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. The rise of exclusive content makes choosing a replacement difficult. Netflix, once a simple mail-order service, now produces a massive library of originals found nowhere else, a trend followed by competitors. This makes choosing between Netflix and alternatives tougher than ever.

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

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

A strong Netflix contender, Hulu boasts high-quality original content, including exclusives like Shōgun, new Futurama episodes, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Its 30-day trial (reduced to three days with live TV) offers extensive exploration before choosing from various subscription tiers, ranging from $7.99 to over $100 a 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 to sample its extensive library of high-quality films and series. After the trial, the subscription costs $14.99/month ($139/year) or $7.49/month for students ($69/year). Prime Video exclusives include 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 trial. While it has free content, premium tiers ($7.99/mo - $14.99/mo) provide access to the latest anime shortly after its Japanese release, including complete seasons of shows like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer, exceeding Netflix's offerings.

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, offering exclusive, critically acclaimed shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and movies (Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, Napoleon). The 7-day trial precedes a $9.99/month subscription (pricing may vary based on user count) and requires an Apple ID.

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 original shows and movies, including exclusive access to the Mission Impossible films, Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. After a 7-day trial, subscriptions start at $4.99/month ($59.99/year) with ads or $11.99/month ($119.99/year) ad-free with SHOWTIME. 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 5-day trial for its streaming service, providing access to movies, series, and live TV. Three packages ($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?

While some Netflix content may be available elsewhere, its original shows and movies require a subscription. Netflix does not offer a free trial but provides various subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month.

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