You can watch live TV on Roku without cable thanks to available apps for the following services: fuboTV, Philo, Sling TV, Hulu With Live TV, YouTube TV, and AT&T TV Now (formerly DirecTV Now). You can also watch live sports with ESPN+ or DAZN, watch CBS live through CBS All Access, and watch free live TV using Xumo, PlutoTV, or NewsON (for local news channels from across the US). In this article, we’ll help you decide which option is best for you. Let’s get started!
Before we continue, we want to highlight a particularly relevant stream for news, sports, and entertainment. Sling TV is one of the best options for streaming with a rich catalogue of 50+ live channels and 50k+ on-demand movies and episodes. Try Sling TV today.
Watch Live TV on Roku with FuboTV
Thanks to fuboTV, Roku users who love both sports and entertainment can easily get both through one app. FuboTV started as streaming service for hard-to-get soccer streams but has morphed into one of the largest live TV streaming packages on the market.
FuboTV Pricing and Packages
There are several channel packages available through fuboTV, starting at 90+ channels for $64.99 per month.
| Pro 7-day free trial $69.99/ month | 138 channels 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
| Elite 7-day free trial $79.99/ month | 202 channels 54 more channels with fubo Extra 12 more channels with fubo News Plus 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
| Latino Monthly $8 off for the first month $33/ month | 45 channels 2 simultaneous streams 250 hours of DVR space | SIGN UP |
| Ultimate 7-day free trial $99.99/ month | 240 channels 54 more channels with fubo Extra 12 more channels with fubo News Plus Showtime Live and On Demand Sports Plus with NFL Redzone 10 simultaneous streams 1,000 hours of DVR space | TRY FREE |
While the higher-tier packages do offer more channels, fuboTV focuses more on enhanced features in the top-level packages over just increasing the channel count. That means that you’ll get the vast majority of channels fuboTV offers at the introductory package level.
Learn more about fuboTV’s pricing and packages here.
FuboTV Channels
At the minimum package level, fuboTV is packed with sports and entertainment channels, including FOX (markets vary), FOX Sports, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, AMC, A&E, History Channel, Discovery Channel, HGTV, and more. However, if you’re an ESPN fan, unfortunately, you’ll miss out through this service.
Learn more about fuboTV’s channel packages here.
FuboTV Supported Devices
As you might expect, this service has an updated Roku app. But you can also stream on a large number of other devices, as well.
The full list of fuboTV’s supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick (1st gen and up), Chromecast and Roku (2, 3 and 4)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (4.4 and up)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
To learn more about fuboTV’s supported devices, check here.
FuboTV Simultaneous Streams
At the lowest level, you can stream on 2 devices at once through fuboTV. However, you can also watch live TV on Roku on up to 3 devices with fuboTV if you opt for one of the higher-level packages, or sign up for a subscription add-on.
You can learn more about fuboTV’s simultaneous streaming policy here.
FuboTV DVR
With fuboTV, you’ll get a 30-hour cloud DVR. You can upgrade that to a rather hefty 500 hours with an add-on, or through one of the other subscription packages.
You can learn more about fuboTV’s cloud DVR here.
FuboTV On-Demand Library
Every major cable-replacing TV service has an on-demand library. FuboTV doesn’t advertise its library size, but the service offers thousands of hours of on-demand content thanks to the large number of channels on offer and its 72-hour rewind feature. That rewind feature stores new release live content for up to 3 days on-demand, which ensures there’s new content always available to stream.
Learn more about fuboTV’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on Roku with Philo
Philo is one of the cheapest ways to get popular cable TV channels on the Roku. The service regularly adds channels, as well, and has an app that is designed well for Roku devices.
Philo Pricing and Packages
At present, there’s just one streaming package available through Philo.
| 64 Channels 7-day free trial $25.00/ month | 60+ channels Starz and Epix add-ons 3 simultaneous streams Unlimited DVR | Try Free |
You can watch 55+ channels through Philo for just $25 per month.
