The Roku Channel is Roku’s own free, ad-supported streaming service (FAST) that launched in 2017. It’s built right into Roku devices but also available on the web and mobile apps, so you don’t have to own a Roku TV or streaming stick to use it. Its audience is budget-conscious viewers who want free movies, TV, and live channels without juggling logins, plus Roku device owners who like a “hub” for both free and premium content. What sets The Roku Channel apart is that it blends free ad-supported programming with the option to subscribe to premium channels (like Max, Starz, or Showtime) directly inside the app.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 100% free with a big ad-supported library.
- Roku Originals add some exclusivity.
- 350+ live channels for news, sports highlights, and entertainment.
- Premium channel hub makes managing subscriptions simple.
Cons
- Ads can be frequent.
- No 4K for free content.
- Original programming is limited compared to Netflix or Hulu.
- Catalog rotates often so that titles may disappear quickly.
StageSeat's Top 8 Streaming Services of 2025
| Service | Best For | Starting Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Binge-watchers, pop culture fans | $7.99 (with ads) | Get Netflix |
| Prime Video | Value seekers, Amazon shoppers | $8.99 standalone (or free w/ Prime) | Get Amazon Prime Video |
| Disney+ | Families, franchise fans | $9.99 (with ads) | Get Disney+ |
| Hulu | Network TV lovers, cord-cutters | $9.99 (with ads) | Get Hulu |
| HBO Max | Prestige TV & film fans | $9.99 (with ads) | Get HBO Max |
| Apple TV+ | Quality-focused viewers, Apple users | $9.99 | Apple TV+ |
| Peacock | Sitcom fans, soccer/football lovers | $10.99 (with ads and Peacock original content) | Get Peacock |
| Paramount+ | Families, sports fans, CBS loyalists | $7.99 (with ads) | Get Paramount+ |
Channel Lineup & Content
The Roku Channel offers 350+ live linear channels and thousands of free on-demand movies and shows. Highlights include:
- Live TV: ABC News Live, NBC News Now, WeatherNation, TMZ Live, sports news channels, and themed entertainment channels (24/7 Hell’s Kitchen, Unsolved Mysteries, etc.).
- On-Demand Library: Rotating movies (from studios like Lionsgate, Paramount, and Warner Bros.) plus TV shows ranging from classics like Leave It to Beaver to modern reality content.
- Roku Originals: After acquiring Quibi’s content, Roku rebranded it as “Roku Originals.” Titles include Die Hart (with Kevin Hart) and Most Dangerous Game. While not Netflix-level, it adds some exclusive flair.
- Premium Add-Ons: HBO Max, Showtime, Starz, AMC+, and more are available as paid subscriptions you can manage through Roku.
Package Tiers & Pricing
Ads fully support the Roku Channel’s free tier; no monthly fee required. Premium channel subscriptions vary in price (usually $8.99–$15.99/month each), and Roku often offers free trials for these. There’s no single “premium Roku plan” since it’s a marketplace.
Bundling Opportunities
If you’re in the Roku ecosystem, bundling is seamless; you can add premium channels through The Roku Channel and manage everything in one place. Roku sometimes runs special deals, like 30–90 days free for premium channels when you sign up through its platform. Outside of Roku hardware, the service doesn’t bundle with carriers or third-party subscriptions.
Historical Pricing & Deal Analysis
The free content library has expanded steadily since launch, especially after Roku’s 2021 acquisition of Quibi’s short-form originals. Pricing for premium channels has remained consistent with other platforms (at the exact cost as subscribing directly through HBO, Starz, etc.), but Roku sweetens the deal with more frequent free trials.
Device Compatibility & Features
Unsurprisingly, The Roku Channel is native to Roku devices, but it’s also available on Fire TV, Samsung Smart TVs, iOS, Android, and web browsers. Video quality maxes at HD (1080p) for free content, no 4K for ad-supported streaming. Premium add-ons may support higher resolution depending on the channel. Offline downloads aren’t endorsed for free content, but may be possible if included with a premium channel’s app.
User Experience
The interface is easy to use, especially if you’re already in Roku’s ecosystem. Categories are laid out cleanly (News, Movies, TV, Kids, etc.), and the live TV grid looks like a classic cable guide. Ads run every 10–15 minutes but are shorter than cable breaks. Discovery is decent, though the library can feel uneven since it rotates frequently. Roku Originals add some exclusivity, but most content is licensed.
Additional Costs & Fees
The free tier has no hidden costs. If you subscribe to premium channels through Roku, you’ll be billed directly by Roku, with no extra fees beyond the subscription price.
Current Promotions
The Roku Channel frequently offers free trials for premium add-ons (like 7–30 days of Starz, Showtime, or AMC+). The free tier itself doesn’t need promos since it’s always available. Roku also spotlights seasonal collections, holiday movies in December, horror marathons in October, etc.
