Roku offers a vast assortment of different channels, all including their own different, accessible content. Though they have their popular channels like Hulu, Netflix, and many others, Roku also has a lot of “hidden gems:” a great channel that may be not as well-known as it deserves to be. It can be easy to overlook the smaller channels, but they all have their own special features and provide great services that many streaming giants don’t offer.
Here are 10 Hidden Roku & Roku TV Gems:
- COMET is a free television channel dedicated to sci-fi entertainment offering popular favorites, cult classics, and undiscovered gems, every day.
- It’s 100% free, and offers amazing content like the X-Files, Stargate, and more.
- Watch live, local TV newscasts for free from nearly 200 trusted local news stations across the U.S. with the NewsON app. No cable subscription or login required. Enjoy local news with NewsON anytime, anywhere,
- Stream live local news, previous newscasts (up to 48 hours), and local news clips
- Watch breaking news coverage of local stories gaining national attention from where it’s happening.
- Always know which stations are broadcasting LIVE with our “Live Stations” feature.
- Easily access your favorite local stations no matter where you live.
- Browse their list of partner stations and explore local news across the U.S. with their “By Location” and Search features.
- Watch local and global news from 300+ channels.
- Haystack News is your go-to for hyper-relevant news, from local coverage to global current events. It’s the best way to watch a variety of coverage, all in one place, and absolutely free.
- Choose the categories, sources and topics that matter most to you to customize your newscast.
- Explore channels like Business and International News with stories from only the most trusted news channels, including ABC News, CBSN, Newsy, AP, CNET, Euronews, Cheddar, CBC, Bloomberg, and more local news coverage than any other streaming service.
- Take a deep dive into important topics and trends with dedicated channels that bring coverage from all over the world together in one convenient spot.
- Explore new topics with Haystack Spotlight, our channel dedicated to captivating long-form coverage and mini-documentaries.
- The most affordable LIVE TV streaming service! 40+ channels for $6.99/mo.
- 40+ LIVE channels for $6.99/mo. Hallmark Channel, A&E, Great American Family, MeTV, INSP, Weather Channel, & more.
- Try 7 days free. Cancel any time. Watch new movies and shows, plus on demand.
- Optional unlimited cloud DVR available.
- Go back in the guide for up to 72 hours to watch anything that’s previously aired.
- Channel list includes but is not limited to: The HISTORY Channel, Hallmark Channel, INSP, Lifetime, and more.
Kids & Family on the Roku Channel
- More than 10,000 episodes on demand
- Live TV channel guide featuring more than a dozen kids entertainment channels
- Easily watch your favorite shows again and again with our Watch Again feature
- Quickly find your favorites with our specialized Character Row
- Jump to your favorite titles using our Search feature
- Discover shows for your little one based on our age-based content pages
- Specify your content ratings with pin-based playback controls
- Stay connected to what’s happening near you with Local Now, your one-stop-shop for free local news, weather and more.
- Choose from over 200 local streams to find the news and info that is most relevant to you–from current events to restaurant reviews and so much more, Local Now has you covered.
- Local Now also has thousands of free movies and live TV channels to choose from.
Your Local TV Station
Did you know your local TV station likely has a channel on your Roku? With this channel in many markets, you can watch live news, local forecasts, and replays of local news coverage. Just search for your local TV station to see what is available in your area.
- Local weather forecasts tailored for you.
- Streams live weather newscasts from certified meteorologists, provides your local weather data, local weather alerts (U.S. only) from NWS (National Weather Service), weather maps and more.
- Make decisions about your day or next vacation. Get weather data anytime.
- Features include: Track current conditions, forecasts and NWS alerts (U.S. only) for your location or save your favorite places to easily access. Access weather maps (U.S. Only) with multiple layers like Radar, Visible Radar, Current Winds, Current Dew Points, and more.
- hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by your local public library that allows you to stream movies and television episodes to your TV for free with no waiting.
- It has thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily.
- hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere.
- Discover thought-provoking and enriching entertainment on one convenient streaming platform—brought to you for free by your library.
- Kanopy’s catalog of thousands of titles includes festival favorites and popular picks chosen for their insight into other cultures, perspectives, and beliefs.
- Kanopy also offers children’s programming with Kanopy Kids. Parents can browse educational and engaging videos for children of all ages that promote positive social and emotional development and inspire creativity in young minds.
For more information on each of these hidden gems, check out our in-depth video here.
Roku offers an extensive list of channels hidden away, waiting to be found, they just don’t have the much needed recognition they deserve. Every Roku owner should check out these lesser-known channels, their features might just rival those of larger, paid services.