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, making it challenging to choose just one. Netflix's recent price hike might have you searching for alternatives. While Netflix boasts a vast library of original content, many competitors offer comparable shows and movies, often with the added benefit of free trials. This allows you to explore their offerings before committing. Let's examine some popular Netflix alternatives:

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 make it a compelling option. The 30-day trial provides ample time to explore its extensive library. Subscription options range from $7.99 to over $100 per month, depending on add-ons like live TV and premium channels (note: live TV reduces the trial to three days). Hulu also offers attractive bundles with Disney+ and Max.

Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle: $16.99/month (with ads), $29.99/month (ad-free)

Amazon Prime (30-Day Free Trial)

Amazon Prime offers a generous 30-day trial. Known for its high-quality, arthouse films and series, its original content rivals Netflix's. After the trial, the monthly cost is $14.99 ($139 annually), including Amazon shopping benefits. A student discount is available at $7.49/month ($69 annually). Prime Video exclusively streams shows like The Fallout series and Rings of Power.

Crunchyroll (14-Day Free Trial)

For anime fans, Crunchyroll provides premium access to new episodes shortly after their Japanese release. While Netflix offers some anime, Crunchyroll's extensive library and early access to new releases are significant advantages. Membership tiers range from $7.99 to $14.99 per month, but some free content is also available.

Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial)

Apple TV+ features exclusive, critically acclaimed shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and movies (Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, Napoleon). The 7-day trial allows you to sample its offerings before committing to the $9.99 monthly subscription (price varies with additional users). An Apple ID is required.

Paramount+ (7-Day Free Trial)

Paramount+ offers a selection of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to Mission Impossible films, the Halo series, and the Star Trek universe. The 7-day trial precedes a monthly subscription of $4.99 (with ads) or $11.99 (ad-free, includes SHOWTIME). It will eventually be the streaming home for Sonic 3.

DirecTV Stream (5-Day Free Trial)

DirecTV Stream offers a streaming service with a short 5-day trial, including live TV and premium channels. Packages range from $79.99 to $119.99 per month, with add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax included for the first three months.

Netflix Without a Subscription?

Original Netflix content is unavailable without a subscription. Netflix offers various plans ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month.