Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Yes. The Roku Channel is available as an app on compatible Google TV and Android TV devices in the United States; it launched on July 12, 2023, so it is not a new 2026 release. You do not need a Roku streaming device. The app is free to download, and much of its programming is free with ads, though availability and access requirements vary by title and region.
What launched—and what did not
Roku brought The Roku Channel, its streaming service, to Google TV and Android TV as a standalone app. It did not bring the Roku operating system or Roku home screen to Google TV. Your television remains a Google TV device; installing the app simply adds one more streaming service.
The television app is also different from The Roku App (Official), Roku’s mobile remote and companion app. Search your TV’s app store for The Roku Channel and check that the developer is Roku, Inc. & its affiliates. The two apps have separate Google Play listings: The Roku Channel and The Roku App (Official).
The service launched on Google TV and Android TV devices on July 12, 2023, initially for U.S. viewers. It was distributed through Google Play, with Chromecast with Google TV and compatible TCL and Hisense televisions among the devices cited at launch. Launch coverage and Android Central’s report documented the U.S. rollout.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
What can you watch?
The current Google Play listing advertises 500+ live TV channels, Roku Originals, movies and series, sports coverage, Spanish-language programming such as Espacio Latino, and family and children’s content. Channel counts and catalogs change, and the listing is not a promise that every program is available on every device or in every country. See the current app listing for its latest description.
At launch in 2023, coverage cited more than 80,000 free movies and programs and more than 350 live channels. Those are historical launch figures, not current catalog guarantees. The service’s mix includes linear channels that play on a schedule as well as on-demand titles; free live TV is not the same as a cable package or an entirely on-demand library.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
How to install it
- Connect your Google TV or Android TV device to the internet.
- Open Apps or the device’s Google Play Store. Menu names vary by device.
- Search for The Roku Channel.
- Confirm the listing is the Roku streaming service app from Roku, Inc. & its affiliates—not the mobile remote app.
- Select Install, then open the app and follow its on-screen prompts.
The app is free to download. Launch reports said viewers could start the free catalog without a sign-up or subscription, but account prompts and features can vary by platform and content. A free Roku account, if requested or useful, is not the same as a paid subscription. Do not assume that every title is available anonymously or without additional conditions.
Will it work on your television?
Look for the app on a compatible Google TV or Android TV device. “Google TV” is the name of the interface on certain televisions and streaming devices; Android TV OS is the broader platform family that underlies many TV apps. A television described as Android-based does not necessarily have the same interface, software certification, or app compatibility as a Google TV model.
Rank #3
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution: Enjoy your TV in stunning resolution Ultra HD ers four times the resolution of Full HD for greater clarity and detail
- Android TV: With the Android TV operating system you will have access to the best content, download the infinity of applications available through the Google Play Store!
- Voice remote control: Just press the Google Assistant button and ask it to find, play and control content
- Chromecast Built-in: Easily cast movies, shows, and photos from your Android or iOS device to your Android TV
- Easy Setup: Access your Google account and configure the device, language and Wi-Fi network
Compatibility is not universal. The device’s Play Store listing is the best practical check: if the official app appears and offers installation, it is eligible through that store. If it does not, the cause could be the particular model, software version, country settings, or a manufacturer-specific Play Store limitation—not necessarily that Roku has withdrawn the app. Roku’s support page also cautions that content availability varies by platform and region: Roku Channel availability and content details.
Google TV integration
The app can be used on its own, and later reporting described deeper Google TV integration beyond simply opening it as a separate app. In November 2024, reports described Roku Channel titles surfacing in Google TV search and recommendations, with Continue Watching and live channels appearing in relevant Google TV areas, including the Live tab. These integrations may depend on device software, app version, region, account settings, and rollout; do not assume every Roku title will appear in every Google TV row. See the integration update report.
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Is it really free?
The Roku Channel is an ad-supported streaming service, so expect commercial breaks. “Free” describes much of the service, not every possible title or viewing condition: particular content or channels may require sign-in, a subscription, rental, or other eligibility. Requirements and availability can vary by title, platform, and country. Roku’s support information and channel guidance explain that availability and payment conditions can differ.
Recommended Free Tools
If the app does not appear or will not open
- Check the name: Search for “The Roku Channel,” not “The Roku App.” The latter is primarily Roku’s mobile remote and companion app.
- Check compatibility and region: Confirm that your TV or streaming box has Google Play access, and review its country or region settings. A web Play Store listing may also show whether Google considers your device compatible.
- Update and restart: Install pending system and app updates, then restart the television or streaming device. Check that you are not searching from a restricted child profile.
- If it used to work: Force stop the app, clear its cache, update it, or uninstall and reinstall it from the official store.
- Avoid random APK downloads: Sideloading an unofficial or incompatible package can introduce security risks and update or account problems. If the official store does not offer the app for your device, do not treat sideloading as the default fix.
When to choose an alternative
If your main goal is another source of free, ad-supported programming, alternatives include Pluto TV for live channels, Tubi for on-demand movies and shows, and Plex for free channels alongside personal-media-server features. Google TV also offers built-in free channels in supported markets; Google explains the Live area and provider apps in its Android TV help page.
Best Value
- No More App-Switching. Forget learning to navigate a new screen with every app. TiVo Stream 4K enables one centralized place for searching, browsing, and creating watch lists across all your apps..DC Input Range 5V/1.0A. Power Consumption : Maximum 5 W
- Recommendations Across All of Your Apps: Get rid of the walls between what you watch. TiVo recommends your next favorite shows and movies based on what you love, not where they live.
- Say it and watch it. The power of voice control makes it easy to find shows. Integrated Google Assistant allows you to launch apps, dim the lights and more.
- One place for all your favorite streaming apps. TiVo Stream 4K includes Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock plus many more, so you can get to your shows fast.
- TiVo Stream 4K is one of Time Magazine’s “2020 Best Inventions, Special Mention” and PCMag hails it as “an excellent media streamer for TV lovers.” Operating Temperature 0˚C - 40˚C
Choose Roku hardware only if you want the Roku interface, its device ecosystem, or a dedicated Roku remote—not just access to The Roku Channel. Likewise, a Google TV streaming device is unnecessary if you already own a compatible television or box. The app is the simpler option for existing Google TV owners who want Roku Originals and another free, ad-supported service.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
