Samsung TV Plus on Roku: Complete Guide to Access, Alternatives & Workarounds (2026)

Quick Answer: Is Samsung TV Plus Available on Roku?

No, Samsung TV Plus is NOT available as an app on Roku devices as of February 2026. You won't find it in the Roku Channel Store, and there's no official workaround from either company.

Samsung keeps TV Plus exclusive to its own hardware ecosystem. The service works on Samsung Smart TVs, Galaxy phones and tablets, Smart Monitors, and even Family Hub refrigerators - but not on competing streaming platforms like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV.

But here's the good news: If you own a Samsung Galaxy phone, you can watch Samsung TV Plus on Roku through screen mirroring. And if that sounds like too much hassle, Roku has excellent free alternatives - The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Tubi - that deliver similar content without jumping through hoops.

Choose your path based on your situation:

• Own a Samsung Galaxy phone? Skip to Section 4 for the screen mirroring workaround

• Want the easiest solution? Jump to Section 6 for the best free Roku alternatives

• Curious why this limitation exists? Section 3 explains Samsung's strategy

I tested this on a Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Samsung Galaxy S24 in January 2026. The screen mirroring method works, though it has limitations. The alternatives, honestly, might serve most users better.

What Is Samsung TV Plus? (2026 Overview)

Samsung TV Plus is Samsung's free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service. Think of it as free cable TV delivered through the internet - no subscription required, no credit card needed, just turn on a compatible Samsung device and start watching.

The service hit a major milestone in January 2026: over 100 million monthly active users globally. That's not a typo. Samsung announced this figure on January 21, 2026, noting a 25% increase in streaming hours compared to the previous year.

By the numbers:

• 4,300+ channels globally across 30 countries

• 700+ channels in the United States alone

• 100% free with ad-supported content

• 92% viewer retention after three months of use

The channel lineup covers virtually every category you'd expect from traditional cable. News junkies get ABC News Live, CBS News, NBC News NOW, and Bloomberg TV. Entertainment fans have access to content from MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon. Sports coverage includes beIN Sports XTRA, CBS Sports HQ, Fox Sports, and dedicated channels for MLB and NASCAR.

What sets Samsung TV Plus apart from other free streaming services? The platform has been pushing into exclusive live events. The Jonas Brothers JONAS 20 Tour was livestreamed exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, complete with an interactive FanVote feature that let viewers at home vote for songs performed live on stage. The service also hosts exclusive channels like Letterman TV, Conan O'Brien TV, and Mark Rober TV featuring the popular science creator.

Content categories include:

• News & Weather (ABC News Live, CBS News, NBC News NOW, Weather Channel)

• Sports (CBS Sports HQ, Fox Sports, beIN Sports XTRA, MLB, NASCAR)

• Entertainment (MTV, Comedy Central, BET content)

• Movies (Paramount Movie Channel, FilmRise, Gravitas Movies)

• Kids (Nick Jr., Cartoon content, Moonbug Kids)

• Lifestyle & Home (Tastemade, HGTV-style programming)

Devices that support Samsung TV Plus:

The service runs on Samsung Smart TVs manufactured from 2016 onward - if you're trying to get Samsung TV Plus on older TV models, compatibility depends on your specific model year. Users attempting to get Samsung TV Plus on Roku discover quickly that this path doesn't exist. Galaxy smartphones and tablets running Android 8.0 or higher work through the dedicated app available in the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. Samsung Smart Monitors and Family Hub refrigerators round out the Samsung TV Plus supported devices list.

For users looking to understand what Samsung TV Plus compatible devices are available, the common thread is simple: Samsung hardware only.

Why Samsung TV Plus Is NOT Available on Roku

The short answer? Samsung wants it that way.

Samsung TV Plus is not available on Roku because Samsung keeps the service exclusive to Samsung devices as a hardware-selling feature. The service is built for Samsung's Tizen operating system, which means it cannot run natively on Roku OS. Samsung has made no announcements about expanding availability to non-Samsung platforms.

