PBS Kids Review
PBS Kids is a free online streaming platform serving toddlers and preschoolers. All content here is kid-friendly and safe. Children will learn lessons about emotional regulation, creative thinking, and problem-solving, with shows focused on science, reading, and more. Standout shows include “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Wild Kratts,” and “Molly of Denali.” It’s a must-have service for anyone with young children.
While your family can enjoy PBS Kids for free with the app, the content is limited to eight episodes and a handful of clips per show. If you pay for PBS Kids as an Amazon video channel, you’ll have on demand access to every episode of every show.
Tiers
Content is free on the PBS Kids app and website, but you will be limited to selected episodes unless you add the service to an Amazon Prime Video account.
Review
We tested PBS Kids and other subscription streaming services for more than 100 hours. PBS Kids is compatible with Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Amazon Fire, and Kindle.
Content
TV Shows
PBS Kids is home to dozens of shows created specifically for wholesome edutainment. This includes hundreds of episodes of Sesame Street (1969), Sid the Science Kid (2008), Nature Cat (2015), Molly of Denali (2019), and much more.
Kids
All the content on PBS Kids is specifically designed for children.
Features
Single Profile Only
PBS Kids is a free online service so creating a profile isn’t necessary for viewing. There is a sign-up option, however, which allows for the creation of save points and similar information for games on their website. You can still play without a username; you just won’t be able to save your game.
No Parental Controls
While there is a “grownups” tab, there is no need for parental restrictions since all the content is kid-friendly.
Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Netflix, Paramount Plus, Peacock, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and STARZ have parental control features.
Simultaneous Devices
Any programming on PBS Kids can be watched from multiple devices at once. Signing into your profile isn’t necessary to begin viewing, so as long as your device has access to the internet all you need to do is go to their site.
No Ads
If you use the free version of the PBS Kids app, brief messages from corporate sponsors may appear at the start of certain episodes. There are no ads if you add the service through Amazon Prime Video.
Offline Downloads
Some shows can be downloaded through the PBS Kids app, though some shows do not allow this. If you’d like maximum download flexibility, sign up for the service through Prime Video.
Compatible Devices
PBS Kids is compatible with these devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast (Google Cast)
- Roku
- Android TV
- iPhone/iPad
- Android Phone/Tablet
- Mac
- Windows
- LG Smart TV
- Samsung Smart TV
- Sony Smart TV
- VIZIO Smart TV
PBS Kids is not compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo devices.
Tech Specs
1080p HD
Most video streams are in 1080p HD.
30 FPS
Video streams in 30 FPS.
Stereo Sound
Content has stereo audio.