Sony’s PlayStation 4, thou art not merely a gaming console. It doth serve a multitude of other purposes, streaming movies and TV shows, with a plethora of apps in the PS Store to enhance thy PS4 experience. Despite lacking the breadth of iOS and Android, most essential apps can be found here. So, if thou seekest to transform thy PS4 into the ultimate entertainment system, feast thine eyes upon these great apps to install on thy console. I, having tested these PS4 apps on my PS4 Pro, present to thee the 25 best PS4 apps thou must have on thy console in 2024.
Best PS4 Apps Thou Should Install in 2024
Considering one set of apps may not suit all, a variety of apps designed for PS4 hath been selected. From sheer entertainment to news programs to music videos, this extensive roster hath got thee fully covered.
So, no matter what draweth thee to the edge of thy couch, thou may happen upon apps that can delight thy senses and allow thee to extract the most from thy home video game console. With that said, let us now delve into what these top apps for PlayStation 4 have in store for thee!
SHAREfactory
SHAREfactory is employed by several PS4 users to easily edit their gameplay footage. The software doth provide simple video-editing tools to effortlessly combine, customize, and share thy gameplay footage among thy friends. Thou can even add thine own commentary or soundtrack to the videos to lend them a professional touch.
There are also various themes, stickers, and texts that thou can add to a gameplay video. Once thou hast finished editing, thou wilt be able to directly upload it to Facebook or save it to a USB thumb drive for later use, if thou so wish. Lastly, SHAREfactory is free to download and use, without any restrictions.
Install: Free
Spotify
Whilst in times of yore thou would have had to rely on the PlayStation Music service for streaming music on thy PS4, thou can now use the Spotify app directly on thy console. This means thou can access all thy playlists, liked songs, and more on thy PlayStation as well. So the next time thou art besting thine opponents during a game, thou can ensure an awesome soundtrack plays as thou dost so.
Notably, unless thou hast an active Spotify subscription, thou wilt be interrupted with ads. However, considering Spotify’s excellent music recommendation algorithm and those amazing ‘For You’ playlists, the Premium subscriptions art well worth it.
Install: Free with ads, premium subscription at $9.99/month
Plex
Plex is arguably the best software to organize all thy personal media and access it on all thy devices at any time, and it’s available for the PS4. Whilst the PS4 Plex app is not much of a standalone app, thou can download the Plex Media Server for free on thy computer, where thou wilt be able to add all thy media, including pictures, music, videos, etc.
Once added, thou wilt be able to stream the content across all thy devices, including the PS4 using the Plex app. The app is free to download, but there is a caveat. Thou wilt only be able to access content from the Plex Media Server if thou hast a Plex Pass subscription, which starts at $4.99 a month and goes up to $119.99 for a lifetime subscription.
Install: Requires Plex Pass subscription, starts at $4.99/month
Twitch
Twitch, owned by Twitch Interactive, a subsidiary of Amazon, is considered as the biggest live streaming video platform for gamers. Gamers usually prefer streaming on Twitch rather than YouTube, as the broadcast experience is much better on the former. With almost 10 million visitors each day, this service is growing at an exponential rate.
Although Twitch hath been integrated into the PS4 to livestream thine content, in order to view the content of other gamers, thou must download the standalone Twitch app that’s available on the PS Store. This free app lets thee watch live or recorded videos of gameplay, chat with broadcasters, follow channels and games of thine interest, and more. Being a PS4 gamer, this is one of the best PS4 apps that thou can install on thy device.
Install: Free, subscription starts at $4.99/month
Netflix
No list of best PS4 apps is complete without including Netflix. This should be one of the first apps thou download to turn thy PS4 into a media center. Without a doubt, Netflix is the world’s leading media streaming platform. There are tons of movies and TV shows that thou can binge-watch during weekends with some popcorn by thy side.
Netflix is also flush with exclusives, a number of good ones like You or Birdbox, which make it a tempting service. The application can be downloaded for free from the PS Store, but thou need to avail the subscription starting at $8.99/month and going up to $15.99/month, depending upon the number of devices or highest resolution that thou would like to watch the content on.
