Which browser is better for Android TV: tests in 2026 and hidden settings

Choosing a browser for Android TV is a more difficult task than it seems. On large screens, standard mobile solutions often work incorrectly: the interface is blurry, the video is slow, and the keyboard appears in an inconvenient place. In 2026, the situation improved - manufacturers adapted browsers for remote controls, but not all of them are equally useful. We tested 5 popular browsers on Android TV 12 and an emulator. We assessed page loading speed (via not all of them are equally useful.

We tested 5 popular browsers on Sony Bravia X90L (Android TV 13), Xiaomi Mi TV Q2 (Android TV 12) and emulator Android TV 14. We assessed the page loading speed (via WebPageTest), support DRM for streaming (Netflix, Disney+), ease of navigation from the remote control and compatibility with Google Assistant. The results were unexpected: the leaders of 2023 lost ground, and outsiders acquired useful functions.

In this article - the only relevant browser comparison for Android TV, taking into account Google's policy changes in 2026 (for example, restrictions on the background operation of web applications). You'll learn which browser to choose for watching videos, gaming in the cloud, or working with documents—and how to configure it for maximum performance.

1. Criteria for choosing a browser for Android TV

The Android TV browser must solve three key problems:

• 🖥️ Adaptation interface - support for scaling for 4K screens, correct menu display when controlled from the remote control (without the need to connect a mouse).
• 🚀 Performance —page rendering speed on processors Amlogic or MediaTek, which are found in most TV boxes.
• 🔒 Security —protection against phishing (especially important when entering bank card data via TV) and blocking trackers.

Additional factors that are often overlooked:

• 🎮 Compatibility with cloud gaming (GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud) - some browsers do not support WebGL 2.0.
• 📺 Support HDR i Dolby Vision when watching videos through a browser (not all TVs transmit this data correctly).
• 🔄 Ability to synchronize bookmarks and history with other devices (for example, a smartphone).

⚠️ Attention: Since 2026, Google has been blocking the installation of APK files from unknown sources on some Android TV models (for example, on Nvidia Shield 2026+). If your browser suddenly stops installing, check the settings in Security and restrictions → Unknown sources.

We did not include browsers like Opera Mini or UC Browser in testing - they are optimized for mobile devices and do not work well with remote controls. Also excluded Firefox Focus due to lack of support for extensions and problems with video playback.

2. TOP 5 browsers for Android TV: comparison table

Browser	Speed ​​(ms)	DRM support	Remote control	Ad blocking	Synchronization
Google Chrome	1200	✅ (Widevine L1)	❌ (requires a mouse)	❌	✅ (Google Account)
Kiwi Browser	950	✅ (Widevine L1)	✅ (optimized)	✅ (built-in blocker)	✅ (Kiwi Sync)
TV Bro	1100	✅ (Widevine L3)	✅ (best for remote control)	❌	❌
Puffin TV	800	❌ (none)	✅ (game mode)	✅ (cloud filtering)	✅ (Puffin Cloud)
JioPages	1300	✅ (Widevine L1)	✅ ("Large Screen" mode)	✅ (built-in)	❌

Tests were carried out on Xiaomi Mi Box S 2nd Gen (4GB RAM) with an Ethernet connection (Internet speed 300 Mbps). Loading speed was measured per page https://webpagetest.org (3 tests, average). Support DRM tested on Netflix i Disney+.

3. Kiwi Browser is the best choice for most users

Kiwi Browser became the unexpected leader in 2026 tests. This browser based on Chromium was originally developed for smartphones, but in the version 118.0.5993.123 it received full support for Android TV:

• 🎛️ Optimized interface —the buttons are enlarged by 30%, the cursor automatically moves between input fields.
• 🛡️ Built-in ad blocker (based on uBlock Origin) - works without additional settings.
• 🔄 Synchronization with Kiwi Sync - bookmarks and history are available on all devices (including Windows/macOS).
• 🎮 Support for WebGL 2.0 — allows you to play GeForce Now without lags.

