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If you’re flirting with the idea of canceling another subscription (or ditching cable entirely), welcome to the fast-growing world of free, ad-supported streaming. Tubi helped popularize the model: a massive, always-changing library of movies and TV shows you can watch for pennies (paid by ads) instead of dollars. But in 2025 the market is crowded — and smart. There are at least a dozen apps that deliver a Tubi-style experience: no monthly bill, plenty of catalog surprises, and a mix of on-demand and FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) channels. Below I break down 12 Tubi-like apps worth installing, what makes each one special, and how to choose depending on your tastes and devices.
Why these apps matter in 2025
The pivot to ad-supported streaming is now mainstream: major platforms reinvest in free tiers, device makers bundle FAST channels into TVs, and niche services serve film buffs, families, and bargain hunters. If you want the Netflix-style convenience without the recurring fee (and don’t mind ad breaks), these apps give you huge value: curated libraries, live channels, and sometimes exclusive FAST channels or originals. For a snapshot of the overall scene and the best free services to try in 2025, TVGuide maintains a useful, updated list of top free streaming services.
How I picked these 12
I focused on services that mirror Tubi’s core appeal: free (or free tier) ad-supported catalogs, wide device support, and either strong on-demand catalogs or FAST channel lineups. Some are platform-native (Samsung TV Plus), others are aggregator channels (The Roku Channel), and a few are specialized (Kanopy for library users). Each entry below includes what it is best at, who it’s for, and one tip to get the most from it.
1. Pluto TV — the “channel surfing” champion
A huge FAST network with hundreds of live channels plus an on-demand catalog of movies and TV. Think linear channels that mimic cable but are free.
Why it’s like Tubi:
Free, ad-supported, and packed with licensed movies and themed channels (horror blocks, ’90s sitcom strips, movie channels). It’s ideal if you like stumbling onto something rather than searching. See the Pluto TV homepage for their live channel roster.
Tip:
Use Pluto’s themed channels for mood nights — horror, ’80s action, or Brit comedies — and treat it like an old cable dial.
2. The Roku Channel — the best all-around aggregator
A free streaming hub available on Roku devices (and many other platforms) that bundles thousands of movies, TV shows, and dozens of live channels.
Why it’s like Tubi:
Big free library, curated lists, and FAST channels. If you own a Roku, this is the “first app” you should open. Roku often supplements licensed content with Roku Originals and rotating deals.
Tip:
Explore Roku’s “Free Movies & TV” hub and the live channels row — there’s often overlap with Tubi but useful exclusives too.
3. Samsung TV Plus — built into many smart TVs
A device-built FAST platform that comes preinstalled on Samsung TVs and other Samsung devices. It offers hundreds of live channels and on-demand titles.
Why it’s like Tubi:
Zero setup on compatible hardware and a broad free catalog with a strong emphasis on live, themed TV channels. Samsung has been investing in personalization and AI improvements to the service in 2025, making discovery easier.
Tip:
If you own a Samsung TV, turn on Samsung TV Plus and customize the home screen after the AI personalization update — it actually reduces scrolling.
4. Xumo — the lean FAST option
A straightforward FAST aggregator with dozens of genre channels and a compact on-demand library.
Why it’s like Tubi:
Free, ad-supported, and focused on easy browsing and live channel discovery. It’s lightweight and works on most streaming devices.
Tip:
Try Xumo’s specialty channels (Latino programming, gaming streams) that you won’t always find on Tubi.
5. Plex — powerhouse for collectors + free streaming
Once just a media server, Plex now includes a robust free, ad-supported streaming library and live channels while still serving as your personal media hub.
Why it’s like Tubi:
Big catalog of free movies and shows, plus smart personalization; best if you want a single app that handles both your own library and free streaming. Plex has reiterated its commitment to keeping its free streaming tiers intact in 2025.
Tip:
If you run a Plex server, enable the free streaming hub for an integrated watchlist that mixes personal files and free catalog picks.
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6. Crackle — long-running free catalog + originals
Sony’s free streamer (now slimmed down compared with its heyday) with licensed films, series, and occasional originals.
Why it’s like Tubi:
Classic free streaming with a curated roster and some nostalgia-friendly picks. Crackle is rugged, straightforward, and survives on rotating licensed titles.
Tip:
Keep an eye on the “Just Added” feed — Crackle’s catalog rotates and sometimes drops surprises.
7. Vudu “Movies on Us” (Fandango at Home) — free movies with ads
Fandango’s Vudu has a “watch for free” section that offers movies ad-supported alongside its rentals.
