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, and choosing just one can be challenging. With Netflix's recent price hike, many are seeking alternatives. While Netflix boasts a vast library of exclusive original content, other services are catching up, offering compelling options and free trials. This makes choosing between Netflix and its competitors more complex than ever.

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Fortunately, many top Netflix alternatives offer free trials. While their original content libraries may not match Netflix's scale, they provide excellent viewing options, allowing you to test them before committing.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial):

Hulu consistently delivers high-quality original programming. It's the exclusive streaming home for shows like Shōgun, Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. The 30-day trial offers extensive access to its library, followed by various subscription tiers ranging from $7.99 to over $100 per month (including live TV and premium add-ons). Note that live TV options reduce the free trial to three days. Hulu also offers attractive bundles with Disney+ and Max.

Amazon Prime (30-Day Free Trial):

Amazon Prime Video, included with an Amazon Prime subscription, provides a 30-day trial. Known for its high-quality films and series, its original content rivals Netflix's. After the trial, the monthly cost is $14.99 ($139 annually), with student discounts available. Exclusive shows like the Fallout series and Rings of Power are available here.

Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial):

Crunchyroll is a must-have for anime fans. While offering paid tiers ($7.99/mo to $14.99/mo), it also streams some anime for free. It provides premium access to new episodes shortly after their Japanese release, offering a wider selection than Netflix.

Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial):

Apple TV+ features exclusive, critically acclaimed shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and movies. The 7-day trial gives a taste of its offerings, followed by a $9.99 monthly subscription (price may vary depending on users). An Apple ID is required.

Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial):

Paramount+ offers a diverse selection of original content, including Mission Impossible films, the Halo series, and the Star Trek universe. The 7-day trial precedes monthly subscriptions starting at $4.99 (with ads) or $11.99 (ad-free with SHOWTIME). It's also the streaming home for the Sonic franchise.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial):

DirecTV Stream provides a streaming service with a short 5-day trial. It offers live TV and various movies and series, and includes add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax) for the first three months with select packages.

Can You Watch Netflix Without a Subscription?

Netflix's original content is only accessible with a paid subscription. No free trial is offered, with subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month.