In today's ever-evolving world of streaming services, choosing just one can feel like navigating a labyrinth. With Netflix's recent announcement of yet another price hike, many of you might be considering alternatives. From its origins as a DVD rental service, Netflix has grown into a powerhouse of original content, offering thousands of hours of exclusive shows and movies that you can't find anywhere else. This trend of exclusivity has been adopted by other platforms, making the decision between sticking with Netflix or exploring other options increasingly complex.
AnswerSee ResultsFortunately, many of the leading alternatives to Netflix provide free trials, allowing you to sample their offerings without spending a dime. While their original content libraries may not be as extensive as Netflix's yet, they still boast impressive selections. Here’s a rundown of some top contenders, each offering a free trial period:
Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)
7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial
61See it at Hulu
If you're seeking a robust alternative to Netflix, Hulu should be at the top of your list. Known for its compelling, original content that rivals Netflix's, Hulu is the exclusive home to shows like Shōgun, new episodes of Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. With a vast library of award-winning series and well-known films, Hulu's original content is definitely worth exploring. The 30-day free trial gives you ample time to dive into their offerings, and afterward, you can choose from a variety of subscription options starting at $7.99 per month, going up to over $100 per month if you opt for live TV or premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that if you include live TV, your free trial shortens to just three days.
For those looking to bypass the free trial, Hulu also offers some of the best streaming bundles available. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle is a steal at $16.99 a month, giving you access to an extensive content library. 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 has cemented its place among top streaming service options, offering a generous 30-day free trial to explore its content. With a growing catalog of high-quality, arthouse films and series, Amazon Prime Originals are a formidable competitor to Netflix's offerings. After the trial, you can continue for $14.99 a month or $139.00 a year, with additional benefits like free shipping on Amazon orders. Students can get 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
Anime enthusiasts, Crunchyroll is your go-to destination with its unbeatable offer. Offering three different membership tiers from $7.99 to $14.99 per month, Crunchyroll also provides a significant amount of free anime content. While Netflix has some great anime series, Crunchyroll is the global leader, giving you access to the best anime shortly after it airs in Japan. For instance, while Netflix has four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll offers all six seasons and is the only place to watch new episodes of season 7 or 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+ may be a newcomer to the streaming wars, but it's quickly making waves with its exclusive, highly acclaimed original shows and movies like Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air, Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, and Napoleon. After the 7-day free trial, the monthly cost is $9.99, varying based on the number of users. Keep in mind, if you don't own an Apple product, you'll need to create a verified Apple ID to access this premium streaming library.
*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+ mirrors Hulu in providing a diverse selection of original shows and movies. The platform offers exclusive access to content like the Mission Impossible series, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. With new releases regularly added, Paramount+ is quickly catching up to its rivals. After the 7-day free trial, subscription options start at $4.99 per month or $59.99 per year with limited ads, or $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year to include SHOWTIME's full library and remove nearly all ads. Paramount+ is also your go-to for all things Sonic, including future access to Sonic 3 post-theatrical release.
*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, its streaming service, DirecTV Stream, offers a compelling alternative. With a short but sweet 5-day free trial, you can explore a broad range of movies, series, and live TV streaming. Subscription packages range from $79.99 to $119.99 per month, with premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax included in the first three months. If you're in the market for a live TV alternative to Netflix, DirecTV Stream is worth considering.
*See our guide on how to get the DirecTV Stream free trial.*
Can You Watch Netflix Without a Paid Subscription?
Unfortunately, to enjoy Netflix's exclusive original content, a paid subscription is necessary. Netflix no longer offers a free trial but provides multiple subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month. For a detailed breakdown, check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices.
