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Roku is a streaming platform that delivers television shows, movies, music and live channels through internet-connected apps. You can get Roku in two ways: buy a television with Roku OS built in, or connect a separate Roku player or stick to an existing TV through HDMI.
Creating a Roku account and activating a device are free. Roku itself does not add a monthly equipment fee, but individual apps, subscriptions, rentals and purchases can charge separately. You need internet access for setup and internet streaming, and the apps available to you depend partly on your country.
What is Roku?
Roku is both a software platform and a family of streaming hardware. The software is called Roku OS. It supplies the on-screen menus, app store, search and playback controls. The hardware is either integrated into a Roku TV or supplied as a separate Roku streaming player or stick.
A separate player is useful when you already own a compatible television. It connects to an HDMI port, reaches the internet through your home network and displays the Roku interface on that TV. A Roku TV includes the same type of streaming experience inside the television, so there is no need to purchase a separate Roku player for streaming.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Roku is not a television channel or a single subscription. Think of it as the layer that helps you find and launch services. Each service is provided through an app, and the app decides which shows, movies, channels or music you can play and whether payment is required.
How Roku works from power-on to playback
- The device connects to the TV. A standalone player sends its picture and sound through the TV’s HDMI input. A Roku TV already contains the streaming hardware and software.
- The device connects to the internet. Setup includes joining your home Wi-Fi network. Internet access is required to activate the device and to stream internet-delivered content.
- You link a Roku account. The account connects the device to Roku’s services and lets you install apps. Roku says account creation and activation are free.
- You use the Home screen. The Home screen is the starting point for installed apps and settings. Apps are added through the Roku Streaming Store.
- An app supplies the content. Selecting an app opens that service. Some apps are free, while others require a subscription, a rental payment or a purchase. Availability can vary by country.
This arrangement separates the platform cost from the content cost. You can use Roku without paying Roku a monthly equipment charge, but that does not make every title or service free.
What you need before setting up Roku
- A compatible television. For a separate player, the TV needs a suitable HDMI input. A Roku TV does not need another Roku box.
- Power. The player or TV must be connected to power before setup can begin.
- Internet service and a home network. Roku setup requires an internet connection, normally through Wi-Fi. Streaming quality and availability depend on the connection and the service being used.
- A Roku account. You can create one during activation. Roku states that activation and account creation are free.
- An email address you can access. Roku uses the account’s email address for account management and activation steps.
- Any service accounts you plan to use. A Roku account does not automatically include paid services. You may need separate logins or subscriptions inside those apps.
How to set up a Roku player or stick
- Connect the player to an HDMI input. Insert the Roku device’s HDMI connector or cable into an available HDMI port on the TV. Note the port number, such as HDMI 1 or HDMI 2.
- Connect power and select the correct TV input. Power the Roku device, turn on the television and use the TV’s input control to select the HDMI port used by Roku.
- Choose language and begin setup. Follow the on-screen prompts. The device will ask for the information needed to configure the interface.
- Join your home Wi-Fi network. Select your network, enter its password and wait for the Roku device to connect. Without internet access, activation and internet streaming cannot be completed.
- Install any available system update. Allow the device to finish an update if one is offered before continuing. Interrupting setup while software is being updated can leave the device unready.
- Link the device to a Roku account. Follow the activation instructions shown on screen. Roku’s activation guidance says, “Activation is always free, and Roku will never charge you a fee to create an account.”
- Add apps from the Roku Streaming Store. Install the services you want. The store contains entertainment and other app categories; each app’s own terms determine whether it is free or paid.
- Sign in to individual services. If an app requires an account, enter that service’s credentials or follow its activation process. A Roku account and a subscription to a separate service are different things.
Once setup is complete, press Home to return to the Roku home screen and choose an installed app. If you move the player to another home network later, you can change the network from Roku’s settings and repeat the connection step.
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- Connect the television to power and turn it on. The Roku streaming experience is built into the set, so no external player is necessary.
- Follow the initial setup screens. Select your language, region and other requested preferences.
- Connect the TV to the internet. Roku’s setup material includes connecting the TV to Wi-Fi. This is necessary for activating Roku and using internet-based services.
- Link or create a Roku account. Activation and account creation do not carry a Roku fee.
- Install or arrange apps. Use the Home screen and Roku Streaming Store to select services.
- Connect other sources if needed. A Roku TV can also accept an HD antenna for over-the-air channels or a cable/satellite receiver through HDMI. Those sources are separate from Roku’s internet apps.
Internet access remains necessary for initial Roku TV setup and for internet-based Live TV features, even when you also use an antenna or a cable receiver.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Is Roku free, or is there a monthly fee?
The most accurate answer is: the Roku platform, account creation and device activation can be used without a monthly Roku equipment fee, but content is a mixture of free and paid offerings. Roku’s UK overview says there are no monthly equipment fees and no fee for watching free channels. That statement does not cover charges imposed by separate streaming services or for individual titles.
| Item | What you pay | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roku account | Free | Roku says it will not charge you to create an account. |
| Device activation | Free | Roku’s activation guidance says activation is always free. |
| Roku equipment fee | No monthly equipment fee | Roku’s UK overview describes no recurring equipment charge. |
| Free apps and channels | No subscription charge from the free service | Some apps and channels are free, although availability varies by service and region. |
| Paid subscriptions | Set by the individual service | A Roku account does not include every streaming subscription. |
| Rentals and purchases | Charged per title or transaction | Payment can apply even when the app itself is free to install. |
| Internet service | Set by your internet provider | Roku requires internet access for setup and internet streaming, but Roku is not your broadband provider. |
Before confirming a subscription, rental or purchase, check which company is charging you and whether the payment is recurring or one-time. Installing an app from the Roku Streaming Store is not the same as subscribing to everything inside that app.