For more information on Philo plans, check here.
Philo Channels
You won’t find local broadcast networks like FOX and CBS or sports networks like ESPN or FOX Sports on Philo. Instead, this service offers entertainment and lifestyle TV networks, including HGTV, Discovery, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, BBC America, and many more.
For more information on Philo channels, check here.
Philo Supported Devices
When Philo first launched, the Roku was one of the first apps it offered. The service is highly favored by Roku users, as well, although it now supports a small, but growing, number of other devices.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all models), Chromecast and Roku (all current models)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (5.0 and up)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (7.0 and up), iOS (10.3 and up)
- Game consoles: None
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
Check here for more information on Philo’s supported devices.
Philo Simultaneous Streams
You can stream Philo on up to 3 devices at once. Unlike most of its competitors, Philo doesn’t offer add-ons, but its streaming policy is good for the price.
To learn more about Philo’s simultaneous streams, click here.
Philo DVR
Instead of storage limits, Philo uses a time-limited approach. You can record an unlimited number of videos through Philo, with a 30-day expiration date on each saved video.
Check here to learn more about Philo’s DVR.
Philo On-Demand Library
Philo boasts 20,000+ TV shows and movies in its on-demand library, thanks in no small part to its large package of channels. You’ll get thousands of hours of content, and Philo also has a 72-hour rewind feature that makes new content always available.
Watch Live TV on Roku with Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the oldest devices of its kind on the market and has been available on Roku devices for longer than most of its competitors. It’s also one of the cheapest options to get major cable TV networks on the Roku with a lot of customization options.
Sling TV Pricing and Packages
At the most basic level, you can choose between one of two streaming packages for $40 a month
| Sling Orange Great Value $40.00/ month | 30+ channels ESPN New subscriber special 1 simultaneous stream | Try Sling |
| Sling Blue Great Value$40.00/ month | 40+ channels Fox, NBC, CNN, MSNBC New subscriber special 3 simultaneous streams | Try Sling |
| Sling Orange + Blue Best Value $55.00/ month | 45+ channels ESPN New subscriber special 4* simultaneous streams | Try Sling |
Sling TV also lets you combine its Blue and Orange packages for $40 per month, which is a nice cost saving
Sling TV Channels
Your channels will vary in Sling TV, depending on the package you choose. If you like ESPN and Disney channel, go for Sling Orange. If you prefer FOX-branded networks, opt for Sling Blue. Both also come with major entertainment and news networks.
You can learn more about Sling TV’s channels here.
Sling TV Supported Devices
You can easily download and install Sling TV on the Roku, as well as a large number of other streaming devices.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all versions), Chromecast, Roku (LT and up), AirTV,
- Smart TVs: LG TV (Web OS 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, as well as select 2016-2018 models), Samsung TV (2016 through 2018 models), Android TV (4.4 and up), Roku TV, Mi TV,
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (4.4 and p), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Xbox One
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
You can learn more about Sling TV’s streaming policy here.
Sling TV Simultaneous Streams
If you sign up for Sling Orange, you’ll get 1 device stream per account. Sling Blue, however, offers 3 device streams per account. Sling Orange + Blue won’t “combine” the streaming policies, so any Sling Orange channels will still get 1 stream, and any Sling Blue channels will still get 3.
To learn more about Sling TV’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
Sling TV DVR
You won’t get an included DVR through Sling TV. If you want DVR storage, you’ll need to add its 50-hour cloud DVR for $5 per month extra.
To learn more about Sling TV’s DVR, check here.
Sling TV On-Demand Library
With 10,000 TV show episodes and movies available, Sling TV doesn’t have the largest on-demand library, but still more than enough to keep most cord-cutters happy with regularly-updated viewable content.
You can learn more about Sling TV’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on Roku with Hulu Live TV
Hulu With Live TV combines one of the best on-demand TV services wit 60+ live TV channels. That all comes in at a comparatively low price for Roku users.
