Tubi is the streaming equivalent of dropping your kid off at a massive video store with no employee supervision—sure, there are some great movies in there, but they're shelved right next to horror gore-fests and late-night cable content.

The "free" model is appealing, especially when every other service costs $15/month, but you're paying with attention (ads) and data (extensive tracking). The Kids Mode exists and can work, but it requires proactive setup that many parents skip.

Here's the reality: if you're an intentional parent who will configure parental controls, curate a watchlist, and co-view with your kids, Tubi can provide access to international cinema and hidden gems you won't find on Disney+. But if you're thinking of this as a "set it and forget it" babysitter app, you're going to end up with your 8-year-old accidentally clicking into a slasher film.

For most Screenwise families, the juice isn't worth the squeeze. Pay for a more curated service or stick to the library's DVD collection.