A TV package is only complete if it has local channels that bring regional news, sports, and special events to your living room and connect you to your hometown. That’s why going cordless can lead to losing touch with the local community. Roku has one of the best streaming devices, offering hundreds of streaming providers like HBO, Prime Video, and Hulu. Roku also brings local flavor to your screen with a selection of local channel apps available in its Roku Channel Store. Here’s how to watch your local TV channels on a Roku streamer.
Check live TV on Roku OS 12
Roku recently launched Roku OS 12 for eligible devices. Go to Settings > System to download the latest system on your streaming device. Check the Live TV Zone on the home screen to access several channels. Browse over local news channels curated for your location and check AI-recommended channels from major cities across the US.
Use live TV channels from the Channel Store
The Channel Store is your one-stop solution for downloading free channels. It’s packed with network-affiliated and third-party channels. Some notable names include NewsON, Haystack, WBRC FOX6 News, Boston 25, and WPXI Channel 11 News.
NewsON offers more than 200 local news stations across the US. You don’t need an account or subscription. Download the NewsOS channel from the Channel Store and enjoy the content online. Haystack is another popular option for watching local and global news from more than 300 channels.
Add channels using the Channel Store on your Roku device, Roku site, or mobile apps. Your Roku account syncs and makes all channels available on your compatible devices.
Live TV on The Roku Channel
The Roku Channel unlocks thousands of TV shows, hit movies, Roku Originals, and more than 350 live TV channels on your Roku device. It’s available for download from the Channel Store. It doesn’t require a subscription, purchase, or rental. Add up to 40 Premium subscriptions from services like SHOWTIME, AMC+, and EPIX and access everything from a single app.
The Roku Channel can be downloaded on Samsung smart TVs and Amazon Fire TVs. After downloading the Roku Channel, open the app and head to the Live TV section to enjoy always-on TV channels anytime.
Check local channels on YouTube
YouTube has an ever-growing number of live TV channels to stream on Roku. Most news stations have a YouTube channel to air live news and segments. All you do is download the YouTube app on your Roku from the Channel Store and sign in with your Google account details. Give it a try and see for yourself. If it isn’t what you’re looking for, deleting it is simple.
Explore paid streaming services with local channel support
There’s no shortage of streaming services with live TV channel support on Roku. Let’s quickly go through some of the popular options for your Roku device.
YouTube TV
Google’s YouTube TV offers 100+ live TV channels to watch on Roku. The channel list covers popular categories like News, Sports, Kids, Entertainment, and Music. The company offers unlimited DVR space, and pricing starts at $73 per month. Opt for a free trial to check the content library and streaming experience. YouTube TV is available to download from the Channel Store on Roku.
You can also explore dozens of add-ons to elevate your streaming experience on YouTube TV. Services like Max (known as HBO Max), Showtime, AMC+, Cinemax, and more are available as add-ons on YouTube TV. With the introduction of NFL Sunday Ticket and access to all the relevant sports channels, it’s a must-have streaming service for football fans. Read our guide on YouTube TV to learn more.
Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the affordable ways to stream live TV channels on Roku. The company recently hiked the subscription prices to $40 per month. Get a Sling Orange or Sling Blue plan for $40 and stream 41 channels without cable. The paid plans include 50 hours of DVR storage and up to three simultaneous connections. Sling TV offers add-ons and bundles to expand local channel coverage at home.
Before starting your Sling TV subscription, check the channels list on Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans. ESPN channels are accessible on Sling Orange. Similarly, FOX, NBC, NFL Network, Discovery Channels, USA, and other selected channels are available on Sling Blue only. Pick a relevant Sling TV plan based on your preference.
FuboTV
FuboTV offers more than 290 live TV channels to stream on Roku. However, the coverage may vary based on your location. Visit the official FuboTV website and enter your area code to check for available channels.
FuboTV pricing starts at $75 per month. The subscription comes with 1,000 hours of cloud DVR space, unlimited screens (10 at home), and more. Try a free trial before committing to a paid plan. With an app for Roku, it takes a couple of minutes to set up and run FuboTV.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu has several plans for cord-cutters, but you’ll need the highest Hulu + Live TV plan to watch local channels on your Roku device. It comes with 90+ live TV channels, Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads). Record live TV with Unlimited DVR. You’ll pay $70 per month for the Hulu + Live TV plan.
Disney+ and ESPN+ add-ons are perfect for families with little ones. The plan offers access to all Disney and sports content in one package.
Peacock TV
NBC’s Peacock TV is home to popular TV shows and sports events like The Office, Night Court, Premier League, Sunday Night Football, WWE, and more. Apart from 80,000+ hours of hit movies, TV shows, and NBC originals, there are 50+ always-on channels with your Peacock TV subscription.
Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus is one of the cheapest streaming services for watching live TV channels, sports, TV shows, and movies on Roku. The Paramount+ Essential plan starts at $6 per month. Get Paramount+ with Showtime at $12 per month. The list of channels isn’t as extensive as YouTube TV or Fubo TV, though. The company offers a week of free trial to new subscribers, which is enough to check the offering and streaming experience.
DIRECTV
AT&T’s DIRECTV is up there with YouTube TV and Fubo TV with live TV channel support. Get the DIRECTV Entertainment plan at $65 per month. It offers 75+ live TV channels and 40,000+ on-demand titles to air on Roku. If you want more, go with a DIRECTV Choice, Ultimate, or Premier plan to unlock more TV channels on Roku.
Check major network apps on Roku
Do you still have a cable subscription at home? Download apps from major networks like NBC, FOX, CBS, and ABC and watch relevant channels online. When your cable subscription ends, move to one of the services from the list above to stream live TV channels on Roku.
Digital antenna
Connect an HDTV antenna to your Roku TV, follow the on-screen instructions, and watch your local stations for free.
Mirror local channels from your mobile
If a local channel isn’t available from the Channel Store, play it on your mobile and mirror the content to your Roku device.
How to use AirPlay to mirror your iPhone or Mac on Roku TV
Wirelessly share content from your iPhone or Mac to a Roku TV
Get the best out of your Roku device
Now that you know how to explore live and local channels on Roku, you’re all set to dive into the latest headlines and groove along to your local radio station’s tunes. It’s a great way to keep the pulse of your community while enjoying a bit of entertainment.
The Roku Channel Store isn’t limited to the apps mentioned above. It packs the best value streaming services to watch at home. If you aren’t a fan of Roku OS, check out the top Roku alternatives.
