Roku has a huge library of streaming services with over 5,000 Roku Video Channels; however, it can be difficult to find the great free apps. If you are only thinking of cable channels, you will quickly find out most of their content requires a cable subscription. (Makes sense, after all they are cable channels.)
Yet if you look around there are a ton of free ways to watch a ton of great content, but they are likely names you have never heard of. There are also many great paid services that you may not know.
So here are my top 5 free streaming services and my top 5 paid streaming services on Roku that you may not know about. (So don’t expect well-known services such as Netflix on this list.)
Top FREE:
#1 Pluto TV
From Roku:
Watch free TV on your Roku. Download now to enjoy news, sports, movies, music, TV shows, viral videos, cartoons and so much more of the entertainment you love. Kick back with tons of exclusive TV channels like News 24 7, After School Cartoons, Surf Network, Classic Movies, CNET, IGN and The Onion. Enjoy blockbuster movies from Paramount, TV show favorites like Inspector Gadget, news from trusted sources like NBC News, and lots more! Download now to start watching free TV. Entertaining the Planet. Pluto TV
You can add Pluto TV to your Roku here: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/74519/pluto-tv
#2 NewsON
From Roku:
Enjoy instant access to live, local TV newscasts for free. Stream newscasts from over 130+ local news stations across the US. Watch live news, previous newscasts (up to 48 hours for most stations), or news clips from your favorite stations. Connect with your local community, and help build the local news future with NewsON. NO cable subscription or login required. Just launch the channel on Roku, find your station, and enjoy local TV news anywhere, anytime.
You can add NewsON to your Roku here: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/71845/newson
#3 Sports Illustrated
From Roku:
Sports Illustrated is one of the world’s most respected media brands and a part of the Time Inc. portfolio of brands. Launched in 1954, the property now features a collection of category leading products and franchises including the flagship weekly magazine, a top 10 sports website (si.com); SI Swimsuit, The MMQB; Planet Futbol; SI Now; SI Golf Group; Extra Mustard; SI Edge, SI Kids and FanNation. It is also a core partner to the new 120 Sports, live, digital programming network. Sports Illustrated offers sports fans trusted, authentic, agenda-free reporting and storytelling with the highest level video, photography and design. Sports Illustrated’s journalism goes deeper than the scores, moderating the national sports conversation for almost 60 years, first through the flagship print magazine, and now across more than a dozen with our 24/7 sports news website delivering more than 150 original stories to users each week from the world of sports including NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, college basketball, college football, golf, soccer, tennis, fantasy and much more.
You can add Sports Illustrated to your Roku here: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/51324/sports-illustrated
#4 Tubi TV
From Roku:
Tubi TV has the largest library of popular movies and TV shows to enjoy, all for free! There is something for everyone to love with new movies and TV shows added weekly.
You can add Tubi TV to your Roku here: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/41468/tubi-tv
#5 Crackle
From Roku:
Crackle is the destination to watch free TV, movies and exclusive originals. All free, anytime, anywhere and on any device. So escape the daily grind and recharge with your favorite comedy, drama and action entertainment. Crackle… break away. Stream Crackle on all your devices: iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox and more. Make a list of your favorite movies and TV shows to watch later. Create a free account to save your place and pick up where you left off on any device. No authentication or cable subscription needed.
Watch your favorite Crackle original programs: Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Joe Dirt 2, Sports Jeopardy!, SuperMansion and more.
You can add Crackle to your Roku here: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/2016/crackle
Top Paid Services:
#1 Sling TV
Sling TV is A La Carte TV, the only live service that lets you pick your personalized channel lineup and save.
Start with the service best for you, then personalize with YOUR favorite genres: Sports, Comedy, Kids, News, Movies, Lifestyle, Spanish, & more.
#2 PlayStation Vue
PlayStation™Vue is a live streaming TV service now available on Roku for in-home use. With a powerful cloud DVR,* streaming on up to five devices at once,** premium channels, On Demand programming, and no annual contracts, PlayStation™Vue is the best way to experience TV. Download the channel and follow the activation steps to get started.
#3 CuriosityStream
CuriosityStream is the world’s first ad-free, on-demand streaming service for quality non-fiction programs that enlighten, entertain and inspire. Dive deep into science, technology, and history commercial-free and enjoy documentaries crafted by the world’s top filmmakers. If you are not a CuriosityStream member, simply sign up at CuriosityStream.com and enjoy immediate access to our documentaries and series with our free trial.
#4 Fubo TV
Never miss a game with fuboTV live streaming right to your Roku. With access to international soccer leagues, NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL action, fuboTV is your home for all your favorite teams. National and Regional Sports Networks provide a comprehensive library of all the professional and collegiate games and tournaments.
#5 CBS All Access
Stream the shows you love live and on demand! Catch up on fan favorites, discover new hit shows, enjoy exclusive CBS All Access Original Series and now, watch movies! Plus, stream your local broadcast LIVE – including NFL on CBS. Try it FREE today.
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