Check Out These Great Competitors and Alternatives to The Roku Channel
The best competitors to The Roku Channel are: Apple TV, Sling TV, Hulu, Netflix, Peacock, and Google TV. If these alternatives don’t work for you, we’ve listed more below for you to check out.
What is The Roku Channel?
The Roku Channel is your one-stop destination for free and premium entertainment. It is a streaming service that offers free, ad-supported TV shows and movies, available exclusively on Roku streaming devices, Roku TVs, and the Roku mobile app.
With Roku players and Roku TV, there’s always something for everyone. Access more than 500000+ movies and TV episodes from thousands of free and paid channels.
The channel has thousands of movies, popular TV shows, and channels, including and movies from major studios such as Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, and Lionsgate.
Not only can you find movies and shows to watch, but you can also access music, documentaries, news, sports, and more.Users can create an account and customize their viewing preferences, as well as browse by genre or search for specific titles.
The Roku Channel also offers a selection of live TV channels, including news and sports, as well as access to premium subscription channels such as HBO, Showtime, and Starz, which require a separate subscription fee.
The Roku Channel provides a diverse range of content at no cost, making it a popular choice for cord-cutters and those looking to expand their streaming options without adding to their monthly expenses.
Features of The Roku Channel
- Free content
- Large content library
- Live TV channels
- On-demand streaming
- Variety of genres
- Personalized recommendations
- User-friendly interface
- Multiple device compatibility
- No subscription required
- Regularly updated content
- Parental controls
- Search functionality
The Roku Channel Competitors and Alternatives
1
Sling TV is an amazing video streaming service that allows you to watch your favorite TV shows and movies, live and on demand.
Founded in 2015 by Roger Lynch, Sling TV is the first app-based TV service allowing you to watch live shows and stream live TV wherever you are and stay up to date with the latest news, sports, and entertainment, all from the comfort of your own home.
On Sling TV, you can customize your viewing experience, for example by using cloud DVR, which allows you to record and store live TV for later viewing. You can also add more channels, such as sports or movie channels, to your subscription.
A selection of on-demand content, including TV shows and movies is also offered as well as access to premium channels, such as HBO, Starz, and Cinemax, for an additional monthly fee. One draw back about Sling TV is that it is only available in the US. Subscription plans starts at $40/month
Pricing:
Freemium. $40/mo.
2
Google TV is a popular streaming platform that integrates various apps into its interface, making it easier to find what to watch without having to switch between apps.
It is considered the best streaming platform due to its slick interface and seamless integration of apps. Google TV comes with live TV channels at no cost and requires no app installation, sign-up, or subscription.
It is built right into smart TVs or streaming devices, offering a seamless experience for users. To access Google TV, download the mobile app for Android or iOS.
Pricing:
Free. Proprietary.
3
Another exciting Netflix competitor is Peacock TV, a new streaming service from NBCUniversal, offering an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and exclusive content. With an eye-catching design and an easy-to-navigate user interface, Peacock TV is the perfect way to keep up with all your favorite shows, movies, and more.
Peacock TV has an extensive library of classic TV shows, including The Office, Parks and Recreation, and Cheers. It also features a variety of popular movies, such as Jurassic Park, Fast & Furious franchise, and Harry Potter films. Peacock TV also offers a selection of original programming, including series like Brave New World, The Capture, and Saved by the Bell. These can be accessed on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, smartphones, and tablets.
If you are looking for a mix of on-demand content and live television, then Peacock TV is a compelling option for you. Its extensive library of classic shows and movies, along with original programming, make it an appealing choice for many views.
Pricing:
Freemium. $5/mo.
4
Hulu is a subscription-based streaming service that primarily focuses on current TV shows, but also offers a range of classic movies and original programming. TV shows include current and past seasons of popular shows from various networks like NBC, ABC, Fox, and more.
Depending on your subscription plan, you may have the ability to watch on-demand content and live TV from over 65 channels.You can also watch a mix of current TV shows, classic movies, and original programming featuring shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Shrill,” and “PEN15.”
Hulu is available on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles. Hulu also allows users to create up to six profiles with customized watchlists and preferences.
Hulu offers several subscription plans, including a basic plan for $5.99/month with ads and a premium plan for $11.99/month without ads. Hulu + Live TV plan costs $64.99/month and includes access to live TV channels.
The service also offers add-ons for premium channels like HBO, Cinemax, and Showtime. It’s also worth noting that Disney owns a majority stake in Hulu, and as such, Hulu is included in the Disney Bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+ for $12.99/month.
Pricing:
Paid. $5.99-$64.99/mo.
