Head-to-head · Free Movie Streaming Services
The Roku Channel vs Sling Freestream
The Roku Channel leads on 0 checks, Sling Freestream on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreThe Roku Channel · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
The Roku Channel scores higher on our rubric for free movie streaming services: 9.1 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
The Roku Channel is the better fit for viewers who want movies plus many live channels. Sling Freestream is the better fit for viewers wanting free live TV and on-demand titles.
- The Roku Channel fits best
Viewers who want movies plus many live channels
- Sling Freestream fits best
Viewers wanting free live TV and on-demand titles
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Side by side
| Feature | The Roku Channel 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Sling Freestream 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #2 in Free Movie Streaming Services | #7 in Free Movie Streaming Services |
| Best for | Viewers who want movies plus many live channels | Viewers wanting free live TV and on-demand titles |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Live chat | Live chat, Docs |
| Built for | Solo | Solo, Small business |
| Features The Roku Channel 0/5 · Sling Freestream 0/5 | ||
| Live movie channels | Not published | Not published |
| Offline downloads | Not published | Not published |
| Account required | Not published | Not published |
| Parental controls | Not published | Not published |
| Paid upgrade available | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | The Roku Channel brings free, ad-supported movies and television shows together with live channels and Roku Originals. It is suited to viewers who want on-demand entertainment alongside a live-TV lineup, without a subscription for the… Read the review → |
Sling Freestream is a free, ad-supported streaming service for viewers who want live television alongside on-demand shows and movies. Its Freestream plan includes over 600 live TV channels, and viewers can watch through a web browser or… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
The Roku Channel — where it wins
- Free, ad-supported movies and TV shows
- 500+ live channels alongside on-demand programming
- Roku Originals and optional Premium Subscriptions
Where it doesn't
- Free viewing includes ads
- Content availability varies by country
- Premium subscription availability varies by device and market
Sling Freestream — where it wins
- Combines over 600 live TV channels with on-demand shows and movies.
- Can be watched with or without a Sling account.
- Free accounts add favorites, profiles, watchlists, and parental controls.
Where it doesn't
- Viewing is ad-supported.
- Personalization features require a free Sling account.
- Supported platforms listed are limited to web, iOS, and Android.
- The Roku Channel9.1/10 · Free plan
A free, ad-supported movie and TV service with 500+ live channels and optional subscriptions.
Try The Roku ChannelFull verdict → - Sling Freestream8.6/10 · Free plan
A free, ad-supported mix of live channels and on-demand movies and shows.
Try Sling FreestreamFull verdict →
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- ITVX vs Sling Freestream
- Fandango at Home vs Sling Freestream
All free movie streaming services comparisons → · Full ranking →
Guides on free movie streaming services
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update