Here’s a list of 10 of the best Roku channels that every cord cutter who owns or is considering owning a Roku should check out:
Crackle
Crackle is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc., allowing it to have access to a wide range of Sony movies and TV shows. NBCUniversal has a deal with Crackle to bring over 140 NBCUniversal movies to the service.
Crackle also produces original shows like “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”
You can find Crackle on Roku, Fire TV, and the Crackle website.
Tubi TV
Tubi TV claims to have the largest free catalog of movies and TV shows available online legally. One of the main partners is Paramount Pictures, who licenses new movies every month to the service.
You can find Tubi TV on the Roku as well as the Fire TV.
Popcornflix
Popcornflix was launched in March 2011 with a focus on independent movies and TV shows. They have also secured licensed deals to bring you a large collection of content.
You can find Popcornflix on Roku.
Film Festival Favorites
Film Festival Favorites does something more channels should do. You can watch their content for free with ads, or for just $3.99, the price of a single movie rental on most services, you get their entire catalog of movies ad-free.
This is a great service full of hundreds of award-winning movies and documentaries from some of the biggest names in movies.
You can find Film Festival Favorites on the Roku.
Livestream
If you love live content, from concerts to news and sports, Livestream is a must have channel for Roku owners! There are many excellent live events aired 100% free on the Livestream channel every day. From great coverage of music festivals, to local news, and even college football games, the Livestream app is a must for everyone.
You can find the Livestream app on Roku.
Comedy Central, History Channel, and Nickelodeon
Want cable channel apps on a 100% free list? YES! Many cable channel apps offer a ton of free shows. While your selection will be limited, they often update the content of their free shows. Regularly checking their site will give you access to a fresh selection of their great TV shows. It takes a bit of work, but these apps can be an abundant resource for cord cutters. *If you have a cable login you will receive a larger catalog of shows.
You can find these channels on Roku here:
Sports Illustrated:
If you are a sports fan you need the Sports Illustrated channel.
- Stay up-to-date on all the happenings in the sports world
- Great daily and weekly shows that cover a wide range of different sports including NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, college basketball, college football, golf, soccer, tennis and more.
You can add it to your Roku.
Stream Now TV:
If you are looking for indie shows and films make sure to check out Stream Now TV. It brings you a wide range of great content from indie film makers around the world.
- There is no easier way to discover and watch independent filmmaker’s projects. Cut the clutter, cut the cord and Stream Now.
- Content includes titles like Taco Talk, Derrick & Sally: Bathtub Killers, Kanowna, The River, Ruffus The Dog and more.
You can add it to your Roku.
PBS:
This is a must have channel for anyone who loves great shows, documentaries, and news. With hundreds of hours of free content it is worth checking out and adding to your Roku.
- PBS primetime programs: American Experience, FRONTLINE, Masterpiece, Nature, NOVA, PBS NewsHour and more
- Arts and music programs: American Masters, Austin City Limits, Great Performances, and more
- Programs from your local PBS station
- Original series from PBS Digital Studios, including OffBook and Idea Channel
You can add it to your Roku.
Smithsonian Channel
If you love educational content, the Smithsonian Channel is a must-have. They include a long list of full-length episodes and documentaries on a wide range of topics.
The Smithsonian Channel is available on the Roku.
Do you have a suggestion for our list? Leave us a comment with a link so everyone can see it.