FuboTV is one of several subscription streaming services that offers live TV like cable, but without the contracts, high fees, and other baggage cable brings. Fubo sets itself apart by focusing on live sports, but it also carries a variety of non-sports channels too.
Roku is a line of devices you can use to watch streaming services like fuboTV. All of Roku’s current models are compatible with fuboTV, so you have a lot of choice when it comes to cost, features, size, and content. Let’s look at details to find out which Roku device is right for your fuboTV setup.
Table Of Contents
What Is fuboTV?
Fubo is hands-down the best service for soccer-lovers in the United States, but it’s also a pretty great service for everyone else, especially sports fans of all types.
A quick rundown of fuboTV’s plans:
- Pro: $79.99/month for 110+ channels and unlimited cloud DVR
- Elite: $99.99/month for 170+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and 130+ events in 4K
- Premier: $109.99/month for 180+ channels, unlimited cloud DVR, and 130+ events in 4K
- Latino: $32.99/month for 43 channels and 250 hours of cloud DVR.
All three of the English plans let you watch up to 10 simultaneous streams at home and 3 on mobile devices on the go. The Latino plan only includes 2 devices at a time, but can be upgraded. For more details on how fuboTV works, please visit our full review.
What Can I Watch on fuboTV?
Pretty much the same channels you watch on cable, plus a whole lot more soccer. FuboTV is particularly strong on its local network lineup. The Big Four – ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox – are available throughout most of the country.
Live sports is Fubo’s big thing, so you can be sure that Fox Sports, ESPN, and CBS Sports Network are included, plus more exotic offerings like beIN Sports and TUDN, and specialty channels like NFL Network, Golf Channel, and TVG. For soccer, you can get English Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, and more. With add-ons like fubo Extra, Sports Plus, or International Sports Plus (or pricier plans) you can watch NFL Redzone, MLB Network, NHL Network, Fox Soccer Plus, and more.
All plans have popular entertainment, news, and family channels like AMC, Bravo, HGTV, FX, and Nickelodeon. Fubo TV even has premium channels like Showtime, Starz, and MGM+. For more information, including a side-by-side channel lineup comparison, see our Plans and Packages page.
What Is Roku?
Roku first debuted in 2008 as a Netflix player, and a modern Roku is still basically just a specialized computer for playing videos on your TV. With over 30,000 (yes, that’s thirty thousand) apps (Roku calls them “channels”), Roku has a lot more entertainment options than most smart TVs.
You can choose to go with a big cable-replacement service like fuboTV or totally on-demand like Netflix or Hulu. If you’d like to read more about Roku, we’ve got the full lowdown in our Roku review.
Roku Models
Roku comes in several models, from a little box that sits next to your TV to being built right into the TV itself. Roku TV models vary by brand, you can find specifics on Roku’s website. The set-top boxes below are your more traditional gadgets that plug into your TV’s HDMI port. There are 2-3 sub-models for each, so see our Roku page if you want the complete comparison.
- Roku Express: The affordable option, the non-4K and 4K models are the same price
- Roku Streaming Stick: The midrange choice, cheaper than the Ultra but with some of its features
- Roku Ultra: The top-of-the-line, gotta-have-it-all model.
How Do I Watch fuboTV on Roku?
All current Roku models can run fuboTV. If you would like to watch in 4K (which is only available for select programs currently), you’ll need:
- fubo Elite (or better) plan
- A TV that supports 4K
- A 4K Roku model (or a 4K Roku TV)
- 25+ Mbps bandwidth per device
All current Roku models support 4K except the Roku Express, which comes in a 4K version for the same price.
If you already have a Roku and want to know if you can watch fuboTV on it, you’ll have to check the model number, which is located in Settings >> System >> About. If your Roku is a model 3700x (2016) or newer, you can run fuboTV with all its features.
If your Roku is older than that, it should still be able to run an older version of fuboTV, but it won’t have the latest features like Autoplay or Background Video.
Installing the fuboTV App on Roku
Similar instructions with helpful screenshots are available at support.fubo.tv, but if you’re impatient to get watching:
- From the Roku Home Screen, select Search, then search for “fubo.”
- Press right until you see the option to “Add channel”
- Wait for the message that the channel has been installed
- Click “OK” and then select “Go to channel” to launch fuboTV
Signing up for fuboTV on Roku
When you first launch the fuboTV app on Roku, there will be options to “Start free trial” or “Sign in” – select “Start free trial” and follow these steps:
- Press “Continue” to use the same address as your Roku account
- Enter the rest of your information
- Select your plan
- Enter your Roku PIN to confirm and click on “Start subscription”
Note if you sign up through your Roku, you will need to manage your account (change your plan or add-ons or cancel) through your Roku account in the future.
Activating Your fuboTV Account on Roku
If you already have a fuboTV account (either through Roku or the fubo.tv website), just sign in with that account. You can sign in using your email address and password, or by using a code. In either case, simply follow the instructions on your screen. If you’ve forgotten your password, click the “Forgot password?” button and follow the instructions.
