Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Tubi is a legitimate, free streaming service owned by Fox Corporation. It offers movies and TV shows on demand, plus scheduled live channels. You do not pay a monthly subscription, but you do watch ads—and the catalog changes by country and over time. That makes Tubi useful for free, casual viewing, not a guaranteed source for the latest releases or every season of a show.
What is Tubi?
Tubi delivers video over the internet, rather than through cable or satellite. Its on-demand library works on an advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) model: you choose a movie or episode, and commercial breaks help fund the service. Tubi also offers free ad-supported streaming television (FAST)—scheduled, linear-style channels that play programming in a continuous stream.
In other words, Tubi combines a browsable library with live channels. It is not simply a free version of Netflix: its release timing, catalog, and ad experience are different from those of paid subscription services.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesTubi was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in San Francisco, according to Tubi’s corporate site. Fox Corporation agreed to acquire it in March 2020 for approximately $440 million in net cash consideration at closing. Tubi is now part of Fox’s Tubi Media Group. (Fox acquisition announcement; Fox’s Tubi profile.)
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Is Tubi really free and legal?
Yes. Tubi says its app and content are free to use, that it does not require a credit card, and that it cannot charge you for the service. Commercial breaks are the trade-off. “Free” does not mean ad-free, offline viewing, or a guarantee that a particular title will be available. Your internet service and any device you use may still have their own costs. Tubi’s help center explains its free, ad-supported model.
Tubi is an authorized service that licenses programming from studios, distributors, and independent providers. To avoid lookalike sites, use Tubi’s official website or install the app from the app store on your TV, phone, console, or streaming device. Avoid third-party downloads claiming to unlock “premium” or “ad-free” Tubi. A VPN is not needed to use the legitimate service and may interfere with regional availability.
An app store or device manufacturer may request an account or payment verification to download an app; that is separate from Tubi’s own payment policy. Tubi says it does not require a card to watch its service. Tubi’s installation guidance covers app setup.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhat can you watch on Tubi?
Tubi’s library spans movies from major studios and independent distributors, older TV series, reality shows, crime and documentary programming, comedy, horror, action, romance, anime, family titles, Tubi Originals, and creator-led programming. Spanish-language and international programming is also available in relevant markets. The selection makes Tubi particularly useful for browsing genres or finding older and library titles.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
As of August 17, 2026, Fox describes Tubi as having more than 250,000 movies and TV episodes and more than 100 million monthly active users. These are company-reported figures, not independently audited measurements; the catalog and audience figures can change. Fox’s current Tubi profile provides the company’s figures.
A large catalog does not mean every title is available where you live, that a series has every season, or that a movie will remain on the service. Tubi is strongest as a library and discovery service. It may carry recognizable studio films and some newer licensed content, but it is not the place to expect every current theatrical release or new premium-TV series. Check the app or current catalog before planning around a specific title.
Does Tubi have live TV?
Yes. Tubi’s U.S. service includes scheduled, linear-style channels covering national and local news, sports, movies, crime and reality, comedy, kids and family, Tubi Originals, and Spanish-language programming. Tubi’s U.S. channel page lists 262 unique channels; its lineup can change, and availability depends on the market. See Tubi’s current U.S. live-channel list.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →These channels do not make Tubi a full cable replacement. It does not carry every local broadcast station or every major sports league and live game. A sports-branded channel does not necessarily provide live access to all games, and local-news availability varies by area. A live channel is generally a scheduled stream, not a personal DVR.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
How does Tubi make money—and how many ads will you see?
Studios and distributors license programming; Tubi makes it available without a subscription fee; advertisers pay for commercial inventory and access to audiences. That advertising revenue helps fund content licensing, distribution, technology, and operations. Tubi also markets advertising technology to advertisers. Tubi’s NewFront announcement describes some of that work.
There are commercial breaks, but the exact number, length, and placement can vary by title, device, market, and available advertising. Tubi describes the breaks as short; there is no reliable universal ad count that applies to every viewing session. “Free” also does not, by itself, mean there are no privacy considerations. Review Tubi’s policies if you want details about how it handles data.
Where is Tubi available, and what devices support it?
Tubi is not available everywhere, and its catalog and supported devices vary by country. Its support documentation lists markets including the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, and the United Kingdom. Check Tubi’s regional availability and device information for the current details. A title available in the U.S. may not be available in Canada, the U.K., Mexico, or Australia.
