40 Best Roku Channels In The UK For 2024

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With three different streaming devices (and a soundbar), Roku pretty much covers all sides of the streaming video market. And, having been around since 2008, Roku now has a library with thousands and thousands of channels to choose from.

Don’t get confused by the term “channels”, though – on every other device, these are simply called “Apps”, but they’re Channels on Roku, even when they’re not exactly a, well, channel.

So, having so many channels to choose from on the Roku Channels Store is a good thing – but it can get a bit overwhelming, as there’s no real curation, and incredibly useful channels often sit next to useless duds.

So I’m here to help. While it’s impossible to cover all the good Roku channels (and new ones get released every week), this list will get you started with some of the best channels, in a variety of topics – perfect for someone who just got a new Roku device, or is looking to add some content.

Roku Comparison 2022 - Express, Express 4K, Streaming stick 4k

Most of the channels listed here are free to install, though some then require a monthly subscription. Some channels (mostly games) require payment upfront.

Installing new channels on Roku is very easy – you can either do it from the Roku Channel Store (assuming you’re logged in with your Roku account), or directly on your Roku streaming device, by going to the “Streaming Channels” section.

And if you still need to buy a Roku streamer, you can check our full comparison, and then buy one on Currys or on Amazon. There’s a reason we chose the Roku Stick 4K as the best streaming device in the UK…

The Essential Roku Channels

Once you get your Roku out of the box, these are the apps almost every UK user is going to want. (In fact, some might have already been installed on your device by default).

1. Netflix

Netflix needs no introductions, as it’s practically synonymous with cord cutting and streaming TV, with a huge selection of films and original TV programmes.

Netflix interface on TV

Netflix no longer offers free trials in the UK, but once you subscribe, there are no long contracts – so you can unsubscribe and then re-join at any point.

2. Amazon’s Prime Video

One of the main competitors to Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video service offers films, TV programmes and originals like Jack Ryan and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power as part of its Prime membership, plus the ability to purchase more films and TV shows on-demand. If you’re new, you can get a free 30-days trial to either Prime Video or the full Amazon Prime.

3. NOW (Formerly NOW TV)

Sky’s answer to Netflix and Prime Video, NOW is a subscription service that offers separate paid plans for TV programmes (and Kids), Sky Cinema and Sports.

There are ways to get some of it for free, or for cheaper prices than usual – check our NOW guide here.

4. Disney+

Disney’s streaming service is perfect for those looking for content for the whole family, or simply for fans of their five main worlds of content – Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Star – which includes more adult-oriented content.

DisneyPlus with Star wandavision

With 4K streaming, up to seven user profiles, and several subscription tiers (including an ad-supported one), it’s the ultimate service for the entire family. (See our full Disney+ UK review here)

5. The Roku Channel

A free service from Roku themselves that gives you thousands of free movies, TV programmes and kids content on demand. The Roku Channel in the UK features a selection of popular global and British TV series, including titles such as Homes Under the HammerThe CommanderSkins and Britain’s Best Bakery, alongside Hollywood hits and TV shows such as The Wicker Man, Hell’s Kitchen and Les Miserables.

In 2021, Roku also started adding Roku Originals – exclusive shows that they bought from the now-defunct Quibi streaming service.

The service is advert-based, with up to 8 minutes of adverts per hour, but there are no pre-roll adverts. See our full Roku Channel review.

6. YouTube

With a big-screen interface, 4K videos and the ability to “cast” selected YouTube videos directly from your phone – this ‘channel’ will give you the ultimate YouTube experience.

7. Apple TV

Apple’s streaming TV service lets you purchase movies and TV shows on-demand, as well as subscribe to Apple TV+, which offers original content, with shows like The Morning Show and For All Mankind.

Ted Lasso apple TV plus

Apple TV+ offers a 7-day free trial, or you can get three free months if you buy an iOS device.

8. BBC iPlayer

While the BBC’s streaming channel can’t quite compete with the likes of Netflix yet – it has certainly improved over the years. Watch catch-up shows, get up-to-date BBC News, and binge on a selection of box-sets from the vast BBC archives. Just don’t forget to pay the TV licence fee

9. ITVX

If you like programmes like Love Island, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here and Coronation Street, you can watch them all on-demand via the ITVX Roku channel.

ITVX Top Picks

ITVX replaced ITV’s previous streaming app, ITV Hub, and now also includes exclusive originals and full seasons before they air on ITV’s linear channels. There’s also a Premium tier that removes the adverts, and adds BritBox’s content.

10. Channel 4 (Formerly All4)

Channel 4, the popular commercial TV channel, also has its own on-demand Roku Channel. With catch-up episodes of shows like The Great British Bake Off, and hundreds of box-sets, you’re likely to find something interesting to watch – just remember, you can’t skip the adverts.

11. My 5

The selection of UK broadcast channels won’t be complete without Channel 5. You get catch-up episodes of new programmes, as well as box-sets of past-shows.

