Top 5 TV Apps

While the size of TV screens is increasing, the number of options for watching television on the smallest of displays is also on the rise. With faster processors and Wi-Fi connections, smartphones now offer a convenient way of watching TV on the move, something which may well increase with the introduction of 4G networks.

Many major broadcasters have introduced apps that tailor their services to mobile, with several niche offerings from smaller, independent firms too. Here we take a look at five of the best available.

1. BBC iPlayer

Having initially shied-away from producing apps, the BBC eventually launched itself headlong into the smartphone world and its iPlayer mobile service is the best of its kind. With an enormous range of content from across all of the corporation’s TV channels the app also offers access to many of the BBC’s radio stations too.

Along with extra features such as the option to create lists of users’ favourite programmes and parental controls, the iPlayer app has one brilliant aspect that lifts it above everything else – shows are available to download for offline viewing. This enables users to save programmes to a smartphone over a home Wi-Fi connection to watch while out and about, meaning that unreliable 3G networks and mobile data costs will not be a problem. Available for iOS and Android.

2. TVCatchtup

TV Catchup does one thing and does it well – the app streams live TV content as it is broadcast. Giving access to over 50 channels which cover much of what is available on Freeview, the app has a simple interface which takes users through to the content itself with little preamble.

Along with its desktop counterpart, TV Catchup offers a brilliant and free way of watching live TV on your phone. Although supported by ads which play before content can be watched these are kept to a minimum and are a small price to pay for what the app has to offer. Available for iOS and Android.

3. 4OD

Offering one of the largest catalogues of content available on any TV app, 4OD offers both current and archived programmes along with many of Film 4’s excellent creations. While there are quite a number of adverts to be endured before content can be played, the range and quality of what is available makes this bearable.

4OD also offers number of extra features such as parental controls, all wrapped-up in a brilliantly designed interface that looks great on a smartphone screen. Available for iOS.

4. Netflix

The big name in online movie providers, Netflix also has a huge range of televisions shows in its archives, with many updated as new episodes appear. While the app (and its desktop counterpart) does not stream live TV as it is broadcast its model very much fits in with the growing trend of watching TV online after it is broadcast.

Offering a simple and straightforward interface, the Netflix app gives full access to the online service. While there are few extra options other than sharing favourites to Facebook and no support for downloading content for offline, viewing the huge range of shows and movies that Netflix has makes it one of the best TV apps on the market. Available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone.

5. Sky Go

Working concurrently with a Sky TV subscription, Sky Go allows users to access the content they would normally watch on TV on their mobile. Up to two devices can be linked to an account, meaning that several member of the same family can have access to a shared account and watch TV on the go.

Content is governed by what you pay to watch through a Sky account but archived On Demand programmes can be viewed on a mobile device, along with live streamed television. The app’s interface is simple and straightforward and offers TV guides and information along with the basic search functions. Available for iOSand Android.