Top Free Trial Streaming Services for 2025

In the fast-evolving landscape of streaming services, choosing the right platform can be a daunting task. With Netflix's recent price hike, many are exploring other options. Once a simple mail-in DVD rental service, Netflix has transformed into a powerhouse of exclusive content, churning out thousands of hours of original movies and shows that are only available on their platform. This trend has been mirrored by other services, making the choice between sticking with Netflix or switching to another service more challenging than ever.

The good news is that many popular alternatives to Netflix offer free trials, allowing you to explore their offerings without committing financially. While these services may not yet match Netflix's extensive original content library, they provide compelling shows and movies. Here's a look at some top alternatives with their free trial periods:

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free

Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

Hulu is an excellent starting point for those seeking a Netflix alternative, offering a robust selection of quality original content. It's the exclusive home for shows like Shōgun, new episodes of Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. With a vast library of award-winning originals and well-known films, Hulu's content is worth exploring. Their 30-day free trial gives you ample time to dive into their offerings. After the trial, subscription options range from $7.99 per month to over $100 per 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 choose to include live TV, your free trial is shortened to three days.

For those looking to skip the free trial, Hulu offers some of the best streaming bundles available. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle is a steal at $16.99 per month, providing access to a vast array of content. Alternatively, you can bundle Hulu with just Disney+ for $10.99 per 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-known contender in the streaming service arena, offering a generous 30-day free trial. It's renowned for its high-quality, arthouse films and series, with an original content catalog that rivals Netflix's. After the trial, a subscription costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, which also includes free shipping on Amazon orders. Students can enjoy a discounted rate of $7.49 per month or $69 per year. Prime Video is the exclusive platform 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

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 per month, Crunchyroll also provides a selection of free content. While Netflix has some excellent anime series, Crunchyroll boasts the world's best anime collection, including access to new episodes shortly after their release in Japan. For example, while Netflix has only four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll offers all six seasons and is the only place to watch 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 quickly risen as a contender in the streaming wars, offering a 7-day free trial. It's known for its highly acclaimed original shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Masters of the Air, as well as movies such as Killers of the Flower Moon and Spirited. After the trial, a subscription costs $9.99 per month, depending on the number of users. Note that you'll need a verified Apple ID to access the premium library, even if you don't own Apple products.

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, with a 7-day free trial. It's the exclusive home for content like the Mission Impossible movies, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. With new content regularly added, Paramount+ is rapidly catching up to its competitors. After the 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) for an ad-free experience with SHOWTIME's full library. Paramount+ is also the go-to platform for Sonic-related content, including the upcoming Sonic 3.

Read our review of Paramount+ or learn more about the Paramount+ free trial.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

DirecTV Stream, often associated with satellite TV, also offers a streaming service with a 5-day free trial. It provides a wide range of movies, series, and live TV streaming. Subscription packages start at $79.99 per month and go up to $119.99 per month, with premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax included for the first three months. This service is a good option for those looking for 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 available on Netflix may be accessible elsewhere, Netflix's original shows and movies require a paid subscription. Netflix does not offer a free trial, but provides various subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month. For more detailed information, check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices.