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The transition from traditional TV to online streaming has been a game-changer in how we consume media. In 2022 alone, the global streaming industry experienced significant growth, with millions of new subscriptions and continued churn as viewers explored new content platforms. By 2024, streaming is expected to reach nearly 94% of adults in the U.S., showcasing just how deeply entrenched streaming services have become in our everyday lives.
Tubi, launched in 2014, has quickly gained popularity as a free streaming service that offers a vast library of films and TV shows across regions like the U.S., Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. As of 2023, it boasts over 64 million active users, making it one of the most popular free streaming platforms available.
If you are thinking about developing an app like Tubi, partnering with a skilled mobile app development company can help you build a personalized, feature-rich streaming service tailored to your needs. In this blog, we will introduce you to 20+ apps like Tubi, diving into their pros and cons to help you understand the competitive landscape of free streaming apps.
Netflix
Netflix is a global giant with over 238 million subscribers, available in nearly every country. It’s known for its vast library of films, TV shows, and a strong lineup of original content like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Squid Game. Netflix is widely used across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, offering personalized recommendations, a seamless user interface, and downloadable content for offline viewing.
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Pros | Cons |
Extensive content library | Monthly subscription cost |
Original content and series | Limited free trial |
Available worldwide | Content varies by region |
Hulu
Hulu is also one of the other apps like Tubi which has around 48 million subscribers and is primarily available in the U.S., with some international reach through partnerships. It stands out for offering next-day streaming of major TV networks, making it popular for catching up on current shows. Hulu also offers live TV, original content like The Handmaid’s Tale, and bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+.
Pros | Cons |
Latest TV episodes available | Ads in basic plan |
Affordable pricing options | Limited international availability |
Wide range of TV shows | Additional cost for ad-free plan |
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video is available in over 240 countries, boasting over 200 million subscribers worldwide. It features a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and critically acclaimed original content, such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Boys. Prime Video’s inclusion with Amazon Prime memberships makes it a go-to option for many, and it also offers the ability to rent or buy content.
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Pros | Cons |
Included with Prime membership | Interface can be confusing |
Good mix of movies and series | Some titles require extra purchase |
Original content | Regional restrictions on some content |
Disney+
Disney+ has quickly gained over 146 million subscribers, dominating North America and Europe. This streaming app like Tubi is the hub for all things Disney, including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic content. With family-friendly movies, exclusive originals like The Mandalorian, and access to Disney’s vast archives, Disney+ appeals to fans of all ages.
Pros | Cons |
Great for family-friendly content | Limited third-party content |
Marvel and Star Wars series | Region-based content availability |
Affordable subscription price | No live TV options |
Peacock
Peacock, with 90 million users, is available in the U.S., UK, and Ireland. It provides a free ad-supported option as well as premium subscription plans. Known for NBCUniversal content, Peacock features popular shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation, live sports including the Olympics, and new originals. It is an affordable option with a mix of live and on-demand content.
Pros | Cons |
Free tier available | Ads in free version |
Good selection of NBC shows | Limited content without a subscription |
Affordable paid plans | Fewer original titles compared to competitors |
Crackle
Crackle is a free, ad-supported platform that is primarily available in the U.S. and a few other countries. Although smaller in scale, Crackle has a loyal user base enjoying classic movies, TV shows, and some original series. Its appeal lies in offering content at no cost, but the selection tends to be more niche or dated.
Pros | Cons |
Completely free streaming | Limited new releases |
No sign-up required | Ads during playback |
Good mix of movies and TV shows | Smaller content library |
Pluto TV
Pluto TV serves around 80 million users and offers free, ad-supported live TV and on-demand content. It is popular in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America for cord-cutters seeking live TV without a subscription. With over 250 live channels and a variety of genres, it is a great free app like Tubi for casual viewing.
