In the world of cord-cutting and digital entertainment, Kodi remains one of the most versatile, customizable, and widely used media center applications. It transforms everyday devices like FireStick, Android TV, or even your computer into powerful home theater systems. One of the best uses of Kodi is streaming live TV channels — from local news broadcasts to sports events and international channels.
However, with so many addons available — both official and unofficial — it’s essential to use Kodi responsibly and stick to legal, verified streaming options to protect your privacy, avoid malware, and respect copyright laws.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to safely and legally stream live TV using Kodi in 2025, the best official addons to try, and tips for enhancing your experience without breaking the law or putting your device at risk.
What Is Kodi and Why Is It Popular for Live TV Streaming?
Kodi is an open-source, free media player application available on multiple platforms, including FireStick, Android, Windows, macOS, and iOS. Initially designed as a home theater solution, Kodi’s flexibility allows users to stream movies, TV shows, live sports, and more by installing additional software modules called addons.
Its popularity comes from:
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Customizable interface
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Wide range of media management features
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Compatibility with local and online content
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Large community support
When configured with the right legal addons, Kodi provides access to live news, sports, and entertainment channels, making it an excellent alternative to expensive cable services.
Important Reminder About Safe Streaming on Kodi
Not all Kodi addons are created equal. While many provide access to official, licensed content, others may stream content without the proper rights, which can put you at risk legally or expose your device to malware.
For this reason, it’s best to stick to official Kodi addons available in the official Kodi addon repository or install from trusted sources that hold broadcasting rights.
Best Official Kodi Addons for Live TV Streaming
If you want to watch live TV on Kodi safely and legally, here are some of the best official addons you can use in 2025:
1️⃣ Pluto TV
Overview:
Pluto TV is a popular free, ad-supported streaming service offering hundreds of live channels, including news, sports, and entertainment. Its official Kodi addon brings this same experience to your device.
Why It’s Great:
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400+ live TV channels
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Available for free
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No sign-up required
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Includes news, sports, movies, and documentaries
2️⃣ NewsON
Overview:
For local and national news lovers, NewsON is an excellent choice. It streams live and on-demand news broadcasts from local stations across the United States.
Why It’s Great:
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200+ local news channels
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Available without a subscription
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On-demand news clips and replays
3️⃣ Xumo TV
Overview:
Xumo TV offers over 200 free live channels, covering sports, comedy, lifestyle, music, and more. The Kodi addon brings all this content to your media center in an easy-to-use format.
Why It’s Great:
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Free, legal streaming
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Wide selection of live TV categories
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Available on FireStick, Android TV, and Kodi
4️⃣ PBS Live
Overview:
PBS Live streams live feeds from PBS affiliate stations across the United States. It’s perfect for those interested in documentaries, educational content, public affairs programs, and more.
Why It’s Great:
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Completely free
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Reliable, high-quality broadcasts
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No ads on most programming
5️⃣ iPlayer WWW (For UK Viewers)
Overview:
If you’re based in the United Kingdom, BBC iPlayer’s official Kodi addon, iPlayer WWW, provides access to all BBC live TV channels and on-demand content.
Why It’s Great:
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High-definition streaming
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Free with a UK TV license
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Includes live news, sports, dramas, and documentaries
How to Install Official Kodi Addons
Installing official addons on Kodi is a straightforward process:
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Open Kodi on your device.
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From the home screen, select Add-ons.
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Click the open box icon (Package Installer) in the top-left corner.
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Choose Install from repository.
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Select Kodi Add-on repository.
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Click on Video add-ons.
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Browse and select the addon you want (e.g., Pluto TV, NewsON).
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Click Install and wait for the installation confirmation.
You can now access the addon from your Add-ons > Video Add-ons section.
Should You Use a VPN with Kodi?
When streaming online content — even from legitimate services — it’s wise to protect your privacy. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, masking your IP address and safeguarding your data from potential hackers, snoopers, and even ISPs.
Reasons to consider a VPN for Kodi:
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Maintain privacy on public Wi-Fi
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Prevent bandwidth throttling by your ISP
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Access geo-restricted legal content when traveling
Choose a reliable, premium VPN that supports FireStick and Kodi to ensure your connection stays secure without slowing down your streams.
Avoiding Risky Unofficial Addons
You may encounter guides or forums suggesting third-party or “unofficial” addons that claim to offer free access to premium live TV channels, pay-per-view events, and sports broadcasts. While tempting, these addons often stream unlicensed content, which can lead to:
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Legal consequences
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Malware or spyware infections
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Data theft
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Poor, unstable streaming performance
Best practice: Stick to official Kodi addons and verified legal streaming services.
Alternative Free, Legal Live TV Apps for FireStick
If you’re using a FireStick, you don’t need to rely solely on Kodi for free live TV. Many reputable apps deliver live news, sports, and entertainment channels legally:
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Pluto TV
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The Roku Channel
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Amazon Freevee
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Xumo Play
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Sling Freestream
These services are easy to download from the Amazon App Store and often don’t require any sign-up.
How to Optimize Your Live TV Streaming on Kodi
Here are a few practical tips to improve your Kodi live TV streaming experience:
1️⃣ Keep Kodi and Addons Updated
Regular updates improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance security.
2️⃣ Use a Reliable VPN
Protect your connection and enhance your ability to access geo-restricted but legal content while traveling.
3️⃣ Clean Cache and Unused Addons
Free up storage and improve app responsiveness by clearing old cache data and uninstalling unused addons.
4️⃣ Use an Ethernet Connection
For the best streaming quality, connect your device via Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi when possible.
5️⃣ Adjust Video Settings
Ensure Kodi’s video playback settings are optimized for your TV’s resolution and your internet speed.
What’s the Future of Live TV Streaming on Kodi?
With streaming technology advancing rapidly, Kodi continues to evolve alongside it. In 2025 and beyond, expect to see:
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More official live TV addons partnering with major broadcasters
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Higher quality 4K and 8K live streams via verified addons
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Interactive streaming features (live stats, multiple camera angles)
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Increased focus on AVOD (ad-supported video on demand) and FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) channels
Kodi’s flexibility ensures it remains one of the best open-source media platforms for both personal media libraries and live streaming services.
Final Thoughts
Kodi is a fantastic tool for streaming live TV in 2025 — but as with any open-source platform, using it safely and legally is key. By sticking with official, verified addons and reputable services, you can enjoy news, sports, and entertainment channels without putting your device, privacy, or legal standing at risk.
Skip risky third-party addons and instead explore the excellent legal options Kodi has to offer, alongside free, ad-supported FireStick apps like Pluto TV and Xumo Play. With the right setup, you can enjoy countless live TV channels and on-demand shows legally, securely, and without subscription fees.