Rakuten TV UK: Cost, Channels, Devices & Is It Worth It

Anyone who’s scrolled through a Samsung TV home screen in the UK has probably spotted Rakuten TV sitting there among the usual apps. It looks familiar enough — but unlike Netflix or Amazon Prime, this service runs on a hybrid model: free ad-supported channels alongside pay-per-view movie rentals and purchases. With more than 90 free linear channels across Europe and a UK channel count that keeps growing, Rakuten TV is carving out its own corner of the streaming market.

Founded: 2009 •
Parent Company: Rakuten Inc. •
Available in UK: Yes •
Free Content: Yes (ad-supported) •
Subscription Price: From £3.99/month •
Device Support: Smart TVs, Fire Stick, Mobile, Web

The table above sums up the basics: Rakuten TV runs a freemium model with a free ad-supported entry point and paid options for those who want more.

Is Rakuten available in the UK?

Yes. Rakuten TV operates in the UK as a full-service streaming platform offering both free ad-supported content and paid rentals or purchases. The service is owned by Rakuten Inc., the Japanese e-commerce and technology company behind Rakuten.co.uk and other global brands. Rakuten TV originally launched in Spain in 2009 under the name Wuaki.tv before being acquired by Rakuten and rebranded.

Which country is Rakuten TV from?

Rakuten TV was founded in Spain in 2009, where it began as Wuaki.tv. After Rakuten Inc. acquired the company, it expanded across Europe and now operates in multiple countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The platform is headquartered in Barcelona and remains legally registered in Spain, though it functions as a pan-European streaming service under Japanese parent ownership.

The implication: Rakuten TV’s Spanish roots explain why its free channel lineup leans toward European content rather than UK-only programming.

How much does Rakuten TV cost in the UK?

Rakuten TV uses a multi-tier pricing model. Users can watch content for free with advertisements, subscribe to a premium plan starting at £3.99/month, or rent and purchase individual titles. There are no long-term contracts — subscriptions run monthly and can be cancelled at any time.

• Free tier: Access to live channels and selected movies with ads
• Subscription: From £3.99/month for ad-free access to the library
• Rental: Pay per title, typically £3.49–£5.99 for new releases
• Purchase: Buy digital copies of movies from around £7.99

The free tier is funded by selected advertising partners, which means viewers watch commercials in exchange for no upfront cost. The paid TVOD (transactional video-on-demand) side operates separately, with prices set by the content rights holders.

Is Rakuten TV free in the UK?

Yes — but with a catch. Rakuten TV offers free access to live linear channels and a rotating selection of movies, all supported by advertising. The Live TV channels are free because advertising partners fund them. You don’t need to enter payment details to watch free content, which makes it one of the few no-commitment streaming options in the UK alongside services like Pluto TV and BBC iPlayer.

Do you need a TV licence to watch Rakuten TV?

No. Unlike BBC iPlayer, Rakuten TV is an on-demand streaming service that does not require a UK TV Licence. The legal requirement for a TV Licence covers watching or recording live television broadcasts or using BBC iPlayer. Since Rakuten TV’s content is streamed on-demand and is not a live broadcast service (its linear channels are internet-delivered and not subject to the same regulations), no licence is needed.

What channels are available on Rakuten TV?

Rakuten TV offers a lineup of free ad-supported (FAST) channels alongside its on-demand library. In 2021, the company announced more than 90 free linear channels across 42 European markets. The UK channel line-up is territory-specific and includes a mix of entertainment, documentaries, and children’s content.

• UK channel examples: FilmRise, Real Stories, Timeline, LEGO Channel, CNN International
• New in 2024: RTV Biography Channel, Deal Masters, and History Hunters
• Genre range: Action, comedy, family, drama, documentary, news, and children’s programming

Rakuten states that its European owned-and-operated portfolio now exceeds 100 channels, though not all are available in the UK specifically. The channel lineup continues to grow as Rakuten TV invests in FAST content — a segment that is expanding rapidly across the European streaming landscape.

The catch: the 100-channel figure covers all European markets, not just the UK — so British viewers see a narrower subset.

What movies are available for free on Rakuten TV?

The free movie library on Rakuten TV rotates regularly. Titles are generally older films, independent productions, or catalogue content rather than recent theatrical releases. Genres covered include action, comedy, drama, family, and documentary. The selection varies by region and is subject to licensing agreements, so the UK library may differ from what’s available in other European markets. For the latest releases, users need to rent or purchase through the TVOD side of the service.

How do I get Rakuten TV on my TV?

Getting Rakuten TV onto your television is straightforward. The app is pre-installed on many Smart TVs or can be downloaded from the relevant app store. Supported device categories in the UK include web browsers, LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, Hisense and Philips Smart TVs, Android TV, Android and iOS devices, PS4 and PS5, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Netgem, and Virgin Media.

