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Kodi is an optional, free media-player app—not a requirement for a complete smart TV. Whether you can install it directly depends on your TV’s operating system, model, and capabilities. If your TV or a connected Android TV device supports Kodi, you can install it, add your own media or a legitimate service, and use add-ons for optional features.
What Kodi does—and what it doesn’t
Kodi is free, open-source media-player software designed for use on a television with a remote. It can organize and play media from local or network storage, and it can be extended with add-ons. Kodi does not come with a library of movies or TV shows. As the official download page puts it, “The official Kodi version does not contain any content whatsoever.” You supply your own media or configure access to a legitimate online service.
Kodi says it does not support bootleg or illegally sourced material. Installing the app does not grant access to paid films, channels, or subscriptions.
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“Smart TV” is not enough to determine compatibility. First find the TV’s operating system and exact model, then check the manufacturer’s current app store and Kodi’s platform downloads. Kodi lists platform families including Android, webOS, Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, tvOS, Raspberry Pi, and webOS; that list is not a guarantee that every television model or software version supports installation.
#1 Best Overall
- 720p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
If your TV runs Android TV
Search the TV’s Google Play app store for Kodi. If the official app is listed for your device, install it from there. Kodi’s Android download page also lists Android package options, but warns that installation success depends on the device’s capabilities. Use Kodi’s official instructions and download packages only from Kodi’s site; do not assume every Android TV device supports the same installation route.
If your TV uses another platform
Check both Kodi’s platform page and your TV maker’s current store support for the exact model. Kodi lists a webOS platform page, for example, but a platform listing does not establish compatibility across every webOS television. Do not assume that a TV can sideload an app simply because it is a smart TV.
Rank #2
- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 40" flat screen TV with bright 1080p Full HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
If Kodi is not available on the TV
A compatible external Android TV streaming device may be an alternative: Kodi would run on the connected device rather than on the television itself. Compatibility still depends on the device and its capabilities. Kodi does not recommend one hardware option over another, so check the specific device’s current app support before choosing it.
Install Kodi and add your media
- Identify the TV or streaming device. Find its operating system and model in the device settings or documentation.
- Check the official platform and store. Use Kodi’s download page and the device’s own app store to confirm an installation route for that platform.
- Install the official app. On a supported Android TV device, search Google Play for Kodi and install the official listing. If using an Android package instead, follow Kodi’s official Android instructions and confirm that your device supports the package.
- Open Kodi and add a media source. Point it to your own local files or media on network storage, or configure a legitimate online service. Kodi does not provide the films or shows.
- Add extras only if you need them. Kodi’s official add-on catalogue includes music and video add-ons, skins, tools, services, and web interfaces. Follow the add-on’s instructions and check whether it is available for your Kodi version.
Choose a stable release and trusted add-ons
For everyday use, Kodi recommends stable releases rather than prerelease builds. Release status changes over time, so check the official download page and select its recommended stable version. A release candidate is prerelease software and is not the default choice for a beginner seeking a routine installation.
Rank #3
- 1080p resolution - View your favorite movies, shows and games in full high definition.
- Alexa voice control - The Alexa Voice Remote lets you easily control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using just your voice. Press and hold the voice button and ask Alexa to easily find, launch, and control content, and even switch to cable.
- Access thousands of shows with Fire TV - Watch over 1.5 million streaming movies and TV episodes with access to thousands of channels, apps and Alexa skills, including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube, Apple TV+, Disney+, ESPN+, Sling TV, Paramount+, and other services right from this TV.*
- DTS Virtual-X Sound - An immersive sound format creates a three-dimensional sound experience with your TV’s speakers.
- Supports HDMI ARC - Sends audio directly from the HDMI jack to a compatible soundbar or AV receiver, removing the need for an extra cable.
Prefer add-ons from Kodi’s official repository or another source you have independently checked. Kodi’s add-on system tracks repository origin and distinguishes official from third-party add-ons; that does not mean every third-party repository has been vetted by Kodi. The catalogue also notes that add-on availability can vary with the Kodi version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to expect after setup
Successful installation does not guarantee that every file format or online stream will play smoothly. Playback depends on device capability and configuration, as well as the source and format of the media. If an app is missing from the device’s store, or playback is unreliable, confirm that the device and Kodi version are supported before trying another installation method.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 4k Ultra HD (2160p resolution): Enjoy breathtaking HDR10 4K movies and TV shows at 4 times the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current content to Ultra HD-level picture quality.
- High Dynamic Range: Provides a wide range of color details and sharper contrast, from the brightest whites to the deepest blacks.
- All-in-one: Get right to your good stuff. With Fire TV, you can enjoy a world of entertainment from apps like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max. Plus, stream for free with Fire TV Channels, Pluto TV, Tubi, and more. Access over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
- Smart Home: Your smart home hub. Pair Fire TV with compatible smart home devices to see live camera feeds, use AirPlay, control your lighting and thermostat, and more.
- Free Content: Stream for free. Access over 1 million free movies and TV episodes from popular ad-supported streaming apps like Fire TV Channels, Tubi, and Pluto TV. Subscriptions may be required. Feature and content availability may vary.
Rank #4
- Bright, clear picture: Bring entertainment to life on our 24" flat screen TV with bright 720p HD—perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, and beyond. Roku Smart Picture cleans up incoming TV signals, optimizes them, and chooses the right picture mode.
- Seamless streaming: With fast Wi-Fi and apps that launch in a snap, Roku Select Series TVs get you to your entertainment quickly. You get excellent picture quality, clear sound, automatic updates, and more. It’s simple to use. Hard to outgrow.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
- A world of free entertainment: Enjoy a huge selection of free live TV, news, sports, movies, shows, and much more—all just a click away.
- More streaming, less searching: With personalized picks right on your Home Screen, quick access to the sports and entertainment you watch most, and fast and easy search in one place—the days of endless scrolling are over.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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