Top Free Trial Streaming Services to Replace Netflix in 2025

In the dynamic landscape of streaming services, choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming, especially with Netflix's recent price hikes prompting many to explore alternatives. From its origins as a DVD-by-mail service, Netflix has evolved into a powerhouse of original content, available exclusively on its platform. This exclusivity trend is echoed across the industry, making the decision between sticking with Netflix or switching to another service more challenging than ever.

Fortunately, many popular alternatives to Netflix provide free trials, allowing you to sample their offerings without immediate financial commitment. While these services may not yet match Netflix's extensive original content library, they boast compelling content and free trials that let you evaluate them before deciding to cancel Netflix for good.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free

Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

Hulu stands out as a premier alternative to Netflix, renowned for its high-quality, original content. It's the exclusive home to acclaimed series like Shōgun, new episodes of Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Hulu's vast library, filled with award-winning shows and beloved films, makes it a compelling choice. During its generous 30-day free trial, you can explore this rich catalog. Post-trial, Hulu offers flexible subscription plans starting at $7.99 per month, with options reaching over $100 if you include live TV or premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that opting for live TV shortens the free trial to just three days.

For those looking to bypass the trial, Hulu provides some of the best streaming bundles on the market. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle is available for $16.99 a month, offering access to a vast range of content. Alternatively, bundling Hulu with Disney+ costs $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 name in the streaming world, offering a 30-day free trial to explore its offerings. Renowned for its high-quality, arthouse films and series, Amazon Prime's Originals catalog rivals that of Netflix. Following the trial, the subscription costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year, with additional benefits like free shipping on Amazon purchases. Students can avail a discounted rate of $7.49 a month or $69 a 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

For anime enthusiasts, Crunchyroll is an unbeatable option. With three membership tiers ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 a month, it also offers a substantial amount of free content. While Netflix has some excellent anime series, Crunchyroll boasts the most extensive and up-to-date anime library globally. Fans can watch new episodes shortly after their release in Japan, including all seasons of My Hero Academia and exclusive access to 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, critically acclaimed original series and films like Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air, Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, and Napoleon. Post the 7-day free trial, the subscription costs $9.99 a month, varying based on the number of users. Note that access to Apple TV+ requires a verified Apple ID, even for non-Apple device users.

*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 range of original content, including the Mission Impossible movies, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. With a constant stream of new releases, it's rapidly catching up to Netflix in terms of original content. After the 7-day free trial, subscriptions start at $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 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 compelling alternative to Netflix, with a 5-day free trial. This service provides a wide array of movies, series, and live TV streaming. Subscribers can choose from three packages, priced from $79.99 to $119.99 a month, with premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax included in the first three months. It's an excellent 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?

While some content available on Netflix might be found elsewhere, its original shows and movies are exclusively accessible through a paid subscription. Netflix does not offer a free trial, but it 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.