Hulu With Live TV Pricing and Packages
You’ll get a large package of channels and access to Hulu on-demand from Hulu With Live TV for $44.99 per month.
| Hulu + Live TV No Hassle TV $69.99/ month | 75+ Live TV Channels 2 simultaneous streams Unlimited DVR Disney+ and ESPN+ Included | SIGN UP |
| Hulu + Live TV No Ads $79.99/ month | 75+ Live TV Channels 2 simultaneous streams Unlimited DVR Disney+ and ESPN+ Included | SIGN UP |
You can learn more about Hulu’s packages here.
Hulu With Live TV Channels
Hulu’s package of channels includes some major and popular networks, including local broadcast options (FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC), ESPN, major news networks, and Disney Channel, HGTV, AMC, USA, National Geographic, and many others.
To learn more about Hulu’s live TV channels, check here.
Hulu With Live TV Supported Devices
Hulu’ stance has been to make sure its service is available on as many devices as possible. As a result, it has available apps fora large number of devices, including Roku’s large selection of devices.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick, Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: LG TV (select models), Samsung TV (select models), Android TV and Roku TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox 360
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Smart home devices: Amazon Echo Show (video and voice controls)
- Desktop operating systems: Windows 10 (dedicated app)
To learn more about Hulu’s supported devices, click here.
Hulu With Live TV Simultaneous Streams
Each account has 2 device streams by default. You can up that to an unlimited number of streams from devices connected to your WiFi network, and 3 outside of your network, if you use the Unlimited Screens add-on.
To learn more about Hulu’s Live TV streaming policy, check here.
Hulu With Live TV DVR
Hulu provides a 50-hour cloud DVR with every subscription. You can boost that to 200 hours with an Enhanced DVR add-on.
You can learn more about Hulu Live TV’s DVR here.
Hulu With Live TV On-Demand Library
This service offers the largest on-demand library of any other live TV streaming service on the market. That’s because Hulu combines its on-demand library with its on-demand options from the live TV service. As a result, you’ll get over 85,000 on-demand TV show episodes and movies you can view on your Roku device.
You can learn more about Hulu’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on Roku with YouTube TV
YouTube TV is an interesting offer for Roku users, given its distinct focus on sharing. There are over 70 channels available through YouTube TV and growing.
YouTube TV Pricing and Packages
For $49.99 per month, you can get 70+ channels from YouTube TV. The service also offers a small number of add-on premium channels, like Showtime, Shudder, and CuriosityStream.
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s pricing here.
YouTube TV Channels
Although it focuses heavily on sports networks like ESPN, FOX Sports, and CBS Sports YouTube TV also provides a large selection of local broadcast channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. It also offers major news channels, entertainment channels, and lifestyle networks.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s channels, check here.
YouTube TV Supported Devices
You can easily watch YouTube TV on Roku thanks to its dedicated app.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (select models), Samsung TV (2016+ models only), LG TV (2016+ models only), Vizio (select SmartCast models), Hisense (select models), Sharp (select models)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (9.1 and up)
- Game consoles: Xbox One (all versions)
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s supported devices here.
YouTube TV Simultaneous Streams
This service is made for sharing by offering 3 simultaneous streams per account, more than all of its competitors.
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s streaming policy here.
YouTube TV DVR
YouTube TV’s DVR option is among the best on the market. You’ll get an unlimited amount of storage space, with videos recordings that don’t expire for 9 months. The service also lets you share your account with up to 5 other people, all of whom get their own DVR storage as well.
To learn more about YouTube TV’s DVR storage, check here.
YouTube TV On-Demand Library
You’ll be able to watch thousands of hours of content through YouTube TV. The service’s large channel package ensures new content every day, while most new live content is made available almost immediately after airing.
You can learn more about YouTube TV’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on Roku with AT&T TV Now
AT&T TV Now (formerly DirecTV Now) is one of the most expensive options on the list, but it’s also a good option for Roku users who want a selection of channels that includes HBO.
