Hey guys! Are you looking to cut the cord and ditch traditional cable? Roku is an awesome way to stream all sorts of content right to your TV. But with so many apps available, figuring out which ones offer live TV can be a bit overwhelming. Don't sweat it! I’ve put together a list of the best live TV streaming apps for Roku to help you find the perfect fit.

Why Choose Live TV Streaming on Roku?

Live TV streaming on Roku offers a fantastic alternative to traditional cable, and here's why it's becoming increasingly popular: First off, cost savings are a major draw. Cable bills can be ridiculously high, but with streaming services, you usually pay a flat monthly fee that's way more affordable. You get to watch many of the same channels you love, but without the hefty price tag. Plus, most services don't lock you into long-term contracts, so you can cancel anytime if you're not feeling it. Another huge benefit is flexibility. You can watch live TV on your Roku whenever you want, whether it's catching up on the news, watching sports, or tuning into your favorite shows. And because it's streaming, you can often watch on other devices too, like your phone or tablet, when you're on the go. Convenience is another key factor. Everything is in one place, easily accessible through your Roku device. No more flipping through endless cable channels or dealing with clunky cable boxes. Streaming services typically have user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to find what you're looking for. Moreover, many live TV streaming apps offer additional features like on-demand content, cloud DVR storage, and the ability to create personalized watchlists. This means you can record your favorite shows and watch them later, or dive into a library of movies and TV series whenever you want. Plus, you're not stuck with a fixed channel lineup; you can often customize your subscription to include the channels you care about most. For example, if you're a sports fanatic, you can get a package that includes all the sports channels you need. Or if you're a news junkie, you can focus on news channels. So, if you're looking to save money, gain flexibility, and enjoy a more convenient way to watch TV, live TV streaming on Roku is definitely worth checking out.

Top Live TV Streaming Apps for Roku

Let's dive into some of the best live TV streaming apps you can find on Roku. These apps will let you watch your favorite shows, news, and sports without the hassle of a cable subscription.

1. Sling TV

Sling TV is one of the OG live TV streaming services, and it's still a solid option for Roku users. Sling TV's affordability is a major selling point. They offer a couple of different base packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each with its own channel lineup. Sling Orange is typically more sports and family-oriented, while Sling Blue focuses on news and entertainment. You can even combine them for a more comprehensive selection. The flexibility of Sling TV is another standout feature. You can customize your subscription with add-on packages to get exactly the channels you want without paying for stuff you don't care about. For example, if you're a huge sports fan, you can add the Sports Extra package to get access to a bunch of extra sports channels. Or if you love movies, you can add the Hollywood Extra package. It's all about tailoring your subscription to fit your interests. Sling TV's user interface is pretty straightforward and easy to navigate on Roku. You can quickly find live channels, on-demand content, and your DVR recordings. Speaking of DVR, Sling TV offers cloud DVR storage, so you can record your favorite shows and watch them later. The amount of storage you get depends on your subscription plan. While Sling TV has a lot going for it, there are a few potential downsides to consider. For starters, some popular channels are missing from the base packages, like ABC and CBS, depending on your location. You might need an antenna to watch those channels, or you could explore other streaming services that include them. Also, Sling TV's interface can sometimes feel a bit clunky compared to some of the other options out there. But overall, if you're looking for an affordable and customizable live TV streaming option for your Roku, Sling TV is definitely worth checking out.

2. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a powerhouse in the live TV streaming world, and it's an excellent choice for Roku users who want a comprehensive and user-friendly experience. YouTube TV's channel selection is one of its biggest strengths. It offers a wide variety of channels, including all the major networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and MSNBC. You're likely to find almost everything you're looking for in one place. Another standout feature is unlimited DVR storage. That's right, you can record as many shows as you want and keep them for up to nine months. This is a huge advantage over some other streaming services that limit your DVR storage. Plus, YouTube TV lets you create multiple user profiles, so each member of your household can have their own personalized viewing experience. YouTube TV's interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate on Roku. It's similar to the regular YouTube interface, so if you're already familiar with YouTube, you'll feel right at home. You can quickly find live channels, on-demand content, and your DVR recordings. YouTube TV also offers some cool features like the ability to rewind live TV, pause and resume watching on different devices, and get personalized recommendations based on your viewing habits. However, YouTube TV is a bit pricier than some of the other live TV streaming options out there. But considering the comprehensive channel selection, unlimited DVR storage, and user-friendly interface, many people find it well worth the cost. Overall, if you're looking for a premium live TV streaming experience on your Roku, YouTube TV is definitely a top contender.

3. Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is another fantastic option for Roku users, combining the best of both worlds: live TV and a massive on-demand library. Hulu + Live TV's extensive on-demand library is a major draw. In addition to live channels, you get access to Hulu's vast collection of TV shows, movies, and original series. This means you can watch live TV when you want, and then binge-watch your favorite shows on demand whenever you're in the mood. Hulu + Live TV's channel lineup includes all the major networks, as well as popular cable channels like ESPN, CNN, and FX. You'll find a good mix of news, sports, and entertainment options. Plus, Hulu + Live TV offers regional sports networks in many areas, so you can watch your local teams. Hulu + Live TV also offers DVR storage, so you can record your favorite shows and watch them later. The amount of storage you get depends on your subscription plan. One potential downside of Hulu + Live TV is that it can be a bit more expensive than some of the other live TV streaming options. However, considering the extensive on-demand library and the solid channel lineup, many people find it a great value. Hulu + Live TV's integration with the standard Hulu app is seamless. You can easily switch between live TV and on-demand content within the same interface. This makes it super convenient to find something to watch, no matter what you're in the mood for. Overall, if you're looking for a comprehensive streaming solution that combines live TV with a massive on-demand library, Hulu + Live TV is an excellent choice for your Roku.

4. fuboTV

fuboTV is a live TV streaming service that's heavily geared toward sports fans, but it also offers a solid selection of news and entertainment channels. For Roku users who are passionate about sports, fuboTV is definitely worth considering. fuboTV's focus on sports is its main selling point. It offers a wide variety of sports channels, including ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, and many regional sports networks. You can watch live games from all sorts of leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. fuboTV also offers 4K streaming for select sporting events, so you can enjoy the action in stunning detail. But fuboTV isn't just for sports fans. It also includes a good selection of news and entertainment channels, like CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and HGTV. You'll find a decent mix of content to keep you entertained. fuboTV offers cloud DVR storage, so you can record your favorite games and shows and watch them later. The amount of storage you get depends on your subscription plan. fuboTV's pricing is a bit higher than some of the other live TV streaming options, but if you're a sports fanatic, the extensive sports coverage may be worth the extra cost. fuboTV's interface on Roku is clean and easy to navigate. You can quickly find live games, on-demand content, and your DVR recordings. Overall, if you're a sports lover looking for a comprehensive live TV streaming service on your Roku, fuboTV is definitely a top contender.

5. Philo

Philo is a live TV streaming service that focuses on entertainment and lifestyle channels, making it a great option for Roku users who love watching TV shows and movies but don't care much about sports or news. Philo's affordable pricing is one of its biggest draws. It's one of the cheapest live TV streaming options out there, which makes it a great choice for budget-conscious viewers. Philo's channel lineup includes a wide variety of entertainment and lifestyle channels, like AMC, Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, and MTV. You'll find plenty of options for watching TV shows, movies, and reality TV. However, Philo doesn't offer any sports or news channels, so if you're a fan of those genres, you'll need to look elsewhere. Philo's unlimited DVR storage is a huge plus. You can record as many shows as you want and keep them for up to a year. This is a great feature for people who like to binge-watch their favorite shows. Philo's interface on Roku is simple and easy to use. You can quickly find live channels, on-demand content, and your DVR recordings. Philo's streaming quality is generally very good, with smooth playback and minimal buffering. Overall, if you're looking for an affordable live TV streaming service with a focus on entertainment and lifestyle channels, Philo is a great option for your Roku.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a rundown of some of the best live TV streaming apps for Roku. Whether you're a sports fanatic, a news junkie, or just someone who loves to binge-watch TV shows, there's a streaming service out there that's perfect for you. Take advantage of free trials to see which one fits your needs the best. Happy streaming!