10 of the Best Vizio Smart TV Apps to try in 2024

More and more people are looking to adopt the latest smart home technology. From the latest smart appliances to digital voice assistants, smart home tech boomed recently, and there are no signs of it slowing down. 

Consumers are reinventing their homes like never before, and one piece of smart tech many homeowners have is a smart TV. Smart TVs allow you to access various streaming services and other types of entertainment content. Smart TVs connect to your home internet, eliminating the need for a traditional cable connection or antenna. 

One popular company, Vizio, sells multiple types of smart TVs. Its TVs come preloaded with core applications, but there are also apps that users can download onto another device and cast or AirPlay to the TV. 

In this post, we’re going to discuss which apps are built-in to Vizio smart TVs and some examples of apps that are Chromecast and AirPlay-compatible. 

Core Vizio Smart TV Apps

When you buy a Vizio smart TV, the device comes preloaded with various applications that you can open to stream content. They have a built-in platform called SmartCast, which automatically updates itself with new apps and features periodically.

Here are some examples of apps that come preloaded on Vizio Smart TVs:

• WatchFree+
• Netflix
• Discovery+
• STARZ
• Hulu
• HBO Max
• AMC+
• NFL
• TikTok
• Prime Video
• Disney+
• ViX
• Paramount+
• Sling
• Siruis XM
• Apple TV
• YouTube TV
• Peacock

There are even more apps to choose from in various genres, such as Kids and Family, News and Opinion and Sports and Music. However, you may want to download other apps to your smartphone that will allow you to cast or AirPlay to your smart TV. 

How to Download Vizio Smart TV Apps Using SmartCast

While you can’t technically install new apps on a Vizio smart TV, you can add hundreds of pre-installed apps to your home screen. You need an internet connection, a Vizio account and a Vizio remote control. If you crave convenience, you can use a smart speaker’s voice assistant or the Vizio mobile app.

Press the input, V or home button on your remote to bring up every pre-installed app and look for the one you want. If you use a voice assistant, tell it to search for the app you want. You select it to use it or add it to your home screen.

5 Chromecast/AirPlay-Enabled Apps to Use With Your Vizio Smart TV

Remember, you can’t download apps directly onto your Vizio smart TV — and all models released in 2021 or later are smart. Vizio TVs operate on the company’s SmartCast platform — which doesn’t have an app store. Instead, hundreds of apps come pre-installed on your device.

If you do not see an app you’re looking for, you can likely still watch the app’s content using the TV’s Chromecast or Apple AirPlay features. Additionally, various apps on both the Google Play Store and iOS App Store are compatible with Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 or both. As long as you have an Android or iPhone capable of casting or AirPlaying content, you’re set!

Below are some apps you can still access using your Vizio smart TV’s built-in Chromecast and AirPlay 2 features. 

1. Spotify

Spotify is one of the most popular audio streaming subscription apps with over 500 million subscribers. While Vizio smart TVs do not come with Spotify built-in, you can easily stream your favorite playlists or podcasts onto your Vizio TV.

When you open the Spotify app on your smartphone, there should be an option to Google Cast the app onto your TV. Spotify is available on the Google Play and iOS App Store. 

2. TNT

TNT is compatible with Apple AirPlay and Chromecast. The TNT app has movies, live TV, and TV shows ready for streaming. You can easily connect to your Vizio smart TV when you enter the app and begin watching content.

Some popular shows on the TNT app are Snowpiercer, Rich & Shameless and Supernatural. 

3. Showtime

Another popular channel that has Chromecast and AirPlay compatibility is Showtime. The Showtime library has plenty of TV series, movies, sports, documentaries and comedy specials worth watching. 

As long as you have a Showtime subscription and the app downloaded, you’ll be able to connect it to your TV using its Chromecast or AirPlay features.

4. ESPN+

For sports lovers, you know that watching sports on a TV screen is much better than watching games on your smartphone or tablet. The ESPN+ app does require a monthly subscription fee, so make sure you work that into your budget. 

ESPN+ is yet another app compatible with Vizio smart TVs. Consider downloading ESPN+ for news coverage, game highlights, scores and even commentary for the major sports leagues, including the MLB, NFL, NBA and more.

5. ABC

The ABC app has you covered, whether you want to tune in to “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Black-ish” or “American Idol.” You can download the ABC app onto your smartphone and use Chromecast or AirPlay.

ABC has a lot of hit shows, and you can stream anywhere at any time using the ABC app.

Because they are not Vizio core apps, these five apps have to be downloaded onto one of your devices to stream content to your Vizio TV. With these apps and the core Vizio apps, you won’t miss a beat when it comes to streaming your favorite content.

5 of the Best Pre-Installed Vizio Smart TV Apps

If you don’t want to use Airplay or Chromecast, you can still access new content. You can choose from dozens of pre-installed apps in your TV’s app library. Here are some of the best Vizio smart TV apps available in 2024.

1. A&E Crime Central

The A&E Crime Central app is here for all your true crime needs. It has over 2,000 episodes and features hit shows like “I Survived,” “60 Days In” and “The First 48.” There are many thrilling documentaries and TV series to pick from. While you need a subscription, it’s only around $5 monthly.

2. Bon Appétit

If you are a foodie, Bon Appétit is one of the best pre-installed apps on your Vizio smart TV. It features series like “Ingredient Swap,” “Street Eats” and “From the Test Kitchen.” The library has plenty of food-related content, whether you need inspiration for dinner or an exciting show to watch while eating.

3. Food Network GO

As Vizio smart TV apps go, Food Network GO is one of the best. Like Bon Appétit, it features interesting food-related. The main difference is its budget. It can afford to have over-the-top gameshows and long-running fan favorites like “Worst Cooks in America,” Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” “Iron Chef Gauntlet” and “The Great Food Truck Race.”

4. HGTV GO

The HGTV GO app is another of the best apps that comes pre-installed on your Vizio TV. You can watch dozens of real-estate, renovation and home improvement series. Some of the most popular titles include “Flip or Flip,” “Beachfront Bargain Hunt” and “My Lottery Dream Home.”

5. PBS

The PBS app has had something for everyone since its 2019 launch alongside PBS Kids. You can watch news stories, documentaries, films, local TV shows, on-demand series and historical pieces. If you want to learn about a niche period in history or pick up one of the latest TV dramas, this is your go-to app.

Download Apps to Stream Content to Your Vizio TV

While Vizio has spent time improving its products, customers have to deal with one flaw: they cannot download apps directly from an app store onto their TV. 

However, consider downloading Chromecast or AirPlay-compatible apps so you can still stream your favorite content on your TV. Other apps on the Google Play and iOS App Store are compatible with Chromecast and AirPlay — so what are you waiting for? Get browsing! 

Original Publish Date 2/28/2022 — Updated 1/24/2024