If you have purchased an Apple TV streaming device, you might be looking for apps to watch live TV channels. Since there are thousands of live TV apps in the App Store, choosing the best one can be challenging. Being an Apple TV user for over 5 years, we have handpicked some of the best apps that we personally tested and used for a long time.
In this article, we have explained the complete details of each live TV streaming app. Also, we have provided official download links to help you install apps on Apple TV with ease.
8 Best Apps for Watching Live TV Channels on Apple TV
Based on your preference, you can install and use any of these apps on your Apple TV to watch live TV channels and on-demand content such as movies and TV shows.
LIVE TV APPS | APP DESCRIPTION | FREE TRIAL | SUMMARY | DOWNLOAD LINK | WEBSITE LINK |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hulu + Live TV | Frequently updated with the latest shows, movies, and live TV channels | No | Explore Description ↓ | Visit App Store | hulu.com |
Sling TV | Offers both live TV channels and VOD content at affordable price | No | Explore Description↓ | Visit App Store | sling.com |
fuboTV | Extensive library with over 200+ live channels, movies, and TV shows | 7 days | Explore Description ↓ | Visit App Store | fubo.tv |
YouTube TV | Offers numerous sports channels and on-demand videos. | 7 days | Explore Description ↓ | Visit App Store | tv.youtube.com |
DirecTV Stream | Covers 100+ live TV channels, including regional Sports events | 5 days | Explore Description ↓ | Visit App Store | streamtv.directv.com |
Philo | Offers a variety of lifestyle and entertainment channels. | 7 days | Explore Description ↓ | Visit App Store | philo.com |
Frndly TV | Watch live TV channels and movies at affordable price | 7 days | Explore Description ↓ | Visit App Store | try.frndlytv.com |
Paramount Plus | Extensive library of on-demand catalog and access to CBS | 7 days | Explore Description ↓ | Visit App Store | paramountplus.com |
Hulu + Live TV
![Hulu is the best live TV for Apple TV](https://www.appletvlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/live-TV-for-Apple-TV-2.jpg)
Popular Live TV Channels! TNT, CBS, Comedy Central, CNN, Fox News, ABC, etc.
Reasons to Choose Hulu + Live TV!
Hulu is a must-have app on Apple TV that lets you stream 95+ live TV channels and on-demand content. The app offers a diverse collection of multimedia content to meet your entertainment needs. This service offers both standalone plans and bundle packages with Disney+ & ESPN+. It allows you to connect up to 2 devices simultaneously under a single account.
Features & Highlights
tvOS Version | tvOS 13.0 or later |
Free trial | No |
DVR Storage | Unlimited |
Plans & Pricing | Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV – $76.99/month Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV – $89.99/month Live TV only – $75.99/month |
Streaming qualities | SD, HD, and 4K streaming qualities |
AirPlay support | Yes |
Channel Add-on support | Yes |
Pros
- Watch the recorded content for up to 9 months.
- Availability of local channels.
Cons
- Hulu + Live TV does not offer any free trial.
- This streaming service is overly priced.
Sling TV
![Sling TV](https://www.appletvlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Live-TV-for-Apple-TV-Sling-TV.png)
Popular Live TV Channels! NFL, ESPN, MLB, CNN, FOX News, Discovery, News18, and more.
Reasons to Choose Sling TV!
Sling TV is one of the cheapest online streaming services, offering 40+ live TV channels and video-on-demand content. After downloading Sling TV on Apple TV, you can watch a diverse collection of premium sports channels as well. Also, you can watch pay-per-view events exclusively with the respective subscriptions. The best part is that it allows you to connect up to 4 devices simultaneously, depending on your chosen plan.
Features & Highlights
tvOS Version | tvOS 15.1 or later |
Free trial | No |
DVR Storage | Up to 200 hours of recording |
Plans & Pricing | Sling Orange – $40/month Sling Blue – $40/month Sling Orange + Blue – $55/month |
Streaming qualities | SD and HD streaming qualities |
AirPlay support | Yes |
Channel Add-on support | Yes |
Pros
- Offers plenty of live TV channels at low cost.
- There are no buffering issues while streaming live TV shows at high quality.
Cons
- It doesn’t offer a free trial for new subscribers.
- Sling TV is not available in all regions except a few.
fuboTV
![Fubo TV best live TV for Apple TV](https://www.appletvlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Fubo-TV.png)
Popular Live TV Channels! ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, NFL, NHL, Showtime, E!, Food Network, etc..
Reasons to Choose Choose fuboTV!
fuboTV is one of the popular live TV streaming apps. With fuboTV on Apple TV, you can watch 200+ live TV channels, award-winning movies, and TV shows. The app is known for offering a wide variety of sports channels. The best part is that you can watch its content on up to 10 screens simultaneously in a single plan. Also, you can make use of a 72-hour lookback feature to replay shows that were aired in the last 3 days.
Features & Highlights
tvOS Version | tvOS 16.4 or later |
Free trial | 7 days |
DVR Storage | Up to 1000 hours of recording |
Plans & Pricing | Pro – $74.99/month Elite – $84.99/month Premier – $94.99/month Latino – $32.99/month |
Streaming qualities | SD, HD, and 4K streaming qualities |
AirPlay support | Yes |
Channel Add-on support | Yes |
Pros
- Offers video content in multiple genres and is best-suited for families.
- Great video and audio qualities.
- Excellent user interface.
Cons
- It is expensive when compared to other live TV streaming services.