AT&T TV Now Pricing and Packages
This service has several streaming packages, starting at $50 per month for 45+ channels. You can get HBO at the lower price level, but you may want to avoid its upper-priced packages. Those come in at over $100 per month, which is far more expensive than every competitor on the market.
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s pricing here.
AT&T TV Now Channels
On the positive end, if you want a channel you can likely get it through DirecTV Now — you’ll just have to pay for it. It’s featured packages include HBO, but its higher-priced options drop HBO in favor of more cable TV networks.
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s channels here.
AT&T TV Now Supported Devices
There’s a highly-functional Roku app for AT&T TV Now users, although it’s easily available on a large number of other devices.
The full list of supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all versions), Chromecast, Roku (LT and up), AirTV
- Smart TVs: LG TV (Web OS 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, as well as select 2016-2018 models), Samsung TV (2016 through 2018 models), Android TV (4.4 and up), Roku TV, Mi TV,
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (4.4 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Xbox One
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s streaming policy here.
AT&T TV Now Simultaneous Streams
AT&T provides two device streams per account. You can add a third stream for $5 per month extra.
To learn more about AT&T TV Now’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
AT&T TV Now DVR
This service has the least-favorable DVR of its kind. You’ll get a small 20-hour storage limit, combined with a 30-day expiration date on saved videos.
To learn more about AT&T TV Now’s DVR, check here.
AT&T TV Now On-Demand Library
It may not be the best for DVR, but DirecTV Now offers a wide selection of on-demand videos. You’ll find over 30,000 on-demand TV shows and episodes readily available. There’s also new content always available on-demand thanks to AT&T TV Now’s 72-hour rewind feature.
You can learn more about AT&T TV Now’s on-demand library here.
Watch Live TV on Roku with ESPN+
ESPN+ is a sports-focused streaming service from ESPN (owned by Disney) which features a selection of sports broadcast live and on-demand.
ESPN+ Pricing and Packages
You can get ESPN+ for $4.99 per month. At that price, you’ll get all of its available content. Importantly, ESPN+ does not offer all of the regular ESPN content. You will get some MLB and MLS games, but the focus is heavily on content outside of the NFL and NBA sphere.
You can learn more about ESPN+ pricing and packages here.
| ESPN+ Monthly Plan $5.99/ month | NHL and MLB games Exclusive distributor of UFC PPV events. ESPN+ Originals 3 simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
| ESPN+ Annual Plan - 2 Months Free! $49.99/ Year | NHL and MLB games Exclusive distributor of UFC PPV events. ESPN+ Originals 3 simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
ESPN+ Supported Devices
The Roku is a great device to use for ESPN+, but you’ll also find numerous other options available.
The full list of ESPN supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: Samsung TV (select models), Android TV and Roku TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Xbox One, PlayStation 4
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Wearable devices: Oculus Go
You can learn more about ESPN+ supported devices here.
ESPN+ Simultaneous Streams
Despite the low price, you can stream on up to 3 devices at once with ESPN+.
To learn more about ESPN+’s streaming policy, click here.
ESPN+ DVR
This service does not offer a DVR, and there are currently no plans that we know of to offer one.
You can learn more about this service’s DVR policy here.
ESPN+ On-Demand Library
You’ll have access to a large amount of on-demand content from ESPN+. As there’s no DVR, the service keeps a large amount of sports content in its library for subscribers.
To learn more about ESPN+ and its on-demand library, click here.
Watch Live TV on Roku with DAZN
DAZN is a unique sports streaming option. Although available internationally with a large selection of sports, it primarily offers fight sports in the US market.
This review covers the US DAZN, but you can learn more about DAZN Canada here.
DAZN Pricing and Packages
DAZN’s pricing recently increased in the US but is overall cheaper if you go for a yearlong subscription
| DAZN U.S $19.99/ month | Matchroom Boxing events Bellator MMA events 100+ sports events. 3 simultaneous streams | SIGN UP |
You can get the service for $19.99 per month, of $99 per year.
