Best Apps for LG Smart TV [50+ Apps] (2023 UPDATED LIST)

LG Smart TVs have established themselves as premium entertainment hubs in millions of homes worldwide. With LG‘s market share hovering around 12.8% of global TV shipments according to recent industry data, they‘ve become a significant player in how we consume digital content. At the heart of this experience is their app ecosystem, which transforms these sleek screens into versatile entertainment centers.

Today‘s LG Smart TVs aren‘t just for passive viewing—they‘re platforms for streaming, gaming, fitness, productivity, and much more. With the right apps, your LG TV can become your fitness coach, gaming console, digital art gallery, or video conferencing system. According to LG‘s user data, the average Smart TV owner uses 7-9 apps regularly, with streaming services dominating usage time at approximately 80% of total viewing hours.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through over 50 essential apps across multiple categories, provide detailed comparisons, share performance optimization tips, and help you navigate LG‘s unique webOS platform. Whether you‘ve just purchased a state-of-the-art OLED or you‘re maximizing an older model, this guide will help you unlock your TV‘s full potential.

Understanding LG‘s webOS Platform: Evolution and Capabilities

LG‘s proprietary webOS has undergone significant evolution since its introduction in 2014. Currently, newer LG TVs run webOS 23 (released in 2023), which represents a complete interface redesign from earlier versions.

webOS Version History and Features

While webOS offers fewer apps than Android TV (approximately 1,000 vs. Android‘s 5,000+), it prioritizes quality over quantity. The platform is known for its fluid performance, with app launch times averaging 2-3 seconds on current models—approximately 20% faster than many Android TV implementations according to comparative benchmarks.

Key webOS Features That Enhance App Experience

• Magic Remote integration: Pointer-based navigation makes apps more intuitive
• Multi-View: Watch content from two apps simultaneously (available on newer models)
• Home Dashboard: Control smart home devices directly through TV interface
• Quick Cards: Content organized by category for faster access (webOS 23)
• AI recommendations: ThinQ AI suggests content based on viewing habits
• Voice control: Compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and LG‘s ThinQ

According to LG‘s usage data, the pointer-based Magic Remote increases app navigation efficiency by approximately 35% compared to traditional directional pad remotes, making complex apps more accessible.

How to Install and Manage Apps on Your LG Smart TV

Installation Process

Adding new apps to your LG Smart TV is straightforward:

1. Press the Home button on your remote
2. Navigate to the LG Content Store
3. Use the search function (magnifying glass icon) or browse categories
4. Select the app you want to install
5. Click the Install button
6. Wait for installation to complete
7. The app will appear in your home ribbon menu

For older LG TV models running webOS 3.0 or earlier, you‘ll need to select the "More Apps" or "LG Apps" button at the end of the launcher bar instead of accessing the Content Store directly.

Managing Storage Space

LG Smart TVs have limited storage space (typically 8-16GB depending on the model), with approximately 3-5GB available for apps. Here‘s how to check and manage your storage:

1. Press the Home button
2. Navigate to Settings (gear icon)
3. Select General
4. Choose About This TV
5. Select Storage

To free up space:

• Delete unused apps
• Clear app caches (via individual app settings)
• Reset apps that have grown too large

According to user reports, streaming apps typically use 10-50MB initially but can grow to 200-500MB with cached data over time.

Premium Streaming Video Apps: Detailed Comparison

Streaming services form the backbone of the smart TV experience. Here‘s a detailed comparison of the major platforms available on LG TVs:

1. Netflix

App Size: ~40MB (initial), grows with use
Performance Rating: 4.8/5 (based on user reviews)

Netflix remains the streaming juggernaut with over 230 million subscribers globally. The LG app implementation is consistently rated among the best, with quick load times and smooth navigation.

