The modern smart TVs have become a one-stop solution for all your entertainment needs. They come incorporated with the functionality of a mobile. Whether you want to stream movies or attend video calls or browse, they offer something for everybody.
In order to make the best use of the online functionalities of your Android TV, you need to download and install the best browser for Android TV. If you are unsure on which browser to install, fear not, we have got you covered.
Below is a list of the best browsers available for Android TV.
Table of Contents
Puffin TV Browser
This browser is specifically designed for Android TVs. It is one of the very few browsers that is not a port of Android mobile browsers like Chrome or Firefox. The browser is optimized for your Android TV and can be downloaded easily from the play store.
Why this Browser?
The optimization ensures that it is smooth, lightweight, and loads quickly.
Unlike many browsers, the Puffin TV-Browser does not require you to have a gaming controller or smartphone app. You can use your basic Android TV remote to operate it.
Instead of going through the painful process of typing the URL, the browser allows you to scan websites using QR codes and add them to your favorites.
Google Chrome
Google Chrome has become synonymous with Android. Chrome offers a wide range of services to support android applications across different devices. However, the popular mobile browser does not come as a default for Android TVs. In fact, it is not available in the play store either.
The only option is to sideload the Chrome browser on your Android TV. Since it is not a dedicated TV browser, the interface is similar to mobile. You can either bookmark the sites and visit them or type the site’s URL.
Why this Browser?
You have the option to sign-in and sync your browsing history, favorite sites, and saved passwords.
Firefox
Similar to Chrome, Firefox has no dedicated browser version for Android TV. The browser interface looks similar to mobile browsers and hence, can be difficult to navigate. To overcome this, you can use a controller, instead of your TV remote. You also have the option to use a mouse or a keyboard for navigating.
Why this Browser?
Firefox browser supports various extensions including Ad Blockers to make browsing and navigating easier.
You can sign-in, sync, and import all your data from your mobile device.
Opera
This is one of the better mobile web browsers. However, you still have to sideload the browser. Even though you can navigate the browser using the TV remote, you want a keyboard or mouse to load the page. If you don’t have a keyboard, you are stuck on the homepage.
Why this Browser?
Opera browser has the option to customize the browser according to your TV to improve user interface and navigation.
Kiwi Browser
Similar to most other browsers, the Kiwi browser is also not optimized for Android TV. However, it still offers a great user interface and navigation experience. In addition to navigating using a remote, you can also use a gaming controller or a keyboard and mouse.
Why this Browser?
The user interface is simple and sleek.
The browser comes with a default ad blocker that prevents pop-up ads.
It also comes with a translation feature using which you can translate the content to your preferred language.
The dark mode feature increases readability without causing any eye strain.
Duckduckgo Browser
This browser was designed with improving privacy as its prime focus. Just like the other browsers, you will have to sideload the DuckDuckGo browser as well. The browser is ideal for you if you are concerned with your privacy. It employs a variety of functions to keep your data safe.
Why this Browser?
You can clear your browsing history with just one tap of the flame icon that is located on the top right corner.
You can pre-set a specific interval to clear the browsing history automatically. You can also set to clear the history once you exit the app.
TV Bro
TV Bro is an open-source browser that can be installed from the play store. The browser supports multiple features and comes optimized for Android TVs. The latest update improved the existing features and you can reopen tabs even after rebooting your TV.
Why this Browser?
TV Bro features a smooth scrolling experience using your basic TV remote, that lacks in most browsers.
The browser has multiple functionalities. You can open multiple tabs using this browser and bookmark your favorite sites. Additionally, it supports video playback as well.
Web Browser For Android TV
This is another Android TV browser that is worth considering. The navigation controls and user interface are decent, to say the least, however, not as good as the Puffin browser.
Why this Browser?
This browser allows you to navigate the screen using your basic Android TV.
The browser supports HTML5 full-screen video and customizable bookmarks.
Samsung Internet Browser
Samsung Internet browser can be sideloaded on all Android TV models, irrespective of the brand. This browser comes with some powerful features to improve the user experience.
Why this Browser?
The browser allows you to change the text size and make the web content more readable.
It supports multiple ad blockers and content blockers to prevent annoying ads.
It has a high contrasting mode and wide-feature that applies to every site you open. The feature allows you to browse without any eye strains.
Other ways to browse the web on Android TV
If you do not want to browse the web using the traditional way, there are still other ways you can browse on Android TV.
Smartphone Screencasting
Most people prefer browsing on Android TV using this method owing to its simplicity. This method allows you to pair your smartphone and Android TV. Once paired, you can cast your phone screen to your TV. While it is not a great way to browse, other tasks such as video streaming and listening to audio are super easy with this.
Chromecast
This works similar to smartphone screencasting, however, instead of your smartphone, you need a Chromecast device. Almost all Android TVs come with built-in Chromecast technology making this a very feasible option. However, you will experience some lag while chrome casting.
GameStream
In order to use this feature, you need to own an Nvidia Shield. It is a streaming device that allows you to access you to connect your PC and TV. The major downside is that you need to use a mouse and a keyboard to navigate the web on your Android TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Puffin Browser is one of the best browsers for Android TV owing to its smooth user interface and ease of access. The other browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, DuckDuckGo, and Kiwi also deserve a special mention.
You cannot directly install the Chrome browser from your Android TV. You will have to sideload the browser. Alternatively, you can install the Chrome browser on your Android TV using your android mobile.
An Nvidia Shield acts as a hub connecting your Android TV to another device. Using the GameStream feature, you can control your Android TV with the help of a mouse and a keyboard.
DuckDuckGo is considered to be one of the safest browsers that was designed with the prime focus of improving privacy. It allows you to clear browsing history automatically using pre-set features.
While the specific steps to update your smart TV browser differs from one brand to another, you will have to visit the settings menu and find the Updates option. Once you click on it, you will have the option to update your browser or any other application if it is available.
Conclusion
Having smart features and browsers have become more of a prerequisite for your TV in modern times. Depending upon your individual preference, you can download and install any of the browsers mentioned above to have the best browsing experience from your Android TV.
If you feel we have missed any of the major browsers, let us know in the comment section.