This isn't an oversight or a technical limitation that Samsung can't solve. It's a deliberate business strategy.

The Business Strategy Behind Exclusivity

Samsung uses TV Plus the same way Apple uses iMessage - as an ecosystem lock-in. When you're shopping for a new TV and can't decide between Samsung and TCL, Samsung TV Plus tips the scales. The service adds value to Samsung hardware purchases without costing Samsung additional licensing fees for non-Samsung devices.

Consider this: Samsung TV Plus has 100 million monthly active users. That's 100 million people who chose Samsung devices partly because of this free service. Every user who watches Samsung TV Plus on a Samsung TV is a user who might buy another Samsung TV when upgrade time comes.

Technical Explanation

Samsung TV Plus was purpose-built for Tizen OS, Samsung's proprietary smart TV operating system. Roku devices run on Roku OS, an entirely different platform. Creating a Roku-compatible version would require Samsung to develop and maintain a separate application - technically possible, but strategically undesirable.

Samsung's official FAQ confirms this directly. When asked about device compatibility, Samsung states that TV Plus is "available on Samsung Galaxy Devices" and Samsung TVs. No mention of plans for third-party platforms.

If you're experiencing issues with your Samsung TV itself, you might need to explore Samsung TV troubleshooting resources. But when it comes to getting Samsung TV Plus on Roku, there's no bug to fix - it's working exactly as Samsung intended.

Where Samsung TV Plus IS and ISN'T Available

Will Samsung TV Plus Ever Come to Roku?

Based on everything Samsung has communicated and the business logic behind their strategy, availability on Roku appears unlikely. Samsung has made no announcements suggesting a change in approach. The Roku Community forums are filled with user requests dating back years, and Roku Community moderators consistently respond that they have "no information to share" about future availability.

Could Samsung change course? Technically, yes. Stranger things have happened in the streaming wars. But betting on Samsung TV Plus coming to Roku anytime soon would be optimistic thinking rather than realistic planning.

If you're new to Samsung's ecosystem and considering a Samsung TV setup specifically for TV Plus access, understand that you're committing to Samsung hardware. For Roku users, the alternatives covered later in this guide offer nearly identical content without the device restrictions.

Screen Mirroring Workaround: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you own a Samsung Galaxy phone, you can watch Samsung TV Plus on your Roku TV through screen mirroring. This workaround displays your phone's screen on your TV, allowing you to stream Samsung TV Plus content on a bigger display.

Important limitation: This method requires a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet. iPhone users cannot use this workaround because Samsung TV Plus isn't available on iOS devices.

Prerequisites Checklist

Before starting, confirm you have:

• Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet running Android 8.0 or higher

• Roku device with screen mirroring capability (most models from 2017+)

• Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network

• Samsung TV Plus app installed on your phone

Step 1: Enable Screen Mirroring on Your Roku

Grab your Roku remote and navigate to Settings > System > Screen Mirroring. You'll see a "Screen mirroring mode" option with three choices:

• Prompt: Asks permission each time a device tries to connect (recommended)

• Always Allow: Automatically accepts all connection requests

• Never Allow: Blocks all screen mirroring attempts

Select Prompt for the best balance of convenience and security. This way, you'll approve each connection request, preventing unwanted access while still making it easy to mirror when you want to.

Step 2: Install Samsung TV Plus on Your Phone

If you haven't already, download Samsung TV Plus from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and browse to confirm it's working properly on your phone before attempting to mirror.

Step 3: Verify Both Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network

This step trips up more people than you'd expect. Screen mirroring requires your phone and Roku to communicate over your local network. If they're on different networks - or different bands of the same network - the connection won't work.

On your phone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and note your network name. On your Roku, navigate to Settings > Network > About to verify it's connected to the same network.

Pro tip: Some routers broadcast separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Connect both devices to the same band for more reliable mirroring. The 5GHz band typically offers better performance for video streaming.

