The Best Netflix Alternatives With Free Trials in 2025

In today's rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, choosing a streaming service can feel overwhelming, especially with Netflix's recent price hike prompting many to explore alternatives. From its origins as a DVD rental service, Netflix has transformed into a powerhouse of original content, exclusive to its platform. This trend of exclusivity has been adopted by other streaming services, complicating the decision-making process for viewers seeking the best value and content variety.

Fortunately, many of Netflix's competitors offer free trials, allowing you to sample their offerings before committing. While their original content libraries may not yet match Netflix's in size, they provide compelling alternatives and a chance to explore before deciding to cancel your Netflix subscription.

Hulu (30-Day Free Trial)

7 Days Free

Hulu Free Trial

61See it at Hulu

Hulu stands out as a strong contender to Netflix, boasting a robust selection of original content that rivals its competitor. Exclusive series like Shōgun, new episodes of Futurama, The Bear, and The Handmaid's Tale are only available on Hulu. With a 30-day free trial, you can dive into their extensive library, which includes award-winning shows and well-known films. Subscription options range from $7.99 a month to over $100 a month, depending on whether you want live TV or premium add-ons like ESPN+, Cinemax, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, and more. Note that the free trial is reduced to three days if you opt for live TV.

For those looking to maximize value, Hulu offers attractive streaming bundles. The Disney+, Hulu, and Max Bundle is available for $16.99 a month, providing access to a vast array of content. Alternatively, you can bundle Hulu with Disney+ for $10.99 a 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 player in the streaming market, offering a generous 30-day free trial. Its catalog of Amazon Prime Originals, including high-quality arthouse films and series, is a strong competitor to Netflix's offerings. After the trial, the subscription costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year, with a student discount available at $7.49 a month or $69 a year. Prime Video is the exclusive home to 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 choice. With three membership tiers ranging from $7.99 to $14.99 a month, and a selection of free content, Crunchyroll offers access to the best anime worldwide. It provides premium access to new episodes shortly after their release in Japan, far surpassing Netflix's anime offerings. For instance, while Netflix has only four seasons of My Hero Academia, Crunchyroll has all six and is the only place to watch 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 quickly emerged as a formidable player in the streaming wars, known for its exclusive, critically acclaimed original content. Shows like Ted Lasso, Severance, and Masters of the Air, along with movies like Killers of the Flower Moon and Spirited, are drawing viewers in. After a 7-day free trial, the subscription costs $9.99 a month, with pricing varying based on the number of users. Note that a verified Apple ID is required to access the service, even if you don't own Apple products.

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 solid selection of original content, including the Mission Impossible movies, the Halo series, and the entire Star Trek universe. With new releases regularly added, it's quickly catching up to competitors like Netflix. The 7-day free trial is followed by subscription options starting 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 with a 5-day free trial. It provides a wide range of movies, series, and live TV streaming. Subscription packages start at $79.99 a month and go up to $119.99 a month, with premium add-ons like Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax included for the first three months. This makes it a great option 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?

Unfortunately, Netflix's original content is exclusive to its platform and requires a paid subscription. Netflix does not offer a free trial, but it does provide multiple subscription tiers ranging from $6.99 to $22.99 a month. For more details, check out our guide to Netflix plans and prices.