Most people think free streaming means low quality, endless ads, or a tiny selection of old movies. That’s not Tubi TV. Since it launched in 2014, Tubi has grown into one of the largest free ad-supported streaming services in the U.S. and Canada, with over 50 million monthly active users. It’s not a niche app. It’s not a backup option. It’s a full-featured platform with more than 60,000 movies and TV shows - and it costs nothing. No credit card. No trial. No hidden fees.
How Tubi TV Works (No Subscription, No Catch)
Tubi doesn’t ask you to pay. Instead, it shows you ads - about 5 to 7 minutes per hour, on average. That’s less than most cable TV channels. The ads are targeted, but they’re not invasive. You won’t get interrupted mid-scene. Most ads play before the show starts, or during natural breaks. You can skip some after five seconds. The rest? You just wait. And in return, you get access to a library that rivals Netflix and Hulu in size.
Unlike other free services that only offer public domain films or low-budget content, Tubi licenses content from major studios like 20th Century Studios, Sony Pictures, MGM, and Lionsgate. That means you’re not stuck with 1970s B-movies. You can watch John Wick, Shrek, Alien, The Hangover, and Get Out - all for free.
What’s on Tubi? The Real Library
Tubi’s catalog isn’t just big - it’s surprisingly deep. Here’s what you’ll actually find:
- Over 40,000 movies, including recent hits from the last five years
- More than 20,000 TV episodes from 1,500+ series
- 100+ curated channels (like “80s Action,” “Classic Horror,” or “True Crime Daily”)
- 200+ Tubi Originals - exclusive shows and movies made just for the platform
Some standout Tubi Originals include Scare Tactics (a reboot of the hidden-camera prank show), The Big Door Prize (a quirky comedy starring Chris O’Dowd), and Wu Assassins (a martial arts action series with a supernatural twist). These aren’t cheap knockoffs. They’re produced with real budgets, recognizable actors, and professional writing.
You can browse by genre, release year, or even by mood - “Feel-Good,” “Gritty,” “Mind-Bending.” The recommendation engine is smart. If you watch a few horror films, it’ll start suggesting obscure 90s slashers you’ve never heard of. That’s the kind of discovery you don’t get on paid services that push only their own originals.
Where Can You Watch Tubi?
Tubi works on almost anything with a screen. You don’t need a special device. Just install the app:
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Roku TVs)
- Streaming sticks (Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV)
- Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Mobile phones and tablets (iOS and Android)
- Web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox on PC or Mac)
It’s one of the few free services that works seamlessly across all platforms. No login required to start watching - but if you create a free account, you can save your watch history, get personalized recommendations, and resume watching across devices. It’s like having Netflix without the price tag.
Tubi Originals: Why They Matter
Most free services don’t invest in original content. Tubi does. And it’s paying off. In 2023, Tubi Originals saw a 65% year-over-year increase in viewership. Their most successful original, Scare Tactics, drew over 12 million views in its first month alone.
Why does this matter? Because original content keeps the library fresh. It gives you something you can’t get anywhere else for free. Unlike YouTube or Crackle, where original content is rare or low-budget, Tubi’s originals feel like real TV. They have directors, writers, and actors you recognize. Wu Assassins features Iko Uwais, the star of The Raid. The Big Door Prize has Chris O’Dowd, known from Bridesmaids and Moone Boy.
Tubi doesn’t just license content - it’s becoming a studio. It’s partnered with companies like Sony and Lionsgate to co-produce shows. That means more originals are coming. More variety. More reasons to stick around.
How Tubi Compares to Other Free Services
There are other free streaming options. Here’s how Tubi stacks up:
| Feature | Tubi TV | Pluto TV | Freevee | Peacock (Free Tier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content Library Size | 60,000+ titles | 15,000+ titles | 15,000+ titles | 10,000+ titles |
| Tubi Originals | 200+ | 15+ | 50+ | 5+ |
| Ad Load (per hour) | 5-7 minutes | 8-10 minutes | 6-8 minutes | 7-9 minutes |
| Live Channels | 100+ | 250+ | 50+ | 20+ |
| Download for Offline | No | No | Yes (limited) | Yes (limited) |
| Availability | US, Canada | US, UK, Germany | US, UK, Germany | US only |
Tubi wins on content depth and original programming. Pluto TV has more live channels, but most are reruns of old TV shows. Freevee (Amazon’s free service) has decent originals like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel spin-offs, but the overall library is smaller. Peacock’s free tier is limited to a fraction of its paid catalog. Tubi gives you the most bang for your zero dollars.