Key Features:

• Advanced recommendation algorithm (reportedly showing 70% accuracy)
• Automatic quality adjustment based on connection speed
• Multi-user profiles with parental controls
• "Skip Intro" and "Next Episode" functionality
• Integration with LG Magic Remote for easy navigation

Content Highlights:

• Over 1,900 original series and films
• Licensed content from major studios
• Approximately 35% of content is Netflix Original (according to recent analysis)
• Regular weekly content additions (15-20 new titles per week average)

Pro Tip: On newer LG TVs, press and hold the center button on an item to see extended information and similar recommendations without entering the full details page.

2. Amazon Prime Video

App Size: ~35MB (initial)
Performance Rating: 4.5/5

Amazon Prime Video comes included with Amazon Prime membership ($139/year) or as a standalone service ($8.99/month). The service has grown to over 200 million Prime members globally.

Key Features:

• X-Ray feature for real-time cast, soundtrack, and behind-the-scenes info
• 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos support on compatible LG models
• Integration with IMDb information
• Clear identification of free vs. paid content
• Voice search via Magic Remote

Content Highlights:

• Growing library of critically acclaimed originals
• Extensive back catalog of older movies
• Sports programming including Thursday Night Football
• Add-on "Channels" for additional content subscriptions

Pro Tip: Use the "Free to Me" filter to show only content included with your subscription.

3. Disney+

App Size: ~42MB
Performance Rating: 4.7/5

Disney+ has amassed over 150 million subscribers in just a few years, built on their powerful content library and franchise expertise.

Key Features:

• GroupWatch for synchronized viewing with friends
• IMAX Enhanced format for select Marvel films
• Robust parental controls
• Downloads for offline viewing on mobile (not on TV)
• Special content hubs for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic

Content Highlights:

• Nearly the entire Disney animated film library
• Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes
• National Geographic documentaries
• Disney+ original series and films

Pro Tip: Create different profiles for different family members to keep recommendations relevant and use Kids Profiles for younger viewers.

Free Streaming Services: The Rising FAST Channel Phenomenon

Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) has gained significant traction, with viewership increasing 45% year-over-year according to Nielsen data. These services offer completely free content supported by advertisements.

8. YouTube

App Size: ~30MB
Performance Rating: 4.9/5

With over 2 billion monthly active users, YouTube is the world‘s largest video platform. The LG implementation is excellent, supporting all resolutions up to 8K on compatible models.

Key Features:

• Voice search integration with LG remote
• Support for YouTube account synchronization
• Access to subscribed channels
• Picture-in-picture mode on newer models
• YouTube Premium integration for ad-free viewing

Usage Statistics:

• Average user watches 19 hours of YouTube monthly on connected TVs
• Connected TV viewing accounts for over 100 million hours of YouTube content daily
• Over 500 hours of content uploaded every minute

Pro Tip: Link your YouTube account to use your subscriptions and watch history across devices.

9. Pluto TV

App Size: ~28MB
Performance Rating: 4.3/5

Pluto TV pioneered the FAST model and now offers 250+ live channels and thousands of on-demand titles completely free.

Key Features:

• Traditional TV-like channel guide
• Themed channels (80s Rewind, Classic Movies, etc.)
• On-demand library alongside live content
• No registration required (optional for favorites)
• Low ad load compared to traditional TV (4-5 minutes per hour vs. 8-16 minutes)

Content Breakdown:

• News & Information: 18% of channels
• Movies: 24% of channels
• TV Shows: 36% of channels
• Sports: 12% of channels
• Special Interest: 10% of channels

Pro Tip: Create a free account to save favorite channels and receive personalized recommendations.

10. Tubi TV

App Size: ~32MB
Performance Rating: 4.2/5

Tubi has grown to offer over 40,000 movies and TV episodes, making it one of the largest free content libraries available.

Key Features:

• Netflix-style interface with personalized recommendations
• "Not on Netflix" section highlighting exclusive content
• New content added weekly (approximately 1,000 hours monthly)
• Content organized in easy-to-browse collections
• Lower ad load than traditional TV

Content Highlights:

• Wide selection of cult classics and B-movies
• Growing library of originals
• International content with subtitles
• Anime and international films

Pro Tip: Use the "Collections" feature to find curated content for specific moods or genres.

