What Is a Roku, and Why Should You Use It?

A Roku streaming device is a piece of electronic equipment which can be set up with your TV (as long as your TV has an HDMI port) to essentially turn your TV into a smart TV. Roku acts like a platform through which you can access your favorite live TV channels and streaming services right on your TV instead of having to view them through smaller screens, such as on your phone or computer. Even better: if your TV supports it, Roku allows you to access your favorite media in 4K resolution.

Once you set up your Roku, you can pick and choose which services show up on your device by selecting and signing in to the services you already pay for. Some devices include Roku app compatibility as well, so you can control your Roku straight from your phone.

In some cases, you can also use the Roku to make your TV an extension of your mobile device screen. Certain Roku models can mirror your screen from your mobile device onto your TV. Although this is a feature for only some Windows or Android phones, those whose devices are compatible can cast videos and apps straight to the TV screen.

Having a Roku device as a part of your media setup can save you money! You can use Roku to wirelessly turn your TV into a smarter device without having to purchase an upgraded TV model. In doing so, a Roku setup allows you to use just one Wi-Fi-powered device to view content from multiple sources.

Finally, you can use Roku to ditch the cable TV streamer box rental fees! That’s because some cable TV companies provide Roku-compatible apps to provide customers with more ways to enjoy their product. Since cable box rental fees can be as high as $10 per month, you could save up to $120 by using a 4K Roku instead of depending on a rented cable box.

In Roku’s “channel store,” you can individually select the apps for the services which you already subscribe to so you don’t have to sift through countless options just to get to the services you do watch.

You’ll find many more options Roku’s channel store! Other channel choices even include FREE content, so if you’re looking for ways to flesh out your household’s media package, Roku gives you an effortless way to add content to your TV and movie arsenal without paying anything extra. This includes options like the The Roku Channel, which is available to all Roku streaming device users (although there are opportunities for premium subscriptions within the channel).

If you’d prefer more paid TV subscriptions, check out our Resource Center for informational streaming services guides. These include information about streaming services for kids and the validity of cable TV, as well as reviews for Paramount+, Disney+, DIRECTV STREAM, HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube TV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.

Roku devices are fairly straightforward to use. All you need to do is plug the Roku device into your TV’s HDMI port, use the on-screen prompts to connect your Roku to the internet, and then follow the rest of the instructions to finish setting up your device. This will involve using your computer to wrap up the setup process.

One of the most helpful features of the Roku device (and one of the biggest difference between this setup and a cable streaming box) is that the Roku is wireless because it relies on Wi-Fi. No more tangled or unsightly cables and no more precisely aiming your remote at your TV to control it.

As far as the day-to-day use of your Roku, many models include a Wi-Fi remote control which you can use to make selections from your chosen apps—without having to point your remote directly at your TV or at your Roku. Certain remotes also come with voice prompt capabilities, which allow you to tell your Roku to open or play certain channels or content without having to navigate screen options with remote buttons. If your chosen model has this capability, then you can also use the Roku mobile app to take advantage of the voice prompt technology through your phone.

Even if your specific device model does not include voice command compatibility, there are still plenty of ways to use the Roku mobile app to make the most of your device! One of those ways is to use the app to turn your phone into an additional remote control for your Roku! This feature can come in handy when, inevitably, your remote somehow ends up swallowed by the couch cushions—again.