Observed Signal · Jun 24, 2026 · Survey / Poll · Source: Cord Cutters News · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Roku Tops Cord‑Cutter Poll for Streaming Players
CordCuttersNews published a poll of 582 self-identified cord cutters comparing preferred streaming player operating systems. Roku led with 41.1% of votes, followed by Apple TV at 32%, Google TV at 16.5%, and Amazon’s Fire TV at 10.5%. The article summarizes common reasons for each choice: Roku for ease of use and broad app compatibility; Apple TV for build quality, graphics and ecosystem integration; Google TV for smart recommendations and customization; and Fire TV for affordability and Amazon ecosystem features. The piece situates the results within the broader, ongoing cord‑cutting trend and highlights factors consumers consider when choosing devices, such as interface simplicity, app availability, hardware specs, voice control, updates, privacy, and price.
Consumer poll with a modest sample size; provides device‑preference insight but has limited industry‑wide impact on adtech or monetization strategies.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- CordCuttersNews conducted a poll of 582 members of the cord‑cutting community.
- Roku received 41.1% of respondents' votes as their top choice for streaming player operating system.
- Apple TV received 32% support; Google TV received 16.5%; Fire TV received 10.5%.
- Poll respondents are described as individuals who have abandoned traditional cable or satellite in favor of internet streaming.
- The article was published on 2026-06-24.
Connected Companies & Entities
4 Entities mapped“The results indicated that 41.1% of respondents selected Roku as their top choice. This platform has built a reputation for delivering a use...”
“Apple TV came in second place with 32% of the votes. This option is often chosen by those who value superior build quality, advanced graphic...”
“Google TV secured 16.5% support in the poll. Users who selected this system tend to value its smart recommendation features that suggest new...”
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Google TV Gains Ground vs Roku and Apple TV
A Cord Cutters News survey of more than 3,500 cord cutters found Roku leading with 58% share, followed by Apple TV (17%), Google TV (16%), and Amazon Fire TV (10%). The article highlights Google TV’s recent growth driven by affordable hardware — notably Walmart’s Onn line — and the platform’s shift from Chromecast casting to a full Google TV interface introduced with the 2020 Chromecast with Google TV. Budget-priced Onn devices (often under $30 for basic models and around $60 for 4K Pro versions), Matter smart-home support in newer models, and frequent sell-outs have expanded Google TV’s reach. The piece frames the market as dynamic: Roku remains dominant, Apple TV maintains a premium position, and Google TV is closing the gap through value-focused devices, with implications for the CTV ecosystem as cord cutters shift viewing toward streaming.
Cord Cutters Largely Not Buying New Streaming Devices
A Cord Cutters News survey of more than 1,200 cord cutters published July 17, 2026, found 77.6% have no plans to purchase a new streaming player or smart TV. Among respondents planning a purchase, Roku was the top choice (9.2%), followed by Apple TV (6.4%), Google TV (2.5%), and Fire TV (2.4%). The article frames this as evidence of a maturing streaming hardware market: many households already own capable devices, smart TVs include built-in apps, and incremental hardware upgrades no longer justify replacement for many consumers. The piece notes implications for device makers to shift toward software, advertising, and partnerships to monetize existing installed bases.
Roku Channel Tops Free Streaming Survey
Cord Cutters News surveyed more than 1,000 readers about their favorite free ad-supported streaming services. The Roku Channel ranked first with 31.1% support, followed by Pluto TV at 24.2% and Tubi at 23.8%. The survey highlights concentration around a few well-resourced FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) platforms that benefit from studio licensing deals, device integration, and extensive catalogs. The article notes historical context: The Roku Channel launched in September 2017 from Roku Incorporated; Pluto TV was founded in 2013 and acquired by Viacom (now part of Paramount Global) in 2019; Tubi launched in 2014 and was acquired by Fox Corporation in 2020. Findings underscore implications for audience reach, ad inventory, and advertiser attention as free ad-supported services mature into mainstream options.
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