You can buy Roku remotes separately, and you do not need a Roku subscription to use them

A replacement Roku remote works with your Roku device whether you pay for a subscription or not. The remote itself is a hardware purchase — you buy it once and own it. Roku subscriptions cover streaming channels and services, not the physical remote or its basic functions. If your remote breaks or stops responding, you can replace it without changing your subscription status or adding any new fees.

Roku sells remotes directly through their website and through retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The remote connects to your Roku device through a wireless connection that requires no subscription. Standard Roku remotes cost between $20 and $35 depending on the model and features.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku remotes are sold separately and work with any Roku device regardless of subscription status.
  • You can buy replacement remotes from Roku's official store, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and other electronics retailers.
  • A Roku subscription covers streaming content and premium channels, not the remote hardware itself.
  • Standard remotes cost $20 to $35; voice-enabled remotes with microphones cost more but do not require a subscription to function.

Where to buy Roku remotes

Roku's official online store sells remotes directly to customers. You can visit roku.com, navigate to the accessories section, and filter by remote type and compatibility with your specific Roku model. Roku lists the exact devices each remote works with, so you can confirm compatibility before purchase.

Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all stock Roku remotes in their electronics sections and online. Prices vary slightly between retailers, and some offer faster shipping or price matching. Check the product listing to confirm the remote matches your Roku device model — older Roku players use different remotes than newer ones.

You can also find Roku remotes at electronics stores and big-box retailers in your area. Call ahead to confirm stock if you need a replacement quickly.

Standard remotes versus voice remotes

A standard Roku remote has directional buttons, a home button, and number keys. It connects wirelessly to your Roku device and requires no subscription. These remotes typically cost $20 to $25.

A voice remote includes a built-in microphone that lets you search by speaking instead of typing. You press a button, say the name of a show or actor, and the remote sends that to your Roku device. Voice remotes cost $30 to $35 and also work without a subscription — the voice feature is a hardware function, not a paid service. Some Roku devices come with a voice remote included; if yours did not, you can add one later.

Both types connect the same way and work with the same Roku devices. The choice between them depends on whether you want the voice search feature, not on your subscription plan.

How to pair a new remote to your Roku device

When you first use a new Roku remote, it pairs automatically to your device if you are within 30 feet and the Roku is powered on. Press any button on the remote, and the Roku should recognize it within a few seconds. No subscription, account login, or special setup is needed.

If the remote does not pair automatically, restart your Roku device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once the Roku boots up, press a button on the remote again. If pairing still fails, check that the batteries are fresh and that you are within range of the device.

You can pair multiple remotes to the same Roku device. If you have a backup remote or want to use a voice remote alongside your standard remote, both will work at the same time.

Roku subscriptions and what they cover

A Roku subscription — called The Roku Channel — gives you access to movies, shows, and live TV through that single app. It costs $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year. This subscription is separate from your remote purchase and covers only the content you watch, not the hardware you use to watch it.

You do not need The Roku Channel subscription to use a Roku device or remote. Many free channels come built into Roku, including Pluto TV, Tubi, and Freevee. You can watch these without paying anything. The Roku Channel subscription is optional and covers only the premium content within that app.

Other streaming services — Netflix, Disney+, Hulu — have their own subscriptions that you manage separately. Your Roku remote works with all of them, and none of them require you to have a Roku subscription.

Compatibility between remotes and Roku models

Roku makes different remote models for different device generations. An older remote may not work with a newer Roku player, and vice versa. Before you buy, check your Roku device model number (usually on the back or in Settings > About) and match it to the remote's compatibility list.

Roku's website and retailer listings both show which devices each remote works with. If you buy from a retailer and the remote does not work with your device, most accept returns within 30 days. Roku's official store also accepts returns if the remote is incompatible or defective.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A Roku remote works with your device whether you have a subscription or not. The remote is hardware; subscriptions cover streaming content only.

Can I use a voice remote without paying for Roku Channel?

Yes. Voice remotes work without any subscription. The voice search feature is built into the remote hardware and does not require a paid service to function.

What if I buy the wrong remote for my Roku?

Most retailers accept returns within 30 days if the remote is unopened or in original condition. Roku's official store also accepts returns for incompatible remotes. Check the return policy before you buy.

Can I pair two remotes to the same Roku device?

Yes. You can pair multiple remotes to one Roku device, and they will all work at the same time. This is useful if you want a backup or prefer using a voice remote for some tasks and a standard remote for others.

Are Roku remotes the same price everywhere?

Prices vary slightly between retailers, typically ranging from $20 to $35 depending on the model and current sales. Check multiple retailers to compare prices and shipping costs.