The Best Netflix Alternatives With Free Trials in 2025

Exploring Netflix Alternatives: Free Trials and Streaming Options

The entertainment landscape is dominated by streaming services, making it challenging to choose just one. Netflix's recent price hike might have you searching for alternatives. While Netflix boasts a vast library of original content, many competitors offer comparable programming with the added benefit of free trials. This allows you to explore their offerings before committing.

Here's a breakdown of popular Netflix alternatives and their free trial periods:

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Many services offer free trials, allowing you to sample their content before committing. While their original content libraries may not match Netflix's scale, they offer compelling alternatives.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

Hulu consistently delivers high-quality original programming, including exclusive shows like Shōgun, Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Its 30-day trial provides ample time to explore its extensive library. Subscription options range from $7.99 to over $100 per month, depending on add-ons like live TV and premium channels. Note that live TV options reduce the free trial to three days. Bundling options with Disney+ and Max are also available.

Amazon Prime (30-Day Free Trial)

Amazon Prime offers a generous 30-day trial. Known for its high-quality original films and series, Prime Video rivals Netflix's catalog. After the trial, the monthly cost is $14.99 ($139 annually), including Amazon shopping benefits. A student discount is also available. Exclusive content includes the Fallout series and Rings of Power.

Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial)

Crunchyroll caters to anime fans, offering a 14-day free trial. While it has free streaming options, premium memberships ($7.99-$14.99/month) provide access to new episodes shortly after their Japanese release. It boasts a more comprehensive anime library than Netflix, including complete seasons of shows like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer.

Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial)

Apple TV+ is a rising star, known for its exclusive, critically acclaimed shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and movies. Its 7-day trial gives you a taste of its premium content. The monthly subscription is $9.99, requiring an Apple ID.

Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial)

Paramount+ offers a diverse selection of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to franchises like Mission: Impossible, Halo, and Star Trek. Its 7-day trial allows you to sample its content. Monthly subscriptions start at $4.99 with ads or $11.99 ad-free, including SHOWTIME. It's also the streaming home for the Sonic franchise.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

DirecTV Stream offers a streaming service with a short 5-day trial, including live TV and premium content. Packages range from $79.99 to $119.99 per month, with add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax) included for the first three months.

Netflix Without a Subscription?

Netflix original content is unavailable without a paid subscription. Multiple subscription tiers range from $6.99 to $22.99 per month.