5
Another Netflix competitor is Apple TV+, a subscription-based streaming service owned and operated by Apple Inc. The streaming service features television series dubbed Apple Originals. These are shows and movies that are exclusive to the platform.
Some of the most popular titles include “The Morning Show,” “Ted Lasso,” “For All Mankind,” and “Dickinson.” Apple TV+ also has a range of documentaries, dramas, comedies, children’s entertainment with new content added regularly.
Live news and sports as well as a range of channels can be added to user’s subscriptions. Apple TV+ is available on a range of devices, including Apple devices like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, as well as on smart TVs from brands like Samsung and LG.
You can also access Apple TV+ through a web browser or bundle Apple TV+ with other Apple services like Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage through the Apple One subscription.
Subscription plans start at $6.99 per month with a free 7-day trial .
Pricing:
Paid. $6.99/mo.
6
Billed as the most popular Netflix competitor, Amazon Prime Video is an American subscription video on-demand streaming service of Amazon offered as a standalone service or as part of Amazon’s Prime subscription.
On offer is a variety of movies, TV shows, and original programming, included with an Amazon Prime membership, and also provides other benefits such as free two-day shipping and access to Prime Music and Prime Reading.
In addition to a large library of movies and TV shows, Amazon Prime Video also offers original programming such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Man in the High Castle, and The Boys. Amazon Prime Video is available on a variety of devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles.
Watch offline on the Prime Video app when you download titles to your iPhone, iPad, Tablet, or Android device. Monthly subscriptions start at $5.99/month which come with a 7-day free trial.
Pricing:
Paid. $5.99/mo.
7
Frndly TV is an American streaming television service designed for the whole family’s entertainment. With a selection of 30 channels and over 1,000 on-demand titles from top networks such as The Hallmark Channel, A&E, HISTORY, The Weather Channel, Curiosity Stream, Outdoor Channel, and BabyFirst, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Frndly TV offers three flexible plans, starting at just $6.99 per month, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your viewing preferences. The best part is, there are no long-term commitments; you can cancel anytime without any hassle.
When you choose a monthly plan, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a free trial before committing. After the trial period, you’ll be billed once a month, continuing to access the service until you decide to cancel.
Experience the joy of family-friendly streaming with Frndly TV today!
Pricing:
Paid.$6.99/mo.
8
Stream a vast library of movies and TV shows, as well as exclusive original programming including series and movies like “The Mandalorian,” “WandaVision,” and “Soul” with a Disney+ subscription.
Disney+ offers content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Streaming can be done via a variety of devices including smart TVs, streaming devices, and gaming consoles with support for 4K HDR streaming and Dolby Atmos sound, providing a high-quality viewing experience.
Users can also download content to watch offline and can create up to seven profiles with customized watchlists and preferences. You can sign up for Disney+ through the website or download the app on supported devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
A monthly plan goes for $7.99/month and an annual plan for $79.99/year. The annual plan is more cost-effective, as it saves users about 16% compared to the monthly plan.
Disney+ also offers a bundle deal with Hulu and ESPN+ for $13.99/month, providing users with access to a broader range of content.
Pricing:
Paid. $7.99/mo.
9
Youtube TV is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite shows and movies in the comfort of your home. As a streaming television service provided by YouTube, it offers subscribers access to live television channels and on-demand content, similar to traditional cable or satellite TV providers.
You can start watching right away over 70+ channels, including sports, news, and entertainment with no long-term contracts or hidden fees. Plus, you can watch on your TV, laptop, tablet, smart TVs, streaming devices, smartphones, and tablets, making it easy to take your shows with you wherever you go.
A Cloud DVR service allows users to record and save unlimited shows and movies. These recordings can be stored for up to nine months, giving subscribers ample time to catch up on missed episodes or re-watch favorite shows. However, like Sling TV, YouTube TV is only available in the United States.
YouTube TV offers a 2 months free trial period for new subscribers, then $72.99/mo for one membership with up to 6 household accounts.
Pricing:
Paid. $72.99/mo.
10
Netflix is an American media-services provider and production company that offers a subscription-based video streaming service. The company was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California.
Initially, Netflix offered a DVD-by-mail rental service, but in 2007, it began streaming content online, and since then, it has expanded rapidly to become one of the leading streaming services in the world.
Netflix’s streaming service provides users with access to a vast library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries, which can be accessed on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs.
The content is available in high-definition and, in some cases, ultra-high-definition (4K) resolution, providing an immersive viewing experience.
Netflix is a popular choice among users due to its features…
Pricing:
Paid. $6.99-$19.99/mo.
11
Pluto TV was launched in 2014 and has since become a popular choice for cord-cutters looking for free access to live TV. Watch a variety of channels, including news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle.
