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If you own an Amazon Fire TV device (for example, a Fire TV Stick, a smart TV that uses Fire TV), you have a wealth of over 400 free live TV channels. There’s an app built into the Fire TV interface called Fire TV Channels, and it’s Amazon’s version of a FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) platform. The app is supported by hundreds of media providers, including major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. It also gives you access to live and on-demand content from channels like CBS Sports HQ, ION, America’s Test Kitchen, etc.
Using a FAST service like Fire TV Channels is a decision more and more households are making, and the main reason is cost. Not only are Fire TV channels 100% free, but you don’t even need to create an account to start watching. Fire TV channels are also a great way to replace cable, and are arguably a better, more option-rich alternative to over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts. Instead of relying on the directional performance of an indoor TV antenna – which is subject to interference and bad weather – a FAST hub simply requires an internet connection.
However, Fire TV Channels isn’t the only FAST app in town; Services like The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV are solid contenders that can be added to almost any streaming device or smart TV. There is one big caveat to Fire TV Channels to be aware of as well.
Fire TV Channels has a ton of free, ad-supported content, but not all of it is live
Unlike the other FAST apps we just mentioned, Fire TV Channels are only available on Fire TV devices. This isn’t too surprising, but it would have been nice if Amazon had taken inspiration from the Roku Channel (which is compatible with Roku OS, Fire OS, and even Google TV).
Those with access to the Fire TV Channels app should also prepare to dive into the content a bit; Fire TV Channels has many categories and filters that you can apply, but some users are not satisfied with the news sources available.
It’s also worth mentioning the “live” descriptor Amazon uses when discussing content on Fire TV Channels. Yes, there is a few news channels and other miscellaneous programs that can be viewed live, but much of the channel’s media is in the form of pre-recorded clips. On one hand, you might prefer to watch news and sports headlines in this consolidated way, but we think Amazon should be a little more open about what’s live versus what’s pre-recorded.