Pluto TV vs. Tubi: Which Free Streaming Service Should You Pick?

June 3, 2025 By Nick Anderson No Comments 6 minutes

With streaming platforms everywhere, free services like Pluto TV and Tubi give you tons of shows and movies without a subscription. They’re different beasts, though, so let’s break down Pluto TV vs. Tubi by looking at their content, how easy they are to use, what devices they work on, and how their ads feel.

Note: Both Pluto TV and Tubi limit content outside the US. Using FastestVPN to connect to a US server lets you watch everything they offer, no matter where you are. It also stops your internet provider from slowing you down on busy networks.

Pluto TV vs. Tubi: Overview

Pluto TV

Pluto TV, which kicked off in 2013 and is now under Paramount Global, feels like flipping through cable channels. It’s got over 250 live channels and a smaller pick-and-choose library. You’ll find everything from news and sports to movies and reality TV, plus quirky stuff like anime or true crime channels. It’s got 80 million users a month, so it’s a hit for people who like surfing channels or leaving something on while they cook. 

Tubi

Tubi, started in 2014 and bought by Fox in 2020, is all about letting you choose from a huge library of over 50,000 titles. Movie buffs love it for stuff like Inception or The Dark Knight, but it’s also got indie flicks, horror, and anime. 

In the US, it offers about 200 live channels, though you get way fewer outside North America. With deals from studios like Lionsgate and Paramount, Tubi’s got classics and some original stuff too. There’s even a Tubi Kids section with over 1,200 titles for younger viewers, like Scooby-Doo or Power Rangers.

Content Comparison: Pluto TV vs. Tubi

Pluto TV’s Lineup

Pluto TV’s big thing is live channels that feel like cable. You can jump between channels for specific shows (Doctor Who, Star Trek), genres like comedy or horror, or interests like gaming or true crime. Its tie to ViacomCBS means you get stuff like The Twilight Zone or Survivor, you won’t find elsewhere. 

Its pick-and-choose library has about 2,000 titles, mostly older films or cult hits like The Big Lebowski or This Is Spinal Tap. You can watch live channels anywhere, but the options drop if you’re not in the US.

Tubi’s Lineup

Tubi’s all about giving you control with over 50,000 movies and shows. You’ve got big films like The Revenant or The Expendables, TV favorites like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or The X-Files, and a good mix of classics and anime. 

It’s deal with Lionsgate brings in series like Saw. Tubi’s live TV, with around 200 US channels for news, sports, and entertainment, isn’t as big as Pluto’s. The Tubi Kids section is great for families, with shows like Scooby-Doo or Power Rangers.

Who’s Got Better Content?

If you like picking exactly what to watch, Tubi’s huge library makes it the winner. If you’re into flipping through channels or catching live stuff, Pluto TV’s your pick.

How Easy Are They to Use?

Pluto TV’s Setup

Pluto TV’s interface is like a cable TV guide, with a grid of channels sorted by type. It’s simple if you like browsing, but finding specific movies or shows in its on-demand section is a pain because the search tool is basic. 

The mobile app can control your smart TV, which is handy. You can’t pause live streams or save shows for later, keeping that old-school TV vibe. A free account lets you save channels you like or skip ones you don’t.

Tubi’s Setup

Tubi’s layout feels like Netflix, with rows of titles sorted by genre or what’s popular. It’s easy to search, and you get details like plot summaries or who’s in the cast. Its live channel guide is basic, with about 30–40 channels for news or entertainment in most places. 

A free account lets you make a watchlist and pick up where you left off on another device. People using Roku or Apple TV say Tubi’s design is clean and simple to navigate.

Which Is Easier to Use?

Tubi’s Netflix-like setup and better search make it easier to find what you want. Pluto TV’s better for folks who like a no-fuss, cable-style guide.

What Devices Can You Use?

Both Pluto TV and Tubi work on tons of devices: phones (iOS, Android), streaming sticks (Roku, Amazon Fire TV), Apple TV, smart TVs like LG or Samsung, gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox), and web browsers. You don’t need an account to start watching. 

If you’re on a restricted network, like at school or work, FastestVPN can hide your location to let you stream on any device without hiccups.

Which Wins for Devices?

It’s a tie. Both work on pretty much the same devices, and you won’t run into many issues like freezing if you use FastestVPN to keep your connection solid.

What Makes Each Special?

Pluto TV

• Live TV Focus: Over 250 channels, including cool ones like Flicks of Fury for martial arts fans or Britbox Mysteries.
• No Account Needed: Jump in without signing up, though an account lets you tweak your channel list.
• Paramount Shows: Stuff like Criminal Minds you won’t find elsewhere.

Tubi

• Huge Library: Over 50,000 titles, with Lionsgate exclusives.
• Tubi Kids: A section just for family-friendly shows.
• Tailored Picks: Save a watchlist, sync across devices, and get suggestions based on what you watch.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

In the Pluto TV vs. Tubi debate, it comes down to how you watch. If you like flipping through channels or catching live TV, Pluto TV is great with its 250+ channels and Paramount shows. If you want to pick from a huge library of movies and shows, Tubi is better with 50,000+ titles and a simple interface. 

Both are free, work on most devices, and have ads. Try them both! Use FastestVPN to watch everything they offer, skip location blocks, and keep your stream running smoothly. Whether you’re a channel surfer or a movie picker, you don’t need to pay for good entertainment.