The advancement in technology has prompted people to replace the good old cable TV with streaming sticks. And, in the segment of streaming devices, it is needless to mention that Chromecast and FireStick are two popular names.
We all know this, don’t we!
But, very few of us know that along the same lines, Roku has also established itself as a worthy contender.
All About Roku!
Roku is a popular digital platform that was launched in 2008 to allow you to easily stream TV and other media content from various online platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix.
It has three devices—
A Roku Box, which is a standalone device that you connect directly to your TV.
A Roku Stick, it features seamless HD streaming to your TV.
A Roku TV, it’s the fully featured solution embedded in your TV.
With Roku, you can access subscription channels, free channels, rent or buy channels, certified cable channels and other channels such as BBC Sports, Red Bull TV, etc.
Also, using the Roku is pretty simple because all you need to do is plug it into your smart TV and log into a Roku account to be ready to start streaming content.
Since Roku is so easy to set up, you can quickly turn your home into an entertainment hub in seconds.
Overall, Roku makes TV viewing an affordable enterprise that replaces expensive cable setups and provides a compact, all-inclusive streaming solution.
What’s the Drawback of Using Roku?
When it comes to browsing, its drawbacks are quite obvious and that is, the Roku has only limited functions.
Not to mention, there is no native built-in browser for Roku. Also, you can get only a handful of web browsers from its official store. Moreover, those are available, they aren’t even fully optimized!
While this may seem like a downside, it still doesn’t make the Roku any less enjoyable.
Now coming to the point, since the Roku stick or device does not have an in-built web browser that lets you surf the Internet and access websites, you can consider trying browsers outside the store, i.e. third-party browsers.
Regarding the same, we may have some suggestions for you!
So, without wasting any second, let us bring you the eight best [Third-Party] browsers that you can use on your Roku device!
List of 8 Best Internet Browsers to Use for Roku TV
Here is the list of the best web browsers for Roku that will improve your browsing experience—
1. Opera Web Browser
First on the list we have is Opera. Opera provides a hassle-free experience for navigating the web on Roku devices.
Considering this, if you want to use Opera, like any traditional web browser, you need to connect the streaming device to your Windows computer and you can use any normal keyboard to search.
Now, wondering how it is different and considered as one of the best browsers for Roku? Well, it is because of its lightweight nature and fast engine that answers the queries of the users in the shortest possible time.
In addition, it has excellent integration with the VPN service, which helps users to unlock unlimited entertainment content in no time while protecting their digital identity.
Pros of Using Opera Browser
Faster web browsing experience
Straightforward UI.
Secure VPN for anonymity.
Video pop-out feature for YouTube.
Cons of Using Opera Browser
The setup process takes time and effort.
Not compatible to open all websites, links, applications etc.
To Download Opera Web Browser: Click on this Link
2. Web Browser X
Next on the list is web browser X. It is undoubtedly one of the best web browsers for Roku as it comes with a simple and easy-to-use interface.
However, you might be disappointed to learn that web browser X won’t handle it well if you try to browse media content on YouTube. But, as far as web pages are concerned, you can easily visit websites, bookmark your favorite webpages and do a lot more around when it comes to basic browsing.
So, if you consider using it, you can use the left and right, up and down buttons placed on the Roku remote to navigate through web pages.
Pros of Using Web Browser X
Allows you to save your homepage and make web surfing easier.
Delivers fully rendered pages with clickable links.
Some countries where you can access the Roku browser for free also.
Cons of Using Web Browser X
Old fashioned UI.
Though, pages render very well but only when formatting is turned off.
You cannot play the video nor can you fill in the User-ID, Password and Web Form fields.
To Download Web Browser X: Click on this Link
3. Safari Browser
Safari browser is undoubtedly a graphical internet browser from Apple that you can use for Roku TV as well. Although, it is popularly used on Apple products like iPhones, iPads, and Macs; you can find this web browser on the Roku Store and add it to your Roku TV for surfing the web.
Its fast speeds and navigable browsing features have made it a favorite among Roku users.
Moreover, it comes with a minimalist user interface that makes it easy to navigate and allows you to get a clear view without any complications.
And what else makes it a popular choice among users is that it provides enough privacy and security while surfing the web. Therefore, you will not regret considering it as one of your options for using it on your Roku device.
