What Is The Best Live Tv App For Roku?

Roku devices are among the most popular cord-cutting tools around, and that doesn't look like it's changing anytime soon. Roku is a great way to organize on-demand streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, but what about live TV services? Do you know how to watch live TV on Roku?

If not, this is the guide you need. With its cable look-alike "skinny bundle" subscription services and many other live TV options, Roku has you covered. Here are a few of our favorite ways to watch live TV on Roku.

How to Watch Live TV on Roku

Your options for live TV on Roku include a few different types of services, including live TV streaming services. Sometimes called "skinny bundles" after their slimmed-down channel selections, these live TV streaming services are cable-like services that take live network television and put it online. The idea is that you can do everything you could do with cable, including surf channels, watch live TV, and even record things to a DVR. But in the case of skinny bundles, it all happens online, meaning there are no regional monopolies — which results in lower prices and fewer restrictions for consumers like us.

Besides skinny bundles, our list includes free live streaming services of all types (including genre- and network-specific solutions) and paid sports league streaming packages. We have, however, left out streaming apps that require you to validate them with a pay TV login. This is a site for cord-cutters, after all!

Stream live TV on Roku with DIRECTV Stream

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A few years ago, legacy TV pay services began to realize skinny bundles represented the future, which is how we got DIRECTV Stream, a skinny bundle from telecom giant AT&T. DIRECTV Stream offers tons of great channels without forcing you into a long-term contract — although you can sign up for a (strictly optional) long-term deal if you desire. To find out more about the service, read our review of DIRECT TV Stream.

Philo is one of the most affordable ways to watch live TV on Roku. The catch: no local channels, and virtually no sports coverage. If you can live with those drawbacks (or supplement them with free over-the-air TV), Philo's pricing makes it an ideal way to watch live TV on Roku without cable. You can give Philo a test-drive, risk-free: Like many of its competitors, Philo offers a free trial. Read our review of Philo to learn more about the service.

Hulu + Live TV is Hulu's venture into the skinny-bundle market. It's quickly become one of the top live TV streaming services on the market, and we think Hulu's take on the skinny bundle is a very strong option for those wanting to watch live TV on Roku devices. For more information, read our review of Hulu + Live TV.

fuboTV has broadened its offerings in recent years, with a special emphasis on sports fans. In other ways it's a pretty typical skinny bundle, but there's nothing wrong with that. fuboTV is good at what it does, and you can read our review of fuboTV to learn more about this streaming service.

Stream live TV on Roku with Sling TV

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Sling TV is a skinny bundle, but it differs slightly from its competitors in that it is slightly more à la carte. Rather than stack bundles in a hierarchy, Sling TV offers subscribers one of two starter packages and then invites them to build out custom packages with "add-on" bundles. These bundles feature small groups of related channels. The idea is that sports fans can get the sports networks without the home improvement networks, and vice versa, saving everyone some money.

Stream live TV on Roku with ESPN+

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ESPN Plus started a little slow when it launched, but lately, it's been gaining momentum as fast as Connor McDavid on a breakaway. If you got that hockey reference, then you'll be happy to know that starting with the 2021-2022 season, ESPN Plus is going to be the streaming home of more than 1,000 NHL games a year. It's got sports like soccer, baseball, and football too, and you can take it all in with your Roku.

Stream live TV on Roku with Paramount+

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Paramount Plus is the new name for the service that was known as CBS All Access until March 2021. But while the rebranding is a little confusing, you shouldn't let that distract you from all the good that Paramount Plus offers. It works with Roku, which means you can stream your favorite content from CBS, Comedy Central, BET and more on your Roku.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is Google's answer to the skinny-bundle question. It's a strong service, so it's no surprise to see it fared well in our YouTube TV review.

Free Over-the-Air TV

As you may already know, free over-the-air TV is one of the best ways to get live TV without cable. But how can you connect an antenna to your Roku?

Well, with a Roku TV, it's easy — just plug it in and scan for channels. Even if you're using a Roku set-top box or stick, though, there are ways to get live OTA content onto your device. One option is to use an OTA DVR like Tablo. Tablo's Roku channel allows Roku users to watch live and recorded OTA TV through their Tablo device and antenna. The app is free, but you'll need to pay for a subscription to get some key features, like the TV guide. You'll also need your own antenna to go with the Tablo device. Another option is to combine a PC TV tuner and Plex, which now allows for live TV streaming.

NewsON

NewsON is a service that aims to replace one live TV service that cord-cutters previously had little access to: local news. It auto-locates the closest supported local news station and lets you play coverage on your Roku device. It's a free service, so there's no harm in checking it out.

League Sports Packages

MLB.TV, NBA League Pass, and NHL.TV let cord-cutters watch live out-of-market MLB, NBA, and NHL games, respectively. The prices vary by league and package, and some leagues offer single-team deals. Despite the blackouts and relatively high price tags, these are a clear choice for fans with a particular passion for one sport or league.