I use these Kodi add-ons to get more out of my smart TV

My smart TV felt somewhat limited right out of the box, but after installing Kodi, the open-source media center, my TV has become the perfect, personalized, flexible entertainment hub. Kodi lets you stream, organize, and access just about any type of content imaginable via a library of add-ons or dedicated apps that significantly expand your TV's capabilities.If you own an Android TV, you can download Kodi for free from the Google Play Store. Alternatively, you can do as I did and install it on an external streaming device, such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick. I was amazed at the sheer volume of useful add-ons to choose from, and over time, some have become indispensable, having transformed the way I use my TV.

YouTube

Stream all your favorite content without leaving Kodi

One of Kodi's core strengths lies in its integration of multiple streaming services in a single, intuitive interface. While Netflix and other services are available via third-party, unofficial add-ons, YouTube takes precedence, as one of the most frequently used programs in my Kodi repository. The official YouTube add-on for Kodi optimizes the platform for your TV and functions exactly the same as your TV's native app, with some notable improvements. Not only does it feel far smoother than my built-in smart TV app, but Kodi lets me customize playback options, control video preferences, and avoid some of the clutter of the standard interface.

Plex

Easily bring your personal media library to the big screen

While YouTube provides access to the open web, Plex balances my Kodi streaming capabilities with access to my personal media collection. With Plex, I can view locally stored movies, TV shows, and photos from anywhere in the world, provided I take my Fire TV Stick with me. However, for the most part, it is simply the most convenient way to access my remote media library on my smart TV.

SoundCloud

Discover new music and playlists directly through Kodi

Suppose I'm working, entertaining guests, cooking, or doing household chores. In these cases, I prefer to use my smart TV for audio entertainment, and Kodi's add-ons for music and radio turn my smart TV into a highly versatile audio system. I've been a longtime fan of SoundCloud, which opens up a world of independent music and remixes that would have otherwise flown under my radar. It was therefore a no-brainer to add the add-on to my library, which connects directly to my SoundCloud account, allowing me to stream favorite tracks, discover new music, and browse artists to add to my collection.

Radio

Tune in to hundreds of live stations from around the world

The Radio add-on may sound generic and straightforward, but it is one of my most often-used and rewarding Kodi add-ons. From here, I can access hundreds of live radio stations from all over the world, whether it's my native BBC World Service for comprehensive news, or obscure regional stations like Crossover Manila for funky jazz and modern soul classics. Stations are organized by genre and location, so it's quick and easy to find something to suit your mood. Alternatively, for relaxing ad-free content, Radio Record makes for perfect background listening.

Pluto TV

Enjoy free live TV and on-demand shows with no subscription

While streaming and on-demand content are great, I sometimes enjoy flipping through channels for some random entertainment, and Kodi offers some cool add-ons for this purpose as well. Pluto TV is one of the add-ons that would make Kodo worthwhile all by itself. It's completely free and offers hundreds of channels, including movies, news, lifestyle, documentaries, and niche options to choose from. I sometimes miss casual TV viewing and letting the schedule decide what I watch, rather than committing to a new series or a movie that demands my attention. More often than not, I'll drop into a themed channel, like "History" or "Classic TV," while tinkering with my phone or waiting for dinner to finish cooking.

BBC iPlayer

Good for high-quality British documentaries and drama

In terms of sheer quality, the BBC iPlayer add-on is hard to beat. If you live in the UK or a compliant region (or know another way to access regional apps), you can access lots of content, including news, movies, shows, and documentaries. I like how it integrates with Kodi's search features, so I don't have to access the app directly if I want something to watch.

Trakt

Keep track of what you watch and sync your Kodi viewing history

In addition to expanding my smart TV's content capabilities, I like the way that Kodi enhances how I interact with and organize my media, making the entire user experience better. Trakt is the add-on that I didn't know I needed. It keeps track of what I watched, syncing my history and recommendations between Kodi and Trakt. It remembers which episode I last watched, suggests similar shows, and even creates smart lists for future viewing. As someone who frequently switches between shows, I find this information valuable and helpful in keeping things organized and consistent.

Opensubtitles.org

Automatically find and load subtitles for any movie or show

As someone who lives in a multilingual house, I usually turn on the subtitles no matter what's on the TV. Once logged into my free Opensubtitles.org account, I can find subtitles in dozens of languages that sync perfectly with the screen. These can also be customized for style and size, allowing me to tailor them to suit various applications, including live sports commentary, news, and more.

Kodi's impressive add-on repository has supercharged my smart TV

Having these add-ons available within Kodi expands its utility to include my own remote media library, live TV, countless radio stations, and many of my favorite streaming channels. These are all wrapped up in a single interface that's much more intuitive than juggling multiple apps. Now, Kodi feels like a comprehensive entertainment platform that serves as a gateway to unlimited content. And the best part is, it didn't cost me a dime.