Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends
democratic swarm appslike Netflix , Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ all deliver tons of great movies and TV shows , but the cost can make snag every service more expensive than you ’re well-off with . That ’s where free advertising - supported streaming television system ( FAST ) services like Roku really shine .
libertine providersare able todeliver quality programming without an relate monetary value because all programs contain ads . It means you wo n’t have to occupy about paying that monthly subscription , although it does mean you should n’t expect the newest show right on off .
Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends
If it ’s your first fourth dimension onthe Roku platform(or even your 100th ) , you may observe an option calledThe Roku Channelonce you are end up setting everything up and lumber in with your Roku news report . Unlike some third - company apps that you have to download , The Roku Channel itself is already preinstalled and quick to go . But that pass to a big question : What exactly is The Roku Channel , and should you care ?
Roku ’s own TV channel is a hub with a wide motley of subject , and it is an excellent starting topographic point when first pick up how to practice and customize the smart platform . We are big fans ofRoku devices and TVs , particularly for those looking for an low-priced cyclosis platform , and The Roku Channel is one of the advantages that you get . Here ’s everything you should know .
What is The Roku Channel?
The Roku Channel is Roku ’s own streaming app for birth its unique content to substance abuser . It works in a similar way to apps like Hulu or Netflix , except it ’s created to keep going a full sort of depicted object directly from Roku . The Roku Channel was first released in 2017 and has been updated a number of times to better admission and expand the content .
The Roku Channel should not be mistaken for the Roku saucy chopine that hosts The Roku Channel and other apps : You ’ll always rule The Roku Channel on this platform , but it is freestanding from the platform itself .
Does The Roku Channel cost money?
The al-Qaida tier of The Roku Channel is free to get at , and any content redeem by Roku is barren to view . But , as we will explain below , that does n’t mean everything advertised on The Roku Channel is free to view — some service of process will total with their own fees . However , there is no charge to reach the service as long as you have a free Roku history .
What sort of content is on The Roku Channel?
The free content on The Roku Channel rotates frequently and represents a wide variety of genres , so it ’s unmanageable to give a precise list of everything it has . However , you’re able to apply The Roku Channel to see things like :
What can I add to The Roku Channel?
Much likeApple boob tube , Amazon Prime Video , and interchangeable apps , The Roku Channel allows you to add together premium subscriptions within the app to access content have by third - party streaming service of process . That includes thing like Discovery+ , AMC+ , Starz , Showtime , Paramount+ , and dozens of others . There are two important degree to keep in head here .
First , you don’tneedto use The Roku Channel to pay for , enter , and learn these service , not even if you areusing a Roku TVor gimmick . you’re able to download the third - party apps themselves onto the Roku political program ( as long as they are useable ) and use them severally without ever visiting The Roku Channel . The vainglorious vantage here is that you may employ The Roku Channel to coordinate all your streaming serve in one spot and pay for them with one payment .
Second , Roku will mechanically deduct monthly requital for these avail from the payment option unite to your Roku story . That means you want to be very careful when choose advertised depicted object on the Channel , or blame shows or movies that are score Premium . You could sign up for a monthly fee without well realise it until Roku sends you a bill .
Where is The Roku Channel available?
There are not many regional restrictions for The Roku Channel . If you have a newer Roku equipment and a Roku account , for example , you should be able to access it decently out of the box . The exception are the live newsworthiness broadcasts , which are only useable in the United States and Canada at this time .
Is The Roku Channel available as a separate app?
Yes , it is , you do n’t need to utilise Roku ’s smart platform to get at it . you’re able to download the Roku app to approach itfor iOS here , orfor Android here , oruse the WWW app here .
This sovereign app on a roving machine also addssome unique raw featuresthat you may need to employ along with your Roku twist . It can join with the Roku platform and allow for you to remotely switch devices , expend the app like a remote control , or flip to silent listening if you havea brace of earbuds handy .
Do Ihaveto use The Roku Channel on a Roku device?
No , you could get full use of goods and services of any stick out apps on Roku without touching The Roku Channel itself . But it ’s a lot of free subject , which may be hard to authorize up . Additionally , the elision would be subscription for some depicted object on The Roku Channel that do not have a like third - party app useable to download on the Roku political program : You may have to bring up up The Roku Channel for cognitive content like that .
