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Yes, Tubi is really free. There's no subscription and no trial that turns into a bill. It's owned by Fox and paid for by adverts, the same model as broadcast TV. Tubi is best known for its large on-demand library of films and series, but it also has live channels, including local news in many US cities, and it has streamed some huge events free, including Super Bowl LIX in 4K.
How Tubi works
- On demand is the core: pick a film or episode and it starts, with ad breaks.
- Live TV runs alongside, with news, sport, entertainment and local news channels.
- No account needed for most viewing; a free account adds a watchlist and cross-device resume.
Big free events
As part of Fox, Tubi has streamed major events at no cost:
- Super Bowl LIX (February 2025), live in 4K (Tubi).
- The opening ceremony and first two matches of the 2026 World Cup, including USA vs Paraguay, in 4K with a free account.
Don't expect this every week, but it's worth watching Tubi's announcements around big Fox events. More free sport options in free live sports streaming.
What's on
- A deep film library across action, horror, comedy, drama and documentaries.
- TV series, including network shows and Tubi Originals.
- Live news, including local news channels.
- Kids' content in a dedicated section.
- Spanish-language films and series.
Licensing deals change, so titles come and go. If something disappears, search for it on another free service.
Where it works
Tubi is in the official store on Fire TV, Roku, Google TV, Apple TV, most smart TVs and games consoles, on iPhone and Android, and at tubitv.com. It's available in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and parts of Central America. Always install from your device's store.
Tips
- Create a free account if you watch regularly, for the watchlist and resume.
- Browse by category rather than the home page, which favours whatever Tubi is promoting.
- Check local news in the live section if you've dropped cable.
- If playback freezes at ad breaks, the fixes in Pluto TV not working help Tubi too.
Tubi vs paid streaming
Tubi won't replace Netflix or Disney+ for new releases, and it has adverts. What it offers is breadth: a very large back catalogue across genres, updated monthly, for nothing. For many households it's the service they open when nothing on the paid apps appeals. Paired with an antenna for local TV and Pluto TV for live channels, it covers a surprising amount; see IPTV vs cable for the cost comparison.
Tubi in the UK and other countries
Tubi launched in the UK in 2024 and is also available in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and parts of Central America. Libraries differ by country because licensing is country by country, so a film on US Tubi may not be on UK Tubi and vice versa.
Kids and parental controls
Tubi has a kids' section, and its main library includes horror, thrillers and adult dramas. For young children, use the kids' area together with your device's parental controls; see streaming parental controls.
Is Tubi safe?
Yes. It's a licensed service owned by Fox and available in every major app store. The only thing to watch for is fake "Tubi premium" or "ad-free Tubi" apps and downloads, which aren't from Tubi. There's no official ad-free version.
Quick start
- Install Tubi from your device's store.
- Browse by category or search.
- Create a free account for a watchlist.
- Check the live section for news and local channels.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Installing fake "ad-free Tubi" apps.
- Assuming titles stay forever; they rotate monthly.
- Missing the live section for local news.
Tubi vs the rest
Tubi is strongest on demand; Pluto TV is strongest as a live guide. Most people install both. See Pluto TV vs Tubi and the best free live TV apps.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Tubi really free?
- Yes. Tubi has no subscription and no fees. It's owned by Fox and paid for by adverts shown during films and shows.
- Do I need an account for Tubi?
- Usually not. You can watch without signing up. A free account adds a watchlist and resuming across devices, and some live events have required one.
- Does Tubi have live TV?
- Yes, including news, sport and local news channels in many US cities. Tubi has also streamed big events free, such as Super Bowl LIX in 4K and the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup.
- Where is Tubi available?
- In the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and parts of Central America. It's on nearly every streaming device, smart TV and phone, and in web browsers.
- Does Tubi have ads?
- Yes. Adverts are how Tubi pays for its content. There's no paid ad-free tier.
- Why did a film disappear from Tubi?
- Licensing deals end. Films rotate in and out monthly, so search other free services if something you were watching has gone.
- Is Tubi available on Roku and Fire TV?
- Yes, in both stores, and on most other streaming devices and smart TVs.
- Can I watch Tubi on a computer?
- Yes, at tubitv.com in a web browser.
- Does Tubi have new movies?
- Mostly older films and series, with a monthly rotation and some Tubi Originals. New releases usually go to paid services first.
- Does Tubi work with a VPN?
- Tubi's line-up is country-specific, and VPNs can change or block what you see. For the right library, watch without one.
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