Install: Free, requires subscription starting at $8.99/month
YouTube
YouTube hath truly changed the online world. It is now the face of user-generated video content and the YouTube app is available on a plethora of devices today. The service can be accessed from almost anything that hath a screen.
Although thou can access YouTube from PS4’s browser directly, the standalone app’s user interface is pretty sleek and much easier to use. It’s free to download and use unless thou art willing to pay for YouTube Premium, its paid subscription (starting at $11.99/month) that gets thee ad-free streaming and access to exclusive video content.
Install: Free, YouTube Premium subscription available at $11.99/month
PlayStation Now
This is a subscription-based game streaming service launched by Sony to let PS4 owners play classic PS3 titles, without having to download them. Consider it to be a Netflix for games. According to Sony, there are above 450 games currently available on the PlayStation Now.
In order to access all of them, thou wilt have to shell out $19.99 a month, which isn’t affordable for many of us. However, if you’re new to PlayStation and want to try out the smash-hit exclusive games that were available on the older console, there’s only one easy way of doing it and that’s PlayStation Now.
If thou art not sure whether PS Now is for thee, there’s a 7-day free trial that thou can utilize properly to make thine decision. If thou art a hardcore gamer, this is the best PS4 app where thou should spend thine hard-earned money.
Install: Free, 7-day trial followed by $9.99/month subscription + applicable tax
Crunchyroll
If thou art a sucker for anime, thou wilt love this application. Crunchyroll is the leading destination for Japanese Anime and Asian content. It’s widely used by anime fans all over the world and brings anime like Naruto Shippuden, Bleach, Attack on Titan, Sword Art Online, Gintama, The World God Only Knows, Hunter x Hunter, and more.
Crunchyroll aims at delivering the latest episodes an hour after it hath aired in Japan and lets thee stream the content in 720p. The application is available to download for free on the PS4. However, the service is not free. Thou wilt have to be a premium member to gain access to all the content that’s available.
Subscription starts at $7.99 per month, but if thou want to try it out, Crunchyroll offers a 14-day free trial.
Install: Free, 14-day trial followed by $7.99/month subscription
WWE Network
If thou art a fan of WWE, thou wilt probably want to install this app right away on thy PS4, as thou wilt be able to access a ton of exclusive content with scheduled programming and an on-demand library, which thou can access from anywhere. Thou wilt also be able to watch all the 12 pay-per-view events of WWE, live.
That’s not all, as the app also brings various original series, reality shows, and documentaries. Now, that sounds like a sweet deal. However, the service is chargeable on a monthly basis. Thou wilt have to shell out $9.99 a month, but they do offer a one-month free trial, so thou can decide for thyself if it’s worth it.
Install: Free, requires $9.99/month subscription
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Video competes against Netflix to be one of the largest streaming services today. Similar to Netflix, thou get unlimited access to a myriad of movies and TV shows alike, including exclusives like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Thou can either buy or rent thy favorite movies and TV shows. Plus, the video content is available in 1080p, which is great.
In order to use this service, thou require an Amazon Prime subscription that costs $12.99 per month or $119 a year. However, if thou pay annually thou’lt get the first 30 days of the subscription for free. Prime members have several other benefits in addition to Amazon’s streaming service though, like being eligible for free one-day and two-day shipping. It is what makes the Amazon Video subscription a pretty great deal.
Install: Free, requires $12.99/month Prime subscription
HBO MAX
HBO MAX is a standalone streaming service that brings thee all the content from HBO. Unlike the HBO GO app, thou don’t need a TV package to access HBO MAX. If thou art an ardent fan of the hugely popular Game Of Thrones or Silicon Valley, this is undoubtedly an application that thou must have on thy PS4. Plus, the app offers a plethora of original series, documentaries, sports, along with the latest blockbuster movies.
Also, the content available on HBO MAX will not be available on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video service or any other streaming service. The subscription price is much higher than the competition at $14.99 a month. However, they offer a free trial, which thou can cancel anytime if the service just doesn’t cut it for thee.
