How Much is Roku in 2025? Monthly Cost & How To Stream For Free

Roku is a huge name in the streaming game, boasting more than 90 million active accounts in 2025. Roku offers a super simple way to get content onto your TV, whether through their little streaming players and sticks (like the Roku Express or Streaming Stick 4K) or via smart TVs that come with the Roku OS built right in from brands like TCL and Hisense. Think of it as the gateway connecting your TV to the vast universe of online entertainment, from Netflix and Disney Plus to tons of other apps, or "channels" as Roku calls them.

But let's cut to the chase, because this is probably why you're here: Is Roku free? It sounds simple, but the answer has a few layers, kind of like a good streaming drama. You see the devices for sale, you hear about free channels, and then there are all those subscription services. It can get confusing trying to figure out exactly what costs money and what doesn't. Does buying the box mean everything is free, or are there hidden monthly fees waiting to pounce on your wallet?

Don't worry, we've got your back. As fellow streaming enthusiasts and dedicated deal hunters, we know you want the straight scoop on value. In this article, we'll break down exactly what you pay for when you get Roku, what parts are genuinely free, and how you can access a mountain of content (including lots of free stuff) without breaking the bank. Stick with us, and we'll help you figure out if Roku is the right, cost-effective choice for your streaming setup.

AMC+ Ad-Supported Subscription on Roku

Free 7-day trial

If you're curious about AMC+, you can check out the streaming service on Roku for free. Get 7 days to see everything the service has to offer, including access to Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films, plus stream 6 live TV channels with this 2025 deal. Once your trial is up, your subscription will renew at the then-current rate ($6.99 per month at the time of publishing).

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AMC+ Ad-Free Subscription at Roku

Free 7-day trial

If you want to see what all AMC+ has to offer, but don't want to deal with ads, this 2025 offer is for you! Give the ad-free service a try for 7 days and check out titles from Shudder, Sundance Now, IFC Films, and more, plus 6 live TV channels. And of course you'll be able to stream all these with zero ad interruptions. Note that after your trial, your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current rate ($9.99 per month or $95.99 per year at the time of publishing).

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Starz Subscription on Roku

Free 7-day trial

Enjoy everything Starz has to offer with 7 days to check it all out for free. This 2025 deal offers a free 7-day trial to check out Starz when you sign up via the Roku Channel. Note that after your trial is up, your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current rate ($10.99 per month at the time of publishing).

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Paramount+ Essential Subscription at Roku

Free 7-day trial

Want to binge-watch things like Yellowjackets, Elsbeth, and more? Consider signing up for Paramount+ Essential via the Roku Channel and get 7 days to explore the service. This 2025 offer provides access to tens of thousands of episodes and movies as well as limited ads, and more, including select Showtime series. After your trial, your subscription will renew automatically at the then-current rate ($7.99 per month or $59.99 per year at the time of publishing).

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Paramount+ with Showtime Subscription at Roku

Free 7-day trial

If you want everything Paramount+ has but more, then the Paramount+ with Showtime plan is the way to go. With this 2025 offer, you can get 7 days to explore the vast service for free which includes everything in the Paramount+ Essential tier plus all of Showtime, no ads (except for those on live TV), and more. Note that after your trial is up, your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current rate ($12.99 per month or $119.99 per year at the time of publishing).

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MGM+ Subscription at Roku

Free 7-day trial

Try out the service MGM+ before making a real commitment by signing up via the Roku Channel. You'll get 7 days free to see everything the service has to offer with this 2025 deal; after your trial is up, your subscription will automatically renew at the then-current rate ($6.99 per month at the time of publishing).

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Starz & MGM+ Value Pack Subscription at Roku

Free 7-day trial

If you find Starz and MGM+ both appealing streaming services, its worth signing up for this 2025 Value Pack deal at Roku. You'll get a 7-day free trial, but after that you'll be able to get both services for $11.99 per month. That's at least a 33% savings over getting both services separately. Note that after your trial is up, your subscription will automatically renew, so if you aren't sold on the service, be sure to cancel before then.

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How Much is Roku Per Month This April?

Roku keeps its lineup relatively easy to understand by grouping devices into series. You'll find different features and perks within each individual model in a series. We'll highlight the common price points below, but keep in mind the actual prices fluctuate constantly, and deals (especially around holidays) can bring these costs down even further. That's where checking DealNews regularly comes in handy.

Here's a quick look at the main Roku player series you'll find in 2025:

Essentially, the Roku Express series covers the budget end, with options for both basic HD streaming (Roku Express) and affordable 4K streaming (Roku Express 4K Plus). While Roku's own website might heavily feature their newer Streaming Stick models, the Express models are definitely still current and crucial parts of their lineup. You'll find these Express models widely available and consistently stocked at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target.

