Roku Channel Review
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.
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.
Review
We tested Roku Channel and other subscription streaming services for more than 100 hours. Roku Channel is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Android TV, iPhone/iPad, Android Phone/Tablet, Mac, Windows, LG Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, Sony Smart TV, and VIZIO Smart TV.
Content
Originals
The Roku Channel has 30 original titles, includes award-winning and scripted series, such as “Die Hart,” “#FreeRayshawn” and “Reno 911!,” documentaries, such as “Blackballed” and “Big Rad Wolf,” and alternative and reality programming, including “Punk’d” and “Chrissy’s Court.” These shows were previously available on the short-lived Quibi platform.
The platform is also home to the original comedy biopic “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” and “Heathers: The Musical.”
Roku is developing even more originals to come.
TV Shows
The Roku Channel offers several popular shows, including “The Bachelorette,” “24,” and “Alias.”
You’ll also find some hits from the past few decades, including “Quantum Leap,” “Highway to Heaven,” “The A-Team,” “Coach,” “Hart to Hart,” “Who’s the Boss?” “Bewtiched,” “Benson,” and “What’s Happening!!”
Movies
The movie library offers some extremely high-quality films for free. At the time of this writing, they include “The Fugitive,” “In the Line of Fire,” “Signs,” “Memento,” and “Galaxy Quest.” The library will rotate, but there is an encouraging number of Hollywood hits in the mix.
Kids
The Roku Channel's Kids & Family section helpfully allows you to browse by specific characters or by the age of your child.
Features
No Parental Controls
There are no parental controls for Roku Channel.
Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ have parental control features.
Ads
Roku Channel displays ads while watching content.
No International Access
Roku Channel does not let you to watch content when traveling internationally.
Compatible Devices
Roku Channel is compatible with these devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Google Chromecast (Google Cast)
- Roku
- Android TV (Google Cast)
- iPhone/iPad (iOS 11+)
- Android Phone/Tablet (5.0+)
- Mac
- Windows
- LG Smart TV (AirPlay)
- Samsung Smart TV
- Sony Smart TV (AirPlay/Google Cast)
- VIZIO Smart TV (AirPlay/Google Cast)
Roku Channel is not compatible with Apple TV 4K, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, or onn devices.
