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Roku Launches Standalone Howdy Mobile App for Affordable Ad-Free Streaming

Roku has expanded its $2.99 per month ad-free streaming service, Howdy, with a new standalone mobile app for iOS and Android.

Roku has expanded its $2.99 per month ad-free streaming service, Howdy, with a new standalone mobile app for iOS and Android.

NewDecoded

Published Mar 31, 2026

Mar 31, 2026

4 min read

Image by Roku

Streaming On The Go

Roku officially launched a dedicated mobile app for its Howdy streaming service today, bringing its ad-free entertainment library to smartphones across the United States. Available now on the iOS App Store and Google Play, the service maintains its aggressive price point of $2.99 per month. This move represents a major step in the company's effort to reach viewers beyond their living room televisions and traditional hardware. The application offers a seamless experience for subscribers to access over 10,000 hours of content while on the move. Gil Fuchsberg, President of Subscriptions at Roku, stated that the app makes premium streaming more affordable at a time when other costs are rising. By moving to mobile, Roku aims to grow the service independently of its proprietary hardware platform, targeting a wider audience of mobile-first consumers.

A Curated Library of Classics

Subscriptions include a curated selection of iconic romantic comedies, medical dramas, and feel-good classics from major studios. The library features content from partners such as Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Lionsgate alongside select Roku Originals. Popular titles like When Harry Met Sally and Edge of Tomorrow are already slated for the upcoming April lineup to keep the catalog fresh. This mobile rollout follows the recent integration of Howdy into Amazon Prime Video as an add-on subscription. That expansion, which occurred just last week, marked the first time the service was available outside the native Roku ecosystem. Today's launch further solidifies the transition of the company into a multi-platform content provider that can compete directly on third-party devices.

Expanding the Roku Ecosystem

Howdy was first introduced in August 2025 to provide a low cost alternative to increasingly expensive streaming tiers. It joins a growing media portfolio that includes The Roku Channel and the family-oriented Frndly TV service. These offerings collectively target over 125 million people in households across the country who are looking for value-driven entertainment options. Interested viewers can sign up or learn more by visiting the official website at howdy.tv. The app is ready for immediate download for any user seeking quality entertainment without commercial interruptions. Roku continues to leverage its massive reach to diversify revenue streams through these targeted, affordable subscription models.

Decoded Take

Decoded Take

Decoded Take

The launch of the Howdy mobile app marks a significant evolution for Roku as it transitions from a hardware-centric gatekeeper to a platform-agnostic media powerhouse. By offering a micro-subscription for less than three dollars, Roku is aggressively targeting consumer fatigue regarding price hikes and 'ad creep' found on larger streaming platforms. This move allows the company to monetize its content library across the entire mobile ecosystem, effectively decoupling its software revenue from its physical device sales. It creates a low-barrier entry point into the Roku ecosystem for the millions of users who primarily consume media on portable devices.

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