Must-Have Roku Channels for 2024: Free and Paid Options

Congrats! You’ve got one of the top streaming devices available. To make the most of your Roku, this guide will take you through the best Roku channels—both free and paid—and show you how to install them on your device easily. Whether you’re new to Roku or have been using it for a while, you can maximize your entertainment with the best channels on Roku.

Roku channels are generally divided into two categories: free and paid. Some premium channels, like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and Max, also offer free trials for new members, giving you a chance to explore their content before committing to a subscription.

Before diving into this guide, you might have already noticed some pre-loaded or popular channels on your Roku. However, Roku offers access to over 5,000 channels and apps! You may miss out on some wonderful channels if you just go with the flow. Now let’s check the suggested best free, paid, and even hidden channels on your Roku!

Best Free Roku Channels

You’ll find the 14 best Roku channels free below. Each is listed with its specific category and information to help you choose the one that best fits your interests whether you’re into movies, news, sports, music, or kids’ programming.

• Pluto TV

Pluto TV is the leading free online video platform launching in 17 Latin American countries. It offers more than 250 channels and 1,000 movies, including news, sports, entertainment, music and radio. At the same time, you are empowered to scroll through the categories to select what you want to see or hear. Mostly, they play pre-recorded clips instead of a proper live stream.

• The Roku Channel

Not to mention the Roku Channel, which offers over 400 free live linear TV channels, and more than 80,000 free movies and shows. You don’t need to go from app to app to find what you may want to watch here. Moreover, you can pay for the premium content as you like.

• Tubi TV

One of Roku best free channels is Tubi TV, an American-based free streaming service but ad-supported. You can see genres including action films, comedy, documentaries, drama, horror, foreign movies, and more. Two fantastic categories suggested to watch are “Not on Netflix” and “Highly Rated on Rotten Tomatoes”.

• Xumo

This streaming channel has thousands of movies and TV shows available for free on a variety of devices and platforms in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and Mexico. Xumo is also free of charge and makes money by inserting video advertisements.

• FitOn

If you’re a fitness enthusiast, FitOn is the perfect partner to help you stay on track with your exercise routine. This app offers a wide range of workouts, including HIIT, strength training, yoga, and Pilates, all in one place. The basic version of FitOn is completely free, but for access to premium features like personalized class recommendations, you’ll need a subscription.

• Crackle

Crackle offers a great selection of classic movies and TV shows, with a rotating library that ensures you’ll always find something new to watch. Currently, Crackle is only available in the United States and its territories, but the service has been discontinued in Latin America and Canada.

• NewsON

NewsON is a local news service that allows you to watch live and on-demand local news broadcasts and video clips from TV stations across the United States. It offers in-depth news coverage from any U.S. state, allowing you to stay informed about local events and check out news from other regions with ease. With access to over 200 news stations nationwide, NewsON lets you set favorites for quick access to breaking news.

• Sky News

Sky News is a British free-to-air television news channel offering live streaming and 24/7 coverage. While it originated in the U.K., it focuses on news relevant to viewers in the English-speaking world, and it’s completely free to access. Along with live reports, Sky News offers cached feeds, so you can watch news highlights at your convenience.

• Twitch

For gaming enthusiasts on Roku, Twitch is a highly recommended channel. This American live-streaming service is dedicated to video game streaming, including esports competitions, music broadcasts, creative content, and “in real life” streams. Whether you’re looking for Let’s Plays, gaming tips and tricks, or competitive matches, Twitch offers streamers that cater to your skill level and personality preferences.

• PBS Kids

PBS has always been committed to delivering quality programming without ads or cable subscriptions, and PBS KIDS is no exception. It offers free access to educational content for children ages 2 to 8, featuring popular titles like Curious George and Sesame Street.

• CBS Sports Stream & Watch Live

Focused on serving fans with live coverage every day, CBS Sports Digital offers exclusive access to major sports events, live and on-demand video, in-depth analysis, breaking news, scores, and statistics. You can watch pre-game and post-game coverage, 24/7 live sports news, and highlights from various sports, including the NFL, PGA Tour events, National Women’s Soccer League, and much more.

