Roku devices come in a variety of different models and specifications, but at their core, they all work the same way:add channels and watch the content you want.
There are two channel sources. One is the streaming channel library on the device. There are more than enough free Roku channels to keep you entertained. However, the Roku really comes into play when you start adding private channels.
Read on to learn how to add private channels to your Roku and discover the best Roku channels you can install right now.
Before you can add a private channel to your Roku box, you'll need two things:
Once you have the code and have created an account, it's easy to start adding channels.
To get started, go to your account portal and click Add a channel with a code. . Insert the code, accept the on-screen confirmation and you're done.
The channel should immediately appear at the bottom of the channel list on your Roku's home screen. If not, you can force an update by going to Settings> System> System update> Check now on the device.
So now that you know how to add channels, you just need to know which channels are worth your time. Here's a group you should consider installing right away.
Clikia offers a mix of live channels, video on demand and ad-free radio stations. You can access some free content without paying anything..
If you're willing to dip into your wallet, there are three packages available. If you want to access cable channels like TNT, Sony, Cartoon Network, FOX News, and ESPN, you'll need to pay $31.95/month.
Weather radar will be especially useful for people who live in hurricane and hurricane prone areas. It has local radar and satellite loops for your location, as well as tropical cyclone and disturbance maps.
Content from US GOES and the National Hurricane Center is available.
Are you a fan of conspiracy theories? If the answer is yes, you should check out FreeJack TV. It offers a mix of conspiracy-themed chat shows, live streams, movies, and more.
EuroRoku is a private pay channel from Roku that provides access to 24/7 streaming of European TV stations.
The service costs $15/month and offers over 300 channels, including networks from the US, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Poland, and Sweden.
If you like science fiction, murder mystery, horror movies and black content, Back From the Grave is the channel for you.
Available TV shows and movies include Tales of Tomorrow and The Moon of the Wolf.
Roku's gaming potential is often overlooked. There are many great games that you can play on your Roku device. 10 Awesome Roku Games You Should Play. 10 Incredible Games You Should Play. Did you know that Roku has a surprisingly extensive catalog of games? Here are the best games you can play on your Roku right now! Read more.
One that is definitely worth checking out is the Donkey Kong remake. It's still in beta, hence it's a private channel..
The French film The Artist might have been cleaned up at the 2012 Oscars, but the true heyday of the silent film was in the 1920s.
The Silent Movie Channel lets you relive the glory days of Harold Lloyd, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Genres include adventure, science fiction, comedy, and horror.
Not to be confused with the official Roku ad-supported movie channel The Roku channel brings free movies to the web The Roku channel brings free movies to the web You no longer need a Roku device to watch Roku's free ad-supported movie channel. Because The Roku Channel is now on the web. Read More
Give it a try if you like giant monsters and forgotten kung-fu movies with ridiculous stories.
Podcasts continue to grow in popularity. Regardless of your specific tastes, you should be able to find something you like.
The iTunes Podcast Channel provides access to the iTunes Podcast directory and allows you to listen to shows through your Roku device.
Interestingly, the second largest video streaming site in the world does not have an official channel on Roku. However, if you install this private channel, you will be able to enjoy the best content that the site has to offer.
The Internet Archive should already be familiar to you. We have recommended your content as an excellent resource for cord cutters numerous times.
The Roku Channel provides access to the site's vast repository of old TV shows, movies, and videos.
LodeRunner is a classic video game from 1983. Initially, the puzzle game was available on the Apple II, Atari 8-bit, VIC-20, Commodore 64, and IBM machines. In later years, it also appeared on PCs and Game Boys.
It was one of the first games to feature a level editor.
There was something special about shows like America's Funniest Home Videos in the 1990s. They haven't been the same since smartphones became commonplace.
If you want to relive some of that glorious home video hilarity, install the home movie channel. There are hours of funny, silly, unusual, or just plain awesome classic home video footage to watch.
Many people use Google Drive or Dropbox as their media server How to make your own private Netflix with Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive How to make your own private Netflix with Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive It's easy to make your own private Netflix. All you need is Kodi, plus movies and TV shows saved to Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. Read more . It's not as elegant a solution as a service like Plex, but it works.
If you store your TV shows and movies in the cloud, take Syntrix. It allows you to access your accounts and watch your videos on your Roku device.
What's the perfect way to end a tough day at the office? Crash your couch with a beer and a sci-fi movie, of course!
Science Fiction and Beer brings you a series of classic sci-fi movies for free. But there is no free beer, unfortunately. More are being added all the time.
The Odeon Theater focuses exclusively on classic, cult and independent films. Show only one movie per week; It opens on Wednesdays at noon.
Nowhere is the TV not as impressive as it once was, but it's still a must-have for any Roku owner.
These days, most content is podcast audio and video content. However, it's still a great way to stay on top of the latest videos from networks like CNET, NASA, and C-SPAN without having to install multiple channels that clog up (and slow down) your Roku device.
Twitch has a curious relationship with Roku. There used to be an official app, then Amazon pulled it, reinstalled it, and threw it out again. It's not entirely clear why this is the case.
Install this unofficial Twitch app and you won't be at the mercy of Amazon's latest whims. Speaking of Amazon, we also compared the Roku and the Amazon Fire Stick Amazon Fire Stick vs. Roku:Which is better? Amazon Fire Stick vs. Roku:Which is better? Cord cutting is on the rise. But if you're downloading on a cable, which device should you choose between the Amazon Fire Stick and Roku? Read more.
If you speak Spanish and want to stay on top of the latest happenings in Latin America, you can subscribe to Spanish Time for $9.99/month.
It offers more than 150 live streaming channels from across the region, including the largest networks in Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. There is also a wide selection of various sports and entertainment channels in Spanish.
No, this is not a joke, this is really a channel focused on live goats.
Sure, it sounds ridiculous, but keep in mind that it was on EarthCam's list of "The 25 Most Interesting Webcams of 2015." There is also an accompanying YouTube channel.
As one viewer put it, "I just can't get enough goats in a tree."
Roku private channels have something for everyone. If you are not using them, it will severely restrict your enjoyment and limit the potential of your device.
To learn more about how to get the most out of your Roku device, check out our article on the awesome Roku features you're probably not using and how to watch local channels on Roku for free How to watch local channels on Roku for free:7 Methods to try How to watch channels Locals on Free Roku:7 Methods to Try Cut the cord? You can still access your local TV networks! Here's how to watch local channels on Roku for free. Read more.