Pros of Using Safari Browser
A user friendly Interface
Easy to navigable web browser with a simple design
Fast speed and offers variety of content
Cons of Using Safari Browser
There is no restore session available
Requires some time getting used to properly understanding the browser’s processes.
Sometimes errors may occur due to carpet bombing.’
To Download Safari Web Browser: Click on this Link
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4. Firefox Web Browser
Next on the list of best browsers for Roku is none other than Mozilla’s Firefox.
It is one of the excellent, well-known and free-to-use browsers among internet users. Plus, the reason it’s listed here is because Firefox is easy to use and can easily connect to your Roku TV or other Roku devices.
So, if you use Roku regularly, Firefox can be your ideal choice as it allows you to stream live TV shows, movies, sports matches, reality shows, and international news instantly in excellent video resolution on your Roku TV.
On Firefox, you can use various services like YouTube and others without getting interrupted by ads etc. Also, it is interesting to note that this browser has a friendly interface and also offers a wide range of tools to help you find and access relevant content.
However, what is one thing you need to make sure of is that the Firefox you are using on your Roku device should share the same network as your mobile device. In this regard, let us also mention that you can get the best results with the beta version of Firefox.
Pros of Using Firefox Web Browser
Safe and Fast Browser
Movable Search Bar
Provides a navigable and clean UI
Cons of Using Firefox Web Browser
It works slower than many other web browsers
Streaming of media content is sometimes slow
To Download Firefox Web Browser: Click on this Link
5. Web Video Caster
Developed by Instantbits, it is considered one of the top mobile browsers for casting videos, including movies, TV shows, and live-streams of news, sports, as well as IPTV to your Roku TV.
Not only this browser supports all types of streaming devices and allows direct streaming from the web; it also lets you cast local videos stored on your phone.
In addition, Web Video Caster also has a unique feature called ‘Integrated OpenSubtitles Website .’ Using this, you can download all the subtitles of any video content and use these subtitles while casting the video from your iOS or Android device.
Furthermore, Web Video Caster allows you to create home screen shortcuts and view browsing history with ease. It also features an intuitive IX design that greatly improves your streaming experience.
However, it is a paid service that costs around $4.99 per month with a subscription. But, overall, one thing that makes it an excellent option is its seamless connection with Roku TVs.
Pros of Using Web Video Caster
Along with Roku, it supports Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, DLNA receivers and more.
The premium version of Web Video Caster supports bookmarks, home screen shortcuts, video history, and more.
It also lets you cast local videos stored on your phone.
Cons of Using Web Video Caster
It unfortunately does not support tab casting, such as the Chromecast extension.
To Download Web Video Caster Browser: Click on this Link
6. Media Browser
Another amazing browser for Roku is none other than Media Browser. It is supported by Roku and will allow you to surf the internet uninterruptedly even on content-heavy websites.
To be precise, it is an excellent browser with reliable speed that makes navigation easy even when the website contains hundred-thousands of files.
Other than this, Media browser offers contests in different pixel sizes and automatically translates contents.
So, considering all this, if you want to use Media Browser on your Roku device, all you need to do is install Media Browser Server and then run it on the local network.
Thereafter, it keeps on upgrading the web browser with minor updates like photo slideshows, Live TV, and the ability to remotely control the Media Browser using other apps, etc.
Pros of Using Media Browser
Browse, control and play all your local movies, TV, web series and music.
User-friendly interface and easy to navigate buttons.
Brings a suite of apps in order to let stream media from PC to Roku-connected TV.
Cons of Using Media Browser
It’s specifically just an internet video browser.
It fails to give you the facilities to play videos.
To Download Media Browser: Click on this Link
7. The Roku Channel
In the name of the device itself; Roku Channel is currently one of the top web browsers on the market and a great choice among the best web browsers for Roku TV that lets you stream an array of content from its platform.
With it, you can not only easily access the Internet, but also stream current news, live sports matches, TV shows, movies, your favorite music and videos for free.
Also, what makes this browser stand out is that you can easily download content from the Roku channel and get the latest content instantly. Plus, if you live in the US, you can easily get 40+ off subscriptions, including Showtime, EPIX, AMC+, etc.
