In today's landscape of streaming services dominating the entertainment industry, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming. With Netflix recently announcing yet another price hike, you might be tempted to explore other options for enjoying top-notch movies and shows. Starting as a simple DVD-by-mail service, Netflix has transformed into a powerhouse, producing thousands of hours of original content exclusive to its platform. This trend has been mirrored by other services, which now offer their own unique libraries, making the decision between Netflix and its competitors more challenging than ever.
AnswerSee ResultsFortunately, many popular alternatives to Netflix offer free trials, allowing you to sample their offerings without any financial commitment. While these services may not yet match Netflix's extensive original content library, they still provide compelling options. Here’s a closer look at some of the best 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 robust alternative to Netflix, consistently delivering high-quality original content. Exclusive shows like Shōgun, new episodes of Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale are available only on Hulu. With a vast selection of award-winning series and renowned films, Hulu's original content is definitely noteworthy. Their 30-day free trial gives you ample time to explore their library. Post-trial, subscription options range from $7.99 a month to over $100 a month, depending on whether you opt for live TV or premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that the free trial is reduced to just three days if you include live TV.
For those not interested in the trial, Hulu offers attractive streaming bundles. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle is available for $16.99 a month, providing access to a vast array of content. Alternatively, you can bundle Hulu with just 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 Hulu
Read 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-recognized name in streaming services, offering a generous 30-day trial to help you decide if it's right for you. Amazon continues to produce high-quality, arthouse films and series, with its Prime Originals catalog rivaling that of Netflix. Once the trial ends, the subscription costs $14.99 a month (or $139.00 a year), which also includes free shipping on Amazon orders. Students can enjoy a discounted rate of $7.49 a month (or $69 a year). Prime Video is the exclusive home for series like Fallout 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
Crunchyroll is the go-to service for anime enthusiasts, offering a 14-day free trial. With three membership tiers ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 a month, Crunchyroll also provides a significant amount of free anime content. While Netflix has some great anime, Crunchyroll offers access to the best anime worldwide, including new episodes shortly after their release in Japan. For instance, while Netflix has only four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll has all six seasons and is the exclusive platform for new episodes of season 7 and 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 emerged as a strong contender in the streaming wars, boasting highly acclaimed original shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Masters of the Air, along with movies such as Killers of the Flower Moon and Spirited. Their 7-day free trial lets you experience this exclusive content before committing to a $9.99 monthly subscription. Note that a verified Apple ID is required to access Apple TV+.
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 solid selection of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to the Mission Impossible series, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. Their 7-day free trial lets you explore these offerings. After the trial, you can subscribe for as low as $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 that includes SHOWTIME's full library. Paramount+ is also the home 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 often associated with satellite TV, their streaming service, DirecTV Stream, offers a 5-day free trial. It provides a broad selection of movies, series, and live TV. Post-trial, you can choose from three packages ranging from $79.99 to $119.99 a month, with premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax included for the first three months. This makes DirecTV Stream a strong contender 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, while some content on Netflix might be available elsewhere, their original shows and movies are exclusive to subscribers. Netflix does not offer a free trial, but provides 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.
