clock and calendar so you can see what day it is and stay on time. The center section of the screen is an hour-by-hour weather report for the day—helpful when deciding what you want to wear to work. On the right side of the screen is a local map with traffic so you'll know what time you want to leave. More »

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Standard Video Streaming Apps

Samsung Streaming Aps — Hulu Netfix Amazon. www.flickr.com

Of course, Samsung TVs feature the familiar standards in video streaming subscription services like Netflix, Amazon Video, and Hulu. You can also download apps for video-on-demand services that let you pay as you go, such as Vudu and CinemaNow. Most offer similar titles and are actually run on the same platform. Vudu is known for its higher quality video and sound, including the latest Dolby Atmos surround sound releases.

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Samsung Apps for Both TVs and Blu-ray Disc Players

Samsung Apps are available not just on their line of TVs, but also on other Samsung devices such as network-enabled Blu-ray Disc players, as well as Samsung mobile devices. More »

Disclaimer

The core content of this article was originally written by Barb Gonzalez, but has been edited, reformatted, and updated by Robert Silva and Lifewire Staff.