• TED

TED is a non-profit organization that believes powerful ideas, presented effectively, can inspire us to feel, think differently, and take action. Originally started in 1984 as a conference focused on technology, design, and entertainment, TED now has its own Roku channel. It features impactful talks from expert speakers across a wide range of topics, including business, science, finance, culture, and medicine.

• Vevo

Vevo, short for “Video Evolution”, offers various music-related content. On the Vevo channel, you can watch your favorite music videos, along with artist interviews and behind-the-scenes videos. Explore a diverse array of singers and bands across different genres, including pop, country, jazz, classical, rock, R&B, hip-hop, and more.

• Crunchyroll

The last top best free channels on Roku is Crunchyroll, perfect for anime and manga enthusiasts. You can watch hundreds of popular anime shows like One Piece and even read manga. Keep in mind that the free version of Crunchyroll includes ads and streams in standard definition. If you opt for the Premium subscription, you’ll enjoy ad-free access to Crunchyroll’s entire library of films and TV shows, along with new episodes of select Japanese anime available just minutes after they air in Japan.

Best Subscription Roku Channels

After having a brief understanding of the best free Roku channels, let’s check some great subscription Roku channels for viewing experience improvement.

• Peacock

Peacock is the exclusive streaming platform for NBCUniversal, making it the only service where you can watch new Universal films like Abigail, original series like Those About to Die, and classic sitcoms like The Office. If you’re a fan of NBC programming, Peacock is a top choice for streaming. You can subscribe to Peacock Premium for $7.99 per month (+tax) or $79.99 per year (+tax).

• Amazon Prime Video

$14.99 per month

$139 per year

Prime Video membership is $8.99 per month

Prime Video is an all-in-one entertainment platform offering a vast collection of premium content across thousands of devices. With Prime Video, you can enjoy a wide selection of movies, series, documentaries, and live sports. It comes as part of an Amazon Prime membership, priced $8.99 per month. Once subscribed, you’ll have access to UK-produced originals like Clarkson’s Farm, global hits like the Emmy-winning The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and exclusive shows like Nine Perfect Strangers. Sports fans can also stream live Premier League football matches.

• Netflix

Netflix offers a diverse selection of award-winning originals, TV shows, movies, and documentaries, with content that varies by region and may change over time. Whether you’re looking for the latest hits or timeless classics, Netflix has something for every taste. The platform is also known for producing some of the best-made and highly acclaimed original programming. As a Netflix member, you’ll be billed monthly on the date you signed up, giving you consistent access to its vast library.

Standard with ads: $6.99 / month

Standard: $15.49 / month

Premium: $2.99 / month

• Disney Plus

Disney Plus is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. Disney+ subscription prices vary depending on the plan you choose.

Disney+ Basic: Disney+ (With Ads) for the price of $7.99/month. Disney+ Premium: Disney+ (No Ads) for the price of $13.99/month or $139.99/year.

• HBO Max

HBO Max is now called Max. In its previous form, HBO Max was already one of the best streaming services, and the “Max” rebranding and expansion should add a bit more value. Its vast library of blockbuster movies, critically acclaimed series, and unscripted content make it a standout competitor in the increasingly crowded digital entertainment space.

Max with Ads: $9.99/month or $99.99/year (16% savings)

Max with Ad-Free: $16.99/month or $169.99/year (16% savings)

Max with Ultimate Ad-Free: $20.99/month or $209.99/year (16% savings)

• Hulu

Hulu is a popular streaming service that offers access to some of the latest and most popular TV shows, including select live and on-demand programming from ABC and ABC News. While Hulu requires a paid subscription, various plans are available to suit your needs. Some content, such as premium channels or live TV, isn’t included by default and can be added for an additional cost.