Pros | Cons |
Free live TV and on-demand content | Ads in between shows |
Wide variety of channels | Lower video quality for some streams |
No account needed | Content rotation |
HBO Max
HBO Max is home to prestigious content, attracting over 100 million subscribers, especially in the U.S., Latin America, and parts of Europe. Known for critically acclaimed series like Game of Thrones and Succession, HBO Max also streams Warner Bros. films and new originals. It combines HBO’s premium shows with a broader selection of content, making it a top choice for high-quality entertainment.
Pros | Cons |
Large library of Warner Bros titles | Higher price point |
Exclusive HBO content | Ads on the basic plan |
Download for offline viewing | Available in select countries only |
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ boasts approximately 50 million users worldwide, with a dedicated emphasis on original programming. Known for award-winning series like Ted Lasso and The Morning Show, it distinguishes itself with high production values and exclusive content. Apple TV+ is available in over 100 countries, and though its library is smaller, it is praised for its quality.
Pros | Cons |
Affordable subscription | Small content library |
High-quality original content | No older shows or movies |
Integration with Apple ecosystem | Less frequent new releases |
Sling TV
Sling TV offers live TV streaming and is popular in the U.S., with around 2.2 million subscribers. It is notable for its cost-effective packages and flexibility, enabling users to tailor their channel lineup to their preferences. Sling is a favorite for budget-conscious cord-cutters who still want access to live sports, news, and popular channels.
Pros | Cons |
Live TV streaming with customization | Add-ons increase overall cost |
Affordable base packages | Fewer channels than traditional cable |
No long-term contracts | Some channels not available in all areas |
YouTube TV
YouTube TV has grown to over 5 million subscribers in the U.S. by offering a comprehensive live TV streaming service. With major networks, unlimited DVR storage, and easy access across devices, it is a solid alternative to traditional cable for those wanting live sports, news, and entertainment without the hassle of contracts.
Pros | Cons |
Live TV channels and cloud DVR | Higher monthly cost than competitors |
No cable box or annual contract | Limited international access |
Unlimited DVR storage | Occasional regional blackouts |
Paramount+
Paramount+ has amassed 61 million subscribers, mainly in the U.S., Latin America, Australia, and parts of Europe. It is known for streaming CBS shows, live sports, and movies from the Paramount library. Popular originals like Star Trek: Picard and access to blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick help it stand out in a crowded streaming market.
Pros | Cons |
Wide variety of CBS content | Ads in lower-tier plans |
Affordable pricing | Limited third-party content |
Sports streaming available | Original content is still growing |
FuboTV
FuboTV is a sports-centric live TV streaming service, mainly popular in the U.S. and Canada, with around 1.7 million subscribers. Known for offering a wide range of sports channels, including NFL, NBA, and soccer, it also provides news and entertainment. FuboTV is ideal for sports fans looking for live sports without cable.
Pros | Cons |
Great for sports streaming | Expensive compared to others |
No long-term contract required | Limited on-demand library |
Multiple channel options | Some channel restrictions by region |
Vudu
Vudu is a U.S.-based service owned by Fandango that offers movies and TV shows for rental or purchase, as well as a free, ad-supported section. While it does not require a subscription, its main appeal lies in its vast library of new releases and classic films available to buy or rent. It is popular for users seeking high-quality, on-demand content.
Pros | Cons |
Offers both rentals and free content | Some free titles have ads |
No subscription needed | Limited original content |
High-quality streaming options | No offline viewing for free titles |
Here are 20+ streaming apps like Tubi, each with a concise pros and cons table:
Xumo
Xumo is a free, ad-supported streaming platform available in the U.S., offering live TV and on-demand content. It is particularly known for its lineup of over 200 free channels, including news, movies, sports, and entertainment. Xumo is a go-to for cord-cutters looking for free alternatives to cable TV.
Pros | Cons |
100+ live TV channels | Ad-supported |
Free to use | No premium content |
Decent variety of channels | Limited on-demand content |
Roku Channel
Roku Channel is a free, ad-supported streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and live TV channels. It is primarily accessible in the U.S., UK, and Canada, and enjoys popularity among Roku device users. The platform offers both free content and premium subscription options for channels like HBO and Showtime.
