Apple TV goes far beyond streaming movies, TV shows, and games—it's a versatile smart home hub. With apps available for 4th- or 5th-generation models, you can manage security cameras, monitor your Wi-Fi network, control lights, and handle everyday tasks effortlessly.
To get started, check out our guide: How to set up and use your Apple TV. Here's everything you need to know, including troubleshooting tips.
In this guide, we highlight the most reliable lifestyle and utility apps for Apple TV, based on real-world performance and user feedback.
Smart lighting systems pair seamlessly with Apple TV, ideal for setting the perfect ambiance—whether for family movie nights or romantic evenings. These apps make control simple via your Siri Remote.
Hue TV is a straightforward app for Philips Hue owners. Use your Apple TV and Siri Remote to power lights on/off, adjust individual bulbs or groups, tweak colors and brightness, save favorite scenes, and even match hues directly from your TV screen.
Available for under $3 in the Apple TV App Store.
Lightbow, a favorite iOS home automation app, now supports Apple TV. Priced at about $4, it controls bulbs from Philips Hue, LIFX, and Belkin WeMo—4 ways Philips Hue can take your lighting to the next level.
Jumpstart with colorful, themed packs like Halloween, Christmas, or space exploration. Unlock more via in-app purchases or an annual membership.
Advanced options include animated sequences, crossfades, flashes, and countdown triggers for ultimate customization.
A reliable Wi-Fi network is essential for streaming, browsing, and smart devices—How to protect your Wi-Fi and prevent your neighbors from stealing it. These apps help you stay ahead of issues.
Speedtest by Ookla, a benchmark since 2006, delivers free, accurate internet speed and latency tests against global servers.
Spot slow connections instantly with its intuitive interface—perfect for Apple TV.
Free in the Apple TV App Store.
AirDiscover automatically scans for devices and services, aiding troubleshooting and spotting vulnerabilities in home or office networks. View DNS servers, domain lookups, gateways, VPNs, and more.
Available for about $4 in the Apple TV App Store.
Apple TV's compact design makes it ideal for viewing cameras at home or on the go.
Canary's indoor/outdoor cameras are top-tier—Why Premium Accounts With Nest, Canary And More Are Worth It. The free Apple TV app streams live video, timeline recordings, and HomeHealth metrics like temperature, humidity, and air quality.
Starter packs start at around $350 on Canary's site.
Stream HD video from Nokia Home Cam—Practical Uses for Your Home Surveillance Cameras—with baby monitor features. View up to four cameras simultaneously, plus real-time air quality data.
Devices cost about $200 via Nokia, Amazon, or retailers. Nokia Home - Video and Air Quality Monitor Buy now on Amazon $69.99
For fewer apps and more power, these options support multiple devices.
Looming works with HomeKit devices like Philips Hue, August locks, Nanoleaf, Netatmo thermostats. Create Siri- or remote-triggered scenes.
Examples:
About $2 in the Apple TV App Store.
MasterSwitch handles lights, switches, and more from Philips Hue, LIFX, WeMo, and HomeKit. Dim groups, set delays for AC units, and build simple or complex scenes.
Around $2 in the Apple TV App Store.
Apple TV isn't limited to Netflix—How to watch movies from Google Play on Apple TV—it's your smart home command center. 4th/5th-gen models start at $150 for 32GB.
What's your go-to Apple TV app? Share in the comments.
