Navigating the world of streaming services can be a challenge, especially with Netflix's frequent price hikes. The abundance of exclusive content across various platforms makes choosing a replacement difficult. Netflix, once a simple mail-order service, now produces thousands of hours of original programming available only on its platform, a trend mirrored by its competitors. This makes deciding between Netflix and alternatives more complex than ever.

Fortunately, many Netflix alternatives offer free trials, allowing you to explore their offerings before committing. While their original content libraries may not match Netflix's vastness, they provide compelling options. These trials provide a risk-free way to test services before potentially canceling your Netflix subscription.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free### Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

A strong Netflix contender, Hulu consistently produces high-quality original content. It's the exclusive home for shows like Shōgun, new Futurama episodes, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale. Hulu's extensive library includes award-winning series and films. Its 30-day trial (reduced to three days with live TV) offers ample time to explore its offerings. 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 Video, known for its extensive library, offers a generous 30-day trial. It consistently delivers high-quality, arthouse films and series. After the trial, the subscription 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

For anime enthusiasts, Crunchyroll offers a compelling 14-day trial. While it has paid tiers ($7.99/month to $14.99/month), it also provides free streaming content. Crunchyroll boasts access to the latest anime releases shortly after their debut in Japan, often surpassing Netflix's anime offerings. For example, while Netflix has only four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll has all six and streams season seven. It also streams Demon Slayer season four.

Read our review of Crunchyroll.

Apple TV+ (7-Day Free Trial)

### 7 Days Free Apple TV+ Free Trial

20See it at Apple

Apple TV+, a rising star in streaming, offers exclusive high-quality original shows (Ted Lasso, Severance, Masters of the Air) and movies (Killers of the Flower Moon, Spirited, Napoleon). After the 7-day trial, the subscription costs $9.99/month. Note that 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 diverse range of original shows and movies, including exclusive access to franchises like Mission Impossible, Halo, and the Star Trek universe. The 7-day trial is followed by a monthly subscription of $4.99 (with ads) or $11.99 (ad-free with SHOWTIME). It's also the streaming home for all things Sonic.

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. Subscription packages range from $79.99 to $119.99/month, and 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 might be available elsewhere, its original shows and movies are exclusively available through a paid subscription. Netflix currently does not offer a free trial but provides various subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 per month.

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