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VacuumTube vs Red: catalog facts
VacuumTube	Red
Free Free and open source under the MIT licence.	Free Installed free from Snap or Flathub; the code is not open source.
Linux	Linux
Uses YouTube's official TV interface, suited to couch and controller use Built-in ad blocker	TV mode for living-room use Ad and tracker blocking with SponsorBlock
Unofficial wrapper that depends on YouTube keeping the Leanback interface available Only minor enhancements beyond the stock TV interface	Proprietary licence Linux only
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: MIT	License: Proprietary
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Needs internet	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.