Roku streaming makes it easy and affordable to watch what you love anytime you want. To get yourself set up, simply: 

• Power up your Roku device 
• Plug in and connect your Roku player or TV to the internet 
• Create a Roku account and activate your device 

And that’s it, cutting the cable cord made easy! Note: All Roku players and streaming sticks connect to your TV’s HDMI port. Roku TV models have the Roku streaming experience built-in, no HDMI connection needed. 

Roku streaming players start at just $29.99, and there are Roku TV models that fit every budget.

Once you purchase your Roku device, there are no additional equipment fees and there are no monthly fees for watching free channels. You’ll only pay for subscription to apps like Netflix, cable-replacement services like Sling TV, or movie and TV show rentals from services like Prime Video or Apple TV. 

Roku has more top streaming apps than any other streaming platform in the US (Circana/TV & Video App Availability Report, April 2023). That means there’s always something great to watch on Roku.  

You’ll be able to watch free or paid entertainment from services like Netflix, Prime Video, The Roku Channel, and more. And there are thousands more apps for sports, news, international, and kids, including broadcast channels like ABC, CBS, and NBC.  

If you pay for cable, there are no additional charges to watch many cable or satellite channels on your Roku device. You can even download your cable provider’s app and use your Roku device like a second cable box. 

Yes, Roku streaming players and Roku TV models need to be connected to your Wi-Fi® network to work. Roku Ultra also has an Ethernet port for wired streaming.

Yes, you need a Roku account to activate your device and access entertainment across thousands of streaming apps. A Roku account is completely free and there are no monthly equipment rental fees, making streaming and saving easy. Adding a payment method lets you easily rent or buy movies on demand or subscribe to popular services like Netflix.

Roku streaming players are built to do just one thing—let you watch all the entertainment you love as quickly and easily as possible. While smart TVs include access to major streaming channels, their systems are often harder to navigate and slower to load, with fewer channel options. Roku players upgrade any TV with fast streaming, an easy-to-use home screen, and thousands of free and premium apps. Plus, Roku players are always being improved for even better performance as time goes on with automatic updates. So “need” might be a strong word—but we think you’ll be a lot happier with one.