The Best Netflix Alternatives With Free Trials in 2025

Navigating the world of streaming services can be a challenge, especially with Netflix's frequent price hikes. Netflix, once a simple mail-order service, now boasts a massive library of exclusive original content. This trend of exclusive content has made choosing a streaming service more difficult than ever.

Fortunately, many popular Netflix alternatives offer free trials. While their original content libraries may not be as extensive as Netflix's, they offer compelling options worth exploring before committing to a paid subscription. Let's take a look:

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

Hulu consistently produces high-quality original content rivaling Netflix. It's the exclusive home of shows like Shōgun, Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. This 30-day trial (reduced to 3 days with live TV) offers a comprehensive look at Hulu's extensive library. Subscription options range from $7.99 to over $100 per month, depending on add-ons like live TV and premium channels (ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, etc.). Hulu also offers attractive 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 generous 30-day trial. Known for its high-quality, arthouse films and series, Amazon Prime Originals compete directly with Netflix. After the trial, the subscription 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 14-day free trial (with free, limited content also available). While Netflix streams some anime, Crunchyroll provides access to a vast library, including new episodes shortly after their Japanese release. It's the place to watch all seasons of 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 rapidly growing service with 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, the subscription costs $9.99/month. Note that 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 diverse selection of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to the Mission Impossible films, Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. The subscription costs $4.99/month (with ads) or $11.99/month (ad-free with SHOWTIME). It will also be the streaming home of future Sonic films.

Read our review of Paramount+ or learn more about the Paramount+ free trial.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

DirecTV Stream offers a 5-day free trial of its live TV and on-demand streaming service. While the trial is short, it includes access to premium content, and subscriptions ($79.99-$119.99/month) include add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax) 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?

Unfortunately, original Netflix content is only available with a paid subscription. Netflix does not offer a free trial, but provides various subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month.

*Read our guide to Netflix plans and prices for more info.*