The Roku Channel has topped the streaming charts, becoming the most popular free ad-supported television platform in the United States.
With new ratings, the channel surpassed the records of Tubi and Pluto TV.
Nielsen’s February 2026 streaming usage report revealed that the Roku channel captured 2.9% of total streaming time, surpassing Tubi (2.2%) and Pluto TV (2.1%).
Users even used free services more than paid platforms, including Paramount+ and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Why are viewers switching to Roku TV?
The channel made hundreds of live channels and on-demand content available to users for free. Recently, it added 34 new channels dedicated to classic TV shows like Home Improvement, Murder, She Wrote, Bones, Baywatchand Saved by the bell.
Recently, many streaming services increased their subscription fees, leading users to rely on free service providers.
Additionally, the platform has a user-friendly interface that offers personalized recommendations for its users.
It’s also capable of syncing between devices and offers optional paid premium add-ons, such as Apple TV+ and MGM+, for users who want access to more content.