From reality TV like Big Brother to popular Australian and American shows – the selection is decent, with – again – adverts being part of the package.

12. Paramount+ 

The American streaming service launched in the UK in 2022, with content from CBS, Showtime and Paramount Pictures, as well as several exclusive, original programmes (see our full Paramount+ UK review).

The service has more than 8,000 hours of content, including most of the Star Trek series and films, Yellowstone, Tulsa King and more.

Paramount Plus December 22 collage

Paramount+ costs £6.99/month or £69.90/year in the UK (with a free 7-days trial), and you can sign up for it either directly, or as a Prime Video Channel.

13. UKTV Play

A collection of channels owned by the BBC – Dave, Yesterday and Drama – where you’ll get on-demand boxsets of entertainment, comedy and reality shows like Taskmaster and classic episodes of Eastenders.

14. Plex

The perfect solution when you want to stream your OWN video files. From home videos to old VHS tapes and DVDs that you ripped to your computer (with a VHS to DVD converter). If you have the video as a file on your computer – you can stream it to your Roku, with the Plex channel. (You also need their desktop app installed on your PC).

Last year, Plex also added their own ad-supported streaming service with old movies and TV shows, but the selection in the UK isn’t very impressive.

Note: While the channel is “free”, it also has paid premium features – see our full Plex review.

Roku Streaming Video Channels

With this being “the golden age of TV”, and with Roku being such a popular platform, there are plenty more video ‘channels’ to choose from. Beyond the essentials, here are some more excellent ones:

15. Pluto TV

If you still want a “live” TV experience, Pluto delivers that and then some. You get 40 free streaming “live channels”, which you can flip through using the on-screen TV guide. From movies, true crime shows, sports and even cats – you’re going to find something to watch when you really don’t know WHAT you want to watch.

16. Discovery+ (With TNT Sports)

A streaming subscription service that focuses on factual and nature show. Discovery Plus replaced Discovery’s Dplay streaming service (which was totally free), with a combined offering of both free and “premium” channels.

In the free tier, you can watch content from channels such as Quest, Really, HGTV and others, and on the paid tiers, you get content from Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, TLC and more. There’s also a tier that includes sports from Eurosport Player.

Discovery Plus Premium on Prime Video

In 2023, BT Sport turned into TNT Sports – and is now a part of Discovery+, if you subscribe to the Premium tier.

You can either sign up directly and watch via the app – or sign up for the Prime Video Channels version of Discovery+, and watch on any device that has the Prime Video app.

17. Vevo

a great place to watch official music videos and live performances. So yes, you can also find most of this content on YouTube, but there are some exclusives – plus, it really is more convenient when you’re mostly looking to lose yourself in music videos.

18. Viaplay

A streaming service that offers a combination of international live sports from the former Premier Sports, along with original Nordic films and TV shows.

Viaplay offers three pricing tiers in the UK: The Films & Series plan costs £3.99/month (after a free 7-day trial), Viaplay Total costs £14.99/month, and Viaplay Total Annual is £11.99/month (a saving of 20%), but you have to sign up for 12 months.

It’s worth noting that Viaplay is leaving the UK – but sometime in 2024, Premier Sports is set to take over its sports broadcasting.

19. Shudder

A video-on-demand service dedicated to horror, with a curated selection of classic and new horror films and TV shows, such as Hellraiser, Halloween and several originals, such as the rebooted Creepshow series. (Read our full Shudder review here).

20. Acorn TV

Acorn TV is an American streaming service that specialises in British content, and it also has a UK-based version. Yes, I know that’s a mouthful – but it basically means a large catalogue of British programming (similar to BritBox – which is NOT available on Roku for now).

From fan-favourite shows like Doc Martin, A Place to Call Home, Detectorists, The Brokenwood Mysteries to some exclusive programmes like Queens of Mystery and London Kills. You get get a free trial, after which the service will cost you £4.99/month.

21. Amazing Classics

If you’re a fan of old, peculiar American films and TV shows – mostly weird, B-style horror films, sci-fi and comedies – then you’ll get your fix with the Amazing Classics app. It’s all free (with some adverts here and there), and you’re likely to find some fascinating stuff – as well as a lot of oddballs…

22. Crunchyroll

Anime lovers, rejoice! This is the official channel for the popular Anime VOD service, that includes the world’s largest collection of anime including Naruto Shippuden, Attack on Titan and Dragon Ball Super. You can watch some of the content for free, but the Premium tier gives you a wider selection, as well as shows that are added an hour after their original broadcast in Japan.

23. Rakuten TV

Another video-on-demand streaming store, where you can buy or rent the latest Hollywood films and some TV shows. They sometimes have special deals, so it’s worth a look, even if you normally use Amazon Video or Google Play Movies. And, since Roku in the UK comes with a shortcut button for Rakuten on their remote – the channel is most likely already installed on your device anyway.

