Is The Roku Channel Free? Uncover the Truth
The Roku Channel is free and has a wide range of entertainment at no cost. It started in September 2017 and now has over 120 million viewers in 2023. It’s a hit for free streaming, with 400 live TV channels and more than 80,000 movies and shows free.
Many ask if the Roku Channel is truly free. Yes, but it also offers premium content for a fee. By November 2024, it’s set to hit 1.9% of U.S. TV watching. It’s the top choice among FAST services in the U.S. In early 2023, viewers watched over one billion minutes on FAST channels.
The Roku Channel stands out for offering quality content for free, thanks to ads. Viewers see about 8 to 9 minutes of ads per hour, less than cable’s 15 to 17 minutes. This makes for a better viewing experience without charges. It’s available on Roku devices, mobile apps, and online.
What is The Roku Channel?
The Roku Channel started in 2017. It is a one-stop streaming service. You’ll find Roku Originals, live TV, and tons of free TV shows and movies. It works on Roku devices, Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TVs, and more. The service is easy to use and free, supported by ads. You can also pay for premium content if you want.
Overview of The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel first came to the UK in 2020 and Mexico in 2022 after launching in the USA. In 2023, it offers content from over 300 TV channels. This addition includes original programming and Quibi’s library bought in January 2021. The platform provides a smooth experience on many devices. It gives you HD movies and a variety of TV shows to watch.
Types of Content Available
The Roku Channel has lots to watch like comedies, drama, and documentaries. You can enjoy free movies, live TV, and shows safe for kids. There are also special sections for Sports, Sci-Fi/Anime, Game Shows, and more. With popular free titles like #FREERAYSHAWN and Reno 911!, there’s something for everyone. This makes it a top spot for finding all kinds of entertainment.
Is The Roku Channel Free?
The Roku Channel is totally free, and it’s packed with TV shows, movies, and live shows. It has more than 500 free live TV channels to check out. This includes news, sports, food, and kids’ stuff, all at no cost. But, if you want premium stuff, you’ll need to subscribe.
Roku gives you access to over 100 local channels, which includes eight local NBC news channels in big cities. By attaching an antenna to your Roku TV, you can catch local channels without spending a dime.
With Roku’s Live TV Zone, finding channels is a breeze. Watching free channels on Roku doesn’t cost monthly fees. Streaming players start at just $29.99, and you don’t have to pay extra for equipment after buying. This makes getting into the vast world of free roku tv channels easy and budget-friendly.
Roku also brings thousands of apps with free and paid content to the table. If you have cable or satellite, you can watch many of those channels on Roku at no extra cost. Plus, Roku TVs have the streaming features built-in, so you don’t need to worry about using an HDMI cable.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Free Live TV Channels | Over 500 |
| Local Channels Available | More than 100 |
| Price of Streaming Players | Starting at $29.99 |
| Monthly Fees for Free Channels | None |
| Top Streaming Apps | Available |
Finding free channels on Roku is easy and offers a smooth streaming experience with plenty of choices. Whether it’s through The Roku Channel or other free Roku TV channels, there’s something for everyone without spending a lot.
The Roku Channel’s Free TV & Movies
The Roku Channel is a top choice for free Roku channels. It offers many free movies and TV shows. With over 200,000 free movies and episodes, plus more than 4,000 titles for no cost, it’s a huge library of entertainment. As of early 2023, it has over 65 million active accounts.
Popular Free Movies
The selection of free movies on The Roku Channel is both wide and diverse. It includes new releases and classic films. This makes it essential for any list of free Roku channels. You can stream blockbuster and critically praised films in genres like action, drama, and comedy. The content is ad-supported but easy to watch.
Popular Free TV Shows
TV fans will love the free TV shows on The Roku Channel. Its use jumped over 70% year-over-year, showing its popularity. It has classics, recent hits, and exclusive shows from top networks and creators. This makes it one of the best free Roku channels for all kinds of shows, including dramas and comedies.
The Roku Channel doesn’t just give you more to watch for free. It’s also always adding new content and partners. It’s becoming a key platform for free entertainment.
Live TV on The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel has lots of live TV options for different interests. Viewers can enjoy more than 500 live TV channels for free. This includes news, sports, and more.
Live News Channels
With The Roku Channel, users can stay on top of the news. It offers 24/7 news from big networks like ABC, NBC, and FOX. Over 100 free local news channels are available. This includes stations like KHOU Houston and FOX25 Boston.
Viewers get the latest local events and news. Plus, there are 8 local NBC news stations in big cities. This means reliable news coverage is easy to find.
| Network | Available Channels |
|---|---|
| ABC, NBC, FOX | 24/7 News Broadcasts |
| KHOU Houston | Local News |
| FOX25 Boston | Local News |
| NBC | 8 Local News Stations |
Finding and watching free channels on Roku is simple. The Live TV Channel guide makes it easy to navigate.
Live Sports Channels
Sports fans will love The Roku Channel’s live sports broadcasts. It covers major league games, local sports, and sports talk. And it’s all free, adding great value to Roku’s free streaming channels.
