Choosing a browser for Android TV is a much more difficult task than it might seem. Unlike smartphones, here compatibility with remote controls, optimization for 1080p/4Kresolutions and minimal resource consumption come to the fore. Many popular mobile browsers (Chrome, Firefox) on TVs work clumsily: the interface is not adapted for a large screen, the text is blurry, and navigation using D-pad (remote cross) turns into torture.

In this article we tested 7 browsers, specially optimized for Android TV (including models on Google TV and Fire TV). You will learn which one handles better mouse/keyboard support, and how to get around manufacturer restrictions (for example, not available on some TV boxes). All recommendations are based on tests on devices with ad blocking without root, mouse/keyboard support, and how to get around manufacturer restrictions (such as lack of Google Play on some TV boxes). All recommendations are based on tests on devices with Android TV 12–14 and taking into account user feedback for 2026-2026.

Browser selection criteria for Android TV

Before moving on to the review of specific applications, Let's take a look at what to pay attention to when choosing:

  • 🎮 Remote control support: the browser must work correctly with D-pad (dad), buttons Back/Home and voice search (if there is a microphone on the remote control).
  • 🖥️ Adaptation for a large screen: text scaling, support 10-foot interface (10-foot UI), lack of "mobile" elements like swipes.
  • 🚀 Performance: low RAM consumption (critical for TV boxes with 1–2 GB RAM), page rendering speed, support for hardware acceleration.
  • 🔒 Security and privacy: built-in tracker blocking, VPN support, no data leaks.
  • 🔧 Additional features: support for extensions (for example, uBlock Origin), bookmark synchronization, reading mode, mouse gestures.

Pay special attention installation method. Not all browsers are available in the official Google Play for Android TV. Some require manual APK download via Send Files to TV or ADB (instructions below).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Fire OS (for example, Amazon Fire TV Stick) many browsers may not install due to Amazon restrictions. In this case, use Downloader or AppLinked for APK side loading.
📊 What brand is your Android TV?
Sony
Xiaomi (Mi TV)
NVIDIA Shield
TCL
Philips
Other

TOP 7 browsers for Android TV: comparison table

For convenience, we have summarized the key characteristics in a table. Pay attention to the column "Installation method" - some browsers require additional manipulations.

Browser Optimization for TV Ad blocking Support for extensions Installation method Cons
TV Bro ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Built-in (AdBlock) No Google Play Slow loading of heavy pages
Puffin TV ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Through the cloud (paid) Yes (limited) Google Play / APK Requires registration, lags when scrolling
Kiwi Browser ⭐⭐⭐ Through extensions Yes (uBlock, Dark Reader) APK (manual installation) Not adapted for remote control, small font
JioPages ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Built-in No Google Play Indian localization, few settings
Firefox Focus ⭐⭐⭐ Built-in (strict) No Google Play / APK No history, limited bookmarks
Bromite ⭐⭐⭐ Built-in (AdBlock) No APK (requires permission for unknown sources) No official TV support, bugs with the remote control
Opera TV ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ No (requires VPN) No Google Play Collects data, slow synchronization

The table shows that there is no ideal option —every browser has trade-offs. For example, TV Bro is perfectly adapted to the remote control, but slows down on complex sites, and Kiwi Browser supports extensions, but requires a mouse for comfortable operation. Next, we will analyze each option in detail.

1. TV Bro is the best choice for remote control

TV Bro is the only browser that was originally developed specifically for Android TV. Its main advantage is full support for navigation from the remote control, including:

  • 🎯 Precise cursor control using D-pad (dad).
  • 🔍 Convenient zoom (zoom in) by double click OK.
  • 📋 Quick access to bookmarks and history through the side menu.

The browser is equipped with a built-in ad blocker (AdBlock), which works without additional settings. There is also a "Reading" mode that removes unnecessary elements from the page (useful for news sites). Of the minuses - there is no support extensions, and on weak devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box Sthere may be slowdowns when opening heavy sites like YouTube or Twitch.

⚠️ Attention: In the latest versions TV Bro advertising has appeared at the bottom of the screen. It can be disabled in the settings (Settings → Disable advertising), but this will require a one-time purchase for ~300 rubles.

Download the APK from the official website (if not on Google Play)|Transfer the file to TV via Send Files to TV|Enable the resolution "Unknown sources" in security settings|Install APK through any file manager (for example, FX File Explorer)-->

2. Puffin TV - a cloud browser with Flash support

Puffin TV stands out among its competitors in that it processes web pages on remote servers and broadcasts the result to your TV. This provides two key advantages:

  1. Compatibility with legacy technologies (for example, Adobe Flash), which are no longer supported by modern browsers.
  2. Low load on the hardware of the TV box - even on weak devices the browser runs smoothly.

