Tubi is a free, ad-supported streaming platform boasting a wonderfully expansive and regularly refreshed collection of films and series. It’s definitely worth a shot. Subscribing to multiple video streaming services can significantly impact your monthly expenses. Tubi offers a solution by providing a free streaming platform with a vast library of popular movies and TV shows, rivaling those of many paid services. While Tubi relies on ads and lacks some advanced features like full HD streaming and offline downloads, its appealing attributes make it our top pick for free video streaming services.
Tubi boasts an extensive library of approximately 50,000 movies and TV series, a figure that has more than doubled since our last review. It’s worth noting that it’s unclear whether individual TV episodes contribute to this count. To put this into perspective, the paid Criterion Channel offers around 2,000 films, while NBC’s Peacock, which no longer provides a free tier, boasts 80,000 hours of content. Tubi’s diverse library spans various genres, encompassing everything from well-known mainstream hits to niche cult favorites.
Tubi offers a variety of popular films such as Big Trouble in Little China, Brewster’s Millions, Don’t Breathe, Happy Gilmore, Malcolm X, Rush Hour, Scooby-Doo, Superbad, Taken, and The Matrix. However, it’s crucial to note that the availability of these titles may vary due to shifting licensing agreements, which can cause fluctuations in free streaming libraries.
Additionally, Tubi offers a variety of TV shows such as Babylon 5, Columbo, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Everybody Hates Chris, Hell’s Kitchen, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Miami Vice, Naruto, One-Punch Man, The Bernie Mac Show, and the 2002 version of Twilight Zone. If you’re a fan of anime series, you might want to explore our roundup of the best anime streaming services, many of which offer a free tier. Furthermore, a recent deal with Warner Bros. Discovery has brought HBO shows to Tubi, including titles like Lovecraft Country, Raised by Wolves, and Westworld, which are not available on HBO Max.
Tubi, a free streaming service supported by ads, now ventures into original content alongside its extensive library of popular movies and TV shows. While it may lack the latest streaming sensations like The Mandalorian or The Witcher, Tubi’s catalog includes unique offerings such as schlocky monster movies like Bigfoot vs. Yeti and true crime documentaries like Branded and Brainwashed. However, for access to the latest streaming hits, you’ll need to subscribe to services like Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, or Paramount+.
When it comes to free streaming platforms, Tubi stands out with its genuine live TV options, including news channels, setting it apart from competitors like Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Xumo, which typically offer pre-programmed content marathons. While Tubi’s library may not match those of paid services like The Criterion Channel or Mubi for cinephiles, its collection of classic, indie, and international films caters to diverse tastes.
PROS:
- Free access to content
- Extensive library of movies and TV shows
- Availability of live TV channels
- Modern and user-friendly apps and interfaces
- Supports watchlists for organizing content
- Includes parental control features for managing viewing restrictions
CONS:
- Streaming resolution capped at 720p
- Absence of an ad-free subscription option
Tubi’s Price and Platforms
As a free service, Tubi is a budget-friendly option in the increasingly fragmented streaming market. Unlike paid platforms, Tubi doesn’t offer premium subscription tiers to remove ads or enhance features. However, following its acquisition by Fox Corporation, Tubi may introduce new features and tiers in the future. Comparable ad-supported free services include Amazon Freevee, Crackle, and Vudu.
While paid services like Disney+ and Hulu offer ad-supported plans at relatively affordable prices, premium services like HBO Max and Netflix deliver top-tier content at higher subscription rates. The Criterion Channel and Mubi cater to cinephiles with extensive curated collections at competitive prices.
Tubi is accessible across all major platforms, including web browsers, mobile devices (Android and iOS), media streaming devices (Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, Roku), gaming consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), and select smart TVs.
Tubi’s User Experience
Signing up for Tubi is optional but comes with benefits like parental controls, queue management, and viewing history tracking. The user-friendly web interface features intuitive navigation, organized into categories like Popular, Genres, Collections, and Channels, offering a curated selection of content. While Tubi lacks user ratings or reviews, its recommendation system suggests similar titles based on viewing history.
The mobile app mirrors the web interface’s design and functionality, providing seamless browsing and playback experiences on smartphones. Account settings on both platforms offer limited customization options, with no support for streaming preferences or advanced parental controls.
Tubi’s Video Playback
Tubi’s video player offers basic controls and streaming quality selection, with a maximum resolution of 720p. While ad interruptions occur every 15 minutes, they are less frequent than some competitors like Hulu. However, the absence of an ad-free subscription option may deter users seeking uninterrupted viewing experiences.
Despite its streaming limitations, Tubi requires minimal internet speeds for smooth playback, making it accessible to users with modest internet connections. Unfortunately, offline downloads are unavailable, a standard feature offered by most paid services.
Accessibility and Parental Controls
Tubi provides basic parental control tools, allowing users to restrict content based on age ratings. However, these settings are tied to the account password, limiting their effectiveness for shared accounts. Closed captions are available for most content, with customizable options for font size and background.
Using Tubi With a VPN
While Tubi supports VPN usage, some restrictions may apply based on geographic regions and streaming rights. Testing with various VPN servers revealed mixed results, with successful streaming over some servers but not others. As streaming services actively block VPN traffic, compatibility may vary over time.
Verdict: A Top Choice for Free Streaming
Despite its limitations, Tubi offers a diverse selection of movies and TV shows across multiple platforms, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious viewers. While ad interruptions and streaming resolutions may detract from the viewing experience, Tubi’s expanding library and user-friendly interface earn it the Editors’ Choice for free streaming services.
For those seeking premium content and features, Editors’ Choice Netflix remains a top recommendation, while Peacock stands out as an affordable live TV service.
