Roku itself does not charge a subscription, but many channels on Roku do

Roku makes the hardware — the device or TV — but does not run a subscription service of its own. You can use a Roku device to watch free channels like Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel without paying anything. However, if you want to watch Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or other premium services through Roku, you pay those services directly, not Roku.

The Roku Channel is free and includes ad-supported movies and TV shows. Roku also offers a paid tier called The Roku Channel+ that costs $9.99 per month and removes ads, but this is optional. Most people use Roku to access services they already subscribe to elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku devices and Roku TVs have no monthly fee — you buy the hardware once and own it.
  • The Roku Channel is free with ads, and The Roku Channel+ costs $9.99 per month if you want to remove ads.
  • Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu charge their own subscriptions, which you manage through their apps on Roku.
  • Roku does not require a credit card or account to use free channels, though creating a Roku account is recommended for easier channel management.

What you pay for when you use Roku

When you buy a Roku device or a Roku TV, that is your only hardware cost. There is no monthly fee to use the device itself. You can plug it in and start watching free channels immediately without creating an account.

If you want to watch a paid service — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Paramount+, or others — you subscribe to that service separately. Roku does not take a cut of those subscriptions. You manage your subscriptions through each service's app, and you can cancel them anytime without affecting your Roku device.

The Roku Channel and The Roku Channel+

The Roku Channel is Roku's own streaming service, and the basic version is free. It includes movies and TV shows, but they are interrupted by ads. The selection changes regularly and leans toward older films and lesser-known titles, though it does include some newer content.

The Roku Channel+ is a paid tier that removes ads from The Roku Channel's content. It costs $9.99 per month and can be turned on or off anytime. This is separate from other subscriptions you might have — it only affects what you watch through The Roku Channel app itself.

Free channels available on Roku

Roku has dozens of free, ad-supported channels you can use without paying anything. Pluto TV offers live TV and on-demand shows. Tubi has a large library of movies and TV. Freevee (Amazon's free service) includes movies and original shows. The Roku Channel itself is free with ads. Plex, Crackle, and Peacock Free are also available at no cost.

These channels make money from advertising, so you will see ads while watching. The number and length of ads varies by channel. If you want to avoid ads entirely, you would need to subscribe to paid versions of services like Peacock Premium or Hulu (ad-free plan).

How to manage subscriptions on Roku

When you download a paid service's app on Roku — like Netflix or Disney+ — you sign in with your account for that service. Your subscription is managed through that service's website or app, not through Roku. If you want to change your plan, pause your subscription, or cancel, you do that directly with the service.

Roku does not store your payment information or process your subscription charges. Each service handles its own billing. This means you can use the same Netflix account on your Roku, your phone, your computer, and anywhere else Netflix is available.

Roku account requirements

You do not need a Roku account to watch free channels on a Roku device. However, creating one is recommended because it lets you save your favorite channels, sync your settings across devices if you own multiple Roku products, and manage The Roku Channel+ subscription if you choose to get it.

Creating a Roku account is free and requires only an email address. Roku does not charge for the account itself. If you decide to subscribe to The Roku Channel+, that is when payment information comes in, but it is entirely optional.

Roku devices versus Roku TV

A Roku device is a separate box or stick you connect to any TV. A Roku TV is a television with Roku built in. Neither charges a subscription. With a Roku device, you pay for the hardware once (usually $30 to $100 depending on the model). With a Roku TV, the Roku software is included in the TV's price, and there is no separate Roku fee.

Both give you access to the same channels and services. The main difference is convenience — a Roku TV does not require an extra device or HDMI cable, but a Roku device is cheaper if you already have a TV you like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay Roku to use Netflix on my Roku device?

No. Roku does not charge you to use Netflix on its device. You pay Netflix directly for your Netflix subscription. Roku is just the platform that runs the Netflix app.

What is the difference between The Roku Channel and The Roku Channel+?

The Roku Channel is free but includes ads. The Roku Channel+ removes ads and costs $9.99 per month. Both give you access to the same movies and TV shows — the only difference is whether you see advertisements.

Can I use Roku without creating an account?

Yes. You can watch free channels without an account. However, creating a free Roku account is recommended so you can save favorite channels and manage subscriptions more easily.

Does Roku charge if I cancel a subscription?

No. Canceling a subscription to any service — Netflix, Disney+, or The Roku Channel+ — does not cost anything. You can cancel anytime through that service's settings or website.

Is there a Roku subscription that includes multiple streaming services?

No. Roku does not offer a bundle of multiple services. You subscribe to each service separately. However, some services like Hulu offer their own bundles (Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+), which you would manage through Disney's website, not Roku.