Online streaming is all the rage with different platforms offering a variety of shows, movies, and live TV. Roku allows access to online streaming channels as well as its live streaming channel with more than 10,000 free movies and shows.
Users like Roku TV for several reasons. It is home to a large library of old movies from the 1980s and original TV shows. If you’d rather watch live TV, you can access news channels and other live shows on the service.
The Roku channel has a lot of free content. You can start watching without creating an account. The free content comes with many ads, so that’s something you have to deal with. There are some premium channels with paid content, and those are ad-free.
There are many ways to watch Roku TV and we’ll guide you through the platforms and features of the service.
Where you can watch Roku TV
Roku has hardware products where users can watch the Roku Channel, which includes Roku Smart TVs and HDMI dongles. You can also watch the Roku Channel on the Android and iOS apps. You can also install Roku TV on your desktop or watch it through a browser.
Some Livestreaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV and Samsung Smart TVs also have Roku TV. Those who don’t have a Roku device can watch Roku TV through those devices.
Roku TV Features
- Use your keyboard or voice commands to search for content
- Watch tons of free content on the Roku Channel
- Cast from the Roku app to your Smart TV
- Use the Roku mobile app as a remote control
- Compatible with various Smart Home devices
System specifications for Roku TV
You can download the Roku TV app from the Roku website, the Google Play Store for Android devices and the Apple App Store for iOS. Roku has more than 50 million downloads on the Play Store with a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5, rated by almost 3 million users.
Android devices need Android 8.0 and above.
Compatibility with Apple devices
- iPhone: iOS 14.0 or later.
- iPad: iPadOS 14.0 or later.
- iPod touch: iOS 14.0 or later.
- Apple Watch: watchOS 4.0 or later.
Roku Alternatives
The internet gives us the freedom to choose from a variety of options, this applies to live-streaming TV as well. Roku TV has a lot to offer users, but it is not the only option for those who want to watch online TV. Roku alternatives include Google Chromecast, a live-streaming device that gives users access to several services. With Google Chromecast, you can watch Hulu, Netflix or YouTube and listen to online music. You can also cast from your Chromecast device to your smart TV.
Chromecast has amazing features, but Roku has a simpler approach and costs less. A Roku player, for instance, starts at $29.99.
Other alternatives include Peacock TV, which you can watch on Roku TV, Amazon Firestick and Apple TV.
Thankfully, you don’t have to choose one over the other. You can enjoy any of these services and your Roku TV app.
Our Verdict
We liked the Roku app. It would have been nicer if there were more recent movies in their library. But, we aren’t complaining. The Roku interface is simple and easy to use. It is a gateway to other live-streaming channels and all-around a great way to enjoy some entertainment.
If you have Roku TV on your smart device, we say go ahead and explore. It is worth your time.
