To watch free local broadcast channels on Roku, connect an HDTV antenna to a Roku TV’s Ant/Cable In port, open Live TV, and scan for channels. A Roku streaming player does not have the antenna input used for this setup: connect an antenna to the TV itself or to a separate tuner instead. You can also watch free internet-streamed channels in The Roku Channel, but that lineup is separate from your local broadcast stations.
Choose between antenna reception and free streaming
| Option | What you get | Internet needed? | Where it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDTV antenna | Local over-the-air stations available at your location, such as ABC, NBC, CBS, or FOX affiliates where reception permits | No, not for antenna reception | Roku TV with an Ant/Cable In port, or a television or tuner connected to an antenna |
| The Roku Channel Live TV | Free live streaming channels from Roku’s changing catalog; it does not guarantee local broadcast affiliate feeds | Yes | Supported Roku devices and countries; availability varies |
Roku says The Roku Channel has “500+ live channels,” but that is a catalog figure, not a count of local stations receivable at your home. See Roku’s overview of The Roku Channel for its current service details and availability.
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Set up an antenna on a Roku TV
- Connect the antenna’s coaxial cable to the Roku TV port labeled Ant/Cable In. If the antenna is amplified, connect its power supply.
- Open Live TV on the Roku TV and follow the prompts to scan for channels.
- If Live TV is not listed, go to Settings > TV inputs > Live TV > Set up input, then complete the on-screen setup and scan.
These menu steps are for Roku TVs. Roku’s support instructions describe using an HDTV antenna to receive free over-the-air channels, including ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX where available: Roku TV antenna and Live TV setup.
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The scan finds stations your antenna can receive; Roku does not provide a universal local-channel count. Results depend on your location, local broadcast signals, antenna type, placement, and direction. Without your address and reception conditions, it is not possible to say which stations you will receive or prescribe a particular antenna.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
For a rough picture of signals near you, consult the FCC’s DTV reception maps. Treat coverage estimates as a guide rather than a guarantee: indoor placement, obstructions, and antenna performance can change what reaches the TV. The FCC notes that antenna design matters for both VHF and UHF reception, so a broad advertised range alone is not a reliable basis for choosing one. See the FCC’s antenna guidance for digital television.
Watch free streamed channels on Roku
To browse Roku’s free internet channels, open The Roku Channel and select its Live TV area. This is a streaming option, not a way to tune every local broadcast station or guarantee access to a local affiliate’s feed. It requires an internet connection, and available channels and features vary by country and supported device. Roku’s service information describes the catalog and supported availability.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
On supported Roku TV setups, Roku’s Live TV Channel Guide can bring streaming listings and antenna listings into one guide. Streaming listings require internet access, and guide features have geographic limits; broadcast listing details also vary by location. Roku explains the guide in its Live TV Channel Guide instructions. You can hide streaming channels in the guide if you want to focus on antenna channels.
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A Roku streaming player streams apps; it does not have the Ant/Cable In connection or perform the Roku TV antenna scan described above. Connect the antenna to your television’s antenna input and use the TV’s own Live TV or tuner interface to scan, or connect it through an external tuner that supports your setup. The player can still be used for Roku streaming apps, including The Roku Channel, when supported.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Troubleshoot missing or weak antenna channels
- No channels found: Check that the coaxial connector is firmly attached at both ends and that the cable is not visibly damaged. Run the channel scan again.
- Amplified antenna is not working: Confirm its power supply is connected. If reception remains poor, try scanning without the amplifier; a strong signal can overload a tuner in some locations.
- Some stations are missing or breaking up: Move the antenna higher or near a window, reduce nearby obstructions, and try a different orientation. Pointing it toward local broadcast towers may help where practical.
- You moved the antenna: Scan for channels again after repositioning it so the TV can update the stations it finds.
- Reception differs by station: VHF and UHF stations use different frequency bands, and some antennas marketed for HDTV may perform poorly on VHF. The FCC’s antenna guidance explains why placement and antenna design matter.
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