Android TV products have grown in popularity in the smart TV market. Google TV utilizes its operating system but has a more modern user interface. Both versions run on the same OS and function largely the same way, allowing you to access all your favorite streaming services on one streamlined, easy-to-use homepage. It’s easy to see why live TV on Android is a must for cord-cutters. It’s a great way to replace cable while accessing all the streaming services you could want. This guide will walk you through all the ways to watch live TV on Android.
| Price | Channels | Free Trial | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#1
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$69.99 - $159.99 | 140+ | 5 days | Watch Now |
|
#2
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$74.99 - $94.99 | 220+ | 7 days | Watch Now |
|
#3
 |
$40 - $60 | 30+ - 130+ | 3 days | Watch Now |
|
#4
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$25 | 60+ | 7 days | Watch Now |
|
#5
 |
$6.99 - $13.99 | N/A | None | Watch Now |
|
#6
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$69.99 - $82.99 | 85+ | none | Watch Now |
How to Watch Live TV on Android Without Cable
The days when you needed an expensive and restrictive cable package to watch live TV are over. In the age of streaming services, there are ways to watch all the same content available on cable without the price tag of subscription cable. From skinny bundle streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, which lets you add as many TV channels to your subscription as you want, to single-channel streamers like Showtime, Android TV has lots of options.
Live TV streaming services are one of the most popular types of apps you will find on your Android. They offer an on-demand library of content but also have hundreds of live TV channels you can add to your subscription. You’re only charged for how many channels you add, reducing the fluff and streamlining only the channels you want to watch. Because you only pay for the channels you add, skinny bundles are much cheaper than cable and never involve restrictive conditions like annual contracts or cancellation fees.
There are also single-channel streaming apps that offer live TV streams from a specific network. Many single-channel streaming apps only offer on-demand recorded content from the channel rather than the live TV schedule of content.
For sports league streaming, it’s important to remember that streaming services are often required to black out the games on cable in your area. So, you may have problems accessing select games without cable. However, streaming services such as FuboTV and ESPN+ are improving contract agreements to make more live games available. They can be especially useful if you live outside your favorite team’s home market where games aren’t broadcast on cable in your region.
Finally, you can pick up live TV channels through free over-the-air TV. You’ll need to connect an HD TV antenna to your TV. From there, you can browse which channels you pick up by going to Settings > TV Inputs > Live TV > Scan for Channels.
Here are all the streaming services offering live TV channels currently available as Android TV apps:
Can I Watch on My Older Android TV Device?
Yes! Google TV and Android TV are the same operating system — the only difference is how the interface looks. Both access apps through the Google Play Store, so you’ll find the same selection of apps on a brand-new Google TV or an older Nvidia Shield running Android TV.
I am going nuts without tv service in a rural area. My limited income makes it impossible to afford satillite or cable. Can’t wait to try. Thank you for the article.
Don’t hold your breath… I have been getting regular “been receiving regular broaddast TV for years using a simple digital antenna but I live on a hill top and am “line-of-sight” about 40 miles from the stations. Reception is sketchy when it is foggy, rain, or snows. On the other hand, cell service is fine, all of the time, but I cannot find a way to receive a standard TV signal with a cell phone app. The only solution that I have used so far is to erect a 75 foot tower, put on a safety belt and allow plenty of time to climb ( I am 73 y.o. ! ) to install a log-periodic antenna.
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions…
I am still is confusedthere an Android tv orthe mi box. Do I need a smart tv for the mi Box. Will I be hooked up to any thing that I have to pay far.whats the difference in a fire stick and a mi box. On will I just need internet.
So far, everything that I have found requires a monthly fee. I am a Ham Radio operator, have taken several formal courses in electronics, focusing on Radio and TV equipment so I will probably know it when I see it Yes we have a SMART TV but that isn’t enough by itself to do the job…
Don’t hold your breath… I have been getting regular “been receiving regular broaddast TV for years using a simple digital antenna but I live on a hill top and am “line-of-sight” about 40 miles from the stations. Reception is sketchy when it is foggy, rain, or snows. On the other hand, cell service is fine, all of the time, but I cannot find a way to receive a standard TV signal with a cell phone app. The only solution that I have used so far is to erect a 75 foot tower, put on a safety belt and allow plenty of time to climb ( I am 73 y.o. ! ) to install a log-periodic antenna.
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions…