Best Live TV App for Streaming in 2024

Live TV apps have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people are cutting the cord on traditional cable and satellite TV services. With the rise of streaming services, people are looking for ways to watch their favorite live TV channels without the hassle of a cable subscription. A good live TV app should provide access to a wide range of channels, including local and national networks, sports, news, and entertainment.

When it comes to choosing the best live TV app, there are a few critical things to consider. First and foremost, the app should offer a reliable and stable streaming experience. Nobody wants to deal with buffering or dropped connections when they’re trying to watch their favorite show or game. Additionally, the app should be easy to navigate and use, with intuitive controls and a clean interface. Finally, the app should be compatible with a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

We spent countless hours researching and testing several live TV apps to identify the ones that offer the best overall experience. From channel selection to streaming quality to user interface, we evaluated each app based on a variety of factors to determine which ones are worth your time and money. In the following sections, we’ll break down our top picks and explain why we think they’re the best options for anyone looking to watch live TV without a cable subscription.

Best Live TV Apps

We understand that cable TV can be expensive, and sometimes it’s hard to find the time to watch your favorite shows when they air. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best live TV apps available right now. These apps will allow you to watch your favorite channels and shows on your phone, tablet, or TV without breaking the bank. We’ve tested and researched these apps thoroughly to ensure that they’re reliable and offer a great viewing experience. Check out our list below to find the perfect live TV app for you.

TiVo Stream 4K

If you’re looking for a streaming device that can handle all your favorite apps and live TV, the TiVo Stream 4K is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• No more app-switching: With the TiVo Stream 4K, you can search, browse, and create watchlists across all your apps in one place.
• Personalized recommendations: TiVo recommends shows and movies based on your viewing history, regardless of where they’re available.
• Voice control: The integrated Google Assistant makes it easy to find and launch apps, as well as control your smart home devices.

Cons

• Limited app selection: While the TiVo Stream 4K includes popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney , it doesn’t have all the apps available on other streaming devices.
• Occasional lag: Some users have reported occasional lag when navigating the interface or switching between apps.
• Limited storage: The TiVo Stream 4K doesn’t have any built-in storage, so you’ll need to rely on cloud storage or external devices to save your favorite shows and movies.

Overall, we think the TiVo Stream 4K is a solid choice for anyone looking for a streaming device that can handle all their favorite apps and live TV. Its centralized interface and personalized recommendations make it easy to find new content, while the integrated Google Assistant adds a layer of convenience. However, if you’re looking for a device with a wider selection of apps or more storage, you may want to consider other options.

All-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device

If you’re looking for a streaming device that offers advanced 4K streaming, Wi-Fi 6 support, and a cinematic experience, the all-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a great option. With over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, you’ll have endless entertainment options right at your fingertips. Plus, with the Alexa Voice Remote, you can easily find and control your favorite content.

Pros

• Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance.
• Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
• Watch in vibrant 4K Ultra HD with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 , and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.

Cons

• Subscription fees may apply to some streaming services.
• 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.
• TV must support minimum HDCP requirements for protected content playback.

We recently upgraded to the all-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, and we’ve been really impressed with its performance. The advanced 4K streaming has greatly improved our viewing experience, and the Wi-Fi 6 support ensures that we can enjoy smooth streaming even when other devices are connected to our router.

One of our favorite features of the all-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is the cinematic experience it provides. With support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 , and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, we feel like we’re getting the full theater experience right in our living room.

The Alexa Voice Remote is also a game-changer for us. We love being able to quickly find and control our favorite content with our voice, and the preset buttons make it easy to access our favorite apps. Plus, controlling compatible devices like cameras and lights with the remote is a nice bonus.

Overall, if you’re looking for a streaming device that offers advanced 4K streaming, Wi-Fi 6 support, and a cinematic experience, we highly recommend the all-new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K.

Govee WiFi LED Strip Lights

If you’re looking for a smart LED strip light that is easy to install, has a wide range of colors and modes, and can be controlled via voice commands or a mobile app, the Govee WiFi LED Strip Lights might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• Convenient Voice Control: Use Alexa or Google Assistant to turn on/off the lights, adjust brightness, and change colors with simple voice commands.
• Smart App Control: Control your lights via WiFi and Bluetooth with the Govee Home App, which offers 16 million colors and 64 scene modes for customization.
• Custom DIY Function: Create your own DIY icons, choose your favorite effects, and use smart color picking to create your preferred color combinations.

Cons

• Short Circuit Protection: The lights are equipped with short circuit protection, which may cause them to turn off unexpectedly in certain situations.
• Limited Water Resistance: The lights are not water-resistant, so they should not be used in wet environments.
• App Connectivity Issues: Some users have reported connectivity issues with the Govee Home App, which may cause the lights to disconnect or stop responding.

We found the installation of the Govee WiFi LED Strip Lights to be easy and straightforward. The adhesive backing made it simple to mount the lights to any clean, dry surface, and the cuttable design allowed us to trim the lights to the length we needed. The Govee Home App was also user-friendly and offered a wide range of customization options, including music sync and DIY modes.

