27 Best Free Roku Channels for Movies, TV, Sports & More
Tired of juggling streaming subscriptions? Roku makes it easy to keep things simple with its wide selection of free channels.
From blockbuster movies and binge-worthy TV shows to live news and sports, Roku’s got something for everyone.
In this guide, I’ve pulled together a list of the best free Roku channels so you can enjoy high-quality entertainment without a subscription. Ready to explore?
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Movies & TV Shows
The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel is your go-to for a huge selection of movies, TV shows, and even live channels—all for free.
From hit TV series to blockbuster movies, you’ll always find something new to watch, including premium content that’s occasionally made available at no charge.
Best Features:
- A wide variety of on-demand movies and TV shows.
- Access to live TV channels.
- Regularly updated content.
Tubi
Tubi is one of the most popular free streaming services, boasting a massive collection of movies and TV shows, spanning all genres.
Whether you’re into horror, drama, or documentaries, Tubi regularly updates its library with fresh content.
Best Features:
- Huge selection of movies and TV shows across all genres.
- No need to sign up to start streaming.
- Frequently updated with new content.
Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers a unique mix of live channels and on-demand content.
You can watch over 250 channels of live TV for free, from movies to sports, news, and beyond.
It’s like having a traditional cable service, but without the subscription fees.
Best Features:
- 250+ live TV channels, including news, movies, and sports.
- Access to a variety of on-demand content.
- Perfect for those who want a “live TV” experience.
FilmRise
FilmRise provides access to a variety of independent films, documentaries, and TV shows.
With a large library of free, ad-supported content, FilmRise has become a favorite for those looking to watch indie films and classic TV series.
Best Features:
- Extensive collection of free, independent films.
- Classic TV shows from different eras.
- Ad-supported but no subscription required.
Hoopla
Hoopla provides free access to movies, audiobooks, comics, and more, available through your local library. You just need a library card to start streaming.
Hoopla offers a unique blend of content that’s accessible through partnerships with libraries, giving you access to entertainment and educational resources for free.
Best Features:
- Free access to movies, audiobooks, comics, and more.
- Requires only a library card for access.
- Huge variety of content available, all ad-free.
Freevee
Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) is a free streaming service owned by Amazon that offers a fantastic selection of movies, TV shows, and original programming.
You can enjoy popular series like Bosch: Legacy or The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, all with minimal ads.
Best Features:
- Large catalog of free movies and TV shows.
- Includes Amazon’s original series and films.
- Ad-supported but no subscription required.
Fawesome
Fawesome is an ad-supported streaming service that offers a wide range of free movies, TV shows, and documentaries across various genres like action, comedy, family, and more.
It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for free, high-quality entertainment across different categories.
Best Features:
- Huge variety of free movies and TV shows across genres.
- No subscription needed.
- Clean, ad-supported experience with minimal interruptions.
News Channels
CBS News
CBS News delivers live, breaking news, along with on-demand news videos.
It’s a comprehensive, free option for global and national news coverage, from live streaming major events to in-depth news reporting.
Best Features:
- Live coverage of breaking news and major events.
- On-demand news videos and interviews.
- Free, trusted national and global news.
NBC News
NBC News is your one-stop-shop for live and breaking news.
It offers continuous coverage of national and international news, including popular programs like Meet the Press and Dateline NBC, which are available for free.
Best Features:
- Live news coverage and investigative reports.
- Full episodes of trusted shows like Dateline NBC.
- Easy access to major global events.
ABC News Live
ABC News Live provides 24/7 live news coverage, featuring breaking stories and live events from around the world.
It’s a great option for staying informed on national and international news without needing a cable subscription.
Best Features:
- 24/7 live streaming of news and events.
- Comprehensive coverage of national and global stories.
- Access to breaking news and live event streams.
NewsON
For those who prefer local news, NewsON is perfect. It provides live newscasts and on-demand video from over 200 local TV stations across the U.S.
It’s an excellent way to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in your community.
Best Features:
- Live local news from 200+ stations across the U.S.
- On-demand news clips from recent broadcasts.
- Customizable based on location.
Sports Channels
CBS Sports
CBS Sports is perfect for sports fans who want live coverage, highlights, and analysis of major events like the NFL and March Madness.
This free channel provides expert commentary on all your favorite sports.
Best Features:
- Live sports coverage, highlights, and analysis.
- Wide variety of sports content, including football, basketball, and more.
- Free access to live events and post-game discussions.
Music Channels
Spotify
Spotify on Roku allows you to stream millions of songs and podcasts for free.
You can listen to your favorite playlists, discover new music, and enjoy podcasts on everything from entertainment to education.
Best Features:
- Free access to millions of songs and curated playlists.
- Stream your favorite podcasts.
- Syncs seamlessly with your existing Spotify account.
Vevo
Vevo is the ultimate destination for music videos, offering curated channels by genre.
