Roku is a popular streaming device that offers a wide range of entertainment options, including live TV. While Roku itself doesn’t provide live TV channels directly, it acts as a platform for numerous live TV streaming services. This means you can access a vast library of content from various providers, but the cost can vary significantly.
This comprehensive guide will explore the different Roku live TV options and their monthly subscription fees. We’ll break down the pricing for each service, providing you with the information you need to find the best fit for your entertainment needs and budget.
Understanding Roku Live TV Options
Before diving into the pricing details, it’s essential to grasp the different ways you can access live TV on your Roku device. Here are the primary methods:
1. Traditional Cable TV with a Roku Streaming Stick
While not strictly a Roku-exclusive feature, you can use a Roku Streaming Stick to access your traditional cable TV service. Most cable providers offer apps that let you stream live channels and on-demand content directly to your Roku.
Pros:
- Access to a wide range of channels, including local broadcasts.
- Familiar interface and programming schedule.
Cons:
- Typically more expensive than dedicated streaming services.
- May require a separate cable TV subscription.
2. Dedicated Live TV Streaming Services
These services offer a curated selection of live TV channels over the internet, often with on-demand content and DVR features. They are a popular alternative to traditional cable TV and are often more affordable.
Pros:
- Variety of packages and pricing options to choose from.
- No need for a cable TV subscription.
Cons:
- Channel selection may be limited compared to cable.
- May have data usage restrictions.
Top Roku Live TV Streaming Services and Pricing
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the most popular live TV streaming services compatible with Roku, including their monthly subscription fees and key features:
Sling TV
Pricing:
- Sling Orange: $40 per month (includes ESPN, CNN, TNT, and more).
- Sling Blue: $40 per month (includes NBC, AMC, FS1, and more).
- Sling Orange + Blue: $55 per month (includes both Orange and Blue channel packages).
Features:
- Up to three simultaneous streams.
- Cloud DVR with 50 hours of storage.
- Add-on channels available for an extra cost.
fuboTV
Pricing:
- Starter: $74.99 per month (includes over 100 channels).
- Pro: $84.99 per month (includes 4K resolution, unlimited DVR storage, and more).
- Elite: $94.99 per month (includes over 180 channels, Sports Plus add-on, and more).
Features:
- Over 100 channels, including local broadcasts.
- Unlimited DVR storage.
- Multiple simultaneous streams.
YouTube TV
Pricing:
- Basic: $72.99 per month (includes over 85 channels, including local broadcasts).
Features:
- Unlimited cloud DVR storage.
- Six simultaneous streams.
- Access to YouTube Originals.
Hulu + Live TV
Pricing:
- Hulu + Live TV: $76.99 per month (includes over 85 channels, including local broadcasts).
Features:
- 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage.
- Two simultaneous streams.
- Access to Hulu’s on-demand library.
Philo
Pricing:
- Philo: $25 per month (includes over 60 channels, mostly focused on entertainment and lifestyle).
Features:
- No contract.
- Unlimited DVR storage.
- Three simultaneous streams.
Paramount+ with Showtime
Pricing:
- Essential: $4.99 per month (includes a limited selection of live channels).
- Premium: $11.99 per month (includes more live channels, on-demand content, and Showtime).
Features:
- Access to a limited selection of live channels, including CBS and Showtime.
- On-demand content library.
Other Notable Options
- DirecTV Stream: Offers a variety of channel packages starting at $74.99 per month.
- Vidgo: A more affordable option with over 70 channels starting at $55 per month.
- Peacock: NBCUniversal’s streaming service offers a free tier with limited live content, and a paid tier with a wider selection of channels starting at $4.99 per month.
Choosing the Right Roku Live TV Service for You
Selecting the best Roku live TV service depends on your individual needs and budget. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Channel Selection
- What channels are essential to you?
- Do you need local broadcasts?
- Are you interested in specific genres, like sports or news?
2. Pricing and Features
- What’s your budget?
- What features are important to you, such as DVR storage, simultaneous streams, and add-on channels?
3. User Interface and Experience
- Is the service user-friendly?
- Does it integrate well with your existing Roku devices?
4. Free Trials
- Many services offer free trials, which allow you to test them out before committing to a subscription.
Final Thoughts
Roku live TV offers an exciting way to access a wide variety of content from numerous streaming services. The price range for these services can vary significantly, so it’s crucial to carefully consider your needs and budget before making a decision. By evaluating channel selection, features, and user experience, you can find the perfect Roku live TV option for your entertainment preferences and financial constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Roku Live TV?
Roku Live TV is a service that provides access to live channels and on-demand content through your Roku device. It’s not a single service itself, but rather a platform that aggregates live TV offerings from various streaming services, like Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and more. This allows you to choose the package that best suits your needs and budget.
Essentially, you’re using Roku as a central hub to access and manage your live TV subscriptions, providing a unified interface for finding and watching your favorite channels.
2. How Much Does Roku Live TV Cost?
The cost of Roku Live TV depends entirely on the specific live TV streaming service you choose. Each service offers different channel lineups, add-on packages, and pricing plans. For instance, Sling TV’s cheapest option starts at $40/month, while YouTube TV offers a single plan for $72.99/month.
To find out the exact cost, you’ll need to visit the website of the streaming service you’re interested in and compare their different packages. It’s important to consider your viewing habits and desired channels to make the best choice.
3. Are There Any Free Live TV Options on Roku?
Yes, there are free live TV options available on Roku. Some free services offer a limited selection of channels, while others may require a subscription to access their full content.
You can explore options like Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel, which offer a wide variety of channels across different categories like news, movies, and sports. Additionally, many local TV stations offer live streaming options through their apps, allowing you to access news and local programming without paying a subscription fee.
4. Can I Use My Existing Cable TV Login with Roku Live TV?
While Roku Live TV primarily focuses on streaming services, some cable providers offer their own streaming apps that can be accessed through your Roku device. This allows you to use your existing cable TV login to stream live channels and on-demand content.
However, it’s crucial to check if your specific cable provider offers a dedicated app for Roku and if your existing subscription plan includes streaming access.
5. What Channels Are Available with Roku Live TV?
The channel lineup offered through Roku Live TV depends on the specific streaming service you choose. Each service has its own unique selection of channels, ranging from popular cable networks like ESPN and CNN to niche channels focusing on specific topics like cooking or travel.
Before committing to a service, it’s essential to check the channel lineup and ensure it includes the channels you regularly watch. Many services also allow you to try their service for a free trial period, giving you a chance to explore their offerings before subscribing.
6. What Devices Are Compatible with Roku Live TV?
Roku Live TV can be accessed on any Roku device, including streaming sticks, streaming boxes, and smart TVs with built-in Roku functionality.
The availability of specific streaming services might differ slightly depending on your device’s operating system and region. However, most popular live TV streaming services are generally compatible with all Roku devices.
7. Is There a Free Trial for Roku Live TV?
While Roku itself doesn’t offer a free trial, many of the live TV streaming services that you can access through Roku do provide free trial periods.
This allows you to test out the service’s channel lineup and features before committing to a monthly subscription. You can find information about free trials and their duration on the individual service’s websites.