- Major leagues and championships
- Regional sports events
- Live sports commentary
The Roku Channel also has weather, dramas, comedies, and more. There’s a lot to watch on Roku for free. You don’t need multiple subscriptions or complicated setups.
Kids & Family Content on The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel has lots of kids’ shows and family movies. It’s a top spot for family fun without needing to pay. Families have access to over 10,000 free shows and movies. Plus, there are over a dozen channels for kids in the live TV guide.
Popular Kids Shows
There are many popular kids’ shows on the free Roku channel. These shows are fun and teach valuable lessons. Here are some favorites:
- Blippi: Rated 3.60 out of 5 and suitable for ages TV-Y, this educational show has 2 seasons filled with fun adventures and explorations.
- CoComelon: With a rating of 3.68 out of 5, this series captivates toddlers with nursery rhymes and educational content.
- Ryan’s World: Rated TV-Y and sparkling with 17 seasons, this series is rated an impressive 4.31 out of 5.
- Ninja Kidz TV: With a whopping 47 seasons and rated TV-Y7, it has a stellar 4.22 out of 5 rating.
- Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!: This classic show has 13 seasons, rated TV-Y, promising delightful and engaging content for kids.
Shows like The Magic School Bus (6 seasons, TV-Y) and Teletubbies (11 seasons, TV-MA) add more variety.
Family Movies
The Roku Channel has movies perfect for family time. They offer different types of films for everyone’s taste:
- Goosebumps: Rated TV-G, with 5 entertaining seasons, blending family-friendly horror with humor.
- Power Rangers: DinoThunder: Featuring 2 action-packed seasons and rated TV-Y7.
- PAW Patrol: Equipped with 52 seasons of rescue missions that fascinate young viewers, rated TV-Y.
- Angry Birds Toons: Offers 12 seasons rated TV-Y7 of animated comedy based on the famous mobile game.
- Yo Gabba Gabba!: Fascinates children with 8 seasons rated TV-Y, centered around music and dancing.
The selection also includes classic and new movies, making movie nights memorable.
| Show/Movie Title | Seasons | Rating | Content Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blippi | 2 | 3.60 | TV-Y |
| CoComelon | —- | 3.68 | —- |
| Ryan’s World | 17 | 4.31 | TV-Y |
| Ninja Kidz TV | 47 | 4.22 | TV-Y7 |
| Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! | 13 | —- | TV-Y |
| Goosebumps | 5 | —- | TV-G |
| Power Rangers: DinoThunder | 2 | —- | TV-Y7 |
| PAW Patrol | 52 | —- | TV-Y |
| Angry Birds Toons | 12 | —- | TV-Y7 |
| Yo Gabba Gabba! | 8 | —- | TV-Y |
How to Access The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel has lots of different shows and is easy to watch on many devices. This means you can enjoy watching almost anywhere. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
Roku Devices
Using The Roku Channel on Roku devices is pretty simple. Just connect your Roku to your TV, find The Roku Channel, and you’re set to watch. You can find tons of content, like free local channels, without paying extra. These devices are made to be easy to use, ensuring a great viewing experience. They go through lots of tests to work perfectly for you.
The Roku Channel on Mobile Apps
If you’re always moving, you can still watch The Roku Channel on your phone. Just grab the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Log in with your Roku account, and you get access to live and on-demand shows. The apps are tested thoroughly, offering you a great watching experience on your phone.
Web Access via TheRokuChannel.com
You can also watch The Roku Channel online at TheRokuChannel.com. This is perfect for people who don’t have Roku devices. You can watch movies, TV shows, and live TV. The website is made to work well and be easy to use. It’s great for streaming on your computer. This shows Roku’s effort to make it easy for everyone to find free channels and more.
Add Premium Subscriptions
The Roku Channel lets you add premium Roku subscriptions. This means you can watch a lot of top shows from different providers all in one place. It makes paying for them easier because everything is in one bill.
Right now, you can choose from 25 Premium Subscriptions. This list includes popular ones like SHOWTIME, STARZ, and EPIX. Also, services like CollegeHumor’s DROPOUT and Smithsonian Channel Plus are available. If you’re new, there’s a 30-day free trial for SHOWTIME, STARZ, or EPIX if you sign up by March 31st.
In early January, Roku started offering these premium Roku subscriptions to some devices. To use them, make sure your Roku is model 2450 or newer. For mobile users, the Roku app on iOS has this now. Android users will get it around mid-February.
You can also get these premium Roku subscriptions on therokuchannel.com. They come with free trials if you use supported web browsers. This way, you get to enjoy great content. Plus, you can still watch over 10,000 free movies and TV episodes that The Roku Channel offers.
In short, adding premium subscriptions boosts your choices on The Roku Channel. You can use Roku devices, mobile apps, or even web browsers for this. It’s all about getting more from your viewing experience.
Best Free Roku Channels to Watch
Finding the top free Roku channels will make your TV time much better. Here are some great options and favorites from the Roku free channel collection.
