Live TV streaming on your Android device is now simple and fun! Want to watch news, sports, or your favorite shows on the go? Apps like Pluto TV give you over 250 free channels, while YouTube TV offers 70+ channels with a subscription. This article lists the 12 best live TV streaming apps for Android. You’ll find free options with ads and paid ones with extra features. We’ll cover what each app offers, how much it costs, and why it’s great, all in easy language.
What Are Live TV Streaming Apps and How Do They Work on Android?
Live TV streaming apps let you watch TV channels in real-time on your Android phone or tablet using the internet. You open the app, pick a channel, and watch it live, just like on a regular TV. These apps use your Wi-Fi or mobile data to stream content from servers to your device. For example, Sling TV sends channels like ESPN straight to your screen. They’re easy to use and work on most Android devices.
Why Should You Use Live TV Streaming Apps on Your Android Device?
Live TV streaming apps bring TV to your fingertips. Here’s why they’re awesome:
- Anywhere, Anytime: Watch TV on your couch or at a park.
- Cheaper Than Cable: Many apps, like Xumo, are free, and paid ones cost less than cable.
- Lots of Choices: Get channels from news to movies, like fuboTV with 100+ options.
- Cool Features: Record shows with cloud DVR on apps like YouTube TV.
How Can You Pick the Best Live TV Streaming App for Your Android?
Choosing the right app depends on what you want. Consider your needs first. Look at these points:
- Channels: Pick apps with channels you love, like sports on fuboTV.
- Cost: Free apps like Pluto TV have ads; paid ones like Philo cost $25 monthly.
- Devices: Make sure it works on your Android and maybe your TV too.
- Ease of Use: Apps like Xumo have simple menus to find shows fast.
- Extras: Want to record shows? Try Hulu + Live TV with cloud DVR.
What Are the 12 Best Live TV Streaming Apps for Android?
Here are the top 12 apps for streaming live TV on Android, each with unique features to match different tastes.
1. Pluto TV: Free Live TV with Tons of Channels
Pluto TV gives you over 250 live channels for free. Ads support it, so no subscription is needed. You get news (like CBSN), sports (like Stadium), and entertainment (like MTV). It also has on-demand movies and shows. The app’s guide makes finding channels easy. It works on Android phones, tablets, smart TVs, and more. Over 10 million users enjoy it monthly, per its official site.
- Key Features:
- 250+ live channels
- Free with ads
- On-demand content
- Cost: Free
- Devices: Android, smart TVs, web browsers
2. Xumo: Simple and Free Live TV Streaming
Xumo offers over 190 live channels for free with ads. It includes news (ABC News Live), sports (PGA Tour), and fun stuff (FailArmy). The app’s clean layout helps you find channels fast. It also has on-demand options. Xumo works on Android devices, smart TVs, and streaming sticks. It’s great for casual viewers who don’t want to pay.
- Key Features:
- 190+ live channels
- Free with ads
- Easy-to-use interface
- Cost: Free
- Devices: Android, smart TVs, streaming devices
3. The Roku Channel: Free Live TV and More
The Roku Channel provides free live TV channels with ads. It offers news (ABC News), sports (Stadium), and entertainment (FilmRise). Known for on-demand content, it now includes live options too. It’s available on Android, Roku devices, and web browsers. Roku users love its smooth setup with their gadgets.
- Key Features:
- Free live channels
- On-demand movies and shows
- Ad-supported
- Cost: Free
- Devices: Android, Roku devices, web browsers
4. IMDb TV: Free Live TV with Quality Content
IMDb TV streams free live channels with ads. You get news (CBSN), sports (World Poker Tour), and entertainment (Buzzr). It’s tied to IMDb, so the content is top-notch, including movies. It works on Android, Amazon Fire TV, and browsers. It’s perfect if you want free, reliable TV.
- Key Features:
- Free live channels
- High-quality on-demand content
- Ad-supported
- Cost: Free
- Devices: Android, Amazon Fire TV, web browsers
5. Sling TV: Affordable Live TV with Custom Options
Sling TV costs $35 per month and lets you pick your channels. It has two plans: Sling Orange (ESPN, Disney) and Sling Blue (Fox, NBC). Add more channels if you want! It includes CNN, HGTV, and TBS. It’s on Android, smart TVs, and streaming devices. Great for budget viewers who want control.
- Key Features:
- Customizable channel packages
- 30+ channels per plan
- Cloud DVR available
- Cost: Starts at $35/month
- Devices: Android, smart TVs, streaming devices
6. YouTube TV: Full Live TV with Unlimited Recording
YouTube TV offers over 70 channels for $64.99 monthly. It has local channels (ABC, CBS), sports (ESPN), and news (CNN). You get unlimited cloud DVR to record shows. It works on Android, smart TVs, and more. Users rate it 4.5 stars on Google Play for its features.
- Key Features:
- 70+ channels
- Unlimited cloud DVR
- Local channels in many areas
- Cost: $64.99/month
- Devices: Android, smart TVs, streaming devices
7. Hulu + Live TV: Live TV Plus On-Demand Fun
Hulu + Live TV gives you over 70 live channels and Hulu’s full on-demand library for $64.99 monthly. It includes local channels (NBC, Fox), sports (ESPN), and news (Fox News). Watch live or catch up later. It’s on Android, smart TVs, and streaming devices. Perfect for fans of both live and on-demand content.
- Key Features:
- 70+ live channels
- Hulu on-demand included
- Cloud DVR
- Cost: Starts at $64.99/month
- Devices: Android, smart TVs, streaming devices
8. fuboTV: Best Live TV for Sports Lovers
fuboTV streams over 100 channels for $64.99 monthly, focusing on sports. It has ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. You also get entertainment (AMC) and news (MSNBC). Cloud DVR and multi-device streaming are included. It’s on Android, smart TVs, and more. Sports fans give it high marks.
