Looking to maximize your Roku streaming experience without spending a dime? You'll find an impressive collection of free Roku apps that offer thousands of hours of entertainment.
25 Best Free Roku Apps in 2024: Ultimate Streaming Guide
From movies and TV shows to news and music, these free channels help you save money while enjoying quality content. Let's explore the best free Roku apps available in 2024.
1. Pluto TV
Pluto TV stands out as one of the best free streaming services, offering 250+ live channels and thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows. You'll find news from CBS News, sports content, and dedicated channels for classic TV shows. The service features a user-friendly interface and requires no registration.
2. The Roku Channel
Roku's own free streaming service provides access to 300+ live TV channels, movies, and original content. The platform offers a rotating selection of popular movies and shows, including Roku Originals. You'll also find live news from ABC News, Reuters, and more.
3. Peacock (Free Tier)
NBCUniversal's streaming service offers a free tier with 13,000+ hours of content. Watch select episodes of popular NBC shows, news coverage, and some sports content. The free tier includes recent episodes of current NBC shows and classic series.
4. Tubi
Tubi offers over 40,000 movies and TV shows completely free. The Fox-owned service features content from major studios including Paramount, MGM, and Lionsgate. You'll find popular movies, TV series, kids' content, and even anime.
5. Crackle
Sony's free streaming service provides a mix of movies, TV shows, and original programming. The library includes content from multiple studios and networks, with new titles added monthly. Features unique original series and movies not found elsewhere.
6. PBS
Access high-quality educational and entertainment content from America's Public Broadcasting Service. Watch award-winning documentaries, children's programming, and acclaimed series. Many local PBS stations also offer live streaming.
7. YouTube
The world's largest video platform offers endless free content. While not all features are available in the free version, you'll still find millions of videos, tutorials, music, and entertainment channels. Perfect for both entertainment and learning.
8. Redbox Free Live TV
Known for DVD rentals, Redbox also offers free live TV channels and on-demand content. Features news, sports, entertainment, and exclusive channels. No account required to start watching.
9. Xumo
Stream over 190 free channels of live and on-demand content. Offers news from NBC News, ABC News, and Bloomberg, plus sports, movies, and TV shows. Clean interface makes finding content easy.
10. NewsON
Access live and on-demand local news from over 275 local TV stations across the U.S. Perfect for keeping up with local news when traveling or after cutting cable. Features weather updates and breaking news alerts.
11. Kanopy
Free streaming service available through participating public libraries and universities. Access thousands of independent films, documentaries, and educational content. Simply link your library card to start watching.
12. Hoopla
Similar to Kanopy, Hoopla offers free streaming through public libraries. Access movies, TV shows, music, and audiobooks. Available titles refresh monthly, and no ads interrupt viewing.
13. FilmRise
Offers thousands of free movies and TV shows across multiple genres. Features classic films, documentaries, and popular TV series. Content refreshes regularly with new additions.
14. WeatherNation
24/7 weather coverage including forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. National and local weather information available. Perfect companion to local news apps.
15. Vevo
Access thousands of music videos, live performances, and original music content. Features official music videos from major artists and labels. Organized by genre and artist for easy browsing.
16. Twitch
Popular streaming platform for gaming, music, and creative content. Watch live streams from favorite content creators. Features chat interaction and community engagement.
17. Popcornflix
Free movie and TV show streaming service with no subscription required. Features action, horror, comedy, and drama content. New titles added regularly.
18. STIRR
Sinclair Broadcast Group's free streaming service offering local news, sports, and entertainment. Features 100+ channels including local content based on your location.
19. Pandora
Popular music streaming service with a free, ad-supported tier. Create custom radio stations based on artists, songs, or genres. Features music discovery tools.
20. Tubi Kids
Family-friendly section of Tubi featuring children's programming. Safe, curated content for different age groups. Includes popular animated series and educational content.
21. Crunchyroll (Free Tier)
Leading anime streaming service with a substantial free tier. Watch popular anime series with subtitles. New episodes available one week after premium users.
22. CNET
Tech news, reviews, and how-to content from CNET. Features product reviews, tech news updates, and buying guides. Perfect for staying informed about technology.
23. Haystack News
Personalized news streaming service combining multiple sources. Create custom newsfeeds based on interests. Features local, national, and international news coverage.
24. Plex (Free Content)
Media server platform offering free live TV and on-demand content. Features 200+ free live channels and thousands of free movies and shows. Clean interface with good organization.
25. iHeartRadio
Free streaming service for radio stations, podcasts, and music. Access thousands of live radio stations nationwide. Features custom music stations and popular podcasts.
Pro tip: While these apps are free, you can enhance your streaming experience by combining them with other money-saving strategies. Check out our guide on how to save money on entertainment for more tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Roku Apps
Are free Roku apps really free?
Yes, free Roku apps are completely free to download and use. While some apps like Peacock and Crackle offer premium tiers, their free versions provide substantial content without requiring payment. Most free apps are supported by advertisements.
How do I add free channels to my Roku?
To add free channels to your Roku: 1) Press the Home button on your Roku remote, 2) Select 'Streaming Channels' to open the channel store, 3) Browse or search for the channel you want, 4) Select 'Add Channel' to install it. The channel will appear on your home screen once installed.
What's the best free Roku app for movies?
Pluto TV and The Roku Channel are considered the best free Roku apps for movies, offering extensive libraries of popular films. Both services regularly update their content and offer good streaming quality with limited commercial interruptions.
Do I need a Roku account to use free apps?
You need a free Roku account to activate your device and download channels, but many free apps don't require additional accounts to watch content. Some services like Peacock or Crackle may ask you to create a free account for a better personalized experience.
