Top Free Trial Streaming Services to Replace Netflix in 2025
In the ever-evolving landscape of streaming services, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming, especially with Netflix announcing yet another price hike. From its origins as a DVD-by-mail rental service, Netflix has transformed into a powerhouse of original content, boasting thousands of hours of exclusive movies and shows. However, as other streaming platforms follow suit, locking their content behind their own paywalls, deciding between Netflix and its competitors has become increasingly challenging.
AnswerSee ResultsFortunately, many popular Netflix alternatives offer free trials, allowing you to explore their offerings without any financial commitment. While their original content libraries might not be as extensive as Netflix's, these services provide high-quality content and the free trials give you a chance to test them out before deciding to cancel Netflix for good.
Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)
7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial
61See it at Hulu
If you're seeking a Netflix alternative, Hulu is an excellent starting point. Known for its quality original content, Hulu offers exclusive access to shows like Shōgun, the latest Futurama episodes, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Its library is packed with award-winning originals and well-known films, making it a compelling choice. During the 30-day trial, you can explore Hulu's vast selection before choosing a subscription plan that ranges from $7.99 a month to over $100 a month, depending on whether you want to include live TV or premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that the free trial is shortened to three days if you opt for live TV.
For those interested in skipping the 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 content library. 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 service arena, offering a generous 30-day trial to explore its offerings. With a growing catalog of high-quality, arthouse films and series, Amazon Prime Originals rival Netflix in both quantity and quality. After the trial, the subscription costs $14.99 a month (or $139.00 a year), with a student discount available at $7.49 a month (or $69 a year). Prime Video is the exclusive home to 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 enthusiasts looking to expand their horizons, Crunchyroll is an unbeatable choice. Offering three membership tiers ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 a month, Crunchyroll also provides a significant amount of free content. While Netflix does stream some anime, Crunchyroll boasts the world's best anime collection, with premium access to new episodes shortly after their release in Japan. For instance, while Netflix offers only four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll has all six seasons and is the exclusive platform for 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 emerged as a formidable contender in the streaming wars, known for its exclusive, highly acclaimed original shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Masters of the Air, as well as movies such as Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, and Napoleon. 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 premium content, 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+ 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 rapidly catching up to its competitors in terms of original content. After a 7-day free trial, the subscription costs 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 to all things Sonic, including the upcoming Sonic 3.
Read our review of Paramount+ or learn more about the Paramount+ free trial.
DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)
While DirecTV is traditionally known for its satellite TV service, it also offers a robust streaming option with a 5-day free trial. DirecTV Stream provides a wide range of movies, series, and live TV streaming. The service offers three packages priced from $79.99 to $119.99 a month, with the first three months including premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax. This makes DirecTV Stream 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, while some content available on Netflix might be found elsewhere, Netflix's original shows and movies are exclusive to its platform and require a paid subscription. Netflix does not offer a free trial but provides multiple subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 a month. For more details, check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices.
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