Other Ways to Watch fuboTV
Roku is not the only streaming gadget angling for your TV’s HDMI port. Check out these other worthy contenders:
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- Smart TVs (Samsung, Vizio, Hisense, LG)
- Xbox
- iPhone
- Android Mobile
For details on these devices and how they work with fuboTV (or don’t), please visit our Fubo Devices page for a full discussion.
Other Streaming Services for Roku
Similarly, if you already have a Roku, fuboTV isn’t the only way to stream. With 30,000 apps, there’s literally more here than you could physically watch in a lifetime. So choose wisely.
Live TV
These are your options if you want to watch the channels you know and love from cable, but without the cable.
- DIRECTV STREAM: The most cable-like cable-replacement system – all your local networks, exclusive regional sports networks for the sports fans. (DIRECTV STREAM review)
- Sling TV: The most flexible live TV service with the most premium add-ons – some sports, weak on local channels. (Sling TV review)
- Hulu + Live TV: The most family-friendly full-service streaming live TV – Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ all included. Great local network coverage, carries all the ESPN channels, and many regional sports networks. (Hulu + Live TV review)
- YouTube TV: 85+ channels for $72.99/month. (YouTube TV review)
- Philo: The most affordable – no sports or local channels, but unlimited DVR. (Philo review)
Some cable companies, such as Spectrum, let you use your Roku as a cable box, so you can save on equipment fees. Check with your cable company if you’re interested in this option for yourself.
On-Demand Subscriptions
These services charge a monthly fee to provide a library of movies and TV shows that you can pick from and watch whenever you want. There are dozens, these are just three of the biggest.
- Netflix: The original on-demand streaming service
- Hulu: A great place to keep up with current shows if you don’t want to pay for live TV
- Amazon Prime Video: Gives you the option to buy or rent what isn’t included in your subscription.
Free Ad-Supported
These are apps let you watch live channels and on-demand content totally free. Note that these “live channels” will not be HGTV, Food Network, Syfy, ESPN, etc., but instead things like Fail Army from YouTube, 80s Sitcoms, and 90 Day Fiancé (a channel marathoning the TLC hit 90 Day Fiancé 24/7). Content is likely to be older, less-well known, or both. But, again, it’s free. These are just a few of them:
- The Roku Channel: 300+ live channels, thousands of movies, and a handful of originals, plus optional premium content if you want more. Currently featured shows include 2 Broke Girls, Chrissy’s Court, Murder, She Wrote, My Name Is Earl, Cold Case, and The Mentalist.
- Pluto TV: Very similar to The Roku Channel, 250+ channels and thousands of movies.
- Tubi TV: Similar to Pluto and The Roku Channel, except it’s owned by Fox, so it has some NFL and other live sports.
Wrapping Up
Roku is a great budget option for a streaming player. Even the Ultra’s not an Apple TV, but at almost half the cost, many (if not most) people won’t care. And with 4K models as cheap as $30, if you can afford a nice flatscreen TV, you can afford a Roku. Plus it comes pre-loaded with the freemium The Roku Channel, so you’ll have lots of free content straight out of the box.
FuboTV is the best streaming service for sports fans, but it’s a pretty good cable-replacement choice for any household that wants a service with a lot of channels. The limited DVR is a trade-off – most of Fubo’s competitors have gone to unlimited storage – but Fubo lets you keep your recordings forever, which the unlimited DVR providers do not.
If you’re new to cord-cutting and/or streaming, Roku is cheap and easy and won’t constantly try to sell you stuff like the Amazon Fire. And FuboTV can get you most of your cable channels, without the cable. Try it out for seven days and see for yourself.
FAQ
How much does fuboTV cost on Roku?
FuboTV subscriptions start at $79.99/month for the Pro package, and go up to $109.99/month or more if you want add-ons. There are no special Roku prices or rates, though if you sign up for fuboTV through Roku, you will be billed by Roku as well.
Is Roku the best streaming device for fuboTV?
Most reviews are divided between the Roku Ultra and Apple TV. Apple TV has a couple extra features for fuboTV users that are exclusive to Apple TV, but it’s up to you whether they’re worth the extra $70. Even the cheapest Roku model can handle 4K, and consensus is that it’s good enough for fuboTV.
Is fuboTV the best live TV streaming service for Roku?
That depends on your needs and preferences. Are you looking for a service with a lot of channels in a wide variety? Can you make do with 1,000 hours of DVR? Do you follow soccer, or other international sports? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you should at least check FuboTV out.
Check out our other Roku-related content:
- What is Roku?
- Roku Smart Soundbar Review
- How to watch CBS on Roku
- How to watch Hulu on Roku
- How to watch the Super Bowl on Roku
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Make sure you DO NOT go through Roku TV and order Fubo. Order Fubo online and then login on your tv. If you go through Roku you will pay more per month. Fubo Pro is $79.99 per month if you subscribe through their website. If you go through your Roku Tv Roku will charge you $94.99 for the same plan.
It is likely due to RSN fees (approx $15) which Fubo bundles in to your plan. Not connected to Roku as such.