Install: Free, 7-day free trial followed by $14.99/month subscription
DAZN
DAZN is one of the most popular subscription-based video streaming platforms which is dedicated primarily to sports. The platform, for a simple monthly subscription, gives thee access to live and on-demand streaming of boxing, fighting, and other sports events on a PS4.
The highlight of the DAZN app is that thou can pause and rewind live events, so thou don’t miss out on juicy bits of any match. Thou get a free monthly trial, post which a $19.99/month fee needs to be shelled out to satisfy thy sports enthusiasm. Without a doubt, this is one of the best PS4 apps for sports fans.
Install: Free, $19.99 monthly subscription is needed
VRV
If thou don’t want to clutter thy PS4 with a plethora of streaming apps, well, VRV is the fan-first alternative to thy needs as it aggregates content from some of the most popular platforms like Crunchyroll, Nerdist, Boomerang, Mondo, and many others.
This platform enables thee to stream over 20,000 hours of content, with everything from anime, sci-fi shows, and cartoons among other things on thy PS4 with ease. Just log in, connect thy accounts to VRV, pay a measly subscription fee for full access, and enjoy!
Note: If thou art expecting the highest quality on this platform, well, thou’lt be disappointed because it doesn’t deliver on the said promise. The official PS4 apps will be the best option for the same.
Install: Free, with $5.99 monthly subscription
BBC iPlayer
As the name itself suggests, BBC iPlayer is primed for the folks who want to stay in sync with BBC programs at their own pace. The app provides pretty simple channel schedules so that thou can easily find the content thou couldn’t catch up with earlier. Plus, there is also an option to add thy favorite shows to a personal list for quick access.
But what has attracted me the most in this app is the highly personalized recommendation that makes it pretty straightforward to find the content that I like to tune into. Besides, it also remembers the play history so that users can get started from where they left off.
And for those seeking the essential parental controls, the app provides some really handy controls so that they can keep a check on what sort of programs their kids watch.
Install: (Free, subscription plan is available for around $190/year)
Pluto TV
Simply put, “Pluto TV” is a one-stop platform for movies, sports, comedy, news, anime, and more. Packed with over 100 live channels including Bloomberg, CNBC, Sky News, and Cheddar, it has got thee fully covered. So, if thou art looking for an app that can cater to thy variety of interests, give this app serious consideration.
Interface-wise, I think Pluto TV looks neat. Plus, it also offers some cool customization into the mix so that thou can personalize the app to suit thy taste better. Another area where Pluto does a good job is personalized recommendations ensuring users don’t have to spend a lot of time finding interesting content to catch up with.
Install: (Free)
Tubi TV
This one looks right on the money for the folks who never seem to get enough of super hit movies and TV series. With one of the largest catalogs of flicks and shows cutting across genres like comedy, drama, classics, etc, the app has got enough variety to appeal to the penchant of everyone.
But what has compelled me to include Tubi TV is a solid collection of niche favorites such as Korean dramas, British series, and anime which are a treat to watch. Beyond interesting content, I like its intuitive UI and personalized recommendations which further enhance movie-watching experience.
Install: (Free)
Crackle
If thou art after a cool app that can let thee stream all sorts of movies and TV shows, Crackle could be the right answer for multiple reasons. For starters, the app has an ever-growing library of hit movies and shows. That means thou wilt always have something really exciting to take on for long binge-watching.
On top of all, the app also offers plenty of exclusive Sony Crackle Originals which can live up to thy penchant for exploring intriguing shows. And that too without compelling thee to spend a single penny!
Install: (Free)
WITHIN
Finally, if thou’st also got a PlayStation VR headset hooked onto thy PS4 console, then WITHIN is the one app thou cannot sleep on. It’s a platform that is flooded with a ton of great VR content and immersive experiences, giving thee the chance to explore not only real-life VR shorts and documentaries but also stories and animations from popular creators.