Why it’s like Tubi:
It’s an on-demand, free movie catalog where you can find recent titles and catalog favorites without a subscription. Good complement to Tubi if you want occasional newer films.
Tip:
Use Vudu to catch single titles that aren’t on Tubi — Vudu often premieres a back catalog earlier than other free services.
8. Sling Freestream — a big free live plus VOD mix
Sling’s free tier (Freestream) bundles thousands of hours of on-demand content and hundreds of live channels.
Why it’s like Tubi:
Free, ad-supported streaming with a heavier lean toward live channels — good for news and sports highlights without paying for Sling’s full pay TV packages.
Tip:
No signup required for basic access — perfect for testing before you commit to a paid Sling plan.
9. STIRR — local focus, local flavor
A local-news-and-community oriented free streaming service with a mix of live local channels and themed on-demand content.
Why it’s like Tubi:
Free, ad-supported, but with a twist — STIRR emphasizes local programming and community content that you won’t see on big national services. It’s a great pick if you value local sports and small-market news.
Tip:
If you want local high school sports or community programming, check STIRR’s local lineups first.
10. Kanopy — the cinephile’s free pick (library access required)
A library/university-linked streaming service that offers high-quality indie films, documentaries, and classic cinema — free if your library or school participates.
Why it’s like Tubi:
It’s ad-free and “free” in the sense of no charge to patrons, but the catalog is curated and heavyweight — not the same blockbuster doldrums as Tubi, more Criterion adjacent. If you like smarter films, Kanopy is a must.
Tip:
Check your local library — enrollment is the only barrier, and Kanopy’s festival-level titles are worth it.
11. Peacock (ad-supported tiers) — network power with a free feel
NBCUniversal’s streamer with ad-supported plan options that give access to a large library plus live sports and events.
Why it’s like Tubi:
While Peacock also sells paid plans, its ad-supported offerings make it a hybrid: lots of licensed content, originals, and live sports/events you won’t find on pure FAST platforms. It’s a slightly different flavor of “free” but often bundled with other services and promos.
Tip:
Use promotions and partner bundles (ISPs, loyalty programs) to access Peacock’s paid tiers cheaply or temporarily.
12. YouTube (Free Movies & “Free with ads”) — the sleeper pick
YouTube’s Movies & TV section includes a “Free with ads” category that hosts hundreds of full-length films uploaded through studio deals.
Why it’s like Tubi:
It’s free, ad-supported, and often a great source of older hits and niche catalog titles. The discovery experience can be clunky, but the selection is surprisingly deep.
Tip:
Browse the “Free with ads” filter under Movies & TV and check curated playlists — YouTube’s collection changes and sometimes hosts studio drops.
A quick note on Freevee (IMDb TV) and the shifting landscape
A word of caution: one of the larger free players, Amazon’s Freevee (formerly IMDb TV), was being folded into Amazon’s Prime Video storefront in 2025 as part of a consolidation strategy. That kind of corporate reshuffling is common — apps can be rebranded, absorbed, or retired — so keep an eye on headlines if a particular platform is mission-critical for you.
How to choose (and optimize your cord-cutting setup)
Combine Instead of Replace
No single free app replaces all paid streaming libraries. Mix a couple of FAST services (Pluto + Roku Channel) with device-native options (Samsung TV Plus or Xumo) and sprinkle in niche picks (Kanopy for film, Plex for your collection).
Use a Watchlist Strategy
Add titles to watchlists across services so you can jump to the app that carries the content. Many device ecosystems (Roku, Amazon Fire/Prime Video) offer cross-service search that points you to where something is free.
Embrace Ads as a Price
Ad load varies: some services are heavy on pre-rolls, others insert fewer mid-rolls. If ad fatigue hits, flip to an ad-light paid tier for your most-watched platform.
Try Hardware Discovery Features
Smart TVs increasingly add AI personalization and channel row recommendations that surface FAST channels — use them. Samsung TV Plus and Roku have become surprisingly good at recommending hidden gems.
Final verdict: are you ready to cut the cord?
According to Pixel Glume, If your goal is to cut recurring costs while keeping a wide variety of movies, TV, and live channels, the Tubi-style ecosystem in 2025 is more than ready. The dozen apps above are a representative cross-section: some recreate cable channel surfing (Pluto, Samsung TV Plus), some provide curated on-demand treasure troves (The Roku Channel, Plex, Crackle), and others serve special audiences (Kanopy, STIRR, Vudu’s free catalog). Use them together and you’ll rarely pay for casual viewing — and when you do want a new theatrical release or a sports pass, you’ll know exactly when to temporarily subscribe.
Happy streaming — and may your ad breaks be short and your binge sessions long.
