Top Free Trial Streaming Services to Replace Netflix in 2025

In today's rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, choosing a streaming service can feel overwhelming, especially with Netflix's recent price hikes prompting many to explore other options. From its origins as a DVD-by-mail service, Netflix has transformed into a powerhouse of original content, exclusive to its platform. However, this trend of exclusivity has spread across the industry, complicating the choice between sticking with Netflix or switching to another service.

Fortunately, several popular alternatives to Netflix offer free trials, allowing you to sample their offerings without immediate financial commitment. Although these services may not yet match Netflix's extensive original content library, they provide compelling content and a chance to explore before deciding to cancel your Netflix subscription.

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. Renowned for its high-quality original content, Hulu is the exclusive home to series like Shōgun, the latest Futurama episodes, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Its library boasts award-winning shows and notable films, making it a compelling choice. With a generous 30-day free trial, you can explore Hulu's extensive offerings. After the trial, subscription options range from $7.99 per month to over $100 per month, depending on whether you want live TV or premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that including live TV shortens the free trial to just three days.

For those looking to bypass the free trial, Hulu offers some of the best streaming bundles on the market. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle, priced at $16.99 per month, provides access to a vast array of content. Alternatively, you can opt for the Hulu and Disney+ bundle for $10.99 per 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-established player in the streaming world, offering a 30-day trial for newcomers to explore its robust catalog. Known for its high-quality, often arthouse films and series, Amazon Prime's original content rivals that of Netflix. Once the trial ends, the cost is $14.99 per month or $139 annually, which also includes free shipping on Amazon purchases. Students can enjoy a discounted rate of $7.49 per month or $69 per year. Prime Video is the exclusive streaming platform for 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

Anime enthusiasts will find Crunchyroll's offer hard to resist. With membership tiers ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 per month, Crunchyroll also provides a selection of free content. While Netflix offers some excellent anime, Crunchyroll boasts a more comprehensive library, including all the latest hits from Japan. For instance, while Netflix has only four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll has all six and is the sole 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 quickly risen as a formidable contender in the streaming wars, known for its exclusive, critically acclaimed original series and films such as Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air, Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, and Napoleon. After a 7-day free trial, the subscription costs $9.99 per month, with pricing adjustments based on the number of users. Note that a verified Apple ID is required to access Apple TV+'s premium content, even if you don't own an Apple device.

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 shows and movies, including the Mission Impossible series, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. With new content regularly added, Paramount+ is gaining ground in the original content arena. The service provides a 7-day free trial, after which subscriptions start at $4.99 per month or $59.99 annually with limited ads, or $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually 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 robust alternative with a 5-day free trial. This service provides access to a wide range of movies, series, and live TV. Subscription packages start at $79.99 per month and go up to $119.99 per month, with premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax included for the first three months. DirecTV Stream is an excellent choice for those seeking a live TV option beyond Netflix.

See our guide on how to get the DirecTV Stream free trial.

Can You Watch Netflix Without a Paid Subscription?

Unfortunately, access to Netflix's original content requires a paid subscription, as the platform does not offer a free trial. Subscription tiers range from $6.99 to $22.99 per month. For more detailed information, check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices.