The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel: A free ad-supported streaming service with live channels and optional paid subscriptions. Ranked #7 of 63 in Video Streaming Services by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free live channels and optional premium subscriptions.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree live channels and optional premium subscriptions
- Free planYes
- Ad-supported tierYes
- Facts checked3 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Free ad-supported movies and TV shows, plus 500+ live channels
- Includes Roku Originals and optional Premium Subscriptions
- Works on web, mobile, Roku, compatible Samsung TVs and Fire TV
Where it doesn't
- Free viewing is ad-supported
- Content availability varies by country
- Premium subscription prices and terms vary by partner
Our verdict on The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel brings together free, ad-supported movies and television shows, live channels, and Roku Originals. It suits viewers looking for a no-cost way to stream a mix of on-demand and live programming, with the option to add paid Premium Subscriptions. Viewing is supported on the web and in the Roku mobile app, as well as on Roku streaming devices, compatible Samsung TVs, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Availability can vary by market and device, so the service is a better fit for viewers whose preferred screen and location are supported.
Its free offering is the central appeal: the service includes 500+ live channels alongside movies and shows, with advertising supporting free access. That combination gives viewers both scheduled programming and on-demand options without requiring a paid subscription to the service itself. Roku Originals add another content category to the free catalog. The trade-off is straightforward: viewers who want an ad-free experience may find the free tier unsuitable, and the catalog varies by country. The Roku Channel is most compelling for people comfortable with ads and interested in browsing a broad mix of free programming.
Optional Premium Subscriptions provide a route to partner subscription content through Roku, but these are separate paid subscriptions rather than a single standard paid tier for The Roku Channel. Prices and terms vary by partner, and availability can depend on device and market. This arrangement can suit viewers who want to add particular subscriptions while keeping the free service as a base; it is less suitable for buyers seeking one fixed-price bundle with consistent availability. Consider it for free live and on-demand viewing first, and treat premium access as an optional, partner-dependent addition.
The Roku Channel pricing
The Roku Channel fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Ad-supported tier | Yes |
| Offline downloads | Not verified |
| Simultaneous streams | Not verified |
| Max video quality | Not verified |
| Supported devices | Roku streaming devices; web; iOS and Android mobile app; compatible Samsung Smart TVs; Amazon Fire TV devices |
| Included bundles | Optional Premium Subscriptions; partner subscription prices and terms vary |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Live chat |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | therokuchannel.roku.com |
| Facts checked | 3 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to The Roku Channel
- Prime VideoA broad mix of streaming, rentals, live sports, and optional channel subscriptions.9.4
- PlexPlex pairs free ad-supported streaming with tools for organizing and watching personal media.9.2
- Disney+A family-focused streaming subscription with broad catalogs, shared viewing and Vision Pro features.9.1
See all The Roku Channel alternatives →
The Roku Channel vs the competition
- The Roku Channel vs Prime Video
- The Roku Channel vs Plex
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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