The Roku Channel
Free movies, shows, and live TV on web and devices. No Roku hardware required in many regions.
Quick facts
- Price model
- Free
- Starting price
- Free (ads)
- Best for
- Free live channels · Movie night on a budget · Web and Roku TV viewing
- Replaces
- Cable news bundles, Background streaming subs
- Platforms
- WebiOSAndroidMacWindows
- Last verified
- 2026-06-22
Why it's listed
Works beyond Roku hardware, official site and app-store installs only.
The Roku Channel offers ad-supported movies, TV series, and live news and entertainment channels. Watch in a browser at therokuchannel.roku.com or through official Roku and smart TV apps. A solid free layer alongside Tubi, Pluto, and library apps.
The catch
Catalog varies by country; paid rentals inside the app are optional, stay in free sections.
Good fit for
- Roku households
- Browser-based free TV
Not ideal for
- Premium original chasers
Alternatives
Tubi
Fox-owned free streaming with a massive library of movies and TV, ads, no subscription.
Replaces: Background cable packages, Cheap paid streamers
Pluto TV
Paramount-owned free TV with hundreds of live curated channels plus on-demand movies.
Replaces: Live TV streaming bundles, Cable
Xumo Play
Free live TV channels and on-demand titles from Comcast's Xumo platform.
Replaces: Live TV streaming bundles, Cable-lite packages
Libby
Borrow ebooks and audiobooks free from your public library. No monthly audiobook sub.
Replaces: Audible, Kindle Unlimited…