Here is my top 10 list of the most popular free UK channels that you can watch on your Roku streaming stick or ROKU TV based on user ratings submitted to Roku. To keep this list to the most popular channels I’ve only listed those with 1000 or more user ratings. All of these channels are free to watch and do not require a paid subscription, although some of them may require you to sign in and register to watch their content.
You can get more information on this top 10 list by watching my YouTube video Top 10 Free UK Channels on ROKU if you prefer.
1. YouTube – 4/5 (18446 user ratings)
It’s no surprise that YouTube has made it to the top of this list. With a huge amount of free content from music videos, comedy clips, tech reviews, tutorials, and more, YouTube is the largest video sharing platform in the world. Not only can you watch YouTube on your ROKU TV but you can also cast YouTube videos to it from your smart devices around your home by using the excellent YouTube app.
2. PLEX – 4/5 (5942 user ratings)
In second place is Plex. The Plex channel offers a great choice of free movies and TV shows from film makers around the globe, especially if you like older classic movies, but the Plex app is best appreciated for the ability to stream your personal collection of movies, TV, music and photos to other devices around your home by downloading their free Plex Media server software on to the device where your media is stored.
3. BBC iPlayer – 3.5/5 (20419 user ratings)
At number 3 is the BBC iPlayer. Although you’ll need a BBC TV licence to watch this channel it is otherwise free and with the added benefit of no annoying adverts. You will find a large amount of high quality catch up BBC TV with award winning documentaries, comedies, entertainment and more that have recently aired on the BBC TV channel network. You can also download and watch their TV programmes offline on your smart devices where you have up to 30 days to watch them.
4. My5 – 3.5/5 (8180 user ratings)
Number 4 is My5 which offers free catch up TV content from the Channel 5 network. Here you can watch popular dramas, documentaries, entertainment shows, sport and soaps from across the Channel 5 network which include Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA, 5SELECT and the Paramount Network.
5. ITV HUB – 3.5/5 (8045 user ratings)
This is the very popular free TV on demand service for ITV’s family of channels, ITV, ITV2, ITV3. ITV4, ITVBe, and CITV. Here you catch up on your favourite TV series and box sets and get 30 days to catch up on your top programmes that have recently broadcast on the ITV network.
6. All 4 – 3.5/5 (7210 user ratings)
At Number 6 is All 4 which is the free catch up TV service for the Channel 4 network, including More4, E4, VICE and Adult Swim. Here you can enjoy 100s of full series, TV shows, box sets and stream live TV.
7. SKY NEWS – 3.5/5 (4839 user ratings)
Get breaking news stories, 24 hours a day live news streams, detailed weather forecasts and the latest headlines. This is a great news app to download to your ROKU streaming stick.
8. BBC SPORT – 3.5/5 (2613 user ratings)
The BBC Sport app brings you exclusive free live sporting events and headlines from around the globe with video highlights, in-depth results and analysis. Watch this popular app on your ROKU TV, mobile or tablet where you can create your own personalised ‘My Sport’ page to enjoy your favourite sports content.
9. BBC NEWS – 3.5/5 (1933 user ratings)
At Number 9 is BBC News which provides the latest breaking news from around the world and live news 24 hours a day. You can set this free app’s preferences to show only the topics that are of interest you and you can also download their news content to read offline if you anticipate being without a Wi-Fi signal.
10. VEVO – 3/5 (2294 user ratings)
Watch high definition music videos from VEVO’s huge library of 140,000+ music videos and playlists. Many people including me prefer to watch YouTube for music videos as their platform is more intuitive but what goes in VEVO’s favour is that it’s dedicated to bringing you only the official music videos and live performances from music artists, whereas YouTube will also list cover versions of your favourite music which you may not be so interested in. As the VEVO app is free you will get the occasional advert at the start of your videos.