Tubi vs Pluto TV: The combo is unbeatable

Tired of sharing passwords? With many paid subscription platforms cracking down, I’ve turned to free streaming services like Tubi and Pluto TV, which have been a lifesaver for me. Tubi has a wide variety of content, from Korean and Chinese dramas to intriguing UFO documentaries. Pluto TV, on the other hand, offers a wider range of options, with channels that include everything from MTV’s Jersey Shore to classic episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Not sure which is better? Why not just use both?

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Tubi has a wide selection of documentaries and indie films

But I love Tubi because it lets you watch Korean and Chinese dramas.

Personally, I love Tubi because it has a huge selection of Korean and Chinese dramas that really suit my tastes. For example, Tubi offers gems like “The K2,” an action-packed romance thriller starring Ji Chang-wook and Song Yuna, and “Flower Boys Next Door,” a heartwarming romance drama from 2013. Tubi’s international content is very impressive, but even if you’re not that into K-dramas, there’s plenty to explore.

What’s great about Tubi is that it has documentaries across a wide variety of genres. For girls who love true crime, there are plenty of true crime documentaries to choose from. TMZ also features a wide range of documentaries on Tubi, including content like UFO Revolution: A 3-Part Event and OJ: How He Really Did It. Tubi is known for featuring noteworthy indie films from new directors, producers, and actors.

One of the downsides of Tubi, like other free streaming services, are the annoying ads that pop up between episodes and at inopportune times in movies. Luckily, these ads are usually around 30 seconds long and are mostly quite enjoyable. On the plus side, Tubi’s user interface is easy to navigate, making the overall experience a lot smoother.

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Hearing the news today that Apple TV+ may be the last streamer to join the ad-supported tier club, I couldn’t help but wonder: Would I pay more for ad-free streaming? I much prefer an ad-free experience, but as someone who takes advantage of free or low-cost streaming plans, I often have to deal with ads as part of the plan. Although, the ads are less than ideal. The only holdout is Apple TV+, which I enjoy ad-free as part of my T-Mobile cellular plan. But with Apple TV+ likely to introduce an ad-supported tier as well, it seems almost certain that a lower-quality ad-supported version will replace my current “premium” subscription. This would be a huge shame.

Pluto TV is a paradise for sci-fi fans

Also great for switching channels easily

Pluto TV is the place to be if you have a secret (or not so secret) love for all things sci-fi, and if you’re a Trekkie like me, you’ll love it here: they have channels that stream live reruns of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: The Original Series, and even a channel dedicated to Doctor Who Classic.

The user interface is very easy to use, but it can take up to a minute to change channels or shows on your computer. For those who are used to watching a ton of on-demand content, this may be frustrating. However, once I downloaded the app, the issue was quickly resolved and the viewing experience became much smoother.

With content across more than 20 genres, Pluto TV seems to mirror the cable TV experience. It has a more advanced TV guide, giving you the feeling of flipping through cable channels without being interrupted by a ton of commercials. On average, while watching a movie on Pluto TV, there are about three short ads cleverly placed throughout the movie. The 200+ channels include classics like MTV’s Jersey Shore, all the CSI shows, and Hell’s Kitchen.

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Which should you try: Tubi or Pluto TV?

Why not do both?

Both streaming services are free and each has its own perks, and I never expected to really enjoy the different aspects of each. Tubi holds a special place in my heart because it attracts a fanbase of K-drama lovers and true crime documentary enthusiasts just like me. It’s amazing to see how these niche communities drive viewership and create vibrant, engaged audiences. I love exploring Tubi’s vast library because I know I’ll always find something that matches my specific interests.

Tubi

original

yes

Featured Shows

Hemlock Grove, Babylon 5, Spartacus, Gotham, Columbo

Live TV

200+ Channels

Pluto TV, on the other hand, offers a throwback experience. Channel surfing and on-demand movies evoke nostalgia and make you want to watch again and again. There’s something satisfying about flipping channels and stumbling across old favorites or discovering new shows, just like you did with traditional cable TV. It’s the best of both worlds: the excitement of live TV combined with the convenience of modern streaming.

Pluto TV

Live TV

250+ Channels

Featured Shows

The Andy Griffith Show, Sanford and Son, The Twilight Zone, Charmed

original

no

Depending on my mood, each platform offers a fun, free way to watch TV, and whether I’m drawn to Tubi’s curated, fan-driven content or the nostalgic channel-surfing experience of Pluto TV, I know I’ll have plenty of options to keep me entertained.

This table highlights the main differences and benefits of each streaming service.