What The Roku Channel subscription includes

The Roku Channel is a streaming service owned and operated by Roku, Inc. that offers a mix of free and paid content. The paid subscription tier, called The Roku Channel+, removes ads from movies and TV shows you watch through the service and gives you access to a rotating library of films and series that aren't available in the free version.

The free version of The Roku Channel shows the same content but with advertisements playing during playback. Both versions let you watch on any device that has the Roku app installed — including Roku streaming devices, smart TVs with Roku built in, phones, tablets, and computers through a web browser.

The Roku Channel+ library changes regularly. Roku does not publish a fixed list of titles in advance, so the shows and movies available this month may not be available next month. You can browse what's currently included by opening the app and looking at the "Included with Roku Channel+" section.

Key Takeaways

  • The Roku Channel+ subscription removes ads and unlocks a rotating library of movies and TV shows that change monthly.
  • The monthly cost is $5.99 in the United States, though promotional rates may be offered to new subscribers for a limited time.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time through your Roku account settings without penalty or remaining balance.
  • The Roku Channel+ works on any device with the Roku app, including Roku devices, smart TVs, phones, tablets, and web browsers.
  • The free version of The Roku Channel remains available to all users and includes ad-supported content plus some free movies and shows.

Monthly cost and billing

The Roku Channel+ subscription costs $5.99 per month in the United States. Roku occasionally offers promotional pricing for new subscribers — for example, a discounted first month or a free trial period — but these offers change and are not always running. Check the subscription page in the Roku app or on Roku's website to see if a promotion is currently available in your region.

Your subscription renews automatically each month on the same date you signed up. The charge appears on the payment method you provided during signup. If you use a Roku device or a Roku TV, you can manage your subscription through your Roku account settings. If you subscribed through a phone or tablet app, you may need to cancel through your device's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) rather than through Roku directly.

Roku does not charge setup fees, set up fees, or cancellation fees. You will not owe money for partial months if you cancel mid-cycle — your access continues until the end of your current billing period.

How to start a subscription

To subscribe to The Roku Channel+, open The Roku Channel app on any device where you have a Roku account. Look for the subscription offer, usually displayed prominently on the home screen or in a menu labeled "Subscribe" or "Upgrade." Tap or click it and follow the prompts to enter or confirm your payment method.

If you do not have a Roku account yet, you will need to create one before you can subscribe. This requires an email address and a password. Roku will ask for a payment method at signup — a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. Your first charge will occur when ready after you confirm the subscription.

Some Roku devices or smart TVs may prompt you to subscribe when you first open The Roku Channel app. You can also subscribe through the Roku website by logging into your account, navigating to "My Subscriptions," and selecting The Roku Channel+.

Canceling your subscription

You can cancel The Roku Channel+ subscription at any time. The method depends on where you subscribed. If you subscribed through a Roku device or the Roku website, go to your Roku account settings, find "My Subscriptions" or "Manage Subscriptions," locate The Roku Channel+, and select "Cancel Subscription." Confirm the cancellation when prompted.

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store (on an iPhone or iPad), you must cancel through your Apple account settings under "Subscriptions," not through the Roku app itself. Similarly, if you subscribed through Google Play (on an Android phone or tablet), cancel through your Google Play account settings. Canceling through the wrong method may not stop your charges.

Your access to The Roku Channel+ continues until the end of your current billing period. After that date, you can still use the free version of The Roku Channel with ads. You can resubscribe at any time by following the signup steps again.

Comparing The Roku Channel+ to other streaming services

The Roku Channel+ is one of many streaming subscriptions available. Unlike services such as Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu, The Roku Channel+ does not produce original content — it licenses films and TV shows from studios and networks. The library is smaller and changes more frequently than larger competitors.

The $5.99 monthly price is lower than most major streaming services. Netflix's ad-supported plan starts at $6.99 per month, while ad-free tiers cost more. Disney+ costs $7.99 per month with ads or $10.99 without. Hulu's ad-supported plan is $7.99 per month. The trade-off is that The Roku Channel+ offers fewer titles and less control over what content is available at any given time.

Some people use The Roku Channel+ alongside other services rather than as a replacement. The decision depends on which shows and movies matter to you and how much you want to spend overall on streaming.

What happens if you don't pay

If your payment method fails or is declined, Roku will attempt to charge it again. If the charge continues to fail after multiple attempts, Roku will suspend your subscription. You will lose access to The Roku Channel+ content, though you can still use the free version with ads.

To restore your subscription, update your payment method in your Roku account settings and try again. Roku does not charge late fees or interest, and there is no debt collection process for a failed subscription charge. Your account straightforward reverts to the free version until you provide a working payment method and resubscribe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Roku Channel+ subscription with family members?

You can share access to The Roku Channel+ by sharing the Roku device or by logging into your Roku account on another person's device. However, Roku's terms of service state that subscriptions are for personal use only. Sharing with people outside your household may violate those terms. Check Roku's current policy for details on household sharing.

Is there a yearly payment option for The Roku Channel+?

The Roku Channel+ is billed monthly only. Roku does not currently offer an annual payment plan that would reduce the per-month cost. You pay $5.99 each month, and your subscription renews automatically unless you cancel.

What's the difference between The Roku Channel and The Roku Channel+?

The Roku Channel (free version) includes ad-supported movies and shows plus some free content. The Roku Channel+ (paid subscription) removes ads and adds access to a larger rotating library. Both versions are part of the same app — you upgrade from free to paid by subscribing.

Can I watch The Roku Channel+ on my computer?

Yes. Visit therokuchannel.com, log into your Roku account, and stream The Roku Channel+ through your web browser on any computer. You need an active subscription to watch ad-free content. The same library and ad-free experience available on Roku devices applies to the web version.

Do I need a Roku device to use The Roku Channel+?

No. You can subscribe and watch on a phone, tablet, smart TV with Roku built in, or computer. You only need a Roku account and the Roku app (or access to therokuchannel.com). A physical Roku device is not required.