Looking for a way to watch live PBS stations without paying for cable or satellite TV? The PBS Live Kodi addon makes it possible to stream tons of PBS content 100% free!
With PBS Live, you can watch PBS affiliates from all across America right within the Kodi app on your Firestick, Fire TV, Android, Roku, and other devices.
You‘ll get access to popular PBS shows the moment they air like:
- Nova
- Nature
- Masterpiece
- Antiques Roadshow
- Frontline
- PBS Newshour
- Sesame Street
- And many more
In this detailed guide, I‘ll show you how to install PBS Live on Kodi in just 5 minutes. Soon you‘ll be streaming live PBS in crystal clear HD quality without any buffering.
Let‘s get started!
Why Use the PBS Live Addon?
Here are the key benefits of using PBS Live for streaming PBS:
It‘s 100% Free – No subscription, fees or login required. All PBS content on this addon is free.
No Cable Required – Stream PBS live without paying a cent for cable or satellite TV.
HD Quality Streams – Video plays smoothly in high definition up to 720p.
Access to Local PBS Stations – Get live streams from PBS affiliates in all 50 states.
New Content Added Regularly – Developer keeps PBS Live updated with the latest shows.
Simple Setup – Takes just 5 minutes to install on any Kodi device.
When it comes to watching PBS online for free, PBS Live is hands down the best Kodi addon available today. The streams are smooth, it‘s kept updated, and the setup only takes a few minutes.
The developer does an amazing job maintaining this addon. It receives frequent updates to fix any issues and keep PBS streaming running perfectly.
Let‘s go through step-by-step how to install PBS Live on your Firestick, Fire TV Cube, Nvidia Shield, Android box or other Kodi device.
How to Install the PBS Live Addon on Kodi
Below I‘ll walk you through installing the PBS Live addon on Kodi 19 Matrix or Kodi 18 Leia.
This takes just 5 minutes to setup on any device Kodi supports like the Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, Android TV boxes, etc.
Step 1: Enable Unknown Sources in Kodi
The first thing you need to do is enable "Unknown Sources" in the Kodi settings. This allows you to install third-party addons that aren‘t in the official Kodi repository.
Here‘s how:
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In Kodi, click on the Settings icon (shaped like a gear)
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Click on System Settings
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Select Add-ons from the menu on the left
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Toggle on the option for "Unknown Sources"
A warning box will pop up explaining the risks of enabling third-party addons. While some addons have privacy/security concerns, PBS Live comes from a trusted Kodi developer so it is perfectly safe to use.
Step 2: Install the SlyGuy Repository
With Unknown Sources enabled, you can now install the SlyGuy Repository which contains the PBS Live addon.
Here are the steps:
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Go back to the main Kodi menu and click on Add-ons
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Select Install from Zip File
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Click on "Add source"
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Type in the following URL exactly:
http://k.slyguy.xyz -
Give the media source a name like "SlyGuy" and click OK
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After it returns to the file manager, go to Install from Zip File again
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Click on the SlyGuy source you just added
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Install the zip file called
repository.slyguy.xyz
Once enabled, you‘ll see a message that the SlyGuy Repository has been installed. This contains the PBS Live addon we want.
Step 3: Install the PBS Live Addon
With the repository installed, we can now easily install PBS Live:
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Go back to Add-ons and click on Install from Repository
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Select the SlyGuy Repository
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Go to the Video add-ons section
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Find PBS Live and install it
It will now download and install the addon. Once finished, you‘ll get a message that PBS Live has been enabled.
That‘s it! The addon is now ready to use. Open it up and start watching live PBS.
How to Use the PBS Live Addon
When you first launch the PBS Live addon, it will detect your region and show the relevant PBS stations.
You can also browse for channels by state or use the search to find a specific PBS affiliate.
The first time you select a stream, it will ask to install InputStream Adaptive. This allows the video to play properly so make sure to enable it.
I recommend choosing the "Best" stream for the highest HD quality. The station will then begin playing instantly with no buffering.
