In today's entertainment landscape, dominated by streaming services, choosing just one can be a challenge. Netflix's recent price hike might have you searching for alternatives. From its humble beginnings as a mail-order service, Netflix now produces thousands of hours of exclusive original content. This trend has been followed by other services, creating a complex choice between Netflix and its competitors.
AnswerSee ResultsFortunately, many popular Netflix alternatives offer free trials. While their original content libraries may not be as extensive as Netflix's, they provide excellent options, allowing you to test them before committing.
Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)
7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial
61See it at Hulu
A strong Netflix contender, Hulu consistently produces high-quality original content. It's the exclusive home of shows like Shōgun, Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Hulu's extensive library, including award-winning shows and films, is available during a generous 30-day trial. Subscription options range from $7.99 to over $100 per month, depending on add-ons like live TV and premium channels (live TV reduces the free trial to three days). Hulu also offers excellent bundles with Disney+ and Max.
### 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 offers a substantial 30-day trial. Known for its high-quality, arthouse films and series, its original content rivals Netflix's. After the trial, it costs $14.99/month ($139/year) or $7.49/month for students. Prime Video exclusively streams 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
For anime fans, Crunchyroll offers a compelling option. While it has paid tiers ($7.99-$14.99/month), it also offers free streaming content. Crunchyroll provides access to new episodes shortly after their Japanese release, offering a wider selection than Netflix, including complete seasons of shows like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer.
Read our review of Crunchyroll.
Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial)
### 7 Days Free Apple TV+ Free Trial
20See it at Apple
Apple TV+ is a rising star, offering exclusive, critically acclaimed shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and movies (Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, Napoleon). After the 7-day trial, it costs $9.99/month. An Apple ID is required.
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 selection of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to franchises like Mission Impossible, Halo, and Star Trek. New content is regularly added. After the 7-day trial, it costs $4.99-$11.99/month, depending on ad options and SHOWTIME inclusion. It will also be the streaming home for Sonic 3.
Read our review of Paramount+ or learn more about the Paramount+ free trial.
DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)
DirecTV Stream offers a streaming service with a short 5-day trial. It includes live TV and various movies and series. Packages range from $79.99 to $119.99/month, with add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax) included for the first three months.
See our guide on how to get the DirecTV Stream free trial.
Can You Watch Netflix Without a Paid Subscription?
While some Netflix content might be available elsewhere, its original shows and movies are subscription-only. Netflix does not offer a free trial. Plans range from $6.99 to $22.99/month.
Check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices for more info.
