Yes, you can buy Roku remotes separately, and you don't need a subscription to use one

Roku remotes are sold as standalone products at electronics retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart, typically priced between $20 and $30 depending on the model. You can replace a lost remote, upgrade to a newer one, or buy an extra without any subscription requirement. The remote itself is just hardware — it communicates with your Roku device over your home WiFi or infrared, and that connection works whether you pay for anything or not.

The confusion usually comes from mixing up two separate things: the remote (which you buy once) and streaming services (which you subscribe to separately). Your Roku device itself is free to use. You only pay when you choose to subscribe to channels like Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu — and those subscriptions are optional. The remote simply lets you navigate to those channels and control playback.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku remotes are sold separately at major retailers for $20 to $30 and work without any subscription to Roku itself.
  • You need a WiFi connection to use a Roku device, but Roku does not charge a monthly fee for the device or remote.
  • Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu require their own separate subscriptions, which are not bundled with your Roku remote or device.
  • Roku offers both standard infrared remotes and WiFi-enabled remotes with voice search, and either type works with most Roku devices.
  • Free channels on Roku (like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Roku Channel) require no subscription and work with any Roku remote.

What types of Roku remotes are available to buy

Roku makes several remote models, and which one you need depends on your Roku device model. The most common is the standard infrared remote, which requires line-of-sight to your Roku box or TV and costs around $20. This remote has basic buttons for navigation, volume, and power.

Roku also sells WiFi-enabled remotes (sometimes called "enhanced" remotes) that work through your home network instead of infrared. These cost $25 to $30 and include voice search — you can press a button and speak channel names or show titles instead of typing them out. Some models include a headphone jack so you can listen privately without disturbing others.

Before buying, check your Roku device model number (usually on the back or in Settings) and search for compatible remotes on Roku's official website or the retailer's product page. Not every remote works with every Roku device, though most newer devices support both infrared and WiFi remotes.

Where to buy replacement or extra Roku remotes

Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all stock Roku remotes in their electronics sections and online. Roku's official website also sells remotes directly. Prices are usually the same across retailers, though sales and bundle deals appear occasionally.

If you're looking for a used remote to save money, eBay and Facebook Marketplace have listings, but buying used carries a small risk — the remote may have worn buttons or a weak battery. A new remote from a major retailer comes with a warranty and usually includes two AA batteries.

Do you need to pay Roku a monthly fee

No. Roku does not charge a subscription fee to own or use a Roku device or remote. You buy the device once (or it comes built into some TVs), and you own it permanently. There is no monthly bill from Roku.

What you do pay for are the streaming services themselves — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and others. Those subscriptions are separate from Roku and are billed directly by the service provider. Roku is simply the platform that lets you access them. You could own a Roku device and never subscribe to anything; you would still have access to free channels like Pluto TV, Tubi, YouTube, and the Roku Channel.

Free channels versus paid subscriptions on Roku

Roku comes with a selection of free channels that require no subscription. Pluto TV offers free live TV and on-demand shows. Tubi and Roku Channel have free movies and shows supported by ads. YouTube is free if you don't have YouTube Premium. These channels work with any Roku remote and cost nothing.

Paid channels like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max require you to have an active subscription with that service. You set up the subscription through the service's website or app, then log in on your Roku device. The subscription is not tied to Roku — it's tied to your account with Netflix or Hulu. If you cancel the subscription, you lose access to that channel on Roku and everywhere else.

Common remote problems and how to fix them

If your Roku remote stops working, the first step is to replace the batteries. Most Roku remotes use two AA batteries, and weak batteries are the most common cause of unresponsiveness. After replacing them, point the remote directly at your Roku device and try again.

If a new set of batteries doesn't help, try unplugging your Roku device for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. This resets the connection between the remote and the device. For WiFi remotes, make sure your Roku device and remote are both connected to the same WiFi network — check this in your Roku's Settings menu under Network.

If the remote still doesn't work, you can control your Roku using the official Roku mobile app (available free on iOS and Android) as a temporary solution while you troubleshoot or wait for a replacement remote to arrive.

Roku remotes and Reddit discussions

On Reddit, the most common questions about Roku remotes are whether they're worth buying as upgrades and whether the voice search feature justifies the extra cost. Users generally report that WiFi remotes are more reliable than infrared remotes in rooms with lots of light or obstacles, and that voice search saves time if you watch a lot of different shows.

Reddit users also frequently ask whether buying a third-party remote is safe. Third-party remotes designed for Roku devices do exist and are cheaper, but they have mixed reviews — some work well, others have connectivity issues or poor build quality. Sticking with an official Roku remote is the safer choice if you want reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Roku subscription to use a Roku remote?

No. Roku does not charge a subscription. You buy the remote once, and it works with your Roku device at no ongoing cost. You only pay for streaming services like Netflix or Hulu if you choose to subscribe to them.

Can I use any remote with my Roku device?

Most Roku devices work with official Roku remotes, but not all remotes work with all devices. Check your device model number and verify compatibility on Roku's website before buying. Some universal remotes also work with Roku, but official remotes are more reliable.

What's the difference between a standard Roku remote and an enhanced remote?

Standard remotes use infrared and have basic buttons. Enhanced remotes connect through WiFi and include voice search, so you can speak channel names instead of typing. Enhanced remotes cost about $5 to $10 more and work through walls and without line-of-sight.

If I lose my Roku remote, can I still watch my subscriptions?

Yes. You can download the free Roku mobile app on your phone and use it as a remote while you wait for a replacement. The app has the same controls as a physical remote and works over WiFi.

Are there free channels on Roku, or do I have to pay for everything?

Roku has several free channels with ads, including Pluto TV, Tubi, YouTube, and the Roku Channel. You can watch these without any subscription. Paid channels like Netflix require a separate subscription with that service.