However, you have to pay for these advantages:

  • 💰 The free version is limited in time of use (30 minutes per day). The full version costs ~1500 rubles per year.
  • 🔌 A stable Internet connection is required (minimum 10 Mbit/s), otherwise there will be lags.
  • 🔒 Data passes through Puffin servers, which raises privacy concerns.

If you need a browser for browsing old Flash games (for example, on sites like Kongregate) or working with corporate systems that require Java/ActiveXthen Puffin TV is one of the few options. For regular surfing, it is better to choose something else.

How to bypass the time limit in Puffin TV?

Officially - not at all, but some users use the following trick:

1. Delete the browser cache in the Android TV settings (Settings → Applications → Puffin TV → Memory → Clear cache).

2. Restart the application - the timer will reset.

⚠️ This method may stop working in new versions of the browser.

3. Kiwi Browser - Chrome with support for extensions

Kiwi Browser is a modified version of Chromethat adds support for extensions. Chrome Web StoreThis means that you can install:

  • 🛡️ uBlock Origin is the most effective ad blocker.
  • 🌙 Dark Reader is a dark theme for all sites.
  • 🔍 Tampermonkey is for user scripts.

However, there are two serious problems:

  1. Lack of optimization for TV: the interface is designed for touch screens, and not to the remote control. You will have to connect a mouse or use a virtual keyboard.
  2. Complicated installation: Google Play there is no this browser for Android TV. You'll have to download the APK from the official website and install it manually.

If extensions are critical to you and you are willing to put up with the inconvenience of management, Kiwi Browser is the best choice. To simplify navigation, you can use an application Mouse Toggle for TVthat emulates a mouse cursor using the remote control.

1. Go to Settings → Privacy and disable "Network activity prediction".

2. In the "System" section, reduce the number of simultaneously open tabs to 3–5.-->

4. JioPages - a fast browser with Indian "chips"

JioPages - a browser from the Indian operator Reliance Jio, which unexpectedly performed well on Android TV. Pros:

  • 🚀 High loading speed thanks to the optimized engine.
  • 🇮🇳 Built-in support for Indian streaming services (JioTV, Hotstar).
  • 🔒 Built-in ad and tracker blocking.

The downsides are Indian localization (part of the interface is in Hindi), lack of synchronization with Google account and limited settings. However, if you need light and fast browser without unnecessary bells and whistles, JioPages it's worth a try.

You can install it directly from Google Play —the application is officially supported Android TVAfter installation, we recommend immediately disabling "News feed" in the settings so that it does not interfere with startup.

5. Firefox Focus - maximum privacy

Firefox Focus is a browser for those who value privacy. By default, it blocks:

  • 🚫 Advertising and trackers.
  • 🔄 Social widgets (like the "Like" buttons from Facebook). data-i="219">Like
  • 📊 Analytical tools (Google Analytics, Yandex Metrica).

After closing, the browser automatically deletes all history, cookies and cache. This makes it ideal for:

  • 🛡️ Anonymous surfing (for example, to log into accounts on other people's devices).
  • 🔍 Checking sites for trackers.
  • 💳 Online purchases (card data is not saved).

The main disadvantage is lack of history and bookmarks. If you need to save the page, you will have to manually copy the link into your notes. Also, the browser is not optimized for the remote control, so for comfortable work you will need a mouse.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, NVIDIA Shield) Firefox Focus may conflict with the system one GeckoView, which leads to crashes. In this case, try rolling back to an older version of the browser.

6. Bromite - Chrome without Google trackers

Bromite is Chromecleared of all Google tracking tools (sort of Safe Browsing i Google Sync). At the same time, the browser maintains high speed and support for modern web standards.

Key features:

  • 🛡️ Built-in AdBlock (works at the DNS level).
  • 🔒 All connections to Google servers are disabled.
  • 🚀 Support WebRTC i Widevine DRM (needed for streaming services).

However, Android TV Bromite behaves unstable:

  • 🎮 Poor remote support - the cursor jumps, the buttons Back/Home work crookedly.
  • 📥 There is no official version for TV - you have to install the APK from the smartphone assembly.

If you are willing to put up with these shortcomings for the sake of privacy, Bromite is one of the best options. To install, download the latest version from the official website and transfer the APK to TV via Send Files to TV.

