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Roku TV with smartphone

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.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to stream live TV on Roku:
  Price Channels Free Trial  
$69.99 - $159.99 140+ 5 days Watch Now
$74.99 - $94.99 220+ 7 days Watch Now
$40 - $60 30+ - 130+ 3 days Watch Now
$25 60+ 7 days Watch Now
$4.99 - $99.99 N/A 7 days Watch Now
$6.99 - $13.99 N/A None Watch Now
$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.

116 thoughts on “How to Watch Live TV on Roku in 2024

  1. PTTP says:

    I have PlayStation Vue on my Roku and use it on 4 TVs – I believe Sling is $20 per TV unless they’ve changed their pricing since I inquired. For travel, you can use your phone or tablet as the 5th allowable device on PSV.

  2. Leslie says:

    Is Fox News live and offered live streaming?

    1. Rainstormgal says:

      Yes. I watch Fox News live on Roku via PlayStation Vue. I’m doing the PSVue trial and so far so good. My family and I really like it so we will more than likely keep it.

  3. Jim says:

    Bought the new Roku Premiere. Can’t screen mirror from Android. Anyone have a fix for this? I understand older model Rokus have this option.

  4. Terry says:

    You can get Hallmark show on Roku with the Feelin channel. It’s $23.00 a year.

  5. Cristhian G says:

    Hello, I’d like to know how to get Pi TV on my Roku 4. Thanks!

  6. Jessendeen says:

    You may try use Allavsoft to download CBS News video to MP4, WMV, MOV, FLV, AVI, etc.

  7. Lynette says:

    I have cable with my internet service and wondered if I can get all those channels if I hook up Roku. I only want Roku for Netflix.

  8. Roberta says:

    Can you get Heroes & Icons with Roku? WZME changed to Jimmy Swaggard and Optimum (cable in my area) does not air H&I now…

  9. Mike says:

    Looking for live TV, email me for details (1iptvguy@gmail.com).

  10. Allen says:

    Looking for free options for live TV channels, not having much success.

  11. Judy Imler says:

    I have a Roku Premier. How can I get free live and local channels on it? I would really appreciate some assistance.

    1. Blanca says:

      Look for the Pluto app on your Roku TV.

  12. Sandy Ketzeback says:

    I would like to get the TLC channel live, any suggestions?

  13. Karmell Harris says:

    Is it true that you can add (channels) networks (such as VH1, OWN, and Nickelodeon) to a jailbroken Fire Stick?

  14. Eric Bogan says:

    Channel PEAR, Nowhere TV, and Pluto TV all suck on a Roku. Channel PEAR is almost unwatchable! The other two do not offer anything worth watching (Nowhere has almost no content). I would not recommend any of these!

    1. Kenneth G. Shaw says:

      What’s The Pear Channel code???

    2. Blanca says:

      Channel Pear is broken, maybe it’s where you live. I have the Pluto app and I love it.

  15. Joshi says:

    You can also watch FilmOn on the Roku device, and it’s free to install. Just use these codes to install and add these to the list.

    Channel code: NMEVA
    Channel code with guide: arteseafon

  16. Sean says:

    Trying to locate the channel PEAR on my Roku but I can NOT find it. Help!

    1. Kenneth G. Shaw says:

      The Pear Channel is a Roku hidden channel, so ask someone & comment for the code here & then add The Pear Channel at your online Roku account…

      1. Sherri says:

        I keep hearing everyone talk about Roku hidden channels. How do I find these, and are any of them free?

    2. Blanca says:

      Channel Pear has been broken for about a year.

  17. Mike says:

    I know of a private channel where you can get 200+ live USA channel, 80 Spanish channels, popular TV shows, and 800 + movies for a small monthly fee all you need is a Roku and internet connection if your interested email me at 1iptvguy@gmail.com. I’m not directing anyone to a website so I don’t get kicked off here so of you want to know email me.

    1. William Roberts says:

      I am interested in this private channel. I know about a (for fee) Roku channel called USTVnow for military and expats.

    2. Ashok says:

      Can you please send the channel name to my email address ashokQA@gmail.com?

    3. Randy says:

      Yes please!!!

  18. Brandon says:

    Mach TV.

  19. C McSwain says:

    Is it possible to watch live You Tube on Roku?

    1. Sherri says:

      Yes! I get it on mine. Go to Search on Home menu, enter YouTube, then follow instructions to install.

  20. Lucretia says:

    Sling TV says it includes FOX & NBC in Sling Blue; but I subscribed & then they told me that FOX & NBC are not available due to my location. However I found a completely free app for Roku for NBC. The only way that I’ve found to get FOX is through Playstation Vue, but it’s too expensive. So what I wound up doing is downgrading to Sling Orange & adding the Hollywood Extras, which are EPIX movie channels. It’s still the $25 a month I was paying for Sling Blue, but it’s more of what I want.

  21. Sharon says:

    I’m in the Atlanta area. How do I get local channels?

    1. Blanca says:

      Go to Walmart and get a converter box.

  22. Sally Robertson says:

    I received this reply about Livestream from Roku: Krista (freeformsupport).

    Jun 24, 9:23 AM PDT

    Hi there!

    Thanks for asking us about this. At this time, Livestream is not available in your geographic area just yet, but we’re always working hard to add more geographic areas in the future!

    Livestream is currently available in the following areas: Chicago, Fresno, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Raleigh-Durham and San Francisco. You must be located within each available station’s local viewing area and must verify your participating TV provider account for access to the ABC live stream in your area.

  23. Jamie Tyson says:

    I have the new Roku Express Plus and have added XTv and the Channel Pear. I have the live cable channels but not consistently on a regular basis. The channels for these two apps are not always available. Is there another way I can get live TV on a more regular basis? Thanks.

  24. Mark Trovato says:

    If you are looking for reliability and stability and value, it is PlayStation Vue. I, like you, did all research and just completed my 5 day free preview and for $54/month, I get over 90 channels, including all the NFL essentials, NFL Network, ESPN. For locals, I have a good indoor antenna. Works fine. You can stream up to 5 devices with Vue, nobody else offers that. In addition, they offer cloud DVR technology. The best part is: They also offer Red Zone channel for a separate subscription for only $39 for entire season. Sling does not offer Fox News channel.

    1. Blanca says:

      Sling does have the Fox channel, not for all areas, though. I have the Fox channel on Sling, I’m in Florida.

  25. Timy Haywood says:

    Is there an app or hidden channel to get Nascar, NHRA, and Indy Car? I have Sling and am sick of paying for Fox 1 and 2 and NBCSN. Anyone can help it would be appreciated.

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