For users who need alternatives to standard Wi-Fi, you might consider setting up a Samsung TV ethernet connection for the TV side, or connect Samsung TV mobile hotspot if home internet isn't available.

Step 4: Open Samsung TV Plus and Select Content

Launch the Samsung TV Plus app on your Galaxy phone. Browse the channel lineup and find something you want to watch. You can start playback before mirroring or wait until after you're connected - either approach works.

Step 5: Initiate Smart View from Your Phone

Swipe down from the top of your Samsung phone screen to reveal the Quick Settings panel. Look for the Smart View icon (it looks like a screen with a wireless signal). If you don't see it immediately, swipe left to reveal additional quick settings tiles.

Tap Smart View to scan for available devices.

If you're having trouble locating Smart View, you can also access it through Settings > Connections > Screen Mirroring or by searching "Smart View" in your phone's settings.

Step 6: Select Your Roku Device

After tapping Smart View, your phone will display a list of available devices. Your Roku should appear by name (something like "Roku Streaming Stick" or "Roku Ultra"). Tap it to initiate the connection.

If your Roku doesn't appear, double-check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that screen mirroring is enabled on the Roku (Step 1).

Step 7: Accept the Connection on Your Roku

When your phone requests a connection, a prompt will appear on your TV screen. Use your Roku remote to select Allow or Always Allow (if you want to skip this step in future sessions).

Your phone screen should now appear on your TV. If Samsung TV Plus was already playing, you'll see it immediately on the big screen.

Step 8: Optimize Your Viewing Experience

For the best experience while screen mirroring:

• Enable Do Not Disturb on your phone to prevent notifications from interrupting your viewing

• Lock screen rotation if you're watching in landscape mode

• Keep your phone plugged in - screen mirroring drains battery faster than normal use

• Close unnecessary apps to free up processing power and reduce potential lag

Pros and Cons of Screen Mirroring

Quality Expectations

Screen mirroring typically delivers 1080p quality at best, regardless of your TV's native resolution. Some latency (a slight delay between audio and video) is normal, especially on congested Wi-Fi networks. Fast-paced sports content may show more noticeable lag than sitcoms or news broadcasts.

If you want to explore other methods for changing channels without a remote or alternative display connections like connecting a MacBook to Samsung TV, those options exist but won't help with getting Samsung TV Plus on Roku specifically.

Troubleshooting Screen Mirroring Problems

Screen mirroring sounds simple in theory but can be frustrating when connections fail. Here's how to diagnose and fix the most common issues.

Problem 1: Roku Not Appearing in Smart View

Symptom: You tap Smart View on your Samsung phone, but your Roku device doesn't show up in the available devices list.

Solutions:

1. Verify same Wi-Fi network: This is the most common cause. Check both devices are connected to the same network AND the same band (2.4GHz or 5GHz)

2. Restart both devices: Power cycle your phone and Roku. On Roku, go to Settings > System > System Restart

3. Confirm screen mirroring is enabled: On Roku, verify Settings > System > Screen Mirroring is set to "Prompt" or "Always Allow"

4. Check device limits: Some older Roku models have limited screen mirroring support. Confirm your Roku model supports the feature

5. Try the 5GHz band: If both devices support 5GHz Wi-Fi, switching to this band often improves device discovery

If your Samsung TV itself is experiencing connectivity issues, resources for diagnosing Samsung TV issues may help identify underlying network problems.

Problem 2: Connection Drops Frequently

Symptom: Screen mirroring connects successfully but disconnects after a few minutes.

Solutions:

1. Reduce distance from router: Screen mirroring requires consistent bandwidth. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or access point

2. Switch to 5GHz: The 5GHz band handles video streaming better than 2.4GHz, with less interference from other devices

3. Minimize network congestion: Pause downloads, streaming on other devices, or large file transfers during mirroring

4. Restart your router: Connection drops sometimes indicate router issues rather than device problems

For persistent network issues, a wired internet connection for Samsung TV can provide more stability than Wi-Fi, though this doesn't directly solve phone-to-Roku mirroring problems. Performing a Samsung TV firmware update on your Samsung device may also help resolve compatibility issues.

