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As streaming service subscription prices continue to rise, many people are looking for other options and discovering a much cheaper alternative -- free, live TV streaming channels.
If you're not aware, most smart TVs have built-in apps with free content and free live TV channels. While most channels are ad-supported, there's no charge at all.
Also: Every Roku user should know these 15+ shortcuts that unlock the system's best features
Two of the biggest options are The Roku Channel and Google TV Freeplay. Both have hundreds of channels available across a wide range of categories, and both are easy to use. Which service comes out on top?
What free TV channels are available on Roku?
I can't say I'd ever truly looked at the live channels on The Roku Channel, so I was pretty surprised at how many channels there are. The app doesn't clearly say, but most reports suggest there are more than 500 channels, all free.
Also: Is your Roku TV spying on you? It's possible, but here's how you can easily stop it
For sports, you'll find options for all the major leagues -- NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. None of those channels had live games, but they all had classic games, studio shows, and original programming. There are CBS and NBC services, with channels dedicated to combat sports, professional wrestling, monster trucks, the X Games, boxing, motorsports, fishing, golf, pool, soccer, women's sports, competitive video gaming, and even pickleball. I counted just over 70 sports channels.
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