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.
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.
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.

