Did you buy a new snazzy smart Roku TV or add a premium Roku device to your collection? Knowing which channels to install on yournew streaming productcan be daunting. Searching for channels often brings questions. Do these channels offer the highest entertainment value for the right price, and how well do they integrate with a Roku streaming stick or Roku TV? To help you gain some insight, we rounded up the best and most popular Roku channels on the platform.
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8The Roku Channel
The best budget option
Subscription
Free trial
Categories
Movies & TV
Developers
It might not warrant enough content to replace any premium streaming services, but it does the job of finding free shows at no extra cost. The only downside is that the channel has ads, so you will have interruptions. Like Amazon Prime Video, you may add premium channels to build your catalog further. So, if you want a place to add all your channels, the Roku Channel is your go-to app for future channel surfing.
The Roku Channel on Roku
Premium streaming for mature audiences
✅ With Ads ($10 per month or $100 per year), Ad-Free ($16 per month or $150 per year), Ultimate Ad-Free ($20 per month or $200 per year)
Warner Bros. Discovery
Formerly HBO Max, after Warner Bros. Discovery went with the rebrand. Max is slightly pricey at $10 monthly at its most basic tier ($16 monthly for the ad-free tier and $20 for the ultimate ad-free experience). However, the service provides many premium original shows. you’re able to watch real-binge-worthy shows like The Sopranos and Tokyo Vice. It’s a great place to search for a more mature selection than other services. It requires Roku OS 11 and higher to download the app.
Max on Roku
A rabbit hole of content
✅ YouTube Premium Individual ($14 per month or $140 per year), YouTube Premium Family ($23 per month), YouTube Premium Student ($8 per month)
YouTube is a giant behemoth for streamable content. You can find an assortment of categories on YouTube. Tune into content creators, watch recorded videos, andaccess free movies. The content options on YouTube seem endless. YouTube channels cover diverse topics, from tech-savvy channels to ones focused on home-brewed entertainment. You can also enjoy the majority of YouTube completely free (with ads) without upgrading to YouTube Premium. Whether it’sworth purchasing the ad-free tierdepends on what you hope to gain from the app.
If you only want to access YouTube TV,Roku has a separate app for YouTube TV.
YouTube on Roku
An impressive variety of movies and TV shows
✅ Hulu Ad-Supported ($8 per month or $80 per year), Hulu Ad-Supported Student ($2 per month), Hulu No Ads ($18 per month)
Hulu (Disney)
Hulu has an impressive library of on-demand content. Tuning into Hulu gives you access to full seasons of TV shows, Hulu Originals (like hit acclaimed comedyOnly Murders in the Building), movies, and Live TV. The app has seamless integration with Roku and is available on many platforms (web browsers, smart TVs, mobile devices, to name a few). you’re able to also pay$2 to upgrade your Hulu package to add Disney+(anotherwell-regarded streaming servicefor Marvel and Disney content).
Hulu on Roku
Best media management software
✅ Plex Pass (optional) $5 per month, $40 per year, $120 lifetime
Plex is an excellent app for hosting digitally owned content. You can set up media servers to stream all types of content, including movies, TV shows, music, and any digitally owned content stored on your server. You can use Plex to stream your personal media onto Roku. The dedicated Roku app for Plex means integration is seamless. However, to take advantage of the features, you must archive your content andset up a Plex server. When you’ve done it, it’s worth the effort.
you’re able to also (optionally) tune into Plex’s free movie and TV catalog via add-ons. The primary focus of using this app is for the media management software.
Plex on Roku
A great free substitute for Netflix
With Netflixbecoming increasingly expensive, viewers may need to compromise on their choice of streaming services. Tubi TV becomes an attractive option after youcancel your Netflix subscription. It’s also regarded as one of the most popular free streaming services, thanks to its decently sized library (from comedies to documentaries) and because it’s free. The only downside of Tubi TV is the quality seems slightly inconsistent compared to other paid options.
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Tubi TV on Roku
A healthy supply of British drama
✅ $9 per month, $90 per year
BritBox is a fantastic channel for accessing quality British TV in the US. Its app version offers 4K if you stream on a TV that supports those capabilities. BritBox provides content from other popular British channels, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, to compose its library. The app lets you tune into great detective shows likeVeraand fun sci-fi classics likeDoctor Who. Another perk is the BritBox UI. The UI isn’t overly crowded and includes a separate tab to view trailers.
BritBox on Roku
1Crunchyroll
Biggest library for watching anime
✅ Fan ($8 per month), Mega Fan ($10 per month), Ultimate Fan ($15 per month)
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll has an enormous selection of anime with English dubs and subtitles. you’re able to watch an assortment of genres, like action and fantasy (including isekai). In addition to its library, Crunchyroll has high-profile originals likeGod of High SchoolandTower of Godthat you won’t find on any other service. You must purchase the Fan tier (at minimum) to play most of Crunchyroll’s library.
Your experience with the Crunchyroll app may vary. Some have reportedbuffering issues and crasheswhile using the app over Roku. Also, the UI is a mixed bag with its cramped grid listings. Still, the app has pros thanks to its extensive library of anime (especially since themerge with Funimation Now) it acquired over the years. Anime enthusiasts will want to consider adding this app to their Roku catalog and see how the experience shakes out with the 14-day trial.
Crunchyroll on Roku
Watch entertainment apps on the go
Many of the apps on this list aren’t tied to the Roku device you stream on. No matter where you are, you can enjoyhigh-quality entertainmentat your fingertips. There’s nothing like picking back up your favorite TV series while in the car or bus and continuing back on your couch, especially if you’re about to hit a nail-biting climax.