Pros | Cons |
Free access to movies and shows | Ad-supported |
Roku-exclusive content | Limited library |
Supports live TV channels | Needs Roku device for best experience |
IMDb TV
IMDb TV (now rebranded as Amazon Freevee) is a free, ad-supported streaming service primarily available in the U.S. and the UK. With a library of popular movies, TV shows, and exclusive originals, IMDb TV is perfect for users who want quality content without a subscription.
Pros | Cons |
Free with Amazon account | Ad-supported |
Amazon Original shows | Limited movie selection |
Decent variety of genres | No offline viewing |
Kanopy
Kanopy is a free, on-demand streaming platform accessible through libraries and universities, offering over 30,000 films, documentaries, and educational videos. It is popular in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and is known for its high-quality, thought-provoking content, including independent films, classics, and foreign cinema.
Pros | Cons |
Free with library card | Limited movie credits per month |
Indie and classic films | Not available without library card |
Ad-free streaming | Smaller content library |
Hoopla
Hoopla is a digital media service that offers free access to movies, TV shows, music, and audiobooks through public libraries in the U.S. and Canada. With over 1,500 participating libraries, Hoopla is popular for its broad selection of family-friendly content and educational resources.
Pros | Cons |
Free with library card | Limited to library partnerships |
Offers movies, TV, and more | Limited monthly borrows |
No ads | Not a huge content library |
Popcornflix
Popcornflix is a free, ad-supported streaming service available in the U.S., Canada, and some international regions. It features an extensive collection of movies and TV shows, emphasizing indie films, documentaries, and cult classics. It is great for viewers seeking niche content without a subscription.
Pros | Cons |
Completely free | Frequent ads |
Good variety of content | Outdated movies |
No sign-up required | Lower streaming quality |
Fawesome TV
Fawesome TV is a free, ad-supported service available in the U.S., offering a variety of movies, TV shows, and lifestyle content. With genres ranging from family and kids’ shows to horror and comedy, Fawesome TV appeals to users looking for diverse content at no cost.
Pros | Cons |
Free to use | Ad-supported |
Family-friendly content | Limited premium content |
Supports multiple devices | Lacks popular titles |
Redbox Free Live TV
Redbox Free Live TV is a free streaming service in the U.S., offering live TV and on-demand content. Known for its simple interface, Redbox provides movies, TV shows, and some live channels without requiring a subscription, making it a convenient option for casual viewers.
Pros | Cons |
Free live TV streaming | Ad-supported |
Simple interface | No on-demand content |
No sign-up required | Limited channel variety |
FilmRise
FilmRise is a free, ad-supported streaming service available in the U.S., offering a large library of movies and TV shows, including classic series, documentaries, and indie films. It’s popular for providing access to hard-to-find content and is a great option for nostalgic TV fans.
Pros | Cons |
Free content | Frequent ads |
Classic movies and TV shows | Limited library |
No sign-up required | No offline viewing |
A Simple Breakdown of Subscription Plan for Apps like Tubi
Streaming App | Subscription Plan |
Netflix | $6.99/month (with ads), $15.49/month (Standard), $19.99/month (Premium) |
Hulu | $7.99/month (with ads), $14.99/month (ad-free) |
Amazon Prime Video | $8.99/month or included with $14.99/month Amazon Prime subscription |
Disney+ | $7.99/month (with ads), $10.99/month (ad-free), Bundle with Hulu & ESPN+ available |
Peacock | $5.99/month (with ads), $11.99/month (ad-free) |
Crackle | Free (ad-supported) |
Pluto TV | Free (ad-supported) |
HBO Max | $9.99/month (with ads), $15.99/month (ad-free) |
Apple TV+ | $9.99/month |
Sling TV | $40/month (Orange or Blue plan), $55/month (Orange + Blue) |
YouTube TV | $72.99/month |
Paramount+ | $5.99/month (with ads), $11.99/month (ad-free) |
FuboTV | $74.99/month (Pro plan), $84.99/month (Elite plan), $94.99/month (Ultimate plan) |
Vudu | Free (ad-supported), rental/purchase fees apply |
Xumo | Free (ad-supported) |
Roku Channel | Free (ad-supported), premium channels available at additional costs |
IMDb TV (Amazon Freevee) | Free (ad-supported) |
Kanopy | Free with library card or university access |
Hoopla | Free with library card |
Popcornflix | Free (ad-supported) |
Fawesome TV | Free (ad-supported) |
Redbox Free Live TV | Free (ad-supported) |
FilmRise | Free (ad-supported) |
Things that are Essential to Consider When Getting an App Like Tubi
When considering creating an app like Tubi, which offers free, ad-supported streaming, here are some essential factors to keep in mind. This will help you enhance your app features and usability and also with a seamless Android app development.