Is Tubi Legal and Safe?
Yes. Tubi is fully licensed. It’s owned by Fox Corporation, the same company behind Fox News and FX. All content is legally cleared. There’s no piracy. No sketchy links. No malware. It’s as safe as Netflix or Hulu - just ad-supported.
Some people worry about data privacy. Tubi collects viewing habits to serve targeted ads, like most streaming services. But it doesn’t sell your data to third parties. You can turn off personalized ads in your account settings. You’re not being tracked by advertisers outside the platform.
How to Get the Most Out of Tubi
Here are five simple tips to make Tubi work better for you:
- Create a free account - It unlocks watchlists, recommendations, and resume playback.
- Use the channels - Scroll down to “Tubi Channels” and pick one that matches your mood. “90s Sitcoms” or “Serial Killer Docs” are great starting points.
- Check the “New This Week” section - New titles drop every Tuesday. You’ll find fresh movies and originals you won’t see anywhere else.
- Use the search bar with filters - Filter by year, genre, or rating. Want a 90%+ Rotten Tomatoes movie from 2020? Tubi can find it.
- Don’t ignore the “Hidden Gems” - Scroll past the popular titles. You’ll find underrated indie films, foreign dramas, and cult classics that nobody else recommends.
Who Is Tubi For?
Tubi isn’t for everyone - but it’s perfect for:
- People who want to cut cable but still want variety
- Families looking for kid-friendly content without paying for multiple subscriptions
- Movie buffs who like to explore beyond the top 10
- Students, retirees, or anyone on a tight budget
- People who hate pop-up ads and want a clean, ad-supported experience
If you’re someone who watches TV every night, but doesn’t want to pay $15 a month for another service, Tubi is the smartest free option out there. It’s not just a fallback. It’s a real alternative.
What’s Next for Tubi?
In 2025, Tubi is expanding its international reach. It’s testing in Australia and the UK, with plans to launch fully in 2026. It’s also investing in AI-powered recommendations to surface niche content faster. And it’s working on interactive features - like polls during shows or behind-the-scenes clips you can unlock.
One thing’s clear: Tubi isn’t trying to be Netflix. It’s trying to be the best free streaming service in the world. And right now, it’s winning.
Is Tubi really free? Do I need to sign up?
Yes, Tubi is completely free. You don’t need a credit card, subscription, or even an account to start watching. But if you create a free account, you can save your watchlist, get personalized recommendations, and pick up where you left off on any device.
How many ads are there on Tubi?
On average, you’ll see 5 to 7 minutes of ads per hour. That’s less than most cable TV channels. Ads usually play before the show starts or during natural breaks. Some can be skipped after 5 seconds. The experience is designed to be smooth - not annoying.
Can I download movies on Tubi to watch offline?
No, Tubi doesn’t offer offline downloads. You need an internet connection to stream. This is different from services like Freevee or Peacock, which let you download a limited number of titles. Tubi’s model is built around live streaming and ad delivery.
Are Tubi Originals any good?
Yes. Tubi Originals are produced with real budgets and professional talent. Shows like Wu Assassins and The Big Door Prize have received positive reviews and high viewership. They’re not just filler - they’re competitive with originals on paid platforms.
Is Tubi available outside the U.S. and Canada?
Currently, Tubi is only available in the U.S. and Canada. It’s testing expansion into the UK and Australia, but those launches aren’t confirmed yet. If you’re outside those countries, you won’t be able to access the service without a VPN - and even then, content availability may be limited.
How does Tubi compare to YouTube Free Movies?
Tubi is far superior. YouTube’s free movies are scattered, often low-quality, and mostly public domain. Tubi has a curated library with high-definition streaming, organized categories, and professional metadata. It’s designed like a real streaming service - not a random collection of uploads.