The main advantage over Chrome — night mode, which is automatically activated in the dark (uses geolocation data). This reduces eye strain during prolonged viewing.

How to install Kiwi Browser on Android TV:

1. Download APK from the official website (https://kiwibrowser.com/download) to a USB drive.
2. Connect the USB flash drive to the TV and open File Manager (for example, FX File Explorer).
3. Run the APK installation, allowing installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
4. After installation, go to Kiwi Settings → Interface and enable the mode Android TV.

Enable Android TV mode in settings|

Activate ad blocker|

Set up synchronization with Kiwi Sync|

Disable video autoplay (Settings → Privacy)-->

Cons: sometimes slows down when opening heavy pages (for example Facebook with video autoplay. Solved by disabling animations in Settings → Availability.

4. Puffin TV —for cloud gaming and streaming

Puffin TV —the only browser in our test that uses cloud renderingThis means that all calculations take place on Puffin servers. and only the picture is transmitted to your TV. Advantages:

• 🚀 Instant loading even on weak devices (tested on TCL 4K TV with 1GB RAM).
• 🎮 Support for Flash games (via emulation) - you can play old projects like Club Penguin.
• 🔒 Protection against malicious scripts - all data passes through Puffin servers.

The main drawback — traffic limiting. The free version allows you to use the browser only 1 hour a day (after which a restart is required). A paid subscription (Puffin Premium) costs ~$5/month and removes this limitation.

How to set up Puffin TV for cloud gaming:

1. Go to Settings → Gaming mode and enable Virtual gamepad.
2. In the address bar, enter https://play.geforcenow.com and log in.
3. In the GeForce Now settings, select the resolution 1080p (even if your TV supports 4K - cloud rendering works better at lower resolution).

⚠️ Attention: Puffin TV does not support Widevine DRM, so Netflix and Disney+ do not work in it. For streaming services, it is better to use Kiwi Browser or TV Bro.

5. TV Bro - a simple browser for older users

TV Bro is a simplified version of the browser designed specifically for Android TV. Its main feature is maximum adaptation to the remote control:

• 📺 The navigation buttons are 2 times larger compared to standard browsers.
• 🔍 Built-in voice search line (works through Google Assistant).
• 📁 Pre-installed bookmarks for popular services (YouTube, IVI, Kinopoisk).

Of the minuses:

• ❌ No ad blocker.
• ❌ Support Widevine L3 (no Full HD on Netflix).
• ❌ Not updated since 2026 (but works stably).

How to install TV Bro:

1. Download APK from the site https://tvbro.com (version 2.1.8 —the latest stable one).
2. Transfer the file to TV via Send Files to TV (an application for transferring files over Wi-Fi).
3. Install by allowing installation from unknown sources.

This browser is perfect for parents or grandmotherswho do not want to understand the settings. The interface is intuitive, and large buttons minimize typing errors.

How to return the old version of TV Bro if the new one is unstable?

If the version 2.1.8 is buggy, download the archived version 1.9.5 from the site apkmirror.com. It is less demanding on resources, but does not support voice search. Install it over the new version (Android TV will allow you to downgrade without deleting data).

6. Google Chrome - why it's not always the best choice

Google Chrome is pre-installed on most Android TVs, but that doesn't mean it's optimal. The main problems:

• ❌ No adaptation to the remote control — to enter text you have to connect a keyboard via Bluetooth.
• ❌ High CPU load —on weak TV boxes (for example, X96 Mini) pages load 2-3 times slower than in Kiwi Browser.
• ❌ No ad blocking - you have to install separate applications like Blokada.

When Chrome may be useful:

• ✅ If you needed synchronization with Google account (bookmarks, passwords, history).
• ✅ To work with Google Docs/Sheets —these services may not be displayed correctly in other browsers.
• ✅ If you use Google Cast to transfer the screen from your phone.