Top Recommendations
| Channel | Average Rating | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Plex | 3.99 | 600+ live TV channels and 50,000+ on-demand titles |
| Pluto TV | 3.86 | Hundreds of live TV channels, thousands of on-demand movies and shows |
| Chicken Soup for the Soul | 3.87 | Original series and movies |
| The Roku Channel | 3.69 | Original content, limited commercial interruptions |
| Tubi | 3.77 | Largest library in the streaming universe |
User Favorites
- PBS KIDS: Offers over 1,000 videos, highly favored for family-friendly content, rated 3.67.
- ABC News: Live & Breaking News: A reliable source for live news, rated 3.41.
- WeatherNation: Provides accurate weather updates, rated 3.66.
- ViX: Growing in popularity among Spanish-speaking audiences, rated 3.52.
- FilmRise: Features over 10,000 hours of free movies and TV shows, rated 3.26.
Roku Originals and Exclusive Content
Roku has begun making its own shows, known as Roku Originals. This move adds unique value to its platform. These shows and exclusive content have drawn in viewers. They make The Roku Channel stand out from other streaming services.
Popular Roku Original Series
The Roku Originals library covers many types of shows. “Die Hart,” with Kevin Hart, remixes action-comedy in a fun way. “Most Dangerous Game,” features Liam Hemsworth and Christoph Waltz and is an action-thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. These shows have greatly boosted the platform’s appeal.
Exclusive Movies
Roku also offers exclusive movies only found on their channel. Musical fans loved “Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas.” Thriller enthusiasts were gripped by “In The Fire.” This exclusive content keeps viewers coming back. They know they’ll find unique shows and movies not available elsewhere.
| Streaming Service | Ratings |
|---|---|
| The Roku Channel | 3.69 out of 5 |
| Pluto TV | 3.89 out of 5 |
| Plex | 3.95 out of 5 |
Are There Free Local Channels on Roku?
Yes, Roku offers free local channels. This is great for keeping up with local news and events. We’ll explain how to find these channels and mention some popular free local news options.
How to Find Local Channels
Finding local channels on Roku is easy. Just enter your city or zip code. You’ll get news, weather, and traffic on apps like NewsON and Haystack News. Plus, if you connect an HDTV antenna to a Roku TV, you can watch local channels for free.
Roku also adds these channels to its Live TV Channel Guide. This means you can pause live TV if you have a USB drive connected.
Free Local News Channels
Roku has free local news from big networks like FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC. The Roku Channel alone offers over 60 local news stations. This includes FOX Weather and WeatherNation, which have 24/7 live feeds.
There are over 100 free local news channels in the Roku Streaming Store. You can find channels for cities like Houston and Boston. Roku users also get access to more than 500 free live TV channels, including local NBC news in places like New York and Los Angeles.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Free Roku Channels
To get the best from Roku channels, start in the “Live TV Zone.” This area gives you access to different streaming services like Hulu and YouTube TV. By using this zone, you can easily find and enjoy live shows from various categories.
Another way to enhance your Roku experience is by using the Roku Search. This tool lets you search over 4,000 channels quickly. By just speaking to the Roku Voice Remote or using Alexa and Google Assistant, finding your favorite shows becomes easier.
Don’t forget about Roku’s “Top Free” and “Featured Free” sections. They spotlight popular apps and fresh, free content. Regular visits to these sections mean you won’t miss out on new and free entertainment, including Roku Originals.
Lastly, personalizing your Roku settings is key. Automatic Volume Leveling keeps the volume consistent, and Private Listening lets you watch without disturbing others. For families, setting up parental controls ensures a kid-friendly viewing space.
FAQs
Is The Roku Channel free?
Yes, The Roku Channel is free. It has a ton of TV shows, movies, and live shows like news and channels for kids. But, you’ll need to pay for the premium stuff.
What types of content are available on The Roku Channel?
On The Roku Channel, you can find unique Roku Originals, live TV, new and classic movies, popular TV series, and lots of family stuff.
How can I watch free channels on Roku?
To watch free channels, add The Roku Channel on your Roku device, use mobile apps on Android and iOS, or check its website. You’ll get lots of free streaming channels, movies, and TV shows.
What are some popular free movies and TV shows on The Roku Channel?
The Roku Channel has a great mix of free movies and TV shows. You can catch up on new releases and old favorites, all without a subscription.
Does The Roku Channel offer live TV options?
Yes, it does. The Roku Channel has live TV, including news and sports, for free. It suits many interests.
What family and kids’ content is available on The Roku Channel?
You’ll find a big selection of kids’ shows and movies for families on The Roku Channel. It’s great entertainment for kids and the whole family.
How can I access The Roku Channel?
You can access The Roku Channel through Roku devices, mobile apps on Android and iOS, and its website. It’s easy to use across devices.
Can I add premium subscriptions to The Roku Channel?
Yes, you can add premium channels via your Roku account. This makes billing simple and managing your subscriptions easy.
Are there free local channels on Roku?
Roku offers free access to local news channels. It’s simple to stay informed about local news and events on your device.
How can I maximize my viewing experience on The Roku Channel?
For the best experience, make good use of the navigation tools, manage your content likes, and set up parental controls. This will make your viewing both personal and safe.