In the U.S., supported options listed by Tubi include web browsers, Android and Apple mobile devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Hisense smart TVs, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Series consoles, and selected services and devices such as Xfinity, Cox, TiVo, Nvidia Shield, Echo Show, and Google Nest Hub. Support is not identical across regions or device models; check Tubi’s device list before troubleshooting an unsupported or older device.
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
How to start watching Tubi
- On a supported TV, streaming device, game console, phone, or tablet, open its app store and search for Tubi. Install the official app.
- Open Tubi and choose guest viewing, registration, or sign-in. You can also watch through the Tubi website.
- If you want to sign in on a TV, open the app, select Sign In from the left-side navigation, and note the activation code.
- On a phone or computer, visit tubitv.com/activate, sign in or register, enter the code, and select Activate.
If activation fails, the code may have expired; request a new one and make sure you are signing in to the intended account. Also check that the app and device operating system are up to date. Use Tubi’s official activation page, not an unrelated TV-provider page. Tubi’s activation instructions show the process.
Do you need a Tubi account?
Not necessarily: Tubi supports guest viewing. A registered account is useful for keeping a watchlist, saving continue-watching progress, getting recommendations, and syncing supported devices. Tubi says a supported device can hold up to eight accounts, each with its own history, recommendations, watchlist, progress, and settings. That figure describes accounts on a device—not a guarantee of eight simultaneous streams. See Tubi’s account and profile guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Kids, captions, and casting
For children: Tubi offers Kids Mode, Kids accounts, age-rating controls, and optional password or four-digit PIN protection. Use a Kids account or Kids Mode rather than assuming the full catalog is child-safe. Test the controls on the device your child uses. Tubi says parental-control changes can take up to 24 hours to take effect; signing out, exiting or restarting the app, and signing in again may help them apply sooner. It also says it takes additional privacy measures for Kids accounts and Kids Mode. Tubi’s parental-control instructions explain the settings.
Captions: Closed captions are available on many full-length movies and episodes, but not necessarily every title. Look for the CC control in the player when a program is playing. Caption controls and appearance options vary by platform. Tubi’s accessibility guidance and caption instructions give platform details.
Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
Casting: Tubi supports casting and AirPlay in relevant setups. For Chromecast, connect your phone and the Chromecast-compatible TV to the same Wi-Fi network, open Tubi, tap the Cast icon, choose the device, and start playback. For AirPlay, connect the iPhone or iPad and Apple TV or compatible television to the same Wi-Fi network, then choose the target from Tubi’s cast or AirPlay control. Tubi’s casting and AirPlay guide also covers supported device linking.
Can you download Tubi shows to watch offline?
Do not assume so. Tubi is designed primarily for internet streaming, and its general support information does not establish a universal offline-download feature. If offline viewing is essential, verify the current feature availability for your app and region before relying on it.
Tubi compared with other streaming services
| Service | How it differs | Consider it if… |
|---|---|---|
| Tubi | Free, ad-supported on-demand movies and shows, plus live channels. | You want a broad library to browse without another subscription. |
| Pluto TV | Also free and ad-supported, with a strong scheduled-channel identity as well as on-demand programming. | You prefer browsing a channel grid and watching whatever is on. |
| The Roku Channel | Free ad-supported programming, particularly integrated into Roku; some environments also offer optional paid content or rentals. | You use Roku or want to compare its built-in options. It is not limited to Roku devices. |
| Plex or Xumo Play | Both offer free programming and live channels; Plex also has a broader personal-media-server ecosystem, while Xumo has a live-channel focus. | You want another free catalog or channel lineup to compare. |
| Paid subscription services | Often a better fit for particular current originals, exclusives, or offline features. Plans and ad policies vary; some paid services also have ad-supported tiers. | You regularly watch a specific premium catalog and are willing to pay for it. |
Lineups and catalogs change, so compare what is currently available rather than treating any service as a permanent substitute for another. You can also use Tubi alongside another free streamer; they are not mutually exclusive.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Is Tubi worth using?
Tubi is a good fit if you want to spend nothing on another streaming subscription, can tolerate commercials, and enjoy library movies, older shows, genre programming, documentaries, crime, horror, or reality TV. Its mix of on-demand viewing and scheduled channels can make it a useful complement to paid services—or a straightforward legal option for occasional viewing.
It is a weaker fit if you need the newest theatrical releases, complete seasons of a particular show, ad-free viewing, dependable offline downloads, a comprehensive sports schedule, or a full replacement for local broadcast and cable channels. Before choosing a service around one title or feature, check that it is available in your country and on your device.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