YouTube TV
![YouTube TV](https://www.appletvlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/live-TV-for-Apple-TV-4.png)
Popular Live TV Channels! ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, AMC, HGTV, TNT, and many other popular channels.
Reasons to Choose YouTube TV!
YouTube TV is a renowned streaming service with over 100+ live TV channels, movies, and TV shows. You can also customize the channel library with add-ons. This service is exclusively known for offering NFL Sunday tickets on its premium plan.
You are not required to enroll in contracts and can cancel the service at any time. With YouTube TV on Apple TV, you can create 6 household accounts with concurrent streams of up to 3 devices.
Features & Highlights
tvOS Version | tvOS 13.0 or later |
Free trial | 7 days |
DVR Storage | Unlimited |
Plans & Pricing | Base Plan – $72.99 Spanish Plan – $34.99 |
Streaming qualities | SD, HD, and 4K streaming qualities |
AirPlay support | Yes |
Channel Add-on support | Yes |
Pros
- Extensive collection of sports, news, and live TV channels.
- It has a simple and neat interface.
Cons
- Cannot delete recorded tiles from DVR.
- It does not cover regional sports channels.
DirecTV Stream
![DirecTV Stream](https://www.appletvlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/live-TV-for-Apple-TV-5.png)
Popular Live TV Channels! ESPN, NFL, NBA Showtime, Max, CNN, Fox News, ABC, and more.
Reasons to Choose DirecTV Stream!
DirecTV Stream is one of the best live TV streaming apps that can be installed on Apple TV. This service is equipped with 100+ channels. You can also personalize your channel list with the add-on support. With DirecTV Stream on Apple TV, you can stream both regional and international sports channels.
Even though the app offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, you can watch your favorite programs without recording them for up to 72 hours.
Features & Highlights
tvOS Version | tvOS 12.0 or later |
Free trial | 5 days |
DVR Storage | Unlimited |
Plans & Pricing | Entertainment – $79.99/month Choice – $83.99/month Ultimate – $94.99/month |
Streaming qualities | SD, HD, and 4K streaming qualities |
AirPlay support | No |
Channel Add-on support | Yes |
Pros
- Supports parental control.
- Offers up to 20 concurrent streams.
Cons
- Highly priced.
- Features limited channel options
Philo
![Philo](https://www.appletvlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/live-TV-for-Apple-TV-6.jpg)
Popular Live TV Channels! Bet, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Food Network, TCL, A&E, and many more.
Reason to Choose Philo!
Philo is an affordable live TV streaming service with over 70+ channels and 70,000+ on-demand content. You can create up to 10 profiles under a single account and watch on 3 devices simultaneously. Like YouTube TV, you can subscribe to the Philo subscription plan without a contract.
Features & Highlights
tvOS Version | tvOS 16.0 or later |
Free trial | 7 days |
DVR Storage | Unlimited |
Plans & Pricing | $25/month |
Streaming qualities | SD and HD streaming qualities |
AirPlay support | Yes |
Channel Add-on support | Yes |
Pros
- Affordable live TV service.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Cons
- No sports channels are included.
- It is available only in particular regions.
Frndly TV
![Frndly TV](https://www.appletvlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/live-tv-on-apple-tv.png)
Popular Live TV Channels! Bet, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Food Network, TCL, A&E, and more.
Reasons to Choose Frndly TV!
Frndly TV is yet another budget-friendly streaming service offering 40+ live TV channels and on-demand content. This service is best known for offering family-friendly content, especially the Hallmark channel. You can watch recorded events for up to 9 months. Moreover, you can stream its media content for up to 72 hours after it has aired. With one Frndly TV subscription, 4 multiple users can watch different content by logging in with the same account.
Features & Highlights
tvOS Version | tvOS 10.0 or later |
Free trial | 7 days |
DVR Storage | Unlimited |
Plans & Pricing | Basic – $7.99/month Classic – $9.99/month Premium – $11.99/month |
Streaming qualities | SD and HD streaming qualities |
AirPlay support | Yes |
Channel Add-on support | Yes |
Pros
- Cheapest live TV streaming app.
- Offers 72-hour lookback.
Cons
- It does not offer popular sports and news channels.
Paramount Plus
![Paramount Plus](https://www.appletvlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/live-TV-for-Apple-TV-8.png)
Popular Live TV Channels! CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, BET, VH1, etc.
Reason to Choose Paramount Plus!
Paramount Plus is yet another live TV app that is great value for money. By installing Paramount+ on Apple TV, you can stream movies, TV shows, and live sporting matches. This service offers subscription plans with ad-free and ad-supported content. Since it supports multiple streams, you can use one account on three devices simultaneously.
Features & Highlights
tvOS Version | tvOS 14.0 or later |
Free trial | 7 days |
DVR Storage | No |
Plans & Pricing | Essential (with ads) – $5.99/month Essential ( without ads) – $9.99/month Paramount+ with Showtime – $11.99/month |
Streaming qualities | SD, HD, and 4K streaming qualities |
AirPlay support | Yes |
Channel Add-on support | Yes |
Pros
- You can watch its content in multiple streaming qualities.
- Supports offline-viewing.
Cons
- Does not offer Cloud DVR storage.
Wrapping Up
The above-listed live TV applications are compatible with Apple TV 4K and HD models. If you don’t watch live TV much, opt for affordable services like Sling TV, Philo, or Frndly TV. If you can’t install the app due to low storage, you can use the AirPlay feature on your Apple TV to stream the content wirelessly.