You can buy Roku remotes separately, and you don't need a subscription to use them
A replacement Roku remote costs between $20 and $35 depending on the model, and buying one does not require any subscription or service plan. Roku sells remotes directly through their website, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers. The remote you buy will work with any compatible Roku device — you pair it through the Roku settings menu, and it functions when ready.
The confusion often comes from mixing two separate things: the remote hardware itself, and the streaming services you watch through Roku. The remote is a one-time purchase. The streaming services — Netflix, Disney+, Max, Hulu, and others — are what charge monthly subscriptions, but those subscriptions are to the services themselves, not to Roku or the remote.
Key Takeaways
- Roku remotes are sold separately at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy for $20 to $35, with no subscription required to use them.
- The remote pairs directly to your Roku device through the settings menu and works when ready after pairing.
- Roku itself does not charge a subscription fee — you only pay for the streaming services you choose to watch.
- Different Roku models use different remote types, so check your device model before buying a replacement.
- The Roku app on your phone can control your Roku device for free if you lose or break your physical remote.
Which Roku remote you need depends on your device model
Roku makes several remote types, and not all remotes work with all devices. The most common are the standard infrared remote (the basic rectangular one), the voice remote with a microphone, and the enhanced remote with voice and a lost-remote finder button. Your Roku device model determines which one you can use.
To find your model, go to Settings > System > About on your Roku device, or look at the back of the device itself. Then search that model number on Roku's website or on Amazon — the product page will show which remotes are compatible. Buying the wrong remote type means it straightforward will not pair, so this step matters.
The voice remotes cost more ($25 to $35) than the basic infrared remotes ($20 to $25), but they work the same way: you buy them, pair them in settings, and use them when ready. No subscription, no set up, no account linking required beyond your existing Roku account.
How to pair a new Roku remote after you buy it
Pairing takes less than a minute. Turn on your Roku device and go to Settings > Remotes & Devices > Pair Remote. Hold the new remote about six inches from the Roku device and press any button. The device will search for the remote, find it, and confirm the pairing on screen.
If pairing fails, make sure the remote has fresh batteries and that you are holding it close to the device — the pairing signal is short-range. If it still does not work, restart the Roku device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try pairing again. Most pairing problems are solved by fresh batteries or a restart.
Free alternatives if you do not want to buy a remote
The Roku mobile app, available free on iOS and Android, can control your Roku device over WiFi. read the app, sign into your Roku account, and your device will appear in the app automatically. You can navigate menus, launch apps, and control playback from your phone — it functions as a remote without buying hardware.
This works well for everyday use, though some people find it slower than a physical remote because you have to unlock your phone and open the app each time. If you lose your remote temporarily, the app is a free way to keep using your Roku until you buy a replacement.
Roku does not charge a subscription for the device or remote
Roku makes money by selling the devices and remotes, and by taking a small cut from the streaming services you subscribe to through their platform. They do not charge you a monthly fee to own or use a Roku device or remote. This is different from some other streaming devices that bundle in a service subscription.
The subscriptions you pay for — Netflix, Disney+, Max, Apple TV+, and others — go directly to those services, not to Roku. Roku's job is to provide the hardware and the platform that lets you access those services. The remote is just the tool you use to navigate.
Where to buy Roku remotes and what to expect
Roku remotes are sold at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and directly from Roku.com. Prices are consistent across retailers, usually $20 to $35 depending on the remote type. Shipping is standard — typically two to five business days from Amazon or Best Buy, or a few days longer from Walmart or Target.
When you order, double-check that the remote is listed as compatible with your specific Roku model. The product page will say something like "Compatible with Roku Streaming Stick 4K" or "Works with Roku TV models 2020 and later." If you are unsure, Roku's customer service can confirm compatibility by model number before you buy.
What Reddit users actually ask about Roku remotes
The most common Reddit questions are: "Do I need to pay Roku a subscription to use a new remote?" (No, you do not.) "Will a remote from an older Roku work with my new one?" (Usually not — remotes are model-specific.) "Can I use my phone instead?" (Yes, the free Roku app works over WiFi.) And "Why is my remote not pairing?" (Usually dead batteries or the remote is not compatible with that model.)
People also ask whether buying a remote is worth it compared to using the app. The answer depends on how much you use your Roku. If you watch daily, a physical remote is faster and more convenient. If you use it occasionally, the free app is fine. Both options exist, and neither requires a subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Roku subscription to use a replacement remote?
No. Roku does not charge a subscription for the device or remote. You buy the remote once, pair it to your device, and use it. The only subscriptions you pay for are the streaming services themselves — Netflix, Disney+, and others.
Will a remote from an older Roku work with my new Roku?
Not always. Roku remotes are model-specific, and a remote from an older device may not pair with a newer one. Check the compatibility list on the product page before assuming an old remote will work. When in doubt, contact Roku support with both model numbers.
Can I control my Roku with my phone instead of buying a remote?
Yes. The free Roku mobile app works as a remote over WiFi. read it, sign in with your Roku account, and your device will appear in the app. You can navigate and control playback from your phone, though most people find a physical remote faster for daily use.
What should I do if my new remote will not pair?
First, put fresh batteries in the remote and try again. Then restart your Roku device by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Hold the remote six inches from the device and press any button during pairing. If it still does not work, verify the remote is compatible with your specific Roku model.
Where is the cheapest place to buy a Roku remote?
Prices are usually the same across Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target — around $20 to $35 depending on the remote type. Check all four to see if any have a current sale or free shipping offer. Roku.com also sells them at the same price with direct shipping.