• Smart TVs: Find Rakuten TV in the app store and install
• Fire Stick: Search for Rakuten TV via the Amazon Appstore
• Mobile: Download from Google Play or Apple App Store
• Web: Visit rakuten.tv and log in

Once installed, sign up with an email address or log in with existing credentials. Free content is available immediately — no payment method required. For rentals or subscriptions, you’ll need to add a card or PayPal account.

Is Rakuten TV on Firestick?

Yes. Rakuten TV has a dedicated app available through the Amazon Appstore on Fire TV and Fire Stick devices. You can search for “Rakuten TV” directly from the Fire Stick interface, install the app, and sign in. It supports the same free and paid content available on other platforms.

Why does my Samsung TV turn on to Rakuten TV?

Some Samsung Smart TVs show Rakuten TV content on the Samsung TV Plus platform or as part of the home screen’s app row. If your TV turns on displaying Rakuten TV, it is likely because the TV’s auto-start setting is pointing to a recent input or app. You can disable this by adjusting the auto-run settings in your Samsung TV’s menu under General > External Device Manager > Auto Run Last App.

How do I get out of Rakuten TV?

Cancelling Rakuten TV depends on what you signed up for. If you have a subscription, log into your account on rakuten.tv, go to My Account > Subscription, and cancel. Refunds for rentals or purchases are handled per Rakuten TV’s refund policy. To remove the app entirely, delete it from your device’s app menu like any other application.

Is Rakuten TV worth it?

That depends on what you’re looking for. Rakuten TV’s value proposition is clearest for casual viewers who want free content without committing to a monthly subscription. For heavy streamers who want the latest originals and a deep library, Netflix or Amazon Prime offer more breadth.

The comparison shows Rakuten TV’s main edge: a free entry tier that competitors don’t offer.

The free tier alone makes Rakuten TV a low-risk addition to your streaming mix. You don’t need to hand over payment details to try it. If the ad-supported model works for your viewing habits, it can serve as a solid secondary service alongside a paid subscription elsewhere.

Rakuten TV UK: Technical specifications

Seven specs define where Rakuten TV fits in the UK streaming landscape — and where it falls short:

The catch: 4K and Dolby Atmos are only available on select rented or purchased titles, not on the free tier. That means free viewers get standard HD with stereo audio — fine for casual watching but a step behind what Netflix and Amazon offer even on their basic plans.

Upsides and downsides

The pattern: Rakuten TV trades library depth and offline access for a free entry point — a trade-off that suits budget-conscious UK viewers more than power users.

How to set up Rakuten TV in the UK: step by step

Five steps get you from zero to watching on most devices:

1. Install the app. Search for “Rakuten TV” in your device’s app store and install it.
2. Create an account. Use your email address or sign up via Google/Facebook.
3. Start watching free content. Browse the Live TV or Free Movies sections — no payment needed.
4. Upgrade for rentals or subscription. Add a card or PayPal to rent new releases or subscribe.
5. Optimise your setup. Check internet speed (minimum 5 Mbps for HD) and adjust display settings for best quality.

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Rakuten TV is available in the UK and offers free ad-supported content
• Owned by Rakuten Inc., founded in 2009
• Subscription starts at £3.99/month
• Available on Smart TVs, Fire Stick, mobile, and web browsers
• Free Live TV channels are funded by selected advertising partners
• Over 90 free linear channels across Europe
• RTV Biography Channel, Deal Masters, and History Hunters launched in the UK in 2024

What’s unclear

• Exact number of titles in the UK library
• Whether all free content supports 4K streaming
• Future content licensing deals and regional availability changes
• Long-term viability of the free AVOD model in the UK market

“Rakuten TV Live TV channels are free to watch because they are funded by selected advertising partners.”

Rakuten TV Help Centre (official support documentation)

“Rakuten TV announced more than 90 free linear channels across 42 European markets in 2021, with territory-specific line-ups.”

Rakuten Advertising (media & press release)

“The UK received the RTV Biography Channel in March 2024, available free and in HD.”

Rakuten Group (corporate press release)

Rakuten TV’s own documentation confirms the hybrid model explicitly: the free side exists because advertisers pay the bills, not because the company is offering a permanent charity service. The paid side operates on standard transactional terms. Understanding that split is the key to knowing what you’re getting into.

For UK viewers weighing up whether to add Rakuten TV to their streaming lineup, the decision comes down to tolerance for ads and appetite for convenience. If you don’t mind commercial breaks and want free access to live channels and a rotating film selection, Rakuten TV delivers that without asking for a penny. If you’re looking for a single service that covers all your entertainment needs — original series, blockbuster movies, offline downloads — the bigger players still hold the edge. The choice for UK streamers is clear: use Rakuten TV as a free supplement, or pay elsewhere for a full library.

Frequently asked questions