GlobeNow.tvA free Roku Channel alternative for live TV from around the world
GlobeNow.tv is a free way to watch live TV without an account: 647 official YouTube live channels from 64 countries, found by place on a 3D globe. 85% of them have no country restrictions on YouTube. The Roku Channel is the better pick for on-demand movies, TV apps and a programme guide; GlobeNow.tv is built for discovering live channels and news from around the world.
The Roku Channel is mainly a US on-demand and live TV service for Roku devices; this page compares free live TV only. Outside the US, Canada, the UK and Mexico it is not available.
GlobeNow.tv vs The Roku Channel
| GlobeNow.tv | The Roku Channel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free; no ads added by GlobeNow.tv (broadcasters' YouTube ads may play) | Free, ad-supported; optional paid Premium Subscriptions (HBO Max, Paramount+ and others) |
| Account | Not needed | Not needed for free content — Roku says free shows play with no sign-ups or logins; a Roku account is used for Premium Subscriptions |
| Live channels | 647 official live channels from 64 countries (426 with viewers right now) | 500+ free live TV channels in the US (official figure), including 100+ local channels. Canada, the UK and Mexico get smaller line-ups (Roku launched 40+ in the UK in October 2025) |
| Where it works | Any country where YouTube works; each broadcaster sets its own limits — 85% of channels have none | United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom |
| Finding something to watch | Spin a 3D globe and pick a place, or browse by country and category | Live TV channel guide grid, next to an on-demand catalogue |
| On-demand movies & shows | No — live channels plus the last 24 hours of news videos on the globe | Yes — 80,000+ free movies and shows plus Roku Originals |
| Apps | Web browser on desktop and phone; can be added to the home screen | Roku TVs and players, Fire TV, Google TV, Samsung TVs, iOS and Android, and the web (TheRokuChannel.com) |
| Where the streams come from | Broadcasters' official YouTube live streams | Roku's licensed free ad-supported channels (owned by Roku, Inc.) |
Which one suits you?
Choose GlobeNow.tv for
- Live news from many countries in one place, found by where it happens.
- No account, no app to install.
- Checking which channels play in your country before you press play.
Choose The Roku Channel for
- Free on-demand movies, TV series and Roku Originals — GlobeNow.tv has none.
- Local US news: Roku lists 100+ free local channels from US cities.
- Watching on a TV with a channel guide, especially if you already have a Roku device.
Try it now: live news
Tap a picture to start the official YouTube stream. Live streams can pause or change; each channel page shows the current one.
Sports
Kids & animation
Entertainment
Questions
Is GlobeNow.tv a free The Roku Channel alternative?
For live TV, yes. GlobeNow.tv is free and needs no account. It gathers 647 official YouTube live channels from 64 countries on one 3D globe. Unlike The Roku Channel, it has no on-demand movies or TV episodes.
Do I need an account to watch?
No. GlobeNow.tv has no sign-up for watching. On The Roku Channel, an account is not needed for free content.
Can I use it outside the United States?
GlobeNow.tv works in any country where YouTube works, but each broadcaster decides where its live stream plays. In our latest check, 85% of channels had no country restrictions. The Roku Channel is available in: United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
Will GlobeNow.tv replace every The Roku Channel channel?
No. GlobeNow.tv embeds broadcasters' official YouTube live streams; it does not carry The Roku Channel's own channels or library. Choose it for live news, sports, kids and entertainment channels found by place.
Can I watch The Roku Channel outside the US, Canada, the UK or Mexico?
No — Roku lists those four countries only, and the line-up outside the US is smaller. GlobeNow.tv works wherever YouTube works, though each broadcaster still decides where its own live stream plays.
Watching from abroad?
See which channels from each country play outside it.
Free international news live streams in English › · Watch the 2026 midterm election results free ›
GlobeNow.tv figures update automatically from our channel list; country restrictions last checked 31 Oct 2026. The Roku Channel details checked 12 Oct 2026.
GlobeNow.tv is not affiliated with The Roku Channel. The Roku Channel is a trademark of its owner and is named here only for comparison.
Sources for The Roku Channel details (checked 12 Oct 2026): Roku — The Roku Channel (devices, free everywhere it is available) · Roku — Live TV, 500+ free channels and 100+ local channels · Roku — Roku Originals FAQ (no sign-ups or logins) · Roku Newsroom — 40+ free live TV channels in the UK (Oct 2025) · Wikipedia — The Roku Channel (availability, 80,000+ titles)
About GlobeNow.tv
GlobeNow.tv is a live world video map: news, travel and live TV from around the planet, placed where it happens on a 3D globe — with Polo the polar bear as your guide.
View on the 3D globeFree · No sign-up