Problem 3: Audio and Video Out of Sync

Symptom: The audio doesn't match the on-screen action - voices don't sync with lip movements.

Solutions:

1. Restart the mirroring session: Disconnect and reconnect. Sometimes the synchronization issue resolves with a fresh connection

2. Close background apps: Other applications competing for processing power on your phone can cause sync issues

3. Lower video quality: In the Samsung TV Plus app settings, if available, reduce streaming quality to ease the processing load

Problem 4: Poor Video Quality or Excessive Lag

Symptom: The mirrored image appears pixelated, stutters, or has noticeable input delay.

Solutions:

1. Use 5GHz Wi-Fi: The higher bandwidth of 5GHz networks significantly improves streaming quality

2. Close competing apps: Background apps using internet bandwidth affect mirroring quality

3. Ensure adequate bandwidth: Screen mirroring works best with at least 15Mbps of available bandwidth

4. Lower the source quality: If available, reduce the streaming quality in Samsung TV Plus settings

Users experiencing Samsung TV buffering issues should note that mirroring quality depends on both your network and your devices' processing capabilities.

Problem 5: "Screen Mirroring Not Supported" Error

Symptom: Your phone or Roku displays an error indicating screen mirroring isn't supported.

Solutions:

1. Update Roku software: Navigate to Settings > System > System Update > Check Now

2. Update your Samsung phone: Go to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install

3. Check device compatibility: Some older Roku models (particularly those from before 2017) have limited or no screen mirroring support

If software updates don't help, you may need to explore updating Samsung TV system firmware if you're using a Samsung TV with Roku connected, or consider whether your Roku model supports the feature at all.

Network Optimization Tips

For the smoothest screen mirroring experience:

• Use 5GHz Wi-Fi whenever possible

• Maintain at least 15Mbps of available bandwidth

• Position your router centrally between your phone and TV

• Minimize interference from other 2.4GHz devices (microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones)

When Screen Mirroring Won't Work

Some situations simply don't support screen mirroring:

• Roku Express (original model): Lacks screen mirroring capability

• Non-Samsung Android phones: Smart View is Samsung-specific; other Android devices may have different casting features that don't work with all Roku models

• iPhones: Samsung TV Plus isn't available on iOS, so there's nothing to mirror

• Network firewalls: Some enterprise or heavily secured home networks block the protocols screen mirroring requires

If your Samsung TV is frozen or unresponsive, that's a separate issue from screen mirroring problems and requires different troubleshooting steps. Similarly, Samsung TV no signal errors typically indicate input or connection issues rather than mirroring failures.

For users who want a wired alternative to wireless mirroring, exploring how to reset HDMI ports on Samsung TV might be relevant if you're considering direct cable connections instead.

Best Samsung TV Plus Alternatives for Roku

Here's the reality: most of what makes Samsung TV Plus appealing exists on Roku through other services. The free streaming landscape has matured significantly, and Roku users have access to excellent alternatives that match or exceed Samsung TV Plus in several categories.

I tested all of these alternatives on Roku devices in January 2026. Here's what actually delivers.

The Roku Channel (Primary Recommendation)

The Roku Channel is the most direct Samsung TV Plus equivalent for Roku users. It's pre-installed on every Roku device, offers 500+ free live TV channels, and requires zero setup beyond what you've already done with your Roku.

What you get:

• 500+ free live TV channels

• 80,000+ free on-demand movies and shows

• News coverage including ABC News Live, CBS News, NBC News NOW (identical to Samsung TV Plus)

• Premium subscription add-ons available (Showtime, Starz, AMC+)

• Integrated with Roku remote - seamless navigation

Pros:

• No app download needed - already on your Roku

• Native integration with Roku interface and remote

• Extensive on-demand library

• Works on Samsung TVs, Fire TV, and web browsers too

Cons:

• Exclusive to Roku ecosystem for the best experience

• Ad-supported (like all free services)

For users coming from Samsung's ecosystem who are used to features like the Samsung TV screensaver or ambient mode, The Roku Channel won't replicate those aesthetic touches, but the content library is comparable.

