Watching live TV on your FireStick gives you access to news, sports, and entertainment without an expensive cable subscription. In this ultimate guide, learn the best methods to stream live channels on any FireStick model.
Getting live content on FireStick can be a challenge compared to streaming on-demand movies and shows. But with the right apps and services, you can replicate much of the cable TV experience.
Follow these tips to unlock hundreds of free and paid live channels on your FireStick.
Why Stream Live TV on FireStick?
The FireStick makes an excellent streaming device for live content for several reasons:
- Cost Savings – Streaming services with live TV cost much less per month than traditional cable subscriptions. Many options start below $20/month.
- Flexibility – Pick and choose your channel lineup instead of paying for hundreds of channels you’ll never watch. Customize your package.
- No Contracts – Streaming services don’t force you into long term contracts. Cancel anytime.
- Latest Models Are Fast Enough – Modern FireStick models like the 4K and 4K Max have enough processing power to handle most streaming services smoothly.
- Tons of App Options – FireStick offers apps for almost every major live TV provider along with lesser known services. Find the right match.
While streaming introduces some tradeoffs like potential lag or buffering compared to cable, the FireStick makes it easy to eliminate this by using a wired Ethernet connection.
How to Get Local Channels on FireStick
Accessing local broadcast stations for news and regional sports often tops the priority list for cord cutters. Here are the best options to get local channels on FireStick:
1. OTA Antenna with Fire TV Recast

For local channels available over-the-air (OTA) in your region, connect an OTA antenna to the Fire TV Recast. This acts as a DVR, allowing you to watch or record local programming through your FireStick.
The Recast comes in two versions – a 2-tuner 500GB model or a 4-tuner 1TB model. Pair it with a quality outdoor/attic antenna.
Benefits:
- Access all OTA local channels in your broadcast area
- Record shows with unlimited DVR storage
- Stream on multiple Fire TV devices
Drawbacks:
- Upfront cost of hardware
- Need decent antenna signal strength
2. Live Streaming Service

Popular skinny bundles like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, fuboTV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream all offer local channel access in most US regions. These services stream your local ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and other stations.
The availability varies slightly by service but most claim over 90% CONUS coverage. The specific channels offered depend on the licensing agreements in your local market area.
Benefits:
- No antenna required
- Cloud DVR features
- Wider range of entertainment channels
Drawbacks:
- Local channel availability limited by region
- Monthly subscription fees add up
3. Individual Network Apps

Major broadcast networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS offer standalone streaming apps with access to local affiliates where available. For example, the CBS News app may offer local CBS station based on your location.
Results vary widely in terms of which local programming the apps provide for free versus requiring a paid subscription. But this approach lets you test network by network. You can also watch specific channels like BET.
Benefits:
- Target only your preferred stations
- Often free access
Drawbacks:
- Fragmented – may need multiple apps
- Local channel availability not guaranteed
4. Other Options
If you live in one of Locast’s service areas, this free streaming app offers local channel access supported by donations.
You can also try free streaming apps like LiveNetTV, RedboxTV, and Swift Streamz to search for available local channels. However, we recommend using a VPN for privacy and security when using third party apps.
Best Live TV Streaming Services for FireStick
Combining a base FireStick with subscriptions to live TV streaming providers gives you an affordable cable alternative.
Here are the top picks available on FireStick:
1. DirecTV Stream

DirectTV Stream (formerly AT&T TV) stands out for its robust channel packages and premium add-ons. With over 140 channels on the Choice plan, you get local stations, regional sports networks, and plenty more.
Plans:
- Entertainment – 90+ channels ($79.99/month)
- Choice – 125+ channels ($98.99/month)
- Ultimate – 160+ channels ($109.99/month)
Benefits:
- Access to RSNs and local sports
- Extensive channel lineup
- Unlimited cloud DVR
Drawbacks:
- High cost for top packages
- No 4K streaming support
2. Hulu + Live TV

This popular streaming service combines 95+ live channels with Hulu’s excellent on-demand library for $76.99/month.
Hulu + Live offers familiar stations like ABC, NBC, Fox, ESPN, FX, MTV, and many more. Cloud DVR lets you record shows to watch later.
Benefits:
- Solid all-around channel lineup
- Includes full Hulu on-demand library
- Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle available
Drawbacks:
- $14.99 add-on for enhanced DVR
- Limited 4K content
3. fuboTV

While pricier than competitors, fuboTV shines for sports fans with extensive football, baseball, soccer and more. Get 100+ channels for $79.99/month. You can watch live sports on FireStick, including NBA games.
Regional sports networks pair nicely with national staples like NFL Network, MLB Network, NBA TV and others.
Benefits:
- Niche sports channels unavailable elsewhere
- 4K streaming on select events
- 250 hour DVR
Drawbacks:
- Limited local channel availability in some regions
- Can get expensive with add-ons
4. Sling TV

