Cut the Cord: Top Free Live TV Apps You Can Use on Firestick

Cable bills are getting more expensive every year, and many people are finally saying enough is enough. If you're one of the millions looking to break free from overpriced packages, you’ve probably thought about cutting the cord and turning to streaming instead. The good news? You don’t have to miss out on live TV just because you ditched cable.

With a Firestick and an internet connection, you can stream live TV from a variety of free apps. No subscription fees, no hidden costs—just plug in and start watching. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top free live TV apps you can install on your Firestick right now.

Looking for a way to watch your favorite channels without paying for cable? Discover the best free live TV app for Firestick and enjoy access to live sports, news, entertainment, and more—all without a subscription. It’s easy to install, user-friendly, and perfect for streaming on a budget. Cut the cord and start watching for free today!

1. Pluto TV

Pluto TV has earned a solid reputation as one of the best free streaming services out there. It offers a wide range of live TV channels, including news, sports, movies, reality shows, and more.

When you launch the app, you'll see a familiar TV guide layout, making it easy to browse what's currently airing. You can choose from over 250 live channels, including CBS News, NFL Channel, and Comedy Central Pluto. It also has a solid on-demand library for when you want to watch something on your own time.

Best of all, there’s no sign-up required. Just download the app on your Firestick, open it, and start watching.

2. Tubi

Tubi is well-known for its huge library of movies and TV shows, but many users don’t realize it also offers a “Live TV” section. You’ll find a decent mix of news channels, sports coverage, and entertainment streams.

While the live TV selection isn’t quite as deep as Pluto TV’s, Tubi shines when it comes to its on-demand content. If you're looking to mix live TV with binge-worthy series or movies, it’s a great app to have on hand.

Tubi is completely free and supported by ads, which means no monthly fee. Installation on the Firestick takes just a minute through the Amazon Appstore.

3. XUMO Play

XUMO Play is another under-the-radar gem in the free streaming world. It offers over 190 channels that stream live content 24/7. Categories include news, sports, music, lifestyle, and movies. Some notable channels include NBC News NOW, Bloomberg, and the PGA Tour channel.

Like Pluto, XUMO offers a familiar channel guide that’s easy to navigate. It doesn’t require a subscription or even an account, which makes it perfect for anyone who just wants to install and go.

XUMO also includes a selection of on-demand shows and movies, so you get a little bit of everything without spending a dime.

4. Freevee (formerly IMDb TV)

Amazon’s own Freevee is pre-installed on many Firestick devices, and it delivers a strong lineup of both live TV and on-demand content. While its live TV section is smaller than others, you can still catch news, sports, and a few entertainment channels without paying.

What really makes Freevee stand out is its collection of original series and classic TV shows. It's a great way to watch full seasons of shows like Leverage: Redemption or Bosch: Legacy without a subscription.

Since it’s Amazon-owned, you can trust the app runs smoothly on the Firestick and blends in well with your other apps and settings.

5. LocalBTV

If you’re missing your local TV channels, LocalBTV could be a good solution. This app streams local broadcast stations over the internet, depending on your region. It’s ideal for watching local news, weather, and community programming.

It currently supports a limited number of U.S. cities, but they’re expanding coverage regularly. You do need to sign up for a free account to use the app, but there’s no subscription fee at all.

Keep in mind that LocalBTV doesn’t offer major network channels like NBC or CBS in most areas, but it’s still a useful tool for accessing local content.

6. NewsON

NewsON is designed specifically for live local news coverage. It partners with over 200 local stations across the United States to stream their broadcasts live or on-demand.

This is especially helpful during emergencies, weather updates, or if you simply prefer your city’s news over national broadcasts. You don’t need to create an account, and there’s no cost to watch.

It’s a focused app, meaning you won’t find movies or other types of content, but it does what it promises very well.

7. Plex

Many people think of Plex as just a media server, but it now offers free live TV streaming with over 300 channels. The lineup includes everything from game shows to documentaries, music channels, and niche entertainment like classic westerns or crime TV.

You don’t need a Plex server to use this feature. Just install the Plex app on your Firestick, head to the "Live TV" tab, and start browsing.

There’s also an impressive library of free movies and TV series available on demand, making Plex a well-rounded streaming app.

8. DistroTV

DistroTV may not have the name recognition of some of the others, but it packs in a lot of value. With over 270 channels and growing, you’ll find content from around the world, including news, sports, lifestyle, Bollywood, and even multicultural programming.

It’s completely free, with no login required. The interface is user-friendly, and the channel list updates regularly. If you like discovering international shows or are looking for something outside the usual U.S. lineup, DistroTV is a solid option.

How to Install These Apps on Firestick

Installing any of these apps is simple:

From the Firestick home screen, go to the search icon (magnifying glass).
Type the name of the app you want (e.g., Pluto TV).
Select the app from the results.
Click “Download” or “Get.”
Once installed, open the app and start watching.

All of these apps are officially available in the Amazon Appstore, so there’s no need to sideload or take any extra steps.

Final Thoughts

Cutting the cord doesn’t mean you have to give up live TV. With just a Firestick and a good Wi-Fi connection, you can access hundreds of live channels without paying a cent. Whether you want news, sports, entertainment, or local programming, there’s a free app that fits the bill.

The beauty of these apps is that they’re all risk-free. You don’t need to enter credit card information or commit to any long-term service. Just download a few, explore the channel guides, and see which ones fit your viewing habits.

Streaming has completely changed how we watch TV, and Firestick makes it easier than ever to break away from expensive cable packages. With these free live TV apps, you can enjoy a wide range of content and still keep your budget in check.