Why Choose Firestick for Live TV Streaming?
The Amazon Firestick is one of the most popular streaming devices out there. It’s compact, budget-friendly, and easy to use. Most importantly, it’s compatible with a huge range of apps, including live TV streaming services. Whether you’re looking to cut the cord or just want access to high-quality live TV, the Firestick is an excellent choice.
To help you get started, I’ve done the research and testing for you. Here are the best live TV streaming services compatible with Firestick as of 2023 and beyond.
What to Look for in a Live TV Streaming Service
Before jumping into the list, let’s talk about how to choose the best service for your needs. Here are some important factors to consider:
- Channel Lineup: Make sure the service offers the channels you actually watch. Sports fans, for instance, will want to look for ESPN or NFL Network. News junkies might prioritize CNN or Fox News.
- Price: Services range from $20/month to over $100/month. Pick one that fits your budget.
- Ease of Use: A clunky interface can take the joy out of streaming. Look for services with intuitive apps for Firestick.
- DVR Options: If you like to record shows to watch later, make sure the service includes DVR functionality.
- Quality of Streams: Ensure the service offers HD or 4K streams, and prioritize platforms with minimal buffering issues.
Best Live TV Streaming Services for Firestick (2023–2025)
1. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV combines Hulu’s massive on-demand library with 85+ live TV channels. It’s perfect if you want both live shows and the latest streaming hits in one subscription.
- Channels: Includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS, CNN, Discovery Channel, and more.
- Price: Starts at $76.99/month (includes Disney+ and ESPN+).
- Features: Unlimited DVR with 9-month storage, 4K streams on select content, and two simultaneous streams (upgrade to unlimited for $10/month).
- Why It’s Great for Firestick: The Hulu app runs perfectly on Firestick with a clean and intuitive design.
2. Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most affordable live TV services. It allows you to customize your package with optional add-ons, so you only pay for the channels you want.
- Channels: 30–50+ channels depending on your plan (e.g., ESPN, AMC, CNN, and Fox).
- Price: Starts at $40/month for Sling Orange or Sling Blue (bundle both for $55/month).
- Features: 50-hour DVR, multiple add-ons for sports, kids’ channels, and premium movies.
- Why It’s Great for Firestick: The lightweight app ensures smooth performance even on older Fire TV devices.
3. YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a robust channel lineup with unlimited DVR storage. It’s an excellent option for sports enthusiasts and families.
- Channels: 100+ channels, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, NFL Network, and regional sports channels.
- Price: $72.99/month (may vary based on location).
- Features: Unlimited cloud DVR storage, up to six profiles per account, and three simultaneous streams.
- Why It’s Great for Firestick: The YouTube TV app is fast, reliable, and seamlessly integrates with the Firestick remote.
4. DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM carries many of the same channels as cable packages, making it ideal if you don’t want to sacrifice traditional TV while cutting the cord.
- Channels: 75–150+ channels (local news, sports, entertainment, plus regional options).
- Price: Starts at $74.99/month for the Entertainment package.
- Features: 20 hours of DVR storage (can upgrade to unlimited), 4K content on some channels, and simultaneous streaming on unlimited devices at home.
- Why It’s Great for Firestick: It’s a premium app built to deliver cable-like reliability and performance.
5. Philo
Philo is a budget-friendly option if you’re more into entertainment and lifestyle channels rather than sports or local news.
- Channels: 70+ channels, including TLC, HGTV, MTV, and Discovery.
- Price: $25/month flat.
- Features: Unlimited DVR for up to a year and three streams at once.
- Why It’s Great for Firestick: The Philo app has a simple layout with exceptional performance on Firestick devices.
6. fuboTV
If sports is your thing, fuboTV is hard to beat. With its vast lineup of sports channels, it’s a go-to for die-hard fans.
- Channels: 150+ channels, including ESPN, NFL Network, NBA TV, beIN Sports, and more.
- Price: Starts at $74.99/month for the Pro Plan.
- Features: 1,000 hours of DVR storage, multiple streams (up to 10 at home), and 4K content on select channels.
- Why It’s Great for Firestick: The app is highly optimized for live sports streaming, minimizing delays and buffering.
How to Install Live TV Apps on Firestick
Installing these apps on your Firestick is a piece of cake! Here’s how to do it:
- From your Firestick home screen, click on the Search icon or the Find option.
- Type in the name of the streaming service you want (e.g., Hulu, Sling TV).
- Select the app from the search results and click Download or Get.
- Once the download is complete, open the app and sign in with your account information.
That’s it! In just a few minutes, you’ll be able to watch live TV on your Firestick.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to live TV streaming services, there’s something for everyone on Firestick. Whether you’re looking for sports, news, or entertainment, the options listed above deliver great performance and value on Amazon’s streaming device.
If you’re still unsure which one to pick, I recommend trying free trials to see what fits your needs best. If you need help installing or troubleshooting any of these apps, feel free to reach out to me here at AllFirestick.com. I’m always happy to help!
Happy Streaming! 🎉
