Roku itself is free, but the channels you watch on it cost money
Roku makes the device and the operating system, not the shows. You don't pay Roku a subscription fee to use a Roku player or TV. What you pay for are the streaming services that run on Roku — Netflix, Disney+, Max, and others — each with their own separate costs.
When you buy a Roku device, you get access to the Roku Channel Store, where you can download apps for free. Some of those apps (like YouTube) are free to use. Others (like Netflix) require you to pay the service directly, not Roku. Roku doesn't take a cut of what you pay those services, and they don't charge you for the privilege of using their device.
The only exception is the Roku Channel itself, which is Roku's own streaming service bundled into every Roku device. Most of the Roku Channel is free and ad-supported. Some content on the Roku Channel requires a paid subscription, but you can use Roku without ever subscribing to it.
Key Takeaways
- Roku devices and the Roku operating system are free to use; you only pay for the streaming services you choose to watch.
- The Roku Channel, Roku's own service, is free with ads, and you can skip the paid tier entirely if you prefer.
- Each streaming service you add (Netflix, Disney+, Max, etc.) charges you separately, and those prices vary by plan and change over time.
- Roku does not charge you a monthly fee to own or operate a Roku device, regardless of how many services you subscribe to.
What the Roku Channel costs if you want the paid version
The Roku Channel offers a free tier with ads and a paid tier without them. The paid version costs $5.99 per month and removes ads from most content. You can cancel anytime, and the free version stays available if you downgrade.
The Roku Channel also bundles third-party services. You can add premium channels like Paramount+ or Starz directly through the Roku Channel interface and pay for them as add-ons. These are the same services you could subscribe to separately; Roku just lets you manage them in one place. You still pay the service directly, not Roku.
How to know what you'll actually spend
Your total cost depends entirely on which streaming services you choose. If you only use free services (YouTube, Pluto TV, Tubi, Freevee), your cost is zero. If you subscribe to Netflix Standard ($6.99/month), Disney+ ($7.99/month), and Max ($15.99/month), you're spending about $31 per month — none of that goes to Roku.
Many people subscribe to multiple services over time, pause some and resume others seasonally, or share accounts with family members. There's no "Roku subscription" that bundles everything. You pick and choose, and each service charges you independently.
Some streaming services offer discounts if you bundle them. Disney offers a bundle of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a lower combined price than subscribing separately. Max sometimes offers discounts for annual prepayment. These deals come from the services themselves, not from Roku.
Roku devices themselves have different price points
Roku makes devices at different price levels: the Roku Express (around $30), the Roku Streaming Stick 4K (around $50), and higher-end models. A Roku TV (a television with Roku built in) costs more than a standalone device, but that's the TV price, not a Roku subscription. Once you own any Roku device, there's no monthly fee to use it.
Some Roku devices come with a few months of free trials for services like Paramount+ or The Roku Channel, but these are limited-time offers. After the trial ends, you either pay for the service or stop using it. Roku doesn't automatically charge you when a trial expires.
Why Roku doesn't charge a subscription fee
Roku makes money from advertising and from taking a small cut when you subscribe to services through their platform. They don't need a monthly fee from users because their business model relies on keeping as many people using Roku devices as possible. The more people on Roku, the more ad impressions they can sell and the more services they can take a commission from.
This is different from some other platforms. Apple TV+ is a service you pay for directly. Roku is a platform that lets you access many services. The distinction matters because it means Roku has no incentive to charge you just to use the device.
What happens if you don't subscribe to anything
You can own and use a Roku device indefinitely without paying anything. You'll see ads on free services like Pluto TV and Tubi, but you won't be charged. The Roku home screen will show you recommendations and ads for services you don't subscribe to, but clicking on them is optional.
Roku does collect data about what you watch to show you targeted ads and recommendations. If you want to limit that, you can adjust privacy settings in the Roku settings menu under "Privacy." You can turn off personalized ads, though you'll still see ads — they just won't be based on your viewing history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay Roku a monthly fee to use my Roku device?
No. Roku devices are free to use. You only pay for the streaming services you choose to watch, and those payments go to Netflix, Disney, or whoever provides the service — not to Roku.
Is the Roku Channel the same as a Roku subscription?
No. The Roku Channel is one streaming service among many. It's free with ads, or $5.99/month without ads. You don't have to subscribe to it to use your Roku device. Most people never pay for the Roku Channel.
Why do some Roku devices come with free trials?
Roku includes trial offers to encourage you to try services and hopefully subscribe. When the trial ends, you decide whether to pay or cancel. Roku doesn't charge you automatically unless you choose to keep the subscription.
Can I use a Roku device if I don't subscribe to any paid services?
Yes. You can watch free, ad-supported services like YouTube, Pluto TV, and Tubi without paying anything. Your only cost is the device itself, which you buy once.
Does Roku charge different amounts based on which services I subscribe to?
No. Roku doesn't charge you based on what you watch. Each service sets its own price. If you subscribe to Netflix, Disney+, and Max, you pay each of them separately. Roku doesn't add a fee on top.