Some of the popular channels on Pluto TV include NBC News, CBSN, MTV, Comedy Central, and The Oprah Winfrey Network. The service also offers a selection of on-demand movies and TV shows, with new content added regularly.
Pluto TV’s linear format means that you get to watch channels in real-time, similar to traditional cable or satellite TV. This can provide a sense of familiarity and simplicity for viewers who may be accustomed to traditional TV viewing.
It offers a free ad-supported version of the service, with no credit card required to sign up. The service also offers a premium subscription option, called Pluto TV Plus, which provides access to additional channels and on-demand content.
Pluto TV offers a free ad-supported version of the service, with no credit card required to sign up. The service also offers a premium subscription option, called Pluto TV Plus, which provides access to additional channels and on-demand content.
Pricing:
Free. Proprietary.
12
HBO Max is an American subscription-based video on-demand streaming service that offers a vast collection of movies, TV shows, and original content.
It features HBO’s content, as well as content from other networks, studios, and WarnerMedia properties like DC Comics, Cartoon Network, and TBS.
HBO Max has produced some of the most iconic shows like “The Sopranos,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Wire,” and “Sex and the City.”
The service also airs documentaries, comedy specials, and live events. HBO Max is known for its strict quality standards and offers original programming, including shows like “Lovecraft Country,” “The Flight Attendant,” and “Raised by Wolves.”
Get to download content offline and create up to five profiles with customized watch-lists and preferences.
HBO Max offers two subscription plans: a standard plan for $14.99/month and an ad-supported plan for $9.99/month, which includes ads.
Sign up for HBO Max through the website or download the app on supported devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Pricing:
Paid. $9.99-$14.99/mo.
13
Paramount+ was launched in March 2021. It is a popular streaming service for online movie and TV shows.
There is a vast library of content from ViacomCBS, subscribers can access classic shows like “Star Trek” and “The Twilight Zone” as well as current hits like “The Good Fight” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Paramount+ also offers exclusive original shows like “Star Trek: Discovery,” “The Stand,” “The Good Fight,” and “Why Women Kill,” making it a must-have for fans of these shows.
The service also offers live streams of CBS programming and live sports events, making it an ideal choice for those who want to watch live TV without a cable subscription.
On Paramount+, you can create multiple profiles for personalized viewing and download offline content, making it a great streaming option.
Watch content with no ads for just $9.99/month and with ads at $4.99/month.
Pricing:
Paid. $4.99-9.99/mo.
14
Stremio is a free, open-source media streaming platform that aggregates content from multiple sources, including movies, TV series, live television, and more.
It offers an intuitive user interface with features like subtitles, parental control settings, and custom playlists. Stremio also has an app store for adding add-ons, such as sports channels or movie rentals.
It supports Chromecast, allowing users to stream favorite shows on any compatible device. The platform offers a wide selection of content from both licensed sources like Netflix and Hulu, as well as unofficial sources like torrents or file sharing websites.
You can customize your experience by choosing which add-ons to install and use. Stremio also provides recommendations based on viewing history.
However, some content may not be available in certain regions due to licensing restrictions. Additionally, some add-ons may require a subscription or additional fees. Stremio integrates well with external services like Trakt, allowing users to track their watched content across multiple platforms.
The platform is available on various devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
Pricing:
Free. Open source.
15
FuboTV is a live streaming television service that was founded in January 2015. The company specializes in streaming live sports events, but also offers a variety of other channels and programs, including news, movies, and television series.
One of the standout features of FuboTV is its extensive sports programming. The service includes live streams of major sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB, and also covers many international sports leagues, such as soccer leagues in Europe and South America.
In addition to live events, FuboTV also offers sports-related programming, such as news and analysis shows.
FuboTV is available on a variety of devices, including TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers. The service offers a variety of subscription options to fit different needs and budgets, with plans ranging from a basic package with 100 channels to a premium package with over 200 channels.
One downside of FuboTV is its relatively high price compared to other streaming services. However, for sports fans who want access to a wide range of live events, this may be a worthwhile investment.
If you are looking for a comprehensive streaming service with a focus on live sports, then FuboTV may be a solid choice. Its expansive sports programming, along with its reasonable interface and device compatibility, make it a great option for sports enthusiasts.
Pricing:
Paid.$74.99/mo.
16
Showtime is another popular streaming service that offers a wide range of original programming, movies, documentaries, and more. Showtime was launched in 1976 as a premium cable network, and in recent years, it has expanded to include a standalone streaming service.
