Where to Go Live: A Comparison of Top FAST Platforms
A Comparison of Top FAST Platforms
Choosing a platform is like choosing a storefront. Some have more foot traffic (viewers), while others offer better window displays (personalization and discovery).
FAST Platform Comparison Table (2026)
| Feature | The Roku Channel | Samsung TV Plus | Vizio WatchFree+ |
| Market Share | ~44% (Dominant Leader) | High (Pre-installed on all Samsung TVs) | Solid “Value” Segment |
| Viewer Profile | General entertainment & families | High-end tech users & “Cord-cutters” | Budget-conscious & millennial families |
| Discovery Tools | Excellent “Universal Hub” search | AI-driven “Smart Navigation” | Integrated directly into TV inputs |
| Content Focus | Broad: Movies, News, Originals | Premium: Digital creators & Sports | Diverse: 300+ niche channels |
| Revenue Model | Standard Revenue Share | Premium Rev-Share & Brand Hubs | Direct Vizio Ads integration |
1. The Roku Channel: The “Safe Bet”
Roku remains the frontrunner in 2026 because of its sheer accessibility. It is often the first place cord-cutters go.
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Pros: Massive reach (over 100 million annual viewers). They act as a “universal hub,” meaning your channel is easy to find via global search.
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Cons: Extremely competitive. You aren’t just competing with other FAST channels; you’re competing with Roku’s own original content.
2. Samsung TV Plus: The “Premium Play”
Samsung has pivoted hard into the “Creator Economy” in 2026. They are actively helping digital-first brands turn into “legitimate TV studios.”
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Pros: High retention rates (92% after 3 months). Their new AI-driven UI uses machine learning to put your content in front of people who actually like your specific genre.
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Cons: Exclusive to Samsung devices. While they have a massive global footprint (30 countries), you won’t reach users on other TV brands.
3. Vizio WatchFree+: The “Frictionless” Option
Vizio’s strength is integration. They make the transition from traditional cable to FAST seamless by putting the streaming guide right next to the antenna channels.
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Pros: Great for “channel surfers.” Their WatchFree+ app is built into the OS, so there is zero “download fatigue” for the user.
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Cons: Limited to the SmartCast OS. The user experience can sometimes be slower than dedicated sticks like Roku or Fire TV.
The ThinkFast Verdict
If you are looking for maximum reach, start with Roku. If you have niche, high-quality creator content, Samsung TV Plus is currently offering the best tools to scale you from a “channel” to a “studio.”
Roku’s 2026 Streaming Predictions
This video provides a deep dive into the current state of FAST channels on major platforms, helping you visualize the viewer experience you’ll be joining.