- Key Features:
- 100+ channels
- Sports-focused
- Cloud DVR
- Cost: Starts at $64.99/month
- Devices: Android, smart TVs, streaming devices
9. Philo: Cheap Live TV for Entertainment Fans
Philo costs $25 monthly for over 60 channels. It skips sports and local channels to keep prices low, offering entertainment (AMC, HGTV) and lifestyle (Food Network). It includes cloud DVR. It works on Android, smart TVs, and streaming devices. Ideal for budget entertainment lovers.
- Key Features:
- 60+ channels
- Low cost
- Cloud DVR
- Cost: $25/month
- Devices: Android, smart TVs, streaming devices
10. AT&T TV: Flexible Live TV Packages
AT&T TV starts at $69.99 monthly with various channel packages. It includes local channels, sports (ESPN), news (CNN), and entertainment (HBO). Cloud DVR and multi-device streaming are available. It’s on Android, smart TVs, and more. Good for those who want options.
- Key Features:
- Custom packages
- Local channels
- Cloud DVR
- Cost: Starts at $69.99/month
- Devices: Android, smart TVs, streaming devices
11. Peacock: Free and Paid Live TV from NBC
Peacock offers free live channels (NBC News Now) and paid tiers starting at $4.99 monthly. Paid plans add sports (Premier League) and more content. It’s from NBCUniversal and works on Android, smart TVs, and streaming devices. Great for NBC fans.
- Key Features:
- Free and paid tiers
- Live news and sports
- NBC content
- Cost: Free or $4.99/month
- Devices: Android, smart TVs, streaming devices
12. Paramount+: Live TV with CBS and More
Paramount+ starts at $4.99 monthly with live CBS and on-demand shows from BET and Comedy Central. It’s good for CBS fans and sports lovers. It’s on Android, smart TVs, and more. An ad-free option costs $9.99 monthly.
- Key Features:
- Live CBS
- On-demand content
- Affordable
- Cost: Starts at $4.99/month
- Devices: Android, smart TVs, streaming devices
How Do These 12 Live TV Streaming Apps Compare?
This table shows the key details of each app to help you choose.
| App Name | Cost | Channels | Top Features | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pluto TV | Free (ads) | 250+ | Free channels, on-demand | Android, smart TVs, browsers |
| 2. Xumo | Free (ads) | 190+ | Simple design, free content | Android, smart TVs, streaming |
| 3. The Roku Channel | Free (ads) | Varies | Free live TV, on-demand | Android, Roku, browsers |
| 4. IMDb TV | Free (ads) | Varies | Quality content, free channels | Android, Fire TV, browsers |
| 5. Sling TV | $35/month | Varies | Custom plans, popular channels | Android, smart TVs, streaming |
| 6. YouTube TV | $64.99/month | 70+ | Unlimited DVR, local channels | Android, smart TVs, streaming |
| 7. Hulu + Live TV | $64.99/month | 70+ | Live + on-demand, local channels | Android, smart TVs, streaming |
| 8. fuboTV | $64.99/month | 100+ | Sports focus, cloud DVR | Android, smart TVs, streaming |
| 9. Philo | $25/month | 60+ | Cheap, entertainment channels | Android, smart TVs, streaming |
| 10. AT&T TV | $69.99/month | Varies | Flexible packages, local channels | Android, smart TVs, streaming |
| 11. Peacock | Free or $4.99/month | Varies | Free tier, NBC sports and news | Android, smart TVs, streaming |
| 12. Paramount+ | $4.99/month | Varies | Live CBS, affordable | Android, smart TVs, streaming |
Frequently Asked Questions About Live TV Streaming Apps for Android
Are These Live TV Streaming Apps Free to Use?
No, not all are free. Free apps like Pluto TV and Xumo use ads to offer channels at no cost. Paid apps like YouTube TV and Sling TV charge monthly fees for more channels and features.
Do You Need a Subscription to Watch Live TV on These Apps?
Yes, for some apps. Free apps don’t need subscriptions, but paid ones like Hulu + Live TV and fuboTV do. Subscriptions give you premium channels and extras like DVR.
Can You Watch Local Channels on These Android Streaming Apps?
Yes, many apps offer local channels. YouTube TV and AT&T TV include ABC and CBS in many areas. It depends on where you live and the app you pick.
Are These Live TV Streaming Apps Legal to Use on Android?
Yes, these apps are legal. They have licenses to stream content or use free sources. Download them from the Google Play Store to stay safe.
Do You Need a Fast Internet Connection to Stream Live TV?
Yes, you need a good connection. Apps recommend 5-10 Mbps for smooth streaming. Faster speeds help with HD or 4K quality.
What Tips Can Help You Enjoy Live TV Streaming Apps on Android?
Here are 5 tips to make streaming better:
- Get a Strong Internet Signal: Use Wi-Fi or good mobile data to avoid buffering.
- Use a VPN: Unlock more channels if you’re traveling.
- Record Shows: Use cloud DVR on apps like Philo to watch later.
- Update Apps: Keep apps fresh for new features.
- Try Free Trials: Test paid apps like fuboTV before buying.
Conclusion: Which Live TV Streaming App Should You Choose for Android?
Live TV streaming apps make watching TV on Android easy and enjoyable. Free apps like Pluto TV offer 250+ channels with ads, perfect if you’re on a budget. Paid apps like YouTube TV give you 70+ channels and unlimited DVR for $64.99 monthly, great for full TV fans. Sports lovers might pick fuboTV, while entertainment fans could go for Philo at $25 monthly. Use the table and tips above to find your match. Try a few apps and enjoy live TV anywhere!
