Roku TV or Streaming Stick users can subscribe to their newly-launched Howdy streaming service. For $2.99 per month, you get ad-free viewing of Roku originals, along with select movies and TV shows from Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery, and FilmRise. There's no commitment and you can cancel at any time. Buy Now at Roku
Roku is highlighted as a popular and user-friendly streaming platform in the US, offering devices like streaming players, sticks, and smart TVs with its operating system built-in. Its appeal lies in its simple interface, wide selection of "channels" (apps) including major services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Max, and Hulu, alongside thousands of others, many offering free content. The platform receives automatic updates for improvements.
The primary Roku's main costs involve the initial hardware purchase (Express, Streaming Stick, Ultra, Streambar series, with varying prices) and any optional premium streaming subscriptions. There's no monthly fee for the Roku device or platform itself. Every Roku device includes The Roku Channel, offering free ad-supported movies, TV shows, and over 500 live TV channels, including Roku Originals. Additionally, the Roku Channel Store provides access to many other free apps like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Freevee.
Roku also serves as a gateway to premium services, often facilitating free trials for platforms such as Netflix, Max, Apple TV, AMC Plus, Starz, Paramount Plus, and MGM Plus. Historical pricing shows Roku hardware remains competitively priced, with frequent discounts during major sales events.
To save money, users should maximize free content, utilize free trials carefully, look for hardware deals (especially during sales), consider certified refurbished devices, connect an antenna to Roku TVs for free local channels, explore bundle services, and actively manage subscriptions (canceling unused ones via the Roku account website).
Compared to alternatives like Amazon Fire TV, Google TV/Chromecast, and Apple TV, Roku stands out for its simple, neutral interface and broad app support, though competitors offer strengths tied to their respective ecosystems.
Subscriptions initiated through Roku can be canceled via the Roku account website. Users need a stable internet connection and a Roku account. The platform includes ads and receives automatic software updates. DealNews is presented as a trusted source for finding verified deals and savings strategies for Roku hardware and streaming services.