I think that what matters is what is in the tube, not the method of applying it. Is the tube still there, or did you get a look at it? Is it silicone or latex caulk? I know that the caulks that are color matched to the grout colors come in tubes.

I tried using sealant from a tube once, because it was a relatively small job and I didn't want to waste the leftover in a caulking gun cartridge. I found the tube much more difficult to control well for a smooth, consistent bead.

Otherwise, as Nancy said, there's really no difference as long as the stuff inside is the same.

I prefer the tube. I have small hands and can't get the gun to cooperate. I probably need to spend more on the gun. :P

Yeh, better gun. Fresh caulk. Warm caulk if it's cold.

In my experience, a gun is the only way to have decent control and professional results. A handyman who doesn't use a gun is suspect in my mind as far as skill level.

I've been experimenting with ways to preserve opened tubes of caulking/ sealants. The latest thing that I've tried is resealing the nozzle/ spout with a bit of aluminum foil tape--the tape that is used for sealing dryer ducts. Clean the nozzle and wrap a small strip of the tape (about an inch plus) around it and seal the tape to itself on the end past the nozzle. Appears to be working much better than anything else that I've tried. Bit of a bear to remove (scoring the tape along the side of the nozzle with a razor knife works best).

I have got a bunch of these tiny orange condoms I got in a handyman kit from Lee Valley Tools, the Canadian catalog company. They are made just for closing off tubes of caulking and such, and I don't use them. You can get them from their catalog. Here is the link