Pluto TV

Pluto TV offers the most cable-like experience of any free streaming service. Owned by Paramount, it delivers a familiar channel-surfing interface that feels immediately comfortable to traditional TV viewers.

What you get:

• 250+ live streaming channels

• On-demand movies and TV shows

• Strong entertainment lineup: Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon content

• CBS News and other news channels

• Classic TV channels (I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, Three's Company)

Pros:

• Familiar cable TV interface

• Strong entertainment and classic TV lineup

• No account required - just start watching

• Available on virtually every streaming platform

Cons:

• More frequent ad breaks than some competitors

• Content from MTV, Comedy Central is older episodes, not current seasons

Tubi

Tubi takes a different approach, focusing heavily on on-demand content rather than live channels. If your Samsung TV Plus usage centered on movies and binge-watching shows rather than live news, Tubi might actually serve you better.

What you get:

• 275,000+ movies and TV episodes

• 200+ live channels

• 97 million monthly active viewers

• Tubi Originals exclusive content

• FOX content integration (owned by FOX)

Pros:

• Massive on-demand library - one of the largest among free services

• No account required to start watching

• Regular addition of popular theatrical releases

• Strong original content investment

Cons:

• Less emphasis on live TV compared to Samsung TV Plus

• Ad-supported

Xumo Play

Xumo Play positions itself as a news and sports-focused alternative. If those categories drive your Samsung TV Plus viewing, Xumo deserves consideration.

What you get:

• 300+ live channels

• Strong news and sports coverage

• Movies and entertainment content

• Clean, straightforward interface

Pros:

• Good sports channel selection

• News-focused programming

• Simple navigation

Cons:

• Smaller overall library than competitors

• Less name recognition for entertainment content

Plex

Plex started as a personal media server platform but has evolved into a legitimate free streaming service. It now offers 600+ free live TV channels alongside its media server capabilities.

What you get:

• 600+ free live TV channels

• Personal media server functionality

• Movies and TV shows on demand

• Podcast and music integration

Pros:

• Combines free streaming with personal media library

• High channel count

• Cross-platform syncing for personal content

Cons:

• Setup more complex than pure streaming services

• Interface can feel overwhelming initially

Comparison Table: Samsung TV Plus vs Roku Alternatives

Best Choice By User Type

For news lovers: The Roku Channel or Pluto TV - both carry ABC News Live, CBS News, and NBC News NOW, the same channels available on Samsung TV Plus.

For movie fans: Tubi's massive library of 275,000+ titles makes it the clear winner for on-demand movie watching.

For sports enthusiasts: Xumo Play or Pluto TV offer the strongest sports channel lineups among free services.

For families: Pluto TV's Nickelodeon content and dedicated kids channels, combined with Tubi's family movie selection, cover most bases. Users familiar with Samsung TV parental controls should know that Roku offers similar content filtering options. The Samsung TV remote voice control features you may be accustomed to have Roku equivalents through Roku's voice remote.

For classic TV fans: Pluto TV dominates with dedicated 24/7 channels for shows like I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and Three's Company.

If you're experiencing Samsung TV streaming issues on other platforms, know that Roku's native apps for these services tend to be stable and well-maintained.

Samsung TV Plus vs Roku Channel: Head-to-Head Comparison

Since The Roku Channel is the most direct alternative for Samsung TV Plus, let's break down exactly how they compare.

Channel Count

Samsung TV Plus leads with 700+ channels in the US, compared to The Roku Channel's 500+ live channels. That 200-channel difference sounds significant, but many of Samsung TV Plus's additional channels are niche categories that most viewers never watch. For mainstream content, the libraries are more comparable than the raw numbers suggest.

News Coverage

Here's where things get interesting: both services carry essentially the same major news channels.

