Tubi and Netflix have emerged as two of the most popular streaming platforms, but they operate very differently. This guide examines how Tubi and Netflix compare across key categories like content, features, technology, and value to help you decide which service best fits your needs.
- Tubi offers 25,000+ titles for free — nearly 10x more movies than Netflix, all funded by short ad breaks
- Netflix invests $17 billion annually in originals — producing award-winning series like Stranger Things and The Crown
- Netflix supports 4K HDR streaming — while Tubi maxes out at 1080p with most content at 720p or SD
- Netflix allows offline downloads — Tubi requires an active internet connection for all viewing
- Tubi costs nothing to use — Netflix plans range from $6.99 to $19.99 per month depending on features
#A Quick Overview
Tubi is an ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) service featuring over 25,000 movies and TV shows. Viewers watch short ads before and during the content in exchange for free access. Tubi has apps across all major devices but maxes out at 1080p HD quality.
Netflix operates on a paid subscription model without ads. It features high-quality original programming plus an evolving catalog of licensed movies/TV. Netflix offers up to 4K HDR but costs $6.99 to $19.99 per month.
Below we’ll compare Tubi and Netflix’s strengths and weaknesses to determine where each excels.
#How Do the Content Libraries Compare?
The biggest difference between Tubi and Netflix comes down to their content.
#Library Size
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Tubi offers over 25,000 movies and TV shows making it comparable to paid services. New licensed movies and shows are added weekly.
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Netflix has over 3,000 movies but declines as licensing deals expire. Its TV catalog is larger at over 2,000 shows. However, content is removed monthly too.
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For sheer volume, Tubi’s movie selection beats Netflix by nearly 10x. Its TV catalog edges out Netflix slightly. Tubi adds content more actively.
Tubi clearly offers significantly more movies and its TV catalog stays strong even as licensed content churns.
#Content Type
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Tubi focuses primarily on licensed movies/TV though it creates some original programming
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Netflix dedicates over $17 billion a year to develop high-quality original movies, documentaries and TV series.
Tubi
In terms of content spending, Netflix dwarfs Tubi. But does this translate into superior programming?
#Content Quality
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Tubi’s library consists of older licensed movies and TV shows available for free, or as part of movie studio licensing deals. Picture quality varies.
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Netflix produces award-winning originals in 4K like Stranger Things, The Crown, Ozark etc. It also creates critically-acclaimed films and documentaries.
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By focusing investment on originals, Netflix offers far higher production values and quality control.
Netflix Originals
So while Tubi comes out ahead in terms of library volume, Netflix clearly beats it in terms of prestige viewing. Tubi remains a solid option for casually watching older licensed movies and TV shows on the cheap.
#What Features and Technology Does Each Service Offer?
Beyond just content, Tubi and Netflix offer different feature sets and technology capabilities worth comparing:
#Stream Quality
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Netflix allows streaming high-dynamic range (HDR) video in sharp 4K resolution, including titles like The Witcher.
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Tubi maxes out at 1080p full HD quality. Most titles are 720p or SD quality.
Netflix
#Offline Viewing
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Netflix permits downloading select movies/shows to smartphones/tablets for offline viewing, great for planes or road trips.
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Tubi limits viewing to internet-connected devices with no offline options.
#Multiple User Profiles
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Netflix allows managing up to five user profiles under one account so the whole household can track their own shows.
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Tubi just offers a single watchlist and profile per account.
Netflix
#Parental Controls
- Netflix lets you restrict content ratings on a per-profile basis plus block specific titles for kids’ safety. Tubi simply has a general “Hide Adult Content” toggle.
In terms of extra features and technology capability, Netflix clearly outpaces Tubi. But Tubi remains reasonably functional at zero subscription cost.
#Value Comparison: Free vs Paid Plans
The final major difference between Tubi TV and Netflix comes down to monetary value:
| Service | Price | Video Quality | Screens You Can Watch On | Mobile Downloads | Ads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tubi | Free | Up to 1080p | Unlimited | No | Yes |
| Netflix Basic | $6.99/month | Up to 720p | 1 | Yes | No |
| Netflix Standard | $12.99/month | Up to 1080p | 2 | Yes | No |
| Netflix Premium | $15.99/month | Up to 4K+HDR | 4 | Yes | No |
#Tubi
As an ad-supported platform, Tubi offers entirely free access to its movies and TV shows with commercial breaks. For budget-conscious consumers unwilling to pay for streaming, Tubi provides reasonable value across devices.
