Roku, once known as the go-to neutral streaming platform, has lost its independence, and Reddit users are reacting strongly.
Fox is spending $22 billion in cash and stock to buy Roku. Communities like r/cordcutters, r/television, and r/Roku are responding with disappointment, frustration with big companies, and plans to switch to other platforms.
The main reasons for the backlash are a few key issues, along with the top hardware alternatives that Reddit users are already considering.
Why Reddit users are considering alternatives to Roku
Reddit users have shared several reasons for wanting to switch from Roku to other options. These include:
Losing Roku as a neutral platform
Roku’s biggest advantage was that it let you watch any content you wanted without pushing you toward certain services, unlike Amazon or Google TV.
Now that Fox owns Roku, it plans to bring its live sports, news, and Tubi content to Roku’s 100 million households. Because of this, users worry that Roku will no longer be neutral.
Immediate fears of “enshittification” and content pushing
The word of the day across every major thread is enshittification. Users are terrified that the Roku home screen, which has already been frustrating users with un-skippable UI updates, will soon be dominated by un-removable, top-tier tiles for Fox News, Fox Sports, and political advertising.
Possible merging of Tubi and The Roku Channel
Some people think The Roku Channel might disappear or be merged into Tubi. While some users note that Fox has not changed Tubi’s interface much since 2020, others believe Fox bought Roku to use its hardware to promote its own media content.
The main alternatives Reddit users are choosing
Looking at Reddit threads, five main alternatives stand out for people replacing their Roku devices:
1. Walmart Onn 4K or Onn Pro
These devices are very popular among budget-minded users. People who liked Roku’s low prices but want to avoid Fox are now recommending Walmart Onn boxes.
They use Google TV, have a simple interface for everyday users, and are cheap enough to replace on several TVs at home.
2. Apple TV 4K
For those who want to avoid ads and data tracking and are willing to pay more, Apple TV 4K is a top choice. Reddit users like its strong performance, no home-screen ads, and better privacy, though many still dislike the Siri remote.
3. Google TV or Chromecast devices
These are a good option for people who already use Android devices. Google TV still suggests content, but users think it is safer and more customizable than what Roku might become after Fox takes over in 2027.
4. NVIDIA Shield TV Pro
The NVIDIA Shield TV Pro is the top choice for power users, home theater fans, and cord-cutting purists. Even though it costs more, it runs on an open Android TV platform that gives you full control over your interface.
It offers excellent AI-driven 4K upscaling, which makes older videos look sharper, and is a top device for running personal media servers like Plex.
If you want to disconnect from corporate media and stream your own content library, this is the device most recommended on Reddit.
5. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Fire TV Cube
Amazon’s top Fire TV devices are the most direct replacements. The Fire TV Stick 4K Max and the hands-free Fire TV Cube are very fast and support all major apps.
Fire OS includes a lot of Amazon-focused ads. However, tech-savvy Reddit users like these devices because they are Android-based, which makes it easy to install custom interfaces or apps to block tracking.
Are Reddit users’ concerns valid?
The deal still needs regulatory approval and will not be final until mid-2027. So, Roku devices will not change right away.
However, for people who value control over their media, the change in attitude has already happened. Roku is no longer seen as a neutral and reliable choice for cord-cutters.