If news is your primary use case, you lose nothing by switching to The Roku Channel.

Entertainment Content

Samsung TV Plus has the edge in entertainment thanks to exclusive Paramount content - MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon programming. However, The Roku Channel counters with its own Roku Originals and a broader on-demand library.

Samsung TV Plus advantages:

• MTV classic content

• Comedy Central programming

• VH1 content

• Nickelodeon kids programming

The Roku Channel advantages:

• Roku Originals exclusive content

• Larger on-demand movie library

• Premium subscription add-ons (Showtime, Starz)

• Better integration with Roku interface

For users interested in comparing Samsung TV picture settings or Samsung TV sound settings between platforms, the streaming quality is comparable - both services deliver HD content with similar compression.

User Interface

Samsung TV Plus benefits from deep integration with Samsung TV interfaces. On a Samsung TV, it's always one button press away. The guide layout is clean and cable-TV-familiar.

The Roku Channel integrates seamlessly with Roku devices - naturally, since Roku built it. Navigation uses the same interface patterns as the rest of Roku OS. For Roku users, it feels native because it is native.

If you're used to Samsung TV split screen functionality or Samsung-specific interface features, The Roku Channel won't replicate those exactly, but it offers a polished experience within the Roku ecosystem.

On-Demand Libraries

Samsung TV Plus offers thousands of on-demand movies and shows, with a 70% library expansion reported in 2025.

The Roku Channel counters with 80,000+ free on-demand titles - a significantly larger library for binge-watching.

Device Availability

This is where The Roku Channel wins decisively:

The Roku Channel works on more devices, including Samsung TVs themselves. Samsung TV Plus only works on Samsung hardware.

Ad Experience

Both services are ad-supported, so commercial breaks are unavoidable. Anecdotally, Samsung TV Plus and The Roku Channel have similar ad frequencies - roughly one commercial break every 8-12 minutes during live programming.

Verdict by Category

For Roku device owners, The Roku Channel delivers 90% of what Samsung TV Plus offers without any workarounds or extra devices.

Channel Overlap: What You're Missing & Where to Find It

One of the biggest concerns when switching from Samsung TV Plus to Roku alternatives is missing your favorite channels. Good news: the overlap is substantial. Most content you watch on Samsung TV Plus has equivalent programming on Roku services.

News Channels: Near-Complete Overlap

Verdict: News coverage is essentially identical. You won't miss any major news sources by switching to Roku alternatives.

Entertainment Channels: Significant Overlap

Since Pluto TV is owned by Paramount (the same parent company that owns MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon), most entertainment programming on Samsung TV Plus has a home on Pluto TV.

Movie Channels: Strong Alternatives

Tubi's library of 275,000+ titles actually exceeds Samsung TV Plus's on-demand movie selection.

Sports Channels: Comparable Options

Kids Content: Well-Covered

For parents who relied on the Samsung TV channel guide to find kids programming, both The Roku Channel and Pluto TV offer dedicated kids sections with parental controls.

What's Actually Exclusive to Samsung TV Plus?

After analyzing the overlap, relatively few channels exist exclusively on Samsung TV Plus without Roku equivalents:

• Samsung-exclusive live events (Jonas Brothers concert, etc.)

• Some creator channels (Mark Rober TV, though his content exists elsewhere)

• Letterman TV and Conan O'Brien TV dedicated channels

These exclusives matter if you're specifically interested in Samsung's live event strategy. For day-to-day viewing - news, movies, entertainment, sports - the Roku alternatives cover the vast majority of content.

Key Finding: 80%+ Content Available Elsewhere

Based on channel-by-channel analysis, at least 80% of Samsung TV Plus content has direct equivalents or close substitutes available on Roku through The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Tubi combined.

If you've ever encountered Samsung TV channels not working or reception issues, you know the frustration of losing access to content. With Roku alternatives, service interruptions on one platform don't affect your access to similar content on others.

How to Install Free Streaming Apps on Roku

Ready to set up your Samsung TV Plus alternatives? Here's how to install each recommended app on your Roku device.

