Have you ever wished you could access the Internet on your TV? Imagine being able to read articles, watch videos, or browse social media on a bigger screen. Well, if you have a Roku device, you might be able to do just that.
Launched in 2008, Roku is a popular digital platform that allows you to stream media content from various online platforms. But when it comes to browsing, Roku only features a limited set of functions. Yes, it may sound like a downside, but it still doesn’t make Roku any less entertaining.
As Roku doesn’t offer you an in-built web browser to surf the Internet, we might have some suggestions. However, Roku provides support for entertainment, offering video streaming channels. However, the browsers offered in the Roku Channel Store are very few with insufficient features. Lack of integrated browsers can screencast using another device.
Also Read: How to set up YouTube on Roku?
What is The Roku Channel?
Roku is a popular streaming device that lets you watch thousands of channels and apps on your TV. But did you know that you can also use it as a web browser? Yes, you heard that right! You can surf the web on your Roku device with some tricks and tools.
Why would you need a web browser for Roku? Well, there are many reasons. Maybe you want to access some websites that are not available as Roku channels. Maybe you want to stream content from sources that are not supported by Roku. Or maybe you just want to have some fun and explore the internet on your TV.
Whatever your reason is, we are here to help you. In this blog, we will show you how to get a web browser on Roku and review the 9 best browsers that you can use in 2024.
Does Roku Have Its Own Web Browser?
Even though you can watch things online with Roku, it doesn’t have its own web browser for surfing the Internet like you do on a computer. Instead, you can use other apps and things made by different people to do some basic browsing on your Roku.
Best Browsers for Roku To Use In 2024
Keep in mind, all these Internet browsers aren’t fully optimized for all Roku devices. However, we can give them a shot!
1. Safari Browser –
Safari browser is another web browser for Roku devices, available on the Channel Store. However, the resemblance to the name and logo has nothing to do with Apple. It is not Apple’s Safari in any terms and has been developed by Adrian and published by Roku. With the mixed ranking & ratings, it is not deemed as the best viable option but definitely worth trying.
Safari is certainly faster than other Internet Roku browsers listed here. It can be easily added to your Hisense or TCL Roku TV to get started with instant web surfing. It has a minimalist user interface that makes it easy for users to navigate the web & other settings.
Pros
- Cast the standard Safari browser from Mac/iOS to Roku.
- Clean & visually attractive UI.
- Provides seamless browsing & transition experience.
- Equipped with enough privacy & security mechanisms.
Cons
- Doesn’t get regular updates.
2. Web Video Caster Receiver –
Next on our list of best web browsers for Roku comes Web Video Caster. With the help of Web Video Caster, you can cast audio, and images, watch TV shows, live streams, and more. It is a paid service that will cost you around $4.99 subscription cost/per month, but it’s worth it.
Web Video Caster offers seamless support to Roku TV that can enhance your browsing experience. Photos & audio files are supported, and subtitles are accordingly detected on the web page. Additionally, you can use the integrated search of OpenSubtitles.org.
Pros
- Besides Roku, it supports Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, DLNA receivers & more.
- Premium version supports Bookmarks, Video History, Home screen shortcut, etc.
- Let’s cast local videos stored on your phone.
Cons
- Does not support tab casting, like the Chromecast extension.
Meanwhile, here are some of the best web browsers for Roku that will enhance your browsing experience. You can use these browsers on Roku with the help of screencasting from your device – Android, iOS, and Windows.
3. Opera
Opera provides a hassle-free experience to navigate the web on Roku devices. Just like any traditional web browser, to use Opera, you need to attach the streaming device to your Windows & you can utilize any general keyboard to do the searches.
It is one of the best browsers for Roku because of its lightweight and faster engine that responds to users’ queries least time. Its excellent integration with VPN service helps users to unlock unlimited entertainment content in no time while protecting their digital identity.
Pros
- Straightforward UI.
- Secure VPN for anonymity.
- Video pop-out feature for YouTube.
- Fast web browsing experience
Cons
- The Setup process requires time & effort
4. Web Browser X
Undoubtedly, one of the best web browsers for Roku, Web Browser X comes with a simple, easy-to-use interface. Although, if you’re looking to browse media content or YouTube, then it won’t handle it too well.
As far as web pages are concerned, you can easily visit websites, bookmark your favorite web pages and do a lot more around basic browsing using the Roku Internet browser. You can simply use the left and right, up and down buttons placed on the Roku remote to navigate web pages.
Pros
- Delivers fully rendered pages with clickable links.
- Allows you to save your homepage & make web surfing effortless.
- Few countries where you can access the Roku browser for free.
Cons
- Pages rendered fairly well, although formatting is off.
- Old-fashioned UI.
5. POPRISM Web Browser
POPRISM is another popular web browser for Roku that can allow you to browse the Internet. But yes, before you decide to use it, we want to tell you that don’t keep your hopes too high. As far as we’re talking about the interface, POPRISM offers a plain and standard view. It features a more text-based look and feels, nothing that might easily catch your attention.