What can you watch on Roku?
The Roku Streaming Store is the gateway to apps for entertainment and other categories. The catalog mixes free apps with services that require a subscription or charge for specific content. The exact selection changes over time and differs by country, so a service available to one household may not appear for another.
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Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel is one source of free and ad-supported programming in the Roku ecosystem, but its availability is regional. Roku says it is available in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom on Roku devices, the web and mobile, and in Mexico on Roku devices only. Roku’s availability statement may change, so check the current listing for your location before relying on it.
Paid services inside apps
A service can offer a free app while charging for some or all of its catalog. A title may be included with a subscription, available as a one-time rental or sold for purchase. These rules belong to the service providing the content, not to the Roku account itself.
Roku player or Roku TV: which fits your situation?
There is no universal best Roku device. The practical choice depends on whether you already have a television and whether you want to replace it.
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|---|---|---|---|
| You already own a working TV | Separate Roku player or stick | Adds the Roku interface without replacing the television. | Confirm that the TV has a suitable HDMI input and that the device can connect to your home internet. |
| You are buying a new TV | Roku TV | Roku OS is built into the television, so no separate streaming player is needed. | Confirm the TV’s available inputs, internet setup requirements and the apps offered in your country. |
| You rely on an antenna | Roku TV with antenna input | Roku’s setup guide explains that an HD antenna can provide over-the-air channels while Roku handles internet apps. | Check antenna reception and remember that internet is still needed for Roku setup and internet-based Live TV features. |
| You use a cable or satellite receiver | Roku TV or existing TV plus Roku player | The receiver can connect through HDMI while Roku remains a separate input or built-in interface. | Make sure the TV has enough suitable inputs and that you can switch between sources. |
Also compare the services you actually plan to watch. Hardware does not guarantee that every app or channel is available in your region, and it does not eliminate subscription, rental or purchase costs.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Does Roku require internet?
Yes, for normal Roku setup and internet streaming. Roku’s setup instructions include connecting the device or TV to Wi-Fi and linking a Roku account. Streaming apps retrieve their video, music and live programming over the internet.
A Roku TV can also display an antenna feed or a cable/satellite receiver connected through HDMI. Those inputs do not turn Roku into an offline streaming service, however. You still need internet for the initial Roku TV setup and for internet-based Live TV features.
If your internet connection is unavailable, the Roku interface may still show the TV’s locally connected inputs, but internet apps cannot fetch new streams until the connection is restored. A service’s own offline-download rules, if any, do not change Roku’s setup requirement.
What Roku cannot do
It is not general web browsing
Roku streaming players and Roku TVs are designed for apps and connected television sources, not unrestricted web browsing. Roku says its devices do not provide general web browsing on the television. You should not expect to type arbitrary website addresses into the Roku interface as you would on a computer or phone.
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- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
It does not include every subscription
Roku provides access to apps, but each app controls its own catalog and payment model. Buying a Roku device does not include every premium service, sports package, movie rental or music subscription.
It is not available identically everywhere
App catalogs, The Roku Channel access and individual titles vary by country. A setup that works in the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom may not offer the same services in Mexico or another market. Check availability for your exact country and device type.
Common setup problems and practical fixes
The TV shows “no signal”
- Use the TV’s input control to select the HDMI port where the Roku player is connected.
- Check that the HDMI connector is fully inserted at both ends if the setup uses a separate cable.
- Confirm that the Roku player has power. If the TV has more than one HDMI port, try another suitable port and select that input.
Roku cannot join Wi-Fi
- Recheck the selected network name and password.
- Move the player or the wireless router closer together if the signal is weak.
- Confirm that another device can reach the internet through the same home network.
- Retry the network step from Roku’s settings after the home connection is working.
The activation page appears to charge money
Roku’s official guidance says activation and account creation are free. Do not provide payment details to a page claiming that Roku activation itself requires a fee. Close the page and restart activation through the on-screen process or Roku’s official support site.
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An app or channel is missing
- Search the Roku Streaming Store for the app by its exact name.
- Check whether the service supports your country and your particular device type.
- Remember that availability can change and that a service may require its own account or subscription after installation.
Antenna or cable channels are not appearing
- Verify that the antenna is connected to the television’s antenna input or that the cable/satellite receiver is connected through HDMI.
- Choose the corresponding TV input rather than the Roku app tile.
- For antenna reception, run the TV’s channel scan if the setup screen requests one.
A simple decision checklist
- Do you already have a TV with HDMI? If yes, a separate Roku player is the straightforward way to add Roku. If no, consider a Roku TV when purchasing a television.
- Is reliable internet available where the TV will be used? If not, Roku’s setup and internet apps cannot work normally.
- Which services do you actually need? Check each app’s country availability and payment requirements before choosing hardware.
- Do you need antenna or cable input as well as streaming? Confirm the TV has the required input and plan to switch between that source and Roku.
- Are you comfortable with separate subscriptions? Budget for services, rentals and purchases in addition to the hardware and internet connection.
The bottom line for beginners
Roku is a simple interface for internet-delivered television, but it is not one all-inclusive channel package. A Roku player adds the platform to a compatible TV through HDMI; a Roku TV builds it into the television. Both require internet access for setup and streaming, and both use apps to deliver content.
The Roku account and activation are free, and Roku says there is no monthly equipment fee. The content itself may be free, subscription-based, rented or purchased, and the available apps depend on your country. Choose the separate player when you want to keep an existing compatible TV; choose a Roku TV when you are buying a new set and want Roku built in.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
