The Roku Channel is a free streaming service with an optional paid tier

The Roku Channel itself is free to download and use on any Roku device, smartphone, or web browser. You can watch thousands of movies and TV shows without paying anything. The paid subscription, called The Roku Channel+, costs $9.99 per month and removes ads from most content — but you do not have to buy it to use the service.

The free version shows ads before and during shows. The paid version removes those ads, though some content may still have ads depending on licensing agreements with studios. You can cancel the paid subscription at any time without penalty.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roku Channel is free and includes thousands of movies and shows, but displays ads throughout.
  • The Roku Channel+ paid tier costs $9.99 per month and removes most ads from the same content library.
  • You can watch on any Roku device, phone, tablet, computer, or the web without owning a Roku player.
  • The service includes free movies and TV shows from studios like MGM, Paramount, and others, plus some original content.
  • Canceling a paid subscription takes one click and stops charges immediately.

What content is included in the free version

The free Roku Channel includes over 10,000 movies and TV episodes. The library rotates regularly, so titles come and go. You will find older films, independent movies, classic TV shows, and some newer releases, though not the newest theatrical releases or current-season network shows.

The service also includes free channels within the app — separate feeds for specific genres or studios. For example, you might find a dedicated feed for action movies, horror, or content from a particular network. These channels are curated collections, not live TV.

Some original content is free to watch, though Roku produces fewer originals than Netflix or other major services. The free tier is designed to give you something to watch without cost, supported by advertising revenue.

What The Roku Channel+ subscription adds

The main difference with the paid tier is the removal of ads. Most movies and shows play without interruption, though some licensed content may still include ads due to studio requirements. You get access to the same library as the free version — paying does not unlock new titles.

The paid subscription also includes early access to some original content and occasional exclusive releases. These are not major draws compared to other services, but they are part of what you pay for.

If you have a Roku device, you can also use the paid subscription on your phone, tablet, or computer. The subscription is tied to your Roku account, not to a specific device.

How to start watching and manage your subscription

Download The Roku Channel app on any Roku device, phone, or tablet, or go to therokuchannel.com on a web browser. Create a free Roku account if you do not have one. You can start watching immediately without entering a payment method.

To upgrade to The Roku Channel+, open the app, go to your account settings, and select the subscription option. You will enter a payment method and the subscription begins right away. Roku accepts major credit cards and debit cards.

To cancel, go back to your account settings and select "Cancel Subscription." The cancellation takes effect immediately, and you will not be charged again. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access until your billing date arrives.

How The Roku Channel compares to other streaming services

The Roku Channel is smaller than Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu. It does not have the latest theatrical releases or current network shows. What it offers is a free option with a low-cost paid tier if you want to remove ads.

Unlike Netflix or Disney+, The Roku Channel does not require a subscription to watch anything. You can use the free version indefinitely. This makes it useful as a secondary service alongside a paid subscription to something else, or as a standalone option if you want free content with ads.

The library skews toward older films and classic TV. If you want recent releases or prestige originals, you will need a different service. If you want something to watch without cost or commitment, The Roku Channel fills that gap.

Roku devices and The Roku Channel subscription

You do not need to own a Roku device to use The Roku Channel. The app works on iPhones, Android phones, iPads, Android tablets, Amazon Fire tablets, Apple TV, and web browsers. If you do own a Roku player or TV, the app is built in and ready to use.

A subscription to The Roku Channel+ works across all your devices. If you pay on your phone, you can watch ad-free on your Roku TV, tablet, and computer using the same account.

Roku also sells its own devices — Roku streaming sticks, boxes, and smart TVs. These devices come with The Roku Channel pre-installed, but the subscription is separate. Buying a Roku device does not include a free trial of The Roku Channel+.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch The Roku Channel on my smart TV if it is not a Roku TV?

Yes. The Roku Channel app is available on most smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, and others. Check your TV's app store to download it. You can also use a Roku streaming device connected to any TV.

Does The Roku Channel+ include live TV?

No. The Roku Channel is on-demand only. You can watch movies and shows whenever you want, but not live broadcasts. Roku offers a separate service called The Roku Channel Live TV for live programming, which is a different subscription.

What happens if I cancel The Roku Channel+ and then resubscribe?

You can resubscribe at any time. Your account and watch history remain the same. There is no penalty for canceling and coming back later.

Is there a free trial for The Roku Channel+?

Roku occasionally offers free trial periods, but these vary by region and change over time. Check The Roku Channel app or website for current offers. Most trials last seven days.

Can I share my Roku Channel+ subscription with family members?

You can share your account login with people in your household, and they can watch on their own devices using your subscription. Roku does not officially support account sharing outside your home, and simultaneous streams may be limited depending on your subscription type.