What Are Amazon Fire TV Channels, And Why Are They So Popular?

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If you own an Amazon Fire TV device (e.g., a Fire TV Stick, a smart TV that uses Fire TV), you're sitting on a trove 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 take on 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, and more. 

Using a FAST service like Fire TV Channels is a move that more and more households are making, and the main reason is cost. Not only is Fire TV Channels 100% free, but you don't even need to create an account to start watching. Fire TV Channels is also a great way to replace cable, and it's arguably a better, more option-packed alternative to over-the-air (OTA) broadcasts. Instead of relying on the directional performance of an indoor TV antenna — which is beholden to interference and weather — a FAST hub simply requires an internet connection.

Fire TV Channels isn't the only FAST app in town, though; services like The Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV are solid competitors that can be added to just about any streaming device or smart TV. There's a big Fire TV Channels caveat one should be aware of, too. 

Unlike the other FAST apps we just mentioned, Fire TV Channels is only available on Fire TV devices. This isn't overly surprising, but it would've been nice if Amazon had taken direction 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 do a bit of content-diving; Fire TV Channels has numerous categories and filters you can apply, but some users are unsatisfied with the news sources available. 

It's also worth calling out the "live" descriptor Amazon uses to discuss Fire TV Channels content. Yes, there are some news stations and other various programming that can be viewed live, but a good portion of Channels media is in the form of pre-recorded clips. On one hand, you may prefer watching news and sports headlines in this consolidated fashion, but we do think Amazon should be a little more forthcoming about what's live versus pre-recorded.