You can catch the latest music videos from artists like Ariana Grande and Drake for free, with channels dedicated to pop, hip-hop, and more.
Best Features:
- High-quality music video streaming.
- Curated channels based on music genres.
- Completely free and ad-supported.
Audacy
Audacy provides free access to a wide range of local and national radio stations, including talk radio, music, and sports coverage.
Whether you’re in the mood for the latest hits or catching up on live sports commentary, Audacy offers it all.
Best Features:
- Free streaming of local and national radio stations.
- Access to talk shows, music, and sports.
- Easy to navigate and find your favorite stations.
iHeart
iHeart offers free streaming of live radio stations from across the country, including music, talk shows, and news.
With access to thousands of radio stations and custom playlists, it’s a versatile option for music lovers.
Best Features:
- Free access to live radio stations across the U.S.
- Stream curated music playlists.
- Includes talk shows and podcasts.
Kids & Family
PBS Kids
PBS Kids is a trusted name in children’s entertainment and education. With free access to shows like Arthur and Curious George, it’s perfect for keeping your kids entertained while helping them learn.
Best Features:
- Educational content designed for children.
- Safe, ad-supported platform with no hidden fees.
- Fun and interactive shows that encourage learning.
Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network provides free full episodes of popular animated shows like Teen Titans Go! and Adventure Time.
It’s perfect for both kids and adults who enjoy lighthearted and adventurous cartoons.
Best Features:
- Fun and action-packed animated series.
- Free episodes available without a subscription.
- Great for kids and nostalgic adults.
HappyKids.tv
If you’re looking for free, educational content to keep your little ones entertained, HappyKids.tv is an excellent option.
It offers a wide variety of kid-friendly shows and movies that are not only entertaining but also educational.
The content is well-categorized by age, making it easy to find appropriate programs for different stages of childhood.
Best Features:
- Free, ad-supported content designed specifically for children.
- Age-appropriate categories for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids.
- Educational videos and popular shows for children.
The LEGO Channel
The LEGO Channel offers fun, kid-friendly content featuring popular LEGO series, characters, and specials.
It’s great for LEGO fans of all ages, with episodes from shows like LEGO Friends, LEGO Ninjago, and more—all available for free.
Best Features:
- Free access to popular LEGO series and specials.
- Fun for LEGO fans of all ages.
- Safe, ad-supported platform for kids.
Documentaries & Educational
TED
TED offers thousands of thought-provoking talks from experts across various fields, covering everything from tech to psychology.
It’s the perfect channel if you’re looking to learn something new or get inspired.
TED’s curated talks feature global leaders and innovators discussing cutting-edge ideas and important issues.
Best Features:
- Thousands of educational and inspirational talks.
- Free access to content from global thought leaders.
- Covers a broad range of topics from science to personal development.
True Crime Network
For true crime enthusiasts, the True Crime Network is packed with documentaries and series about real-life criminal cases.
If you enjoy shows like Forensic Files or Unsolved Mysteries, this channel is a must for diving deep into gripping cases and investigations.
Best Features:
- Fascinating, real-life crime documentaries and investigative shows.
- Free access to in-depth crime series.
- Perfect for fans of mystery and crime-solving.
Weather Channels
WeatherNation
For those who like to stay informed about the latest weather updates, WeatherNation offers free, 24/7 coverage.
You can get live updates, regional forecasts, and weather alerts straight from your Roku device, making it a must-have channel if you live in an area prone to severe weather conditions.
Best Features:
- Continuous weather updates and forecasts.
- Severe weather alerts and local conditions.
- Free, with no subscription required.
General Entertainment
Plex
Beyond offering media server functionality for your own content, Plex also provides free ad-supported movies and TV shows, along with live TV channels.
You can watch a wide range of genres, from family comedies to thrillers, all without any cost.
Best Features:
- Free streaming of ad-supported movies and TV shows.
- Access to live TV channels.
- Also functions as a personal media server.
Xumo
Xumo offers over 190 live TV channels, including entertainment, news, sports, and more.
You can easily switch between genres or catch on-demand shows, making it a great all-in-one platform for free TV viewing.
Best Features:
- Over 190 live TV channels available for free.
- On-demand shows across multiple genres.
- Free, with minimal ads for a seamless experience.
YouTube
YouTube remains a favorite for streaming free music videos, concerts, tutorials, and just about any content imaginable.
With millions of videos available at no cost, YouTube offers everything from full-length concerts to instructional videos, all for free.
Best Features:
- Free access to millions of videos, music, and more.
- Endless variety of content, from tutorials to vlogs.
- Offers both user-created and professional content.
The CW
The CW app gives you free, next-day streaming of its most popular shows.
If you’re into teen dramas or superhero series, this channel is perfect for staying up-to-date on the latest episodes without a subscription.
Best Features:
- Free next-day streaming of hit CW shows.
- No subscription needed to watch recent episodes.
- Ideal for fans of drama and superhero series.