In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services dominating the entertainment industry, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming. With Netflix's recent announcement of yet another price increase, many subscribers are exploring alternatives for their movie and TV show fix. From its origins as a mail-in DVD rental service, Netflix has evolved into a powerhouse, producing thousands of hours of exclusive original content that you can't find anywhere else. This trend has been adopted by competitors, making each service's library unique and the decision between them more challenging than ever.
AnswerSee ResultsFortunately, many popular alternatives to Netflix offer free trials, allowing you to explore their offerings without spending a dime. While their original content libraries might not be as extensive as Netflix's, these services still deliver quality entertainment. Here's a look at some top alternatives and their free trial periods:
Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)
7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial
61See it at Hulu
Hulu stands out as a strong alternative to Netflix, consistently delivering high-quality original content. It's the exclusive home to series like Shōgun, new Futurama episodes, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Hulu's library is packed with award-winning shows and well-known films, making its originals well worth discussing. With a generous 30-day trial, you can explore Hulu's extensive content before deciding on a subscription plan that ranges from $7.99 to over $100 a month, depending on whether you want live TV or premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that if you opt for live TV, your free trial shortens to just three days.
For those looking to bypass the free trial, Hulu offers some of the best streaming bundles available. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle, priced at $16.99 a month, provides access to a vast array of content. Alternatively, you can bundle Hulu with Disney+ for $10.99 a month.
### Get the Disney+, Hulu, Max Streaming Bundle
27$16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free.See it at HuluRead our review of Hulu or check out all of the Hulu bundles available.
Amazon Prime (30-Day Free Trial)
### 30 Days Free Amazon Prime Free Trial
45Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime subscription.See it at Amazon
Amazon Prime is a well-known player in the streaming wars, offering a 30-day trial to explore its offerings. The service has become a go-to for high-quality, arthouse films and series, with an original content catalog that rivals Netflix's. After the trial, a subscription costs $14.99 a month or $139.00 a year, including free shipping on Amazon purchases. Students can enjoy a discounted rate of $7.49 a month or $69 a year. Prime Video is the exclusive streaming home for shows like the Fallout series and Rings of Power.
Read our review of Prime Video.
Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial)
### 14 Days Free Crunchyroll Free Trial
80See it at Crunchyroll
For anime enthusiasts, Crunchyroll is an unbeatable choice, offering a 14-day free trial. With three membership tiers priced between $7.99 and $14.99 per month, Crunchyroll also provides a significant amount of free anime content. While Netflix has some great anime and original series, Crunchyroll boasts the world's best anime collection. It's the go-to platform for the latest episodes from Japan, including all six seasons of My Hero Academia and new episodes of season 7, as well as Demon Slayer season 4.
Read our review of Crunchyroll.
Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial)
### 7 Days Free Apple TV+ Free Trial
20See it at Apple
Apple TV+ has quickly risen as a formidable contender in the streaming arena, known for its highly acclaimed original shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Masters of the Air, along with movies such as Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, and Napoleon. A 7-day free trial allows you to sample this exclusive content, after which the monthly subscription costs $9.99. Note that a verified Apple ID is required to access Apple TV+, even if you don't own an Apple device.
Read our review of Apple TV+.
Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial)
### 7 Days Free Paramount+ Free Trial
109Includes a 7-day free trial.See it at Paramount+
Paramount+ offers a robust selection of original shows and movies, including the Mission Impossible series, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. With a 7-day free trial, you can explore its growing library, which is catching up to competitors like Netflix. Post-trial, subscription costs start at $4.99 a month (or $59.99 a year) with limited ads, or $11.99 a month (or $119.99 a year) for an ad-free experience with SHOWTIME's full library. Paramount+ is also the exclusive streaming destination for all things Sonic, including future releases like Sonic 3.
Read our review of Paramount+ or learn more about the Paramount+ free trial.
DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)
While DirecTV is commonly associated with satellite TV, its streaming service, DirecTV Stream, offers a 5-day free trial. This service provides a wide range of movies, series, and live TV streaming options. Subscribers can choose from three packages priced between $79.99 and $119.99 a month, with premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax included in the first three months. It's a solid choice for those seeking a live TV alternative to Netflix.
See our guide on how to get the DirecTV Stream free trial.
Can You Watch Netflix Without a Paid Subscription?
Unfortunately, Netflix's original shows and movies are exclusive to paid subscribers. Unlike some competitors, Netflix does not offer a free trial, but it does provide multiple subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 a month. For more detailed information, check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices.
