Best Live Streaming TV App in 2024: Top Picks and Features

Live streaming TV is becoming increasingly popular as more people are cutting the cord and moving away from traditional cable TV. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, viewers are now looking for live TV streaming options that offer a similar experience to cable TV. This has led to the development of various live streaming TV apps that provide access to live TV channels, sports, news, and more.

When it comes to choosing the best live streaming TV app, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, the app should offer a wide range of channels to cater to different preferences and interests. Secondly, the app should be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and easy navigation. Thirdly, the app should be compatible with multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.

After researching and testing several live streaming TV apps, we have identified the top options that meet these criteria. In the following sections, we will review each app in detail, highlighting their features, pros, and cons, to help you make an informed decision about which app is the best fit for your needs.

Best Live Streaming TV Apps

We’ve researched and tested various live streaming TV apps to bring you the best options available. Whether you’re looking for live sports, news, or your favorite TV shows, these apps offer a variety of channels and features to meet your streaming needs. Here are our top picks for the best live streaming TV apps on the market.

TiVo Stream 4K – Every Streaming App and Live TV on One Screen – 4K UHD, Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos Sound – Powered by Android TV – Plug-In Smart TV, One size

We highly recommend purchasing the TiVo Stream 4K for all your streaming needs. The device is easy to set up and use, and it offers a centralized platform for all your streaming apps and live TV.

Pros

• The TiVo Stream 4K offers a one-stop-shop for all your streaming needs, eliminating the need to switch between multiple apps.
• The device provides personalized recommendations based on your viewing history, making it easier to discover new shows and movies.
• The integrated Google Assistant allows for easy voice control, making it simple to find and launch your favorite shows.

Cons

• The TiVo Stream 4K is slightly larger than other streaming devices, which may be an issue for those with limited space.
• The device does not come with an HDMI cable, which may be an inconvenience for some users.
• Some users have reported occasional glitches and freezes while using the device.

The TiVo Stream 4K is a powerful streaming device that offers a seamless streaming experience. The device includes all your favorite streaming apps, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney , and Peacock, and it provides personalized recommendations based on your viewing history. The integrated Google Assistant allows for easy voice control, and the device is easy to set up and use.

One of the standout features of the TiVo Stream 4K is the ability to search, browse, and create watchlists across all your apps from one centralized platform. This eliminates the need to switch between multiple apps, making it easier to find the content you want to watch. Additionally, the device provides personalized recommendations based on your viewing history, making it easier to discover new shows and movies.

The integrated Google Assistant is another great feature of the TiVo Stream 4K. The voice control feature allows you to easily find and launch your favorite shows, and it can even dim the lights and control other smart home devices. The device is also easy to set up and use, and it includes all the necessary cables and accessories.

While the TiVo Stream 4K is slightly larger than other streaming devices, it still offers a sleek and compact design. However, some users have reported occasional glitches and freezes while using the device, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the device does not come with an HDMI cable, which may be an inconvenience for some users.

Overall, the TiVo Stream 4K is an excellent streaming device that offers a centralized platform for all your streaming needs. The device is easy to set up and use, and it provides personalized recommendations based on your viewing history. The integrated Google Assistant allows for easy voice control, and the device includes all your favorite streaming apps. We highly recommend the TiVo Stream 4K for all your streaming needs.

Roku Express | HD Roku Streaming Device with Standard Remote (no TV controls), Free -amp; Live TV

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly streaming device that’s easy to set up and use, the Roku Express is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The setup process is quick and straightforward, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
• The customizable home screen makes it easy to access all your favorite channels.
• The Roku mobile app is a convenient second remote that offers additional features like voice search and headphone mode.

Cons

• The device only supports up to 1080p resolution, so it’s not ideal for those who want to stream in 4K.
• The remote doesn’t have TV controls, which means you’ll need to use your TV remote to adjust the volume or turn off the TV.
• Some users have reported occasional buffering issues, especially when streaming live TV.

We recently tested the Roku Express and were impressed with how easy it was to set up. All we had to do was plug it into our TV’s HDMI port and connect it to the internet. The on-screen instructions were clear and easy to follow, and we were up and running in just a few minutes.

