Roku is a device (developed by Roku) that streams media (shows, movies, and even music) from the Internet to your TV. The devices require minimal setup and connect to the Internet just like your computer. Roku media streaming devices include an operating system that allows users to access and manage streaming content on the Internet.
Giving up traditional TV packages can be a great way to save money. However, if you feel it will limit your options by depriving you of live TV – and possibly cutting you off from a show that hasn’t yet aired – it can be a difficult decision.
Nevertheless, those who have a Roku device still have the ability to access Live TV. For example, you can watch some live TV channels for free through the Roku channel or other free channels. You can also watch Live TV with a subscription to services like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV.
So, here’s how to watch Live TV on Roku or Roku TV.
How to watch Live TV on Roku
Roku offers more than 200 free Live TV channels through the Roku Channel. This includes content options such as news, weather, sports, food, science fiction, true crime, children’s entertainment, reality TV, and Spanish-language content, among others. In addition, if you want to find the content you want on Roku Channel, you can use the live channel guide.
The Roku Channel is an app that is pre-installed on almost all Roku devices and allows you to watch hundreds of movies and TV shows for free, as well as some live TV channels. If for some reason you don’t want to see them all, just open the app and select “Live TV Channel Guide”.
If for some reason you don’t have the Roku Channel installed, you can find it on your Roku homepage and install it from there. You can watch the Roku Channel on your Roku device, via the Roku Mobile App, or on the website.
What other Roku channels with Live TV are there
In addition to the Roku Channel itself, you have two other options for watching live TV on your Roku device: free live TV channels and subscription-based live TV services.
Free Live TV:
- CBC.
- FilmRise Kids.
- Haunt TV.
- IGN.
- AccuWeather Now.
- NewsON.
- RCN Más.
- Real Madrid TV.
- TLC Go.
- Tribeca Channel.
Subscription-based Live TV:
- Hulu + Live TV.
- YouTube TV.
- Philo.
- Sling TV.
- YouTube TV.
- Fubo TV.
- DirecTV Stream.
Each of these options gives you access to different live TV channels. To decide which option is right for you, you need to look at the individual costs and what you get for the money.
Roku channels and apps
All Roku products provide access to 4,500 channels (depending on location) of streaming content on the Internet. Channels range from popular services like Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu, Pandora, iHeart Radio, to niche channels like Twit.tv, Local News Nationwide, Crunchy Roll, Euronews, and many others. Even major networks like NBC already have apps.
However, while there are many free streaming Internet channels, there are also many that require an additional subscription or pay-per-view fee to access the content. To be clear, you buy a Roku device, and you may still have to pay for what you watch.
In addition to streaming Internet channels, Roku also provides additional apps that allow users to access videos, music, and photos stored on PCs or media servers that may also be connected to your home network.
In addition to streaming, most Roku TVs and some Roku boxes may have the ability to play videos, music, and photos stored on USB flash drives.
How to take a streaming stick or Roku box with you
You can take your Roku Box or Streaming Stick with you when you travel. When staying in a hotel, someone else’s house, or even a dorm room, you just need to plug your Roku device into your TV’s HDMI port. You’ll also need access to Wi-Fi.