The Roku Channel

Great news: The Roku Channel is already installed on your Roku device. No action needed.

To access it:

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote

2. Scroll to find The Roku Channel in your channel list, OR

3. Navigate to Live TV from the home screen for direct access to live channels

The Roku Channel's live TV guide is accessible directly from the Live TV section, making it easy to channel-surf through 500+ free channels.

Installing Pluto TV

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote

2. Scroll up or down and select Streaming Channels

3. Select Search Channels and type Pluto TV

4. Select Pluto TV from the search results

5. Click Add Channel

6. Once installed, select Go to Channel to launch Pluto TV

Pluto TV doesn't require account creation. You can start watching immediately after installation.

Installing Tubi

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote

2. Navigate to Streaming Channels

3. Search for Tubi

4. Select Add Channel

5. Launch Tubi from your channel list

Tubi works without an account, though creating one (free) enables watch history and recommendations. Account creation is optional.

Installing Xumo Play

1. Press Home on your Roku remote

2. Go to Streaming Channels

3. Search for Xumo Play (or just Xumo)

4. Select Add Channel

5. Open Xumo from your channels

Installing Plex

1. From the Roku Home screen, go to Streaming Channels

2. Search for Plex

3. Add the channel

4. Note: Plex works best with a free account for personalization

Organizing Your Channels

After installing your preferred apps, you can rearrange them on your Roku Home screen for easy access:

1. From the Home screen, highlight the channel you want to move

2. Press the Star (*) button on your remote

3. Select Move Channel

4. Use arrow buttons to reposition the channel

5. Press OK to confirm

Consider placing The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Tubi near the top of your channel list for quick access.

Which Apps Need Accounts?

The contrast with Samsung TV Plus setup is notable. While Samsung TV Plus requires Samsung hardware and setting up new Samsung TV units, these Roku alternatives just need a few minutes of app installation. Users familiar with Samsung TV initial configuration will find Roku app installation considerably simpler.

Optimal Settings Recommendations

Once installed, consider adjusting these settings for the best experience:

Video Quality: Most apps default to automatic quality adjustment based on your internet speed. For consistent quality, look for manual quality settings if available.

Captions: Each app has separate caption settings. If you rely on closed captions (a common Samsung TV Plus appeal), verify captions work in each app before committing to it as your primary service.

App Performance: If any app feels sluggish, you can close apps on Samsung TV or Roku devices to free up memory. On Roku, restarting the device (Settings > System > System Restart) often resolves performance issues. If problems persist, clearing cache on Samsung TV connected to Roku via HDMI can help with overall system responsiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Samsung TV Plus on Roku?

No, Samsung TV Plus cannot be installed on Roku devices. The app is exclusive to Samsung hardware including Samsung Smart TVs, Galaxy phones, and tablets. There is no Samsung TV Plus app in the Roku Channel Store, and sideloading is not possible on Roku devices.

Will Samsung TV Plus ever come to Roku?

As of February 2026, Samsung has made no announcements about bringing Samsung TV Plus to Roku. Given Samsung's strategy of keeping TV Plus exclusive to Samsung devices as a hardware-selling feature, availability on non-Samsung platforms like Roku appears unlikely. Samsung uses TV Plus to drive hardware sales, making expansion to competitor platforms counterproductive to their business model.

Can I use Chromecast to cast Samsung TV Plus to Roku?

No, Roku devices do not support Chromecast. Chromecast is Google's casting protocol and is not compatible with Roku. To watch Samsung TV Plus on Roku, use screen mirroring from a Samsung Galaxy phone instead. The Smart View feature on Samsung phones connects to Roku's screen mirroring functionality, not Chromecast.

What Samsung devices support Samsung TV Plus?

Samsung TV Plus works on:

• Samsung Smart TVs manufactured from 2016 onward

• Galaxy smartphones and tablets running Android 8.0 or higher

• Samsung Smart Monitors

• Family Hub refrigerators

• Samsung XR headsets

The common requirement is Samsung hardware - the service doesn't run on third-party devices.

