In today's streaming-saturated world, choosing a service can feel overwhelming, especially with Netflix's latest price hike pushing viewers to explore other options. From its origins as a DVD-by-mail service, Netflix has transformed into a powerhouse of exclusive content, with thousands of hours of originals you won't find anywhere else. This trend of exclusivity isn't unique to Netflix; other platforms have also locked down their libraries, making the decision between sticking with Netflix or switching even tougher.
AnswerSee ResultsFortunately, many of Netflix's competitors offer free trials, allowing you to sample their content without spending a dime. While these services may not boast as extensive an original content library as Netflix, they still provide a wealth of entertainment, and free trials are a great way to test the waters before deciding to cancel your Netflix subscription for good.
Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)
7 Days Free
Hulu Free Trial
61See it at Hulu
Hulu stands out as a strong contender against Netflix, offering a robust selection of original content that rivals the best of what Netflix has to offer. It's the exclusive home to acclaimed series like Shōgun, new episodes of Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Hulu's library is packed with award-winning shows and well-known films, making it a compelling choice. With a generous 30-day free trial, you can explore Hulu's vast offerings before committing to a subscription, which ranges from $7.99 a month to over $100 a month if you opt for live TV and premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that the free trial is shortened to three days if you include live TV.
For those looking to bypass the free trial, Hulu offers some of the best streaming bundles available. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle, priced at $16.99 a month, provides access to a vast array of content. 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 is a well-known contender in the streaming wars, offering a 30-day free trial to explore its extensive catalog. Amazon's focus on high-quality, arthouse films and series has resulted in a collection of Prime Originals that can stand toe-to-toe with Netflix's offerings. After the trial, the subscription costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year, with a student discount available at $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, Crunchyroll is the go-to service, offering a 14-day free trial. With three membership tiers ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 a month, Crunchyroll provides access to the best anime worldwide, including new episodes shortly after their release in Japan. While Netflix has some great anime, Crunchyroll's library is unmatched, featuring all six seasons of My Hero Academia and exclusive access to 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 formidable player in the streaming arena, boasting highly acclaimed original shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Masters of the Air, along with movies such as Killers of the Flower Moon and Spirited. After a 7-day free trial, the subscription costs $9.99 a month, with pricing varying based on the number of users. Note that a verified Apple ID is required to access the service, 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 content, including the Mission Impossible movies, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. With new releases regularly added, Paramount+ is quickly catching up to its competitors. The service offers a 7-day free trial, after which 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) for an ad-free experience with SHOWTIME's full library. Paramount+ is also the exclusive home for 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 DirecTV is often associated with satellite TV, its streaming service, DirecTV Stream, offers a 5-day free trial. This service provides a wide range of movies, series, and live TV streaming. With three packages priced from $79.99 to $119.99 a month, DirecTV Stream includes premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax for the first three months. It's a solid choice for those 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, Netflix's original content is exclusive to its paid 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.
