Why Free Channels Are Worth Your Attention
Roku's biggest advantage over many competitors is its enormous library of free, ad-supported streaming channels. While paid subscriptions like Netflix get all the attention, there's a surprising amount of quality content you can watch without spending a dime. These channels use an AVOD (Advertising-based Video on Demand) or FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) model — you watch a few ads in exchange for free content.
The Roku Channel
This is Roku's own free streaming service and it's a standout. The Roku Channel offers a broad library of movies, TV shows, and live news channels. It includes dozens of free "Live TV" channels organized like a traditional cable guide, plus thousands of on-demand titles. It's pre-installed on every Roku device and requires no sign-up to use basic features.
Best for: Movies, live news, and variety content
Tubi
Tubi is one of the most popular free streaming services available and for good reason. Its library spans thousands of movies and TV shows across virtually every genre — horror, drama, comedy, documentaries, anime, and more. Content rotates regularly, and the catalog includes both classic films and more recent releases. A Tubi account is free and lets you create a watchlist.
Best for: Movie lovers who want sheer variety
Pluto TV
Pluto TV takes a unique cable-TV-style approach. It offers hundreds of live "channels" organized by theme — there are dedicated channels for reality TV, true crime, classic TV sitcoms, news, and more. You can also watch on-demand content. It's especially great if you miss the feeling of just turning on the TV and finding something to watch.
Best for: Passive, channel-surfing style viewing
PBS
The PBS channel on Roku gives you free access to a wide range of educational and cultural programming — think documentaries, nature shows, cooking programs, history content, and more. Much of it is available without an account. PBS Kids is also available as a separate channel for family-friendly viewing.
Best for: Documentaries, educational content, and families
Crackle
Crackle offers a curated library of movies and TV shows, including some original productions. While its library is smaller than Tubi's, the quality picks make it worth adding. It's free with a quick sign-up and runs ads to support the service.
Best for: Curated movie and TV selections
Freevee (Amazon)
Amazon's free ad-supported service is available on Roku and provides access to a solid lineup of movies, TV series, and Amazon Originals at no cost. It's a great way to sample Amazon content without a Prime subscription.
Best for: Amazon Original content without the subscription
NewsON
If you want to keep up with local news from around the country, NewsON aggregates live and on-demand local news broadcasts from hundreds of TV stations across the U.S. It's completely free and doesn't require an account.
Best for: Local news watchers and cord-cutters
How to Add Free Channels to Your Roku
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote
- Scroll down and select Streaming Channels
- Browse or search for any channel listed above
- Select the channel and click Add Channel
- The channel will appear on your Home Screen within seconds
Final Thoughts
With just these free channels added to your Roku, you have access to thousands of hours of content at zero cost. Start with The Roku Channel and Tubi, then work your way through the rest based on your interests. Free streaming has never been this good.