Offering a cheaper and more flexible alternative to the above services, Sling TV starts at just $40/month. Choose from Sling Orange, Sling Blue or combine them for $60/month.
Channel selection tops out around 50 for the combined plan but covers entertainment essentials like ESPN, CNN, TBS, Food Network and more.
Benefits:
- Stream on up to 4 devices
- à la carte add-on options
- Much lower entry pricing
Drawbacks:
- Limited DVR availability/storage
- Fewer local channels than competitors
5. YouTube TV

YouTube TV offers 100+ channels including ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC in most regions. Sports fans enjoy national and regional sports networks. Stream up to 3 devices simultaneously.
For $72.99/month, you also get unlimited DVR, personalized recommendations and smart search.
Benefits:
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- 6 accounts per household
- Solid all-around channel lineup
Drawbacks:
- Fewer niche sports channels
- Limited 4K availability
Others
Philo TV at just $25/month focuses on entertainment rather than local news and sports but makes a nice complement. DIRECTV also offers contract-free satellite TV bundled with Internet starting around $100/month.
Explore all the Fire TV compatible options to find your perfect lineup for news, sports, movies and more.
Watch Live TV on FireStick With Free Apps
In additional to the paid skinny bundles above, you can watch free live channels using these apps:
Pluto TV – Pluto offers over 250 free live channels spanning categories like news, sports, comedy, movies, and more. Supported by ads.
Samsung TV Plus – Another free ad-based service with 130+ channels available.
Plex – Stream over 190 global news channels from partners like Euronews, Reuters, Bloomberg and more on this free app.
Xumo – For 100+ US channels focused heavily on sports and entertainment.
The Roku Channel – An app with 100+ free linear channels from Roku’s streaming platform.
Redbox TV – A popular third party app offering free international live TV sourced unofficially from the web. You can watch movies in theaters and access PPV too.
Be aware that apps like Redbox TV and LiveNet TV likely distribute copyrighted streams illegally. We recommend using a VPN for privacy and security.
How to Watch Local Channels on FireStick With Antenna
If you want to replicate the channel surfing experience of cable TV as closely as possible, pairing an OTA antenna with a DVR like the Fire TV Recast works beautifully.
Here is the general process to set this up:
- Select an outdoor/attic antenna with adequate range for your region. Check AntennaWeb for help choosing. Aim for at least 50+ mile range.
- Choose either the 2-tuner or 4-tuner Fire TV Recast DVR model based on your needs.
- Connect the antenna to the Recast and place the Recast near your router for WiFi connectivity.
- Complete guided setup on the Recast mobile app to scan for channels.
- Start streaming your localized ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and other stations through the Fire TV’s Live tab.
The Recast essentially acts as a middleman, pulling in over-the-air signals with the antenna and relaying them to your FireStick over WiFi.
With an antenna and Recast, you get the benefit of a channel guide and full DVR functionality for time shifting, recording shows and more. For pure local channel streaming on FireStick, it’s a great fit.
FAQs on Watching Live TV on FireStick
Do you need cable to watch live channels on FireStick?
No cable subscription or contract is necessary. Standalone streaming apps provide live TV access at a fraction of the price.
What’s the cheapest way to get live channels?
Free, ad-supported apps like Pluto TV offer some live programming. For full cable channel lineups, Sling Orange starts at $40/month. An HD antenna pulls in completely free OTA stations.
Can FireStick replace cable?
For most non-sports fans, the FireStick can fully replace cable when you combine on-demand streaming with live TV apps. Expect to mix and match some services to get your preferred channels.
Does basic Hulu have live TV?
The base $7.99/month Hulu plan is video on-demand only. You need to upgrade to the $76.99/month Hulu + Live TV plan to get news, sports and other live channels.
Can you watch local channels on FireStick for free?
Yes! Connect an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to stream completely free ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and other local broadcast stations on your FireStick.
Wrap Up
- The Fire TV Stick pairs nicely with live TV streaming services like Hulu Live and Sling TV, offering an affordable cable TV replacement.
- OTA antennas pull in completely free local stations. Combine with a Recast DVR for the full experience.
- Free, ad-based apps like Pluto also offer select live channel options. Check out Red Bull TV for sports content.
- Prioritize essential channels and features to choose the best streaming providers for your needs.
We hope this guide gave you the full picture on watching live programming on FireStick. Now you can stream news, sports and entertainment without cable!