Content Licensing:
Secure partnerships with studios and content providers to offer a wide range of movies and TV shows. Negotiating content deals and licensing agreements is crucial to maintain a robust content library.
Monetization Model:
Other apps like Tubi operate on an AVOD (Ad-supported Video on Demand) model, generating revenue through ads. You will need to set up an effective ad integration strategy, including pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll ads, ensuring ads do not disrupt the user experience.
User Experience & Design:
Focus on a user-friendly interface with seamless navigation. Offering features like personalized recommendations, search filters, and easy access to categories can enhance user engagement.
Platform Compatibility:
Ensure your app is available across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Fire Stick, and web browsers) to reach a broad audience.
Ad Management:
Invest in an ad management system to track and serve ads efficiently. Ensure that you have analytics tools in place to monitor ad performance and user behavior.
Content Variety:
Offer diverse content, including different genres, languages, and indie films, catering to various audiences. Having exclusive or niche content can differentiate your app from competitors.
Scalability & Performance:
The app should be built on scalable infrastructure to handle a growing user base. Ensure smooth streaming without buffering by optimizing server performance and content delivery networks (CDNs).
Compliance & Regulations:
Make sure your app complies with copyright laws, regional streaming regulations, and data privacy standards (e.g., GDPR, CCPA). It’s vital to protect user data and adhere to content restrictions in different regions.
Localization:
Provide multi-language support and local content to cater to various regional audiences. This expands the app’s appeal in international markets.
Engagement Features:
Include features like user profiles, watchlists, and “continue watching” options to boost engagement. Additionally, social sharing options can help users spread the word about your app.
Conclusion
In today’s digital era, online streaming apps have transformed how we consume entertainment, making it easier than ever to access a vast array of shows and movies on demand. Apps like Tubi have become essential, providing users with the freedom to watch their favorite content anytime and anywhere. This convenience not only caters to our busy lifestyles but also offers a diverse selection of genres and programming, ensuring there is something for everyone.
At AlgoRepublic, we understand the significance of these streaming solutions. That is why we have integrated Gen-AI solutions into our development process, allowing us to create exceptional streaming apps like Tubi tailored to your needs. Our advanced mobile app development services ensure your app stands out in the competitive market, delivering an engaging and user-friendly experience. Let us help you bring your streaming vision to life!
FAQs:
There are numerous alternatives to Tubi, including apps like Pluto TV, Crackle, Peacock, and Vudu, each offering a variety of free and premium content options.
Many alternatives to Tubi are free to use but may include ads. Some apps offer premium subscription options for an ad-free experience and additional content.
Yes, several alternatives, such as Pluto TV and Peacock, offer live TV channels in addition to on-demand content, giving you a broader viewing experience.
While some apps allow you to watch content without creating an account, signing up often provides additional features like personalized recommendations and the ability to create watchlists.
Most Tubi alternatives are available on various platforms, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and web browsers, ensuring you can watch your favorite shows anywhere.
No, each app has its unique content library, featuring different movies and TV shows. It’s a good idea to explore multiple apps to find the content that interests you the most.
Some alternatives offer offline viewing options, allowing you to download content and watch it without an internet connection. Check the specific app for this feature.