Once we were set up, we were able to access a huge selection of free and premium TV channels, including popular services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu. We liked how the customizable home screen made it easy to find the channels we use most often, and we appreciated the shortcuts to popular channels on the remote.

One feature we really liked was the Roku mobile app, which allowed us to use our phone as a second remote. The app also offered additional features like voice search and headphone mode, which allowed us to listen to our TV through our wireless headphones.

Overall, we think the Roku Express is a great choice for anyone who wants a budget-friendly streaming device that’s easy to use. While it’s not ideal for those who want to stream in 4K, it offers a great selection of channels and features at an affordable price.

All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device

If you’re looking for a streaming device that offers endless entertainment options, the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K could be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• Elevates your entertainment experience with advanced 4K streaming
• Provides smooth streaming even when other devices are connected to your router, thanks to Wi-Fi 6 support
• Offers a cinematic experience with vibrant 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos audio

Cons

• Certain apps and services are subject to change or withdrawal at any time, may not be available in all areas and languages, and may require separate subscriptions
• Captions are not available for all content
• TV must support minimum HDCP requirements for protected content playback

We recently upgraded to the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K and have been blown away by the improvements in streaming performance. With access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, the selection is unparalleled. The device offers a cinematic experience with vibrant 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Atmos audio, which makes watching our favorite movies and TV shows a whole new experience.

The Wi-Fi 6 support ensures that streaming is smooth even when other devices are connected to the router, which is a huge plus. The Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to find and control content with your voice, while the preset buttons allow you to quickly access your favorite apps.

While there are some limitations to the device, such as certain apps and services being subject to change or withdrawal at any time, this is a minor issue considering the vast selection of content available. Captions are not available for all content, but this is a common issue with streaming devices.

Overall, we highly recommend the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for anyone looking for a streaming device that offers advanced 4K streaming, smooth performance, and endless entertainment options.

All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device, supports Wi-Fi 6E, free -amp; live TV without cable or satellite

If you’re looking for a streaming device that offers an immersive viewing experience, the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Lightning-fast processor for seamless navigation and app starts
• Enjoy 4K Ultra HD viewing with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 , and Dolby Atmos audio
• Stream smoothly in 4K, even with other devices connected to your router

Cons

• The Fire TV Ambient Experience can be a bit laggy
• Some IR-enabled devices may not be compatible with the Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced
• Certain apps and services may not be available in all areas and languages

We’ve been using the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The processor is lightning-fast, which means that app starts and navigation are seamless. We also love the 4K Ultra HD viewing experience, which is enhanced by support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 , and Dolby Atmos audio.

One of the standout features of this streaming device is its ability to stream smoothly in 4K, even when other devices are connected to your router. This is great news for households with multiple devices, as it means that you can enjoy your favorite content without any interruptions.

The All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max also comes with the Fire TV Ambient Experience, which lets you display over 2,000 pieces of museum-quality art and photography. While this is a great feature, we did find that it can be a bit laggy at times.

Another feature we love is the Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced, which lets you control compatible devices like cameras and lights with your remote. You can also press and ask Alexa to check the weather or dim the lights, which is incredibly convenient.

Overall, we highly recommend the All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max for anyone looking for a streaming device that offers an immersive viewing experience. With its lightning-fast processor, 4K Ultra HD viewing, and smooth streaming capabilities, it’s a great choice for anyone who loves to watch their favorite shows and movies.

Amazon Fire TV Stick

If you’re in the market for a live streaming TV app, the Amazon Fire TV Stick is a solid choice.

Pros

• The HD picture quality is sharp and crisp, making for a great viewing experience.
• The Alexa Voice Remote with TV controls is a convenient feature that allows you to control your TV and soundbar with a single remote.
• With access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes from popular streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney , you’ll never run out of things to watch.

Cons

• The device only supports output resolutions of 1080p and 720p, so if you have a 4K TV, you may want to consider a different device.
• While the device comes with 8 GB of internal storage, it may not be enough for those who like to download a lot of apps and games.
• Some users have reported issues with the device overheating, which can cause it to freeze or shut down.

We’ve been using the Amazon Fire TV Stick for a few months now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The device is easy to set up and use, and the Alexa Voice Remote makes it easy to find and launch shows across apps. We also appreciate the ability to control our TV and soundbar with a single remote.