Hulu (With Ads): $7.99/month

Hulu (No Ads): $14.99/month

• Showtime

Showtime, now known as Paramount+ with Showtime, is an American premium TV network known for producing popular shows like Shameless, Homeland, and Billions. You can subscribe to Showtime as a stand-alone service, giving you full access to its content. Alternatively, you can opt for the Paramount+ with Showtime plan, available for $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year (Plus applicable taxes).

• Sling TV

Sling TV is an internet-based live TV service that offers over 20 popular broadcast and cable channels, including ESPN, Cartoon Network, TBS, and CNN. Sling TV has three subscription options: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue. Sling Orange, priced at $40/month, includes 32 channels. Sling Blue, also $40/month, offers different channels like Bravo and FX. For access to all channels, you can choose the Sling Orange + Blue plan for $55/month, providing a comprehensive lineup of live TV options.

• NBA

NBA TV is a premium pay television channel owned by the NBA, launched in 1999 as the leading U.S. channel dedicated exclusively to NBA coverage. It airs regular season, playoff, and exhibition games from the NBA and WNBA, as well as content from other professional basketball leagues. You can subscribe to NBA TV as a standalone service for $6.99/month or opt for an annual subscription at $59.99/season.

• Spotify

Spotify is a digital music streaming service that offers instant access to a massive library of music and podcasts. Whether you’re into classical, blues, rock, pop, punk, techno, or show tunes, Spotify likely has something for you. You can even supplement it with music from your collection. Spotify Premium subscriptions start at $5.99 per month for students, $11.99 for individuals, and $19.99 per month for family plans.

• CuriosityStream

CuriosityStream is a streaming service offering on-demand documentaries and non-fiction programs covering a wide range of topics. Whether you’re interested in nature, chemistry, geology, or astrophysics, CuriosityStream has something to expand your knowledge. A standard subscription, which includes access to thousands of documentaries and the ability to download and watch offline, costs just $4.99 per month or $39.99 annually.

• Artcast

Artcast turns your blank TV screen into a dynamic art gallery, ideal for creating an elegant ambiance while entertaining or unwinding. It offers around 400 galleries and over 20,000 paintings, photos, and artistic videos. To enjoy Artcast, you can subscribe for just $2.99/month on Roku.

Bonus: You may come across subscription prompts on your Roku when replaying certain channels. If you want to disable this feature, you can follow the steps in the guide: How to Cancel Roku Subscription?

How to Install Channels on Roku

There are various best streaming channels on Roku and do you remember or write down your favorite channels? Have you made a note of your favorite ones? Once you’re ready, simply follow these steps to install the best Roku TV channels:

Step 1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote to navigate the Streaming Channels menu or Streaming Store menu.

Tips: If your Roku remote is not working, please try a Roku TV remote app to resume the installation process.

Step 2. Find the desired channels on the Roku channel genres list, or you are allowed to the Search interface and type in the names of the channels.

Step 3. Then selectthe Add app or Add Channel option and OK to see more details about adding this channel. You will receive a confirmation message that the chosen channel has been added to your Roku, Click OK to move on.

Step 4. After the channel is added successfully, you can find the new channel placed on the Home page on Roku by default.

Bottom Line

It’s simple to add new channels on Roku, but you may miss some of the best hidden Roku channels not on its official list. Armed with the Roku best channels contained in this article, nothing will now stop you from acquiring these wonderful shows.

Moreover, if you want to download free channels on Roku directly, just press the Home button and go to Streaming Channels (or Streaming Store)> Top FreeMovies & TV. Then you can browse through the free channels list to find what you want to get.

Best Roku Channels FAQ

Q: What are the best channels to add to Roku?

There are suggested channels you can refer to: Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Tubi TV, Xumo, FitOn, Crackle, NewsON, Sky News, Twitch, PBS Kids, CBS Sports Stream & Watch Live, TED, Vevo, Crunchyroll, Peacock, Amazon Video, Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Showtime, Sling TV, NBA, Spotify, CuriosityStream, Artcast.

Q: How do I access the secret menu on Roku?

There are specific secret menus on Roku, so you are allowed to obtain detailed information from How to Access Roku Secret Menu? Check the Full-list Roku Codes.