The Roku Streaming Stick series includes models that plug directly into the HDMI port. The Roku Ultra remains the single top-tier box model, packed with the most features and connectivity options. And the Roku Streambar series includes soundbar/streamer combos. Don't forget Roku TVs either – full televisions with Roku OS built-in, available from various brands at a wide range of prices and feature levels.

The Roku Channel

Every Roku streaming player and Roku TV comes with The Roku Channel ready to go. Think of this as your free, ad-supported entertainment center. Inside, you'll find a constantly updated library of on-demand movies and past seasons of TV shows licensed from various studios – plenty of familiar favorites and hidden gems pop up all the time.

But the real star might be the live TV section, offering over 500 streaming channels covering news (like ABC News Live, NBC News Now), weather, sports bites (NFL Channel, Fubo Sports Network), lifestyle, and more, all organized in a familiar grid guide. Plus, Roku puts its own exclusive Roku Originals here, including shows and movies you won't find anywhere else, like the quirky Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. It's a massive amount of content, completely free with ad breaks.

Free Channels via Roku Channel Store

Beyond The Roku Channel, your Roku device lets you access the Roku Channel Store – basically, an app store for your TV. Here, you can browse and add thousands of additional "channels" (apps) to your home screen. Many of these are completely free to install and watch, running on an ad-supported model just like The Roku Channel.

You'll find big names like Pluto TV (which mimics live cable channels), Tubi (huge movie/TV library), Freevee (Amazon's free offering with originals), Crackle, the ever-present YouTube, PBS Kids for family viewing, plus countless news, music (like Pandora's free tier), and niche interest apps. Just browse the store, click "Add Channel," and start watching without paying a cent.

Roku Express

This is Roku's most budget-friendly player. Designed primarily for TVs that top out at 1080p HD resolution, it's a small box connecting via HDMI cable and comes with a basic infrared remote (no TV controls). The Express 4K model bumps the resolution up to 4K and adds support for HDR via an HDMI cable connection. A significant upgrade from the basic Express is the included Voice Remote with TV controls and dual-band Wi-Fi. Widely available through retailers like Amazon and Walmart, this model is often considered the best starting point for 4K TV owners seeking value.

While these models might not always be highlighted on Roku's main site, it's readily available at major retailers and perfect for adding streaming apps to older HD TVs or secondary screens without spending much.

Roku Streaming Stick Series

This popular line features Roku players designed as compact sticks that plug directly into your TV's HDMI port, making them ideal for clean setups, especially with wall-mounted TVs, and super easy to pack for travel. The series typically includes models ranging from a basic Roku Streaming Stick offering HD streaming up to the Roku Streaming Stick 4K (and sometimes variants like a 4K Plus) which provides 4K resolution and often premium features like Roku's long-range Wi-Fi receiver for enhanced wireless performance.

Regardless of the specific model, Streaming Sticks generally come bundled with Roku's Voice Remote featuring TV power and volume controls, positioning them as a versatile mid-range option between the budget Express series and the premium Ultra.

Roku Ultra

This is Roku's premium streaming player, offered as a single high-end box model. It boasts the fastest processor, supports 4K, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos audio. Connectivity includes top-tier Wi-Fi, an Ethernet port, and a USB port. It typically comes bundled with the Roku Voice Remote Pro (rechargeable, lost remote finder, backlit keys, private listening jack, hands-free voice), making it the most feature-rich option.

Roku Streambar and Streambar SE

These hybrid devices combine a 4K Roku streaming player and a soundbar. The Streambar SE is the more compact, budget option (around $100), while the standard Streambar (around $130) offers slightly better audio features. They provide a convenient 2-in-1 upgrade for TV sound and streaming capabilities. The Streambar Pro (around $180) offers further audio enhancements.

Free Trials of Premium Streaming Services

While Roku offers tons of free content, it's also a gateway to the big subscription players. And the good news for deal seekers is that Roku frequently partners with these premium services to offer free trials. This lets you test-drive channels like Starz, AMC Plus, Fubo TV, and others for a limited time, usually by signing up directly through The Roku Channel app or your Roku account. It's the perfect way to see if a service's library is worth the monthly fee before you commit.

What To Know About Getting Roku For Free

While the Roku platform itself is free to use once you own the device, it serves as an excellent hub for discovering and sampling various premium streaming services through free trials, usually ranging from 7 to 30 days.

Finding these trials is usually pretty straightforward. The most reliable spot is within The Roku Channel app on your Roku device itself. Navigate to the "Premium Subscriptions" section (you might find it listed under "Browse" or similar categories) or keep an eye out for promotional banners and sections clearly labeled "Special Offers" or "Free Trials."

Beyond grabbing free trials, there are several other smart strategies to minimize costs and maximize value when using the Roku ecosystem, whether it's saving on the device itself or on the content you watch.

