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Roku has gained popularity for its streaming devices, but it also provides a wealth of free entertainment through the Roku Channel. This includes live TV and original films, and you don’t necessarily need Roku hardware or a Roku TV to access it. Here, we’ll explore all the ways you can enjoy what’s available.
The Roku Channel can be accessed through any web browser or by using Roku’s mobile applications for both Android and iOS. If you want to view it on a smart TV or other streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, or Samsung smart TVs, you’ll need to download the Roku Channel app from the respective device’s app store.
Unfortunately, there is currently no app for LG smart TVs or the Apple TV streamer. However, we’ll provide some alternative options for those platforms shortly.
Watching the Roku Channel doesn’t require any specific hardware. Just visit theRokuChannel.com and start streaming.
Michael Brown/Foundry
What Can You Watch on the Roku Channel?
The Roku Channel boasts a diverse selection of Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels, along with movies and series available on demand. You can also enjoy live linear TV, which streams shows and movies on a set schedule, allowing you to tune in whenever you like.
While you may find some of the same content on platforms like Pluto or Tubi, Roku stands out with exclusive films and shows. One of its most notable originals to date is the Emmy-winning Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, featuring Daniel Radcliffe as the iconic satirical musician.
Roku features original programming, including Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
Jared Newman / Foundry
Other original titles include The Great American Baking Show, Honest Renovations, and Visionaries: The Arch Project, hosted by Keanu Reeves. While the catalog may be modest compared to platforms like Max or Netflix, all these shows are free—with ads.
Additionally, Roku has acquired various projects that other streaming services have abandoned, such as the entire library of Quibi, which focused on short-form videos.
From the Quibi collection, you can enjoy shows like Die Hart starring Kevin Hart, Most Dangerous Game, a Punk’d revival with Chance the Rapper, the revival of Reno 911!, and Bill Burr Presents Immoral Compass. Roku has also secured the rights to The Spiderwick Chronicles series from Disney+.
Roku has made the entire Quibi library accessible for free on the Roku Channel.
Quibi
The Roku Channel serves as a hub for various streaming services, encouraging users to subscribe to platforms like Prime Video, Peacock, MGM+, or Paramount+. If unfamiliar with their offerings, you might be redirected to their respective apps or websites when selecting certain titles.
If you want to subscribe, it’s advisable to do so directly through those services to maintain control over your account.
How to Watch the Roku Channel in Your Browser
Start by visiting therokuchannel.com. You’ll find a large grid showcasing available movies and TV shows. While most content is free and ad-supported, a portion does require a subscription, but it’s clearly marked within the Roku Channel interface. The layout resembles that of Netflix, with sliding tiles for easy navigation.
When accessing the Roku Channel in a web browser on an iPhone, make sure to scroll down to see all available options.
Michael Brown/Foundry
Unfortunately, you can’t customize the view to hide the premium content options. This is part of Roku’s business strategy, as they earn commissions from subscriptions made through their platform. However, it would be nice to have an option to filter out content you don’t intend to use.
A browsing tab allows you to explore various categories like Roku Originals, Movies, Series, Comedy, Drama, Westerns, and more. You can also easily save shows for later viewing by clicking the + button next to a program’s description.
The Live TV section displays current streams, also organized in the sliding tile format, which may feel unconventional for users accustomed to traditional cable grids.
How to Use the Roku Channel Mobile App
The Roku Channel is integrated into the Roku app, available for both iOS and Android. This app primarily functions as a remote control for Roku devices, so you may need to navigate around that feature if your main interest is just watching content.
You can’t download the Roku Channel app for Apple TV, but you can stream it from your phone to your TV via Apple AirPlay.
Michael Brown/Foundry
For instance, I use an Apple TV with a TCL television that includes the Roku interface. I generally avoid using the Roku interface on the TV. Press the wrong button, and it automatically launches. Unfortunately, there’s no way to hide or remove icons for installed apps on Roku devices.
The mobile app uses a similar sliding tile interface as the web version, but navigating it can be challenging on smaller screens. Live streaming options aren’t easily accessible, and locating Roku Originals can be tedious.
If you have an Apple TV, you can mirror the Roku Channel to your TV, but this does not support AirPlay, limiting what you can access to just the video content.
What’s the Best Way to Watch the Roku Channel?
If you have a Google, Amazon Fire, or Roku streaming device or television, the simplest way to watch is by downloading the Roku Channel app for your device, as this allows for easy navigation with a remote. If you do not own a compatible streaming device, your best option is to view the Roku Channel on a web browser using a computer or tablet.
When using a mobile device, logging in via a web browser to establish a Save List will let you quickly access your chosen content in the mobile app.
With free streaming becoming a key player in home entertainment, there’s a vast range of classic and relatively new films and shows available on the Roku Channel and other FAST platforms—if you’re okay with watching a few ads along the way.
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