On Google TV Streamer, you can mark live channels as favorites and switch the guide to a favorites-only view. That makes it quicker to find a channel; it does not create a custom order or save individual shows. For a particular movie or show, use Watchlist instead.
How to favorite a free channel
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Open Live. In the United States, Google also lists the Google TV Freeplay app as an entry point; availability and labels can vary by country and interface version.
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Find a channel in the guide, then select its name. When the star is filled, the channel is in your favorites.
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Change the guide from All channels to Favorite channels to browse only the channels you marked. Google describes this view as the way to browse content on favorite channels in its Google TV and Android TV help.
#1 Best Overall
Google TV Streamer 4K - Fast Streaming Entertainment on Your Device with Voice Search Remote - Watch Movies, Shows, Live, and Netflix in HDR - Smart Home Control - 32 GB of Storage - Hazel- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
To remove a channel, select its name again so the star is no longer filled. It will no longer appear in the favorites view.
Favorites are for channels, not shows
The live guide’s star saves a channel, not a particular program. If you want to find a specific movie or series later, search for the title, open its details page, and select Watchlist. Saved titles are available in Library, where you can remove them when you are done. Google explains both features in its Google TV Help.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
- Favorite channels: use this when you want a shorter live-TV guide with your preferred channels.
- Watchlist: use this when you want to save a specific show or movie, regardless of the channel guide.
Can you put favorite channels in a custom order?
Google’s documented controls support marking channels and viewing the favorites subset. They do not establish that you can drag favorites into an arbitrary custom order. Treat the feature as a filtered guide, not a user-defined lineup.
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What to know about free-channel availability
The Google TV Streamer 4K product page currently describes the device as offering more than 800 free channels alongside subscription services, but that is a product-page claim, not a guarantee that every channel is available in every country or at all times. Google’s free-channel announcement described a U.S. rollout and notes that some channels may require a separate app. Check the U.S. live-TV help page and Google’s free-channel announcement for service details. The Google TV Streamer product page gives the current product description. Channel availability and counts can change.
Rank #3
- Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
- Chromecast is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
- Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
- With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
- Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
Google previously described a 150-channel Freeplay guide in a 2024 update; that is a historical figure, not a current channel-count guarantee. See the 2024 Google TV update for that dated reference.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
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