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What apps, streamers should you add with a Roku streaming device?

What apps, streamers should you add with a Roku streaming device?

With a Roku streaming device or smart TV, you can now access thousands of various streaming apps.

Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.

If you recently picked up a Roku streaming device, either as a new primary smart TV or a streaming dongle for a guest bedroom, rest assured—you now have a fantastic addition to your media suite. Roku devices are reliable and user-friendly and offer a wide variety of apps and streaming subscriptions so that you never miss a minute of your favorite shows.

Below is a list of the streaming services and apps you can access now on your Roku device. Check see if your new streaming stick, box, or smart TV doesn’t have anything.

What subscription streaming services can you watch on Roku devices?

Subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services are the bread and butter of the streaming industry. They offer both ad-supported and ad-free streaming and often feature content in ultra-high-definition 4K. Here’s a list of the major SVOD services available on Roku devices now.

There are hundreds of other SVOD services available on Roku devices, so if your favorite isn’t listed above, click here to see if you can access it with your device now.

What live TV streaming services are available on Roku devices?

Live TV streaming is an excellent way for cord-cutters to access their favorite cable channels. Live TV streamers offer major news networks like CNN and Fox News, live sports channels like ESPN and FS1, local and national networks like ABC and CBS, and much more. Roku devices offer support for many of the biggest live TV streaming services available, including:

What ad-supported streaming services can you watch on Roku devices?

Ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) services are an excellent way for viewers to maximize the value of their streaming library. These services offer on-demand content with commercials mixed in at a lower (often free) cost. Here’s a list of the major AVOD services offered by Roku:

Roku Channel

The Roku Channel is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a broad mix of movies, TV shows, live linear channels, and original programming. Available to all viewers — not just Roku device owners — the service features licensed content from major studios alongside Roku Originals, which include exclusive series, movies, and specials previously produced for Quibi, as well as new original projects developed specifically for the platform.

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Programming on The Roku Channel spans multiple genres, including drama, comedy, reality TV, news, and family-friendly content. Popular titles and originals include “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” “Die Hart,” “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” and a rotating library of classic films and TV series. The platform also offers live news channels, sports highlights, and themed FAST channels covering everything from classic TV to lifestyle programming.

Viewers can watch The Roku Channel for free on Roku devices, smart TVs, streaming players, mobile devices, and web browsers, with no subscription required. The service is also available on platforms like Amazon Fire TV and Samsung smart TVs, expanding its reach beyond the Roku ecosystem. While ads are included, the experience is designed to be lighter than traditional broadcast television.

With its combination of free access, original content, live channels, and on-demand entertainment, The Roku Channel has become one of the most widely available and accessible streaming destinations for viewers looking to watch without a monthly subscription.

What free ad-supported streaming TV services can you watch on Roku devices?

Similar to AVOD streamers, free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms allow cord-cutters to watch their favorite programming at no cost! The Roku Channel offers more than 350 free ad-supported TV (FAST) channels, with linear and on-demand programming available. Click here to check out the full compliment of free offerings from Roku.

There is often overlap between FAST and AVOD services, with some platforms offering both types of content. But as a general rule, AVOD refers specifically to on-demand programming, while FAST mimics the linear experience of traditional television. So, shows air on channels around the clock, and allows you to tune in and catch whatever happens to be on at that time.

Top FAST channels available on Roku devices include:

What special features do Roku devices have?

Roku platforms are especially useful for savings-minded viewers. Users can save thousands of dollars per year by cutting their cable and pay-TV bills, and get thousands of hours of free live and on-demand content thanks to The Roku Channel.

Users can also utilize their new Roku streaming device to enjoy music via Spotify, learn new skills with the MasterClass channel, or even play fun games like the classic Snake.

Finally, Roku devices offer some of the most fun screensavers in the business, often featuring Easter eggs of Hollywood favorites from years gone by or the biggest hits from TV and movies. So, when you pause your program, keep your eyes on Roku City to see if you can spot these clever references.

You can also download new screensavers if the default doesn’t appeal to you. You’ll probably use most of your time with your Roku device to stream TV and movies, but if even the screensavers are entertaining, you know you’ve got an excellent new streaming device.


David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.

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