#Netflix
Netflix requires an ongoing subscription for access. Pricing starts at $6.99/month up to $19.99/month depending on video quality, device connections and streaming privileges. It offers the best value for viewers wanting top-tier originals or premium features like 4K.
Ultimately Tubi presents better value for casual viewers simply seeking free movies and TV with ads. It lacks many bells and whistles but costs nothing to use. Netflix offers a strong set of viewing features and premium original programming for those more invested in higher-quality streaming.
#Pros and Cons: Which Should You Choose?
| Tubi | Netflix | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Entirely free to use | High production value originals, downloads for offline viewing, 4K HDR streaming available |
| Cons | Maxes out at 1080p, limited features, ads not for everyone | Monthly fee makes it expensive long term |
So weighing the pros and cons, which streaming platform makes more sense for you?
#Choose Tubi For:
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Watching free movies and shows from decades past
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Skipping subscriptions due to money constraints
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Accessing content casually across devices
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An evolving library of cult hits and obscure titles
#Choose Netflix For:
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Premium original series and films
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Latest technology like 4K HDR across devices
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Enhanced features like parental controls and offline viewing
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Convenience and consistency from established brand
Both Tubi and Netflix earn their place among streaming heavyweights. Tubi stands distinctly as a free alternative for cost-conscious viewers. Netflix leads the market across technology and beloved original programming. Evaluate your personal preferences and budget to decide which option best speaks to your streaming priorities.
#FAQ
#Does Tubi have ads?
Yes, Tubi inserts short ad breaks into content instead of charging a subscription fee. Ad frequency is fairly reasonable compared to regular cable TV. See this guide on does Tubi have ads for a full breakdown of how often ads appear and what types of ads you can expect.
#Can I really watch Tubi for free?
Tubi is a legitimate free streaming service supported entirely by video ads. Simply create a free account and enjoy movies and TV at no cost. There are no hidden charges, trial periods, or credit card requirements to get started.
#What devices support Tubi and Netflix?
Both services support virtually every streaming device including iOS/Android mobile apps, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, smart TV systems, and game consoles. For help with Tubi not working on a smart TV or Roku TV, check our troubleshooting advice.
#How often is content removed from Tubi or Netflix?
Netflix removes licensed movies and TV shows as agreements expire, often pulling dozens of titles each month. Tubi also loses licensed content regularly as rights change. Both services add new programming weekly to offset these removals.
#Can I watch Tubi and Netflix offline?
Netflix permits offline downloads on smartphones and tablets for planes, road trips, and areas without reliable internet. Tubi limits viewing to internet-connected devices only with no offline options currently. This is one of the biggest feature gaps between the two services.
#Which service has more 4K HDR content?
Only Netflix supports native 4K HDR streaming on select platforms, with hundreds of titles available in ultra-high definition. Tubi maxes out at 1080p quality with no high dynamic range or Dolby Vision support. If picture quality matters most to you, Netflix is the clear choice.
#Is Tubi’s content library larger than Netflix?
Tubi offers over 25,000 movies and TV shows, making its catalog roughly 10 times the size of Netflix’s movie library. Netflix counters with about 3,000 movies and 2,000 TV shows, but invests heavily in exclusive originals you cannot find anywhere else.
#Can I use both Tubi and Netflix together?
Many viewers pair Tubi with Netflix to get the best of both worlds. Use Tubi for free access to older catalog titles and hidden gems, then rely on Netflix for premium originals and 4K content. Since Tubi costs nothing, adding it alongside a Netflix subscription is an easy way to expand your options.
#Bottom Line
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Tubi provides 25,000+ movies and TV shows free with ads
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Netflix offers award-winning originals and downloads for offline access
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Tubi works across all major devices but maxes out at 1080p HD quality
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Netflix streams high-end 4K HDR video but requires monthly subscriptions
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Consider Tubi for free streaming or Netflix for premium features and content
For more on how Tubi compares to other free streaming platforms, see our side-by-side look at Tubi vs YouTube TV. You can also check out our in-depth Tubi review and guide for watching Tubi on LG TVs.