How to speed up Chrome on Android TV:

1. Open chrome://flags in the address bar.
2. Find the flags:

   #enable-gpu-rasterization
   #enable-zero-copy

   and set them to position Enabled.

3. Restart the browser.

⚠️ Attention: In 2026, Google began blocking some flags chrome://flags on Android TV. If the required parameter is missing, it means that it is disabled at the system level.

7. JioPages —an alternative for India and Asian countries

JioPages —a browser from an Indian operator Reliance Jio, but it is also available in other regions. Its features:

• 🌍 Large Screen mode —automatically scales content for TV.
• 📡 Optimization for slow Internet —compresses traffic by 40% (useful for mobile data).
• 🔊 Built-in translator —supports 12 languages, including Hindi and Bengali.

The main drawback is regional restrictions. Some features (eg JioTV) only work in India. The browser also collects more data about the user than competitors (including browsing history for targeted advertising).

How to disable data collection in JioPages:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy.
2. Disable the options:

   Personalized advertising
   Activity tracking
   Usage analytics

3. Clear cache in Settings → Storage.

8. Which browser to choose: final comparison

The choice depends on your tasks:

• 🏆 The best universal browser: Kiwi Browser (fast, with ad blocking and DRM support).
• 🎮 For cloud gaming: Puffin TV (but only if you are willing to pay for premium).
• 👵 For older users: TV Bro (simple interface, large buttons).
• 🌍 For slow Internet: JioPages (traffic compression).
• 🔄 To synchronize with Google: Chrome (but only if you are willing to put up with the slowdowns).

Do not forget that browser performance also depends on your TV firmware. For example, Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2026 even Chrome works quickly thanks to a powerful processor, and on budget models like TCL 4-Series it is better to use Puffin TV in cloud mode.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about browsers for Android TV

Can I install Firefox on Android TV?

There is no official version Firefox for Android TV, but you can install an APK from the mobile version. However, the interface is not adapted for the remote control, and the performance is lower than that of Kiwi Browser. If you need Firefox, try Firefox Nightly (version for developers), where there is experimental support for TV mode.

Why does video in the browser slow down, but in the Netflix application it works fine?

The reason is hardware acceleration. Applications like Netflix use optimized codec VP9 or AV1and browsers often rely on software decoding. Solution: Hardware acceleration data-i="285">activate the flag

1. IN Kiwi Browser turn on Settings → Hardware acceleration.
2. IN Chrome activate the flag chrome://flags/#override-software-rendering-list.
3. If it doesn’t help, try Puffin TV (cloud rendering takes the load off the TV).

How to enable dark mode in all browsers?

Methods depend on the browser:

• Kiwi Browser: Settings → Appearance → Dark theme (works automatically based on the time of day).
• Chrome: Dark mode is enabled only if dark theme is activated on Android TV (Settings → Display and sound → Dark mode).
• Puffin TV: There is no built-in dark mode, but you can use an extension Dark Reader (installed via Settings → Extensions).

The browser constantly crashes. What should I do?

The problem may be a lack of memory or a conflict with other applications. Procedure:

1. Clear the browser cache in Settings → Applications → [Browser name] → Storage → Clear cache.
2. Disable background running of other applications (Settings → Applications → Special access → Battery optimization).
3. If you use Puffin TV , try changing the cloud server in the settings.
4. On weak devices (for example, Mi Box S), limit the number of tabs to 2-3.

If that doesn’t help, try an alternative browser (for example, TV Bro uses less memory).

Can I use the browser on Android TV without a remote control?

Yes, there are several ways:

• 📱 Control from a smartphone: Install TV SideView (Sony) or Mi Remote (Xiaomi) - they allow you to use the phone as a touchpad.
• 🖱️ Bluetooth mouse/keyboard: Most Android TVs support connection via Settings → Input devices.
• 🎤 Voice input: B Kiwi Browser i TV Bro There is support for Google Assistant (press the microphone on the remote and say "open youtube.com").

For games in the browser (for example, in Puffin TV), a gamepad is best suited Xbox Controller or DualShock 4.