Roku is a digital platform that allows you to stream media (shows, movies, and even music) from the Internet to your TV. Launched back in 2008, it has grown into the most popular TV streaming platform in the US, and the brand’s popularity in Europe continues to grow as more Roku hardware is launched and new features are added. However, it lacks features when it comes to browsing, and has limited functions. Yes, that might seem like a downside, but it still doesn’t make the Roku any less enjoyable.
Since Roku doesn’t offer an in-built web browser for you to surf the Internet, you will have to install third-party browsers that will improve your browsing experience. So without further ado, let’s check out some of the best web browsers for Roku.
Best Internet Browsers for Roku
- Opera
- Web Browser X
- POPRISM Web Browser
- Web Video Caster
- Media Browser for Roku
- The Roku Channel
1. Opera
Opera is a lightweight browser that provides a hassle-free experience for navigating the web on Roku devices. To use Opera, like any traditional web browser, you’ll need to pair the streaming device to your Windows computer and you can use any normal keyboard to search.
The reason for being one of the best browsers for Roku is its lightweight nature and fast engine which answers the queries of the users in the shortest possible time. Plus, its excellent integration with the VPN service, helps users to unlock unlimited entertainment content in no time while safeguarding their digital identity.
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward User Interface.
- Lightning-fast web browsing experience.
- Secure VPN integration for anonymity.
- It has a video pop-out feature for YouTube.
Cons:
- The Setup process requires time & effort
2. POPRISM Web Browser
Another popular web browser for Roku can allow you to browse the Internet. But before you decide to use it, we would like to mention that do not keep your hopes too high. As far as we are concerned about the interface, POPRISM offers a plain and standard view. It has a more text-based look and feel, nothing that could easily grab your attention.
There comes a time when you will notice that the text placement of fonts for most websites is without format, except for a few websites that are compatible with the POPRISM browser. However, navigating within web pages can be done quickly with the up, down, left, and right keys on the Roku remote. To return to the Home screen, you can tap the “Return” key.
Pros
- Get the basic Google research readable on POPRISM.
- It is a Text-based web browser.
- It is a completely free Roku web browser.
Cons
- No images/GUIs/CSS/JavaScript.
3. Web Video Caster
The next web browser for Roku on our list is Web Video Caster. You can browse websites, watch TV, shows, live streams, and more. Web Video Caster provides seamless support for Roku TV which can enhance your browsing experience. Photo and audio files are supported and subtitles are detected on the web page accordingly. Plus, you can use OpenSubtitles.org’s integrated search.
Web Video Caster is a paid service that will cost you around 4.99$ subscription cost/per month but it’s worth it.
Pros
- Apart from Roku, Web Video Caster supports Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, DLNA receivers & more.
- The Premium version of this web browser supports Bookmarks, Video History, Home screen shortcuts, etc.
- It also allows you to cast local videos from your phone.
Cons
- It doesn’t support tab casting, like the Chromecast extension.
4. Media Browser for Roku
Media Browser for Roku allows you to surf the internet seamlessly, even on content-heavy websites. You need to make sure you have a Media Browser server installed and running on a local network in order to use it.
You can set up your own server on your device that keeps on upgrading the web browser with minor updates like Live TV, photo slideshow, remote control from other media browser apps, etc.
Pros
- You can browse, control, and play all your local movies, TV & music.
- It has a user-friendly interface & easy-to-navigate buttons.
- This brings you a suite of apps to stream media from PC to Roku-connected TV.
Cons
- It’s just an internet video browser.
5. The Roku Channel
Just like the name of the device, The Roku Channel lets you stream a wide variety of content on its platform. You can not only browse the web with ease but also watch the latest news, play music and stream your favorite content.
Unlike most of Roku’s web browsers, it uploads most of its content from Yahoo and keeps users entertained with the latest updates.
Pros
- You can stream a variety of content on the platform itself.
- It keeps updating content from time to time.
- A perfect blend of Internet surfing & streaming
Cons
- You need to pay for additional premium service.
6. Web Browser X
Another best web browser for Roku on this list is Web Browser X which combines a simple, easy-to-use interface. You can easily visit websites, bookmark your favorite web pages and do much more around basic browsing. To navigate web pages, you can simply use the left and right, up and down buttons placed on the Roku remote. However, if you want to browse media content or YouTube, it won’t handle it very well.
Pros
- Quickly delivers fully rendered pages with clickable links.
- It allows you to save your homepage & make web surfing effortless.
- You can access the Roku browser for free in some countries.
Cons
- Pages rendered fairly well, but the formatting is off.
- The UI is Old-fashioned or you can say outdated.
Summing up
By now you have clearly understood that using a web browser on Roku is not a good idea. So, to browse the internet on Roku, you can also try Screen Mirroring instead.
With Screen Mirroring, you can easily cast content from your smartphone or tablet to your television screen to surf the web. Screen mirroring isn’t a feature you want to use, you always have the above-mentioned browsers for Roku to browse or stream content on your device.
See More: Best Browsers for Android TV
Common FAQs – Best Browsers for Roku
Q. Is there a free web browser for Roku?
There are many free web browsers for Roku. You can use them according to your need. However, we have listed the best web browsers for Roku above in this article. These can be used to browse the Internet on your television.
Q. Which is the best browser for Roku?
It depends on your needs. However, we recommend you to choose Web Browser X. This is a free web browser for Roku, and use it without paying additional subscription fees.
Q. Can I get Google Chrome on my Roku?
The Google Chrome web browser is not supported by Roku. However, you can enjoy the Google Chrome browsing experience on Roku by using the Screen Mirroring feature. All you need is the Google Chrome mobile app on your smartphone, and then cast your device to the television to browse the Internet on the big screen.
Q. Can you Browse the Internet on Roku?
Yes, you can browse the internet on Roku using a third-party web browser. Aside, Roku has a wide range of entertaining media content including movies, TV shows, and live sports events.
Q. How Do I Cast my browser to Roku?
Since Roku doesn’t have a native web browser of its own, you can either use the third-party web browser mentioned above or use screen mirroring to cast the browser.
