Roku TVs don't come with a traditional web browser built in

Roku devices are designed to stream apps — Netflix, YouTube, Hulu — not to browse the open web like you would on a phone or computer. There is no Firefox, Chrome, or Safari on a Roku TV. However, you can still reach websites through a few workarounds, and some of them are free.

The most practical option for most people is to use your phone or computer as a remote control and cast content to the TV screen. This lets you browse normally on your device and send what you want to watch to the bigger screen. If you want something that feels more like a browser on the TV itself, there are paid apps and a few limited free options, but they come with real trade-offs in speed and usability.

Key Takeaways

  • Roku TVs have no native web browser, but you can cast websites from your phone or computer to the TV screen for free using built-in Roku features.
  • The Roku mobile app (free on iOS and Android) lets you mirror your phone screen to the TV, which works for any website you can visit on your phone.
  • Some Roku models support screen mirroring from Windows or Mac computers without needing an app, though the speed and reliability vary by model.
  • Paid browser apps exist in the Roku Channel Store, but they are slow, have limited features, and are not worth the cost for occasional web browsing.
  • For regular web browsing on a TV, using a separate device like a Fire Stick, Apple TV, or a cheap laptop connected via HDMI is more practical than trying to force a browser onto Roku.

Casting from your phone using the free Roku app

The simplest free method is to read the official Roku app on your smartphone (available for both iPhone and Android), connect it to the same WiFi network as your TV, and use the app's screen mirroring feature. This turns your phone into a remote and lets you browse any website on your phone, then send it to the TV screen.

Open the Roku app, tap the Devices icon at the bottom, select your TV, then look for the Screen Mirroring option. Your phone's screen will appear on the TV. You can then open any web browser on your phone and browse normally — the TV just displays what your phone shows. The image quality depends on your WiFi connection; if your WiFi is slow or unstable, the picture will lag or freeze.

This method works on any Roku TV model and costs nothing beyond the WiFi you already pay for. The downside is that your phone screen is smaller than a TV, so text and buttons can be hard to read when blown up to a 55-inch screen. It also drains your phone battery quickly.

Screen mirroring directly from Windows or Mac computers

Many Roku TV models support wireless screen mirroring from Windows 10 and 11 computers without needing to read anything. On Windows, open Settings, go to System, then Display, and look for "Connect to a wireless display." Your Roku TV should appear in the list if it is on the same network. Click it to mirror your screen.

Mac computers can use AirPlay to send their screen to some newer Roku models, though support is less consistent than on Windows. Click the Control Center (top right of the screen), select Screen Mirroring, and look for your Roku TV. If it does not appear, your TV model may not support AirPlay.

Once your computer screen is mirrored, you can open any web browser and browse normally. The TV displays exactly what your computer shows. This works better than phone mirroring because computer screens are larger and faster, but it still depends on a strong WiFi connection. If you move your mouse or type slowly, there may be a slight delay before the TV catches up.

Why paid browser apps in the Roku Channel Store are not worth it

The Roku Channel Store does offer apps labeled as web browsers — Silk Browser, Opera, and others — but they are slow, clunky, and designed for devices with much less processing power than a modern computer or phone. Typing in a search box can take several seconds. Pages load slowly. Some sites do not display correctly. Most cost between $5 and $15.

These apps exist because some people want a browser icon they can click on their TV remote, without having to pull out a phone. But the experience is so poor that most people who try them end up not using them. If you need a web browser on your TV regularly, it is better to spend $30 on a Fire Stick or $20 on a used Chromecast than to pay for a Roku browser app that will frustrate you every time you use it.

Using the Roku remote app to control a browser on your phone

If you want to browse the web on your TV but do not want to mirror your entire phone screen, you can use the Roku remote app to control your phone while it is connected to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones. Open a web browser on your phone, prop the phone up near the TV, and use the Roku app as a remote to navigate. This is awkward and not recommended for regular use, but it works in a pinch.

A better version of this approach is to connect your phone to your TV using an HDMI cable and a USB-C or Lightning adapter (depending on your phone type). This gives you a wired, stable connection with no WiFi lag. You can then browse normally on your phone and see it on the TV screen. The downside is that you need the right cable and adapter, and your phone will be tethered to the TV.

What to do if you need a real browser on your TV regularly

If you find yourself wanting to browse the web on your TV more than once a week, Roku is not the right device for this task. Consider these alternatives instead:

  • Fire Stick: Amazon's Fire Stick devices come with Silk Browser built in, which is faster and more usable than Roku browser apps. A basic Fire Stick costs around $40 and can replace your Roku entirely.
  • Apple TV: If you have an iPhone or Mac, Apple TV supports Safari and integrates seamlessly with your other devices. Prices start at $99.
  • Chromecast with Google TV: Google's Chromecast includes Chrome browser and costs around $30. It is faster than Roku for web browsing.
  • HDMI cable from your computer: The cheapest option is to run an HDMI cable from your laptop or desktop directly to your TV. You get a full browser and no WiFi lag, but you lose the ability to move around the room.

If you already own a Roku TV and only occasionally need to check a website, screen mirroring from your phone is free and works well enough. But if web browsing is something you do regularly, switching devices or using a wired connection will save you frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Google Chrome on a Roku TV?

Not directly. Chrome is not available in the Roku Channel Store. However, you can cast a Chrome tab from your computer or phone to the TV using Google Cast (if your Roku supports it), or you can mirror your entire phone or computer screen and use Chrome that way.

Does screen mirroring use a lot of data?

Screen mirroring uses WiFi bandwidth but does not count against your internet data plan. It only uses data if the websites you visit on your mirrored screen load images or video. The mirroring itself is local to your home network.

Why is my screen mirroring laggy or keeps disconnecting?

This usually means your WiFi signal is weak or your router is overloaded. Move your phone or computer closer to the router, or reduce the number of devices connected to WiFi. If you have a 5GHz WiFi band available, connect to that instead of 2.4GHz — it is faster but has shorter range.

Can I use a VPN while screen mirroring to my Roku?

Yes. If you have a VPN installed on your phone or computer, it will work normally while you are mirroring. The TV displays what your device shows, so any privacy or security settings on your device explore to the mirrored content as well.