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 massive library of original content, other services offer compelling options, often with free trials. This makes comparing Netflix to its competitors easier than ever before.

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Fortunately, many popular Netflix alternatives provide free trials, allowing you to explore their offerings without financial commitment. While their original content libraries may not match Netflix's scale, they offer high-quality shows and movies. These trials provide a risk-free way to assess whether they're a suitable replacement.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

Hulu consistently produces high-quality original content rivaling Netflix. Exclusive shows like Shōgun, Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale are compelling reasons to consider it. 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 the live TV option reduces the trial to three days. Bundled options with Disney+ and Max are also available.

Amazon Prime (30-Day Free Trial)

Amazon Prime's 30-day trial is one of the longest available. Known for its high-quality, arthouse films and series, its original content rivals Netflix. Post-trial, the subscription costs $14.99/month ($139/year), including Amazon shopping benefits. A student discount is also available. Exclusives like the Fallout series and Rings of Power are significant draws.

Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial)

Crunchyroll caters to anime fans. While offering free streaming content, its premium tiers ($7.99-$14.99/month) provide access to new episodes shortly after their Japanese release. Its extensive anime library surpasses Netflix's offerings, making it a must-have for anime enthusiasts.

Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial)

Apple TV+ is a rising contender, emphasizing exclusive content. Critically acclaimed shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and films (Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, Napoleon) are driving its popularity. The 7-day trial is followed by a $9.99/month subscription (pricing varies based on users). An Apple ID is required.

Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial)

Paramount+ offers a diverse selection of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to Mission Impossible films, the Halo series, and the Star Trek universe. Its 7-day trial is followed by subscriptions starting at $4.99/month (with ads) or $11.99/month (ad-free with SHOWTIME). It will eventually stream Sonic 3.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

DirecTV Stream offers a streaming service with a short 5-day trial. It includes live TV and various movies and series. Subscription packages range from $79.99 to $119.99/month, with add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax) included for the first three months.

Netflix Without a Subscription?

Netflix's original content is exclusively available through a paid subscription. No free trial is offered, with plans ranging from $6.99 to $22.99/month.