Roku Player

Turn your device into a Roku remote and streaming hub

Roku Player puts control of your Roku streaming devices and Roku TV sets right on your phone, making it an easy stand-in when the plastic remote is missing or you prefer a touchscreen. Once you sign in to your Roku account, the app detects your registered players on the same network and is ready to go.

Beyond basic navigation, it adds useful shortcuts that elevate everyday viewing. A universal search lets you find movies and shows, then launch them on supported players without digging through menus. You can browse the Roku Channel Store, add new channels to your lineup, and rate them to refine what you see next. If your home has multiple Rokus, the app helps you label each one and switch between them with minimal fuss.

Casting support is another highlight. Media from your phone or laptop can be sent to your TV, turning personal photos and videos into a living room slideshow. Do note that Roku streaming relies on an internet connection. If your network is down, channels and playback will not be available.

Pairing the app with newer hardware brings further benefits. Owners of the latest Roku Ultra get a premium streaming experience thanks to its quad-core processor, quick loading, a simple interface, and personal content recommendations, all of which complement the companion controls.

There are a few caveats. You need a Roku account before you can use the app, and search-and-launch behavior depends on the capabilities of your specific player. Even so, Roku Player excels as a reliable remote replacement and a straightforward way to manage channels, jump into content faster, and keep multiple devices organized from one place.