Want to get right to the point? Roku devices require third party installation for web browsing and Opera and Web Browser X are the best browsers in this line.
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?
The Roku Channel is the official Channel Store for Roku devices that lets you stream a wide variety of content on its platform. You customize your channel list on Roku, where you can watch the latest news, play music and stream your favorite content. Get Free music and video channels for Roku, where it uploads most of its content to keep users entertained with the latest updates. Premium channels can help you get Netflix, HBO, and other premium content that can be used at the same subscription.
Best Browsers for Roku in 2023
Let’s get started.
1. Safari Browser –
Safari browser is another web browser for Roku devices in 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 given poor ratings, it is not deemed the best viable option but worth trying.
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 over the web on Roku devices. Just like any traditional web browser, to use Opera, you need to attach the streaming device to your Windows computer & you can utilize any general keyboard to do the searches. It is one of the best browsers for Roku because of its lightweight nature and faster engine that responds to users’ queries in as little time as possible. Its excellent integration with VPN service helps users to unlock unlimited entertainment content in no time while protecting their digital identity.
To use Opera, you must cast on Roku TV using an Android or iOS device.
Open Settings> Enable Bluetooth and WiFi for the same network as your Roku device. Click on the Cast button.
Select the Roku device from the list and start browsing Opera.
You need to open the Opera web browser to cast Opera from your PC. Right-click anywhere inside the web browser and select Cast; select your Roku device from the list.
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. 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.
Does not work anymore
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.
Does not work anymore
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. It is again to be used 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. Firefox can be used on Roku with the screencasting function from your Android devices. This is because it is on the last list for web browsers. You can connect your Android with 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
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
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.
akshita
Quite informative blog. Thanks for sharing 🙂Mridula
Google chrome is not supported by Roku?Gajendra singh
Web browser X is mine favouriteMansi Vijay
Hey, Are there more browsers available for Roku? Want to try other than these?Mansi Vijay
I found Web Video Caster an amazing browser for Roku. But thanks for other recommendations too. Hopefully, it helps too!