One of the best things about the Fire TV Stick is its access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes from popular streaming services. We’ve been able to find all of our favorite shows and movies, and we’ve discovered some new ones too.

The only downside we’ve experienced is that the device only supports output resolutions of 1080p and 720p. While this isn’t a problem for us since we don’t have a 4K TV, it may be a dealbreaker for some users.

Overall, we think the Amazon Fire TV Stick is a great choice for anyone looking for a live streaming TV app. It’s easy to use, has a great selection of content, and the Alexa Voice Remote is a convenient feature.

Roku Express 4K | Roku Streaming Device 4K/HDR, Roku Voice Remote, Free -amp; Live TV

If you’re looking to upgrade your streaming experience to 4K and HDR, the Roku Express 4K is a great option.

Pros

• Brilliant 4K picture quality: Stream in HD, 4K, and HDR with sharp resolution and vivid color optimized for your TV.
• Seamless streaming: Enjoy a smooth streaming experience with a faster wireless network connection.
• No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device all with one remote.

Cons

• Troubleshooting steps for wifi connection: Double check the network you selected and that you entered your password correctly. If you have other devices connected to this network, your streaming player should connect.
• It buffers a lot: The device may experience buffering issues, which can be frustrating when trying to watch your favorite show or movie.
• Sound is off by one second: There may be a slight delay in sound, which can be noticeable when watching something with a lot of dialogue.

We recently upgraded to the Roku Express 4K and have been impressed with the picture quality. It’s easy to set up and the included remote makes it simple to control both the device and our TV. We’ve also enjoyed the customizable home screen, which allows us to easily access our favorite channels.

One downside we’ve noticed is that the device can experience buffering issues, especially when streaming during peak hours. Additionally, we’ve noticed a slight delay in sound, which can be noticeable when watching a show or movie with a lot of dialogue.

Overall, we would recommend the Roku Express 4K for those looking to upgrade to 4K and HDR streaming. It’s a great option for those who want a customizable home screen and a smooth streaming experience.

Airy TV

If you’re looking for a free streaming app with a great selection of classic TV shows and movies, Airy TV might be the app for you. While it’s not perfect, it’s definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Airy TV has a huge selection of classic TV shows and movies, including many that are hard to find elsewhere.
• The app is easy to use and navigate, with a simple interface that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for.
• Airy TV is completely free, with no hidden fees or subscriptions required.

Cons

• The app does have ads, which can be annoying at times.
• Some users have reported that Airy TV has removed some of their favorite channels and shows.
• The video quality can be hit or miss, with some shows and movies looking better than others.

Overall, we think Airy TV is a great option for anyone looking for a free streaming app with a good selection of classic TV shows and movies. While it’s not perfect, it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of vintage television.

Chromecast with Google TV (HD) – Streaming Stick Entertainment on Your TV with Voice Search – Watch Movies, Shows, and Live TV in 1080p HD – Snow

If you are looking for an affordable and effective way to upgrade your older TV to stream all your favorite content, then Chromecast with Google TV is a great option.

Pros

• With Chromecast, you can watch the entertainment you love, including live TV, in up to 1080p HDR and discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs.
• Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port. To get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming.
• The remote control has a Google Assistant button that allows you to search for specific shows or search by mood, genre, actress, and more. You can also control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers on-screen.

Cons

• Chromecast with Google TV requires a TV with an HDMI port, a Wi-Fi network, a Google Account, a nearby electrical outlet, and a compatible mobile device.
• Subscription services may be required, and content and services may not be available in all countries or regions.
• To view content in HD, an HD-capable TV and reliable broadband internet connection are also required.

Chromecast with Google TV is a great option for those looking to upgrade their older TV to stream all their favorite content. With Chromecast, you can watch the entertainment you love, including live TV, in up to 1080p HDR and discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs. The device is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port. The remote control has a Google Assistant button that allows you to search for specific shows or search by mood, genre, actress, and more. You can also control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers on-screen.

However, Chromecast with Google TV requires a TV with an HDMI port, a Wi-Fi network, a Google Account, a nearby electrical outlet, and a compatible mobile device. Subscription services may be required, and content and services may not be available in all countries or regions. To view content in HD, an HD-capable TV and reliable broadband internet connection are also required.