Top 5 best browsers for Android TV

It’s hard to believe that it’s already been a decade since an Android TV first debuted. Since then, the platform has evolved significantly and is now a fully fleshed out TV experience in line with the Android experience on smartphones and tablets.

An essential part of this fleshing out is the browser, which might not seem so critical on a TV. But if you’ve ever tried to stream content from streaming platforms with unsupported apps, you’ll realise how essential it is. A browser also transforms the traditional TV experience into a true Smart TV one, as most of the work you do on a laptop or PC can be accomplished in a browser, and by extension on the TV.

With that in mind, here are the best browsers for Android TV:

1. Google Chrome

2. Mozilla Firefox

3. TV Bro

4. Puffin TV Browser

5. DuckDuckGo

1. Google Chrome

Without question, Google Chrome is the browser everyone needs on their TV. As expected from Google, Chrome is a feature-rich and powerful product, but what sets it apart from other browsers is simply the fact that it is by far the most popular and ubiquitous browser out there. It’s available on all platforms and we use it daily for work and personal browsing. 

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Chrome on Android TV offers much the same experience, but more importantly, syncing features that keep your passwords, bookmarks, and recommendations in sync across all your devices for a seamless browsing experience wherever you are.

2. Mozilla Firefox

One of the best alternatives to Chrome is Mozilla’s Firefox. As an open-source browser, Firefox is packed with features including built-in ad-block, a capable browser engine, and even a sync feature for those of us who use Mozilla on our phones and desktops. Firefox is a more secure and private alternative to Chrome, and our pick for the more picky users.

3. TV Bro

If you’re looking for an app that’s specially designed to make streaming easier from more obscure services that either don’t have dedicated apps, or only use third-party apps, TV Bro is the one you might want to consider. This app includes popular features such as tabbed browsing, downloads, and easy navigation, but takes things a step further with a built-in ad blocker and better support for HD streaming from within the browser itself. It’s also well designed, with support for a regular Android TV remote and even attached computer mouse.

4. Puffin TV Browser

Puffin TV is a subscription-based browser designed for TV. You get a 7-day trial to check it out, as well as affordable daily, weekly, and monthly subscriptions options.

You will want to pay for this browser because it offers one of the more polished web browsing experiences on Android TV, not to mention a dedicated Puffin TV Remote app that simplifies navigation further, the ability to push URLs, and you’ll even find support for video formats that can be played back from within the browser, making this an all-in-one solution.

5. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo is a browser designed for only one thing: privacy. The description says that it provides “the most comprehensive online privacy protection in one app”, and that’s entirely accurate. Designed from the ground up to protect your privacy, prevent data harvesting, and mitigate ad-targeting, this is the browser you want if you want to keep your online presence invisible while still taking advantage of the privileges of the internet. Built-in protections include private search, secure email, app-tracking protection, tracking prevention on websites, better encryption, and a whole lot else.

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A good browser is essential for a great Android TV experience, and transformative to your experience given how much more interactivity and flexibility it enables. Take control of your TV experience and get a great browser today!