Pros of Using the Roku Channel
Stream a wide variety of content on the platform itself
Keeps the users entertained by updating the content from time to time
Offers the perfect blend of internet surfing and streaming
Cons of Using the Roku Channel
Not totally free. The premium portion of the service has to be paid.
To Download The Roku Channel: Click on this Link
So, these are some of the best web browsers for Roku that will allow you to surf the Internet on your Roku TV.
Now let us also show you how to screen-cast your device browser to Roku.
The process of Screencasting is really easy and can be done seamlessly on any Smart TV, Laptop, Tablet or Smartphone! So, have a look—
How You Can Cast a Web Browser to Your Roku Device from Android?
Follow these below instructions as they will allow you to surf the Roku’s web from your Android smartphone or tablet—
Step 1: Open your Android’s ‘Settings ’ app.
Step 2: Then, inside settings, go to ‘Connected Devices ’ and then, to ‘Pair New Devices .’
Step 3: After doing that, you’ll need to wait for Android’s Roku streaming stick or set-top box to be detected automatically .
Step 4: Once your Roku device is detected, tap on the ‘Roku Name ’ and again, wait for the connection to initialize.
Step 5: Now, all you have to do is open the web browser that you want to use on your Roku.
How You Can Cast a Web Browser to Your Roku Device from Windows?
It is to mention that, the best way to use a web browser on Roku is to cast a browser from your Windows to your Roku device as it offers the least amount of resolution distortion. So, considering this, follow the steps below to cast a Windows browser to your Roku device—
Step 1: To begin, you’ve to verify that your Roku is using the latest version 7.7 of Google’s operating system. For that, go to For that, go to ‘Settings ’ then, ‘System ’ and then, ‘About .’
Step 2: There, if you get to know that it isn’t using the latest version 7.7 of Google’s operating system then, navigate to ‘Settings ’ and from settings, to SystemUpdate ’ to ‘Check Now .’
Step 3: After that, wait for the process to complete .
Step 4: Now, on your Windows, open the ‘Action Center ’ and simply, click on the ‘Link ’ available in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 5: Following this, click the ‘Connect ’ tile or click ‘Expand ’ if you can’t see the tile on the screen right away.
Step 6: Next, what you need to do is to allow Windows to scan your Roku device . This scanning process hardly takes up to 30 seconds, so wait!
Step 7: Once the scanning process completes, look in the ‘List of devices .’ This is simply to click on the ‘Roku Name ’ that appears after scanning.
Step 8: Clicking on Roku’s name will initiate the connection .
Step 9: Once the connection is established, you can start surfing on your Roku device with your favorite web browser.
[Note: If you ever want to disable casting, you’ll need to select ‘Stop watching videos on your Roku TV screen’ to do so. Or else, simply hit ‘Disconnect Windows’.]
Conclusion
That’s all! With this list of third-party internet browsers for Roku, we’ve shared eight different browsers, each with their own USPs and drawbacks. So hopefully, this guide will not only help you choose the best browser to use for your Roku device but also help you with how you can screencast them on your Roku platform.
FAQs
Q: Is There a Free Web Browser for Roku?
A: Yes absolutely! The above mentioned web browser for Roku can be used to browse the internet on your television for free. To be specific, you can choose a browser like Web Browser X, as it is a free web browser for Roku, and you can use it without paying additional subscription fees.
Q: Can I Get Google Chrome on My Roku?
A: No, the Google Chrome web browser is not supported by Roku. But, still if you want to enjoy Google Chrome-like browsing experience on Roku, you can try screen mirroring. To do this, you’ll need to first install the Google Chrome mobile app on your smartphone, and then, you can simply cast your device to the television, so you get the Google Chrome-like browsing experience of browsing the Internet on the big screen of your Roku device.
Q: How Do I Cast My Browser to Roku?
A: Since Roku doesn’t have a native web browser of its own, you can either use the third-party web browser mentioned above in this post or, you can use screen mirroring to cast the browser.
Q: Can you Browse the Internet on Roku?
A: Although, Roku lets you browse a wide range of entertaining media content including movies, TV shows, and live-sports events. But, when it comes to browsing the Internet then, unfortunately— the Roku doesn’t have a built-in native browser feature. This means, in order to surf the Internet on your television set through Roku, you need to have an additional third-party web browser installed on your device.
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