You can learn more about DAZN’s pricing and packages here.
DAZN Supported Devices
DAZN’s app is readily available through the Roku Channels Store. You can also use it on a large number of other devices.
The full list of DAZN supported devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (1st gen and up) and TV Stick (2nd gen and up), Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: LG TV (2015 through 2018), Samsung TV (2015 and newer), Vizio TV (P, P-Quantum, E, M, and D-series), Android TV and Roku TV (5000X)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (4.4 and up), iOS (9.0 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: PlayStation 4 (all models), Xbox One (all models)
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
You can learn more about DAZN’s supported devices here.
DAZN Simultaneous Streams
For the price, you’ll get 3 simultaneous streams per account through this service.
To learn more about DAZN’s streaming policy, click here.
DAZN DVR
There is no DVR available through DAZN at this time.
You can learn more about this service’s DVR policy here.
DAZN On-Demand Library
DAZN has an interesting on-demand library. Although it doesn’t advertise the size, you’ll find a large amount of content, including hundreds of hours of historic boxing matches. The service also has on-demand content from a variety of other sports, including cycling.
To learn more about DAZN and its on-demand library, click here.
Watch Live TV on Roku with CBS All Access
If all you need is CBS and its content, you may want to consider the CBS All Access streaming service.
CBS All Access Pricing and Packages
For a minimum of $5.99 per month, CBS All Access offers a large selection of on-demand content and live TV from your local CBS broadcast network.
| Essential - With Commercials 7-Day Free Trial $4.99/ month | 40K+ episodes on-demand Paramount+ Originals Watch CBS & CBSN live 3 Simultaneous streams | TRY FREE |
| Paramount+ Bundle 7-Day Free Trial $11.99/ month | 40K+ episodes on-demand Paramount+ Showtime Watch CBS & CBSN live 3 simultaneous streams No commercials | TRY FREE |
CBS All Access Supported Devices
You can use CBS All Access on the Roku as well as a fair number of other devices.
The full list of CBS All Access supported devices includes:
- Living room devices: Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Roku.
- Smart TVs and Blu-ray players: Select Samsung and Vizio televisions.
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS.
- Game consoles: PlayStation 4, Xbox One.
- Desktop browsers: Watch through the CBS website.
For more information about CBS All Access’ device support, click here.
CBS All Access Simultaneous Streams
CBS is generous with its streaming policy. You can share your account with up to 5 people in your household.
For more information about CBS All Access’ simultaneous streaming, click here.
CBS All Access DVR
Due to the nature of the service, there is no DVR available.
For more information about CBS All Access’ DVR, click here.
CBS All Access On-Demand Library
CBS offers a large on-demand library, which includes almost all of its new and older content stretching back decades. That means you’ll be able to watch full seasons of your favorite CBS shows from years past, as well as CBS-owned movies, and its new, must-see originals.
Watch Live TV on Roku Free
While there are a large number of paid live TV streaming services on Roku, you can also watch a good amount of live content completely free and legally using the following services.
PlutoTV on Roku
The PlutoTV app offers live TV from over 100 channels. Pluto has deals with different networks to offer free, ad-supported content. You’ll find not just niche and PlutoTV-specific channels, but also live content from some major networks, including CNN, Bloomberg, FOX News, ESPN and more.
Xumo on Roku
When Xumo launched, it was obviously taking a page out of PlutoTV’s stylebook. The service offers 100+ channels through its service, all of which are ad-supported. It also includes some major networks, like Stadium, but primarily features unique live TV networks that other streaming services don’t carry.
NewsON on Roku
If you only watch local broadcast networks for local news, you’re in luck. The NewsON app legally streams local news stations from across the country. This app is completely free to use, although note that since local news is not always running, most channels go dark for most of the day.
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming. He loves whittling down complex ideas within these areas that make decisions easier for buyers. When he’s not reading books with his son Miles and playing video games with the family, you can find him immersed in his growing collection of Euro-style board games.