24. TED

You’re probably familiar with TED, the non-profit organisation that posts inspiring talks, or as they call them – “ideas worth spreading”.

TED TV App

With the TED channel on Roku, you get a convenient interface where you can scroll through and stream hundreds of short TED talks, in a wide variety of topics.

25. CuriosityStream

A streaming service dedicated to documentaries and non-fiction, with shows about science, nature, technology and more. It’s subscription-based, and you can pay either monthly or annually (the pricing depends on whether you want Full HD or 4K video quality).

26. YuppTV

A streaming video service dedicated to South Asian (mostly Indian) content with thousands of films and TV shows in 14 languages. You have to sign up for a free account, and then you can watch some of the content – but there’s also a “Premium” tier with more content, which you need to pay for.

27. hayu

The ultimate destination for fans of ‘loud’ American reality TV shows. hayu offers more than 200 shows, mainly of the… ehm… let’s call it ‘guilty pleasure’ type. From Keeping Up With The Kardashians to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  See what we thought about hayu in our review.

hayu on roku

You can get a free trial, but after that, there’s a monthly subscription fee.

28. KidoodleTV

Watch a collection of content that’s safe for kids – popular shows like Paw Patrol, LEGO City, Wallace & Gromit and more. All the shows are available on-demand, and the library updates weekly.

There are no subscription fees, and instead the service is ad-supported.

29. STV Player

STV Player is the on-demand video streaming service of the popular Scottish broadcaster STV. But via broadband, it’s available UK-wide (except for their “Channel 3 Network” which is only available in Scotland), and, everything is free to watch – with adverts.

The streaming version has a long list of box-sets, documentaries and films.

30. Sky News

Prefer to get your news fix from Sky? You don’t need a contract with them to stream the Sky News channel live, as well as watch clips and news shows on demand.

Roku Utilities And Misc. Channels

The Roku streamers aren’t limited to video – from music services to radio and even a fireplace – there’s much more your Roku can do with this assortment of channels.

31. Spotify

With TV speakers getting better and better – not to mention high-quality soundbars – the Roku can serve as great music streaming device. Unfortunately, in the UK, most of the big music subscription services don’t have a Roku app… but at least we get the big one.

spotify on roku

With Spotify, which is one of the leading music streaming services, you can stream more than 50 million songs – either via the free, limited tier (with adverts), or with a monthly subscription.

32. Deezer

While not as popular as Spotify, Deezer is another good music streaming service, which offers 56 million tracks. It has a limited free tier (where you can only shuffle songs), along with an unlimited Premium plan.

33. BBC Sounds

Live radio streaming from the various BBC Radio stations, as well as on-demand audio programmes from the archives, and a selection of audiobooks and podcasts.

Some of the highlights available on BBC Sounds include the popular Desert Island Discs radio series, Grounded with Louis Theroux, true crime podcasts, standup comedy recordings from BBC studios, and more.

34. TuneIn Radio

Listen to live radio stations from around the world – more than 100,000 stations with music, talk shows and podcasts. It’s a great way to listen to stations from the UK, but it’s also a great way to discover new music from all over the world.

35. Live Animal Cams (Paid Channel)

There are several webcam channels on Roku – but this one is unique, in that it curates live streams from webcams placed at zoos around the world.

So if you ever wanted to sit and stare at gorillas, tigers, penguins and other critters streaming live from animal sanctuaries – this channel is for you. It costs £0.69 as of this writing.

36. NASA TV

Use your remote to reach for the stars… The NASA channel on Roku lets you watch live NASA-TV streams, look at more than 16,000 space images, thousands of space videos, and see what the Earth looks like from the International Space Station – in real-time. 

37. Fireplace Master Collection

I know, I know – a “fake” fireplace on your TV won’t actually keep you warm. But it looks (and sounds) good, it’s better than a boring screensaver, and on those cold, winter nights, I can swear it makes me feel warmer… There are several Fireplace channels on the Roku, some cost money – but this is a decent free one.

Games For The Roku

I’m not a huge fan of gaming on streaming devices – and the Roku is no exception. So you’re not going to get any console-level games, and controlling the game with the Roku remote is not ideal – but still, some of these casual games can help you pass the time and are actually kind of fun.

38. Doodle Jump

Another smartphone classic (dating back to some of the earliest iPhone models), it’s a fun game of jumping around and trying to go as high as you can. And it works pretty good with the Roku remote.

Roku Premiere doodle jump

The game is free – but it has adverts.

39. Snake

Talk about classic games… this game dates back to some of the earliest mobile phones, and the Roku version keeps the “classic”, black-and-green look. Move your “snake” around as it gets longer and longer, trying to eat “apples” without hitting the wall – or your own tail. 

40. Chop Chop Runner

Running games are pretty popular in the “casual” market, and this cute little game (which will, at times, try to remind you of certain Mario brothers…) serves its genre well. You run, and jump, and try to avoid obstacles and enemies along the way. This is a paid game.

man watchin streaming tv on tablet

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