Roku Introduces Ad-Free Streaming Service "Howdy" at $2.99/Month

Roku has launched an ad-free streaming service called Howdy, priced at $2.99/month. The service offers over 10,000 hours of licensed library content, including classic films and TV series, without commercial interruptions. Howdy takes a minimalist approach and focuses on familiar storytelling, positioning itself as a complement to other streaming services. The service is initially available on Roku devices and will expand to mobile and other platforms.

Roku, the leading TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has announced the launch of Howdy, a new subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service. Howdy offers ad-free, high-quality entertainment for just $2.99 per month, positioning itself as a complement to existing streaming services rather than a direct competitor [1].

The service will initially be available on Roku devices and will later expand to mobile and other platforms. Howdy's library includes thousands of titles and nearly 10,000 hours of content from partners such as Lionsgate, Warner Bros. Discovery, and FilmRise. The content includes classic films like "Elvis," "Mad Max: Fury Road," and "Back to the Future," as well as TV series like "Weeds" and "Party Down" [2].

Roku CEO Anthony Wood stated that Howdy is not intended to replace premium streaming services but rather to provide an affordable, ad-free option for viewers. "People have multiple streaming services and it will be a great complement," Wood said [1].

Howdy's pricing is significantly lower than many other streaming services, which have seen price increases due to the cost of producing new content. By focusing on library content that viewers already enjoy, Howdy aims to fill a gap in the market for affordable, ad-free entertainment [1].

The service will be available nationwide in the U.S. starting today, August 5, 2025. Roku expects Howdy to find an audience among the company's 125 million daily users, given the popularity of the Roku Channel, the most-watched free, ad-supported TV service in the U.S. [2].

References:
[1] https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2025/08/05/roku-howdy-cheap-ad-free-streaming-service/85506641007/
[2] https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250805651794/roku-launches-howdy-an-ad-free-subscription-video-service-offering-award-winning-entertainment-at-299-per-month