Specialized Streaming Services: Niche Content for Every Interest

While general entertainment platforms dominate viewing hours, specialized services cater to specific interests with deeper content libraries in their focus areas.

15. Crunchyroll

App Size: ~25MB
Performance Rating: 4.4/5

With over 5 million paid subscribers and 120 million registered users, Crunchyroll is the leading anime streaming service globally.

Key Features:

• Simulcast releases (episodes available 1 hour after Japanese broadcast)
• Manga reader on mobile (not available on TV app)
• Extensive subtitle options
• Ad-free viewing for premium subscribers
• Queue management and watch history

Content Metrics:

• 1,000+ anime series
• 30,000+ episodes
• 200+ east Asian dramas
• New episodes added daily during seasonal anime releases

Pro Tip: Premium subscribers can access new episodes immediately, while free users wait one week for new content.

16. Shudder

App Size: ~22MB
Performance Rating: 4.1/5

AMC Networks‘ Shudder is dedicated to horror, thriller, and supernatural content, with approximately 1 million subscribers.

Key Features:

• Curated collections by horror subgenre
• Shudder TV live channel with programmed content
• Original and exclusive films and series
• Celebrity guest curator collections
• Regular "Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs" live events

Content Breakdown:

• Supernatural: 26% of library
• Slasher/Gore: 22% of library
• Psychological: 28% of library
• Documentary: 8% of library
• Other Subgenres: 16% of library

Pro Tip: Check the "Shudder Exclusives" section for content you won‘t find on other services.

Music & Audio Apps: Turning Your TV Into a Sound System

According to LG‘s user data, music apps account for approximately 12% of app usage time on their Smart TVs, with the highest engagement during evenings and weekends.

21. Spotify

App Size: ~30MB
Performance Rating: 4.6/5

With over 489 million monthly active users (220 million premium), Spotify dominates the music streaming market with its robust features and vast library.

Key Features:

• 70+ million tracks and 4.7+ million podcasts
• Collaborative playlists
• Spotify Connect for controlling TV playback from your phone
• Behind-the-lyrics integration
• Visualization effects during playback

Usage Statistics:

• TV app users listen for average sessions of 45 minutes (vs. 25 minutes on mobile)
• Most active TV usage during evening hours (7-11 PM)
• Podcast listening growing 20% year-over-year on TV platforms

Pro Tip: Use Spotify Connect from your phone to control TV playback without interrupting what‘s on screen.

22. Amazon Music

App Size: ~27MB
Performance Rating: 4.3/5

Amazon Music offers tiered service levels with Prime Music, Music Unlimited, and HD options.

Key Features:

• HD and Ultra HD audio (up to 24-bit/192kHz) on compatible systems
• X-Ray lyrics synchronized with music
• Curated playlists and stations
• Offline listening on mobile devices
• Alexa integration

Content Metrics:

• Prime Music: 2 million songs
• Music Unlimited: 90 million songs
• HD Catalog: 90 million songs in CD quality
• Ultra HD Catalog: 9 million+ songs in better-than-CD quality

Pro Tip: Prime members already have access to Prime Music included with their membership—no additional subscription needed for basic access.

Gaming Apps: LG TV as a Gaming Platform

Gaming on Smart TVs has seen substantial growth, with an estimated 34% of Smart TV owners playing games on their TVs at least monthly, according to industry research.

34. LG Game World

App Size: Varies by game
Performance Rating: 4.2/5

LG‘s built-in gaming platform offers casual games designed specifically for TV play using the Magic Remote.

Key Features:

• Games optimized for Magic Remote pointer control
• Wide variety of genres (puzzle, arcade, casual)
• Both free and premium games available
• Leaderboards for select titles
• Family-friendly filtering options

Game Categories Distribution:

• Puzzle/Casual: 45% of titles
• Arcade/Action: