Roku devics are among the most popular cord-cutting tools around, and that doesn't look like it's changing anytime soon. Roku is a great way to organize on-demand streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, but what about live TV services? Do you know how to watch live TV on Roku?
If not, this is the guide you need. With its cable look-alike “skinny bundle” subscription services and many other live TV options, Roku has you covered. Here are a few of our favorite ways to watch live TV on Roku.
| Price | Channels | Free Trial | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
#1
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$69.99 - $159.99 | 140+ | 5 days | Watch Now |
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#2
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$74.99 - $94.99 | 220+ | 7 days | Watch Now |
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#3
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$40 - $60 | 30+ - 130+ | 3 days | Watch Now |
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#4
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$25 | 60+ | 7 days | Watch Now |
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#5
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$4.99 - $99.99 | N/A | 7 days | Watch Now |
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#6
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$6.99 - $13.99 | N/A | None | Watch Now |
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#7
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$69.99 - $82.99 | 85+ | none | Watch Now |
How to Watch Live TV on Roku
Your options for live TV on Roku include a few different types of services, including live TV streaming services. Sometimes called “skinny bundles” after their slimmed-down channel selections, these live TV streaming services are cable-like services that take live network television and put it online. The idea is that you can do everything you could do with cable, including surf channels, watch live TV, and even record things to a DVR. But in the case of skinny bundles, it all happens online, meaning there are no regional monopolies — which results in lower prices and fewer restrictions for consumers like us.
Besides skinny bundles, our list includes free live streaming services of all types (including genre- and network-specific solutions) and paid sports league streaming packages. We have, however, left out streaming apps that require you to validate them with a pay TV login. This is a site for cord-cutters, after all!
The following list contains all the ways you can watch live TV on Roku:
A Word on League Sports Packages
MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and NHL.TV let cord-cutters watch live out-of-market MLB, NBA, and NHL games, respectively. The prices vary by league and package, and some leagues offer single-team deals. Despite the blackouts and relatively high price tags, these are a clear choice for fans with a particular passion for one sport or league.
I just want to watch live NASCAR racing thru the year for free. Antenna TV has some shown on Fox and ABC, the rest are on cable channels?
I have a Roku and some of them say may need subscription. So how do you get HBO and all those premium channels? You also need to have an internet connection. So if you drop cable and keep the internet connection, are you limited to a certain amount of data usage? I mean I have Charter and Netflix and can watch as much as I want without worrying about data. My favorite channels are the sports channels, BTN, ESPN, etc., Hallmark Mysteries and Murders, Chiller, SyFy, and more like that. What is the best way to go?
I wish to watch tennis, golf, and cricket on TV… Via Roku or Apple… Any help and direction welcomed.
Hello,
Spectrum cable just raised my bill to $200 and I’ve had enough. I’m dumping cable TV Jan. 1st. Can I get all the live cable channels with a streaming device like Roku or another device? What is the best streaming device with the best rates?
Here’s our list of the best streaming devices. For example, something like the Roku Ultra would be a good option. You could then subscribe to a live TV streaming service, such as DIRECTV NOW, PlayStation Vue, or Sling TV, and watch live TV via your Roku.
I have just got a Roku TV. Can anyone tell me what I need to do to get local channels here in Jacksonville, FL? Do I need to get Hulu or Netflix to watch live broadcasts on ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
You could check one of the skinny bundles listed above. DIRECTV NOW, fuboTV, Hulu With Live TV, PlayStation Vue, and Sling TV all offer some combination of ABC, CBS, Fox and/or NBC in select markets.
An antenna is not viable where I live, I am in a 400 unit, concrete building that faces South, away from the TV towers here and the managers refuse to install an antenna on the roof for us to connect to. Any ideas?
You could consider testing a live TV streaming service, such as DIRECTV NOW, PlayStation Vue, or Sling TV. Though, unfortunately, they aren’t as inexpensive as an antenna would be.
My advice is to stay away from Roku TV. We got it with our home and now I understand why the seller didn’t want to take it. Every option is more expensive than replacing it with your average HDTV.