In today's era of streaming services dominating the entertainment landscape, choosing the right platform can be daunting. With Netflix recently announcing another price hike, you might be tempted to explore other avenues for your movie and TV show fix. From its origins as a mail-in DVD rental service, Netflix has evolved into a powerhouse, churning out thousands of hours of exclusive content that you won't find anywhere else. This trend of exclusive libraries has been adopted by other services too, making the decision between sticking with Netflix or switching to another service even more challenging.
AnswerSee ResultsFortunately, many popular alternatives to Netflix offer free trials, allowing you to sample their offerings without immediate financial commitment. While their original content libraries may not be as extensive as Netflix's, these services still boast impressive selections and free trials that let you test them before deciding to cancel Netflix.
Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)
7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial
61See it at Hulu
If you're looking for a Netflix alternative, Hulu is an excellent starting point. It consistently delivers quality original content that rivals Netflix's. Hulu is your go-to spot for exclusive shows like Shōgun, new episodes of Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. With an extensive library of award-winning series and renowned films, Hulu's originals are definitely conversation-worthy. You can explore Hulu's offerings during their generous 30-day free trial, after which you can choose from a variety of subscription plans starting at $7.99 a month, going up to just over $100 a month if you want to include live TV or premium add-ons such as ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. However, opting for live TV will shorten your free trial to just three days.
For those interested in skipping the trial altogether, Hulu offers some of the best streaming bundles on the market. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle, available for just $16.99 a month, gives you 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 contender in the streaming wars, offering a generous 30-day free trial to test out its services. With a growing catalog of high-quality, arthouse films and series, Amazon Prime Originals are giving Netflix a run for its money. After the trial, the subscription costs $14.99 a month (or $139.00 a year), which also includes 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 home to 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
For anime enthusiasts looking to broaden their horizons, Crunchyroll offers an unbeatable deal. 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 does offer some excellent anime, Crunchyroll boasts the world's best anime library. As anime production is dominated by Japan, Crunchyroll ensures that subscribers get premium access to new episodes shortly after their initial release in Japan. For instance, while Netflix has four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll has 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+ has quickly emerged as a formidable contender in the streaming wars, emphasizing exclusive content. It features critically acclaimed original shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Masters of the Air, alongside movies such as Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, and Napoleon. After the 7-day free trial, the monthly subscription costs $9.99, depending on the number of users added to the account. Note that you'll need a verified Apple ID to access the premium Apple TV+ 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+
Similar to Hulu, Paramount+ boasts a solid selection of original shows and movies. The platform offers exclusive access to content such as the Mission Impossible movies, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. With new releases regularly added, Paramount+ is quickly catching up to Netflix in terms of original content. After the 7-day free 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) to include SHOWTIME and remove most ads. Paramount+ is also the home of 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 many may think of DirecTV solely as a satellite TV service, it also offers a robust streaming platform with a free trial. DirecTV Stream provides a wide range of content, including movies, series, and live TV. The trial lasts only 5 days, but it includes premium content. Customers can choose from three packages, priced between $79.99 and $119.99 a month, with the first three months including add-on services like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax. It's a viable option if you're 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, its original shows and movies are exclusive to subscribers. 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 details, check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices.