One of the primary features of Showtime is the original film productions, which includes shows like “Homeland,” “Dexter,” “Billions,” “The Affair,” and “Shameless.” Showtime also offers a range of movies and documentaries, including exclusive titles like “The Comey Rule” and “The Go-Go’s.”
In addition, Showtime also has a range of live sports, including boxing and MMA events. Users can also access live streams of the Showtime cable network, as well as a range of on-demand content through Apple devices, Android devices, smart TVs, and game consoles.
Users can also access Showtime through the web browser on their computer or the Showtime App.
Showtime offers a 7-day free trial then $10.99/month, which includes access to all of the original programming and other content.
Users can also choose to add Showtime to their existing cable or satellite subscription, or bundle it with other streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
Pricing:
Paid. $10.99/mo.
17
Showmax is a South African streaming service of exceptional quality, poised to transfix you with its unparalleled content offerings.
Showmax boasts a plethora of blockbuster films, binge-worthy television series, and awe-inspiring documentaries that are sure to stimulate your mind and leave you ravenous for more.
But wait, there is more! The user interface of Showmax is as smooth and polished as a marble sculpture of yore. With a few clicks, one can effortlessly explore a universe of entertainment options, immersing oneself in the worlds of their favorite shows and films with ease and finesse.
Showmax also understands that life can be a bit unpredictable. So, they’ve got this nifty feature called “Download and Go.” It’s like having a secret stash of entertainment in your pocket. You can download your favorite shows or movies to your device and watch them offline. Perfect for those long flights or when you’re out in the boonies with no Wi-Fi in sight. Showmax is always there to save the day!
And let us not forget the little ones. Showmax is mindful of the importance of providing high-quality, age-appropriate content for young viewers. Showmax has a kid-friendly section that’ll keep the children safe and entertained for hours on end. No more worrying about what they’re watching.
A wide range of subscription options is offered to suit all budgets. There is also a 14-day free trial for new subscribers From monthly plans to yearly options and even a mobile-only subscription plan, Showmax is committed to providing exceptional entertainment at a price point that is accessible to all.
Pricing:
Paid.$7.5/mo.
18
If you’re tired of exorbitant subscription fees and wish to relish high-quality content without breaking the bank, Popcornflix is the perfect remedy. Boasting a vast and diverse library of movies and TV shows, Popcornflix caters to all tastes and preferences.
From classic films to indie hits, new releases to popular shows, the platform has it all. And the icing on the cake? It’s all completely gratis! No subscription required, and way fewer ads than regular competitors.
But Popcornflix isn’t just about offering free content; it’s also about quality. The platform prides itself on providing high-quality streaming, allowing you to watch your favorite movies and shows without any pesky buffering or lag. Additionally, its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and find what you’re looking for.
So, if you’re seeking a streaming service that won’t put a dent in your pocket yet offers quality content, Popcornflix is the ultimate destination. It’s the go-to platform for movie and TV buffs who want to savor the best without paying a penny.
Pricing:
Free. Proprietary.
19
Formerly named Sony Crackle and Grouper, Crackle is a free, ad-supported video streaming platform that allows you to watch Hollywood movies for free-uncut and unedited. Watch a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original programming, from your favorite genres like Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Crime and Comedy.
Some popular TV shows include “Seinfeld,” “The Shield,” and “Damages,” as well as a variety of movies ranging from classic titles to more recent releases. In addition, the platform produces its own original content, including TV series like “StartUp” and “The Oath.”
One of the unique aspects of Crackle is that it is completely free to use, with no subscription or sign-up required. However, users are required to watch ads during their viewing experience. The platform is available in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Latin America, and can be accessed via web browsers as well as through apps for various devices including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
Overall, Crackle offers a compelling selection of content and a user-friendly experience, all at no cost to its users.
Pricing:
Free. Proprietary.
20
Plex is a free video streaming platform that allows users to access, organize, and share their favorite media and personal collections across various devices.
It scans users’ media files and organizes them into a user-friendly library with information like cover art, episode synopses, and cast and crew information.
This information is accessible on various devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices, smartphones, and tablets. Users can choose from over 50,000 free on-demand titles and 300 channels of instant Live TV on Apple, Android, and Smart TVs.
Plex’s ability to transcode media files on-the-fly enables users to stream content to various devices, even if they don’t support the original file format or resolution.
The service is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and network-attached storage (NAS) devices. Plex offers a free version of the software and a subscription service called Plex Pass, which provides additional features like exclusive content, automatic photo-tagging, and more.
With a Plex Pass subscription, users can access exclusive features like Live TV & DVR, Mobile Sync, Movie Trailers & Extras, and more.
Pricing:
Free. Proprietary.
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