If you want to return to the main addon menu, press the back button on your remote. Here you can browse other PBS stations or categories.
It really is that easy! In just a few steps you can install PBS Live and start watching live PBS through Kodi.
List of PBS Stations Available
The PBS Live addon provides streams from PBS affiliates across the entire United States.
No matter what region you live in, you‘ll likely find your local PBS station available.
Here is just a sample of the major metro areas covered:
- Los Angeles (KCET)
- Chicago (WTTW)
- Philadelphia (WHYY)
- Dallas (KEDT)
- San Francisco (KQED)
- Washington D.C. (WETA)
- Houston (KUHT)
- Miami (WPBT)
- Phoenix (KAET)
Plus over 100 more cities! Basically every major PBS affiliate nationwide is included.
Some of the bigger state/region stations available include:
- PBS SoCal (Los Angeles)
- PBS Hawaii
- Maryland Public TV
- PBS Wisconsin
- PBS North Carolina
- PBS Utah
- PBS Idaho
- PBS Detroit
- PBS Florida
And many more for all 50 states.
No matter where you live in the US, you‘ll have multiple PBS station options on the PBS Live addon. It‘s the easiest way to stream your region‘s local PBS affiliate 100% free!
Is the PBS Live Addon Legal & Safe?
When installing third-party addons like PBS Live in Kodi, it‘s normal to have some concerns over legality and safety.
Let me clear up some of the main questions:
Is PBS Live legal?
Yes, PBS Live is 100% legal to use. The addon itself does not host or stream any video content. It simply provides links to the free public live streams available on the official PBS website.
Is it safe to install?
Yes, PBS Live comes from a reputable Kodi developer so it is safe to install. No malware or tracking. As always, I do suggest using a VPN for additional privacy when streaming.
Will I get in trouble for using it?
You don‘t have to worry about getting in any trouble just for installing or using PBS Live. Since it links to legal free streams, there are no risks involved.
Do I need a VPN to use it?
A VPN is not required but highly recommended for privacy and security when using any Kodi addon. It prevents your ISP from seeing what you stream.
In summary, PBS Live is a legal and safe addon endorsed by reputable sites like Troypoint. Install and use it with confidence!
Why a VPN is Recommended for Kodi Streaming
While the PBS Live addon itself is safe to use, I do recommend pairing it with a VPN service.
A VPN encrypts all the traffic leaving your device so your internet provider can‘t see what you‘re accessing. This prevents them from throttling your speeds based on streaming activity.
It also hides your IP address and location so you remain completely anonymous while streaming on Kodi.
Some of the top VPN benefits:
- Encrypted streaming for privacy
- Unblocks geo-restrictions
- Protects against malware & hacking
- Avoids ISP throttling of speeds
- Hides Kodi usage from ISP
- Secures public WiFi connections
I personally use and recommend Surfshark VPN for secure Kodi streaming. It offers excellent speeds for HD video and works great on Firestick plus apps for every device.
Surshark is also extremely affordable at just $2.49 a month for their 2-year plan. You can use one account on unlimited devices so it‘s a fantastic value.
Click here to try Surfshark risk-free with their 30 day money back guarantee.
With the right VPN in place, you can use addons like PBS Live safely and anonymously.
More Kodi Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips to improve your streaming experience with PBS Live and Kodi:
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For easier navigation, install a Mouse Toggle Firestick app
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Adjust cache sizes in Kodi settings for faster stream loading
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Authenticate your Trakt or Real-Debrid account for better scraping
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Configure a premium DNS like SmartDNSProxy to unblock more streams
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Pair PBS Live with the PBS Kids addon for all your children‘s shows
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Use a Kodi optimization guide to maximize performance
Take your time exploring all of the features and customization options within Kodi. Installing great addons like PBS Live is just the start!
With this easy tutorial, you can have the PBS Live Kodi addon installed in less than 5 minutes. Soon you‘ll be streaming tons of great PBS content live and free!
No more needing an expensive cable subscription. Just follow the steps above and start watching your local PBS station through Kodi today.
