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There seem to be three major categories of content on Tubi: Classic films and TV series, quirky independent flicks and docos, and B-movies - a LOT of B-movies. In the classics corner, we have a surprisingly good range of iconic TV series and even films by the likes of Hitchcock (the 1954 thriller Dial M for Murder) and Stanley Donen (Charade, starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant). There’s also a decent selection of old-school spaghetti westerns starring John Wayne, Charles Bronson and Peter Fonda. Otherwise, if you feel like channelling your inner detective, there are nine seasons of Midsomer Murders and eight seasons of Crime Stories to keep you busy. For all your on-the-go B-movie needs, the iOS and Android apps are both really robust. However they lack the ability to download content for offline watching, so you’ll probably end up chewing through quite a bit of data. Prefer to watch Tubi on the tube? Done. They’ve got an app for Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung, Sony and Vizio Smart TVs, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as Chromecast support. We tested the Tubi app on a PS4 and Chromecast device, and both were extremely smooth experiences. As for the cons, the fact that content caps out at 720p is a pretty big one. The inability to download content to your device and watch it later is another clear area where Tubi can’t keep up with the competition. Even newcomers like Paramount + supports offline playback. While the advertisements that you’ll get when watching Tubi are another con compared to the option streaming services out there, they’re not as much of an imposition as you might expect. The size and diversity of the library of TV shows and movies on Tubi itself is something of a mixed bag. While those who are fans of B movies and similarly sketchy cinematic fare may find something to like about it, it’s a far cry from the modern and prestige content you can find on other streaming services. Check out the table below for a round-up of how Tubi compares to the other streaming services available in Australia. If you are still worried, you can always sign up for a free VPN for streaming to cover your tracks. Just be aware of the downsides. If you’re watching Tubi through a web browser like Safari or Firefox, the fastest way to enable parental controls is to click on your account name. This should be located on the top right corner of the page. From there, click on Account Settings and then navigate to the tab marked Parental Controls. If you’re watching Tubi through the Tubi app, open up the Settings menu by pressing the left directional button until you reach the navigation column. Once you’re there, navigate to the Parental Controls section and select your rating level of choice. According to the Tubi website, it may take up to 24 hours for any parental controls to take effect. These days, features and user experience matters just as much. Not all streaming apps are born equal, and whether you can watch content in a resolution that suits your TV or on a device that suits your needs matters. Some of the things we consider in our reviews include:
Whether a service supports offline playback? Whether a streaming service features parental controls? Whether a service offers content in up to 4K? Whether a service offers HDR content?
In the case of Tubi, the differences between its ad-based business model and the subscription-based competition are also important to consider. The fact that Tubi is free does lend the service some leeway when it comes to cutting corners.