7. Opera TV - a browser with VPN, but with a catch

Opera TV is the only browser on this list that offers built-in free VPN. This may be useful for:

  • 🌍 Bypassing regional blocking (for example, for browsing Netflix US).
  • 🛡️ Protecting traffic on public networks.
  • 🔓 Accessing blocked sites (if your the provider limits the content).

However, this browser has serious drawbacks:

  1. Collection data: despite the VPN, Opera is known for transferring user data to third parties (in 2016 the company was sold to a Chinese consortium).
  2. Slow operation: VPN noticeably slows down page loading, especially on weak devices.
  3. No ad blocking: you will have to install additional extensions (but their support in the TV version is limited).

If you need a VPN, it is better to consider alternatives like ProtonVPN or Windscribe, which can be installed separately and used with any browser.

💡

Opera TV is only suitable for occasional use when you need quick access to blocked content. For constant surfing, choose another browser.

How to install a browser on Android TV if it is not on Google Play

Many browsers (for example, Kiwi or Bromite) are not available in the official store for Android TV. In this case, there are three installation methods:

  1. Via Send Files to TV:
    1. Install the application Send Files to TV on your smartphone and TV.
    2. Download the browser APK to your phone (for example, from the website APKPure).
    3. Send the file to TV through the app.
    4. Open the file on TV and install, having previously allowed installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
  2. Via ADB (for advanced users): 
    adb connect [IP address of your TV]

    adb install [path to APK file]

    The IP address of the TV can be found in the network settings (Settings → Network → Status).

  3. Through a file manager:
    1. Download the APK to a USB drive.
    2. Connect the flash drive to the TV.
    3. Open the file via FX File Explorer or another manager.
⚠️ Attention: Installing APK from unverified sources can be dangerous. Always download files from official sites or trusted resources (for example, APKMirror) Before installation, check the file hash (for example, via VirusTotal).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about browsers on Android TV

Is it possible to install Google Chrome on Android TV?

Technically yes, but this is not the best idea. Google Chrome It is not optimized for remote control - the interface is too small, and navigation is inconvenient. In addition, on many TV boxes (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box) Chrome will be slow. due to high resource consumption. If you need Chrome due to synchronization with a Google account, it is better to use Kiwi Browser —it supports the same functions, but works faster.

How to enable ad blocking in TV Bro?

Ad blocking TV Bro is turned on automatically. If advertising is still shown:

  1. Go to Settings → Ad blocking.
  2. Make sure the "Enable AdBlock" switch is active.
  3. Update filters by clicking "Update lists".
  4. If the problem persists, try clearing the browser cache (Settings → Clear cache).

If blocking is not works on a specific site, add it manually to the blacklist (Settings → AdBlock → Blacklist).

Why is the browser on Android TV slow?

There may be several reasons:

  • Weak hardware: on devices with 1 GB RAM (for example, TCL with Android TV 9) modern browsers will be slow. Try JioPages or Firefox Focus - they are less demanding.
  • Overloaded cache: clear browser data in Android TV settings (Settings → Applications → [browser name] → Memory → Clear cache).
  • Too many tabs: close unnecessary tabs (most browsers for TV do not have a tab manager - you have to close them manually).
  • Internet problems: check the connection speed (for example, via Speedtest). less 5 Mbit/s.

If brakes appear on a specific site (for example, YouTube), try turning on the "For computer" mode in the browser settings - sometimes mobile versions of sites work slower.

How to control the browser from a keyboard or mouse?

If you are uncomfortable using the remote control, connect to the TV:

  • Wireless keyboard/mouse via Bluetooth or a USB receiver.
  • Game controller (for example, Xbox Controller or DualShock) - many browsers support control from a gamepad.
  • Mouse emulator application (for example, Mouse Toggle for TV), which allows you to control the cursor with remote control.

To connect a keyboard/mouse:

  1. Go to Settings → Input devices → Bluetooth.
  2. Enable pairing mode on the keyboard/mouse.
  3. Select a device from the list and confirm the connection.

For USB devices, just connect them to the port on the TV or TV box (an OTG cable may be required).

How to update the browser if it is installed via APK?

Browsers installed via APK do not update automatically. To update them:

  1. Download the new version of APK from the official website.
  2. Uninstall the old version of the browser (Settings → Applications → [browser name] → Uninstall).
  3. Install the new version (don't forget to allow installation from unknown sources again).

Some browsers (for example Kiwi Browser) support updating over the old version - in this case, just open the new APK and confirm the installation.

To simplify the process, you can use an application APKUpdaterthat automatically checks for updates for installed APK.