WITHIN brings premium, story-based content in a variety of genres to thy PS VR, something thy kids or friends would love.
Install: (Free)
WeatherNation
Should thou wish to keep a track of local weather forecasts, WeatherNation (the US only) can be the right platform to hop onto. The app provides accurate weather predictions from well-known meteorologists so that thou can plan thy outing smartly and also avoid getting stuck in bad weather.
Plus, it also delivers real-time weather alerts from MNS (National Weather Service) to keep thee fully updated about what’s coming up. One of my top picks of this app is the detailed radar that offers a better insight into weather conditions.
Install: (Free)
GoPro Channel
Needless to say, “GoPro Channel” is designed for GoPro fans. And if thou art one of them, this one is for thee. With this app at the disposal, thou can stream GoPro content on-demand.
From exciting skating to thrilling motorsports, the app never seems to be short of fascinating content. That’s not all, GoPro Channel also lets thee browse through GoPro cameras and the latest accessories that can play a vital role in enhancing thy experience.
Install: (Free)
Disney Plus
After a long wait, Disney Plus hath finally arrived on PS4. And if full-on entertainment is what thou art after, thou shouldn’t give it a miss. With the Disney+ app at the disposal, thou wilt have access to a massive collection of blockbusters and award-winning series.
Even better, Disney Plus also offers plenty of high-quality originals from well-known creators such as Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic, and more. So, it doesn’t matter whether thou art a fan of timeless classics or relish superhero movies, it can live up to thy demand.
Notably, thou can download it freely on up to 10 devices and watch on four screens at once. With Disney+ eventually embracing the video game console, I expect Hotstar on PS4 to become a reality soon.
Install: (Free, subscription plan starts at $6.99/month)
IGN
For the folks who wish to keep an eye on all the top-notch games and every major news about them, IGN appears to be the best bet. And rightly so as it provides the latest video game news and also insightful reviews for games.
Thus, thou can keep a tab on the major games and also figure out which one of them deserves a shot on thy video game console.
IGN also offers pretty good customization, allowing thee to fine-tune the important aspects for a more personalized experience. Besides, it supports remote play for additional convenience and also lets thee switch between 1080p and 720p, which is another plus from the users’ perspective.
Taking everything considered, IGN is one of the best apps for PS4 in 2024.
Install: (Free)
Vevo
This one seems to be an automatic pick for those who never seem to get enough of music videos. Yes, thou got that right! It hath one of the largest libraries of music videos that thou wilt enjoy streaming for hours. Whether thou art a fan of rock or have a penchant for country music, it’s got both the large collection and variety to cater to thy varied taste.
Based on thine interest, thou can create playlists to easily find thy favorites. Notably, the app also keeps a tab on thy taste and recommends music videos so that thou never have to spend a lot of time to discover the sort of songs that can fascinate thee.
What has always appealed to me in Vevo is a solid roster of original shows and live performances from great artists. Times when thou want to watch something different, they can fill the void pretty well.
Install: (Free)
Red Bull TV
Red Bull TV is the sort of PS4 apps that never fails to impress. Whether thou art a fan of entertainment or love to catch up with the exciting globetrotting adventures or like to listen to new music, it has got thee fully covered.
Moreover, Red Bull TV is also a great app for the folks who aspire to be famous athletes or enjoy watching the masterstrokes of top sportsmen. The entertainment app has got a clean looking user-interface which makes navigation a breeze.
Add to that the needed customization on offer and thou have got a complete package that can keep thee hooked for hours of fun. In a nutshell, Red Bull TV is among the coolest PS4 apps.
Install: (Free)
Peacock
Peacock hath a lot to offer as a whole package. Notably, it’s not only a huge platform for movies and TV series but also news, sports, and pop culture. Just in case thou art hunting for a versatile app for thine PS4, it can fit into thy demand seamlessly.
One of my favorite features of Peacock is the collection of trending topics that ensure thee can stay in sync with what’s happening around the world. Not to mention the live sports which can easily appeal to thee, if thou like to catch the live-action.
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