Even when you visit a webpage, the text placements of the fonts will be a bit unformatted for more websites. Only a few websites are compatible with the POPRISM browser, so if you browse for any other web page, you might have to struggle to read the text.
Navigating the web pages can be quickly done with the up, down, left, and right keys placed on the Roku remote. To return to the home screen, tap the “Return” key.
Pros
- Get the basic Google research readable on POPRISM.
- Text-based web browser.
- Free Roku web browser.
Cons
- No images/GUIs/CSS/JavaScript.
6. Google Chrome –
Google Chrome is the most widely used web browser all around the world. Although it has been accused of stealing user data, it is still one of the favorites. It provides users with great features to help them browse the internet. Therefore, it is on the list of the best web browsers for Roku.
The Roku Internet browser works by screencasting on your Roku TV with another device just like Opera. You must have Google Chrome on your Android, iOS, and Windows PCs. You can then easily connect the device to the Roku device and start screen casting.
Pros
- Works on Windows, and Android easily.
- Multiple features for browsing.
- Supports all popular video formats.
- Stream videos easily with C
Cons
- Privacy issues.
7. Firefox –
Firefox is one of the merging web browsers that prioritizes users’ privacy. It has changed a lot over the years and keeps outshining the popularity of its biggest Chrome in different aspects. Firefox can be the best web browser for Roku users looking for a more private browsing experience with many customization options.
Users can use Firefox with Roku with the help of the screencasting function from their preferred devices. This is because it is on the last list for web browsers. You can connect your Android to your Roku device and tap the Cast button for the videos playing on your Firefox browser app on Android
Pros
- Uses fewer CPU resources.
- More customizable than others.
- Private browsing is available.
- In-built Ad blocker.
Cons
- Only available on Android
8. Media Browser
Media Browser is actually a suite of applications that allows users to stream media from their computer to their Roku-connected TV (Roku sticks & other devices) via a local network. Media Browser for Roku is known for providing an uninterrupted streaming experience. Using it, you can easily surf heavy-content websites and stream your favorite content in no time.
To get started with this Roku Internet browser, all you have to do is download the Media Browser Server on your local computer & once the server is configured, launch the Media browser app from your Roku device. You need to scan your network & you’re all set!
Pros
- Comes with a Photo Slideshow feature.
- Supports Live TV Streaming.
- Easily manages different types of media files.
- Ability to remotely control Media Browser.
Cons
- Irregular updates are circulated.
9. Emby for Roku
Well, Emby for Roku is not strictly a browser, but rather an app that has a web browser feature. It lets you stream your personal media collection from your PC or server to your Roku device. With its web browser feature that lets you access some websites that are compatible with Emby. You need to have an Emby server set up to use this app. To set up Emby on your Roku, you have to first get it from the Roku Channel Store. Then, you’ll need to log in using your Emby account and link it to your Emby server. You should also adjust the settings the way you like. Once that’s done, you can start using the web browser on Roku as per your preferences.
Pros
- Supports various media formats: videos, music, photos, podcasts, etc.
- User-friendly interface with simple controls.
- Offers features like subtitles, playlists, live TV, and more.
Cons
- Needs an Emby server to function.
- Might not be compatible with certain websites or content.
- Could include ads or limitations unless you opt for a premium upgrade.
Try Screen Mirroring Instead
As you must’ve got a fair idea by now, using a web browser on Roku doesn’t sound like a good idea. So, to browse the Internet on Roku, you can even try screen mirroring instead.
With the help of screen mirroring, you can easily cast your smartphone or tablet’s content on your television screen to surf the web.
To know more about how to connect your iPhone to Roku TV via screen mirroring, visit this link.
FAQs | More Related To Best Web Browsers For Roku TV
1. Can you Browse the Internet on Roku?
Roku offers you a wide range of entertaining media content, including movies, TV shows, and live sports events. Although, when it comes to browsing the Internet, Roku does not own a built-in native browser facility. To surf the Internet on your television set via Roku, you would need to use a screencast to use a third-party web browser on your device.
2. Is there a free web browser for Roku?
The above-mentioned web browsers for Roku can be used for browsing the Internet on your Television. You can pick Web Browser X, a free web browser for Roku, and use it without paying an additional subscription fee.
3. Can I get Google Chrome on my Roku?
Google Chrome web browser is not supported by Roku. However, to enjoy a Google Chrome-like browsing experience on Roku, you can try screen mirroring instead. You can install the Google Chrome mobile app on your smartphone, and then cast your device on to the television to browse the Internet on a big screen.
4. How Do I Cast my browser to Roku?
As Roku does not have a native web browser of its own, you can either use third-party web browsers that are mentioned above or use screen mirroring to cast the browser.
Conclusion
Here were some of the best web browsers for Roku that will allow you to surf the Internet on your Roku TV. Do let us know which one is your top favorite fastest browser for Roku from the above-mentioned list. Feel free to hit the comments box! Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.