Apps & viewing

[stvn78]

What are the pros and cons of adding a channel with its standalone app versus adding to the Roku Channel?

So far, all I have: several bills from various channels versus a single bill from Roku.

Are there other considerations? I'm on the cusp of trading in my good ol' DVR for full-time streaming and wonder where to put stuff.

[AvsGunnar]

@stvn78 

I think most users tend to prefer to subscribe directly with the provider (standalone channel/app).  This will allow you to stream the content on any device (Roku, laptop, phone, other streaming devices, etc).  Additionally, easier to deal with the provider directly over any channel/app issues or billing issues.

If you choose to subscribe directly with Roku (Roku Pay), then gives you the ease of consolidating all your subscriptions into one place.  However, you will need to watch your subscription content through a Roku device or the Roku mobile app.  Some have also mentioned that sometimes not all a subscription's library content may be available using this method when "subscribed through Roku".

I no longer subscribe to any premium content/sunsbscriptions but I have done both methods in the past  and didn't run into any issues either way.  I think it is more important to determine how you watch TV.  If you need to access your content on multiple non-Roku devices and while away from home without access to Roku, then you should consider subscribing directly with the provider rather than Roku Pay.