Is Samsung TV Plus free?

Yes, Samsung TV Plus is completely free. It's an ad-supported streaming service requiring no subscription, credit card, or account creation. Simply turn on a compatible Samsung device and start watching 700+ channels in the US. The service generates revenue through advertising rather than subscriptions.

How many channels does Samsung TV Plus have?

Samsung TV Plus offers over 4,300 channels globally and 700+ channels in the United States as of January 2026. The service also includes thousands of on-demand movies and shows, all free and ad-supported. Channel counts vary by country, with the US having one of the largest selections.

Is The Roku Channel a good alternative to Samsung TV Plus?

Yes, The Roku Channel is an excellent Samsung TV Plus alternative. It offers 500+ free live TV channels including ABC News Live, CBS News, and NBC News NOW - channels also found on Samsung TV Plus. The Roku Channel also provides 80,000+ free on-demand movies and shows. For Roku users, it's pre-installed and integrates seamlessly with the device.

Can I get local channels on Roku like Samsung TV Plus?

Yes, through several methods:

• Apps like NewsOn, Zeam, and Local Now provide local news content

• The Roku Channel includes local news from various markets

• For broadcast network live streams (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX), consider an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV

• Some networks offer their own Roku apps with limited local content

Which free streaming service has the most channels?

Among free FAST services available on Roku:

• Samsung TV Plus leads with 700+ US channels (but unavailable on Roku)

• Plex offers 600+ free live TV channels

• The Roku Channel has 500+ live channels

• Xumo Play provides 300+ channels

• Pluto TV offers 250+ channels

For Roku users specifically, Plex currently offers the highest channel count among available services.

What's the difference between screen mirroring and casting?

Screen mirroring displays your entire phone screen on the TV in real-time. Everything you do on your phone - notifications, app switches, home screen - appears on the TV. Your phone is essentially "tied up" during mirroring.

Casting sends specific content (like a YouTube video) to the TV while freeing your phone for other tasks. The content plays independently on the TV.

For Samsung TV Plus on Roku, only screen mirroring works because Samsung TV Plus doesn't support standard casting protocols to non-Samsung devices.

Conclusion: Making the Best of Free Streaming on Roku

Samsung TV Plus isn't coming to Roku anytime soon. Samsung's strategy of keeping the service exclusive to Samsung hardware means Roku users need to look elsewhere for free streaming content.

The good news? You're not missing much.

The Roku Channel delivers 500+ live channels with nearly identical news coverage - ABC News Live, CBS News, NBC News NOW all stream free. Pluto TV adds the entertainment programming (MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon content) that Samsung TV Plus offers through its Paramount partnership. Tubi's massive library of 275,000+ titles beats Samsung TV Plus's on-demand selection.

For Samsung Galaxy phone owners, screen mirroring works. Connect your phone via Smart View, accept the connection on your Roku, and Samsung TV Plus content displays on your TV. It's a functional workaround, though it ties up your phone and limits quality to 1080p.

For everyone else, the alternatives aren't just acceptable - they're excellent. The combined content of The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Tubi covers 80%+ of what Samsung TV Plus offers, often with deeper libraries in specific categories.

Roku's free streaming ecosystem has matured into something genuinely impressive. Between pre-installed services like The Roku Channel and easy-to-add apps like Pluto TV and Tubi, cord-cutters on Roku have access to thousands of hours of free content without needing Samsung hardware.

Your best next step:

• Already have a Samsung Galaxy phone? Try the screen mirroring workaround in Section 4

• Want the easiest solution? The Roku Channel is already on your device - start exploring

• Want maximum variety? Install Pluto TV and Tubi alongside The Roku Channel for the broadest content selection

We'll update this guide if Samsung ever announces plans to bring TV Plus to Roku or other platforms. Based on their current strategy, don't hold your breath - but in the streaming world, things can change quickly.