Roku Smart Home Subscription is a paid add-on that unlocks remote access and cloud storage for compatible smart home devices
Roku Smart Home Subscription is a monthly or annual service that lets you control your Roku smart home devices from anywhere using your phone, and stores video recordings from compatible cameras in the cloud. Without the subscription, you can control devices only when you are on the same Wi-Fi network as your hub. The subscription costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year, and you need a Roku Smart Home Hub (sold separately) to use it.
The service is optional. If you only want to control lights and switches from home, you do not need to pay. If you want to arm and disarm your system remotely, view camera footage when you are away, or store recordings, you will need the subscription.
Key Takeaways
- Roku Smart Home Subscription costs $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year and requires a Roku Smart Home Hub to function.
- The subscription enables remote access to your devices and cloud storage for camera recordings; without it, you can only control devices on your home Wi-Fi.
- You can cancel the subscription at any time through your Roku account settings without penalty.
- The subscription works only with Roku-branded smart home devices and third-party devices that Roku officially supports.
What the subscription includes
Remote access is the main feature. Once you subscribe, you can open the Roku Smart Home app on your phone and control lights, switches, locks, and thermostats from anywhere with an internet connection. You can also arm and disarm your security system remotely and receive notifications when doors or windows open.
Cloud storage for camera recordings is the second major feature. Compatible Roku cameras will record video to Roku's servers when motion is detected or on a schedule you set. Without the subscription, cameras can record only to local storage on the hub itself, which fills up quickly. Cloud storage typically holds 30 days of footage, though Roku has changed this limit in the past.
You also get priority support and access to any new features Roku adds to the service. The subscription does not include professional monitoring or emergency dispatch — if your door is unlocked or a motion alert triggers, you are notified but no one else is contacted.
Devices that work with the subscription
The subscription works with Roku Smart Lights, Roku Smart Switches, Roku Smart Locks, Roku Smart Thermostats, and Roku Smart Cameras. Roku also supports some third-party devices like certain Philips Hue lights and Yale locks, but compatibility changes. Before you buy a device, check Roku's official compatibility list to confirm it will work with the subscription service.
You need a Roku Smart Home Hub to use any of these devices. The hub is the central device that communicates with your smart home products and connects them to the cloud. Without a hub, the subscription has nothing to connect to. The hub itself is purchased separately and is not included with the subscription.
How to start and cancel the subscription
If you have a Roku Smart Home Hub set up, you can start a subscription through the Roku Smart Home app or through your Roku account on Roku.com. You will need a Roku account (free to create) and a valid payment method. Most subscriptions begin immediately, though Roku sometimes offers a free trial period for new customers.
To cancel, go to your Roku account settings, find the Smart Home Subscription section, and select cancel. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle — if you paid for a month, you keep the service until that month ends. Roku does not charge a cancellation fee, and you can restart the subscription later if you change your mind.
Comparing monthly and annual plans
| Plan | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $2.99 per month | Testing the service or using it seasonally |
| Annual | $29.99 per year | Committed users; saves $5.88 per year |
The annual plan costs about $2.50 per month if you divide the yearly cost by 12, making it cheaper than paying month-to-month. However, if you are unsure whether you will use the service regularly, the monthly plan lets you cancel without losing money on unused time.
Both plans renew automatically unless you cancel before the renewal date. You can switch between monthly and annual plans at any time by updating your subscription settings in your Roku account.
What happens if you do not subscribe
Without the subscription, you can still control your Roku smart home devices, but only from inside your home on the same Wi-Fi network. You cannot access them remotely, and cameras will record only to the hub's local storage, which typically holds a few hours of footage before overwriting old recordings.
You also will not receive remote notifications. If a door opens or motion is detected while you are away, you will not know about it until you check the app at home. For many people, especially those with security cameras, this is the main reason to subscribe. Local control is still useful for everyday tasks like adjusting lights or thermostats when you are home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Roku Smart Home devices without subscribing?
Yes. You can control lights, switches, locks, and thermostats from your phone as long as you are on your home Wi-Fi network. Cameras will record locally to the hub. You only need the subscription for remote access and cloud storage.
What payment methods does Roku accept for the subscription?
Roku accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. You can manage your payment method through your Roku account settings at any time and update it before your next billing date.
Does the subscription include professional monitoring or emergency response?
No. The subscription sends notifications to your phone but does not contact police, fire, or emergency services. It is a self-monitoring service only.
Can I pause the subscription instead of canceling it?
Roku does not offer a pause feature. You can cancel and restart the subscription whenever you want, but you will lose remote access and cloud storage while it is inactive.
Is there a free trial for new customers?
Roku occasionally offers free trial periods for new Smart Home Hub customers, but this varies by promotion and region. Check your account or contact Roku support to see if you may have access to for a trial.