7-Day Free Trial of AMC Plus

Want to dive into The Walking Dead universe or check out acclaimed series like Mad Men or Interview with the Vampire? AMC Plus often offers a free trial when you sign up via Roku, typically for 7 days, though longer promotional periods (up to 30 days) can pop up. This gives you full access to their on-demand library and live channels for the trial period. If you decide not to keep it, remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid the regular subscription fee, which is usually around $9.99 per month.

7-Day Free Trial for Starz

Home to popular shows like Outlander and the Power Book series, plus a hefty movie library, STARZ frequently offers free trials through Roku, commonly lasting for 7 days. This gives you a week to explore their content lineup and binge a specific series or see if their movie selection clicks with you before committing to the monthly cost, which typically falls around $10.99 after the trial.

7-Day Bundle With Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus bundles content from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, and Paramount Pictures, along with originals like the Star Trek series and Yellowstone prequels (like 1883 and 1923), plus live sports like NFL games on CBS. They often provide a 7-day bundle trial when you sign up via The Roku Channel, letting you sample their vast library before deciding on a paid plan (which have different tiers, some with ads, starting around $7.99 per month).

7-Day Free Trial of MGM Plus

Formerly known as Epix, MGM Plus focuses on premium original series like Godfather of Harlem and From, plus a curated selection of blockbuster movies. You can often grab a 7-day free trial through Roku to see if their mix of content suits your taste. After the trial, the subscription cost is typically around $6.99 per month unless you cancel.

Hunt for Roku Hardware Deals

Don't pay full price for your Roku player, stick, or TV if you can avoid it. These devices frequently go on sale, particularly during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day. Back-to-School sales periods can also feature discounts.

Consider Roku Certified Refurbished Devices

For potentially deeper hardware savings, look into Roku's official Certified Refurbished program, usually accessible through their website. These are pre-owned devices that Roku has inspected, restored, and tested to ensure they work like new. They typically come with a warranty and can be significantly cheaper than buying a brand-new device.

Check for Student, Military, or Other Hardware Discounts

While not typically offered for the streaming services themselves via Roku, you might find special discounts on the Roku hardware. Programs like Student Beans have previously offered deals (like 25% off) for students purchasing Roku players or smart home gear directly from Roku. It's always worth checking Roku's site or asking retailers about potential military or other affiliation discounts when buying the device.

Use an Antenna with Your Roku TV

If you opt for a Roku TV (the television with Roku OS built-in), you can leverage free over-the-air broadcasts. Simply connect an inexpensive HDTV antenna to your Roku TV, and you can watch your local network affiliates (like ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS) live and for free. The Roku TV interface does a nice job of integrating these local channels into its guide alongside your streaming apps.

Keep an Eye Out for Bundles and Partnerships

Sometimes, buying a Roku device might come bundled with extended free trials or discounts on specific streaming services – check the box or product description for these deals. Additionally, consider broader streaming service bundles (like the popular Disney Plus/Hulu/ESPN Plus combo) to lower your overall monthly streaming costs, even if you don't subscribe through Roku, you'll still watch them on your Roku device.

Be Smart About Subscription Management

Roku makes it relatively easy to manage subscriptions you've signed up for through their platform. Stay on top of what you're paying for and cancel services you no longer use before the renewal date. While not a Roku-specific feature, check if individual services allow you to "pause" your subscription for a month or two if you won't be watching – this can save money without losing your profile.

Add-ons and Accessories

Roku also sells accessories like the standalone Roku Voice Remote Pro (around $30) for upgrading compatible devices. They also offer Wireless Speakers (around $150-$200/pair) and Wireless Bass/Bass Pro subwoofers (around $130-$180) to pair with Roku TVs or Streambars. Additionally, their Smart Home line integrates cameras, doorbells, plugs, and bulbs with the Roku system.

Pricing in Previous Years

Roku's hardware prices have generally stayed quite competitive over the years, though exact models and features evolve. Roku devices are known for frequent and often significant discounts, especially during major sales events.

Here's a look back at previous years' pricing:

As the table illustrates, while MSRPs might hold steady, Roku players consistently see discounts that make them even more attractive. Black Friday and other major holidays are prime times to find the lowest prices, often bringing the popular Streaming Stick 4K well below its $50 retail prices and the Ultra significantly under $100. Keeping an eye on DealNews ensures you won't miss these price drops when they happen.

Roku Alternatives and How They Compare

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of a streaming device – but Roku isn't the only player in town. Its main rivals are other hardware platforms that also connect your TV to the world of streaming apps. These include Amazon's Fire TV devices, the Google TV platform (found on Chromecasts and some TVs), and Apple TV. Like Roku, these competitors offer physical devices you buy upfront, and their basic operating systems are free to use. The real differences lie in the interface, hardware options, ecosystem focus, and how they present content.

Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference, existing tech ecosystems (Are you deep into Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit?), and budget.

