What Roku subscriptions are and why you might need one

Roku is a streaming device and platform that lets you watch video on your TV. Most of what Roku offers is free — you can watch ad-supported channels without paying anything. But Roku also sells a paid subscription service called Roku Premium, and individual streaming services (like Netflix, Disney+, or Paramount+) charge their own separate subscriptions that you access through Roku.

The confusion usually comes from mixing these up. Roku Premium is optional and costs money to Roku itself. The other subscriptions — Netflix, Hulu, and so on — are separate services you pay directly to those companies. You don't need Roku Premium to use any of them. You only need Roku Premium if you want to remove ads from Roku's own channels or use certain Roku-specific features.

This guide explains what each type of subscription covers, what it costs, and how to manage them. The rules and pricing can vary depending on which Roku device you own and which country you're in.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku Premium is Roku's own subscription service and costs money; most Roku channels are free and ad-supported.
  • Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+, and other streaming services are separate subscriptions you pay those companies directly, not Roku.
  • You can watch paid streaming services on Roku without paying Roku anything — you just need the app and your login for that service.
  • Roku Premium removes ads from Roku's own channels and adds a few extra features, but it is not required to use streaming apps.
  • You can cancel any subscription through your Roku account settings or through the streaming service's own website.

Roku Premium: what it covers and what it costs

Roku Premium is Roku's paid tier. As of 2024, it costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. It removes ads from Roku's own free channels — channels like The Roku Channel, Roku News, and others that Roku operates. It also gives you early access to new features and removes ads from some (but not all) of Roku's own content.

Roku Premium does not give you access to Netflix, Disney+, or any other third-party streaming service. Those are separate subscriptions you pay those companies for. Roku Premium only affects Roku's own channels and features.

You can start a free trial of Roku Premium through your Roku account settings. After the trial ends, you'll be charged the monthly or annual rate unless you cancel. You can cancel at any time, and your access stops immediately.

Third-party streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, and others

When you use Netflix, Disney+, Paramount+, Hulu, or any other streaming service on your Roku device, you are paying that service directly — not Roku. Roku is just the device or platform you're using to watch. Think of it the way you use a TV remote to change channels; the remote doesn't charge you for the channels themselves.

You can sign up for these services through the Roku app store, or you can sign up on their own websites and then log in through the Roku app. Either way, you pay the service directly. Some services offer free trials, some offer cheaper ad-supported tiers, and some offer bundles (like Disney Bundle, which combines Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+).

Roku does not set the prices for these services, does not collect the payments, and does not control what content they offer. If you have a question about your Netflix bill or Disney+ content, you contact Netflix or Disney, not Roku.

How to manage and cancel subscriptions on Roku

To cancel Roku Premium, go to your Roku account settings on the device or on roku.com, find the subscription section, and select cancel. Your access ends immediately, and you won't be charged again.

To cancel a third-party service like Netflix or Hulu, you have two options. You can cancel through the Roku app itself (go to the app, find account or settings, and look for subscription management), or you can go directly to that service's website and cancel there. Canceling through Roku's system cancels your subscription with that service, so either method works. If you're unsure which method worked, log into that service's website to confirm the subscription is gone.

If you signed up for a free trial and want to cancel before it ends, do so at least a few days before the trial ends. Some services charge you immediately when the trial ends if you haven't canceled, and getting a refund can be slow.

Roku Channel: free with ads, or paid to remove them

The Roku Channel is Roku's own streaming service, built into most Roku devices. It's free and ad-supported — you can watch thousands of movies and TV shows without paying anything, but you'll see ads. If you buy Roku Premium, ads are removed from The Roku Channel.

The Roku Channel is different from third-party services. You don't need a separate account or login to use it (though you can create one to save favorites). It comes with your Roku device. Some content on The Roku Channel is free, and some is available only if you pay for a specific add-on subscription (like Starz or Showtime), but those add-on costs are separate from Roku Premium.

Roku add-on subscriptions: premium channels within Roku

Roku offers add-on subscriptions to premium channels like Starz, Showtime, Paramount+, and others. These are separate from Roku Premium and from the standalone versions of those services. If you already pay for Paramount+ directly, you don't need to pay for it again through Roku.

Add-on subscriptions are managed through your Roku account. You can see them listed in your subscription settings, and you can cancel any of them there. Prices vary by channel and change over time. Some offer free trials, and some offer discounts if you bundle multiple add-ons.

Roku devices and what subscriptions you need

Roku makes several types of devices: Roku streaming sticks, Roku TVs (televisions with Roku built in), and Roku boxes. All of them work the same way with subscriptions. You don't pay Roku a monthly fee just to use the device. You only pay if you choose Roku Premium or if you sign up for add-on subscriptions or third-party services.

If you own a Roku TV, you still don't pay Roku a subscription fee. The TV itself is free to use. You only pay for subscriptions if you choose them. Some Roku TVs come with a free trial of Roku Premium, but after the trial ends, you're not charged unless you choose to keep it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Roku a monthly fee to use my Roku device?

No. Roku devices are free to use. You only pay if you choose to buy Roku Premium or if you sign up for add-on subscriptions or third-party services like Netflix. Most of Roku's channels are free and ad-supported.

If I cancel Roku Premium, can I still watch Netflix and other services on my Roku?

Yes. Roku Premium and Netflix are completely separate. Canceling Roku Premium does not affect your Netflix subscription or any other streaming service. You can watch them as long as you're paying those services directly.

Why am I being charged by Roku when I only use Netflix?

You're likely being charged by Netflix, not Roku, even though you're watching on a Roku device. Check your bank or credit card statement to see which company is charging you. If it says Roku, you may have accidentally signed up for Roku Premium or an add-on subscription. Check your Roku account settings to see what subscriptions are active.

Can I share my Roku subscription with family members?

Roku Premium and add-on subscriptions are tied to your Roku account. Other people using the same Roku device can watch ad-free content if you have Roku Premium active. For third-party services like Netflix, check that service's own rules about sharing — Netflix, for example, has specific policies about how many people can watch at once and from where.

What happens if I don't cancel my free trial before it ends?

You'll be charged the full subscription price. Most services send a reminder email a few days before the trial ends. If you're charged by mistake, contact that service's customer support — many offer refunds for the first charge if you cancel within a few days.