The App Store offers a vast range of apps for your Apple TV, but the ones most people think of first are the big streaming names — Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix. While these are great for binge-watching your favorite shows, they only scratch the surface of what your Apple TV can do. There are several lesser-known apps that can completely transform your experience — from letting you watch content without a paid subscription to turning your Apple TV into a casual gaming device. All you need are a few key downloads and a bit of setup.
Although not every app featured here is completely free, most offer enough functionality without requiring a subscription — so you can enjoy plenty of features without opening your wallet.
Infuse by Firecore
Infuse is a must-have app for anyone who prefers managing their own video library instead of relying solely on streaming services. It supports over 30 video formats — including MP4, MOV, and MKV — so you can play virtually any file without the hassle of conversion. Infuse connects seamlessly to media servers like Plex or Jellyfin, allowing you to stream your personal movie collection directly to your Apple TV — no cables required.
Managing large libraries can quickly become overwhelming, but Infuse’s built-in organization tools keep your collection sorted and easy to browse. You can also import custom subtitles in more than a dozen formats or download them directly from within the app in nearly any language.
For movie lovers who track their viewing habits, Infuse integrates with Trakt, syncing your watch history across devices. Additional features include support for multiple audio tracks, gesture controls, chapters, continuous playback, and even video zoom.
Infuse also supports advanced playback options like HDR and Dolby Vision, though accessing these — along with cloud integration for platforms such as Google Drive and Dropbox — requires a premium subscription. Subscribers also gain access to extended format support and movie trailer streaming, helping you decide what to watch next with ease.