Roku's main strength lies in its simplicity and neutrality. Its straightforward grid of apps is easy for anyone to pick up, and its search function is generally unbiased, showing you where content is available across services without heavily favoring one provider. The Roku Channel is also a huge plus, offering a massive amount of free content built right in. It's a great all-around choice, especially if you aren't tied to a specific tech ecosystem.

Ultimately, all these platforms provide access to the major streaming services and offer ways to watch free content and sign up for trials. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize simplicity (Roku), voice control/ecosystem (Amazon/Google/Apple), content aggregation (Google TV), or premium performance (Apple TV).

Has Roku Offered Free Trials Previously?

Yes, consistently. Since at least 2020, Roku has reliably featured free trial offers for its premium partners, typically lasting between 7 and 30 days. It's a standard feature of the platform, making it a dependable resource for trying before you buy.

What Can You Watch on Roku?

We've covered all the premium streaming free trials of platforms you're familiar with, now let's zero in on the crown jewel of Roku's free offerings: The Roku Channel. This app comes pre-loaded on your device and is packed with movies, shows, live TV, and originals that you can watch entirely for free (just with ad breaks, like traditional TV). Forget needing multiple subscriptions; you could spend countless hours just exploring what's available right here.

The beauty of The Roku Channel is its sheer variety and the fact that it's constantly adding new content and live channels. The movie and TV show library refreshes frequently, so there's always something new discovering. The live TV guide, with over 500 channels now, provides that channel-surfing experience many cord-cutters miss, covering everything from news and sports recaps to movie marathons and reality TV.

Looking ahead through 2025, expect The Roku Channel to continue expanding its library of Roku Originals, potentially adding more exclusive movies, documentaries, and series. Partnerships for live events, like the MLB deal, might also grow, bringing more appointment viewing directly into the free platform.

Free Trial Limitations To Be Aware Of

It pays to know the rules before diving into those free premium trials on Roku. First off, don't be surprised when they ask for your payment information – like a credit card or PayPal details – right at the start. This is standard practice across most trial offers online, as it allows the service to automatically start billing you if you decide to keep it after the trial period.

The most crucial thing to remember is to cancel the trial before it ends if you don't want to pay the regular monthly (or sometimes annual) subscription fee. If you let the trial expire without canceling, you will be charged. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder a day or two before the trial is up.

Also, keep in mind that these trials are typically meant for new subscribers signing up for that specific service through Roku. If you've had a subscription to that same service via Roku in the past, you probably won't be eligible for another free trial from them on the Roku platform.

How to Cancel Subscriptions Through Roku

Remember, once you buy the Roku device of your choosing, much of the content you'll find is free. But if you take advantage of a free trial for a premium channel or subscribed to a service directly through your Roku device, you're not locked in forever.

Here's how to cancel a subscription billed through Roku using their website (which is often the easiest way):

1. Go to the Roku Website: Open a web browser on your computer or phone and navigate to my.roku.com. Log in using the email address and password associated with your Roku account.
2. Access Your Subscriptions: Once logged in, look for the section labeled "Manage your subscriptions" or simply click on "Subscriptions". You'll see a list of all the premium subscriptions currently being billed through your Roku account. This will show the service name, status (Active/Canceled), and the next renewal date.
3. Select the Subscription to Cancel: Find the subscription you wish to end and click on "Manage subscription" or "Unsubscribe" next to it. Roku will likely ask you to confirm that you want to cancel. Follow the prompts to finalize the cancellation.
4. Check Status and Email: The status should now change to show it will expire at the end of the current billing cycle. You should also receive a confirmation email from Roku verifying the cancellation. Keep this email for your records.

That's it! Once you cancel, you typically retain access to the service until the end of the current billing period you've already paid for (or until the free trial period ends). For example, if your trial ends on May 15th and you cancel on May 10th, you can usually still watch until the 15th. If you were paying monthly and your cycle ends on the 25th, canceling on the 10th means you can still watch until the 25th, but you won't be charged again.

What Else to Consider This May

So, we've covered the hardware costs, the free platform, the mountain of free content on The Roku Channel and elsewhere, and how to snag trials for premium services. Before you make your final decision or dive deeper into your Roku experience, here are just a few more things to keep in mind this spring.

Remember that while Roku itself doesn't charge ongoing fees for its platform, you absolutely need a reliable internet connection to use any streaming device. The cost of your home internet service (Wi-Fi, or Ethernet if you have a Roku Ultra) is a separate, necessary expense for streaming. Also, be mindful of data usage, especially if your internet plan has data caps – streaming video, particularly in 4K, can consume a lot of data quickly.

Consider signing up for the DealNews Select newsletter, which drops a bunch of handpicked hottest deals into your inbox every weekday. You can also set a deal alert for Roku discounts or trials you're interested in, whether they be 7 days or 3 months, and receive notifications to save the most in 2025.