However, we did experience some connectivity issues with the app, which caused the lights to disconnect or stop responding at times. Additionally, the short circuit protection feature caused the lights to turn off unexpectedly when we accidentally touched the wires together. Overall, we would recommend the Govee WiFi LED Strip Lights for their convenience, versatility, and customization options, but caution users to be aware of the potential issues with the app and short circuit protection.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

If you’re looking for a streaming device that offers a smooth and immersive viewing experience, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• With its powerful processor, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers lightning-fast app starts and fluid navigation, elevating your entertainment experience.
• Enjoy your favorite shows and movies in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 , and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, for an immersive viewing experience.
• The Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers smoother 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router, ensuring that you don’t miss a second of the action.

Cons

• Some users have reported that the Fire TV Ambient Experience is still a bit laggy, so Amazon may need to do more optimizing work in this area.
• The remote control has many buttons, which may be overwhelming for some users.
• Subscription fees may apply for some of the streaming services available on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.

We’ve been using the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The processor is lightning-fast, and we’ve noticed that apps start and run smoothly, without any lag. We’re also impressed with the picture quality, which is crisp and clear, with vibrant colors and deep blacks. It’s great to be able to watch our favorite shows and movies in 4K Ultra HD, with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10 , and immersive Dolby Atmos audio.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max also offers smoother 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router. We’ve noticed that we can stream 4K content without any buffering or lag, even when other devices are using the internet at the same time. This is a great feature, especially if you have a large household with multiple devices.

However, we have noticed that the Fire TV Ambient Experience can be a bit laggy at times. We hope that Amazon will continue to optimize this feature to make it run more smoothly. We’ve also found that the remote control has many buttons, which may be overwhelming for some users. However, we appreciate that the remote control includes voice control, a recents button, and dedicated channel buttons to surf live TV.

Overall, we think that the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max is a great streaming device that offers a smooth and immersive viewing experience. If you’re looking for a streaming device that can handle 4K content and offers a powerful processor, this is definitely worth considering.

FreeAir.tv: Live TV anywhere

If you’re looking for a way to watch live TV on the go, FreeAir.tv might be worth considering. However, there are some things you should keep in mind before making a purchase.

Pros

• Easy to use: The app is straightforward and intuitive, making it easy to find and watch your favorite channels.
• Record and watch: You can record live TV and watch it later, which is a great feature for those who can’t always watch their favorite shows in real-time.
• Connects with CloudAntenna: If you have a CloudAntenna, you can connect it to FreeAir.tv and enjoy live TV and DVR functionality.

Cons

• Additional equipment required: While the app itself is free, you need a CloudAntenna to use it. This means you’ll have to purchase additional equipment, which can be a turnoff for some users.
• Poor customer support: Some users have reported difficulty getting in touch with customer support, which can be frustrating if you encounter any issues.
• Technical issues: A number of users have reported technical issues with the app, such as difficulty connecting to channels or poor video quality.

In our experience, FreeAir.tv is a decent option for those looking to watch live TV on the go. The app is easy to use and offers some useful features, such as the ability to record and watch live TV. However, the fact that you need additional equipment to use the app might be a dealbreaker for some users. Additionally, the poor customer support and technical issues reported by some users are definitely drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.

Overall, we would recommend FreeAir.tv to those who are willing to invest in a CloudAntenna and are looking for a simple way to watch live TV and record their favorite shows. However, if you’re looking for a more reliable and hassle-free option, you might want to consider other live TV apps on the market.

ABC: TV Shows -amp; Live Sports

If you’re looking for a live TV app that offers ABC channels and live sports, ABC: TV Shows -amp; Live Sports is worth considering.

Pros

• The app offers live streaming of ABC channels and live sports.
• The app is free to download and use.
• The app has a user-friendly interface.

Cons

• The app can be buggy and may have issues with loading or force-closing.
• Some users have reported problems with video quality and buffering.
• The app may not have all the features of a traditional cable or satellite TV service.

We tested ABC: TV Shows -amp; Live Sports and found that it’s a decent option for watching live TV on the go. The app offers a good selection of ABC channels, including ABC News and FX, as well as live sports events. The user interface is easy to navigate, and it’s simple to find and watch your favorite shows.

However, we did experience some issues with the app. At times, the app would freeze or force-close, making it difficult to watch a show or game. We also noticed that the video quality could be inconsistent, with some channels appearing more pixelated than others. Additionally, the app may not have all the features you’d expect from a traditional cable or satellite TV service, such as DVR capabilities or the ability to pause and rewind live TV.

Overall, if you’re looking for a free app to watch live TV, ABC: TV Shows -amp; Live Sports is worth checking out. However, keep in mind that it may have some limitations and issues.

Check out ABC: TV Shows -amp; Live Sports here.

YouTube TV

If you’re looking for a live TV app that provides an excellent alternative to cable, YouTube TV is a great option to consider. We’ve tried it out, and here’s what we found:

Pros

• The channel lineup is impressive, with over 85 channels available, including local networks.
• The interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it simple to find and watch your favorite shows.
• The picture quality is excellent, with streaming available in HD when the network and device support it.

Cons

• The price is a bit higher than some other live TV apps, but the channel selection and quality make it worth it.
• There is no option to add premium channels like HBO or Showtime.
• You can only stream on three devices simultaneously, which may be limiting for larger households.

In our experience, YouTube TV is an excellent choice for those who want a wide selection of live TV channels without the hassle of cable. The interface is intuitive, and the picture quality is top-notch. However, the price may be a bit steep for some, and the lack of premium channel options may be a dealbreaker for others.

If you’re looking for a reliable and user-friendly live TV app, we highly recommend giving YouTube TV a try.