If you’ve got a Roku in your home, you probably use it to watch streaming services like Hulu or Netflix. But did you know there are free channels on the Roku store with some of your favorite shows and movies?
The Roku Channel has content that the whole family can enjoy. For example, The Nanny, one of the most popular sitcoms of the ’90s; and Peppa Pig to keep your kids busy.
If you don’t use the free channels on the Roku store, you aren’t taking full advantage of your device. Here’s our review of the 10 best, free channels available on your Roku device for TV and movies that the entire family will love.
How to watch free live TV channels on Roku?
If Roku devices are new to you, you might not be sure how to add free content to your device. So, before we count down the best free channels on the platform, here’s a class on how to get free channels on your Roku device.
To install channels on your Roku, you just need to follow these 7 quick steps:
- Power on your Roku device.
- Hit the “Home” button on your Roku remote.
- Navigate to the Roku “Channel Store” menu.
- Highlight the “Top Free” tab.
- Click “OK” on your Roku remote to access the selection.
- Highlight the channel you want to install.
- Select the “Add Channel” button.
You can find the free channels you’ve added in your Roku Home menu.
Top 10 free Roku channels
Here are 10 of the best free channels on the Roku store that we recommend for the entire family.
1. The Roku Channel
The signature channel on every Roku device is The Roku Channel, which provides a ton of free movies and series to enjoy. Additionally, you get live coverage on the Roku Channel from select sporting events and news broadcasts.
Roku Channel covers some of the best blockbusters from the past, like the action sci-fi Bruce Willis vehicle, Armageddon, as well as some of America’s favorite news networks like Fox, NBC, and ABC. On top of that, you also get local news networks like NBC Washington D.C., NBC L.A., and NBC New York, to name a few.
The only bummer with the Roku Channel is that it’s ad-supported and programming may occasionally be interrupted by a brief commercial. You’re probably looking to experience at least five commercials per show. While it’s annoying, you’re getting content for free, so you’re getting an overall great deal.
On the whole, the Roku Channel gets you a ton of value for no money down.
2. Peacock
The free Peacock subscription airs significant NBC features you’d otherwise miss without paid NBC streaming. Plus, Peacock airs some of the most acclaimed NBC shows like The Office, F.R.I.E.N.D.S., 30 Rock, and Battlestar Galactica. Subscribing for free to Peacock with your Roku device also gives you access to some of Peacock’s library of movies, including titles like the Harry Potter series.
The only kicker of a free Peacock subscription is that it’s ad-supported. On top of that, some series may be incomplete.
3. Viki
If you’re in for more exotic, free entertainment, Viki is the channel for you.
Viki features some of the best South Korean and Chinese entertainment. For example, Viki hosts the popular Korean drama from 2009, Boys Over Flowers. What’s more, you don’t have to worry about the language barrier. Viki employs professional translators for over 160 different languages to create the best possible subtitles.
If you’re in the mood for some Asian dramas, you can get Viki for free on the Roku store.
4. PBS Kids
With old, reliable PBS, you can keep your little ones entertained on your Roku device without spending a dime.
On PBS Kids, you’ll get some of the best and most wholesome kids programming from the past and the present. For example, you can stream classic episodes of Sesame Street, as well as its live cable channel for the latest shows.
5. Pluto TV
With Pluto TV, you not only get a live channel to catch up on the current episodes of your favorite shows, but you also get access to an on-demand library, chock full of some of the best movies and TV shows of the past, including Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen and CSI.
6. Crackle
If you’re itching for some Hollywood classics, you just need to install Crackle on your Roku. You’ll find Adam Sandler classics like Big Daddy, and binge-worthy TV shows like The Player.
Crackle rotates its library frequently to provide fresh content. Our only gripe is that this free service means movie viewing can get interrupted by commercial breaks.
7. The Bob Ross Channel
Sometimes, you just need some white noise to tune out and relax. Thankfully, the Roku store gives you free access to the internet’s beloved painter: Bob Ross.
While watching the Bob Ross Channel, you’ll experience Bob giving life advice while coloring his signature paintings. Despite its seemingly boring presentation, the Bob Ross Channel’s relaxing vibes can give you peace of mind when you come home from a stressful day at work.
8. Xumo
Looking for the cable TV experience on your Roku? Check out Xumo.
Xumo’s big selling point is its over 180 free live channels. The Xumo Channel library includes staples like new coverage, sports networks, weather reports, movies, series, and more. Moreover, you’ll also get an on-demand library filled with classic TV programs like Family Feud.
Thanks to Xumo, you can get the cable TV experience on your Roku device for free.
9. Fawesome
A name like that says it all. Fawesome is a combination of “free” and “awesome,” and it’s a channel that gives you some of the best movies for free.
But the truly awesome thing about the Fawesome Channel is its on-demand categories. For instance, on Fawesome LGBTQ+, you can sample movies and series that feature themes and stories about the LGBTQ+ community.
10. NewsON
Craving for CNN but on a budget? With NewsON, you can get breaking news without spending a penny.
NewsON keeps you updated on the latest news in your local area. NewsOn also includes a hefty selection of news stations to deliver you breaking news from across the country. Not only that, but you can also bookmark your favorite stations.
What’s the best Roku device for free channels?
You'll want a Roku Ultra if you’re looking to get the best free channels out of Roku. Roku Ultra gives you access to 4k, HDR, and Dolby Vision, for the best viewing experience.
The Ultra device also has many convenient features like voice control, rechargeable batteries, and a lost remote finder.
How to set up a VPN on a PC?
If you don’t know how to install a VPN, we’ll give you a quick guide on getting it on your PC. It’s essential to have a VPN if you want to get the most out of streaming platforms.
So to get a VPN on your streaming PC, you just need to perform the following:
- Download your preferred VPN service.
- Double-click the “setup.exe” icon on the download location.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Select the VPN icon on your desktop or search for the VPN on the start menu search bar.
With a VPN, you won’t have to endure geo-blocked content.
Get the most out of Roku with a VPN
Despite Roku not having native VPN access, you can use services like ExpressVPN to get the perfect streaming experience on Roku.
Depending on your location, you won’t have access to services like Peacock. But a VPN can fix that.
The ExpressVPN virtual router option can wirelessly transmit a VPN network to your Roku. Then, all you need to do is connect to the network on your Roku device via the “network connection” option of the Roku settings menu.
Is the default Windows 10 VPN good for streaming?
Short answer: no. Longer answer: it depends. If you take the time and have a lot of technical know-how, the Windows 10 VPN is serviceable.
However, most—if not all—of the paid VPN services are significantly better than the baked-in Windows 10 VPN.
If you want our opinion, you’ll do better with any popular/well-known VPN.
Explore free entertainment on your Roku device
With Roku, you get an all-in-one entertainment box that can keep your entire family entertained. But, without a paid subscription to a service like Sling TV, you might think you’re not getting the most out of your device.
Instead, thanks to the many free Roku channels, you have plenty of options for streaming content without paying a dollar.
You don't have to feel left out if you’re on a budget and own a Roku.
If you want to add a VPN to your Roku’s arsenal, you can check out our ExpressVPN review for more details on the best VPN service for your Roku.
Lisa Holden • Editor
Lisa Holden is an editor and creative based in Houston, TX. Lisa holds a BA in African-American Studies from Temple University and has spent her career working in news publications and magazines, even founding a magazine herself. She began working as an editor for Flixed in 2023. When she’s not editing or working on one of her many creative endeavors (whenever that is), she enjoys traveling to new places and biking on sunny days.
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