What you pay for on Roku.com and what comes free
Roku devices let you watch content through two types of channels: ones that are free to use, and ones you pay for through a subscription. The free channels include services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and The Roku Channel's free tier — you create a Roku account to use them, but you don't pay a monthly fee. The paid channels are services you already subscribe to elsewhere, like Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max, where you log in with your existing account credentials. Roku itself does not charge you to add channels to your device; the subscription fees go directly to the service provider.
Some services also offer subscriptions you can purchase directly through Roku. The Roku Channel, for example, has a paid tier that costs money per month and gives you access to movies and shows Roku licenses. You can also subscribe to premium channels like Showtime, Starz, or Paramount+ through Roku's platform, and Roku will handle the billing on your Roku account. When you subscribe this way, the charge appears on your Roku bill, and Roku passes the payment to the service.
Key Takeaways
- Free channels on Roku require a Roku account but no payment; paid channels require you to log in with a subscription you already have elsewhere.
- You can subscribe to some premium services directly through Roku, and the charge will appear on your Roku account bill.
- Roku charges no fee to add channels to your device; all subscription costs go to the service provider or are billed through your Roku account.
- Canceling a subscription through Roku stops the charge on your Roku bill, but does not cancel the same service if you pay for it separately elsewhere.
How to add free channels to your Roku device
To add a free channel, go to the Roku home screen and select the Roku Channel Store. Search for the channel you want — Pluto TV, Tubi, Peacock Free, or others — and select it. Press the "Add Channel" button. The channel will appear on your home screen, and you can open it when ready. Some free channels ask you to create an account or sign in the first time you use them, but this account is separate from your Roku account and does not cost money.
Free channels stay on your device until you remove them. To remove a channel, highlight it on your home screen, press the Options button on your remote (usually marked with an asterisk), and select "Remove channel." This does not delete any account you created within that channel; it only removes the channel from your Roku home screen.
How to add paid channels you already subscribe to
If you already pay for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or another streaming service through that company's website or app, you can add it to your Roku device without paying again. Go to the Roku Channel Store, search for the service by name, and select "Add Channel." When you open the channel for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. Enter the username and password you use with that service. Roku does not store your password; it sends your login to the service provider to verify you have an active subscription.
Once you are signed in, you can watch that service on your Roku device using the same subscription you pay for elsewhere. If you cancel the subscription with the service provider (for example, you stop paying Netflix directly), the channel will stop working on Roku. You do not need to remove the channel from your device; it straightforward will not play content until you sign back in with an active subscription.
How to subscribe to services through Roku
Some services let you start a subscription directly on your Roku device. The Roku Channel's premium tier, Showtime, Starz, and Paramount+ are examples. To subscribe, go to the Roku Channel Store, find the service, and select it. Look for a button that says "Subscribe" or "Start Your Subscription." Roku will show you the price and billing frequency (usually monthly), and you can complete the purchase using the payment method saved to your Roku account.
When you subscribe this way, Roku bills your account and sends the payment to the service. The charge appears on your Roku bill under "Channel Subscriptions" or a similar heading. You can view all active subscriptions by going to Settings > Subscriptions on your Roku device, or by logging into your Roku account online at roku.com and checking your account settings.
How to cancel a subscription through Roku
To cancel a subscription you started through Roku, go to Settings > Subscriptions on your Roku device. You will see a list of all active channel subscriptions. Select the one you want to cancel and choose "Cancel Subscription." Roku will confirm the cancellation and stop billing your account at the end of your current billing period. You can also cancel online by logging into roku.com, going to your account settings, and selecting the subscription to remove.
Canceling through Roku only stops the charge on your Roku bill. If you also subscribe to the same service separately — for example, you pay for Paramount+ directly through Paramount's website and also through Roku — you must cancel both subscriptions separately. Canceling one does not affect the other.
Roku Channel Store versus The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel Store is the marketplace where you browse and add channels to your device. It is built into every Roku device and is where you search for services by name. The Roku Channel is a specific service you can add from the store. It has a free tier with ad-supported movies and shows, and a paid tier ($7.99 per month as of the most recent information, though this may change) that removes ads and adds more content. The Roku Channel also lets you subscribe to premium add-ons like Showtime or Starz, and those charges stack on top of the base subscription if you have one.
When you add The Roku Channel to your device, you are adding the app itself. You can use the free tier without paying anything. If you want the paid tier or premium add-ons, you start a subscription through the app, and Roku bills your account.
Payment methods and billing
Roku accepts credit cards, debit cards, and some digital payment methods like Google Play credit (on Android devices) or PayPal, depending on your region and device type. You add a payment method to your Roku account at roku.com under Account Settings > Payment Methods. When you subscribe to a channel through Roku, the charge uses the primary payment method on file.
Your Roku bill shows all channel subscriptions together, usually under a "Channel Subscriptions" or "Purchases" section. You receive an email receipt when a charge is made. If a payment fails — for example, your card expires — Roku will attempt to retry the charge, and you may see a notification on your device. If the payment continues to fail, your subscription may be paused or canceled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Roku account to watch free channels?
Yes, you need a Roku account to add and use any channel on a Roku device, including free ones. Creating a Roku account is free and takes a few minutes at roku.com. You use the same account to sign into your Roku device and manage your subscriptions online.
Can I share a subscription with someone else on a different Roku device?
If you subscribe to a service through Roku, the subscription is tied to your Roku account. Other people using your Roku device can watch it without signing in. If someone else has their own Roku device and Roku account, they cannot use your subscription unless the service itself allows account sharing (which varies by service). Check the service's terms to see if it permits sharing across multiple accounts.
What happens if I remove a channel from my device?
Removing a channel from your home screen does not cancel any subscription or delete your account within that service. If you remove a paid channel you subscribe to through Roku, the subscription continues and you will still be billed. You must cancel the subscription separately through Settings > Subscriptions before removing the channel to stop the charge.
Can I use a gift card or promo code to pay for Roku subscriptions?
Roku does not currently offer gift cards for channel subscriptions purchased through the platform. Some individual services (like Paramount+ or Disney+) may offer gift cards or promo codes, but you would redeem those directly with the service, not through Roku. Check the service's website to see what payment options they accept.
Why does a channel say I need to subscribe when I already pay for it?
This usually means the channel is not recognizing your login. Try signing out and signing back in with your username and password. Make sure you are using the correct credentials for that service. If the problem continues, the service may have changed its sign-in process, or there may be a technical issue. Contact the service's support team for help.