Top Netflix Alternatives: Free Trials 2025

In today's entertainment landscape, dominated by streaming services, choosing just one can be a challenge. Netflix's recent price hike might have you searching for alternatives. From its mail-order beginnings, Netflix now produces vast amounts of exclusive original content. Other services have followed suit, creating a complex choice between Netflix and its competitors.

Fortunately, many popular Netflix alternatives offer free trials. While their original content libraries may not match Netflix's breadth, they offer compelling options, allowing you to explore before committing.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

Hulu consistently delivers high-quality original content rivaling Netflix. It's the exclusive home of shows like Shōgun, Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Its 30-day trial (reduced to three days with Live TV) offers a comprehensive look at its 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, known for its extensive library, provides a generous 30-day trial. Its original content, including high-quality films and series, rivals Netflix. After the trial, it 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

Crunchyroll offers a compelling option for anime fans. While it has paid tiers ($7.99-$14.99/month), it also streams some free content. Its extensive library includes many shows shortly after their Japanese release, exceeding Netflix's anime offerings. For example, it has all six seasons of My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer season 4, unlike Netflix.

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 rising star, known for its exclusive, critically acclaimed shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and movies (Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, Napoleon). Its 7-day trial gives a taste of its library, followed by a $9.99/month subscription (price varies with additional users). 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 mix of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to franchises like Mission: Impossible, Halo, and the Star Trek universe. Its 7-day trial is followed by a $4.99/month (limited ads) or $11.99/month (Showtime included, fewer ads) subscription. It will also be the streaming home for Sonic 3.

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

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

DirecTV Stream offers a streaming service with a 5-day trial, including live TV and various movies and series. Its three packages ($79.99-$119.99/month) include add-on streaming services (Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, Cinemax) for the first three months.

Can You Watch Netflix Without a Paid Subscription?

While some Netflix content might be available elsewhere, its original shows and movies require a subscription. Netflix does not offer a free trial but provides various pricing tiers ($6.99-$22.99/month). See our guide for details.